North Shore Views

Wilmette Bicycle and Sport Shop

How is it that an old school retailer like the Wilmette Bicycle and Sports Shop can survive and even thrive in today’s big box world? That was the subject of a Today Show segment this week. Mike Leonard visited with his camera crew and interviewed proprietors Jim, Al and Larry , sons of Jim and John Versino, who founded the shop 80 years ago.

It may be a cramped and crowded throwback to an earlier day, but that doesn’t bother loyal patrons, who come to buy or repair bikes, sharpen their skates and order team uniforms for the local sports teams their children play for. They love the familiarity, personalized service, information and advice that’s freely given by the shop owners and their employees.

You can watch the TV segment here:

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Tags: shopping in Wilmette, Wilmette Bicycle and Sport Shop

Plaza del Lago

Plaza del Lago, the shopping center on Sheridan Road just north of Chestnut Avenue, has an interesting history. It was built in 1926 as part of the development of an area once known as No Man’s Land. Until No Man’s Land was annexed by Wilmette in 1942 it was unincorporated and unpoliced.

The development of the area included the Miralago Ballroom, the Teatro del Lago theater and a Spanish style shopping center called Spanish Court. Plans had also included two clubs on the east side of Sheridan Road, but they were never finished due to the Depression.

The ballroom and shops were destroyed by a fire in 1932. The theater was torn down in 1967 to expand the shopping center, which was renamed Plaza del Lago. The bell-tower is the the key architectural feature that remains from the original Spanish Court.

Today Plaza del Lago is still a vibrant shopping area, with a Crate and Barrel store, a Starbucks, a Jewel grocery store, and a Blockbuster, as well as restaurants, boutiques and services. it’s within walking distance of anywhere in the Cage and downtown Wilmette.

Restaurants
Convito Cafe and Market
No Man’s Land Pizza and Grill
Starbucks

Boutiques
Yellow Bird (gifts)
La Colonna (women’s clothing and accessories)
Three Wishes (toys and games)
Vibrato (women’s clothing, shoes and jewelry)
Huntley’s (menswear)
Giggles and Giraffes (children’s clothing)
Hanig’s Footwear (men’s and women’s shoes)
Glazed Expressions (paint your own pottery)
Artisan Shop (crafts and gifts)

In the summer Plaza de Lago has events such as a concert series, an art show, a classic car show and sidewalk sales.

Related articles:

Free Concerts in Plaza del Lago

Tags: Plaza del Lago, shopping in Wilmette