Recently named by Chicago Magazine as one of the best suburbs for first time home buyers, and given the Governor’s Hometown Award winner. Melrose Park has a lot to offer. Every August is the Taste of Melrose Park Festival. Held at the Melrose Park Village Complex, it has four stages for entertainment and food venders offer $3 portions (fast food vendors offer $1 portions). It is second only to Taste of Chicago in size and variety. Chicago Sports Zone, also located here, is a huge indoor “soccer and more” facility offering both youth and adult soccer leagues. It is also the winter home for the Chicago Edge Soccer Club. Stern Pinball (the world’s last manufacturer of coin-operated pinball machines), Jewel grocery stores and Navistar all have headquarters in Melrose Park.

The once popular Kiddieland amusement park was once located here. And while the park has been torn down, you can still see the old sign at the Melrose Park Public library.

The 126th annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel will be July 12th, 13th and 14th, 2019. This popular outdoor festival features Italian food, vendors, games and live entertainment.

Also at the Melrose Park Village Complex is the annual Hispano Fest which features food and entertainment- everything from dance to comedy to music. Every September, local business owners, Village of Melrose Park employees and the Mayor organize this outdoor festival to “promote the advancement of the Hispanic Community through educational and leadership development.” Money from the festival has helped provide 140 scholarships awarded over 20 years.

Scudiero’s Italian Bakery and Deli at 2113 W. Lake Street also calls Melrose Park Home. Family owned since 1954, they have a fascinating history and have become an institution in the town. If you eat here you can say you’ve eaten at same place as Frank Sinatra!

Another icon of the community is Tom’s Steak House having been in the same location since 1952. In a world where so many restaurants come and go, this place has withstood the test of time. Its location at 1901 West North Avenue in Melrose Park is a destination for steak aficionados.

You can reach Melrose Park easily by Metra Rail or the interstate.