PATCH PASSPORT: Northbrook Offers Pro Bike Racing, Top-Tier Shopping And Monastic Stillness

Its great reputation for good schools and parks is just a fraction of what makes the village of Northbrook such a unique place for visitors and residents alike. It has one-of-a-kind venues like the Ed Rudolph Velodrome and Techny Towers monastery. 

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ATTRACTIONS

Techny Towers
Here's something you don't see every day. Established by the Society of the Divine Word organization more than 25 years ago, Techny Towers is a unique, spiritual destination for everyone. Located at 2001 Waukegan Road, the conference and retreat center offers space for meetings, workshops, fundraisers and other events for educational, cultural or civic organizations. The location also offers 50 guest rooms with private baths accommodating 115 guests and a separate 22-room house, known the "Maria House", with its own separate chapel and meeting room. Techny Towers offers a place for people to reflect, celebrate or host outdoor activities, as well as .

Northbrook Velodrome
The Ed Rudolph Velodrome, located at 1479 Maple Ave., is the only velodrome in the state of Illinois. Founded in 1959, the velodrome offers spectators the chance to watch pro cyclists speed around the 382-meter, banked track every week in the summer. Cyclists and spectators are welcome to Bicycle Track Racing every Thursday night, where licensed riders compete on track bikes. to bring regular road bikes and join the competition. 

River Trail Nature Center
Escape the grind with green at the River Trail Nature Center. Part of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, the nature center is a place for both children and adults to learn more about the natural habitats of our community. Located at 3120 Milwaukee, the center offers a variety of exhibits, programs and festivals throughout the season. The center is one of the only places in the area where kids can climb into an eagle nest or crawl in a fox den, among many more adventurous activities.

Take a trip back in time at the Northbrook History Museum. Northbrook itself dates to 1901, when it was first called Shermerville, and the History Museum’s building—formerly the Northfield Inn, known as one of the finest restaurants in the North Shore–is even older. When the property was sold in 1973, the Historical Society was able to raise funds in order to save the building, put it on wheels and roll it through town from its old location at Shermer and Waukegan roads to its current home just south of the Village Green, at 1776 Walters Ave. Don’t miss the recreated historical rooms above the museum or the consignment shop in back.

Pinstripes
Looking for some summer fun? Check out Pinstripes, 1150 Willow Road, for bowling, bocce, food and drinks. The location includes more than 50,000 square feet for those just stopping in for fun or private banquet parties. Daily promotions include Bottomless Mondays, $2 Burger Tuesdays, Thursday Ladies Nights and much more. 

Fun on the green
Those looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the green can select from many golf courses in town, including Sportman’s Country Club (3535 Dundee Road), Anetsberger Golf Course (1750 Techny Road) and Willow Hill Golf Course (1350 Willow Road). 

WHAT TO BUY

• Find anything your heart desires from large department stores like Neiman Marcus and Macy’s to smaller boutiques like Francesca’s Collection at Northbrook Court Shopping Mall (2171 Northbrook Court). 
• Looking for a summer read? Stop by The Book Bin, 1151 Church St., and grab a copy of the newest bestseller or a paperback classic. Friendly, knowledgeable staff members are happy to give you a recommendation if you don’t know what you want.
• Want to shop but stuck on a budget? Check out the shops at Village Square of Northbrook, located at the southeast corner of Lake Cook Road and Skokie Boulevard, to find bargains at Loehmann’s, Marshall’s, and Nordstrom Rack.
• Need a one of-a-kind gift? Check out Fashion Flashbacks Boutique, 865 Sanders Road, and Never Enough Shoes, 869 Sanders Road, in the Standy Plaza, at the southeast corner of Sanders and Dundee roads, for some unique styles.
• Those looking for something special for that special someone will find a wide variety of jewelry shops around town including Bien Jewelry Studio (855 Sanders Road), Jacqueline’s Jewelers (1163 Church St.) and Shelle Jewelers (322 Skokie Boulevard). 

WHERE TO EAT

• If you want Italian, try the Rigatoni alle Verdure at the well-known, well-loved Chicago franchise Francesca’s North, 1145 Church St. Or go for something more local like the Spaghetti Bolognese at Trattoria Oliverii, 1358 Shermer Road, in downtown Northbrook, where you can eat outside and people-watch downtown.
• For a fast bite like a Chicago-style hot dog, stop by the family-owned family favorite, Little Louie’s hot dog joint, 1342 Shermer Road, for some quality burgers and hot dogs. 
• If breakfast is your favorite meal, check out local favorite Georgie V’s, 1139 Church St, for some one-of-a-kind apple pancakes.
• Too late for breakfast? Stop by Greek Feast (2784 Dundee Road), also part of the Georgie V’s family, for a street pita or horiatiki salad to quench the summer heat. 
• If you’re a burger and beer kind of guy or gal, visit Charlie Beinlich’s, 290 Skokie Boulevard, or the Landmark Inn, 1352 Shermer Road, both Northbrook institutions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Northbrook Days: The annual village festival will take place from Aug. 3-7 this year with food tents, carnival rides, live entertainment and much more. Patch will be there at the children's booths Saturday, Aug. 6 from 2 to 8:45 p.m., so please stop by and say hi!

Shermerfest: Originally named Shermerville, the village of Northbrook will celebrate its roots with the 33rd annual Shermerfest Sept. 18. Visitors can enjoy food, train rides, live entertainment and a taste of Northbrook’s history.

Northbrook Theatre will present Snoopy! The Musical from Oct. 2- Nov. 20. Under the leadership of director , the theater company has turned out countless beloved productions as well as several actors who've gone on to achieve professional fame, including the Broadway star Noah Weisberg.