Destination: Glen Ellyn (May 07)

An upscale suburb located about 25 miles west of Downtown Chicago, Glen Ellyn is hilly, historical, and full of hidden treasures.  

Founded well over a hundred years ago, Glen Ellyn has a population of about 27,000, virtually no industry, a commitment to historic preservation, and a small but choice shopping district. Untouched by the “franchise” phenomenon, the town maintains its own quiet charm.   

Downtown Glen Ellyn, located north of Roosevelt Road between Wheaton and Lombard, is where you'll find fun children’s stores, floral and garden accessories, and one-of-a-kind gift shops that you will not find in typical suburban locations.   

The shopping district is easily located within walking distance of the Metra station. Shopper’s Tip: Although parking is easy to find, parking tickets are quickly distributed to vehicles parked in a permit area. Read signs before parking.  

Main Street is the town's “main” stop for shopping. Cabernet & Co., a fine wine shop, features wine accessories, wine tastings, and two kitties that roam between the carefully selected labels. Villa Bianca, a charming, dog-friendly shop, is full of vintage glass, botanical prints and embroidered pillows. The shopalso provides interior design, furniture repair and re-upholstery.   

Florae, a stylish, stark and downright “New Yorkish”-flavored floral shop with captivating window displays is next door to Camp Cosmetics, whose owner,  Michael Perich, (makeup artist and president), creates all makeup in the store; the funky beat (80's music) will move you to stick around and test his products. M and Em’s, a kids' boutique carries peacelovemom, Robeez, havaiana’s flip-flops (all sizes), crafts, toys and ‘tween-wear (and an awesome sale room).   

Venturing further north on Main, you’ll run into Knickers of Glen Ellyn, full of lingerie (Betsey Johnson, Felina, Cosabella and Hanky Panky thongs) and beautiful wedding garments (white boy shorts that read “I Do.”) This boutique was featured on Oprah’s website. Enchantments boutique is just that, enchanting, with Level 99 jeans (so flattering) and Malu clothing. They also specialize in vintage furniture, chandeliers, jewelry and candles. Onward to Ali Kat, a young and hip spot that has organic dog toys, Caldrea natural cleaning products, Split apparel, and the Ali Kat Lounge, where moms can leave their young ones to watch Sponge Bob and other DVDs while they peruse the boutique’s wares (the Lounge also has an awesome sale rack).  

More "don't miss" shops include Environments 2 (woman’s apparel), Good Works (jewelry and art gallery), Giggles 'N Gaggles (hand-painted personalized gifts, and a bargain basement), Fuchsia (designer clothing), 10 Thousand Villages (import/exports), Flour Barrel Bakery, Maison Suzanne Antiques, and By Design (custom design jewelry and artwork).   

Ready for a break? Relax at Café Java Juice on Crescent with a rich, not-too-sweet mint chocolate mocha frappe – and resume shopping when the caffeine kicks in! Or enjoy sturdier fare at one of the local-favorite restaurants just north of the Metra tracks: Santa Fe (cheap and tasty Mexican fare), Shannon’s Irish Pub and the adjacent Cab’s Wine Bar and Bistro, Bistrot Monet (new French restaurant), Vitorio’s Ristorante (more tiny chandeliers), Mykha’s (Vietnamese), McChesney & Miller Grocery.  

You can spend hours (or days) shopping Glen Ellyn, but it is also a delight to roam around if you enjoy historic architecture, or biking/hiking the Prairie Path. Lake Glen Ellyn is a relaxing find, especially if you stroll by the turn-of-the-century mansions that border the park.   

See you in Glen Ellyn!   

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What You'll Find Here: 

Accessories: AliKat, Fuchsia, M and Em’s, Good Works Gallery, By Design, Costello Jeweler, Knickers, Enchantments 

Apparel: AliKat, Environments 2, Fuchsia, Knickers, Glen Ellyn Running Company, Enchantments, M and Em’s, Giggle’s 'N Gaggles

Children’s Stores:  Butterfly Girls, Duck Duck Goose, M and Em’s, Karen’s Corner   

Grocery, Gourmet & Specialty Foods: Cabernet & Company, McChesney & Miller Grocery, Flour Barrel Bakery, Glen Ellyn Sweet Shoppe, Café Java Juice, McCowan’s Seafood  

Specialty Stores: Camp Cosmetics, Florae, Villa Bianca, Maison Suzanne Antiques, The Bookstore, Good Works Gallery, Ten Thousand Villages

 

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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.