I realize that this may be a silly reason to love a canoe-rental place, but every one of Northbrooks's signs was lovingly painted by an art student. They are whimsical, creative, funny, and just about the most, well, SUMMERTIMIE-i-est things ever.

I'd give Northbrook six stars for atmosphere, if I could. Totally worth the trip.

When calling to make a reservation to rent a canoe for 2 adults and 2 children, the Northbrook Canoe Company employee who answered the telephone hung up on me, while I was in mid-sentence. They allow 2 children under the age of 10. I told her my recently turned 11 year old and 8 year old weighed a total of 110 lbs and that the 2 adults were also of ...