The Haunts

Well hello Libertyville! 

Figured it was about time to throw my hat in the ring and introduce myself. Chances are you may run into me some time, and I think that's ok. That's what I like about a small town. 

So you might be asking, how'd I get here and what am I going to do? I'd ask the same thing. I'm Marielle, and I am a two-time Libertyville resident. Lived here a few years back, really grew to love it while I was here, and got an opportunity to fulfill a life-long dream of living in the mountains of New Mexico. It was fantastic, and something I hope to return to some day, but I came back home to IL, and am happy to say relocated back to Libertyville.

I love being within walking distance to the train station and such an interesting downtown area. I'm hoping to jump right into Libertyville Patch with pictures and stories of life here. It's spring and the whole town is in bloom! Great time to get out and explore, even if the weather has decided to skip spring for summer. Such is life in Illinois.

I thought I might start out here with a list of my favorite things in downtown Libertyville. 

The North Shore Bike Trail: This one may not be fully in Libertyville, but it's a great place to get out with friends/family/pets and spend a day in the sun.  I love riding my bike all the way out to Lake Michigan on the weekends. 

The Libertyville Theater: It's great to be in walking distance of the movies in the first place, and aside from the great deal for tickets, it still has the feel of an old theater. I've always enjoyed catching a Sunday matinee here.

Mickey Finn's: It's great for grabbing a bite and a drink or two, and in the summer sitting out on the patio is great.  The Amber Room gets some really great bands, too. 

Lovin' Oven: I was originally familiar with this bakery because I went to school with the owners' kids in Lake Villa when I was younger. Just today when I was downtown the smell of sugar was in the air. It's a great family owned business that has a long tradition, and it doesn't hurt that the display case will make even those with the strongest resolve crumble. Delicious and beautiful stuff. 

Firkin: Firkin, so many reasons I love this place. My brain barely lets me get past the first one though. French. Onion. Soup.  If you haven't yet had the pleasure, please, it's a short walk. Go try it.  I also recently discovered their mac and cheese. It's completely different than anything you've had before, and it's also completely fantastic.   It's usually packed, but it's well worth enduring the crowd.

Feel free to agree/disagree or suggest new places or things to try. I'm always looking for new things to do, and I'm looking forward to the nicer weather and the festivals and farmer's markets it brings with it.  

I'll be the one wandering around town taking pictures, or in June, one of the ones in the Rose Garden playing with the band. 

Thanks for reading!  I look forward to being a blogger on Patch. 

If you'd ever like to check out any of my other haunts online, you can find me at http://tarantella23.blogspot.com/