Getting a Feel for Barrington

I meet a lot of people at open houses from Chicago and from out of state. They’re in town to explore Barrington, and I often send them to my blog to find out more about real estate in the area. But, the best way to get to know Barrington is to drive around. Below are a few of my favorite places.

Ridge Road between Lake Cook and Plum Tree: Five minutes out of downtown Barrington and you feel like you’re in another world. This hilly, woody road hugs horse farms, prairie and ponds. It is my favorite road in Northern Illinois. If you’re feeling adventurous, turn off on Oak Knoll and follow it for a couple miles back toward Lake-Cook. Or, head deeper into horse farm territory on Spring Creek.

Another road I really like is Otis Road. From Dundee, head west on Otis. This road is especially beautiful in the winter.

In the summer, Cuba Road is in all of its glory. From Cuba Road and Northwest Highway, head east as far as it feels good.

Hungry? Stop for a hot dog at Kookers on Northwest Highway just west of 59/Hough Street.

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For a more urban, historical scene, take a quick jog from Hough and Hillside, east on Hillside. To see more Victorians, turn off on any of Hillside’s perpendicular streets; I like Cook Street.

For a longer ride, take Plum Tree west from the intersection of Plum Tree/Cuba/Northwest Hwy.

There is a lot more to see in Barrington, Barrington Hills, South Barrington, North Barrington, and Lake Barrington. But, this will get you started.

Laura Cannon