Throughout Chicago’s suburbs groups will find charming districts that are overflowing with retail therapy. Following are some of the places where attendees interested in spending a little money can buy various take-home gifts and knickknacks.
On Evanston’s Central Street, located steps from Northwestern University’s Ryan Field, attendees can browse specialty stores, including Stella, a boutique that sells clothing, jewelry and more, and The Spice House, as well as eateries including a bake shop and a sushi bar.
The historic downtown in Lake County’s Long Grove is another great place to explore, where groups will find galleries, fine dining and unique shops, including Neumann’s Cigars & More, Morkes Chocolates and Epilogue, a purveyor of handcrafted gifts.
Northwest of Chicago, in downtown Arlington Heights, groups can grab a bite, enjoy a show at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and check out specialty shops, including Upstairs Boutique & Gift, which sells clothes, jewelry, accessories and novelty items, and Jaunt, which sells home furnishings, vintage decor and more.
To Chicago’s west is Oak Park, where in fall 2017 the Oak Park Visitors Center began selling “Urban Local Made” jewelry, artwork and various functional objects created by local artists.
And located in Chicago Southland is the Village of Frankfort historic district, which is home to restaurants and eclectic shops, including GloryBee Gift Shop & Antiques and Kernel Sweetooth, a purveyor of gourmet popcorn and various other treats.
