Hubbard Woods in Winnetka is close to everything you need, including schools, shopping, the Metra line, Edens Expressway, forest preserves, Lake Michigan beaches, and did I mention great houses for sale. Hubbard Woods was named for Gilbert Hubbard who arrived in Winnetka in 1872 after the Chicago fire.
The charming area of Hubbard Woods is in the northern end of Winnetka with Tower Road along the north border, Green Bay Road on the east, Forestway Drive along the west and roughly Pine Street on the south side.
Winnetka has three shopping areas: East Elm, West Elm and Hubbard Woods. The shopping strip runs north from Tower Road to Scott Ave. Local moms appreciate The Gap, which is anchored in the center of the block; other clothing shops include E Street Denim, Simon's Boutique, Jolie Femme, Randoons Children's Store and Mattie M.
There is no shortage of design and gift stores in Hubbard Woods, including Material Possessions, Edible Arrangements, Pierre Deux, Ann Sacks Tile, Seagrass and many smaller art print shops, antique stores, and boutiques. Locally, everyone knows that during Winnetka's Sidewalk Sale (held in mid-July) the best "stuff" is found along Green Bay Road in Hubbard Woods, Winnetka.
There are also several restaurants in Hubbard Woods from high end to bagels. There's Panera Bread at the corner of Gage and Green Bay, O'Neils, Frank & Betsie's, and Kyoto Sushi. I can't write this post without mentioning that we have our own McDonalds, sans golden arches. 
A few more things you might not know about Hubbard Woods: they have their own Metra Rail station, two car repair shops, a large park that becomes a skating rink in the winter, a separate post office from the main downtown Winnetka office, a paint store, shoe repair, several barbers, many hair salons and spas, many more manicure shops, a thrift store, framing shop, and a UPS store.
In a previous post I discussed Winnetka's Screetscape Plan which is a comprehensive unified streetscape vision for Winnetka's three commercial districts. The plan for beautifying the shopping districts called for many different types of enhancements such as street lighting, landscaping, sidewalk paving, and sidewalk furniture. The first installment and "test" area which solicits comments from residents was done where Green Bay Road meets Tower Road just north of the McDonald's parking lot . . . in Hubbard Woods!
All this plus being just several blocks from Lake Michigan and Tower Road Beach!
My next post will discuss the schools, parks, and recreation of the Hubbard Woods area of Winnetka. On Saturday, I'll discuss housing and include a list of open houses for Sunday, July 26.
If you or anyone you know is moving, call me!
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