To start off your weekend- spend the day like Explore Elgin Area’s CEO and President, Krisilee Murphy. From tours of the incredible museums around the Elgin Area to the boutique shopping around- she has the perfect day planned.
Morning
To start my busy day off, I head on over to either Alexander’s Cafe in Elgin or Maple & Hash in Pingree Grove. After breakfast, I generally go and check out a local museum. Here is a list of some of my favorites:
- Elgin History Museum
- Elgin Public Museum
- Fox Fire Barn No. 5
- Bartlett History Museum
- Fox River Trolly Museum
Afternoon
After a morning filled with learning history and exploring the 10 communities, there are a few different places that I could stop by for lunch. I either typically go to Cafe Roma or Moretti’s Elgin for a delicious and filling lunch option. When I get some afternoon drowsiness, I must stop by Arabica Cafe in Elgin for some of my favorite brews! They have freshly baked bread, soups, pastries, and more to offer too!
Now it is time for one of my favorite activities- boutique shopping. I head on over to State Street Market Shops, The Half Full Nest, The Vintage Hammer, LadyBug Lane, Banbury Faire, and Meraki Market– just to name a few!
Evening
Before dinner, I like to stop and grab a glass of wine or two at Plank Road Tap Room or Hampshire Social. For dinner, I like to stop at the new tapas place called Le P’tit Resto Bar Tapas in Bartlett! If I am not feeling tapas, I will head on over to Copper Barrel on State in Hampshire.
To wind down for the night, I like to see a performance from Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Children’s Theatre, or Live Music at the Bar.
