The Chicago suburbs offer everything you could hope for in the way of shopping. From quaint shops in restored Victorian homes to designer stores in sprawling shopping centers and bargains at expansive flea markets, there’s something for everyone.
Visit historic Long Grove, featuring 80 charming specialty shops and eateries housed in restored Victorian-era buildings. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Seasons of Long Grove where the décor always reflects the season. Next stop is the Pickard Factory Outlet Store and Museum in Antioch where you’ll find examples of their fine china services used in embassies worldwide. Pickard's adjacent outlet store offers high-quality closeouts at 40-60% off retail value. Stroll through authentic antiques from 200 dealers at the Gurnee Antique Center, a 24,000-sq.-ft. center showcasing vintage jewelry, glass, clothing and furniture. Go power shopping at nearby Gurnee Mills, home to more than 200 manufacturer and retail outlet stores, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Liz Claiborne and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Stop by the Customer Service Center to pick up a valuable coupon book. Entertainment venues include the 20-screen Gurnee Marcus Cinema, Rink Side Sports and Serpent Safari Reptile Zoo. Dine at the Rainforest Café, located right at Gurnee Mills, complete with animatronic jungle animals and cascading waterfalls.
Heager Potteries has produced fine art pottery and ceramic pieces since 1871. Save 20-50% on vases, sculptures and bowls at their factory store in East Dundee. Have lunch at the nearby Milk Pail, located on 30 acres of woods and gardens. Browse the French Country Market & Bakery, featuring the wares of 100 vendors in an 1870’s barn. Next stop is the IKEA store in Schaumburg. With 48 hours notice groups receive a brief orientation. Nearby Woodfield Shopping Center offers over 300 stores, including Nordstrom, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, and JCPenney. Groups of 20 with a reservation receive a Woodfield meet-and-greet and a Passport to Savings discount booklet. While in Schaumburg, visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (opening this summer) to see life-sized Lego exhibits. Then cheer on your favorite knight at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, where dining and jousting go hand in hand.
Start the day at Elgin's State Street Market Shops, a 1920s millworks building that has been transformed into a complex of 35 quaint shops. Then head to downtown St. Charles, perched on the banks of the Fox River and dotted with antique shops and eateries. Visit Century Corners Historic Shopping District on the east side of the river where a dozen turn-of-the-century homes have been turned into shops offering antiques, jewelry, clothing and more. Don't miss the Kane County Flea Market where hundreds of quality dealers set out their wares on the spacious Kane County Fairgrounds. For lunch, enjoy Danish dishes at Erik & Me Riverside Restaurant in St. Charles. Then visit neighboring Geneva’s 100 specialty shops and boutiques in the historic Third Street District on the Fox River. Looking for bargains? Aurora is home to Aurora Prime Outlets and Chicago Premium Outlets, offering hundreds of designer outlets including Giorgio Armani, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren and more. Group tours are available with advance reservations.