The northwest suburbs of Chicago are some of the most well-known suburban towns in the country. Kids from these suburbs grow up a quick trip away from the city and are known to travel everywhere for college. Almost every person "from Chicago" is actually from a suburb. So next time you are off to visit a friend in the city of Chicago, be aware that you will encounter most of this. I'm a suburban kid myself and while I love it, I recognize why people can be caught off guard. Here's some signs of your visit.
1. You can’t tell which suburb you’re in.
There’s no defined line where one suburb ends and another begins. In some parts, the suburbs will change based on whether you turn left or right. Don’t try to understand, just trust your suburban guide.
2. Portillo’s. Enough said.
This is a staple part of any trip. If at some point you aren’t given a cake shake and cheese fries, you really haven’t visited the suburbs. While you’re there you should also consider the pasta salad from Barnelli’s.
3. Taking the train into the city.
For some reason people from other states don’t understand that some trains are double-decker. And it takes like 45 minutes to get into the city, so stop asking why it’s taking so long. Some people do this everyday–you only have to do it twice.
4. Deep-dish pizza.
The pizza of kings and every Chicagoan who was raised correctly. If you go to Chicago or the suburbs and manage to eat thin-crusted pizza, then the person you’ve visited hates you. Plain and simple they really aren’t into your presence.
5. Everything is 20 minutes away.
This isn’t the city or a college campus, so you have to drive. And when you drive everywhere, things are farther away and take time. Just sit in the car and sing along and enjoy your vacay.
6. The Bean.
You’ll have to go to the Bean and take pictures. Tourists and suburban teenagers alike both find this place to be one of high esteem. Don’t be afraid to get goofy or throw a peace sign into the reflection as well. Also, to my knowledge, some people have also licked the Bean.
7. Magnificent Mile.
Shopping galore and so much more. Sprinkles is somewhere in here with Forever 21 and the Disney store. Shop around and try your best to not spend $300.
8. You get bored after three days.
I hate to break it to you, but if you didn’t grow up in the suburbs, the excitement wears off. Most suburban kids simply work, shop, play sports and tan in the summer. Sure, a day in the city is included, but after that it’s fairly low-key.
9. Animals everywhere.
People have pets. They match their perfect houses with big backyards and multiple children. So those pets are often walked and taken to dog parks, which means you can rarely go a day without animals. It’s actually kind of wonderful.
10. Shopping.
Even if the Mag Mile was enough, you’ll at some point make another stop at Woodfield or Deer Park to spend some more time trying on clothes and spending money on things you shouldn’t.
