What you do for a living: My husband Paul and I both have full-time jobs, but we have been dealing with coins and precious metals for about 30 years, so we decided to open Park Ridge Coin & Collectibles in 2025. Our store offers 999 silver rounds, bars, silver eagles, vintage 1970s art bars, limited-edition 999 art rounds and 5-10-ounce bars for investment or special gifts. We have many U.S. coins like the Morgan Silver Dollar from the 1800s, Peace Dollars, and coins for the beginners or advanced collectors. We buy gold jewelry too, as well as silver coins, junk silver and more.

We also buy and sell vintage football, baseball and basketball cards and Pokemon individual cards, packs or boxes. We even host a Pokémon card trade night every month.

 We offer free appraisals on collections or estates at the store. We can even come to you if that’s more convenient. We just ask that you call to make an appointment before bringing in a large collection. We are also accepting unique silver and gold coins and collectibles for consignment.

How long you’ve lived here: Paul grew up on the northwest side of Chicago, where we live now. I was born and raised in Indiana but moved to Chicago in 2018.

What you like best about Park Ridge: My son Dylan has played travel football for the Park Ridge Falcons program the last three years. I have grown to love the community through my football family. When I was driving my son to one of his practices, I saw a storefront that was available for rent. It has always been my husband Paul’s dream to own a coin and collectible store, and we were never brave enough to pull the trigger… until now. We feel truly blessed to be a part of the Park Ridge community, which has been so welcoming and happy that we are here. We have had families come in with estate collections, and they are comforted by the privacy and honesty we provide at the store.

Nonna Silvia’s

Best meal you’ve had recently: The pumpkin ravioli at Nonna Silvia’s in Park Ridge. I’ve seen it mentioned in this magazine before, and it was absolutely delicious. It’s such a great, cozy spot and perfect for families or date night.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: I know Shawarma Inn on Devon Avenue is a popular spot in Park Ridge, but we like to say it’s our hidden gem. It is fast and convenient — and across the street from our store in South Park. And the rice is delicious.

Tavern on the Point in Edison Park is our go-to spot for sure. The menu has something for everyone, the drinks are good and they have lots of events. Don’t forget the rooftop, either.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: Tavern on the Point in Edison Park is our go-to spot for sure. The menu has something for everyone, the drinks are good and they have lots of events. Don’t forget the rooftop, either. It’s a great spot to kick back and enjoy a few hours outside during the summer.

Las Palmas margarita

Favorite restaurant in the area: This is a tough one, but probably Las Palmas Mexican restaurant and Bar on Montrose in Harwood Heights. So authentic, and they have such great margaritas!

The best way to spend a Saturday in the summer: We have owned chickens for a few years now and recently added two ducks. We also have a large koi pond, so we really just like to enjoy our yard and relax with the kids on most weekends. Other than that, we are mostly likely running one of the kids to a sports activity.

A great night out with friends usually includes… concerts and festivals, especially in the summer. From Park Ridge events in Hodges Park and the Market After Dark to the annual street festivals like Edison Park Fest — you’ll see us there.

Park Ridge Market After Dark

Favorite local store or best shopping area: Our favorite places to shop around here are the Chicago Premium Outlets (Aurora) and Fashion Outlets of Chicago (Rosemont) because we can bring the whole family and there is something for everyone.

Underrated activity in the area: At Park Ridge Coin & Collectibles, we are now hosting Pokémon trade nights once a month. This is a great (and free) event for kids to come and just trade. We do have packs and boxes for sale, but this is fun for kids and adults to come and show off their collections or just add to them. Our next Pokémon trade night will be Saturday, July 18 from 3-5 p.m.

At Park Ridge Coin & Collectibles, we are hosting Pokémon trade nights once a month. … We do have packs and boxes for sale, but this is fun for kids and adults to come and show off their collections or just add to them.

Favorite weekend getaway spot: Honestly, I am a garage sale junkie, so I like staying in town, getting up early and finding great deals. There are some great websites and social media pages out there listing where the sales will be each weekend.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
The Club Pilates studio in Park Ridge has come highly recommended by several people. I will definitely be booking a class soon.

Park Ridge Coin & Collectibles