South Cook Street, Barrington, IL

Submitted by Peggy B.

South Cook Street is Barrington’s center of activity for shopping, dining, events and entertainment, making it home to the “Best Summer Ever”. The South Cook Street corridor provides a small town feel with a mix of historic buildings and attractive, integrated new developments. The South Cook Street area offers a snapshot of the history of a village that began in 1865. Take a walking tour of these old buildings and the “history”of Barrington comes to life.

The beauty of tree lined streets, benches, lampposts and hanging baskets provide the added charm that says you have arrived at a special place. For this reason, South Cook Street sets up beautifully as the home of our annual Art Festival, Sidewalk Sale Days, Summer Fun Fridays, weekly Farmers Market, summer Cruise Nights, various parades and fun runs, Scarecrow Festival, holiday carolers, Luminary Night and Santa’s arrival in the Village Center.

South Cook Street has recently come alive with new businesses and restaurants, creating the perfect gathering spot for socializing close-to-home. Barrington residents can enjoy leisurely Al Fresco dining all summer long at the seven restaurants, promoting pedestrian activity and adding to the vibrancy of South Cook Street.

As the ample sun shines on people moving in and out of the restaurants, coffee shops, and novelty stores, perhaps buying a gift or staking claim to a spot for an upcoming activity, they all have one thing in common… enjoying a great space that still reflects the small town charm we call home.

Directions to Barrington:
Train: UPNW from Chicago out to the Barrington stop. Exit on the south side and walk west two blocks to South Cook Street.
Car: From Chicago — Interstate 90 west to Barrington Rd. exit. Drive North on Barrington Rd. to downtown Barrington. Turn right on Main Street (Lake-Cook Road) and head east for one block. Turn right on South Cook Street.