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Ah, Evanston. You’re so close, yet so far. Each time we think of visiting your picturesque, sandy beaches we’re reminded of the very distance that divides us. And that pesky $8 entrance fee. But before summer ends, we’re making the trek, and by hell or high water, we’ll dig our toes into your north suburban shores.
Our Evanston to-do list includes a stop at Lee Street Beach, a secluded, quiet option among Evanston’s handful of sandy respites. Not only does it offer a peek at the Chicago skyline (oh, glorious sight!), it’s also the longtime favorite of senior lifeguard Ben Terry, who lives just two blocks away.
LIFEGUARD VITALS
Ben Terry, 20
City: Evanston
Title: Co-manager of Lee Street Beach
Lifeguard chops: Five years, including one at Greenwood Street Beach and three in daily rotation at all five Evanston beaches.
What’s the best thing about Lee Street Beach?
I like the scenery the most. It’s kind of closed in. You have a break along one side and you have the trees and the rocks on the other. I also like the crowd. … I get a lot of friends through here ... families, teachers, even kids I went to school with.
What’s the sand like?
The sand is great. … No rocks. Completely smooth, fine sand.
Do you go to the beach when you’re not working?
Yeah, absolutely. [Laughs] Almost every day. It’s kind of sad.
When you’re off the clock, do you give your fellow lifeguards any grief just for fun?
Yeah, probably a little bit here and there, but nothing too much.
You don’t go out and fake a drowning?
No, no. The thing about working at the beach is that everyone really loves their job, so it’s easy to come back to the beach. They’re not going to be all jealous that I’m not working.
Are people ever surprised that they have to pay to visit the beach?
Yeah, pretty often. The regulars ... buy season passes, which turns out to be a much better deal. The complaining comes from people who aren’t used to coming to the beach. … Don’t let the daily fee really throw you off. It’s worth coming by.
MAKE A DAY OF IT
Where to stop before and after Lee Street Beach
Before: Soothe your road-trip nerves with an herbal tea ($2.50) from the Brothers K Coffeehouse. Or throw caution to the wind with a double shot of espresso ($2.25) made with Metropolis Coffee Company beans. Snack options at Lee Street Beach include ice cream, chips and snacks from a vendor routinely planted just outside beach gates.
After: Shake off the sand and walk to bustling Union Pizzeria for a cocktail and wood-fired pie (try the simple margherita, $12). Eclectic diner The Lucky Platter offers a more casual feel and menu options such as Thai-spiced tilapia ($14.25) and honey-baked ham-and-brie sandwiches ($8.75).
Rebecca Palmore is the Metromix events producer. rkpalmore@tribune.com
