Far Northwest Suburban Cook - Schaumburg, IL

The rolling hills and stream-filled areas of the far northwest corner of Cook County started out as homesteads and farmland. Upon completion of the Northwest Tollway in 1956, the area became more accessible and the population began to grow. The 1960's saw the suburbs here really take off, as commuter lines to the Metra train system were added and many opted for the quiet of the suburbs over the bustle of the city.

Owned by the park district, Cutting Hall in Palatine serves as a local resource for theatre and performing arts. Open since 1928, it hosts amateur and professional productions.

Visit the only Native American owned and operated arts institution in Illinois, the Trickster Art Gallery located in Schaumburg. Dedicated to providing an outlet for multi-cultural arts and social justice issues, the gallery also showcases contemporary Native American art. Admission is free but expect to pay for parking.

For a little of everything, check out The Lucky Monk in South Barrington. The pub-like feel and large menu make this a local favorite. Start with the famous beer cheese soup, and then choose from crispy fish tacos, bourbon and stout glazed chicken or white truffle pizza. Host a party here, stop in at the bar for a drink or bring the family; The Lucky Monk has something to please everyone.

If your palate demands something more adventurous, Viet House is Vietnamese owned and operated. The friendly staff is eager to help you navigate offerings crafted in the traditional Vietnamese style of sour, sweet, spicy and bitter. Regulars rave about the Viet House fried chicken wings; crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor. Located in a small strip mall in Hoffman Estates, this authentic restaurant welcomes with simple decor.

Traveling further off the beaten path, be sure to check out Bisi African Restaurant for traditional Nigerian food. The owner and his staff are happy to help diners select entrees ranging from spicy to extremely spicy. Goat, plantains, rice and beans populate the menu, while efro riro, made with sauteed spinach, collard greens, turkey meat, seasonings and diner's choice of plantains, goat, fish or chicken, serves as a Bisi standout.

When you want to belly laugh off those calories, make plans to visit Chicago Improv. Located near Woodfield Mall, the Improv features stand-up acts Thursdays through Sundays. Purchase tickets in advance, with or without a dinner option, or arrive at least 30 minutes early to get in line. A large, comfortable waiting area with a bar is open before the shows.

Prefer to dance off the calories instead? Head over to M T Barrels in Schaumburg, a combination sports bar and live music venue. Live music acts play several nights a week here, or you can belt out your favorite tune at karaoke. A full menu is offered along with nightly specials. This energetic hot spot is ideal for those who can't decide what to do, as it offers live music, pool, darts and all the games on big screen televisions.

Area residents commuting to the city have several options beyond driving themselves in on the Interstate 90 tollway.

The Northwest Transportation Center, located in Schaumburg, serves as a major hub for the Pace bus system. The center serves as a stop for seven scheduled routes in the area. Express buses are specially scheduled for city events, such as Bears and Cubs games.

Taking the train into the city via Metra couldn't be easier with stations and parking located throughout the far Northwest suburbs.

Taxis, while not as plentiful as in the city center, can be found around major shopping destinations or scheduled in advance. A ride with Uber into the city can be scheduled for any location in the far Northwest suburbs.

Public parking is plentiful for area business and generally free of charge for patrons. Bike paths can be found in all villages and the Salt Creek Greenway Trail, which begins in Elk Grove Village, offers over 27 miles of pedestrian and cycling paths.

Spring Creek Forest Preserve, in the very corner of northwest Cook County provides pedestrians and equestrians room to stretch their legs and explore the preserve's 4,000 acres of wilderness on unmarked trails. Leashed dogs are generally welcome, but check the website before visiting as some areas do have pet restrictions.

Held over Labor Day weekend every year, the village of Schaumburg hosts Septemberfest, a family friendly event featuring live music, food vendors, games and a large arts and crafts tent.

The cost of living in this part of Cook County is generally higher than the rest of the Untied States, with housing taking the biggest bite out of a resident's budget. Travel into the city via Metra one-way runs $2.75 a ride, while a weekend pass into the city can be purchased for $7.00. Bus fare comes in at $1.75 a ride with transfers starting at 25 cents. A lift by Uber from South Barrington to Chicago starts at $39 for way one-way trip.

Expect to pay around $1,053 for a one bedroom rental in this area. A cold bottle of beer at the local tavern will run you about $4.50.

Residents can save at the pump in this area as gas prices here are about 1% lower than the rest of the United States.

Jewel-Osco, the dominant force in grocery stores for the Chicago metro area, operates five stores in this section of Cook County. Whole Foods, Aldi, and Mariano's Fresh Market provide residents even more options for weekly shopping. Woodfield Mall provides terrific restaurants, specialty shops, and large department stores such as JCPenney, Sears, Nordstrom, and Macy's. Shops at the mall include Abercrombie and Fitch, Brighton, Coach, Crabtree and Evelyn, Lego, Zara, Steve Madden, and more.

The village of Schaumburg hosts its farmers market on Fridays in the Trickster Gallery parking lot. Palatine hosts a farmers market at the train station every Saturday through the summer, and on every third Saturday in the winter months.