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Health & Fitness

Taking A Tour of Morton Grove - Then and Now (Part One of Three)

In today's fast-paced life, taking some time to focus on what is ahead, or even in our own personal rear-view mirrors, requires a little more time and effort.

It is often said that the joy of any discovery is often equally about thejourney as it is the destination.

So whether you're driving into Morton Grove from the east, passing over the Edens Expressway, coming in from the west at Milwaukee Avenue or arrivingfrom the north or south along Waukegan Road, your first stop before you find fuel for your stomach or soul just might be to fuel up your car!

With the service stations that bookend Dempster Street and Waukegan Road (and others inserted along these streets), you can get gasoline or your car washed and stop in to pick up a lottery ticket. Why not grab a quick snack or, maybe, buy a newspaper before you begin your journey?  

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Let's take a moment if you're ready to begin this journey. No passports needed!Starting our tour in the middle of Morton Grove at Waukegan and Dempster, are two major gas stations and a bank in a large mall that is already making plans for a major renovation in the near future. 

Produce World has moved to their new and expanded location in the mall at Harlem & Dempster near long-time favorite Kappy’s Restaurant (named one of the top breakfast restaurants in Chicagoland). 

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the same mall, the new Culver’s has opened with one of the best attending grand openings in the chain’s history – attended by Craig Culver and his parents!  A new gym is opening just behind the restaurant, so you can enjoy a guilty pleasure and then work it off before shopping at other retail establishments. This mall is home to a new summer antique car show, too. 

Speaking of cars, do you need a new or used automobile? Your options can run from merely basic transportation to very exotic and exciting rides, just check out the auto dealers on Waukegan Road and their modern show rooms.

After you get the keys to your new ride, there are a couple of excellent car washes ready to keep it clean and running smoothly.

Waukegan and Dempster have been important byways for Morton Grove dating back to our pioneer days.  Farmers and Native Americans traded goods and produce here and afterwards visited the roadhouses for nourishment.

Today, there are still old buildings hiding behind new facades that continue to provide food and drinks. They're mixed in with many of the new stores and shops, which offer us those goods and services we need for our lives in the 21st Century. 

Look for Parts Two and Three soon!

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