These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. 1. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. $96,500.0. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. Glen Ellyn is ripe with locally-owned boutiques, and it offers some of the best shopping in Chicago. 2. Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. Truly authentic upscale Italian restaurant and bar located in the heart of the North Shore in Winnetka's Hubbard Woods district. Spring is the perfect season to try new things like venturing into unexplored territories. The local downtown area looks as magnificent as it did . Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? Since the resort arranges babysitting services, you and your loved one can spend some quality enjoying the resort facilities. But even if you manage to see every home, mural, and fowl in Quincy, youre still in luck: Hannibal, MOand its treasure trove of Mark Twain attractionsis just half an hour and a hop across the Mississippi away.`. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Ottawa. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. Kohler, Co. 4. Those who . . 3. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. And because of its location, it has remained a small town, been able to maintain most of its historic charm, and become known as an amazing place to observe the American Bald Eagle. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. Every year for Labor Day weekend, Buffalo Grove Days is hosted, which actually is located a block away from my house which makes it easy for me to walk and meet up with my friends or family. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. Featured Review: Current Resident says Lots of nature, packed with families and senior citizens, large property sizes, and only about a hour away from the heart of Chicago. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. Ranked on the list of 100 Best Small Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro. One visit and you'll see why. Lake Forest is also on the shore of Lake Michigan, about 30 miles north of Downtown Chicago. Galena is best at showing off its impressive . There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. There are many parks in the town, and they're all highly rated online. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. While the community may be best known as the home of Wayne and Garth from "Wayne's World," Aurora boasts an impressive arts and culture scene. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. Contemporary American. Check out the Amish own coffee shop, followed by the Amish bakery, and then take a visit out to see the popular quilt shows at Rockome Gardens. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages.
If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. Galena, Illinois. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? As the world starts to open up post-pandemic, chances are youre starting small: small gatherings with friends, limited seating in restaurants, and even short trips closer to homewhich is why a weekend getaway to a quaint small town is the perfect way to ease back into traveling. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Source: flickr. The last updated plan was released in 2019. Your visit isnt complete until youve walked the grounds of the Nauvoo Temple, either; beyond its beautiful design, this stately building also happens to be the only LDS-owned temple with a bell tower. This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. Burlington, Vermont. Check out the Midsummer Music Festival if youre travelling in June. A nationwide survey ranked the best counties to live in around . Dining. Monticello. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. 1. Aledo, IL. Its not very diverse, however. The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. Quincy is chock full of social-distancing-friendly activities that are fun in and of themselves. The community has a charming downtown that residents don't want to leave, and the population has been fairly stable since 1990, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. 3,625. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois? I have spent many summers nannying various kids in the neighborhood and can tell there are many young families moving from the city into the suburbs and building new, very nice homes. youtubeembedcode.com/de/
Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. From there, take a walk through Heritage Canyon, which is home to pioneer-era structures such as a one-room schoolhouse and a covered bridge. 44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Easy commute right into the city. Vincennes We trust the leadership of the school explicitly: the NYT had an article during COVID about its swift and masterful pivot to online learning. The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Naperville, IL 60540. Downtown Oak Park, Illinois. By resurrecting and repurposing legacy buildings, thereby revitalizing the faceand spiritof a downtown. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. Illinois gets some serious bragging rights because one of its downtown areas landed on the list in the #2 spot but was also mentioned as the absolute best in America. Or perhaps youlike so many othersare considering making a permanent move out of the city to take advantage of more space, breathtaking nature and cheaper cost of living. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. View. There are escape rooms, movie theaters, parks, lakes, and more. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. Chester is a true Illinois small town and thus there are a not a ton of accommodation options here, but you can find comfort at the Best Western Chester. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be. Current Resident: I love West Loop! It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. Heard of it? It also has a lot of entertainment options. You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. Purple Pig. Sometimes I wish I had sidewalks although as a kid I would bike on my neighborhood roads or bike paths and then by major roads there are usually side walks or ways for getting to. Current Resident: This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. Santa Cruz. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. You get quick. Current Resident: Id say this town is very normal, the things I love are down town long grove and the schools which are full of opportunities. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. Yes, the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic places, and that hasnt changed (try exploring it on a self-guided walking tour), but there are plenty of interesting places to swerve, too. Here Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler. In June 2017, the Village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the development of Downers Grove over the next 15 to 20 years.
Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping.
Naperville. Three Metra train stops, which is terrific, Most towns on the North Shore Line only have one. Send heirloom and handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. There are restaurant's, but the scene will inevitably shift Southward. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heightsmay be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. A post shared by Geneva Chamber of Commerce (@genevailchamber). On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? Each May the town hosts the Dutch Days festival and they are home to one of the only authentic Dutch windmills in the United States. Read 91 reviews. There's the namesake brewery, with its cult-status Spotted Cow ale, the award-winning Alp and Dell creamery and Minhas Craft Brewery, the country's second-oldest brewery. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). Get more stories delivered right to your email. Lake Forest. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. Thats a big city with a big draw. Be sure to take home some Amish fudge. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. Music. Love Illinois? In the summertime, locals can often be found catching a Slammersbaseball game at DuPage Medical Group Field, located right in downtown Joliet. Streeterville. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. 9. Greenville is one of the oldest communities in Illinois, and they take their heritage seriously. 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA). Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. While there's no single reason for this apparent exodus to the suburbs, Chicago's high cost of living, heavy taxes, traffic woes, and seemingly endless amounts of construction could cause enough frustration to warrant a relocation.
As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. Many homes contain recording devices, and buyers should be aware they may be recorded during a showing. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! And for history buffs, there's no shortage of points of interest in Galena, as 85 percent of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places! If you want more outdoor activities theres Giant City State Park, the Trail of Tears State Forest, the Ozark Hills, and Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. 8. AHOY! There are more than 60 restored historic buildings in Nauvoo including the Browning Home and Gunsmith Shop, several museums, the former home of Brigham Young, a working blacksmith shop, and a downtown area where you watch candle making, bread making, and a variety of other pioneer demonstrations. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, USA. You'll never be without things to do in Downer's Grove. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. The downtown is quaint, with some excellent shopping and fine dining opportunities if you're looking for things to do in Illinois. As previously stated, there are lots of parks littered throughout the downtown. (847) 386-6053. In addition to this, they have their annual Geneva Festival of the Vine. A post shared by Elmhurst City Centre (@elmhurstcitycentre). I have moved from this place 3 or 4 years ago, but still remember my childhood memories I had always cherished and do not forget it. Read 20 reviews. 3. Glen Ellyn has a nice downtown area just off of the Metra, featuring some cute shops like a candy store and a movie theater that plays more artistic films. Visit the former home of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, spend an afternoon at one of ten nearby golf courses, or maybe a full day at one of the two wineries in town. Please. Memorial Park is home to the city's annual Taste of Wheaton festival. Downtown Downers Groveis the kind of suburban downtown where everyone knows each other. City in Illinois,. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. Not much bad to say about this town. Read 116 reviews. The hottest shopping areas include Arlington Town Square Condos, the Annex of Arlington, and the Town & Country Center. The city was founded in 1863 and has a bustling downtown centeras well as a park systemwith 76 parks, 50 playgrounds, and five public swimming beaches. 1. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. Featured Review: Current Resident says Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. Tree-lined alleys, diverse entertainment scene, free music performances, great outdoor dining optionsthe list goes on. $50,617.0. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. You'll want to check out the downtown for the shops alone. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. Honestly, a lot of north shore suburbs have pretty decent downtown areas: Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and Lake Forest come to mind in particular. Explore the best downtown areas of the small towns in Illinois. You can learn more about that process here. It's a celebration involving both food and drink. Read 676 reviews. Main Street. 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