Patch is your guide as you become a tourist in Chicagoland. Whether you're new to town or want to explore the city you've loved for years, check out the Patch Passport series. 

One of Chicago's most beloved green spaces flourishes at the Chicago Botanic Garden, a 385-acre plot of land in Glencoe. The northern suburb is nestled into the North Shore next to Winnetka and Glencoe. If you're looking for a break from the city, the North Shore's garden is just the launch pad for a variety of tastes, sights and sounds.

You can drive your car, hop off I-94 or Sheridan Road (there's ample space in the parking lot), or consider biking on one of the many trails (check out the attached bike map). The Chicago Botanic Garden's website will also lead you to train and trolley options.

Check out these other Winnetka, Glencoe and Northfield attractions, too. 

Writers' Theatre

The Glencoe-based theater recently hired Studio Gang Architects to design a new space for the arts institution. Since 1992, Writers' Theatre has delighted audiences with new plays.

The Book Stall at Chestnut Court

The literary institution in Winnetka is one of the town's most cherished local spots. The Book Stall is well-known for its variety of books and its extensive list of bookings with authors.

Where to Eat

• Scones, tarts, sandwiches: Three Tarts Bakery, 301 South Happ Rd., Northfield. With the tagline "Simply a Butter Bakery," you know you cannot go wrong here.
• The Winnetka Salad: Little Ricky's, 540 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. A casual dining spot offers outdoor dining and a good place to suss out the buzz in town.
• Coffee: Glencoe Roast Coffee, 700 N. Vernon Ave., Glencoe. The hip coffeehouse offers Intelligentsia coffee. For a look at their whimsical latte designs, check out its Tumblr site.
• Burgers: Everest Burger and Bakery, 91-93 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe. The all-organic restaurant offers new twists on the traditional burger, at a great price.
• French-American Classic: Jerry's, 505-507 Chestnut St., Winnetka. The institution in town for delicious soups, salads, and entrees at lunch or dinner.

What To Buy: 

No adventure is complete without a token of remembrance. Why not make it a new piece of fashion?

• Gray Boutique: Located a hop away from Jerry's, consider a glance inside the clothing boutique after lunch, at 821 Chestnut Ct.
• Foodstuffs: The Glencoe branch of the artisan food store offers all kinds of treats to enjoy now and later. At 338 Park Ave., it's a convenient place to pick up a hostess gift or party napkins for another time. Plus, they make homemade ice cream sandwiches.
• Bliss Spa: The all-in-one pampering hot spot opened in the summer of 2011, at 818 Elm Street. 
• Children's Gift Shop: The name says it all at the shop at 310 Happ Rd., and certainly will bring joy to any yahoos you brought along for your adventure.

Upcoming Events:

• Jennifer Close: The North Shore native talks about her book "Girls in White Dresses" at The Book Stall on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.
• Young Family Shabbat Around the Campfire: Celebrate Aitz Hayim Shabbat in the woods at The Little House of Glencoe, 690 Birch Rd., on Aug. 26 from 5:30p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Shabbat singing and storytelling around the campfire, plus s'mores!
• The Real Thing: The newest performance to come to Writers' Theatre opens on Sept. 13.