Long Grove

I never get tired of visiting this historic town. As a young child I had many fond memories visiting this with my dad and exploring many of the stores that are still around. I have many favorites and new stores that I like to frequent. Just beyond the town is a mini nature preserve/trail that leads you to a picnic area with a lovely gazebo in case you pack a picnic instead of dining in the many restaurants and snack filled areas.

A little history....

The first settlers in the Long Grove area were George Ruth and his family, who came from Pennsylvania, and claimed 160 acres of pristine prairie land, including all four corners of the trail crossing. Within 10 years, almost all of the surrounding land had been claimed.  By 1880 Long Grove was a thriving village with two general stores, two blacksmiths, two wagon and carriage shops, a tavern (which is still in operation), a hotel, a creamery, three churches, and four one-room schools.

Today, buildings in the crossroads area are marked with plaques identifying the original owners and recognizing their importance to Long Grove’s history. The signature covered bridge and the village landmarks in the historic district have all been carefully guarded as the town evolved into a unique destination for visitors seeking a distinctly preserved refuge. Though the blacksmiths, grist mills, and dairies no longer operate, their structures house a myriad of intriguing shops to visit. In Long Grove, you can wander through a bit of early Americana with its one-room schools, early taverns, and general and specialty stores which now house world-class contemporary shops and restaurants.

A must see for sure...

• Apple Haus - don't forget to try an apple donut and pick up a pie to go. Seriously they are do die for
• Long Grove Confectionery - hand made chocolate treats that are a must see
• Ma and Pa's Candy Store - step back in time to the days of a real candy shop (sadly not the same prices)
• The Artistic Gardener -  I've found many gifts here. Love this store with all kinds of nature themed treasures
• Farmside Grocery - sample some yummy food treats
• Visit the English, Irish and Norwegian boutiques and go on a mini journey to another country. The English/Irish boutiques have Cadburry Chocolates imported from the UK. For those of you who've traveled or lived in Ireland or the UK this is the real deal. The chocolates overseas are different and super yummy.
• Olivia's Closet has fun and interesting women's clothing that I love to visit
• Antique stores are fun to look too.

There's much to see and do here. Oh, make sure to check out their events and festivals as they truly are fun. We've done Apple Festival and the holiday carriage rides. Truly fun.

Here's a list of events for the 2011 calendar season...

ICE MELTIN’ BLUES  - March 26 - 27

CHOCOLATE FEST - April 29 - 30, May 1

SUNDAY FARMERS MARKET - June 12 through October

PORSCHE CLUB CONCOURS - June 19th (Father’s Day)

STRAWBERRY FEST - June 24 - 26

VETERANS RECOGNITION - July 24

ARTS & MUSIC COUNCIL SUNDAY CONCERTS - July and August

LONG GROVE FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL - August 20 – 21

LONG GROVE WORLD TOUR - Labor Day Weekend

ROTARY HERITAGE RUN  - September 10

APPLE FEST - September 30, October 1–2

OKTOBERFEST - October 14  – 16

HOLIDAY PREVIEW - November 11 – 13

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES - November 9 – December 31

LONG GROVE TURKEY TROT - Thanksgiving Day

For more information including video clips Visit http://www.longgroveonline.com/