Lakewood Crossing - Naperville, IL Area Guide

While Lakewood Crossing is a very modern development, the town of Hampshire has a long history. It was first settled by farming families in 1835 and remained primarily a farming community for at least a century. To catch a glimpse of life on one of these original homesteads, visit the Durant House Museum. This farmhouse dates back to 1843 and has been completely restored as a living history museum. Twice a week in the summer and fall, take a guided tour and watch as actors portray the realities of farm life.

Architecture enthusiasts do not need to drive to Chicago to visit one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces. In 1907, Wright was commissioned to design the Fabyan Villa, a lavish country estate. At this museum, visitors can tour the house and grounds throughout most of the year. If you love intrigue, sign up for the special mystery tour. Every time you visit, you notice something new in the strange mix of exhibits, from Japanese artifacts and military memorabilia to antique scientific equipment and specimens.

In and around Lakewood Crossing, you can find mainstream and privately owned restaurants situated nearly everywhere. If you ask the locals where to dine, you will more than likely get a different opinion with each person you ask. For example, Kick's Chicken Cafe on W. 75th Street happens to be one of the many favorites. On the menu, you will find mouth-watering club sandwiches, sweet potato fries, a variety of chicken salads, and many other savory eats. Reasonable prices and large portions keep the locals coming in, especially around lunch time.

When you want your breakfast a little more upscale, but not fussy, head to Burnt Toast Restaurant. Start with a freshly squeezed strawberry-orange juice while you look over the extensive menu. Bring your biggest appetite for the stuffed French toast, with its rich cream cheese and berry filling.

Make your dinner reservations at Montarra Grill--with its indoor waterfall, exposed brick walls and imposing artwork, the atmosphere relaxes and engages the senses. Begin your meal with the contrast between crisp, salty pork and sweet, warm fruit in the bacon wrapped dates. If you enjoy small plates, you cannot go wrong with the risotto, which changes daily in response to the fresh ingredients that arrive each morning.

As it is very family oriented, this area possesses a lackluster nightlife. Enjoy movie theaters and corner dives, but for anything more interesting, you need to do some driving. If you have ever dreamed of golfing inside a bar; however, this neighborhood has the place for you. Within the 13,000 square foot building, delight in golf simulators and indoor putting greens. Play alone, or compete with your friends while enjoying the full-service bar. If getting into the swing of things isn't your "thing," play pool at one of several billiards tables.

While no longer a farm town, Lakewood Crossing is still rural enough to make cars a necessity. Driving does not feel like a chore because of the area's minimal traffic and easily accessible highways and toll roads. Purchasing an IPASS saves you time and money on the toll roads. There are no bike lanes in this area, and biking is generally recreational rather than for transportation.

Uber cars are not available, but several taxi companies serve the area, although patrons usually only call taxis for trips to and from the airport in advance. No bus service or Metra train station is available. The closest Metra station resides in the nearby city of Elgin, and two train lines travel to Chicago daily. Catch a flight out of Chicago O'Hare International Airport after a quick trip on Interstate 90; several smaller airports, including Rockford International Airport, are also reasonably close.

Both well-appointed parks and untouched forests exist right at your doorstep. Ralph Seyller Memorial Park and Bruce Ream Memorial Park are just minutes away. They each provide a large covered pavilion for parties or family reunions. Spend the afternoon grilling burgers, and then play baseball in one of several fields. Or, if that is a little too strenuous, pick up a set of horseshoes at the park office.

Outdoor enthusiasts seem pleasantly surprised by the number and variety of facilities maintained by the forest preserve district. Campsites located throughout the area range from primitive to high-tech. Check out equestrian trails and places for dogs to explore unleashed. Families can participate in the Take a Hike program, which focuses on encouraging children and parents to explore the natural world together. For the most adventurous, a visit to the forest preserve's Raging Buffalo Snowboard and Ski park is a must.

Because apartments in Lakewood Crossing are a rare commodity, rent hovers unusually high, and rent for a two-bedroom apartment may be as much as $1,500 a month. This area is definitely a buyer's market. With the cost of living almost 6 percent higher than the state average, any money saved on housing gets spent elsewhere.

Like many suburban areas, almost infinite options for shopping exist. Lakewood Crossing residents can stop at Jewel for groceries without ever leaving the neighborhood. Enjoy a short drive to Algonquin Commons from home where you'll find Trader Joe's and all of the most popular chains, from discount apparel to high-end offerings.

The suburbs may be seen as the death of boutique shopping, but not in Lakewood Crossing as long as you do not mind a little driving for unique shopping experiences. When your outfit needs a special finishing touch, stop by the Chandelier Boutique. Specializing in uncommon jewelry items, this is the place to go when you need to dazzle an audience or a date.

When you want your shopping to support a good cause, visit the Meleah Noelle Boutique and Salon, where every item of clothing is fair-trade and American-made. Visit the salon for a new haircut, and leave with a completely new look from head-to-toe.