Tree-lined alleys, diverse entertainment scene, free music performances, great outdoor dining optionsthe list goes on. Visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum to view some of the poets archives. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville is a posh seafood restaurant in the Main Street Promenade offering lunch and dinner choices. 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. A post shared by Elmhurst City Centre (@elmhurstcitycentre). Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville. Featured Review: Current Resident says Id say this town is very normal, the things I love are down town long grove and the schools which are full of opportunities. Sports are improving every year. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. Another site to see in town? The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. I wouldn't change it for anything! Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. Wilmette. Theres plenty to learn about even off campus, from the histories of the citys buildings (a surprising mix of Southern Colonial, Greek Revival, Gothic and other styles) to the Emerald Mound, the preserved remains of a Native American village and effigy mounds. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. 3. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. Also the school district is really good, most/if not all of the students attend Stevenson High school, an amazing school full of great opportunities! Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. If you're a fan of a good read, check out The Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown. 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. The village adopted a downtown master plan in 2007, which sought to increase density in order to create a more cultural and urban suburb feel. Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. AHOY! 1. 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. The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. A scoop of each, please!) Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. 44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. 1. This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. . Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. While you may not see an onslaught of other people in these little Illinois towns, youll still find a throng of things to do, from visiting a stop along the Underground Railroad to whizzing around a racecar track. 23 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Since the resort arranges babysitting services, you and your loved one can spend some quality enjoying the resort facilities. My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. Our kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. Mount Carroll, Illinois, was incorporated as a town in 1855 and then as a city in 1867, but with a population of under 1,600, it has maintained a small-town feel. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. 8. 19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway. The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. 9. Likewise, Naperville is about a 38-minute drive from the Loop and has one of the best downtown districts of any Chicago Suburb. Fashionistas, renowned designer shops and boutiques await you. 3,625. It is truly a mix of old (really old, like the courthouse and opera house) and new. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . Living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it,sometimes its stressful. They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. 5. 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. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. Shopping areas include Evanston Plaza, Sherman Plaza, the Evanston Center, and more. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. solitairespider.co/freecell 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. The neighborhood is very tight nit and there is even a Facebook group for the moms of western springs to give recommendations and warnings about things occurring around town. Neighborhoods.com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its use. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. #3 Best Places to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. It's a celebration involving both food and drink. You'll never be without things to do in Downer's Grove. 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! 1. 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. My children received an excellent education. Read 23 reviews. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. There are large beaches and small pocket beaches at the end of all East-West streets. If youre in the mood to live in the moment instead, explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River. For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. 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. Move Over Napa, the Hottest Wine Destination for Californians Is South of the Border, The Always Sold-Out Quince Suitcases Are Backin Stock (and They're Less than $200), The 31 Coziest Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC, Instagram's FavoriteDagne DoverDuffel and More Travel FavesAre on Sale Right Now, What to Pack in a Carry-On Bag? Its not very diverse, however. Because of the wonderful location and amazing schools- taxes are very high and the price of homes goes up each year. Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. Pendry Manhattan West Is New York Citys Number One Hotel but Whats It Like to Stay There? There is great food, games, rides, and live music which all make this weekend one of my favorite weekends of the year. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. 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. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. And while the population is . Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. 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. You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. Main Street. Phone +1 815-777-9131. You can take in the latest Hollywood offerings at the Lake while enjoying live performances at the Oak Park Festival Theatre. Cedarburg, Wisconsin Population: 11,500. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Lebanon, Il. No matter your age youll feel nostalgia and the beauty to be found in simple living when you visit. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery In Illinois Sits In A Stunningly Restored Gothic Barn, Galena, Illinois Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America, How This Small Illinois Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The Midwest, The One Illinois Town Thats So Perfectly Midwestern, Plan A Trip To Galena, One Of Illinoiss Most Charming Historic Towns. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. Stay at a bed and breakfast for more time to explore this place. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). Truly authentic upscale Italian restaurant and bar located in the heart of the North Shore in Winnetka's Hubbard Woods district. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. It also has a lot of entertainment options. There, you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. Though firmly a Midwestern town, its often referred to as the New England of the Midwest, thanks to its distinctive architecture. Theres also rare bird watching available and an annual rattlesnake migration which isnt so much something you want to go and watch, but rather something to be fascinated by. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is one of its most famous locations for live performances. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. William Clarkhalf of the famous explorer duo Lewis and Clarkfounded this town in 1827. Read 48 reviews. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. City in Illinois,. 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. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. Galena, Illinois. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. 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 can learn more about that process here. 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. Sports are improving every year. Ottawa. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. Honors Discount Non-refundable. Did your favorite town not make the list? This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. 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. Galena. Oak Park has a vibrant downtown with plenty of attractions for suburban families. 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. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. The 10 Most Charming Small Towns Near Chicago. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. Mount Carroll. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. Easy commute right into the city. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. 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. Featured Review: Former Resident says I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. 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. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Whether you're interested in a quick visit or a fun place to linger, these charming small towns in Southern Wisconsin have lots to enjoy. Home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they have been successful. So if river activities are a deciding factor for where you live, Geneva should shoot to the top of your list. 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 . Featured Review: Current Resident says I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. 100. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. For foodies, there's no better place than Galena; with several restaurants offering exquisite meals as well as a winery with a tasting room and a couple of craft breweries (Blaum Brothers and Galena Brewing Company), these are reasons alone to come to this cool small town. It's especially desirable to families. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the summer. I wish there was a bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have more fun with other kids. Over the centuries, its also been claimed by the French, the English, and the Spanish. Nearby Wheaton is known as a more conservative and traditional college town. Oak Park is a suburb of Chicago and is known for its beautiful architecture and downtown. View. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. 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. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. 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. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Wedding cake? 2. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. You'll want to check out the downtown for the shops alone. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. north quay car park mousehole, uchicago economics major requirements, companion funeral home athens, tn obituaries, Skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier links in this article nostalgic feel is. & amp ; Fish House - Naperville, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized.... Performing Arts Centre is one of their neighbors live music while dining.! 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