Downtown Arlington Heights
Known for its racetrack, where thoroughbred horses surge from the gates, and as a sprawling haven for Metra-riding commuters, Arlington Heights is both antiseptic suburb and zoning gone wild. It's downtown is an eight-block colossus saddled with the slogan: "We have it all."
Architecturally, that makes for a headache. New brick construction for chains like Bath and Body Works stand over 1970s strip malls -- the type where the florist sits next to the pizza shop sits next to the hair salon -- which nestle between free-standing retail buildings that recall another time. It's clear the modern thrust here is the chains -- from Panera to the Noodle Co. -- which gives the feel of an outdoor mall that has overwhelmed any hope of a quaint downtown.
But there are still gems here for those wishing to dip through parking lots and wind up the streets beyond the shadows of the Yankee Candle Company.
Salon 117 & Essence Day Spa
89 S. Evergreen
(847) 259-5209
The daily grind can wear on a person. So if you can afford a Green Coffee Body Wrap (intended to free your body of toxins while inhibiting free radical formation) why pass it up? Offerings include waxing and facials, which begin at $12 and run up to $110, and spa packages from the three -hour Groom's Day ($116) to the full-day Great Escape ($437).
Hours: Monday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m, and alternating Sundays 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fausto's Italian Bakery and Deli
16 S. Evergreen
(847) 255-9049
The claim to fame is the bread, fired in brick oven, creating a foundation of goodness. Fausto's offers several hot and cold sandwiches, including a Summer Sandwich made from pesto, fresh mozzarella, red onions and fresh tomatoes. If sandwiches aren't your thing, grab a bag of locally made frozen pasta to cook later.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Victoria's Books
13 W. Campbell
(847) 788-1313
www.victoriasbooks.com
A testament to the value of things used, this bookseller holds more than 15,000 titles. For collectors, Victoria's offers antiquarian and signed books -- including an 1887 edition of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. For bargain seekers, the store offers a wide array of titles, including picture books, making it a great stop for parents of book-hungry kids.
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Thursday 1:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
Riviera Restaurant
5 W. Campbell
(847) 394-1930
The menu of this hot-dog-joint-plus offers gastronomic standbys like dogs, pizza-by-the-slice and ... shish-ka-bobs. Only one item tops $6.75 -- a whole 16" pizza, which will run you $10.80. Slammed at lunchtime, enter prepared to order, lest you hold up the line.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Design Toscano
17 E. Campbell
(847) 255-6799
www.designtoscano.com
It may be a stretch to call a company with four showrooms in Chicagoland a hidden gem, but where else will you find a full suit of armor to display in your foyer? Design Toscano is loaded with statues, water features, paintings, sconces and, all sorts of other items of decor. From faux stone lions to bizarre Dungeons & Dragons-like claw coat hangers, this is the place if you're looking to take your space to another level.
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Harry's of Arlington
1 N. Vail
(847) 577-2525
Housed in the building of a general store that served Arlington Heights at the turn of the 20th century, Harry's is a neighborhood tavern of the truest form. But Harry's also offers lots of seating, ample televisions to watch the game, a selection of draft beers and half-pound burgers that the contractors who lunch here swear are the best in town.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
David Jakubiak is a local free-lance writer.