Wonderful Woodstock, IL
Here it is, the last week (finally!) of January, which means Groundhog Day is coming right up. Therefore, I am writing a post about Woodstock, Illinois, since it is where the classic movie Groundhog Day was filmed. More recently, the holiday movie Reporting for Christmas and the Amazon Prime show Night Sky were filmed in this adorable town. What makes Woodstock so special? Well, if you ask any local, they will tell you “the Square.” Located about 30 minutes from Lake Geneva, WI, the Woodstock Square does look like it came out of a story book or Hallmark movie. Its beautiful park is used to host many events, including one of the largest and best farmer’s markets in the state (every Saturday and Tuesday during the summer months), Mexican Independence Day, weekly concerts in the park and so much more.
Surrounding the park are many local small businesses, which are the pride and joy of this sweet town. Ethereal Confections offers a unique spot to grab coffee, lunch, a glass of wine, or of course their in-house made chocolate. As you sit and savor something delicious, you can see the chocolate being made through huge windows in the back of the space. Ethereal also hosts many special event evenings such as wine and chocolate pairings, chef’s dinners, and paint ‘n sip parties. Recently, Ethereal has also expanded to offer an event space in the newly renovated courthouse building.
A newer addition to the square is the J & G Pastries, which is a small business offering freshly-baked cookies, cake pops and seasonal treats such as an amazing pumpkin bread in the fall months. Located right next to the movie theater, it is a great place to pop in for a quick sweet treat. My favorite are the mint chocolate chip cookies!
Woodstock also offers a variety of delightful retail spots to help you get your shopping fix. The Grove House Market is located just off the square and features gorgeous upcycled furniture, whimsical and elegant home decor, as well as fun accessories. It’s never the same place twice, so this is a spot I visit every time I am on the square.
The Grove House Market
Black Oak Home & Haven Co. and Apple Creek are located around the corner from Ethereal on Throop St., and these shops offer more delightful home decor and unique finds sure to bring a smile to your face. Apple Creek does double-duty as a flower shop, and their window displays never disappoint. At Black Oak, it is common to also sample home-baked goodies as you roam the space- give them a follow on Instagram so you never miss what’s in store!
For your clothing needs, check out Blue Thistle or Hattie & Myrt. These boutiques carry great options to keep you looking and feeling your best, whether you are in need of cozy pajama sets, a cute top or a new sweater to help you get through the rest of winter, these are can’t miss spots to check out. Blue Thistle also has an extensive selection of unexpected home decor, and I love their selection of pet-centered items- who can say no to a pillow with a Golden Retriever on it?
Some of the other wonderful spots around the square are The Yoga Lounge, D & A Salon and Apothecary, Read Between the Lynes Bookstore (*and ice cream!), Expressly Leslie vegetarian restaurant and the Woodstock Opera House. The Opera House is home to many performances and shows throughout the year, and on Thursdays its Stage Left Cafe hosts a lively trivia night. Winestock is a can’t-miss on the square, with a beautiful space to enjoy a glass of wine and check out some live music. On a summer day, this is a great spot to sit outside and people-watch.
Winestock
No visit to Woodstock would be complete without a stop at the Cherry Tree Bed & Breakfast, which was a central part of the Groundhog Day movie. It has since undergone a makeover, and the delightful owner has created a welcoming, beautiful spot to stay for a weekend or hold a special event. On a weekend, it is common to see guests sitting outside on the beautiful porch enjoying a homemade breakfast as strangers become friends.
I feel like I’ve only covered about half of the shops around the Square, but I hope that if you ever find yourself in the area you carve out some time to wander around in Woodstock! A more comprehensive list of businesses on the square can be found here, and there is always something new on the horizon in this fun little town- enjoy, get out there and have fun!
