By Jennifer Arndt
When was the last time you explored Downtown Elgin? Have you been to the boutique shops, the vintage stores, the new Latin restaurant, the candy shop, or the newest neighborhood tavern? Here are some places to check out during your next visit to Downtown Elgin and things to do all year long.
Specialty Shopping & Unique Destinations
Local shops help create a thriving downtown and there are plenty of great destination shops in Downtown Elgin. Start your shopping adventure with a visit to Meraki Market Hub, a multi-vendor boutique full of handmade items, accessories for him and her, seasonal gifts, clothing, house plants, home décor, pet items, children’s clothing, toys, and more. A welcoming café area offers the perfect spot to relax with some Intelligentsia coffee and a treat from one of their specialty food vendors.
If curated vintage is more your style visit ABLE Shoppe to explore their carefully chosen and thoughtfully organized collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and housewares. Investing in high quality vintage pieces not only makes a fashion statement, it’s also the more environmentally conscious way to shop. Another vintage destination in Downtown Elgin is Whatnots & Whimsies featuring room after room of treasures spanning many eras. For more traditional antique shopping, Elgin Antiques & Uniques is where you can spend hours exploring three-floors of tchotchkes sure to take you down memory lane.
A variety of specialty niche businesses for unique retail, food, beverage, and entertainment add to the vibrance of Downtown Elgin. Elgin Knit Works, Rediscover Records, Cook’s Sweet Boutique, Steep N’Clay, Mama Lee’s Gourmet Popcorn, Gooses Natural Juices, and Escapade 360 are all destinations unique to Downtown Elgin, and all are worthy of a special visit!
Caffeine & Cocktails
Whether it’s your morning coffee or an evening nightcap, Downtown Elgin has you covered. Arabica Café, Blue Box Café and Viator Coffee are all popular local destinations for gourmet coffee beverages and each is well known for their specialties. The delicious pastries at Arabica are made from scratch daily, the gourmet sandwiches at Blue Box are piled high with fresh ingredients, and the homemade pop-tarts at Viator are the perfect complement to their luscious latte.
When happy-hour rolls around there are plenty of local bars to sip your way to a great night out. Lounge 51 is known for premium cocktails, craft beer, and wine, while Martini Room is famous for their extensive menu of over 50 martinis, specialty-themed martini flights and live entertainment. The newest bar in town is Vern’s Tavern where you’ll find vintage Tiki drinks and classic cocktails poured to perfection.
Elgin Eats: Where to Dine Local
Dining options in Downtown Elgin are plentiful and satisfying! If you’re in the mood to spice things up try BeaUnique Latin Kitchen. Their authentic, homemade Latin favorites are bursting with flavor. Or if you’re feeling like trying something extra special, reserve seats to the new 5-course dinner experience at Red Poppy Bistro. Other local favorites with loyal followings include Al’s Café, Elgin Public House and Danny’s on Douglas. Al’s Café is known for their famous malts and homecooked European specialties, especially the Schnitzel. EPH offers an extensive lunch and dinner menu while Danny’s is a hot spot on the weekends with live bands, drink specials and tasty pizza.
Did you know Downtown Elgin has a food hall? Dream Hall at 51 is a multi-vendor food hall featuring Breakfast Urbano, Peru Caters, Birdette’s Chicken and Bricks Pizza, all under one roof.
If you’re in the mood for sushi try Kubo Sushi & Sake Lounge. Their mouthwatering fresh, hand crafted sushi and Japanese cuisine with a slight Cali twist has earned them hundreds of 5-star reviews. For a complete list of Downtown Elgin dining options check out Elgin Eats.
Things To Do & See
There is always something happening in Downtown Elgin and the best way to stay in-the-know is to get the weekly “Spotlight” email from the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA). Every Thursday this email is jam packed with everything happening around town including special events, live music, dining and drink specials, new business openings, and so much more. As a non-profit organization focused on the promotion and development of the downtown, DNA is dedicated to promoting local businesses. DNA hosts a variety of promotional campaigns designed to highlight local businesses and special events for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. Sign-up here for the weekly Spotlight email.
Now in its 22nd year, the Downtown Elgin Farmers Market is a popular event attracting 1,000+ shoppers every week. For 2022 the market will kick off on June 3 and will take place every Friday from 3pm to 7pm on Spring Street. This season look for even more vendors, entertainment, and the return of Sip & Shop where you can purchase an alcoholic beverage to enjoy while you shop. Plus, on the “First Friday” of June, July and August the market will be open an extra hour offering enhanced entertainment and educational programing.
While you’re in town for the farmers market you’ll also want to explore the public art in Downtown Elgin. You’ll find an impressive variety of murals and sculptures scattered around town plus some unexpected art on utility boxes and storm drains. You never know what you’ll find exploring Downtown Elgin!
Set along the beautiful Fox River, the downtown is easily walkable and accessible. The Fox River Bike Trail provides easy access for cyclists who can ride for miles, yet still be close to the downtown area. There’s even a local bike shop if you need a quick fix! During your visit be sure to take time to enjoy the playground at Festival Park, to wander the award-winning Gail Borden Public Library and to learn about Elgin’s past at the Elgin History Museum.
Speaking of history, if you love old homes and architectural gems, attending the annual Historic Elgin House Tour is an absolute must-do! For 40 years this popular event has showcased hundreds of beautiful historic homes in neighborhoods surrounding the downtown. Tour-goers are even able to walk through the inside of the homes where they learn the homes history from local tour guides.
Another local gem calling Downtown Elgin their artistic and administrative home for over 75 years is the world-class Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The award-winning ESO performs at The Hemmens Cultural Center in the heart of Downtown Elgin. Attending an ESO concert followed by dinner or drinks at a local restaurant makes for a memorable evening. Downtown Elgin has become known for its vibrant arts scene thanks to organization such as Side Street Studio Arts. Founded in 2013, Side Street provides educational and creative arts resources with a mission to support the artist and artistic journey through collaboration. Their annual Elgin Fringe Festival encourages bold artistic experimentation and innovation by providing an accessible, affordable experience for both artists and audiences alike. Fringe Fest comes to life every September in cafes, restaurants, theaters, and storefronts in Downtown Elgin.
Lucky Elgin Gift Basket Giveaway
To welcome the Spring season DNA is hosting a Lucky Elgin giveaway featuring donated gifts from 37 Downtown Elgin businesses. The donations have been organized into 8 amazing gift baskets! Gifts include tickets to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, a 3-month membership to the Centre of Elgin, tickets to GreenRoom Improv, gift certificates to local restaurants and retail stores, unique Elgin gifts, free haircuts, and more. To enter for a chance to win one of these gift baskets visit the Downtown Elgin website where you will also find a special sale on Downtown Elgin gift certificates. Now through March 18 gift certificates are on sale for 22% off. Simply complete an Elgin-themed crossword puzzle to receive a special link for this exclusive sale. Redeemable at 40+ local businesses, a Downtown Elgin gift certificate makes a great gift!
Enjoy Your Visit
Downtown Elgin is home to local businesses ready to give you the personalized service only a small business can. These small businesses are the heart of our community. Their owners and employees are our neighbors and our friends. Come for a visit, support our local businesses, and enjoy your visit to Downtown Elgin! Visit www.DowntownElgin.com for complete details.
