Met a friend at T&O today. Here are some thoughts:…read more -Only street parking available. -I walked in for the first time and really enjoyed the space, good natural light, newer feel, good vibe. -My friend ordered a breakfast sandwich and really enjoyed it. I ordered an iced vanilla latte, which was good. -Very pleasant experience, service was good. You order up front and they bring your food out to you. Highly recommended.

Towne and Oak is a mid-sized, casual neighborhood café, located in downtown Winnetka. The…read moreatmosphere is light and bright and the restaurant has bench picnic table style seating with views of the street for people watching. The menu offers a nice variety of light meal options as well as unique iced tea and lemonade options. We tried the grilled cheese and the veggie Mexican bowl and both were tasty. We found the prices were a tad high for the portion sizes, but would definitely go back if in the area. Street parking is at a premium during lunchtime and on the weekends; however, there are several free lots in town if you take a couple drives around the block. Give it a try!

I haven't actually participated in a class here, but I've visited several times for meetings. I've…read morealso toured the building, and I have to say each time I set foot in the front lobby I'm reminded of how spectacular Takiff is... we're talking a first class facility that's as clean as a hospital (in a good way). Takiff is a huge space that consists of a bunch of rooms for classes, for kids to adults, like art, yoga, cooking, enrichment programs, and I think there is even a pottery studio. The gym is oversized for sports activities and events (I don't think they allow food or drink in there). Today I saw how organized their staff is when it comes to managing the many kids coming in and out of the building for day camp. For those thinking of signing up for a program, the team seems to really have their act together. Everyone is lovely and professional. Aside from the various classes and classrooms, GJK is onsite, and I think they also have another Park District preschool. Wiggleworms hosts music classes here too. Though I haven't actually seen the beach rentals, I've seen pictures. Inside there is a more formal room in Takiff with gorgeous windows and high ceilings, fit for a beautiful wedding reception or other formal event. The main level party room with a stage seems like it would be great for kids birthday parties. So much to do and see. I could go on and on, but you'll just need to go check it out for yourself! If you're coming from the north, the turn is a bit tricky, so keep your eyes peeled for the entrance. Parking lot onsite.

From the owner: Glencoe Park District provides year-long recreation opportunities!…read more For over 100 years, Glencoe Park District has been the place for FUN! We provide recreation programs and services for all ages, from toddlers to adults, at three unique facilities: Takiff Center, Watts Center, and Glencoe Beach. The Takiff Center features dynamic recreational program rooms for exercise and health, creative and performing arts, early childhood development, and various sports. Also available are a variety of rental spaces for both large and small events, making the facility a welcoming place for community members to gather. Watts Center is open all year for recreation programs, but during the winter months it features two outdoor refrigerated ice rinks. Generations of Glencoe residents have enjoyed figure skating, hockey, broomball and other ice games at Watts. Glencoe Bathing and Boating Beaches are open during the summer months for swimming, sailing, kayaking, and other water activities.

Excellent! The Wednesday concert series is absolutely awesome. We get to picnic, hear live music…read moreand enjoy the company together. Tonight was the 4C Notes (franki vallie & 4 seasons/Jersey boys songs). Wonderful evening.

This is an amazing place and kept up very well and has events that are amazing also!…read more The downside is the cafe where we had a focaccia sandwich that was so spicy hot that we both started coughing and our noses were running! Not cool!! It said tangy, not spicy.

My kids have a favorite new store in town. I want to avoid it since every visit here ends with my…read morekids on a major sugar high, but have to admit I'm a fan myself. They have every sort of candy to make a kid (or adult) smile...and jewelry too! Candy and jewelry...a store after my own heart. They have all sorts of classes and events happening weekly at Sweet Buddha. Everything from a homework club (genius) to trunk shows to cupcake decorating (yes, more sugar). I've also heard from many friends who were frequent visitors of their old city location that they throw some pretty amazing bday parties! My daughter has already told me (about 1273 times) that she'll be having a future bday party at Sweet Buddha. Sweet Buddha isn't just for kids! When my own summer bday bash on the beach got rained out the owner, Sarah, was nice enough to let us to let us rent the space last minute. It was the perfect venue and I'll definitely look into for all future partying planning in my future (bday parties, moms night outs, baby showers, etc). I'm as thrilled as my little ones to have this in Glencoe and excited to see how this city business adapts to the burbs. I'd love to see some more mommy/caregiver & me classes on the calendar since there's not much for the under 2 crowd in the North Shore. I also think their creative bday party packages are amazing, but the rental fee if you want just the space is a bit high when compared to all the park district rooms nearby (not that the PD rooms are nearly as adorable). Fortunately, the owner is pretty "sweet" herself and I have no doubt will make Sweet Buddha a big success here in Glencoe!

Simply put. A delightful place to be. Just the spirits in there alone make you feel warm. The…read moreManagment is friendly and the candy is OFF THE HOOK! For a kids party...great choice. The painting was fun, and the added bonus of keeping the kids busy while waiting for the parent to arrive was genius. They have friendly high schoolers working with the kids from local schools! Overall, a fun experience. Next time it's the adults to paint and sip on wine!

The Flower Shop in Glencoe is a local gem. Brooke and her team create the most beautiful flower…read morearrangements. They put so much thought and creativity into the works of art. Highly recommend.

It has been almost 2 weeks and the flowers are still looking fabulous!. I can't believe that they…read morehave lasted so long.

I learnt about the Winnetka Community House when we went to the North Shore Art League for the…read morefirst time to attend the opening reception of their new exhibit -- "Summer Open".  The art league is located on the second floor of the Winnetka Community House.  The Community House was completed in 1911, and it has been expanded several times since.  That's why it was interesting for us to enter a historic building that's over 100 years old, but discovered a modern extension where the art gallery is after climbing a flight of old-fashioned stairs. Apparently, the center hosts many performing arts programs that include dance, theater, music and more.  When we were viewing artwork of the exhibit, a friendly elderly actor of the center greeted us while taking a break on a comfy couch.  We could hear music rehearsal in the theatre when we passed by. They also have education programs, youth sports programs, a full-service fitness center, classes and lectures -- all kinds of activities that help enrich lives of residents of not just Winnetka, but of the broader North Shore. When I read their Yelp reviews, I learnt that the center is even a popular weddings and events venue!  It is truly a versatile community house! As a privately supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Community House is not funded through tax dollars.  It's good to know that donations are 100% tax deductible.

If you have high expectations for your wedding venue, this is not the place. I left feeling very…read moreunderwhelmed with both the space and the service. We had a tour scheduled with Sahra, but it was moved to a different time, which seemed like it may have been to accommodate another group. When we arrived, the front desk gentleman was very kind, but we ended up waiting about 20 minutes while Sahra continued speaking with the previous tour group. She clearly saw us waiting but didn't acknowledge us or apologized when she eventually came over. Once the tour finally started, it felt very rushed. The entire walkthrough lasted maybe 15-20 minutes, and there wasn't much opportunity to ask questions before she quickly moved on to the next area. At the end, I asked if she could send photos of the space set up for weddings so we could better visualize it decorated. Her response was, "I won't remember, just email me--I had three tours today." We were the third tour, which made the comment feel dismissive. What stood out even more was that the previous group had asked about placing a hold on the space and did not receive that same response. Overall, the experience felt unprofessional and unwelcoming. After touring around 20 venues, this was by far the most disappointing experience. As for the space itself, it felt very small and somewhat outdated. The bridal and groomsmen suites were essentially small conference rooms. In my opinion, the venue may be better suited for smaller events like a bridal or baby shower rather than a full wedding. Unfortunately, due to both the service and the space, I would not recommend spending your time touring here.

Excellent service and very accommodating, would highly recommend! Petya was lovely to work with and…read moredelivered on time and went above and beyond making the balloon bouquets as well.

This was my first time working with Simply Balloons but definitely not my last! Petya did such an…read moreamazing job on my mom's surprise 60th balloon arch! She was quick to get back to me and went above and beyond on the presentation!! I'm definitely going to be recommending Simply Balloons to my family and friends!

She was unprofessional, missing half the night, and made errors throughout the entire wedding…read moreweekend. although the worst part was her negative and snarky attitude and tone to everyone including the family and friends. Do not waste your money.

Megan and her team are the absolute BEST! Our 300 person wedding was cancelled last May due to…read moreCovid when we decided to reach out to Megan who was able to plan a small, safe 50 person gathering within a matter of only a few months. Megan knew everyone in the industry and ensured that our event was not only magical and perfect but also followed all event safety guidelines. She is the best in the event planning business and we would recommend her to anyone- cannot say enough positive things about our experience!!

I had spent a ton of time planning a full weekend of events for my son's bar mitzvah and then a few…read moredays before realized I hadn't ordered flowers for our Friday night dinner for out of towners. Yelp (and Delores) to the rescue. I've had some great experience with local florists in the area, but always up for trying a new amazing business and couldn't resist reaching out to Delores after reading her amazing reviews. Delores made the process super easy. I told her the colors we had in mind and the # of tables/bar and minutes later she sent pics of gorgeous flowers. And minutes after that she sent a payment link. Done and done! After detailing with one detail after another for the weekend I was glad this was easy. They took care of delivering the flowers to the venue the day of the dinner and they looked absolutely gorgeous when we walked in the room- the flowers themselves and the vases they were put in. I even reused them for our Sunday morning brunch and they were still in perfect condition! I will definitely use Luminous Blooms for my floral needs again!

I called Luminous Blooms for a last minute (poor planning in my part) anniversary arrangement. The…read moreowner was very pleasant and accommodating, and most importantly created a beautiful arrangement with minimal direction. My wife LOVED it! (Picture taken on third day)

I've been going to Ravinia for many years. It's a beautiful place but you gotta know the ins and…read moreouts... And (I think) I finally have it all down to a science. Basically though one of the main things you have to decide if you want to actually see the act or not. If it's classical, a picnic on the lawn maybe fine. Sound is great anywhere in the park except maybe the farthest corners. There is a usually big lawn screen for pop/rock acts, but the lawn is very crowded over there. If you want to actually see the act, you really must buy pavillion seats. Ravinia made it extra difficult after the 2026 remodel to get a glimpse of the acts while standing outside the pavillion. Otherwise I would have recommended that in the past as an option. For most acts we get to the park early, picnic on the lawn, and then move to our pavillion seats before the show starts. The picnic is fun and relaxing, and it is obviously so much less expensive than the food served in the park. Otherwise in a nutshell - Ticket prices: Fair, compared to other venues. And no gawdawful TicketMaster fees. Ticket ordering: A disaster. All tickets for the season go on sale the same day. Lawn: Nice but overcrowded. Can't see the act (except if near the big lawn screen). Very good sound. Pavilion: Very nice. 2026: New padded (wider?) seats. Excellent sound and views. Parking: A disaster, get there very early. I don't know about the train, it's not an option for me. Food and drink: Not very good and overpriced. Bring your own, it's a great perk about Ravinia actually.

I've been an avid lawn seat attendee for many years now and after my experience last weekend, will…read moreonly attend shows that I really want to go to. Will avoid the casual "let's try this" acts. Very disappointed in the 2026 $75 million dollar renovation. Beware of the parking fee increasing from $20 to $35! That's almost double!! The sound booths in the Pavillon have been walled off, severely decreasing viewing ability if you are standing by the guard rails or even by the South Lawn. Upon entry to the Pavillon you will be greeted by giant illuminated columns that help direct you to your seat assignment. It is not like people are in a car picking up someone at O'Hare airport. Does Ravinia think people are idiots? What is the need for these giant eyesores? We went early and happened to be there for sound check. As I was standing by the rails looking at the stage a security guard came up to me and asked me to not look at the stage, that I can only listen. I wasn't even filming it with my phone. I am not a fan of this current Ravinia, very disappointing.