Crystal Lake
Sitting about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, Crystal Lake is the largest village in McHenry Country and touts a downtown that was one of the first in Illinois' Main Street Program. A classic suburban downtown, Crystal Lake sprouted in the early 20th century around its train tracks and its TECO pottery. More recently, it's been revitalized in part due to the renovations at the Raue Center for the Arts, a Spanish-style theater that has a schedule of acts ranging from comedian Steven Wright to music stars the Neville Brothers.
The center, the honorary name of Williams Street and a memorial clock that stands above the downtown, were all named for the family of the late Lucile Raue, a hardware store owner whose father had been mayor and whose estate helped spark the revitalization. With tree-dotted sidewalks and ample benches, this downtown also offers some unique shopping options with chains -- save Starbucks -- completely absent. During the summer, downtown is filled with classic cars on Thursday evenings and a farmer's market is held Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. "This is the heart of McHenry County," says Edna C. McCall, owner of The Flag Store, "and the heart is strong." For more, visit the Web site at www.downtowncl.org.
The Toy Connection
30 N. Williams
(815) 477-4422
www.toycon.com
A classic small toy store, The Toy Connection offers children's delights ranging from a wide selection of items, from Playmobil sets to plastic critters ranging from fin whales to armadillos. With a small niche carved out for plush toys and a wall stacked with games, it's a sure bet whether you're looking for a gift or you're an oversized kid looking for something to liven up the office.
Hours: 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
The Saltbox House
37 N. Williams
(815) 356-6020
www.thesaltboxhouse.com
Attention all Victorian designers: This is the spot for you. Whether giving your kitchen a colonial twist or forging a reading room for your Phillis Wheatley Club, this shop offers all you'll need at an affordable price. Everything from the pastoral paintings to the furniture to the hand-blown goblets is a replica, meaning the price is right and you won't need to adjust your insurance upon getting it home.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
The Player's Bench
87 N. Williams
(815) 459-8614
www.playersbenchmusic.com
For more than 30 years, The Player's Bench has been offering high-quality instruments, lessons, rentals, sheet music and practice space to northern Illinois' longtime musicians and new music students. With a selection of both new and used instruments and a knowledgeable staff, this is the place to go if you're an MC looking for a new mike or if you're the next Bruce Springsteen and you want to teach some strings how to sing.
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Le Petit Marche
19 N. Williams
(815) 477-3296
A small wine and cheese shop, Le Petit Marche is an ideal cafe to stop at for that not-so-average lunch. Once known as Dawn's Bread -- the old name is still on the awning -- Le Petit Marche offers fresh ingredients and gourmet cheeses. The limited yet satisfying menu changes daily, with two sandwich options (one standard and one bold), a soup and a salad.
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Kep's Paperback Exchange
61 N. Williams
(815) 459-4343
This used book store is packed with titles: mysteries, middle-grade novels, romance and historical fiction, and they're almost all paperbacks. Offering an exchange deal in which you can trade in pre-read books for something new to you, this is one place to go if you're looking for a beach read but aren't looking to pay that hardcover cover price.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
The Flag Store
69 N. Williams
(815) 477-3444
With the Fourth of July just around the corner, it may be time to drop into this shop, housed in the former Raue Hardware Store, where you can find ways to display your love of anything from service to country to college sports team. In addition to flags, also be sure to check out the college team birdhouses, the wide selection of rag dolls and the old-fashioned music boxes.
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
Pop's Corn Crib
88 Woodstock
(815) 479-8906
This snack stand just off the train tracks offers classics like Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs and ice cream for hot summer days. But it's the popcorn that gives it its name. Offering homemade popcorn balls, caramel corn and good ol' popcorn in plain, butter or cheese, it's the place for a snack-on-the-go in Crystal Lake.
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
David Jakubiak is a local free-lance writer.