One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. 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. Mount Carroll. Entrance Fee. Honors Discount Non-refundable. 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. Read 10 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. 44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Oakland, CA. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. 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. Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Stroll tree shaded streets and enjoy the towns architecture and beauty. 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. One visit and you'll see why. I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? 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. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. Looking to start a family very soon as well so would like to find a suburb that is a good mix of young families, growing, and a nice downtown area. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the summer. 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.`. Read on to learn our picks for the top10 best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Featured Review: Former Resident says Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. 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. The local downtown area looks as magnificent as it did . 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. 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. Cedarburg, Wisconsin Population: 11,500. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. There are many animals, birds, and reptiles there for you to observe. In June 2017, the Village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the development of Downers Grove over the next 15 to 20 years. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. Paducah, Kentucky. 93 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. 8. Thisfull service brewpub restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival. Arlington Heights via bogdanstepniak / CC BY 3.0 As you can see from the population, Arlington Heights is one of the largest suburbs of Chicago, coming in at one of the largest 15 municipalities in all of Illinois. 3. 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. TRAVEL The 50 Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Each US State. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. Allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the area offering fine dining. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly,Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced.. Current Resident: Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. According to the most recent census, Chicago makes up about a quarter of the population of Illinois. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, Ill. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be. Current Resident: I love West Loop! If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. 5. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. San Mateo Courtesy of Katie Morrell / 7x7. 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. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The perfect place to learn to ride a bike, sit on the beach right on the lake, chat on the porch with neighbors, bbq in the backyard, etc. My children received. Current Resident: I love where I live. They focus on science and technology. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . 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. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. This village near the Illinois/Wisconsin border is dotted with buildings from the 1800s, many of which feature distinctive limestone facadesincluding the Dairy Haus, an ice cream shop with a devoted following in the area. No matter your age youll feel nostalgia and the beauty to be found in simple living when you visit. Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. Market Research 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. 4. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. Santa Cruz. Not much bad to say about this town. Read 116 reviews. . 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. 1. I would recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for a peaceful environment. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. Q101. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois? 100. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. 3. Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. 2. Recently several wineries have joined forces to create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail. Wedding cake? Native Americans once settled here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby. The school districts in the North Shore are incredible. OK, yes, you haveit has Oprahs stamp of approval as one of the most charming small towns in the country, among other accoladesbut its so well-known for a reason. Spend the day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. Read 91 reviews. Contemporary American. 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. 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. 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. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. Read 30 reviews. Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. A scoop of each, please!) (Technically, Printers Row is the area bordered by Ida B. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. The citycan be accessed by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines. Galena is best at showing off its impressive . Pendry Manhattan West Is New York Citys Number One Hotel but Whats It Like to Stay There? 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. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. Memorial Park is home to the city's annual Taste of Wheaton festival. The hottest shopping areas include Arlington Town Square Condos, the Annex of Arlington, and the Town & Country Center. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Featured Review: Current Resident says Great community. This is small town at its best. Send heirloom and handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. Antique Towns - The 50 Best Small Towns for Antiquing in America. From* $139. The neighborhood is calm and silent. The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. Every fall,downtown Downers Grovealso hosts an annualarts festival that's a popular event among locals and visitors. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. Ottawa is another typical small town in Illinois, with downtown area buildings donning large murals, Victorian houses, and a town square full of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. There is truly a ton going on downtown. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. You wont be sorry. It's often connected with the neighboring town River Forest, which is also a great suburb. Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. 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! The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . Those who . Featured Review: Former Resident says Overall, good. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. Aledo, IL. A lovely suburb, Downers Grove is one of the most famous cool suburbs of Chicago. That's because we know how much of a selling point a vibrant downtown area can be for homeowners. ET First Published: June 7, 2021 at . Featured Review: Parent says We switched our children to CJDS when the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations. Downtown Galena. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. 23 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. The appeal of these towns is a simpler way of life. Tell us in the comments! Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. Naperville is diverse and has outdoor dining and more affordable dining options as well. Lots of schools - public. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. My children received an excellent education. Read 23 reviews. 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. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. Everyone here is very supportive! Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. It's also only a block away from the lake. Aurora Illinois. Home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they have been successful. Monticello. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. 3,625. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. There are also cigar shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and more. There are many parks in the town, and they're all highly rated online. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. 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. AHOY! The dining in Downer's Grove is some of the best in all of Chicago. Purple Pig. Enjoy the 19th Century architecture and small town charm of Galena. Read 93 reviews. Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. Read 676 reviews. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (inNo school is perfect, but CJDS is pretty close!. Elmhursts most popular resident is undoubtedly Carl Sandburg, a Chicago poet who brought a lot of positive attention to the city and the state. Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. I wouldn't change it for anything! Because of the wonderful location and amazing schools- taxes are very high and the price of homes goes up each year. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heightsmay be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. The historic downtown center hosts a summer farmers market, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and the Rialto Arts District. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. 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Indianapolis, & quot ; says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C Ann doll first! The top10 best suburbs of Chicago recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for a house.