Grill Marx is the Perfect Getaway: The Great Escape

I used to think moms were exaggerating when they said things like, "I don't even have time to pee." Then I realized how often I hand our toddler to my husband when he comes home from work and make a mad dash to do just that.

It's true, when kids demand constant attention all day, there really isn't much time for even the basic necessities.

When I am lucky enough to have Grandma or Auntie take the boy for a while, I hardly know what to do with myself. I've had other time-consuming, demanding jobs before. But motherhood is a different kind of mental — and physical — challenge.

I love being a mom, but when I finally do get time to myself, I am so out of the loop anymore that I can't hardly think of how to spend it.

If you are just such a parent, someone who needs a nudge getting back into a healthy, somewhat-selfish mode, you will love this weekly column. Shorewood-il.Patch.com will feature different ways for us to take a real break when we finally do get a break. Sometimes we'll feature ways for moms to escape, sometimes dads. And there will even be plenty of times we talk about ways when you can relax together.

We want to hear from you! Let us know your favorite places to go and ways to escape when you get a moment to yourself. Simply click on the comments section below and loop us in to your ideas.

This week, we are going to feature Grill Marx on Jefferson Street. They are open all day, so you can sneak in for a quick bite whenever you get a chance.

The ambiance is casual, but interesting. You can take your sweetie along for a romantic meal. Or do as I did, which was stop in and eat at the bar.

I had a tough time deciding what to order because their menu had many yummy choices. Their crab cakes were delicious. Plus, they have a nice wine list with plenty of by-the-glass options for anyone in a hurry.

I found their prices pretty affordable. The bartender offered great service, and there were several other interesting people there to chat with. 

Just going in that creatively-lit environment helped me escape the world outside. Not far from home, I still felt separated from the everyday-ness of Shorewood. 
At Grill Marx, I was able to unwind and un-lax.