2 minute read
CHECK OUT THE ARTS IN
by Shaw Media
gin El in
The Elgin area arts scene is one of the biggest hidden gems in the suburbs — following this itinerary ensures you will visit all of the must-see spots, including a self-guided public arts tour
By the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Day 1
Start your weekend by booking at one of the Elgin area hotels; a full list of hotels can be found at www.ExploreElginArea.com. Once settled in, head into downtown Elgin for the farmers market that takes place every Friday during the summer. This open-air market is a popular place for local artisans to sell their goods. If you happen to stop by in the evening, you’ll love the dazzling lights strung up through the downtown area. Next check the calendar because the Elgin Symphony Orchestra is coming back with a fun twist this year. To ensure the safety of the orchestra and the audience, ESO will be performing at Goebbert’s Farm in Pingree Grove for its concert series called Fridays on the Farm. Head over and enjoy an outdoor performance if you have the chance!
Day 2
Start the day with a quick bite and a handcrafted coffee before walking around downtown Elgin for the self-guided public arts walking tour. Public art can be seen all around the downtown Elgin area, and the tour will take you on parts of the scenic Fox River Trail, making it a great tour to take while the morning is still cool. Spend time strolling through the area and appreciating the art. There’s also a number of antique and artisan shops that can be enjoyed along the way! When the day starts to heat up after the walking tour, saunter over to Funky Rooster Tattoo and Art Gallery. The team that runs this tattoo shop is incredibly talented, and you can find the artists’ work in the form of murals around town and on the bodies of locals as well. Because of the artistic prowess of the owners and employees of this shop, artwork is displayed throughout the shop, which is why this location is a tattoo shop and an art gallery. The last gallery for the day is located nearby at Side Street Studio Arts. This gallery features themed exhibitions that go on throughout the year. As evening starts to roll in, take in a movie or concert in a nearby park. Festival Park is a great park for kids as well as for some relaxation by the river. This park is also home to Elgin’s Movies in the Park event. To enjoy some music, take a quick drive to Wing Park to enjoy a Concerts in the Park event during the week. There’s a nearby concert venue in West Dundee that specializes in rock music: Rochaus. This venue hosts a lot of fun and exciting groups. Be sure to check out the event calendar to see who is playing when you are in town. Spend your evening strolling through one of the unique downtowns in the Elgin area or head back to your hotel for a relaxing last night in the Elgin area.
CHECK OUT TRIP IDEAS AND WEEKLY EXPLORE ELGIN BLOGS FOR INSPIRATION. Visiting www.ExploreElginArea or any of the @ExploreElgin social media accounts is the first step to a relaxing time with your loved ones.
