Chicken French dip at Crosby’s Kitchen in Niles

What you do for a living: I am the owner of Serenity Family Chiropractic in neighboring Norwood Park (6321 N. Avondale, Suite A108) in Chicago. I treat people from birth and beyond using a combination of chiropractic, physical rehabilitation, clinical nutrition and acupuncture.

How long you’ve lived here: I grew up in the area and have lived here my entire 36-plus years of life.

What you like best about Park Ridge: I absolutely love the small-town feel. When you are walking through Uptown, you could swear you are in a Hallmark movie. People are chatting and walking through the shops, dining in the street and enjoying life. The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce hosts events like the Market After Dark and Winterfest — exactly like you would see in a movie. There is a little something for everyone, and I really think that makes our little corner of this earth beautiful.

Best meal you’ve had recently: We recently went over to the new restaurant in Niles called Crosby’s Kitchen. They have a chicken French dip sandwich that is tasty and a grilled mahi mahi sandwich that is perfectly seasoned. I highly recommend sitting out on the outdoor patio. It is like an oasis away from the chaos of Caldwell (and it’s dog friendly).

Favorite restaurant in the area: This one is like asking which star in the sky is my favorite. We have so many amazing restaurants. I think Pazzi di Pizza is currently leading the pack. We recently hosted my brother’s wedding shower there, and I may have developed a mild obsession with their pizza and the rigatoni alla vodka. The atmosphere is lovely and the staff is just wonderful.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Sonny’s Express right on Vine street. I feel like I have been living under a rock, but I just discovered this restaurant this year and their pizza and subs are favorites in our house. We usually get a New York-style veggie, which is packed with fresh veggies and perfectly cooked. Also, not really hidden, but Patina Wine Bar has amazing food. Most people I’ve talked to just think it’s a place to go for wine, but their flatbreads make a perfect pairing. I highly recommend the soppressata, Brussels sprouts or margherita flatbreads.

Patina Wine Bar

Patina Wine Bar has amazing food. Most people I’ve talked to just think it’s a place to go for wine, but their flatbreads make a perfect pairing. I highly recommend the soppressata, Brussels sprouts or margherita flatbreads.”

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: There is this little spot in Edgebrook called City’s Edge that is pretty fantastic. They have good burgers and drinks. In the summertime, they also have live music on certain nights. It is another great little-town-feeling kind of place that is not too far away.

Une Annee Brewery

A great night out with friends usually includes… good food, good company and board games. We love spending time at Off the Wall Cafe for this reason or Une Annee/Hubbard’s Cave Brewery in Niles, which hosts trivia nights that are always a great time. To top it all off, they have amazing BBQ and drinks.

Walking through County Line Orchard with the crisp fall air and the scent of baking apple donuts and cider is the epitome of fall for us.”

The best way to spend a Saturday in the fall: County Line Orchard in Hobart, Indiana is one of the best ways I can think to spend a Saturday in the fall. Walking through the apple orchards with the crisp fall air and the scent of baking apple donuts and cider is the epitome of fall for us. Another perk is that it is large, so even when it is crowded it doesn’t feel cramped. Perfect for the whole family.

What’s something you look forward to every fall?
The Park Ridge Park District’s Trunk or Treat event. I have participated every year since it began, and seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces and the joy on the parents’ faces is just such an amazing feeling.

TeaLula

Favorite local store or best shopping area: I am in love with TeaLula. Their whole shop is just so serene, and their selection of teas is vast. We drink a lot of tea in both the office and at home, and TeaLula always has what we are looking for. Tea is just good for the soul. Currently, they have one called Slumber Party that has chamomile, lemongrass, spearmint and lavender, which are all excellent calming herbs.

The adorable October Cafe in Norwood Park is a year-round, fall-themed coffee shop with a delicious selection of baked goods and food items.”

Secret spot: There is this adorable coffee shop in Norwood Park called October Cafe. They are a year-round, fall-themed coffee shop with a delicious selection of baked goods and food items. I am a sucker for a good pumpkin-spiced latte with a slice of cinnamon pumpkin bread.

Underrated activity in the area: Kayaking at the Skokie Lagoon. It’s a short drive away, and during the summer and fall they have kayak rentals available. It is a great way to get out and spend some time in nature.

Downtown Madison

Weekend getaway spot: Madison, Wisconsin. Every Saturday through November, there is a farmers market surrounding the capital building called Saturdays on the Square. During the fall, it is so relaxing to go and stay for the weekend, do some shopping at the market and then go for a hike in one of the beautiful areas surrounding Madison. There is a lake where they have kayak rentals and so many shops and restaurants. If you are looking for an excellent burger and beer, The Old Fashioned is a great choice for a sit-down meal.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
I have not been to the Pines Room yet, but from the pictures I have seen, the vibe is very Prohibition era and I love that. This winter we will definitely need to make time to check it out.