COUNTRY VS. TOWN: MEGAN GEHRISCH

Megan Gehrisch has firmly rooted herself in Barrington after transitioning from city life in Chicago. Her decision to relocate was motivated by the desire to create a family-oriented, suburban lifestyle. As a member of the Barrington Junior Women’s Club, she proudly serves as the co-chair for the Safety Town summer program. Family plays a central role in Gehrisch’s life, and she cherishes every moment spent with her husband and three young children. Her educational background as a teacher enhances her kids’ development as she also takes on the role of her children’s No. 1 fan, offering encouragement and cheers at all their activities.

Mantra? All things are difficult before they are easy Best grooming tip? I love my LumiSpa iO Guilty pleasure? All the popcorn Favorite foods? Anything potatoes— baked, mashed, roasted, etc. Music you love? I listen to a wide variety of music genres from Queen and Billy Joel to Andy Grammer and Pink Best advice ever given to you? Everything happens for a reason Best advice you’ve given? Take a breath and slow down Earliest memory? One Christmas, my dad brought home winter hats from Sweden for the whole family. The boys got blue hats, and the girls got white. We wore them for years—my dad still wears his to snow blow his driveway every winter Before bed, you? Watch a little Jimmy Fallon or Friends reruns What’s on your bookshelf? Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand and Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua You can’t live without? A watch Love to escape to? Someplace warm like San Diego, California or Anna Maria Island, Florida Advice you would give to your younger self? It’s okay to be yourself. Own it

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Casual, I’m usually in leggings and a cozy shirt Can’t leave the house without? Water, coffee, and Aquaphor Transportation? I drive a Cadilliac that’s basically a “snack-mobile” to transport the kids to and from all their activities Driving music? SiriusXM— my station is usually overruled, then it’s “KIDZ BOP” for the rest of the ride Place to eat? Wild Onion Brewery, Region, Lindy’s Landing, and Brunch Cafe Shop? Tattered Tiques, Winterberry, and Costco Best thing about country? The beautiful sunrises and sunsets along with the peacefulness of nature Worst thing about country? The wildlife that eats all my plants and flowers The perfect day is? It begins with an early morning, watching the sunrise. Followed by a peaceful walk along the Grassy Lake path. After that, a matinee movie with the family, and the day concludes with a charming dinner with my husband and some close friends

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? A little fancier with a little black dress and some heels Can’t leave the house without? A cute purse and my fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Transportation? I love riding around in style in the complimentary Tesla X when staying at the Viceroy Chicago Driving music? Anything I can sing along with Place to eat? Mastro’s Steakhouse, Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, and S&G’s for the best breakfast skillets Shop? I love shopping at Christkindlmarket every winter and the boutique shops in Lincoln Square Best thing about town? Architectural designs along the Chicago River Worst thing about town? Traffic The perfect day is? It starts with a delicious breakfast at a classic diner. Moving on to some touristy things like taking an architectural boat tour and visiting museums. Followed by dinner in River North, and concluding the evening with an outdoor concert at Wrigley Field to dance the night away