At the farthest reaches of Chicago's northern city limits, East Rogers Park is a charming neighborhood along Lake Michigan, where architecture of old and new mingle, providing the community's diverse group of residents with both classic and contemporary homes. Beautiful lakefront parks and beaches give the area a relaxing, vacation-like feel that spills over into the neighborhood's laid-back lifestyle. Corner coffee houses, sandwich shops and delis are popular hangouts in East Rogers Park, while fine restaurants, posh nightclubs and a successful theater district bring sophistication and culture to the heart of this sought-after Chicago zip code. East Rogers Park is also home to Loyola University. The active campus and injection of students to the local population instills an energy and youthfulness that keep this Chicago neighborhood on the up.
One of our favorite entertainment essentials in East Rogers Park is the beautiful selection of lakefront parks and beaches. The summer sun is a welcome change after Chicago's bitter winters, and there's nothing better than strolling down to one of the clean, gorgeous waterfront expanses to catch some rays before the sun disappears behind the skyline. There are nearly a dozen lakeshore parks and beaches ranging from handsome wild grass-covered adventures to sandy stretches perfect for tanning.
Take for example, the North Shore Avenue Park and Beach (1040 W. North Shore Ave, 312-742-7857). It is one of 18 street-end beaches the Chicago Park District acquired from the city of Chicago in 1959. North Shore is open dawn to dusk, perfect for watching sunrises and sunsets alone or with that special someone. Lake Michigan spans to the horizon in front of you, behind you -- the epic city skyline. In addition to scenic views, the park has an open-air fitness center, beach volleyball, barbeque grills, and a roller hockey rink.
Loyola Park Beach (7032 N. Sheridan Rd, 312-742-7529) has been doling out smiles and outdoor fun to Chicagoans for almost 100 years. It is Chicago's largest beach, spanning eight entire blocks, and includes both shaded green areas and prime lakefront space. Loyola Park Beach got its name from nearby Loyola University and also borrows some of its athletic spirit. There is a field house, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and plenty of activities for both children and adults. We come here with blanket and picnic basket in tow to stretch out underneath an ancient tree and have lunch to the soundtrack of birds singing, leaves rustling, and waves roaring.
The inland parks of East Rogers Park are just as beautiful as the beachfront locations. Touhy Park (7348 N. Paulina St, 773-262-6737) covers a little more than six acres this north side neighborhood and offers a variety of activities. Weekly programming focuses on youngsters five years and under, while a wealth of after school programming for older kids (ages 7-12) is available as well. Pottawatomie Park (7340 N Rogers Ave, 312-742-7878) will give you green fields and recreation aplenty. Pottawatomie is one of our favorite places to play Frisbee or lay out on the grass under the blue sky. It is a pet-friendly location perfect for whole-family outings. In the summer, we love to catch the outdoor movies and concerts at Paschen Park (1932 W. Lunt Ave, 773-262-5871). Paschen also offers after school programming, such as basketball, kid-crafts, and volunteer trash pick-up that encourages children to get active in their community.
East Rogers Park is definitely not an isolated area of Chicago. Transportation options are plentiful. Of course, much of this culturally diverse community can be reached on foot or via a quick bicycle ride. Then again, there are those sweat-filled summer months, and the eye-drying, nose-running winter season where no one wants to be outside for too long -- so, in cases of extreme weather, East Rogers Park gives commuters plenty of alternatives.
There are two CTA elevated "El" trains that run up through East Rogers Park. The Red and Purple lines follow the same route all the way to Howard Street, passing Loyola, Morse, and Jarvis on the way. Getting to the Loop via the "El" will take you between 25-45 minutes, the later time accounting for the recent construction work along the tracks. Another train option is the Metra. The Metra is a traditional, non-elevated train system that reaches into the further suburbs of Chicago. There is a Rogers Park station along the Union Pacific North Line. This train ride will only take about 20-30 minutes of listening to your iPod or reading a book before you hit downtown.
Hey, but if you don't feel like riding a train you could always hop onto the #147 bus along Sheridan Road. It's a quick trip to the Loop. Heck, there's always driving, too. From East Rogers Park all you have to do is hop onto Clark Street or meander down Sheridan Road to Lake Shore Drive and it will lead you directly to the Loop. While parking is plentiful and affordable in East Rogers Park, beware that the prices go up dramatically for both metered and attended parking lots once you reach your downtown destination.
