Everybody is an expert at something–and it’s usually what they like to do best.
Many people move to the northwest suburbs to escape the urban bottleneck and spend more time outdoors biking, hiking, fishing or canoeing. But rush-hour congestion on the cul-de-sac sometimes waylays a family outing. On occasion, that back-yard pool can seem claustrophobic.
So even experts have their secret places.
We asked a few of them where is the best place to go–nearby–to get away from it all.
Here’s what they had to say about their special spots.
THE BEST PLACE TO SWIM
The experts: Kevin Miller, 24, of Naperville is aquatics supervisor at the Barrington Park District and has been a swimmer since he was 3.
Top spot: Dolphin Cove Water Park in Carpentersville (above).
Why: “They’ve got a large pool, tall water slides and beach volleyball. Also, there’s an indoor pool for laps and a diving well.”
Best feature: “The water is zero-depth beach entry. That’s the new technology at many swimming facilities. It makes the water available to everyone, especially people with disabilities.”
Also-rans: “I’ve visited more than 100 pools and facilities in the state and, believe me, if it’s sunny and warm, any of the local park district pools in the northwest suburbs are excellent pools to swim. I also like the Seascape Aquatic Park in Hoffman Estates.”
THE BEST PLACE TO DRIVE
The experts: Frank and Linda Rhodes of Park Ridge, both 44, are U.S. sales reps for Filtration Midwest Inc.–and Alfa Romeo enthusiasts with a love for the highway and the wind in their hair. He’s the past president of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Chicago (AROC). Their favorite hobby is cruising behind the wheel of their pristine 1969 electric-blue Alfa Romeo Duetto convertible.
Top spot: “If you have a little time, it’s nice to take a ride along the Fox River near St. Charles or Elgin–Illinois Highways 31 or 25,” Frank said. (At left, the Franks are cruising Illinois 31.)
Why: “Both those lengths of road run parallel to the Fox. You can cruise for 20 miles in beautiful wooded, hilly scenery from McHenry to Blackhawk (Forest Preserve in South Elgin),” he said.
Best feature: “The wind is blowing in our hair and the road is challenging. We’re hearing the sounds of the car, the sounds of the motor. Feeling the grip on the road, the wind in our face, and sucking up that fresh air. My wife likes the daytime, but I like going out on the warm summer evenings,” he said.
Also-rans: “If I’m off for a short drive, I like up on Talcott Road from Peterson or Devon Avenues north (in Chicago and Park Ridge). There the road is all woodsy and you can pretend you’re driving in the forest.”
THE BEST PLACE TO HORSEBACK RIDE
The expert: Joan Schultz, 39, of Elgin is the manager and 20-year employee at Hidden Acres Stables, an equestrian barn in Elgin.
Top spot: “Trail riding on all the trails around the barn. The area south of us is mostly farm country. We make our own trails; we ride on the back roads and through open fields.” (At left, Mindy Ladwid and others explore the trails.)
Why: “I have my own horse, so if I’m going out just for a short ride, the trails around Elgin are very pastoral.”
Best feature: “A bunch of us get together, ride together, talk or just enjoy the beauty of nature. It really is a group thing for us. We all enjoy one another’s company and we all love horses.”
Also-rans: “If I’m going to trailer my horse, I usually go to Kettle Moraine (South area in Wisconsin). It’s only an hour and 20 minutes from here and it has 50 miles of spectacular trails.”
THE BEST PLACE TO CANOE
The expert: Fritz Hanselman, 40, is owner of Offshore Canoe and Kayak Rentals in Vernon Hills. Hanselman’s hobby is his business, which is situated right on the banks of the Des Plaines River. When he closes up the shop, he likes to spend time with his family, often boating.
Top spot: “The Nippersink River up near the boundary of Lake County and McHenry County is an excellent place to canoe. And it takes you into Wonder Lake, a great place to drop a hook in.”
Why: “There’s woods along the river. It’s a beautiful cruise. Much of the shoreline along the river is particularly scenic. It’s an easy and quick way to escape the urbanization.”
Best feature: “You can stop anywhere and have a picnic along the way. Or some people just go out for a paddle in the afternoon. It takes 5 minutes to throw a boat in the river and paddle around.”
Also-rans: “The Des Plaines River is a special favorite too. Also, there are so many lakes (in Wisconsin) that we like to visit. They can make you feel as if you’re in the wilderness.”
THE BEST PLACE TO FISH
The expert: Joanne Serio, 55, of Schaumburg is a massage therapist and president of the Schaumburg-based Women’s Fishing Club.
Top spot: Herman’s Rest Awhile in Fox River Valley Gardens near Lake Barrington.
Why: “You can fish in the channels of Fox River, which are off your main drag. I don’t river fish yet, but the river has channels with homes on it. The boats can go for miles; the channels twist around like a snake.”
Best feature: “They have hamburgers and boat rentals at Herman’s–and it’s not that far.”
Also-rans: “Just about any lake in Schaumburg–they stock the lakes with fish. I like Grey Farm Pond (in Schaumburg). There’s nice fishing, and there are not too many trees. You’re not limited or restricted when you’re throwing in that hook.”
THE BEST PLACE TO BIKE
The expert: Mary Fitzwater, 53, of Arlington Heights resolves baggage claims for the airlines and is president of the Arlington Heights Bicycle Association. The group sponsors the Arlington 500, which had 430 participants this year.
Top spot: Wandering north (from Arlington Heights) into Buffalo Grove and Long Grove. “I live near Windsor Avenue. I can connect with a little path nearby that takes me through a subdivision, between the houses. I come out on Dundee Road. I take that (west) to Weidner Road, and then Weidner all the way to Lake Cook Road. There’s a business complex that I ride through and then I connect with the bike path through the Buffalo Grove Golf Course. That takes me to Checker Road and into Long Grove. There’s a small gravel road and if you follow it, you can cut right through to the covered bridge in Long Grove. It’s a wonderful ride.”
Why: “It’s always interesting. It’s relatively open and you can just ride right up into Long Grove and Fox River Grove. We just ramble through the neighborhoods and crisscross until we find our way up there.”
Best feature: “The hills. You feel like a kid when you ride, especially down hills. And freedom–you can get away from it all. It’s my stress reliever. I get on my bike when I come home from work and ride. I have a stressful job, most of us do. But on the bike, there’s no telephone or fax. I can smell the flowers and trees and see the children playing.”
Also-rans: Arlington Heights, meandering through the neighborhoods.
THE BEST PLACE TO RUN
The expert: Gail Marinaro, 37, of Buffalo Grove is past president of the Arlington Trotters Running Club. Marinaro manages real estate for the Quaker Oats company. She has been running for more than 10 years and has competed in more than 40 marathons.
Top spot: Barrington Hills, through the neighborhoods.
Why: “The scenery and the hills; the hills are challenging. Once you get into Barrington Hills, there are side streets to run and there are very few homes. It’s quite secluded, (and) 90 percent of the time you can’t even see the homes.”
Best feature: “No traffic. It just gets you away from everything. It’s close but far away.”
Also-rans: “The Kettle Moraine (South area) in Wisconsin. There are literally thousands of miles of dirt trails–that’s comfortable for the feet. “
