Sip n’ Play in Park Ridge

What you do for a living: I’m a business owner, but both of my businesses are very much inspired by my background in education. I have a degree in elementary education with a minor in early childhood, which really shaped everything I’ve built. I own STEM Studio Park Ridge, which is an enrichment center focused on hands-on learning and development for young children, as well as Sip n’ Play, a new indoor play space on Devon Avenue designed for imaginative play and social interaction. Both spaces are centered around creating meaningful experiences for kids, while also giving parents a place that feels welcoming and thoughtfully designed.

How long you’ve lived here: I’ve lived in Park Ridge my entire life, 25 years and counting, along with my parents and two sisters. I went through the local school system, attending Roosevelt, Lincoln and then Maine South, so this community has always been home to me.

What you like best about Park Ridge: I love how safe, welcoming and family oriented Park Ridge is. There’s always something going on, whether it’s school events, the farmers market or different events Uptown, and it really brings the community together. It just has that small-town feel where people are out and about, connecting, and enjoying being part of something local.

Best meal you’ve had recently: The best meal I’ve had recently was the steak fajitas from Que Rico, a restaurant my best friend Bella and her mom own on Southport in Chicago. I go there all the time, and I’ve never had a meal I didn’t like. The steak fajitas are amazing, and the margaritas are just as good. If you haven’t gone already, you’re missing out!

Neta Sushi in Park Ridge

Favorite restaurant in the area: My favorite restaurant in the area is Neta Sushi. It’s one of those places where you can go in a hoodie and sweatpants or get dressed up, which I love. It’s affordable, the rolls are big and the sushi is always so fresh. The staff is also above and beyond nice, which makes such a difference. It’s an easy, go-as-you-are kind of spot and perfect for a quick sushi run.

Rice ’N Bread on Sheffield in Chicago is extremely special to me and my family. I’ve been going there since I was old enough to eat, and my dad has been going since he was a kid. … The owner is amazing, and it just has that comforting, familiar feel every time you walk in.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Rice ’N Bread on Sheffield in Chicago. This place is extremely special to me and my family. I’ve been going there since I was old enough to eat, and my dad has been going since he was a kid (he is now almost 70), so it’s something that’s been part of our lives for generations. It’s a Korean restaurant and truly one of the best you’ll ever go to. The owner is amazing, and it just has that comforting, familiar feel every time you walk in. It’s my go-to comfort spot, and I go whenever I can. If you haven’t been, you definitely need to try it.

Barrel House Kitchen & Tap in Harwood Heights

Best bar to grab a drink or catch the game: I would definitely choose Barrel House Kitchen & Tap in Harwood Heights. They play country music, which is my favorite, and they have great drinks and really good sandwiches. They also stream UFC fights on Saturday nights, which makes it such a fun spot to go with friends.

A great night out with friends usually includes… getting dinner at Holt’s, then heading to Pines Room around the corner for a martini. After that, going home for a bonfire and just sitting in lawn chairs, talking and catching up. It’s the perfect mix of going out and relaxing.

I love being able to sit outside and listen to live music playing at Harp & Fiddle or Pennyville Station during the summer. It’s such a fun atmosphere.

What’s something you look forward to every summer?
I always look forward to the Taste of Park Ridge and just being able to sit outside at all the outdoor seating restaurants around Park Ridge. I love when they have live music playing at Harp & Fiddle or Pennyville Station. It’s such a fun atmosphere, and there’s nothing better than just being outside and enjoying it.

Wolff’s Flea Market in Rosemont

The best way to spend a weekend in the summer: Starting with breakfast at Mac’s restaurant (as soon as it returns), then heading to the Park Ridge Farmers Market (Saturdays) or Wolff’s Flea Market at the Allstate Arena (Sundays). After that, coming home and laying in the sun until it cools off at night. I love ending the day with a BBQ on the deck with my family and boyfriend. It’s my favorite part of summer.

Favorite local store or best shopping area: I don’t do a ton of in-person shopping since I usually shop online, but if I am going out, I’d go to the Westfield Old Orchard mall in Skokie. It has a great mix of stores, including some of my favorites like Aritzia and Lululemon, so it’s an easy go-to when I want to shop in person.

Secret spot: Beck Lake in Des Plaines is a great fishing spot. I’ve gone there with my dad early on summer mornings, and we’ll fish, pack sandwiches and just spend a few hours there together. It’s one of those simple, peaceful spots that not everyone knows about, which makes it even better.

Color Me Mine art studio

Underrated activity in the area: Color Me Mine is a paint-your-own pottery studio (in Glenview, Chicago, Schaumburg, etc.) where you can pick out different pieces and design them however you want. It’s honestly so relaxing and a really fun way to spend time with friends or family, especially if you want something low key but still creative.

Beck Lake in Des Plaines is a great fishing spot. I’ve gone there with my dad early on summer mornings. … It’s one of those simple, peaceful spots that not everyone knows about, which makes it even better.

Favorite weekend getaway spot: My favorite weekend getaway spot is Kenosha. I went to college there, and my boyfriend’s family is also from there, so it feels really familiar and special to me. Kenosha have some of my favorite food like Big Star Drive-In burgers and dollar tacos. It’s a quieter area with a lot more space, and the perfect place to get away from the crowds and slow things down for a bit.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
I’ve heard great things about Patina Wine Bar and have been wanting to check it out. I’ve also never been to the Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade, which I’ve heard is a really fun local tradition. I’ve been meaning to try Pizza Boy in Edison Park too, and I’ve also heard the Cruisin’ Park Ridge car shows are great during the summer.

Patina Wine Bar in Park Ridge