Dreaming of a winter escape but limited to a few hours, we thought we’d try Italy, Ireland and maybe a previous century.
We headed to tiny Highwood on the North Shore, a hub for restaurants, bars and bakeries that has cultivated a small district of shops featuring vintage, new and consignment furniture, antiques and other curios.
Morning
Sweet sustenance at Maria’s Bakery (formerly Il Molino Bakery, 530 N. Sheridan Rd., 847-266-0811 ), one of the best Italian bakeries in the Chicago area. Maria’s is the pride of Sicilian-born Maria Sparacino, and the focus is on pastries, cookies and breads. Take a seat at one of the two tables and order cappuccino ($2.50) as you decide between zeppole ($1.95) and a chocolate custard pastry ($2.50). But Sparacino is a restless spirit and also produces an assortment of homemade savory items such as lasagne with ragu ($15.95 per container).
Time to shop: Antique & Art Consignments (440 Sheridan Rd., 847- 681-2111) features vintage and recent furniture, much of it high-quality castoffs from the affluent North Shore. Prices drop the longer goods sit, so there are real bargains, such as an overstuffed, white down-filled sofa ($600). Newlyweds do well here.
Antique and Art Consignments has the same owner and will merge April 1 into Anna’s Mostly Mahogany (531 Bank Lane, 847-681-2111), the warehouse-style emporium around the corner with a fascinating collection of new and vintage furniture. Check out the round, gorgeous mahogany dining table ($7,800). Also eye-catching was the chinoiserie, Chinese motifs on ornate furniture that takes design liberties, such as the Chinese wall mirror featuring a Moorish arch ($1,400).
Things turn more eclectic at the Antique Shop of Highland Park (2699 Waukegan Ave., 847-681-1385), where owners Michael and Josie Cantarelli curate a collection of vintage furniture, fine art and home decor items, including antique books. Thumb through a weighty classic that’s new to you, such as Benson J. Lossing’s “Our Country,” a multivolume, gold-leafed set for $275.
Afternoon
Other shops in Highwood include Freidarica Ltd. (257 Waukegan Ave., 847-433-3595) and Consignments Etc. (259 Waukegan Ave., 847-432-2700).
When you need a break, head to Bridie McKenna’s (254 Green Bay Rd., 847-432-3311) for lunch and a reviving pint of Guinness ($5.50). The Irish pub has an authentic feel, featuring cozy wood trim and plenty of window light. For something different, try the all-day Irish breakfast ($11), featuring lots of Irish bacon and sausage.