COUNTRY VS. TOWN: AMITY COMISKEY

AMITY COMISKEY grew up in a small town in central Illinois called LaSalle-Peru. She describes it as a town straight out of a John Cougar Mellencamp song. “We were within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants just like Hinsdale. The differences would be that instead of the adorable Vintage Charm we had a five & dime called Jupiter and instead of Nabuki sushi we had the diner counter inside Woolworth’s,” She says, adding, “My sisters and I spent every penny we had on cassette tapes, Wet n’ Wild makeup we weren’t allowed to have yet, and milkshakes at Woolworth’s counter. It was an amazing way to grow up and just like the Mellencamp lyrics say, ‘I had myself a ball in a small town.’”

When she and her husband, Kerry, were ready to make the move from the city, Hinsdale was the only place on their list. Kerry loved the Norman Rockwell feel of the Village and Amity was drawn to how active the community is. They set down roots and became a family of three. “Like most women I admire in our community, I do wear many hats. When I am not busy with work, my son William’s sports, or volunteering, you can find me on Instagram hopefully traveling somewhere. My grandmother instilled in me very early on to make the most of life and see as much of the world as I can,” Amity says.

Mantra? I am in charge of how I feel and today I choose happiness.On your reading stack? Taylor Jenkins Reid and Colleen Hoover are always on my nightstand. What organizations do you support? We have so many amazing organizations in our area and we are so very blessed to be able to do some good for so many. Hephzibah House in Oak Park forever has a piece of my heart. I will always support Hinsdale Infant Welfare Society, Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club, Hinsdale Historical Society, Wellness House, Together at Peace, and Hinsdale Community Services. What’s your signature entertaining style? Gathering my friends and family just makes me happy. The menu and occasion is insignificant to me, it’s the people and the laughter I adore most. I am a sucker for a beautiful tablescape and will usually put more time and effort into the decor than menu planning. What has surprised you about living in this area? What an inspiring sense of community we have here in Hinsdale. If someone is in need or sick or suffered a loss in their family, this community rallies to make sure you feel that you are not alone and you have people who care about you and your family. Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? My husband and I like to start most days walking to town. My son joins us when he is not in school, and they throw a football through the streets the whole way. Music you love? There wasn’t a better decade for music than the 80’s… throw on a little Billie Jean or Material Girl and I will be wanting to Dance with Somebody just like Whitney. Favorite spring traditions? Now that spring has sprung you will find us on the golf course most days. Kerry and William play, I walk along. I enjoy playing but I am a far better spectator. What advice would you give to your younger self? LET IT GO! The cares of what other people think of you, the stress, the thoughts of ‘am I good enough’, leave it all in the rear-view mirror and don’t look back. Instead embrace each year you are given that makes you wiser, find your people, respect them, and love them fiercely.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

What’s your go-to outfit? My “uniform” these days is jeans, especially by Mother, my fave tank tops from Target and a J.Crew blazer. I’ll add a belt if I’m feeling fancy. Where is your favorite place to walk? My favorite walk is up and around Robbins Park and through the Robbins Historic District neighborhood but our most frequent walks are to town for coffee or quick errands. Can’t leave the house without? My sunnies! If there is such a thing as your eyes being allergic to the sun I have it. Where do they know you by name? Café La Fortuna, but Angela is so great with all her customers, she probably knows each one by name. Favorite memories of living in the area? Of course, the day my son was born is my most treasured memory and that happened here at the Hinsdale Hospital. As for other events I would say we have enjoyed all the festivities Hinsdale has to offer. IWS’s Tablescapes sets the stage for spring events, The Kitchen Walk is always a great way to kick off Mother’s Day Weekend, Uniquely Thursday’s is uniquely special, the Fourth of July parade makes you so proud to be an American, The Wine Walk is a great display of our fantastic businesses, and the Christmas Walk is like a fairytale or maybe its more like a holiday movie on the Hallmark Channel. I love them all. If an ad agency asked you to write a commercial for your town, what would you say? “Welcome to Pleasantville” population “always room for one more.”

WHEN IN TOWN

What is your favorite walking route? 100% the River Front, they did a great job updating that entire area. It is great people watching, dining, cocktailing, or walking. What’s in your bag? My Burt’s Bee’s chapstick, pretty sure I am addicted. My phone is in my hand because it is actually a camera and rarely a phone these days. View that never gets old? Our fantastic skyline from a boat on Lake Michigan. Best quick bite or hidden gem? I am more for the ambience than the grub so I will always pick a place with a view in the city. Back to the Riverfront, my faves from the past year were RPM Italian, Pizzeria Portofino, RPM Seafood, Beatnik, London House, and City Winery. Do you have a favorite museum? A trip to the Art Institute on Wednesday followed by the “music in the park” in Millenium Park is a fantastic way to be a tourist in our own city. What is your favorite movie filmed or set in Chicago? #saveferris