Northbrook isn't the most familiar place within the whole state of Illinois, but it definitely has its stand-outs. Having lived in Northbrook my entire life, I understand everything about this magical, beautiful, upper-class, rich mom with a Range Rover-esque world. If you lived in Northbrook your entire life, you may just understand everything that I'm about to list off.
1. You basically grew up inside a "bubble".
Northbrook is an affluent, upper-class suburb, at least if you ask me. Whenever your friends from school ask about it, all you have to say is that it's full of wealthy soccer moms who own mansions with huge outdoor pools and drive Range Rovers. As soon as you moved on to college, you realize that most of the United States isn't a wealthy affair. You realize how truly lucky you were to have lived in an area where money wasn't a huge issue and you didn't live in fear of homelessness.
2. One word: BARNABY'S.
Anyone who has never been to Barnaby's or has even tried their pizza is basically inferior to you. Every time you return home from school, Barnaby's is your first point on your to-do list. There's just no passing up that unique, cornmeal, crunchy, cheesy goodness. It's the one place that has been around since before you were born. Question: can they ship?
3. Downtown Northbrook was literally your second home.
Whether it be stopping at Baskin Robbins and eating your ice cream on the swings at The Village Green, devouring burgers at Little Louie's with your best friend, or trying not to fall into the fountain, Downtown Northbrook was your go-to after a long day at school (Meadowbrook was the place to be, it was obviously the closest). Childhood memories.
4. Northbrook Court was a huge wonderland to you as a child.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who agrees, but the original food court needs to make a comeback, stat. I was one of the many children who would look forward to a McDonald's happy meal or a Johnny Rocket's kids meal on a rainy day. A stop at that candy shop and Claire's on the way out was the icing on the cake. Seriously, what happened NBK CT? Bring my childhood back. Please and thank you.
5. Birthday parties at the Georgia Nut factory were a common occurrence.
Although this wonderful, magical, sugar-filled land wasn't a part of Northbrook, having your birthday party here was definitely in. I had my 8th birthday party here, and I had to say, it was my favorite one. With the chocolate smiley-face lollipops, chocolate pizza, and unlimited candy, we all had a wild time.
6. 4th of July was the best experience you've had.
Northbrook's 4th of July festivities were by far the best. The pancake breakfast, parade, and fireworks amazed your little child-self. Let me guess, you brought a plastic bag from Sunset Foods to the parade to score all the free candy your little kid heart could even desire? Yeah, me too. And you had to be a special type of person to be able to handle sitting in the Veledrome during the fireworks.
7. Northbrook Days was like Disney World.
Cotton candy, ice cream, funnel cakes, prizes, AND rollercoasters? Score! In your little child brain, nothing could outdo Northbrook Days, and it was the 3-day event that you looked forward to every year. But now, as you are approaching early adulthood, nothing could seem even lamer. I'll be back when I'm 21 for the beer, y'all.