I often get the same questions in my DM’s, so thought I’d compile a list of frequently asked questions about the North Shore. Sharing some suburb tidbits below…and a reminder you can always email me hello@katiecassman.com or slide into my DM’s on Instagram with any other questions!
Q: Where do you take your kids for haircuts?
A: North Shore Barber Shop for Campbell and Scissor’s Edge for Caroline. They only reason they go to different places is because I took Caroline once during Campbell’s nap and she requested Starbucks hot chocolate, so we made a date out of it and it’s just stuck!
Q: Recommendation for family photographers? Best backdrop for photos?
A: Britt Jensen & Jessica McNitt are both very talented local photographers! The NS beaches make for a beautiful backdrop to take photos. I think Lloyd Beach (Winnetka) and Gillson (Wilmette) both have a great mix of greenery and beach for varying options. Elawa Farm in Lake Forest, the garden at the Winnetka Community House or the Botanic Gardens are all great spots too!
Q: Where do you go for your hair, nails, brows etc?
A: I know this isn’t the answer you are looking for, but for my hair color I am a loyalist to Daniel James at Bartucci Beauty in the West Loop. I haven’t found anyone worth making a switch for. I go to Allure for nails and they also do a fab spray tan. For brows and facials I see Nusheen, she’s the best!
Q: Coffee Shop rec?
A: I frequent Towne & Oak (a reminder they’re closed on Tuesdays) and Hometown in Winnetka or Glencoe. They’re opening in Lake Forest soon! I also have a blog post highlighting NS coffee shops here.
Q: Do you have any tradespeople for your house you can share?
A: Here are some of my trusted recs:
Electrician – Pawel (773) 771- 3205
Painter – Chuck Welch (773) 619-5524
Handyman – Dan Yee (847)774-5813
Q: Favorite place to get a cake for a child’s birthday?
A: There are so many delicious options, see blog post here!
Q: Where do you shop for clothes for yourself in the NS?
A: My favorites are Bunny & Babe, Athene, Valentina and Lillie Alexander.
Q: How often do you go to the city?
A: I am a big believer that the city is only as far/inconvenient as you want it to be. I do go downtown for both work and pleasure and some months I am frequenting the city more often than others. On the whole, I’d say 5-10x per month I am in the city. Usually more during the holidays and summer, just depends on the season of life! Chicago is home to so many wonderful neighborhoods, restaurants, museums, etc and there is always something going on! I like to think I can have best of both worlds with suburb & city life.
Q: Breakfast spots?
A: Green Bay Cafe, Walker Bros Pancake House, Hometown, Towne & Oak, Hotcakes, Fuel, Three Tarts & Once Upon a Bagel. And I can’t forget Sarkis!
Q: Contemplating the move from the city to the suburbs, what’s the best way to pick a suburb?
A: Love this q! I will start by saying you can’t go wrong with any of them. They all have wonderful communities, schools and towns. Each town is close to one another making it easy to zip in and out for various errands, meals, etc! I always give clients a big driving tour, so they can understand the lay of the land if they’re not familiar with the NS. Do you want to be close to the beach? A train? Town? Is a big yard I also urge them to explore each one on their own to see if they’re particularly drawn to one over the other. However, when housing inventory is limited I had many instances where the perfect house dictated which suburb someone ended up in.
Q: Sushi recommendations?
A: My favorites are Tori Dasu and the sushi at Deer Path Inn. Akai Hana, Jimoto and Roka Akor are all good spots too! On my list of places to try is Nobori Sushi 🍣
Q: Where do you get balloons for a celebration?
A: Balloons & Paper, Pop of Color or The Grand.
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