10 Things We Love About Barrington

Located less than 40 miles northwest of Chicago, Barrington has all the makings of a great suburb. With a quaint hometown feel, a full event calendar, and a rich history, the village exudes charm amid its tree-lined streets and picturesque downtown. Here are 10 reasons we have fallen in love with Barrington:

Local Grub

Between farm-fresh eateries and restaurants with dog friendly patios, Barrington has a wealth of locally owned staples and hotspots. Whether you’re on the hunt for a delicious coffee or an artisanal brick oven pizza, there’s always a spot to grab a casual bite or celebrate a special occasion.

Community Treasures

From charming boutiques to unique gift stores to flower shops, Downtown Barrington boasts its share of locally owned establishments. Ice House Mall & Village Shops brings even more boutique shopping to Barrington. Housed in a historic building that once was home to Bowman’s Dairy and the Jefferson Ice Company, the mall is now a destination for shoppers, diners, and anyone looking for a day of pampering. Meanwhile, Barrington’s outdoor mall, The Foundry, gives residents access to an array of retail shops, salons, bakeries, restaurants, and more.

Places to Play

The Barrington Park District offers countless recreational opportunities and activities across its five parks. Citizens Park is a crowd favorite with 45 acres of open space as well as paths, tennis and basketball courts, cross-country ski trails, and the famed Pepper Family Treehouse. The Jewel Tea Pavilion and outdoor amphitheater also host outdoor events throughout the year.

Langendorf Park features the village’s fitness and recreation center, which has programming for all ages along with fitness and dance classes and personal training. The park itself has everything you need for a day of fun in the sun, including a five-hole golf learning center, an outdoor pool, picnic shelters, and playgrounds. Residents also enjoy sports fields, a challenge course, and community gardens at Ron Beese Park.

A Golfer’s Retreat

Speaking of golf, Barrington is home to a number of private and public golf courses that allow players to take in the village’s incredible natural surroundings. Established in 1962, Makray Memorial Golf Club is the community’s premier public golf course. The 18-hole championship course has since been revamped and features strategic bunkers, bent grass tees, fairways and greens, and spectacular views. The course also has two practice putting greens and a short game area, as well as a clubhouse complete with a fully-equipped golf shop, banquet facilities, and the Oak Terrace Grille.

Photo by Makray Memorial Golf Club

Barrington’s White House

Known as the heart of the town, Barrington’s White House is a historical mansion on Main Street that serves as an elegant and revered event space. Built in 1898 and restored throughout the years, the mansion welcomes community members for concerts, performances, lectures, and art exhibits, while businesses and corporations gather here for meetings and exhibitions. The home is also a popular spot for weddings and special celebrations, and is a central part of the community.

Photo by Barrington’s White House

An Array of Homes

Barrington is noted for its late 19^th century architectural styles, including Victorian and Queen Anne-style homes. The village’s equestrian heritage lends itself to the many horse farms and sprawling mansions on large lots with views of the water. New construction is also available in Barrington as well as historic homes that have been rehabbed and restored to their former glory.

Architectural History

Incorporated as a village in 1865, Barrington has one of the largest frame-home districts in Illinois. Barrington’s Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places, with three major buildings making the list, one of which is an iconic eight-sided home.

Several restored Victorian, Gothic, and Queen Anne homes lining Main Street serve as businesses today. Plaques throughout the village mark the history of the community’s homes and businesses.

Historic Theater

Established in 1927, the historic Catlow Arts Center is situated on Main Street and offers classic movie entertainment and special events. The building is one of three with a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. There are plans to turn The Catlow into a live performing arts center and art gallery to provide even more entertainment to Barrington residents.

Special Events

Community events take place throughout the year, ranging from art and film festivals to farmers markets and wine walks. At Memorial Park, the village hosts an annual Scarecrow Festival, which includes pumpkin decorating and scarecrow building, as well as a live DJ and games. Spring and Fall Wine Walks give residents the opportunity to try wine from local suppliers while exploring Barrington’s shops and restaurants.

Free and open to the public, the Barrington Art Festival showcases the work of over 100 artists from around the country in varying mediums. The spring festival features works of ceramic, glass, painting, sculpture, and more. Meanwhile, the Barrington Farmers Market hits the corner of Park Avenue and Cook Street every Thursday from June to October, bringing local produce, goods, and art to the community.

Additional events and festivals include the Barrington Independent Short Film Festival, Kite Fly & Kids Fest, Cruise Nights, and a Fourth of July Parade.

Easy Transportation

The Barrington Metra station provides convenient access to downtown Chicago on the Union Pacific Northwest Line. Commuters can also take I-90 into the city.