Eric Parker, the wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers, is from Shorewood!
Shorewood is not a city, and it's not a town; it's a village, thank you very much! This village is very proud of its history and its distinction as a village
Eric Parker, the wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers, is from Shorewood!
Shorewood is not a city, and it's not a town; it's a village, thank you very much! This village is very proud of its history and its distinction as a village. It started as a fishing and tourism hot spot and never really felt the need to change. Fishing is still a popular activity, and there are plenty of people visiting from Chicago who come here to get away from the crowds in the city. Life here is fun, there is plenty of adventure, and it's a quick trip to Chicago!
Renting in Shorewood is a fairly painless process. You'll fill out an application and hand over a chunk of money for the first and last months' rent and security deposit. If you have a pet, you'll pony up a pet deposit as well. Your potential new landlord will run a credit report, but that's normal and it's generally a soft check. Outside of apartment complexes, you can probably rent a place for all of the above minus the credit check. The prime time for finding rental vacancies is early June,which is great because this is the best time of year to move weather-wise as well.
In a village, you aren't generally going to find much in the way of specific neighborhoods. Most of what you find here are zoning distinctions. There are three specific designations, and two of them are essentially the same.
Village Center and Frontage: Most of what you're going to find here are medium- to large-sized homes that are detached and owner-occupied. The rental market in this area is historically very tight, so if you find something you like, you need to move fast; bidding wars for rental homes are not uncommon in this area. This is a prime location with access to all local restaurants, bars, entertainment, and shopping. You will be a quick trip from rQ! Barbeque, as well as HomeGoods, a store with everything you could want!
Jefferson: If you're looking for high-rise apartments, look here first. This is also going to be the best place to look for studio apartments for rent. This area has a tight market, but the turnover rate is pretty decent. However, if you find a great place, you need to move fast because someone else probably wants it as well.
Once you're all unpacked and settled into your new home, you'll want to wander around and explore the village. One thing you have probably noticed is that the town is pretty; it's clean and well-kept. You'll also notice that the people are warm, welcoming and very friendly. Part of this is because people are happy to meet someone new in a small village like this. Part of it is because that's how life is in this village. To meet the locals, you have to go where they go!
When you're looking for some of the best barbecue that you'll find anywhere, step into the local hot spot on Brook Forest Avenue known as rQ! Barbecue. This place is famous for its pulled chicken sandwiches. The ribs and chicken are also especially good. You know those burnt ends that everyone loves to nibble on? Well, you can order them here!
If you're out and about and looking for the local breakfast hangout, it's the Crispy Waffle II. The biscuits and gravy are tops, but the standout dish has to be the French Toast kabobs! Be sure to try the passion fruit juice, too.
For fine dining on date night, be sure and visit Truth on W. Jefferson Street in nearby Joliet. There's an extensive wine list and fully stocked bar, along with a chef who prepares gnocchi carbonara to perfection. The steaks are outstanding as well.
Looking for a local watering hole that doubles as a cool nightclub? You want Bedrocks Nightclub Bar on W. Jefferson. There's live entertainment weekly, as well as a huge craft beer selection. This place also has 14 TVs for watching sports, and the Super Bowl parties are the stuff of legend!
Another local spot that's well known for its music and ice-cold beer is Crowd Around Me. This place has the exterior of a 1930s speakeasy with the interior of an '80s club in Miami. It can really get to rocking on the weekends, so it would be a great place to take out-of-town guests who think you live in a sleepy little village!
The big festival each year is the Crossroads Festival, which is held the first weekend in August. This festival has a carnival, music, and plenty of food. Local favorites include the parade and car show. Everyone loves the fireworks at night and the pie-eating contest! There are also vendors and craft stalls set up. This is a huge festival that seems to attract people from miles away.
