Carol

Carol is owner of The Reading Clinic, which has offered reading and writing programs for children from its Old Town location for nearly 30 years.  She is married and has lived in Chicago since 1973. 

What neighborhood do you live in?

I've lived in the Gold Coast since 1980.

What do you like best about living in your neighborhood?
Its proximity to everything – the Lake, restaurants, theaters, the Loop, parks, stadiums AND the hospitality and pride of my neighbors who recognize our ‘hood is a tourist destination. They take great care in making sure it is one of the loveliest walking venues in the city. It is truly a sense of community in the midst of a thriving metropolitan area.

What do you consider to be your neighborhood’s best hidden or undiscovered gem? 
Washington Square Park across from the Newberry library. The Lincoln Gardens behind the Chicago History Museum -- gorgeous gardens, lake breezes and a backdrop of beautiful architecture – a real urban experience.

What is the best way to explore your neighborhood?  
Absolutely on foot – the landscaped parkways, front gardens and architecture need to be savored. You’d miss some of the intricate details in ornamental fencing, facades etc. from a car. Also, you want the freedom to stop in a shop or restaurant. Biking is great, too, but you can’t get as up close & personal.

What would you consider to be not-to-be-missed restaurants in your neighborhood? 
Bistrot Zinc is consistently good w/ lots of variety and great profiteroles! The Goddess & the Grocer offer delicious carry-out and is close by to the lake, Connors Park and/or Washington Square if you want something portable – huge, fresh sandwiches/salads, awesome carrot cake. The 3rd Coast (1260 N. Dearborn) has a bohemian feel, rotating local artists' works, superb breakfasts, nice wine selection, reasonable prices and great selections for lunch/dinner – very much a neighborhood feel. At Orange on Clark Street (for breakfast ), I’m a frushi fan and love the “create your own” juice options.

Are there any big festivals or popular public events that take place in your neighborhood? 
The Dearborn Garden Walk is one of the oldest garden walks in the country held the third Sunday in July. It is the only time that visitors get to tour the private gardens behind the stately mansions. Classical/ jazz musical performances, designer vignettes and guided architectural tours make for a delightful afternoon. Visitors from as far away as Hawaii, California and even Switzerland have attended this event. The Bughouse Square debates are held late in July in Washington Square Park. It is a free event and celebrates the tradition of soapbox oratory – always lively, topical & fun.

Are there any noteworthy or unique retailers to be found only in your neighborhood? 
Tea Gschwendner (1160 N. State Street) is the first and only Chicago outlet for this excellent tea purveyor.  They offer walls of tea from around the world; knowledgeable, friendly staff; and will brew any of their teas (iced/hot) “to go” and have great selection of tea and tea accessories for unusual gifts.

Where is the best place to grab a cup of coffee in your neighborhood? 
Sarah’s Pastries & Candies (11 E. Oak Street) serves Intelligentsia coffee and brews their own delicious hot chocolate. Comfy atmosphere (al fresco in summer, too) delicious candies, but also some tasty paninis and quiche to accompany your coffee. The only neighborhood place to get irresisitible Palazzolo gelatos and sorbettos.

What are five words you would use to describe your neighborhood? 
Gorgeous, inviting, architecturally significant, historical, vibrant.

What are some ways that residents show their neighborhood pride? 
The upkeep on the exterior of their property, whether it be high rises or single family homes. Residents have a respect for and pride in the architecture of this neighborhood. Even though the parkways are technically owned by the City of Chicago, nearly every parkway is deftly landscaped. The lamp posts have hanging flower baskets, the corners have decorative trash receptacles. It is not unusual to see one of my neighbors pick up trash from a sidewalk or parkway. Building owners decorate for each season. This past Halloween had a few show stopper displays! Lots of pride in ownership and a respect for the tradition and significance of this neighborhood to Chicago.

Tell us what you know about the history of your neighborhood. 
People are shocked to learn that this area back in the early 1950’s was a “slum”. Banks would not lend mortgage money to home buyers because the area was considered “high risk”. North Clark Street was considered one of the high crime areas of the city. Seedy bars (taverns) populated most of Clark Street. The mansions along Dearborn were subdivided into overcrowded rooming houses. Today it is one of the loveliest and most desirable neighborhoods in the country.

What is a popular gathering place in the neighborhood? 
On warm days people seem to gather in the smaller “pocket” parks – Mariano (Rush/State/Cedar), Washington Square Park and Connors Park. Of course, during sporting events, the bars on Division Street are popular for watching the games.

What are some popular spots to bring children in the neighborhood? 
Goudy Park (Astor Street & Goethe), Lincoln Park Zoo, Oak Street and North Ave beaches.

Now, for some more general Chicago-related questions, what is your favorite thing about the city? 
Its Midwest sensibility which permeates not only the logical layout of the City (such foresight to have alleys rather than garbage piled along the curbs ala NYC!) but also the feel of the neighborhoods, each with its own personality and own special treasures. It’s so easy to explore.

If you have a favorite neighborhood beside the one in which you live, what is it and why? 
So many depending on my mood -- Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Ukrainian Village for interesting shops and restaurants; Hyde Park for a classic architecture fix and River East for examples of new architectural design and growth. It’s exciting seeing the West Loop start to blossom, lots of positive changes. The French Market in the Ogilvie Transportation Center is a little gem and not to be missed.

Where do you like to go for fun? 
Comedy improv venues, theatre – esp Lookingglass, Theatre on the Lake, Grant Park concerts, Bears games, bikes rides south along the lakefront (less congested) and a chance to view the architecture around Jackson Park and U of Chicago.

What is your favorite restaurant in the city? 
Are you kidding – only one?! No way to choose only one – depends on the type of food, whether we feel like going casual or dressing up, whether we want quiet or bustling, whether we want al fresco or inside, whether it’s a girls lunch, a business lunch or a quiet dinner with friends. I’m a fan of al fresco dining in the summer – great patio at Topo Gigio (Wells Street) and Boka, the rooftop bar at sunset at NoMi for drinks. I love restaurants that use local produce and more contemporary food – Nightwood, Lula Café, North Pond Café, and West Town Tavern.

What is your favorite pizza place? 
Again – are you kidding? Depends on if you are a deep dish or thin crust aficionado or if you’re on a diet! Right now I’m a fan of La Madia and 3rd Coast.

What is your favorite season, and seasonal Chicago activity and/or event? 
Spring – the city wakes up from that long winter. Walking through Lincoln Park, exploring new neighborhoods, the skyline view from Olive Park, the lake side of the bird sanctuary in Lincoln Park for total tranquility. Mariano Park for the best people watching anywhere!

Do you have a favorite Chicago tradition? 
Walking Michigan Avenue and throughout my neighborhood during the holidays to see the lights and seasonal decorations

What’s the best place to view the city skyline? 
People think I’m crazy but I love the view south from the bridge on North Avenue over the Chicago River – the juxtaposition of seeing the industrial along the river and the high rises in the background always reminds me of Carl Sandburg’s “Chicago” poem. It’s the meshing of the gritty with the sleek. For the less adventurous and more traditional – the view south from the bridge across the lagoon in Lincoln Park at the Farm in the Zoo is pretty spectacular. Olive Park (near the water filtration plant) to see the city skyline.

Where do you like to bring visiting friends or out-of-town guests? 
Anywhere along the lakefront – esp the bird sanctuary in Lincoln Park or Olive Park. It really depends on their age and interests. Kids love riding the “El” and Lincoln Park Zoo. Summer concerts in Grant Park and the summer dance series are always safe bets. The CAF boat tour along the river. Zoo Lights during the holidays at Lincoln Park Zoo or Jammin’ at the Zoo concerts in the summer months.

What is your favorite hidden Chicago treasure, a spot or activity that few else know about? 
If I tell you, it won’t be my hidden treasure any longer! I’ve already “spilled the beans” on the bird sanctuary in Lincoln Park and the Theatre on the Lake. The neighborhood outdoor movie series is another winner.