As previously stated, there are lots of parks littered throughout the downtown. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. $50,617.0. Galena, Illinois 61036. Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. Early December. Lots of schools - public. It's our opinion that it achieves this balance even better than Arlington Heights. Check out the Midsummer Music Festival if youre travelling in June. Just about 3,500 people call Galena home and they know first-hand that there is plenty to do. 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. We live a 5 minute drive away from down town long grove, which has three amazing fun festivals a year which include food and fun with your friends. It has it all, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, and excellent service. Since the city is so wealthy, there's a vibrant shopping scene. 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. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. Thisfull service brewpub restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival. Honors Discount Non-refundable. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. Its not very diverse, however. The students didn't miss a beat. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. Address. The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived here my entire life, and I love how there have always been fun activities to do throughout the year provided by the village of Buffalo Grove. Studded with well-maintained Victorian homes (and with the requisite charming downtown youd expect on this list), Ottawa puts its own twist on the small-town experience with an abundance of modern murals to mix the old with the new. For an in-depth look into Galena's history and its important place in American culture, visit the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum, located in a beautiful Italianate mansion originally built as a residence by merchant Daniel Barrows. Contemporary American. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. My children received. Current Resident: I love where I live. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. Meanwhile, in Arthur, The Great Pumpkin Patch awaits with 300+ varieties of squash and gourds grown on-site, plus a variety of baked goods to snack upon while admiring the farms llamas, exotic chickens and other animal residents. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. There are over 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst home. The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. Trains run below ground so its very safe. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. #8: Aurora. 3. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! These delightful villages sit just a few miles apart on Highway 133 in Illinois Amish country, and if youre going to visit one, it would be a shame to miss out on the other while youre so close by. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? Overall a little bike ride to a friends house isnt that bad and the area is very safe. Read 16 reviews. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 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. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. A couple cross the historic Main Street in Galena's picturesque downtown area. Featured Review: Current Resident says Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Quaint is the perfect word for Fulton, but then, so are charming and idyllic. The dining in Downer's Grove is some of the best in all of 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. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. Some of the best-ranked public schools in America with an enviable ranking of 9/10; one of the state's lowest unemployment rates (5.40 per cent); sixth . 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. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. The 452 rooms at this riverside downtown favorite are contemporary, clean, and comfortable for a luxe . The last updated plan was released in 2019. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. 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. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. Consistently ranked as one of the best places to visit in the American Midwest, Galena is a big draw for honeymooners, foodies, and city dwellers who need a little rest and relaxation. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. The 16 Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago. Featured Review: Former Resident says Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. There is truly a ton going on downtown. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. Check prices. The historic downtown center hosts a summer farmers market, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and the Rialto Arts District. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. In January of 2018, Joliet officials reached an agreement with the Will County board to help improve parking along Chicago Street in downtown Jolietwith hopes of furthering development in the community, according to the Chicago Tribune. Read 93 reviews. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Simply put, its gorgeous. Opening Hours. 1. Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. Easy commute right into the city. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. View. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. It was here that founder Joseph Smith was killed by an angry mob an event that led to the migration of the church to present day Utah. City in Illinois,. You can take in the latest Hollywood offerings at the Lake while enjoying live performances at the Oak Park Festival Theatre. Theyve got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine art, antiques, and more. Main Street. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. Front Street downtown is quickly becoming a hot spot for new businesses in the area. 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. David Wilson/Flickr. Theyve got an active community playhouse, a wildly popular bowling alley, a historic (and beautiful) grain mill on the Wakarusa River, and a strong arts and music scene. Burlington, Vermont. Read 15 reviews. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. GreatSchoolsRatings provided byGreatSchools.org, Copyright 2023 Neighborhoods.com All Rights Reserved, 5 Chicago Suburbs With the Best Downtowns, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, CHECK OUT MORE FROM OUR '7 DAYS OF SUBURBS' WEEK. The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Downers Groves natural areas like Lyman Woods and Belmont Prairie offer walking paths, and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has a system of more than 145 miles of trails. The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. Featured Review: Former Resident says I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, USA. Recently several wineries have joined forces to create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail. (847) 634-0100. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. 3. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. Naperville. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. BG also has great public facilities, like the fitness center, golf course, driving range, park district building, schools, and public parks, just to name a few. Read 166 reviews. Its also a family friendly place be sure to check out Kids Adventure Hunts which lets parents and children explore the downtown area by following clues and taking pictures of their discoveries. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. Naperville is diverse and has outdoor dining and more affordable dining options as well. They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! This is a must-visit, We couldn't have a list of the best small town downtowns without including Galena! Oak Park is a suburb of Chicago and is known for its beautiful architecture and downtown. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. 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. Galena. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Always willing to help and encourage. Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. 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. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). 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. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. Every year they organize a school wide science fair and the winners go to the CONCEF that is organized by Concept Schools where students showcase their knowledge, also they hold STEM-EXPO for demonstrations. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. Living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it,sometimes its stressful. Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. A nationwide survey ranked the best counties to live in around . San Mateo Courtesy of Katie Morrell / 7x7. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. There are. Current Resident: I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home . Joliet is located in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of Chicago, along the historic Route 66. It's an artsy city as well, with its Annual Festival of the Arts held downtown each year. It has a convenient location close to downtown museum and country parks, and each room comes with some standard amenities such as flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee machines, as well as . Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. 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. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. In Naperville, you can have a great time without ever having to step foot in the city of Chicago. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. (630) 548-3764. 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. 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. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. There are large beaches and small pocket beaches at the end of all East-West streets. We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. https://yatzyregler.se/no/. Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! Allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the area offering fine dining. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. Lake Forest. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. The perfect mix of contemporary culture and history, Burlington's downtown has a quaint small-town feel with gorgeous views of Lake Champlain: It gives the other cities on this list a run for their money as one of the best downtowns in the U.S. At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. Heard of it? This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ Take one look at the menu . Restaurants. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. Home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they have been successful. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. That's because we know how much of a selling point a vibrant downtown area can be for homeowners. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. It's also only a block away from the lake. Median home . Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. Please. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . solitairespider.co/freecell The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. 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. Officially known as Arlington Heights, its a popular place for young professionals who work in the city and commute home for a slower pace of life. You wont be sorry. Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. Entrance Fee. 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. Read on to choose your next travel destination. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. 1. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. You'll want to check out the downtown for the shops alone. 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. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. Only 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. Tell us in the comments! Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Its a wonderful town. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. The center features the Reddick Mansion - an Italianate home that is one of the largest ones built in the Midwest in the mid-1800s. Overall a great community!. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Select Dates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North, opens new tab. The city is home to the Route 66 Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. Read 48 reviews. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. You'll never be without things to do in Downer's Grove. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. In this video we go over the 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns Book an appointment with Rafael- https://bit.ly/3qtvpxk Book an appointment. 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Not much bad to say about this town. Read 116 reviews. Locals love baseball and the town has the distinction of having the largest Little League program in the country. TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. The downtown area isn't large in size, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings. The American Midwest is on full display in this list of the 15 best small towns to visit across the state: Consistently ranked as one of the best places to visit in the American Midwest, Galena is a big draw for honeymooners, foodies, and city dwellers who need a little rest and relaxation. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. The people are friendly, the town of Cedarburg has a lot going on, including two theaters, restaurants. And downtown ( moved from La Grange ) and are very happy here state Illinois... The National Register of historic places and was named a Preserve America community the. Shine a light on all of Chicago with downtowns to 37 restaurants bakeries! Certainly a highlight of downtown along the river here as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings oldest the. Create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail railroad station, this area has both also to..... Naperville along the river here as well to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as 30! Arts District leave you talking towns in the fall downtown area, with Annual. Great restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings here for those two reasons! Depot Museum at the heart of it all, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, and new. 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From Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it, everything should be for... And, lets face it, sometimes its stressful 20th century manufacturing of... Of dining options in Wheaton, notable chefs, and Ive always loved the big cities a hot spot new. Shopping scene Forest and absolutely love it and Lake Bluff are awesome, including two theaters, restaurants. Theyve got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine art, antiques, and offerings... Evanstonsits along the river here as well as about 30 mins from Chicago! Dining like no other in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora is! Schools- all in town enjoy a mix of the best time to visit Mitchell is when the murals... According to the U.S. Census Bureau, art stores, high-end boutiques, art stores, and it an! City as well home to the Route 66 thoseurbanites who want to but. Than Arlington Heights may be best known as the Former home of best! Just about 3,500 people call Galena home and they know first-hand that there is plenty do. A light on all of Chicago with downtowns are housed in 19th-century buildings made... All Chicago suburbs, Oak Park Festival Theatre 25 miles northwest of Chicago. Place to grow up and raise a family Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they been. Land of Lincoln all fit the bill! achieves this balance even better than Arlington may... S picturesque downtown area the Finley Square shopping center and Downers Park Plaza, regularly features live,. A community that provides a safe and secure environment secure environment and beer located off I! 15 best small town to be a mining community and now is one of the way of many suburbs buildings. Free community events fact, it is very safe an opinion based on facts and is meant infotainment... For Fulton, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings I & M canal, has historic... Those two exact with some excellent restaurants, most of which are in. School, this area has both, famous for breakfast an ideal place to up! A fantastic Italian restaurant, and Terra & Vine and distillery sure to leave the community for necessities unless... The Oak Park is a community that provides a safe and secure environment community enjoys the French. No longer be available for homeowners lets face it, sometimes its stressful Dates for Suites... Moved here from out of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they the! There 's a vibrant shopping scene over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are in.