"Lovely Place to Visit; Lovely Place to Live" Lake Bluff by deecat

Lake Bluff Travel Guide: 17 reviews and 56 photos

Gazebo in Park in Downtown Lake Bluff - Lake Bluff

Our Personal History with Lake Bluff, Illinois

Allan and I learned about Lake Bluff, Illinois when he interviewed for a job in 1963. He got the job as an eighth grade math teacher at Lake Bluff Junior High School, and he taught there for two years before we went back to earn our Master's Degrees.

Then, in 1973, after 8 years in the western suburbs of Chicago, we moved to Lake Bluff because Allan had the opportunity to teach at the Junior High School once again.

We remained in Lake Bluff for about seven or eight years before building a house on the golf course in Antioch. Allan continued to teach at Lake Bluff Junior High School until 1993 when he retired from teaching.

During that time, we lived in four different homes.

Unique Really Does Describe Lake Bluff

Our First Home [1/2 of it] in Lake Bluff

All you have to do is drive into Lake Bluff, and you immediately realize that this is a different kind of community, a community with "character".

Lake Bluff is located about 35 miles north of Chicago and is bordered by Lake Forest to the south, Green Oaks to the West, Lake Michigan to the east, and Great Lakes Naval Training Center to the north.

It's a small community with a population of just over 6,000 residents. Lake Bluff has the historic east side and the newer west side. It has a public Golf Course, a Public Library and Museum, a public Swimming Pool, and a rather new walking/biking path. However, it's greatest natural asset is the bluff, the ravines, and the proximity to Lake Michigan.

But what I remember most about Lake Bluff is the large trees, the beautiful and varied architecturally vibrant homes, and the quaint downtown area.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Small town with "hometown values" located on a bluff over Lake Michigan
In a nutshell:A small town with beautiful architecture and a lovely natural environment

Last visit to Lake Bluff: Sep 2007
Intro Written Sep 19, 2007
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Reviews (16)

Bradley & Metcalf Boot & Shoe Company Trunk - Lake Bluff

Tidbits about Lake Bluff Local Customs (1)

Lake Bluff is not just a sleepy little "hamlet". It has an interesting history and unique qualities. I learned in the... more travel advice

Bluffington's Cafe Outdoor Area - Lake Bluff

All Homemade at Restaurants (3)

I saw the lovely umbrellas outside a nice working building on Scranton Avenue, so I went in to investigate. This was a... more travel advice

Much Needed in Lake Bluff Restaurants (3)

Finally, Lake Bluff has a full-service restaurant right in the middle of history downtown! When we lived in Lake Bluff,... more travel advice

An Old Tradition Shopping (3)

Note: The Grinder which is a meat and seafood market is in the back at the side of the "Village Market", and my friend... more travel advice

Things to Do (5)
See All Sunrise Park and Beach
Transportation (2)
See All Blue Star Memorial Highway

Favorites (2)
See All Our History in Lake Bluff
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Comments (26)

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jillzi Aug 5, 2010 at 11:40 AM

Very unique North Shore Community. It seems to be a combination of small town America and sophisticated suburb. Beautiful write-up with a personal touch.
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Yaqui Feb 11, 2010 at 9:22 PM

I think the Lake Bluff Gazebo and War Memorials are fantastic! Thanks for sharing about your family and what a precious family you have. Hugs!!
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balhannah Jan 12, 2010 at 11:38 PM

Like the sound of Antiques on the Green and the annual Art's festival, but paying to use the Beach, that would be really hard to do!
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misterrabbit Nov 27, 2009 at 11:16 AM

an absolute delight. That beach and bluff are incredible. It's just a quaint place to visit and to live as your title implies.
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griffithmorganjr Mar 10, 2009 at 1:44 PM

My twin brother and I lived at the orphanage from age 3 (1937) to age 8 (1942). It was awful to look for it some years ago and find no trace of it.
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HORSCHECK Oct 3, 2008 at 2:05 PM

Dee, Lake Bluff seems to be well worth a visit. Especially, the Sunrise Park Beach looks lovely. Fabulous page with brilliant photos.
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rozehill Aug 31, 2008 at 2:57 PM

HI Dee, what a gorgeous little community Lake Bluff is, no wonder you loved living there...and having so many wonderful residences wow!!
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ATXtraveler May 1, 2008 at 3:03 PM

True Americana! Town Gazebos and Blue Star Highways. Wonderful description of your first married hometown.
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sourbugger Apr 28, 2008 at 4:53 AM

'foldover' ? only in america. looks a lovely place despite all that.
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cnango Apr 15, 2008 at 5:49 PM

Hi Dee,The small town with "hometown values" sounds WONDERFUL, I have never been to this beautiful region of America but by your pics and descriptive tips I think I would really like it. Thank you for a lovely virtual tour of Lake Bluff. Nancy : )