Celebrate the Fall Season on Chicago's North Shore

The weather is changing, the leaves are turning color and even the local events are taking on a new theme— it's fall on the North Shore and a busy schedule is in store! The North Shore is beautiful no matter the season, but the fall is especially noteworthy.

As your local real estate expert in addition to a resident myself, I'm happy to share the many ways to enjoy our area! Mark your calendars for the following festive fall events in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park and beyond:

Art and Big Fork Festival
When: September 18-20, 2015; Friday: 4 PM to 9 PM, Saturday: 10 AM to 9 PM, Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Downtown Evanston

Streets will be closed in downtown Evanston for this free fall festival including incredible artwork, live entertainment and dozens of art projects for the kids.

Winnetka Fall Fest
When: September 19, 2015; 4 PM to 10 PM
Where: Duke Childs Field
Winnetka

Winnetka's annual Fall Fest kicks off this weekend and gives attendees the opportunity to celebrate the community and explore local parks with food, drinks, friends and fun for the entire family. Activities planned include a hay ride, pumpkin patch, make your own scarecrow, pumpkin roll and more.

Shermerfest
When: September 20, 2015; 12 PM to 4 PM
Where: Village Green Park
Northbrook

Shermerfest features a collectible and antique car show, children's activities and local food vendors with everything from hot dogs to homemade sweets. This event presented by the Northbrook Historical Society is free to attend and is heralded as the community fall festival that transports attendees back in time.

Fall Bulb Festival
When: October 2-4, 2015; 10 AM to 4 PM
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe

With a harvest market, cider, live entertainment and more, the Fall Bulb Festival is the perfect seasonal event! The festival will host over 20 local vendors and their fresh herbs, vegetables, homemade baked goods and treats, in addition to over 225 varieties of bulbs. Varieties include daffodils, tulips, mums, peonies, asters, amaryllis and speciality bulbs, to name a few. There will also be gardening experts on hand to offer tips!

If you're interested in calling the North Shore your home this year, do not hesitate to give me a call! It is my top priority to walk you through the process of buying or selling a home, answering all of your questions along the way.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States. 

St. Patrick's Day Events on Chicago's North Shore!

St. Patrick's Day on Chicago's North Shore is always a lively time, filled with a wide variety of holiday events catering to all different ages and interests. No matter where you live on the North Shore, from Evanston to Lake Forest and beyond, there are plenty of festive events designed to bring the Irish out of you! Whether you'd prefer to see live music with friends or get the whole family out of the house for a kid-friendly event, the North Shore has it all. Here is just a small sampling of what's cooking just outside the door of your North Shore real estate:

Sat., March 15th - 11 A.M. 
Hooley X 2014
The Celtic Knot Public House
626 Church St., Evanston

A three-day St. Patrick's Day celebration that offers party-goers authentic food, Irish dancing, music and, of course, beer. With performances from musicians and artists scheduled throughout the weekend, this St. Patrick's Day celebration is not to be missed! Whether you come for the food and stay for the music or are eager to partake in the festivities with friends or family, this is a premier St. Patrick's Day event on Chicago's North Shore.

Sat., March 15th - 4:30 P.M.
St. Patrick's Day Party 2014
St. Athanasius School
2510 Ashland Ave., Evanston

This annual St. Patrick's Day event is another staple of Chicago's North Shore. Featuring something for everyone - from Irish dancers and bagpipers to live music, Irish food, a cake walk and a stuffed animal walk - this family-friendly event with many activities lined up! Watch the family talent show, indulge in some authentic Irish food and let the kids go wild in the children-only tent (complete with a photo booth). This event is $20 for adults and kids aged 6 - 18. Children between 3 and 5 years of age are $10.

Sun., March 16th - 11 A.M.
St. Patrick's Day Kids' Fair
Whole Foods Market
840 Willow Rd., Northbrook

Bring the kids out for a fun Sunday afternoon of shamrock cookie decorating, face painting, educational games and green smoothies at Northbrook's own Whole Foods Market! Whether you're looking for something fun and festive to do with the kids or you're hoping to get out of the house for a bit as a family, this is a great option to get their creative juices flowing and their energy expended in a healthy and educational manner.

As a longtime North Shore real estate agent, I can attest to the fact that there's plenty of events and community fun to be had when living in the area! If you've been considering buying North Shore real estate and moving to one of the many welcoming communities that make up our beautiful area, please contact me. I am a local expert and experienced professional that works with buyers and sellers of all types to achieve their unique real estate goals.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.

Last Minute Holiday Fun on the North Shore!

The holiday season can oftentimes seem like a chaotic and hectic time, filled with family, friends, food, shopping, loved ones and kids all jam-packed into a couple of quick months! Whether you’re considering buying North Shore real estate or are already a longtime resident of one of the many welcoming areas that comprise the North Shore community, there is still plenty of festive holiday fun to be had! Clients past and present frequently tell me that one of the best parts of living on the North Shore is the endless array of activities, community events and social functions hosted throughout the year. While it can be cold during the holiday season, the North Shore real estate market and surrounding communities are always hot! Here is just a sampling of a few festive events still going on around Chicago’s North Shore – I would highly recommend squeezing one or all of them in if you can!

Free Festive Family Film Fest Presents “Home Alone”
Fri., Dec. 20^th, 5 P.M.
The Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette

Stop by for a free family screening of Christmas classic “Home Alone” at the Wilmette Theatre this Friday! As a longtime North Shore Realtor, this film holds a particular fondness for me as the infamous house featured throughout the film is located right here on Chicago’s North Shore! With “Home Alone” having been filmed right in our neck of the woods (in Winnetka), those of us living on the North Shore enjoy both the humorous, fun tale as well as the familiar sights featured in the box office smash. Be sure to stop by the theatre during business hours to pick up your free passes for the special screening. 

Amahl and the Night Visitors @ Winnetka Community House
Sat., Dec. 21^st, 3 P.M. and 7 P.M. and Sun., Dec. 22^nd, 3 P.M.
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

A magical holiday classic appropriate for all ages, Amahl and the Night Visitors offers a unique fusion of singing, dancing and acting alongside their live orchestra for a fantastic, family-friendly holiday story. Support Chicago’s North Shore local arts by catching one of three shows scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Featuring both local talent as well as professional vocalists and musicians, this rendition clocks in at just under one hour – Perfect for those with small children!

Wonderland Express Christmas Concert
Sat., Dec. 21^st, 2 P.M. and 4 P.M.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe

Enjoy a festive Christmas brass concert at one of the Chicago’s North Shore cornerstones – The Chicago Botanic Garden! One hour concerts will be held at 2 P.M. and 4 P.M., and will feature spirited holiday favorites for all ages. Tickets can be purchased in advance or the day of and include the concert and access to the Wonderland Express exhibit. If you’re looking for a reason to get out of the house and do something both local and for the holidays, this fun concert is it!

With another year almost behind us, I am proud to have served many clients throughout our desirable region. Whether buying or selling on Chicago’s North Shore, I encourage you to contact me in the coming year for professional assistance and expertise.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.

5 Summertime Activities for Families on the North Shore!

The summertime months on Chicago’s North Shore are some of the best. With so much diversity, culture and activity, residents know that there is always something for everyone. No matter which North Shore community you may live in, there are plenty of outdoor summertime activities for families throughout the area. From along the scenic lakefront in Winnetka and Evanston through the safe, welcoming communities of Highland Park, Glenview, Lake Forest and Lincolnshire, families flock to purchase North Shore real estate. As an experienced North Shore Realtor, I can attest to the area’s gold standard of living – From award-winning schools and safe communities to plenty of options for dining, shopping and entertainment, many homebuyers have utilized my professional experience and local expertise to find the North Shore community just right for them. 

Because Chicago’s North Shore is so popular with families, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight some perfect local summertime activities for those with children of all ages. Here are some great ideas for enjoying the warm weather and bright sunshine outside with the kids! 

1. Fly High on the Trapezes at The Flying Gaonas Gym. A perfect way to get out of the house, be active and get that thrill-seeking adrenaline rush, this trapeze and circus arts school in Winnetka’s Hubbard Woods Park is ideal for kids searching for adventure. Offering a variety of classes, from first-time trapeze sessions to intermediate lessons, this unique experience is sure to be a memorable one! Find out more about The Flying Gaonas Gym by clicking here.
2. Spend a Day at the Chicago Botanic Garden. There’s a reason that the Chicago Botanic Garden is well-known not just throughout the North Shore, but through all of Illinois. Beautiful displays of flowers, foliage and plants light up miles of gardens and walking trails with bold colors and photo opportunities at every turn. The Chicago Botanic Garden also offers many special events and exhibitions, which you can discover by visiting their website.
3. Pack a Picnic and Head to Ravinia. Located in Highland Park, Ravinia is a beautiful outdoor theatre that pushes appreciation of art and community. Whether you plan to bring the kids to see a special concert or simply soak up local music by a variety of artists, be sure to pack a picnic. Ravinia features all outdoor seating on its expansive lawn and bringing your own food, beverages, blankets and games to enjoy while listening to that day’s scheduled artist(s) is encouraged. See who is scheduled to perform by checking out their website. 
4. Explore the Picturesque Skokie Lagoons. Overlapping from Glencoe into Winnetka, this expansive nature preserve is a relaxing spot to walk, bike, fish, boat and bird-watch. Seven inter-connected lagoons provide ample scenic beauty while two bike paths wind around the bodies of water. Because the lagoons are shallow, typically 10 feet deep or less, canoes, kayaks and rowboats are available to rent and enjoy. Find out more from the Cook County Forest Preserve District. 
5. Discover The Grove’s Wetlands and Nature Museum. The Grove is a well-known area of land preserved in the village of Glenview. Encompassing 123 acres, there are miles of walking trails that are meticulously preserved by the Park District. The nature museum is home to a rich source of local history and environmental knowledge. An ideal place for a relaxing walk or to simply enjoy the North Shore’s beautiful summer weather, you can learn more about The Grove at their website. 

I hope that many of you are able to get out and enjoy much of what the North Shore has to offer! Whether you’re interested in buying North Shore real estate and moving to the area or you’re a longtime resident, please contact me with any questions. I’ve been a North Shore Realtor for many years and am always available to buyers and sellers throughout these fantastic communities. 

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.

Don't Miss the First North Shore Holiday Event of the Season!

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week and that the holiday season will be in full swing!  It’s a great time of year on the North Shore as parties, events and holiday shopping begin and festive decorations enhance the spirit of the season.

In working as a North Shore Real Estate agent, I enjoy seeing how the various communities I serve celebrate the holidays.  If you live in Winnetka, Deerfield, Glencoe, Northbook, Highland Park, or any of the surrounding cities; you’re sure to find a few different ways to get out and enjoy this time of year.  

In fact, whether you currently live on the North Shore or have been considering relocating to the area; you won’t want to miss out on this holiday event this weekend in nearby Evanston!  It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season!

The Downtown Evanston Holiday Bash & Tree Lighting

Orrington Avenue at Davis St, Downtown Evanston

Friday, November 16 from 4-10pm

- Don’t miss the first chance to celebrate the season in charming downtown Evanston!  You’ll enjoy free parking all day in any of the downtown parking garages as well as great shopping and restaurants.  Shops, cafes and restaurants will be offering special discounts throughout the evening.  You can also take part in rides on the Evanston trolley! 

Live music and carolers will enhance this special event and instantly put your in a holiday mood.  Local businesses will provide treats and refreshments, so you’ll want to be sure to stop by and learn more about these great Evanston businesses.  At 5:30, everyone will gather in Fountain Square to watch as Mayer Tisdahl and Santa light the tree!  For more information, visit the Evanston website. 

Why not take this opportunity to kick the holiday season off right?  This is the first of many great events taking place throughout the North Shore during the holidays and you’ll be sure to enjoy this festive evening!

If you would like to learn more about what it’s like to live on the North Shore, or you’re interested in touring some of the beautiful homes currently on the North Shore Real Estate market; please let me know!  I would be happy to show you around and help you navigate through the home buying experience.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Celebrate the Spirit of Ireland this Week in Chicago's North Shore!

Living in Chicago’s North Shore offers a vibrant lifestyle in which you are in the center of endless events and opportunities to get involved in your community. Whether you reside in Glencoe, Northbrook, Highland Park, Winnetka, Deerfield or any of the surrounding areas; you’ve probably experienced the satisfaction of settling into your home and your community.

Many find themselves searching for homes in Chicago’s North Shore because of the areas surroundings. One can take in the feel of a small town lifestyle while still being within close proximity to the large metropolis of Chicago; an ideal location for many homeowners!

One of the things I enjoy is hearing about the fun local events that are taking place throughout the North Shore. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, many local restaurants are beginning to host this Irish holiday and I’ve gathered a few events that celebrate the spirit of Ireland. Whether you have an Irish heritage or not; you’ll enjoy this opportunity to meet up with friends and neighbors to celebrate this fun holiday!

Whole Foods
760 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield
847.444.1900
Wednesday, March 10
7-8pm
- A toast to St. Patrick's Day! Join us for a traditional dinner of corn beef and cabbage and an Irish Soda bread demonstration. To start our evening, we'll have an in house cheese expert to sample popular Irish cheeses and beer! $10/person

Curragh Pub
8266 Lincoln Ave., Skokie
847.675.9600
- The celebration starts Friday, March 12 as the Curragh celebrates their 2nd St. Patrick's Day in Skokie! The heated tent goes up Friday night and the fun continues through Wednesday, March 17. Plenty of live music, Irish food, Guinness, Craic and fun!

Hackney's
1514 E. Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60025
847.724.7171
- Hackney's has always done St. Patty's Day up right! Plenty of Irish menu items and boisterous bag pipers create a party all evening long from Friday, March 12 through Wednesday, March 17.
St. Patrick’s Day- Thursday, March 17

Bridie McKenna's
254 Green Bay Road, Highwood
847.432.3311
- Music all day, culminating in the headlining band lead by Tim O'Shea. Bagpipers will be in-and-out and a condensed authentic Irish menu will be offered a la carte. Bridie's opens at 9am!

BBQ Pit
589 Elm Place, Highland Park
847.432.6393
11am-9pm
- Celebrate St. Patty's Day at the BBQ Pit featuring corned beef and cabbage from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Celtic Knot
626 Church St., Evanston
847.864.1679
Dancers, Pipers, Friends...Fun!
Noon-3pm: Sheila Tully Irish Dancers
6-8:30pm: The Public House Band (Irish folk)
9pm-midnight: Tim O'Shea & Patrick Buckley (traditional Irish folk from Co. Kerry)

I hope you’re able to take advantage of these events offered throughout the North Shore! If you have any questions about living in Chicago’s North Shore or about the North Shore Real Estate market; please let me know! I’d be happy to show you around and help you find a community that fits your needs and lifestyle.

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, my passion is to pinpoint the needs of my clients and match them up to a home and neighborhood that makes them feel the most comfortable and happy with their decision. Please feel free to contact me today with any questions or to get started with finding your North Shore home!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Bringing in December Like only the North Shore Can!

It's official. December is here! The North Shore is the ultimate place to be for the holidays. There is always an event of some sort - whether it be extravagant or intimate, for adults only or family friendly - the fun does not stop come December. Here are just a few ideas of how to get involved with the holiday festivities in your North Shore Communities - From Glencoe to Glenview, Northbrook to Winnetka.

Christmas Breakfast with Santa
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
Dates: December 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th
Time: 8:30- 10:30 am
Event: A buffet with miniature cinnamon rolls, seasonal fruit, scrambled eggs, turkey sausage links, hardwood smoked bacon and buttermilk waffles.

Hot Chocolate with Mrs. Claus
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
Date: December 20, 2010
Time: 11:00 am
Event: Listen to Christmas stories recited by Mrs. Claus while sipping hot chocolate and snacking on holiday cookies. The event also runs at 2 p.m.

Annual Winnetka Holiday Tree Lighting
Where: Chestnut St & Elm St, Winnetka, IL 60093
Date: December 3, 2010
Time: 5:30pm–6:30pm
Event: Join members of the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce and Village Council
for the annual tree lighting. Caroling begins at 5:30 p.m. and the group will move to
Caribou for hot chocolate after.

Holiday Sing
Where: Village Green, Elm St & Maple St, Winnetka, IL 60093
Date: December 24, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 6:15 pm
Event: Join families, friends, and neighbors at the 16th annual Holiday Sing on the Village Green. Gather around the Village Green and sing favorite holiday songs. Please bring your singing voices and your own candles or flashlight. This event will last approximately 25 minutes. The Village Green is located on Maple Street, in between Elm and Oak Streets.

Northbrook Symphony "Nutcracker"
Where: North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
Date: December 11, 2010
Time: 3:00 pm
Event: A special holiday concert at the Y features the Northbrook Symphony as well as a range of professional dancers and multi-media presentations. Selections from the Nutcracker Suite will be performed on December 11 at 3:00 and 6:00 pm. The various sections will showcase different program opportunities at the Y, including a wide variety of dance genres, yoga, gymnastics, swimming and fitness. Admission will benefit the Y's Capital Campaign. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind celebration of music and movement!

Chanukah Family Fun Day
Where: Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, 755 Huehl Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
Date: December 13, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Event: Kids of all ages can spin dreidels, have their pictures taken as Juda the Maccabee, do arts and crafts, play a Chanukah game show and snack on latkes and jelly doughnuts.

Holiday Dinner Party at the Viking Cooking School
Where: Viking Cooking School, 1140 N. Milwaukee, Glenview, IL
Date: December 13, 2010
Event: Start a warm, crackling fire; light the tree; and play some old familiar carols as you welcome your guests for a special holiday dinner. Experience your holiday tradition in a whole new way with our inspired, sophisticated and festive menu. $99. Type: Performing Arts.

As cliche as it may sound, the best thing about the holidays is spending time with family and friends. North Shore Real Estate is one of the most family-friendly, tradition-rich, close-knit areas in Illinois. There's always something to do and each event is another opportunity to begin a new tradition with your family or friends.

Communities like Winnetka, Illinois and Glencoe, Illinois are the kinds of places that people dream of living. They offer the perfect background to the holidays - from the beauty of the shoreline to the picturesque residential neighborhoods - they are like something out of a Christmas card. If this sounds like the kind of community you'd like to live in, I can help make that dream a reality. Give me a call, anytime. I'm always here to answer your questions about theis dream home real estate known as the Chicago North Shore.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Celebrate Halloween in Chicago's North Shore!

Living in Chicago’s North Shore provides many various opportunities to celebrate the Halloween holiday! You may already have plans to spend time trick-or-treating throughout one of the beautiful neighborhoods of Glencoe, Northbrook, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park or any of the other North Shore areas. And, even though these neighborhoods are very safe and family-friendly, it’s still wise to be proactive concerning safety as you cross streets, drive through communities and approach homes.

Of course trick-or-treating is not the only Halloween fun happening in Chicago’s North Shore this weekend! The stunning Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting two creative events that you’re sure to enjoy!

Spooky Pooch Parade
Saturday, October 30
1-3pm
www.chicagobotanic.org/dog/
- If you’re a dog lover, this event will allow you and your pooch celebrate Halloween in a unique way! Dress up your dog in their favorite costume and enter them into the Spooky Pooch Parade. This is the only time dogs are allowed into the Garden so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity. Not only will there be a parade, but also a costume contest where prizes will be awarded.

Trains, Tricks & Treats
Saturday, October 30 & Sunday, October 31
10am-5pm
www.chicagobotanic.org/railroad/trickstrainstreats
- See the Chicago Botanic Garden decorated with pumpkins, spiders webs, ghosts and goblins while trick-or-treating through the Model Railroad Garden! Children can also pot a plant to take home to remember their fun experience at the Garden.

I hope you’re able to enjoy one or both of these events! Halloween provides just one more way to connect with your North Shore community. While this is the season for frightening events; there’s something you don’t have to fear: the North Shore Real Estate Market.

It may seem a little scary as you consider jumping into the North Shore Real Estate Market as you’ve been bombarded with the housing horror stories in the media. But, as I’ve recently pointed out in my blog; now is a great time to buy a home in the North Shore! Home prices and mortgage rates are at an all-time low and buyers have many beautiful North Shore homes from which to choose!

If you have any questions regarding the North Shore Real Estate Market or would like to set up a time to see some of the available North Shore homes; please let me know. I would be happy to help you each step of the way! I look forward to hearing from you soon and have a safe and happy Halloween!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Chicago's North Shore Community of Northbrook Celebrates the Arts This Weekend!

Chicago’s North Shore is comprised of active and charming cities that each have a unique atmosphere. I enjoy the opportunity to be constantly interacting with these communities such as Evanston, Northbrook, Deerfield and Glencoe, and many more as I show clients around and help them find the North Shore home that best fits their needs and lifestyle. It seems there is always something to do in Chicago’s North Shore and it just so happens Northbrook is hosting a great event this weekend.

Art in the Park- A Northbrook Fine Arts Festival, is taking place this Saturday and Sunday, July 10th and 11th from 10am to 5pm each day. Sprawling across the lovely Northbrook Village Green area will be over 70 artists from across the country! Art forms such as oil, watercolor and acrylic paintings, photography, jewelry, wood, glass and many more will be showcased during this festival. Live music, upscale food, children’s art activities and a local junior art festival will round out this fun event! For more information, feel free to visit the Northbrook Nine website.

There are many reasons to visit Northbrook or make it your permanent residence! If you have any questions about Northbrook or any of the other North Shore communities; let me know! I’d enjoy the opportunity to show you around and help you find the home you’ve been searching for!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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