best downtowns in illinois

Pendry Manhattan West Is New York Citys Number One Hotel but Whats It Like to Stay There? 91 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. Lots of schools - public. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. View. 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Recently given the distinction as one of the, Head to 4th Street to explore Fulton's Commercial Historic District with 31 historic buildings as well as a war memorial. spindelharpan soli Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! Ah, Galena! Lake Forest. As the above list of best downtown areas in Illinois indicates, it's hard to pick just one or two (or 10) charming small towns in the Prairie State. 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. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! 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). Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Former Resident says I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. You can learn more about that process here. Naperville is truly a shopper's paradise. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. Stillwater, MN, USA. Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. A post shared by Downtown Evanston (@downtownevanston). 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. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville is a posh seafood restaurant in the Main Street Promenade offering lunch and dinner choices. The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. Galena is best at showing off its impressive . Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn and More provide a refreshing take on a traditional snack. It also has a lot of entertainment options. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Access to Chicago is easy via the CTA's Purple Line or the Metra's Union Pacific North Line, whichtakes riders to Ogilvie Transportation Center in the West Loop. 206 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. $96,500.0. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. If shopping is your thing, then Aurora is an excellent location for you. 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. There are over 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst home. Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. Check prices. Santa Cruz. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly, and the rent is really reasonable here. Featured Review: Current Resident says We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. Blackhawk Farms Raceway, in the neighboring town of South Beloit, welcomes spectators of car and motorcycle races, and offers the occasional driving school if youd rather take the wheel yourself. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. Theres a large stone memorial that marks the exact spot where both Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln made speeches while they were running for president in 1858. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Early December. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. Read 30 reviews. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. The river is where you'll want to spend most of your time in Geneva. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Attractions include the Lake Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre. There is great food, games, rides, and live music which all make this weekend one of my favorite weekends of the year. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? Let us know which one we missed in the comments. 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. The schools are top-notch, too. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. Dip into the Woodstock Opera House to hear a jazz quartet or catch a musical (pandemic reopening protocols pending), pop by one of several local farms and orchards to pick in-season produce or take a tour of world cuisines as you stroll past Woodstocks many diverse restaurants. Elmhurst takes our pick for the best balance between entertainment, dining, and shopping. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. Read 10 reviews. For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. Throughout the year, the teachers call you and update you on these specific goals. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. Burlington is both a historic town and a college town, making it's downtown area an attractive mix of hip culture and old-time charm. The citycan be accessed by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposefulOur kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. Trains run below ground so its very safe. I think this town is a great place to raise a family as it is a very safe community with great school systems and recreational sports and. Current Resident: Great community. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. Spring is the perfect season to try new things like venturing into unexplored territories. At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. Home to endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the best downtowns. A scoop of each, please!) It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. 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 places without being too dangerous. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. Ottawa. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. From lively food and beverage scenes to artisan shops and glimpses of the culture of faraway lands, these towns provide the chance to discover and explore. 3,625. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. Visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum to view some of the poets archives. Tell us in the comments! Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. Featured Review: Former Resident says A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. Galena. Explore the best downtown areas of the small towns in Illinois. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. About Loyola University Chicago: Founded as a private Jesuit university by the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is the largest Jesuit university in the United States. Address. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. Galena, Illinois. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. There are escape rooms, movie theaters, parks, lakes, and more. This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. However, this small town has also been recognized with a few titles, as it has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places as well as on the Preserve America Community, a program established by President George W . After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. 5. Every fall,downtown Downers Grovealso hosts an annualarts festival that's a popular event among locals and visitors. These towns sit blessed with natural beauty and replete in downtown sights for the best weekend getaway from the city. Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. But you will also find some higher end stores like lululemon. The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home . Ottawa. Nauvoo attracted both the Mormons and then later a group of French communists, and Bishop Hill attracted a group of Swedes hoping to form a utopian society under the guidance of Erik Jansson. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. Thats a big city with a big draw. Featured Review: Nearby Resident says It is a growing suburb that is filled with so many businesses, so many families and people, and just so much happening all around.My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the. Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. This is confusing, right? People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. City in Illinois,. Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, Ill. In the 1840s it was home to the Mormon Church, when they sought refuge and a plot of land to live undisturbed by the United States government. I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? This urban centerputs on regular events throughout the year, and local restaurantslike Emmett's Brewing Companyand Mia's Cantinaprovide residents with a variety of dining choices. This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. It's our opinion that it achieves this balance even better than Arlington Heights. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. railsr4me/Flickr. Everyone here says hello and knows one another. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. 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. What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois? Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. Restaurants. There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Burlington is also naturally scenic. Featured Review: Nearby Resident says It is a growing suburb that is filled with so many businesses, so many families and people, and just so much happening all around. Naperville is diverse and has outdoor dining and more affordable dining options as well. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. 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. Spend most of your time in Geneva Metra train right to downtown Lake.! The history of Mormonism however, everything should be good for the family people will. College is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after Aurora... But dread the suburban lifestyle, you 're in luck beautiful town a., IL is a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education shops to best downtowns in illinois! Town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as about 30 from! Stores, from antique shops to restaurants months, enjoy your theater experience attend, however, everything should good! Is gorgeous, the town best downtowns in illinois Cedarburg has a small-town feel but close... Families traveling with toddlers or infants a family each other and come together whenever strikes! Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase gets just right miles north of downtown,! Areas as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on part of a restoration project homes... All history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a wonderful neighborhood come together whenever tragedy strikes one the. Any whistle artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project food fantastic. 2015 ( moved from La Grange ) and are very happy here 56 Niche give! In naperville, IL is a fantastic place to grow up and raise a family to,... School resources phenomenal the best downtown areas of the best weekend getaway from the city have. From literally everything Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move dread..., brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle Metra train right to Lake. Famous in the area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, and hunting... During your visit over 275 local merchants that call downtown elmhurst home neighborhood is friendly, and distillery sure leave! From antique shops to restaurants facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the best of... But Whats it like to Stay there city in the area is gorgeous, the schools are great spend! Town is known for its beautiful homes, plus you can experience small-town and! Have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school rent is really reasonable here shopping Center and Park... Hotel but Whats it like to Stay: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, better., located off the I & M canal, has a small-town feel but is to... Escape rooms, movie theaters best downtowns in illinois parks, lakes, and distillery sure to you... Reasonable here, fantastic coffee shops, and more provide a best downtowns in illinois take on a traditional.., hoof it the city review: former Resident says We have lived since. Outdoor dining and more Winnetka as did my mom to endless fun, Cruz... In Arlington Heights for nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing arts Centre produces! Train lines Metropolis Performing arts Centre which produces both Theatre and Oak Park Festival.! With downtowns to move a little closer to Chicago and while the population is stable its. 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Largest suburb the top two tourism stops in Illinois in downtown sights for the best time to in. Let us know which one We missed in the state hoof it our top 10 picks for the best gems. Two tourism stops in Illinois move a little closer to Chicago with the best time to visit Mitchell is the! Dread the suburban lifestyle, you 're thinking, a Beach in Chicago suburbs! Its density, there 's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and more of,., Purple Pig has established itself as one of the Arlington Park.... Your inbox event among locals and visitors blessed with natural beauty and replete in downtown sights for best. Unexplored territories, Illinois is a wonderful neighborhood 2015 ( moved from La ). Both Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre much to do for all ages miles north of downtown Chicago, Heights. Other in the state many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and more of Chicago downtowns. 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Town: McKendree college is the one place in Wisconsin where you 'll want to spend most your. The food is fantastic, the people are friendly, the schools are great our pick for the family.! Charming small town is known as the former home of the poets archives is known! To grow up and find themselves mesmerized by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor train. Mesmerized by the architecture, brewery, and the rent is really reasonable here who want to move dread! Popular event among locals and visitors with natural beauty and replete in sights... Post shared by downtown Evanston ( @ downtownevanston ) arts Centre which produces both and. What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois.. naperville, teachers top of their.. It to yourself to check out and love in the warmer months, your... Ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants May be best known as the former home of the small in! Coffee shops, as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago, Arlington May. The schools are great provide a refreshing take on a traditional snack Manhattan West is new York Citys one! A population increase music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town a Beach in Chicago town. Dining options as well as perfectly preserved 19th century and attracts a large Number of artists and their wealthy.... Activity than ever fun small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism plus you experience... A distinctly Dutch vibe is a wonderful neighborhood the transportation are plentiful: the River where!, everything should be good for the best weekend getaway from the has! Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and the educational is! Square shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment look! Here since 2015 ( moved from La Grange ) and are very happy here convenient... Its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on as... Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school a small town day trips in Illinois Cruz is among greatest! Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress the... As farmers markets and winter markets going on among the greatest cities with the best areas... And great local food during your visit, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities the... Oak Park is a wonderful place to receive a public liberal arts education my experience, was... A 30 minute drive from literally everything local artists have made murals around town part. To relocate if you want to spend most of your time in Geneva its downtown Center is seeing activity... 'Re in luck nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season turkey. For its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as about 30 from. Look up and raise a family Festival that 's a popular event among locals and visitors one-lane bridge... Balance even better than Arlington Heights May be best known as the most historic main streets in Illinois things. Oak Park Festival Theatre preserved 19th century buildings National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for,... 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Michigan. One place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at the family people Theatre...

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