Far North Suburban Cook Northbrook, IL

Until the early 1900s, the northern portion of Cook County was composed of small farming communities. After World War II the population increased rapidly and small towns became sprawling suburbs. While each town tells its own story, they all share the same humble beginnings.

At the Arlington Heights Historical Museum visitors may explore several historic buildings, each restored to its original condition. Tour a soda factory from 1906 and view the antique machinery that created your favorite drinks in earlier times. Take a peek inside a Victorian home and appreciate the intricate details of clothing and furnishings. See the place horses called home, and imagine life inside an authentic log cabin.

The far north suburbs offer more dining options than anywhere else in Illinois outside of Chicago proper. Whether you circle the world or choose home-cooked American fare, you will -- in the words of Scarlett O'Hara -- never go hungry again.

House 406 takes simple ingredients fresh from local farms and treats them gently, respecting their natural flavors. If you're in the mood for steak, choose the ribeye -- in addition to being perfectly marbled, the bone is retained to increase the beef flavor. The modern but elegant decor and quiet atmosphere make this the perfect place for intimate celebrations.

When busy schedules prohibit a vacation in Tuscany, experience the cuisine at Francesco's Hole in the Wall. Located inside a small converted house, it's difficult to notice from the road. Nearly the entire menu changes daily, but the Osso Buco is a constant fixture and must be experienced. Veal shanks braise for hours until tender, but the real treasure lies inside the bones. Spoon the marrow out of the bones and mix it into the bed of risotto for unforgettable richness and flavor. Francesco's does not accept reservations so come prepared to wait, especially on the weekends.

Pizza dominates the culinary landscape in Chicago, but suburban pies often leave diners disappointed. Barnaby's of Northbrook rises above the competition with a hand-tossed cornmeal crust that convinces diners they're still in the city. Sausage and onion are traditional, but you can also go for the salty and bitter combination of bacon and spinach. Add a few red pepper flakes for heat, and you may have found yourself a new favorite pizza.

When it comes to nightlife, this area caters to all ages and personalities. Watch the game on the big screen, bring your hottest moves to the dance floor or seek quiet corners for conversation. But if you have two left feet, sports bore you, and you're the silent type, you belong at Pinstripes. A swanky venue for bowling and bocce ball, it grants a reprieve from the typical bar and club scene. Friday and Saturday nights herald the arrival of jazz and blues musicians from around the country, while Sundays provide fun for the entire family.

In the far north suburbs there is no escape from the tyranny of the car. Whether you're shopping, picking up the kids or going to work, driving is your only option. City planners accounted for this and ensured that residents would find an abundance of free parking.

Many suburbs have local bus lines but unlike city buses, their stops are few and far between and do not travel between towns. These buses go unused by most locals and are typically the sole province of senior citizens.

Most suburbs in this area encourage biking as recreation with miles of paved trails, but biking between suburbs is generally impossible. Traffic, lack of appropriate road space for bicycles and distance prohibit riding from town to town. Downtown areas are bike-friendly but not always accessible from residential areas.

All of the larger towns in this area provide access to the Metra train stations. These trains travel between suburbs and into downtown Chicago. A trip downtown from this area will cost between $7 and $8.

Taxis are a popular means of getting to the airport, but are not used as daily transportation. However, Uber car services are readily available for those times when you are unable to drive.

Chicago O'Hare International airport is preferred by most residents, as it is less than an hour's drive from most suburbs in this area.

In the northernmost region of Cook County, parks play an important role in resident's lives. Much more than patches of grass and a picnic table, parks provide activities and sports for people of all ages. These activities come with fees of course; maintaining immaculate public spaces doesn't come cheap.

Walk the winding path that leads you through Village Green Park and don't forget to stop at the waterfall. Children can enjoy a variety of well-maintained playground equipment or play with friends on the baseball field. This park affords views of Fourth of July fireworks, but arrive early if you want a place to sit. Your dog is welcome to join you in the park, but only while leashed.

No park in the area offers as many facilities as Techny Prairie Park and Fields. One part park and one part nature preserve, Techny provides 108 acres for outdoor adventure and recreation. Hike miles of trails surrounded by wildflower fields and wetlands, and watch as nesting herons hunt for food in the shallow water. When winter comes, it's time for sledding on the colossal man-made hill. The hill is lighted for fun that lasts well into the night. Warm up with hot cocoa in the parkhouse before venturing back out into the cold.

Renters find that one-bedroom apartments rent for at least $1000 a month. Apartments in this area typically maintain pools, fitness centers and other luxury amenities, so renters are not simply paying for location. Additionally, gas prices are 21 percent higher than the national average, making the general cost of living quite high. The only deals you'll find in this area are at the local pubs, which charge about $6 a pint.

When aliens land in this area they will forced to conclude the human residents did nothing but shop. Highbrow shopping malls sprout from seemingly any unused patch of pavement while bargain hunters flock to the discount outlet malls.

Even grocery shoppers find themselves overwhelmed with choices. In addition to Jewel, Trader Joes, Whole Foods and Mariano's, hundreds of specialty food markets are here to indulge every craving. Fresh fruits and vegetables are easy to find, as each suburb sponsors a weekly farmer's market during the summer and fall.

Though the area is inundated with malls, the entrepreneurial spirit survives. Find that perfect pair of jeans -- the one that makes you look great from every angle -- at E Street Denim. With an inventory of over 12,000 pairs of jeans, no one leaves empty-handed. Let the professional denim experts choose the shape and style that best fits you; on-site alterations ensure that no pair is ever too long or too short.

When an occasion calls for an attention-getting ensemble, Ami Ami delivers. Receive personal style advice from one of Chicago's fashion icons, and on chilly winter afternoons indulge in the cozy warmth of Ami's vast cashmere collection. Whether formal or casual, every item you find here is a piece of unique luxury.