More Than A Lake And A Forest

May 16th, 2008 by Erin

With a name like Lake Forest, you’d think it was some sort of animal sanctuary with Smokey the Bear’s house in the backyard. However, it is completely the opposite. Besides being the home to what Elle Magazine coined as the, “Best Dressed Women” and the land for multi-million dollar houses, there are several desirable qualities that go beyond material possessions. As a 21 year old college student and lifelong resident, I am going to share with you my top four favorite things about Lake Forest.

1. Not in the mood to wait in line at Starbucks? Or maybe you are just looking for a change in routine. If outrageously friendly service and a more than clean atmosphere is what you’re looking for, then the new Nonno’s Café is the place for you. Located at 231 E. Wisconsin Ave, it boasts a lovely brick patio to sit at while sippin’ your cup of joe (or, if you are anything like me, indulge yourself in a milkshake-like frappachino on a hot summer day!) The bathrooms are so clean you could go in barefoot and not feel like Britney Spears when she neglected to wear shoes in a public bathroom…gross! Head into the cafe more than three times and the staff is sure to have your order memorized and ready for you. If I haven’t convinced you yet, then this may be the kicker. Two words: Animal Friendly. Bring your dog Fee Fee along to get your morning jolt and she too can sip on some love. Nonno’s Café is so courteous that they place bowls full of water outside for the little guys….just make sure your kids don’t get into it!

2. If country clubs and public pools aren’t exactly your idea of a good time, why not head to the beach! Lake Forest boasts miles of the beautiful Lake Michigan shore, all available to you with a simple Lake Forest sticker on your car. However, if you do not have one of these little treasures, I’ll let you in on a little secret…WALK! There are a thousand different entryways that will guarantee you a hassle-free entrance! Windy outside? Too cold to swim? Stop beachin’ about the weather. Rent a sailboat and put that wind to use! Or, use their fire pit to roast marshmallows, cook up some dogs or just use it for warmth! Head to the beach on a particular blue-sky day and have your Christmas card for ’09 taken on the white rocks - the perfect backdrop for bringing holiday cheer.

3. Got a minute, but not enough to go home and eat your lunch? Known as the clumsy girl who can’t manage to walk, talk and drink a latte at the same time? Head on over to Lake Forest Bank and Trust’s courtyard. Located on Bank Lane, right across from Starbucks, it is the perfect location to sit back and take a time out from a hectic day. The stone ground and beautiful change filled fountain that contains the wishes of people of all ages (yes, I have seen grown men still flip a pretty penny into it!) sets the scene for a perfect summer afternoon.

4. Sweet dreams? How about sweet treats! If you are looking for a way to satisfy that sweet tooth, Sweets is the all encompassing one stop for you. Just walk in the door and the chocolaty, sugary aroma leaves your mouth watering. It may look like a little store but it sure holds a lot! Take your pick from dozens of homemade ice creams, hand dipped candies, and treats. There is also a fantastic wall full of already packaged candy that Willy Wonka would envy. In addition, the staff has been there for years and is always ready to greet you with a friendly smile. They say it is all in a name and in this case, it’s true. Sweet’s truly is sweet.

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