Wheaton

Downtown Wheaton is a model for any town or village looking to revitalize its nostalgic retail gems with entrepreneurial vigor and creativity. The setting couldn't be better, within earshot of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad and a few blocks from the gorgeous architecture of the renowned Wheaton College.

A big "thank you" to proud Greek native Xristina Rahn, one of the store owners integral to the downtown's revival, for running down the main street to find theater restoration guru Ray Shepardson, who proved a gracious and insightful tour guide.

The Wheaton Grand Theater
123 N. Hale
www.WheatonGrand.net
(630) 221-1049

This is an architectural treasure slated for an ambitious $8 million restoration, and as such, stands as a linchpin in downtown Wheaton's revival. The theater, circa 1925, features terrazzo stonework, multi-cultural designs and a domed ceiling with twink-ling stars. It became a venue for new-wave rock bands, jazz concerts and family entertainment. The theater closed in early April for the restoration, which could take 18 months to two years, and will be overseen by Shepardson and his wife Nanette Thomas' Market Value Productions.

It's Our Earth
125 N. Hale
www.ItsOurEarth.com
(630) 668-3800

This cubby-hole shop features a zany, jam-packed mixture of jewelry, purses, knick-knacks, housewares and even fertilizer made with spent coffee grounds, plus a collection of vintage shoes, coats, skirts, dresses and fur hats and stoles. A special treat is Rahn's enthusiastic explanation of the save-the-earth philosophy behind baubles such as rings made from antique typewriter keys; old vinyl records remolded into bowls; handmade bar soap whose ingredients include spent coffee grounds; purses made from boots and license plates, and vinyl purses showing off old album jackets and juice-drink pouches.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday.

Wheaton Barber Shop
127 N. Hale
(630) 588-7000

The downtown barber shop is straight out of Mayberry with four barber chairs, yet customers were standing in line waiting for haircuts by Dr. Angelo Scardullo, M.T., Phs., whose business card touts his professional practice in tonsorial treatment; as well as Big Ang and twin brothers Bob Lopez and Rick Lopez.

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday.

Johnny D's
120 N. Hale
(630) 690-2100

The new Johnny D's opened on April 18 in an awe-inspiring former funeral-home chapel with spectacular stained-glass windows, directly across the street from the Wheaton Grand Theater. The menu will be familiar to Johnny D's fans, highlighting Northern Italian cuisine, plus steaks, chops and fresh fish. The new restaurant replaces One 20 Ocean Place, a seafood restaurant.

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Tuesday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; closed Sunday.

Bar open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday; 11 a.m.-midnight Wednesday-Saturday; closed Sunday.

Caponata's Ristorante
100 N. Hale
(630) 682-5900

Caponata's is the creation of Brian Toska, the owner of Brian's Charhouse steak house in West Chicago, and partner Mario Cannistra. The two men renovated a vintage building with a magnificent bay window and reopened it April 1 as the restaurant. Caponata's features pastas and authentic preparation of steaks, fish, pasta and chicken.

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Graham's Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream
119 W. Front
(630) 221-1199

The downtown chocolate shop features a mouth-watering variety of chocolates, fudge, caramels, truffles, pralines and chocolate-dipped fresh fruits, as well as gelato ice cream.

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Carlson Paint, Glass and Art Store
111 E. Front
(630) 668-4000

The Carlson Paint, Glass and Art Store is a throwback to the days when local families owned downtown businesses. This art-supply store offers a full array of products, and sits next to the Carlson family's garden center, glass store and True Value hardware store. The Carlson family businesses date to 1915 and 1918.

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.