Enjoying August - Cafe Culture
Cafe’ Culture - New Canaan
Local Dining Scene
The big news in Glenview this month is the long-anticipated approval of two significant Downtown restaurant projects by the Village Board. My personal annual calendar focuses on social and community activities for the peak of summer. And this often includes outdoor dining and events. Annual Interests Calendar So this is a timely focal point for many reasons.
The Glenview House (now partnering with Foxtail) and Hometown Coffee - both successful restaurateurs in the northern suburbs - are set to enhance the local dining landscape. Each project will include significantly expanded outdoor dining space! Although there may always be controversy on the details, this is a big step forward for Downtown Glenview. After years of redevelopment planning, we now have excitement and new energy for the heart of our community.
Touch of the East Coast
This local development is particularly timely in reminding me of the many beautiful areas we visit on our recent trips to see family in Connecticut. The historic and tourist areas of the East Coast - like the charming streetscape of New Canaan pictured - naturally embrace vibrant downtowns as part of their identity. It's exciting to see Glenview following a similar path, embracing its potential to create spaces where residents and visitors alike can gather and enjoy.
Celebrating Summer: Cafe’ Culture
As we embrace these final days of summer, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the greater import of outdoor dining and local events that bring us together. This personal experience is increasingly referred to as an international “café culture.” In countries around the world, cafes serve societal functions for conversation and culture. It’s more than just enjoying a meal outside; it’s about creating connections, supporting local businesses, and celebrating a vibrant spirit of community.
Sip and Shop: A New Tradition
As these new projects take shape, I’m also appreciating the continuation of Glenview’s own “Sip and Shop” event Greetings from Glenview Road this weekend. The event has been gaining momentum over the past few years - bringing together the community in a celebration of local businesses, food, and camaraderie. I’m hoping for the same local enthusiasm and spirit to carry over, making it an annual capstone of the summer season.
Personal Reflections on Community
For me, these local projects feel like a culmination of years of advocacy and involvement with friends and fellow community members. Reflecting on the local process, there are many practical and professional points that come to mind. Many of these “lessons learned” will be illustrated hands-on at the upcoming annual Downtown Walking Tour by the Chaddick Institute/MDRN group, which I have been involved with for many years.
Suburban Downtown Tour
This complimentary mobile event on September 12 in Wilmette will provide a behind the scenes comparison of the processes for Downtown redevelopment which Wilmette and Glenview have each undertaken over the past years. Downtown Tour Event. I hope to see you at this most interesting event!
Looking Ahead with Enthusiasm
As we enjoy these last warm days with friends and neighbors, let’s savor the unique blends of tradition and progress in our hometowns. Whether it’s through new dining experiences or local events, there’s much to look forward to in building strong, connected communities.
