Top Things to do in Illinois
Top Hotels in Illinois
Top 10 Gift & Specialty Shops in Illinois, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including Farnsworth House, Kruta Bakery, Downtown Geneva Historic Shopping District, Adagio Teas, Adagio Teas, Great American Popcorn Company, The Little Popcorn Store, American Girl Place Chicago, Woodman's, Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard.
Restaurants in Illinois
1. Farnsworth House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
Glass and steel residence notoriously designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Dr. Edith Farnsworth. Famous for its "almost-nothing" design and the legal battle between architect and client, the House is an architectural pilgrimage site for students and professionals from around the world. Open for public tours as a National Trust for Historic Preservation Historic Site. Part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Reviewed By FrankD834 - South Bend, United States
I like to take road trips and one of the reasons I like them so mush is because I love to take pictures of places and things. I came across the Farnsworth House while looking into Fallingwater. I had seen the house in photos before, but didn't realize it was relatively close to me. So, I added it to the road trip stops. It was $20 for the tour (plus fees) and that's about what I would expect for something like this. It's slightly highbrow and charging a bit more keeps out people that aren't really interested in seeing it and would not be respectful of what it is. Basically, if you are paying $20 each to go, you're going to be smart enough not to touch anything. The tour starts at the gift shop and you walk down a trail, over a creek to the edge of the yard at the house. You meet your guide (who was awesome) and she took us to a few spots outside to tell us the history of the planning, construction, who has owned it and what has happened to the property over the years. All of it is very interesting. You then head up onto the porch, take off your shoes and then head in. Since we are going through "this virus thing", we had to wear masks and she told us to disperse around the house so we weren't on top of each other. It worked well. I managed pictures of everything I wanted with nobody blocking my views. It's a really interesting house. Once we had our fill inside, we were free to walk around the property and check out the trails and stuff. I checked out the boat house, the pool, and the tennis courts, which are all disused. I made my way back to the gift shop and checked out the round building next door that houses a wardrobe that was to be in the house. There is a reason that it isn't in the house, but I won't spoil the stories. I did pick up a book on the house and my usual magnet and stuff. The gift shop is excellent for architecture fans. There is also a wall that has the history of the house and it's timeline. From check in to me leaving, it was about 2:15 total time. I could have spent more time checking out the river and getting more photographs, but I needed to head to my next destination.
2. Kruta Bakery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By hasamearm69 - Collinsville, United States
I have lived near the bakery my entire life. They bake fresh every morning and open at 6 am sharp. If you want the goodies, get there early. They do sell out of things based on the high demand. I have never had a bad item from here. I do have my own favorites like Paradise Rolls and the Cream Horns.
3. Downtown Geneva Historic Shopping District
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By FormosaJane - Elgin, United States
I enjoy cooking so my favorite shops in Downtown Geneva are the Olive Mill, right behind the Post Office (their aged balsamic vinegar is some of the best I've ever had) and 360 Flavor and Spice (great spice blends and personal service), but for those who don't want to cook, there are lots of great restaurants and multiple chocolate and sweet shops (Graham's Fine Chocolate & Ice Cream and Cocoa Bean are my hands-down favorites). You can also shop for just about anything in the shopping district -- clothing, antiques, jewelry. Among the standout shops are Anew, a beautifully curated consignment shop for high-end used clothing and accessories; State Street Jewelers, with not only a beautiful array of jewelry but also skilled jewelers who can help clean, repair or breathe new life into existing pieces; and the Paper Merchant, which carries a range of whimsical gift cards, stationery and other paper goods.
4. Adagio Teas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 82 reviews
Adagio Teas Old Orchard: A sensory playground of superior loose-leaf teas. Located in Skokie, IL. Sample any tea in our vast collection. Explore novel varieties and discover new favorites. Offering knowledgeable staff, top-notch tea, and a low-pressure shopping environment, we'd love to help guide your tea journey, at Adagio Teas Old Orchard. Book a tasting event for yourself or with friends and learn about what sets us and our teas apart. We buy our loose-leaf tea directly from the farmers who grow them, ensuring the ultimate experience in flavor and freshness. Create custom blends of teas and inclusions (fruits, flowers and herbs) to find a flavor that's uniquely yours. Want to drink and run? Enjoy tea-to-go. Available hot or iced, but always brewed fresh. Let us make your favorite or help you discover something new. Either way, we guarantee your enjoyment of fresh leaves, perfectly prepared. Come and let us share with you our passion for tea!
Reviewed By AnaMariaL521 - Caguas, Caribbean
I visited with a friend while going to the Mall for lunch, we are both tea enthusiasts and I unfortunately live in Puerto Rico and don't have stores like these home. The store is bright, excellently stocked and organized. We were warmly greeted by Laura and Peggy. They alternatively explained the layout or would join us at the display highlighting different teas. Found the prices to be quite reasonable. Would definitely return.
5. Adagio Teas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 174 reviews
Adagio Teas Naperville: A sensory playground of superior loose-leaf teas. Located in Naperville, IL. Sample any tea in our vast collection. Explore novel varieties and discover new favorites. Offering knowledgeable staff, top-notch tea, and a low-pressure shopping environment, we'd love to help guide your tea journey, at Adagio Teas Naperville. Book a tasting event for yourself or with friends and learn about what sets us and our teas apart. We buy our loose-leaf tea directly from the farmers who grow them, ensuring the ultimate experience in flavor and freshness. Create custom blends of teas and inclusions (fruits, flowers and herbs) to find a flavor that's uniquely yours. Want to drink and run? Enjoy tea-to-go. Available hot or iced, but always brewed fresh. Let us make your favorite or help you discover something new. Either way, we guarantee your enjoyment of fresh leaves, perfectly prepared. Come and let us share with you our passion for tea!
6. Great American Popcorn Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By 238cliffr
The staff was great and the popcorn was really good. Prices were reasonable. They had a wide variety of flavors.
7. The Little Popcorn Store
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
I wonder if football legend Red Grange, the most famous resident of Wheaton, Illinois, ever visited the Little Popcorn Store. Nearing its 100th anniversary, the Little Popcorn Store is a local treasure, perhaps the world's smallest store of any kind. Located at 111 West Front Street, at Main Street, in downtown Wheaton, one of Chicago's western suburbs, it is only 49 inches wide by 60 feet long. It is like walking into a Norman Rockwell painting with popcorn freshly popped and candy lining the walls. The late owner Bill Wakefield, who ran the business for more than 40 years before passing away in 2019, pointed out that what separates his popcorn from others is the use of white corn, which is sweeter, smaller and less tough than yellow corn. Also, it is lighter and doesn't need butter. Just add vegetable oil and a light amount of salt. But only one flavor, no caramel or cheese. Candy lovers can choose from gummis, candy corn, candy dots, chocolate covered marshmallows, Reece's pumpkins, Mary Janes, Necco's wafers, salter pumpkin seeds, peppermint, penny candy, root beer barrels and many others. Also on sale are posters, ornaments, note cards and other artwork. The Little Popcorn Store is open from 10 to 9 Monday through Saturay and from noon to 5 on Sunday.
8. American Girl Place Chicago
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
Discover a place like no other, where lifelong memories are made, time together counts, and girls can be girls! Enjoy casual dining in the Bistro, where dolls are always welcome.
Reviewed By TaherAlbaghliJulian - Kuwait City, Kuwait
Located at the famous Water Tower Place, our Chicago store features specialty shops, private dining, and so much more.This shop great place for little girl to enjoyed dolls . there are many dolls working in different jobs.The dolls price are 124 $ .But,There are offers for some dolls around 30 $.The staff was nice and friendly.Highly recmmonded for little girls.
9. Woodman's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
10. Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 373 reviews
Over three generations of winemakers, the Lawlor-White Family has produced over 50 unique red, white and fruit wines. Enjoy all Galena Cellars has to offer including wine tasting experiences, tours and live music. Stop in and savor a taste of Illinois!
Reviewed By Lynnieskitchen
Great little winery with awesome wines! Perfect setting to sit back & relax... sip a glass on the porch or check out their new tasting room!????
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