Geneva

Forty miles from downtown Chicago, the town of Geneva lies along the Fox River, a destination for shoppers as well as history buffs. Geneva was founded in 1835, and has done an impressive job of preserving its original architecture, from Italianate to local river stone. Many of the shops (200 plus) in the downtown district are to be found in century-old buildings.   

Geneva has always been known as a quaint getaway with shops full of kitschy household items and country gifts. If you want to shop the big names, head for Geneva Commons, which is off of Randall Road. But if you're looking for the more unique items found at the town's smaller shops, drive or take the Metra train to Roosevelt Road (Route 38).   

Most of the shopping begins just west of the Fox River, and winds past 3^rd Street, around the courthouse, and south towards the Metra tracks.   

Shopper Tips: Some of the stores are closed on Sundays; and during festivals (Swedish Days, Festival of the Vine), traffic may get a bit congested. If clothes shopping, be advised that there are more specialty than apparel shops here.  

Starting on the north side of Rt. 38, west of the Fox River Bridge, is Wild Roots, a hippie-ish reasonably-priced store that displays hemp clothing, toe rings, beads, and patchwork baby-doll tops. Zinnia’s has fun, contemporary clothing (Free People), and is one of the rare local stores that offers “young” apparel finds. Les Tissus Colbert is French-Country-meets-shabby-chic, full of fabrics, antiques, interior design ideas and services. Sandra Webster showcases European clothing lines and sizes, such as Ivan Crundahl, Copenhagen and Paris lines.   

Lily of the Valley florist and Katies Cats-N- Dogs, wedged between these shops along Rt. 38, offer alternative shopping to those not looking for antiques and home accessories. About Home carries the very funny Sister Mary Merlot (Martini, etc.) line and Soybean Wax candles. Kiss the Sky presents used and new CDs, records and DVDs.  

Heading south on 3^rd St., south of Rt. 38, are the Merra-Lee Shops, five stores under the same owner: Marion Court (plus sizes), Meeting Place (Naot sandals, Flax clothing), She-She (adorable pj’s & lingerie), East Room (mother-of-the bride formal dresses), and Merra-Lee (classic collections). Beyond the Fox Valley Winery Tasting Room (featuring Illinois wines) is Ye Old Provincial House,  an 1866 historic house across from the courthouse, that houses vintage lace, slipcovers and home accessories.   

One-Fine Art Gallery is an upscale, colorful fine art gallery. Its neighbor, Circa, smells like your grandma’s attic, literally stuffed with purses, pillows, jewelry, and vintage knickknacks. It is a 22-year-old business and a priority destination. Persimmon Tree has cool kitchen gadgets, gourmet utensils and tiles.   

Crossing the street, on the south side of the courthouse, is Country Naturals, full of wrought-iron garden ornaments, candles, and shea butter (Pre de Provence) and Past Basket (Yves Delorme Parisienne sheets, gold leaf table “art” utensils) which offers luxurious home goods. Cocoon is the ultimate find where unusual planters greet customers. Look for iron grillwork, home and bath accessories, quotable magnets, Votivo candles, and reasonably-priced jewelry.    

Heading south of Cocoon, you’ll find Betty’s (lawn ornaments and accessories), Assembly Line Toys (unique, educational and imaginative toys), Shop 38 (Sam Edelman, Michael Kors shoes), and La Toccata d’Italia Inc. (Italian imports). Stop for a treat at Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, or venture across the street to check out the new stores at Dodson Place Mall.   

Backtracking onto 3^rd St., stop by Maison D’Elodie , a set-back home interior store, and finish shopping on the east side of 3^rd St. Back on Rt. 38, stop by Good Cents, a suburban high-end consignment shop, and, whew, call it a day.   

For dining opportunities, try Isabella’s, a favorite Country Mediterranean restaurant; get the pita appetizer platter. Just in Time Sandwich & Deli and Nosh can fulfill those hunger pains,or try Villa Verone on Hamilton St. for your Italian fix (Martini bar and lounge singers on the weekends). Cocoa Bean Fine Desserts are decadent and a work of art in themselves. Moveable Feast offers specialty food items, and is listed as one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things” (2005).   

Geneva is a wonderful family or “gal-pal” destination. It is also known for its bike and walking paths that meander up and down the Fox River, antique stores, and its picture-postcard appearance that resembles a New England village. Shop away.  

 

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What You'll Find Here: 

Accessories: Circa, Cocoon, East Room, D. Grunwald Fine Jewelers, Margaret Matson Fine Jewelers, ONE-Fine Art Gallery, Serenity Jewels and Gifts, Shop 38, Wild Roots, Zinnia’ 

Apparel: Amy James, Cashmere, Circa, East Room, Marion G., Meeting Place, Sandra Webster, She-She, Wild Roots, Zinnia’s 

Grocery, Gourmet & Specialty Foods: Chocolate and Ice Cream Lounge, Cocoa Bean Fine Desserts, Fox Valley Winery, Graham's Coffee, Kernel Fabyan’s Gourmet Popcorn Shoppe, Moveable Feast 

Specialty Stores: About Home Accessories & Gifts, Assembly Line Toys, Betty’s, Circa, Cocoon, Country Naturals, Katie’s Cats-N-Dogs, Kiss the Sky, La Maison D’Elodie, La Toccata d’Italia, Les Tissus Colbert, Little Traveler, ONE-Fine Art Gallery, Paper Merchant, Past Basket, Persimmon Tree, Ye Old Provincial House

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SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – Meg’n Braida

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by SeeMoreShopping.  Publ. 05/07.