About an hour from Chicago, past the edge of the city and the sprawling western suburbs, and just before the landscape changes to endless farm fields, is a charming hamlet that feels like stepping into a vacation. In Geneva, Illinois, lovely Victorian-style homes surround a downtown historic district full of one-of-a-kind shops, cafes, and pubs that create a perfect setting for a day of holiday shopping. In December, the town is transformed into a storybook Christmas village for their nationally-acclaimed Christmas Walk and House Tour.
Local entrepreneur and perhaps Geneva’s most dedicated supporter, Meredith Beebe, introduced us to a few of Geneva’s local treasures. Sisters-in-law Nicole Regan, founder of Cedar & Rush, and Geneva resident Samantha Regan, of Shining on Design, offer this review and their stunning photography.
BB Interiors
The staff at BB Interiors are friendly and helpful in every way. Whether you need a decorating tip from their staff, inspiration for your home, or a new fabric from their enormous selection of options, they will help. The shop carries an array of gift options including Simon Pearce glassware, custom-made pillows, and unique decorative pieces. Don’t miss their Annex section next door filled with clearance items!
Graham’s Chocolates
Graham’s is a must for first-time visitors as well as a go-to place for locals. They are known for creative and unique, hand-made chocolates, and numerous ice cream options, and seasonal treats like chocolate bunnies, anniversary cake toppers and baby shower favors. Tip: C heck out their “uglies” bin – usually on the bottom shelf filled with tasteful treats that have slight flaws in appearance!
Moveable Feast
This cafe and catering company uses ingredients from local farmers and growers to create dishes that look as amazing as they taste. In fact, their brownies were on of Oprah’s favorite things! Gluten and Dairy free items are included on their menu and a special menu is set for Thanksgiving.
Floral Wonders
The owner, Eva, has a background in interior design so she understands that textures and color in floral arrangements matter along with balance and movement. Her floral creations are gorgeous!
Odalisque
A boutique beauty shop with boho meets glam decor. The welcoming and friendly staff make this an easy place to go when you need that second opinion or want to try something new. I had a little makeup touch up that took less than 5 minutes and made such a difference. I was so impressed with how Bridget, the owner, created a “back to the 90’s” inspired look, specifically with a brown lip color “Haute Cocoa” and full eyebrows. They also carry a few of my favorite products in store including Sara H app’s Lip Slip, Uslu Airlines nail polish, and Lafco candles. All make great gifts and anything you purchase is wrapped in tissue paper, placed in a pretty burlap bag and tied with a ribbon and signature gold circle charm. A men’s “pop up shop” planned for the end of November will include unique gifts for the men in your life.
The Olive Mill
You could walk in this store and find a holiday gift for just about anyone your list! If you like a kick to your cooking, the chili pepper olive oil is perfect. I have been using it on everything lately.
FreshGround Roasting
Coffee is about relationships at FreshGround Roasting and that philosophy extends to their customers and trusted suppliers from across the world. This is a few blocks from downtown Geneva, but a unique experience if you are a coffee lover. We saw firsthand how the coffee beans were roasted and ready to brew. They sell coffee beans, brewers, grinders and even coffee bags.
Hache
This is Geneva’s newest restaurant and the rustic-meets-modern decor is reason enough to visit. On the menu, you’ll find everything from burgers to French-inspired dishes such as Escaoutoun Du Jour (a polenta stew) and Bouillabaisse. Their specialty cocktails are a favorite including the Geneva Mule and the Rose Petal. Tip: Ask about their VIP Club for special rewards and events.
Kernels
Popcorn is made fresh every day – from White Cheddar to Fire – and gift tins of all kinds are available to fill with popcorn. They also carry a huge assortment of candy – just about anything you can imagine. Their best seller is the triple dipped malted milk balls. At the end of the day, any leftover popcorn is donated to local food pantries.
I have so many other favorite spots in Geneva including The Little Traveler and Cocoon ) for gifts and The Patten House and Altiro Latin Fusion for a great meal. There really is something for every taste and the holidays are the best time of year to visit!
If you are not able to visit in person, or even if you do, check out Meredith Beebe’s In the 6 Gift Boxes. Each box includes selections from local shops and makes a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates independent local businesses. And 10% of the proceeds from each purchase are contributed to a charitable organization in Geneva.
Follow Samatha Regan at Shining on Design and Nicole Regan at Cedar & Rush.
This article appeared in the Holiday 2015 issue of Lakeshore Magazine. Subscribe HERE.
Click the cover image above to read the full issue.
