Heat up the Summer with a taste of BRAZIL!

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Enjoy a hot summer here on the cool North Shore!

One of my absolute favorite places on the North Shore is about to get hotter with dancing, bold colors, and exotic plants: the Botanic Gardens.

There is a full schedule of all things Brazilian to do, to buy, to smell, to hear and taste! I am particularly fond of dancing so here’s the music schedule:

Brazilian music nights:
June 15: Planeta Azul (Brazilian Carnival)
June 20: Carpacho Super Combo (Brazilian/Latin Jazz)
July 18: Rio Bamba (Brazilian Jazz)
July 20: Dill Costa Quartet (Brazilian Samba)
August 15: Luciano Antonio Quartet (Brazilian Jazz/Bossa Nova)
August 17: Chicago Samba (Brazilian Samba)

Here’s the link so you can see all things Brazil in the Gardens will be offering. https://www.chicagobotanic.org/brazil

In case you don’t know, admission to the Botanic Gardens is FREE. But there is a fee to park –so ride you bike over!

Summer has arrived in Chicago!

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Biking the Drive 2017 the full 30 mile loop.

Chicago marks the beginning of summer in a most unusual way…  It launches with “Bike the Drive,” which took place on May 28th this year.

Once a year, the city of Chicago shuts down its’ iconic roadway that runs along Lake Michigan: Lake Shore Drive. From 5:30am to 11am bike riders own the road for “Bike The Drive.”  Cyclists can ride the whole 30 mile loop or ride a portion of it. Its Northern most boundary is Bryn Mawr, the southern The Museum of Science and Industry. Cyclists young and old, fast and slow, families and teams, and people of all shapes and sizes got to enjoy this spectacular, sunny day.

Biking the drive was one of those things that I have been wanting to do for years and just never got around to it. That is until this year. It exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it and hope you will join me next year! I will try to let you know in advance so you can plan on celebrating the beginning of summer on the city’s crown jewel roadway!

What’s new from Chicago’s high-end designers?

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Everyone always wants to know what’s new in home design trends. The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens is considered one of these indicators and their show house is available for touring through May 21. I’d call this “High design” which can really be over the top and too trendy (goes out of style as quickly as it comes in!) See what the pundits pointed out as the Lake Forest ShowHouse trends! Most were not my cup of tea…Way too fussy. Decide for yourself. Here’s a link to an article on this from Crain’s Chicago Business.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170511/ISSUE03/170519969/steal-these-ideas-seven-design-trends-from-lake-forest-showhouse#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccb-breakingnews&utm_campaign=ccb-breakingnews-20170517

Explore Highland Park’s “New” Rosewood Beach

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This North shore treasure is Highland Park’s Rosewood Beach. Two years ago it was reopened after an extensive improvement plan was implemented. It now features a board walk, a beautiful nature/activity center and great kids’ play area, in addition to the guarded swim area.

If you aren’t a resident with a city sticker on your car window, however, don’t park at the beach any time of year! Your car will get ticketed. I know this from personal experience from our first visit to Highland Park!

However you can walk or bike down anytime the park is open. There is No admission fee.

Rosewood Beach Nature Center

Beach Season begins May 27 through September 4. For more info go to www.pdhp.org  or call 847-831-3810.

Early Riser? Walk in Paradise

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A great place for your morning exercise!

Dawn is breaking at 6:00am these days and folks are out exercising in one of the most magnificent places on the North Shore. These early risers are walking or running at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe. And (so far?) you can drive in –for free- up until  7 or 8am. What’s more amazing is that every time you go, you will see something new blooming and get gardening ideas for your dream garden! Maintenance staff and security are there…plus the buildings and bathrooms are open. Check it out!

With that said, I am also a member of the Botanic Gardens. So if you can afford it, I’d encourage you to join this very special place in Glencoe, IL. For more info go to www.chicagobotanic.org

Perhaps I will see you there!

Marissa
Leader & Real Estate Broker, The Marissa Hopkins Team

Beautiful floral arrangement are on display throughout the gardens