There's public beach access at the intersection of Cherry and Sheridan Road. This is Winnetka's best-kept secret. There's a little unmarked path that leads to the beach stairs. It looks like a private driveway but it's not. A solid chunk of Katie's adolescence was spent at this beach. Listen to "Brand New" on a walkman for the full effect.
Katie's hometown of Winnetka was the setting for several John Hughes movies, including Ferris Bueller's Day Off and, most famously, Home Alone. The Home Alone house is still a privately-owned home, but its a rare day when you don't find a fan standing in front of the beautiful brick building flashing the patented Kevin McCallister scream for a camera.