Travel Notes: Day Trip to Evanston

The perfect day trip from Chicago and the restaurant in NYC you must book!

Mar 21, 2023

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A few weeks ago, I went up to Evanston, a city north of Chicago that runs along Lake Michigan, to visit a friend. I’ve been up there a few times via car but never in the metro, and let’s say you would have thought this was my first time on a train! LOL! I’m not sure why I waited so long to do this - it was easy and fast. From the Loop central station, it took me 35 min, which makes this the perfect day trip destination from Chicago…especially in the Summer.

Evanston is slow-paced and more residential than the surrounding towns, making the trip even lovelier and mostly known for Northwestern University. The homes are historical, beautiful, and grand, and the downtown area has the cutest coffee shops, restaurants, and galleries. Today I will share a few of the spots we checked out, but my friend Ella (also in the travel industry and owner of a gifting curated shop) will be doing a complete guide.

Travel Notes: Evanston

Cup of Jo | Reprise Coffee Roasters

For my coffee snobs - Reprise Coffee Roasters is an award-winning brand - a Gold medalist winner. The coffee was strong and delicious. Grab a book or a friend - sit on the bistro table and enjoy a special cup.

Gallery Stop | Storm Print City

When you turn a historical utility into art! Highly recommend visiting this super cool art studio in the downtown area of Evanston. The art prints are made from street iron (potholes) worldwide.

Cocktail-hour | Graduate Hotel Evanston

If you’re in the mood for a drink - definitely add the bar at the Graduate Hotel property to your list! It’s quaint, cozy, and steps away from Northwestern University. I’m excited to go back for a date night with the hubby. :)

Souvenir | The Spice House

I love this spot so much - they carry some of the best spices in the world. They have been around since 1957 and sell premium quality with a wide variety covering everything from essentials to the more obscure.

Dinner | Pomeroy Winnetka

An upscale restaurant that, for a moment, transported me to Paris. This restaurant is in the beautiful town that borders Evanston called Winnetka.

Slow Livin’ | Walk on the Lake

I’m all about lake life (you are all tired of me saying that at this point, LOL) - and this city is alongside the lake, which makes access to the water so easy. It was a frigid day, but my friend and I quickly took a moment to walk on the sand and get as close to the lake as we could. It’s a must if you’re in town during the warmer months.

Click here to view this video of me walking on the lake!

Word of Mouth

Suggestions from our friends who are tastemakers, creatives, and travelers who share spots they've been to and loved.

NYC | 53 Restaurant

Midtown NYC is having a moment! 53 Restaurant (yes, the address is also on 53 W 53rd St - ha!) is a contemporary Asian spot with style and amazing food. My dear friend Tyler (a major foodie whom I blindly trust) loved the vibe and food, and even though she says you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, she highlighted the duck clay pot, the hamachi, and the chicken wings.

Photo Credit: Tyler Albritton