Talking about “The best of the North Shore” is actually very difficult. Almost everything about life on the North Shore is “the best.” We have some of the best real estate, schools, shopping, parks and recreation in the country. That’s some of the reasons we consider ourselves fortunate to live here!
All this excellence fosters the development of unique businesses and services. They are either one of the best in the country—or the only one of their type in the country. These are “the best of the North Shore” that we celebrate in this article.
Our audience— you—has recommended these businesses as Local Treasures. And you are right! The following unique businesses are Local Treasures indeed. If you know of others, please post them on MakeItBetter.net, too.
McLaughlin Glazeware
1750 Harding Rd., Northfield
847-446-6861
This is the only company in the United States that hand paints enamel gifts. They also paint on porcelain and create other custom china pieces, including gifts for The Lyric Opera of Chicago, City of Chicago, and the White House Historical Association. For over twelve years McLaughlin Glazeware has created items for The White House.The owners, who are also North Shore residents, welcome visitors to their studio, who enjoy and learn from watching the delicate and detailed painting process.
Botti Stained Glass Studio
919 Grove St., Evanston
847-869-5933
Chris Botti’s passion for and artistry with stained and leaded glass is unsurpassed in the country … and probably in the world. He is frequently commissioned to lovingly restore Tiffany glass pieces and famous stained glass windows around the world—including works in the Vatican. Botti also creates original works of art and many of the finest North Shore homes feature Botti windows. The Botti studio is also open to the public and includes a gallery for exhibitions of paintings and other fine arts.
Midnight Sun, Ltd., Swedish Antiques & Design
110 W. Lake St., Libertyville
847-362-5240
Did you know that you have a very exclusive direct importer of Swedish antiques practically in your own backyard? The owner, Annika Christensen, travels to her home country Sweden twice a year to fill up containers full of Gustavian furniture, Mora clocks, mirrors, lighting, accessories and a mélange of art pottery, glass and porcelain by noted Swedish designers, as well as beautiful hand-printed linen fabrics. A truly unique and one-of-a-kind place!
Notice: Accessories For Living
2057 Green Bay Rd., Highland Park 847-432-1212
I’ve stumbled upon this store when I was at The Custom Framer. The items they carry I’ve never seen anywhere else. I find myself buying all my gifts there and stopping back all the time because each time I come back they have something new and very cool. I think the best way to describe the place is that it’s very cool. The space the store is in gives it a really urban feel and they’re set back location makes it almost a hidden treasure. The girls working there are super nice and really knowledgeable about the product. Almost everything in there has a story behind it, and somehow they have them all memorized. A lot of the product they carry gives back to women’s groups and is fair trade. They carry things you can feel good about buying, and I like that.
Linda Campisano
4 E. Ohio St., Suite 16, Chicago
312-896-3395
Hats made by Evanstonian Linda Campisano have capped the heads of celebrities, world leaders, elegant brides and the owners of Kentucky Derby winners. Originally her shop was in Evanston—so we are still proud to claim it as a North Shore business. Campisano also creates made-to-measure bridal gowns, veils and other bridal accessories. She believes that she is “in the business of pretty. It is important to feel beautiful for every special occasion, if not every day!”
The fellow Evanstonian who recommended Campisano described her as an “amazing—and a great—person.”
Leonore Lee and Barefoot Books
847-863-6512
leolee@mybarefootbooks.com
Barefoot Books is a small, women-owned, independent publisher that creates award-winning children’s books. It is committed to enhancing multicultural understanding, supporting global conservations and promoting the benefits of childhood literacy. Wilmette resident, Leonore Lee, consults for Barefoot while raising three young children and conducting fundraiser events.
