New Trier township includes some of Chicago's most charming, most exclusive, most unique suburbs. Glencoe, the largest of these, suggests a country manor ambience, with gardens fit for English royalty and beaches that sparkle like the Riviera. Pick a sunny day to visit Glencoe as its delights are best appreciated washed in natural light.

Take the Metra Kenosha Line to the Glencoe Station, built in the 1890s, and marvel at a masterpiece of railroad station architecture. Its angular roof and castle-like turret bring out the elegance of its stately brickwork. A London-style phonebooth and gracious gazebo near the station suggest that Glencoe has fondness for its European inspirations. Cross the tracks to the west and head into the downtown area, a spotless suburban village with a handful of boutiques and bistros built in a variety of appealing architectural styles, favoring Tudor and Greek Revival elements.

Stroll along Park Avenue and experience Glencoe's charm. Tour the Eklund Historical Center and Garden, where you can find materials not only relating to Glencoe, Illinois, but to its namesake Glencoe, Scotland as well! Find out what's playing at the Writers' Theater Chicago, a well-known and well-respected local dramatic ensemble. Peruse used books at the Books on Vernon bookstore, southwest two blocks at the intersection of Vernon and Hazel.

Back on Park Avenue, stop in for a delicious bite at An Apple a Day Café, or get a sandwich to go for a lovely picnic on the beach. To get to the Lake, walk back east across the tracks and enjoy the stately homes along Beach Road. Take in some of the areas's best architecture around the intersection of Beach Road and Greenleaf Ave., where you'll find numerous residential houses from the 1800s, including 739 Greenleaf, built in a medley of styles prior to 1857 (quite old for Chicagoland). Continue east several blocks to the entrance of Lakefront Beach and Park, where you'll be greeted by a gorgeous stone overlook with architecture reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast. Let the ambience transport you as you walk down the stone steps to the glorious beach, where boats can be rented and picnic shelters reserved for a fee.

Climb back up the stairs and head two blocks west to Sheridan Road. From here, you can head north to explore some of the splendid North Shore estates that line it. The going gets a bit tougher for foot traffic as you approach Highland Park; but the lush ravines you'll cross are worth the hike. At 1185 Sheridan, you'll find the North Shore Congregation Israel, a sprawling grounds crowned by a modernist temple designed by Minoru Yamasaki. There is a later addition to the south of it by Hammond, Beeby and Babka.

Go back south along Sheridan to Sylvan Lane, where there are several Frank Lloyd Wright houses and a bridge designed by Wright. Take Meadow southwest to Franklin, and Franklin south to Green Bay Road. Head North up Green Bay Road through the William N. Erickson Forest Preserve to Lake-Cook Road. Turn left on Lake-Cook Road and walk west to the entrance of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

The Botanic Garden is arguably the crown jewel of Glencoe and one of the best places to visit in Chicagoland. In a stunning setting in Cook County's forest preserve system, the Garden includes Rose Gardens; English Gardens; Japanese Gardens on islands; indoor facilities including habitat greenhouses showcasing plants and trees from several different climates; large ponds; a campanile in the distance that rings out the hour; compelling statuary; good food; a great giftstore and very dedicated staff.

After you've taken in the splendour of the garden, catch the PACE Bus 213 (service weekdays and Saturdays), which will take you back to the Glencoe Metra station, or, if you're heading south, all the way to the Davis CTA Station in Evanston. If you want to get in a bit more Glencoe sightseeing, the houses on Green Bay Road south of the train station, between Hawthorn and South, are worth a look, as recommended by Ira Bach in A Guide To Chicago's Historic Suburbs on Wheels and on Foot.