10 Reasons We Love Glenview

1.

This Glenview landmark draws people from near and far and is just one of the many reasons we love Glenview. It can be easy to forget, however, that The Glen has not always been “The Glen.” This land was home to the Glenview Naval Air Station from 1937-1995. The Mission Statement for the redevelopment project said the goal was to “create a lasting source of pride for the community” with the addition of housing, job opportunities, and facilities for public enjoyment. With a school, restaurants, shopping and more The Glen has made Glenview a must-see for visitors. 

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2.

An old downtown Glenview favorite tried on a new outfit last year, and it wears it well. The public library underwent a major reconstruction and opened back up to the public fall 2010. But this new facility is not just made to hold books. Their Mission Statement says they “strive to educate, enrich, inspire, and entertain” members of our community. The new library is still home to the same reading programs and book clubs we’ve learned to love, but now offers more study space and shelf room for our literary favorites. 

3.

There’s much more to this historic site than the famous cows that drivers cruising down Lake Ave. can see (and smell) from the road. This farm consists of 18.6 acres of land and was first established when Johann and Katharina Wagner came to the U.S. from Germany. After the last member of the Wagner family passed away in 1997, it was placed in the possession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. The Citizens Organized for Wagner’s (C.O.W.S.) helped save the land from development and the park district purchased the farm in 2000. Residents can spend a day on the farm and learn the basics of working with farm animals and milking cows or attend events like a barn dance or bonfire. 

4.

Local business owners rejoice! The Glenview Street Sale, which famously takes place the last Saturday each June, draws in excited crowds year after year. Whether you’re in it for the shopping or strolling to see familiar faces, there’s something for everyone. Vendors set up booths selling jewelry, clothing, shoes and more, all lining Glenview Road. There are also countless raffles, sales, and freebies offered from booths. A band set up by the train tracks provides all day entertainment. This is a great family event that’ll keep you busy all day. 

5.

The red awning reads “Serving the North Shore since 1955,” but this local dairy shack has meant much more to the Glenview community over the years. Residents count down the days until their favorite ice cream spot opens up each year. There’s even a race to camp out to be the first customer and get the coveted photo posted on the window all season long. The ice cream cones and hot dogs are enough to keep us coming back, but the family atmosphere and tradition are what do it for most people. So grab a cone, sit by the train tracks, and get ready to see a few familiar faces!

6.

What’s better than sitting out on the patio and grabbing some lunch on a hot afternoon at this Glenview favorite? Whether you’re with the family in the day or with friends for drinks at night, Grandpa’s is sure to please. Although its legacy goes back for years, the renovation completed a few years ago brought it back to life for locals. plans to include a banquet room and more space. The convenient location next to the train station makes this spot hard to beat.

7.

This hidden treasure jam-packed with nature and adventure is an old favorite field trip spot for elementary schools and families alike. The activities are endless: explore trails to see diverse wildlife, perform chores once done by pioneers in a log cabin, see how the Native Americans lived, and experience a lesson in a one-room school house. Families can enjoy a hayride in the fall throughout the forest preserve and check out the endangered species year-round. This preserved piece of history also is available as a fabulous birthday venue for the kids.

8.

It’s hard to find a reason why we don’t love this school that has provided our children, neighbors and even some of ourselves an excellent and well-rounded education. Students have brought home numerous state championships and academic achievement awards and gone on to great universities across the country. The construction over the past ten years, adding a new pool, work out facility, classrooms and more has only made the school a better place and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.

9.

While driving by on a beautiful summer night, Glenview locals can always be spotted out on the porch of this hot spot. And if there’s a big game on TV, excited fans can be found here no question. Following the trend of remodels in town, the Glenview House underwent a major makeover and just reopened last year. Although it’s been updated and slightly modernized, the same speakeasy feel is here to stay.  

10.

You don’t need to head into the country to get the freshest fruits and veggies around. Here in Glenview we are lucky enough to have a weekly famers market that has sold produce of perfection for the past 22 years. It starts up again this year June 23 and runs each Saturday 8 a.m.-noon until October 8. This market, started by the Glenview Women of Today, brings together farmers, flower growers, and the people of Glenview in the parking lot across from the Wagner Farm farmhouse, 1510 Wagner Rd. Special features include artisan craft vendors and a “Green Table” with local experts to help teach the public about sustainable living. 

Think other Glenview favorites should have made our list? Sound off and add your pick in the comments below or share on Facebook!