Mystic Rogue in Norwood Park

What you do for a living: I’m currently a student at Northeastern Illinois University, where I’m majoring in Elementary Education. I’ll graduate with my teaching license next winter. For now, I teach part-time at the Nature Preschool in Park Ridge at the Wildwood Nature Center.

How long you’ve lived here: I have been living in Park Ridge for 16 years. Starting in second grade, I attended Roosevelt Elementary School. From there, I went to Lincoln Middle School and Maine South High School.

What you like best about Park Ridge: I love living in Park Ridge because of its welcoming atmosphere, bustling Uptown area and family-friendly vibe. I have always felt safe living here, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. The schools in Park Ridge are amazing as well.

Best meal you’ve had recently: The best food I’ve had recently is from Mystic Rogue in Norwood Park. Their mashed potato balls and pretzel bites are to die for. There’s nothing better than heading there for appetizers and drinks, especially on nights when there’s live music.

Nonna Silvia’s

Favorite restaurant in the area: My favorite restaurant near me would have to be Nonna Silvia’s on Talcott in Park Ridge. It’s an Italian restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, perfect for a date night or more casual dinner spot. I would highly recommend the gnocchi alla vodka. It’s my go-to.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a hidden gem is Mac’s, the tiny diner on Park Ridge’s south side. It’s the coziest, old-school restaurant to hit up for breakfast or lunch. Their home-cooked specials and hot coffee are sure to make you a regular.

Mac’s is the coziest, old-school restaurant to hit up for breakfast or lunch. Their home-cooked specials and hot coffee are sure to make you a regular.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: The Three Counties Pub in Chicago is a classic, low-key Irish pub not far from Park Ridge. They’re sponsoring our softball team this summer, so I look forward to weeknights spent there.

A great night out with friends usually includes… meeting up in Edison Park and stopping at Snappy Dog on the way home. When we’re looking to switch it up, you can find us hitting up dive bars nearby for some pool.

What’s something you look forward to every summer?
I look forward to registering a team of friends and family for Niles’ adult softball league. Nothing beats late nights under the lights at Pioneer Park, followed by drinks. This season, we have a handful of Park Ridge Park District employees joining the roster too.

Raffia Gifts

Favorite local store or best shopping area: My favorite store in Park Ridge is Raffia, located in Uptown underneath the Pickwick. I’m always greeted kindly at the door and assisted with whatever I need help with. When looking for a gift, I always find something there. Another great spot that’s further into the city is Foursided. They have multiple locations across Chicago, all with the most unique, fun trinkets and gifts for any occasion. I’d highly recommend stopping by.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the summer: At nearby parks coaching my girls’ softball team. There’s nothing better than being out in the sun all day, cheering them on. I also love seeing families out and about enjoying the warm weather.

Lake Opeka in Des Plaines

Secret spot: Not so much a secret, but my favorite lesser-known spot for those in Park Ridge is Lake Park in Des Plaines. It’s a public park off of Touhy Avenue that surrounds Lake Opeka. You can walk the path, picnic, fish, boat, golf and rent paddle boats or kayaks. There’s something fun for everyone.

Underrated activity in the area: Visiting the Wildwood Nature Center or hitting the Des Plaines River bike trails. At Wildwood, you can stop in to visit the animals or take a calm walk around the pond. You’re sure to see some ducks or frogs come spring. The Des Plaines River trails are another great way to connect with nature, especially in the spring and summer. Ride over creeks, spot wildlife and get in a good workout.

At Wildwood Nature Center, you can stop in to visit the animals or take a calm walk around the pond. The Des Plaines River trails are another great way to connect with nature, especially in the spring and summer. Ride over creeks, spot wildlife and get in a good workout.

Weekend getaway spot: My favorite spot to go for a day trip would have to be Wells Street Beach in Portage, Indiana. This family-owned beach is hidden in the cutest hilly neighborhood that overlooks the water. The beach is well-kept, trash-free and has a small concession stand if you get hungry. The beach itself is free, so you’ll only have to pay for parking.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
Ash & Willow Eco Salon in South Park. Everyone who I’ve talked to who’s gone there has had great things to say, and they leave looking amazing too! I’m looking forward to trying it out.