ML Interest Tag: coffeehouse

Super Slopes! Where to Go Sledding in Chicago & Beyond

by Debra Flanagan

If there’s snow on the ground, you’ll want to be at one of these highly-rated sledding hills in and around Chicago

Make the climb and then down, down, down you go. Where will you stop? At the bottom of one of Chicago’s awesome sledding hills—with a humongous smile on your cheeks. When Mother Nature buries us in the white stuff, you’ll want to know exactly where to go to enjoy . . . and you won’t have to travel far. Illinois has a reputation for being rather flat, so even we can’t believe how many quality sled hills we found (more than 20 so far!) within the city limits and surrounding suburbs. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered from Soldier Field to Vernon Hills to a handful of hidden gems you can enjoy all winter long.

The Best Sledding Hills in Chicago

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Caldwell Woods

The famous toboggan slides from this Northwest-side hill are gone, but this is still a great place to whiz down a snowdrift. It’s easy for small kids to manage, is lit at night, has ample parking and indoor bathrooms. You may want to try some cross-country skiing while you are there. Go around lunch or dinner to enjoy Superdawg just around the corner. Call 847-647-2240 for sledding hill status.

W Devon Ave & N Nagle Ave
Forest Glen
Online: fpdcc.com

Dan Ryan Woods

Located in the Beverly neighborhood, this slope is a well-kept South Side secret. It's rarely crowded, has hills for both sleds and snowboards and is great for all ages—especially little ones thanks to the easy “up” paths. Sledding hills have lighting and are staffed Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Fun fact to share with the kiddos: Surrounded by a pretty forest, the hill is the remaining basin of a glacier. Call 773-233-3766 for sledding hill status.

W. 87th St. & S. Western Ave.
Beverly
Online: fpdcc.com

Gompers Park

A wetland destination in the summertime, Gompers Park slicks up in winter, covering nearly 39 acres in the North Park neighborhood. With its smaller hills, it's perfect for newbies looking for a minor thrill. Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

4222 W. Foster Ave.
North Park
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Horner Park

An Irving Park neighborhood gem, Horner Park is mostly known for its seasonal events and summer sports. However, in between holiday festivities the park’s hills are filled with sled-toting families lined up for snowy thrill-seeking in one of the North Side’s biggest parks. Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Irving Park
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Humboldt Park

Another hidden gem can be found at Humboldt Park, one of the few hills located on the west side. If the kids aren't worn out from sledding, enjoy free ice skating in the park. Bathrooms available during Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 

1400 N. Sacramento Ave.
Humboldt Park
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

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Montrose Harbor

Shhhh . . . the harbor's Cricket Hill isn't officially designated for sledding, but come winter it's one of the favorite downhill fun spots for city dwellers. Locals tend to create some bumped-out runs so you can lift off and catch some air if you are daring. Total bonus: this hill has beautiful lake shore views, and the boat harbor is just as stunning in winter as it is in summer.

601 W. Montrose Dr.
Uptown
Online: chicagoharbors.info

Oz Park

It may not be the biggest sledding hill to be found, but its convenient location keeps Lincoln Park families—particularly ones with toddlers and young children—flocking there. When the kiddos retire their sleds for the day, take a stroll through the park to check out the Wizard of Oz statues: Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy with Toto. Street parking and bathrooms available during Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

2021 N. Burling St.
Lincoln Park
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Palmisano Park

The kids will think it’s neat they're sledding on a former garbage dump—minus the stink—turned sledding hill. Enjoy the magnificent southern view of Chicago's skyline and the park's pond and wetlands, and warm up with coffee from Jackalope Coffee or Bridgeport Coffeehouse, located just down the street.

2700 S. Halsted St.
Bridgeport
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

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Soldier Field

The magnificence of Soldier Field is overshadowed in the eyes of children in the winter by the nearby sledding hill.  The Chicago Park District creates its own faux snow to supplement the real stuff, so the hill is kept white and fluffy. With a 33-foot vertical drop, this one is great for the thrill-seekers in your family. There’s a little staircase built-in to help with the climb back up. Plastic sleds only. Be sure to call 312-235-7000 before you head south for the winter, as sledding is not always available.

425 E. McFetridge Dr.
Southside
Online: soldierfield.net

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Warren Park

Here you get the perk of a big parking lot that’s rarely full, plus plenty of street parking. Situated in the heart of Rogers Park, the hill is a decent size and known for being a popular destination for toboggan users. It’s also great for little ones since the hill has stairs on either side, starting gates at the top of the hill and a nearby warming house. If you tire of sledding, this park also has one of the city’s best outdoor ice rinks.

6601 N. Western Ave.
Rogers Park
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

The Best Sledding Hills in Chicago’s Surrounding Suburbs

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Bartlett - Villa Olivia

For a downhill experience with a little more intensity, head to Villa Olivia. Participants must be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall to ride alone. Ages 4 and 5 may ride share with a paying adult age 18 and over. For safety reasons, no one under the age of 4 may go snow tubing. Fee includes two hours of snow tubing, use of the conveyor lift (aka magic carpet) and snow tube. Snow tubing is not guaranteed without an online reservation. For daily updates on availability and conditions call the snow phone at 630-540-4199. Thurs.-Fri., 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat., Sun., & Holidays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

1401 W. Lake St.
Barlett
Online: bartlettparks.org

Elmhurst - Eldridge Park

BYO sled, tube or saucer, and let it rip at this spacious, lighted sledding hill. Lights turn on around 4 p.m. and the sled hill will close at 11 p.m. daily. Status of each of the sled hills will be communicated during the winter via the Rainout Hotline. If practicing figure 8s is more your speed, head to the park’s lagoon for skating (allowed when ice is eight inches thick).

363 Commonwealth Ln.
Elmhurst
Online: epd.org

Evanston - James Park

Some people know this park by its former life as a landfill. In fact, its biggest hill is lovingly called "Mount Trashmore" by locals. Pay that no mind—the sledding here is an absolute joy, even if the most massive mound is off-limits (the four adjacent slopes, of small and medium steepness, are open for sledding only). All activities at James Park are at the user's own risk. The City of Evanston is not responsible for any damages or injuries to any persons or property arising out of sledding.
Dodge Ave. & Mulford St.
Evanston
Online: cityofevanston.org

Glenview - Flick Park

This lighted sledding hill has a roughly 30-degree slope that cascades into an open field. Hill is lit until 10 p.m. Visit the Weather Cancellations page to learn the activity status or call the Rainout Line at 847-724-3337 and enter ext. 24 for automated updates. Bonus: convenient adjacent parking.

3600 Glenview Rd.
Glenview
Online: glenviewparks.org

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Glenview - Johns Park

Johns Park is similar to the sledding at Flick Park and is also lit until 10 p.m. If you call the Rainout Line (847-724-3337) for automated updates, enter ext. 25.

2101 Central Rd.
Glenview
Online: glenviewparks.org

Lake Villa - Caboose Park

In addition to a sizable hill, Caboose Park has one of the few toboggan chutes in the area. It’s also one of the few hills lit for late-night sled goers. The lights are on daily, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

37908 Fairfield Rd.
Lake Villa
Online: lakevillatownship.org

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Naperville - Riverwalk Sled Hill at Rotary Hill

Right on the Naperville Riverwalk, this sledding hill allows for easy pre- or post-sledding fun with a nearby ice rink and lots of dining options in downtown Naperville. Le Chocolat has the most amazing selection of hot chocolate, for those looking for a liquid warm-up. Hill is lighted and closes at 10:00 p.m. daily.

441 Aurora Ave.
Naperville
Online: napervilleparks.org

Northbrook - Techny Prairie Park and Field

With a 28-foot hill, Techny Prairie Park and Fields may seem overwhelming for smaller sledders. However, the hill has stairs making it a ball for kids of all ages. It is well lit at night and has a warming house for kids (or parents) who need a burst of heat.

1750 Techny Rd.
Northbrook
Online: nbparks.org

Oak Park - Barrie Park

Climb the stairs to the tippy-top of this gentle slope that’s oh-so-popular on snowy Saturdays. The hill was redesigned for better flow but still can get icy which means the big kids will love going fast and little ones may need a grown-up to ride with them.

1011 S. Lombard Ave.
Oak Park
Online: pdop.org

Rolling Meadows - North Salk Park

Very family friendly, especially for little ones because it’s one of the few hills with steps for the climb back up. There is no sledding allowed if a red flag is posted; a yellow flag means use caution. In the evenings, the hill is lit up.

3160 Owl Dr.
Rolling Meadows
Online: rmparks.org

Vernon Hills - Century Park

We love this one because of its awesome warming shelter (open weekends only) and nearby restrooms. Sledding is permitted when snow is considered by the Park District to be deep enough; a sign posted near the hill will tell you if sledding is permitted on any given day. Century Park has an ice rink with skate rentals, as well as candy and hot drinks available for purchase.

1401 Indianwood Dr.
Vernon Hills
Online: vhparkdistrict.org

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Warrenville - Blackwell Forest Preserve

Beautiful oak trees surround the 800-foot Mount Hoy sledding hill where $10 rents you a tube for the day. Mount Hoy is only open on the weekends and school holidays (and closes at 4 p.m.) and only for tubing. Never fear sledders, the park does have smaller sledding hills. Nearby you’ll find an ice rink, sleigh rides (check website for updates, as availability has not yet been announced) and snowshoe rental. Sign up to get text alerts when the tubing hill will be open by texting TUBING to 866-743-7332.

Butterfield Rd. west of Winfield Rd.
Warrenville
Online: dupageforest.org

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Take Your Coffee Anywhere with New Special K Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Do you find yourself craving a cup of coffee and a snack sometime between breakfast and lunch? Now you can have both all in one 100 calorie package. New Special K Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps lets you treat yourself with a delicious guilt-free lift. 

Special K Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps
Bring your favorite coffeehouse flavors with you on the go with you. Launching just in time for National Coffee Month, these flavorful bars are crafted with the flavors of decadent caramel and a hint of espresso. Each two-pastry pack contains as much caffeine as a half cup of coffee and are only 100 calories per serving. 

“These new Crisps bring the essence of your local coffee shop wherever you are,” said Courtney Bentley brand manager for Special K. “With this innovative indulgence you can enjoy anywhere, you can satisfy your caffeine craving with as much caffeine as half a cup of coffee. When our customers need a delicious, guilt-free boost, the Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps deliver.”

Special K Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps are now available in grocery stores nationwide and retail for $3.49.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Special K

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Sip and Play: Five Eastside Coffee Shops That Cater to Tots

by Chelsea Lin

Back in ye olde days, tired moms and dads used to have to settle for a cup of Folgers while the kids screeched through the back yard. That’s still an option—we wouldn’t recommend the instant java, though—but when the day calls for getting out of the house, go beyond the Starbucks and Top Pot locations and try one of these, our favorite Eastside coffee shops. From north to south, these spots cater to the kiddies as well as the paying adult.

photo: Yelp user Booyeah B.

Issaquah Coffee Company
Stumptown beans and great customer service make this coffeehouse a darling among Eastside locals; regulars especially love the Tiger Mountain mocha and Cougar Mountain latte. If you and your hungry monkey are looking for a snack, there are plenty of fresh-baked goods, some of which are gluten-free. A train table in the window-lit corner provides entertainment for toddlers while guardians gab or relax. Looking to fill the whole morning? Take a wander through the charmingly country Gilman Village and try your hand at pottery painting or sign the kids up for a class at The Musik Nest.

Beyond the Joe: Issaquah Coffee Company no longer serves gelato like they used to, but try a Creamsicle smoothie for a warm-weather treat.

317 N.W. Gilman Blvd #46 (in Gilman Village)
Issaquah, Wa 98027
425-677-7118
Online: issaquahcoffee.com or on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

photo: SoulFood CoffeeHouse and Fair Trade Emporium Facebook page

SoulFood CoffeeHouse
Sure, SoulFood smells like patchouli and, if your kids are anything like ours, they may have a hard time keeping their hands off the incense candles and dreamcatchers. But despite its eclectic décor, this Redmond space is actually very kid friendly. The beverage menu borders on absurd: there are more than 50 different tea, coffee (the Karamel Sutra is particularly good), and caffeine-free drinks available, and a dozen of those are designed for kids. Take your order to one of the tables that edge the modest kids’ space in the front corner—bins of toys, a train set, plenty of books—and leave time for a trip to the spectacular toy store next door.

Beyond the Joe: Don’t be fooled by the SoulFood name, though; there aren’t many food options, and what is available is serviceable but not extraordinary.

15748 Redmond Way
Redmond, WA 98052
425-881-5309
Online: soulfoodcoffeehouse.com or on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Tue., 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed.-Thu., 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

photo: Village Bean Facebook page

The Village Bean
Bothell’s Country Village is a trip—a small-town shopping center straight out of the Midwest decades ago. There’s a train ride for kids, plentiful lawn space, frilly-footed chickens wandering about and Village Bean, where the espresso drinks and full food menu play second fiddle to the clean, expansive activity room. Three bucks buys entry, but it’s a small price to pay for access to a wooden play house, play kitchen, train table, magnetic wall, ball-and-pipe maze, and enough seating for possibly thirty. There’s also a magazine rack full of periodicals to luxuriate in while your littles are amusing themselves.

Beyond the Joe: Try the raspberry lemonade, a house specialty.

720 238th St. SE, #A (in Country Village)
Bothell, WA 98021
425-481-7900
Online: thevillagebeanbothell.com and on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

photo: Chelsea Lin

Third Place Commons
OK, it’s not quite the Eastside, but this place is so awesome we think it’s worthy of a mention (and you can stop by from Seattle on your way around the lake). Fans of Third Place Books’ Ravenna location will recognize some similarities here in Lake Forest Park: the low-walled, enclosed play space stocked with miscellaneous toys and ringed with chairs for parents to sip coffee and work on laptops without taking their eyes off their energetic kiddos. But the Commons area of the Lake Forest Park location includes not only a full-scale Honey Bear Bakery (with drinks, savory lunch items, and baked sweets galore), but also a barbecue joint and a Japanese one as well. There’s a stage, a giant chessboard and an active calendar of community events. Don’t miss a visit to the old-school photo booth for a nostalgic snap with your little love.

Beyond the Joe: Honey Bear makes some adorably delectable goods, but you’ll definitely want to opt for the chocolate cupcake frosted to look like a bear face.

17171 Bothell Way N.E.
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
206-366-3333
Online: thirdplacecommons.org or on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

photo: Franky and Dom’s website

Franky and Dom’s
This petite bistro doesn’t have a fancy play area or even a ton of tables—the few outside are the best bet for rambunctious little ones—but they do have one thing kids of all ages adore: candy. The shelves of vintage-era candy is the first thing tiny hands go for; adults tend to prefer the Italian coffee, French pastries and daily changing homemade soups. While Franky and Dom’s may not be big enough for a play area, they insist some of their favorite customers are the kids—something we always see as a good sign.

Beyond the Joe: Complete your European experience with a Belgian waffle, not the sort from your local diner, but the chewy, sweet true street food style.

7420 S.E. 24th St., Suite 3
Mercer Island, WA
206-232-3221
Online: frankyanddoms.com or on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

We love hearing about new places. Are we missing any of your favorite Eastside hangouts? Spill the (coffee) beans in the Comments below!

—Chelsea Lin

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A Tour of Tribeca with Giggle CEO Ali Wing

by Jacqui Boland


What is your dream date night?: My husband and I adore a date night at Terroir (Harrison Street, off of Greenwich) – a cool wine bar with great appetizer-sized eats & an easy fun atmoshphere.  That followed by a walk down the River.  Perfect time away – closeby!

What neighborhood/borough do you live in?: Tribeca

What is your favorite “escape hatch” – a way to put in some “me” time to recharge?: Running or riding my bike along the Hudson River. I adore the waterfronts in NYC – with or without kids in tow-:)
What is your “cannot live without” neighborhood activity?: As a parent, that’s time in Rockefeller Park – no question.  From toddler to preteen – there’s something for everyone; it’s like a big Tribeca/Battery Park City family backyard.

My favorite part of city life as a parent is_________ because: The time we spend in the parks, and the access to amazing – and smart – activities for your kids at every age.  Love, love, love raising a child in NYC (and I grew up in Montana – so a million miles away & totally different).  NYC actually surprises me how much I enjoy it as a parent.

What does the perfect NYC Sunday morning look like?: A late start, great coffee & time to read the newspaper-:)

What is your latest obsession?: My son is studying Spanish, and I’m trying to keep up!  I think it’s an obsession…Together, we’re reading one of his Summer school books in Spanish at night. Super fun (and hard!).

What is your favorite local “gem” in the neighborhood? A park, playground, coffeehouse, kid friendly restaurant? : My family is a fan of outdoor eating – where we can include our dog on the outing – at Edwards on W. Broadway. It’s our regular.

Family night means…..: Movies & pizza.  No one has any jobs to get done.  We just hang out together.

What’s your secret to balancing work and family life?: Make all the little times count.  For example, I cherish our morning walks to camp or school before I head to work. It’s amazing what a child will share in 5-7 dedicated blocks…

Your neighborhood is unique because…..: It’s urban/suburban.  Part of Manhattan, but also a little enclave of families that live in Manhattan. It’s rare that I’m out on a weekend and don’t bump into friends.  Best of both worlds.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?: Coffee shops & a newspaper – alone-:)

NYC Mom’s Rock because……: We’re always on the go!

I picked this neighborhood because……: I adore the green parks (they do not use chemicals on the parks here), the parks in general and the access to outside. Plus, we like the schools in the neighborhood.

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Date Night: Capitol Hill

by Erin Lem

For this week’s edition of Date Night, our partners up in the Emerald City bring us to Capitol Hill, a neighborhood alive with culture, historical landmarks, and day and night entertainment. Seattle Magazine divulges the best spots to eat, drink, shop and play for a day or night excursion that will make your date night a memorable one.

Following the renovation of Capitol Hill’s historic Oddfellows building, myriad new shops, restaurants and hangouts have opened their doors along three hot blocks of Pine Street, between 11th Avenue and Broadway. This hip microhood is fit for both day jaunts and late-night outings; here, you’ll find the street that never sleeps.

Eat and Drink

Just north of Pine on Nagle, the area’s newest eatery caters to late-night diners. Sit down at the simple and elegant Cure (1641 Nagle Place; 206.568.5475; cureseattle.com) for artisan breads and cheeses, cocktails or wine and “The Sandwich,” a mouthwatering combination of mortadella pork and pecorino cheese (photo at right).

Street-food fanatics adore the first permanent location of famed taco truck Rancho Bravo Tacos (1001 E Pine St.; 206.322.9399; myspace.com/ranchobravotacos), which took over an old KFC building three years ago.

Inside the Oddfellows building, Oddfellows Café and Bar (1525 10th Ave.; 206.325.0807; oddfellowscafe.com), is the shabby-chic Americana brainchild of Linda Derschang that goes from coffeehouse/bakery during the day to full-bar, full-service restaurant at night.

Get your sweet-tooth fix at Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop (917 E Pine St.; 206.708.7947; mollymoonicecream.com), where—with flavors like Theo chocolate and salted caramel—you’d better opt for two scoops.

Upstairs, satisfy your appetite at the sleek, sexy Tin Table (915 E Pine St.; 206.320.8458; thetintable.com), open until 1 a.m. for late night snacking.

Check out the full article here to discover the best places to shop and play on this street that never sleeps.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

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