Discovering Epilogue in Long Grove and an Interview with Rachel Perkal

Epilogue: A Store of Extraordinary Things. Image courtesy of Epilogue.

Discovering Epilogue: A Store of Extraordinary Things

An adventure to Epilogue: A Store of Extraordinary Things located in Long Grove, Illinois touches visitors with inspiration, whimsy, heart, soul, imagination and discovery. On each of my visits to Epilogue, I have found myself delighted, uplifted and amazed by the store's collection of unique handcrafted American art. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with owner Rachel Perkal to learn more about this amazingly unique small business. Welcome to Epilogue:

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Holiday Shopping in Galena, Illinois

Holiday Shopping and Small Business Exploring in Galena, Illinois

Our weekend holiday getaway to Galena, Illinois was just what we needed to start off the holiday season, revel in small business explorations and event get a little shopping done! Of course, there was time for wine tasting too! My husband and I opted to sneak away to Galena for a weekend in November and it was just the recharge we needed. Immediately upon arrival, one is charmed by Galena's historic main street:

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Small Business Shopping in Downtown Beloit

Shopping Small Businesses in Downtown Beloit, Wisconsin:

**Disclosure: Thank you to Visit Beloit for hosting my family's visit to Beloit.

During our visit to Beloit, we could not resist getting our shopping on. The downtown area holds a collection of small businesses and restaurants providing for a unique shopping adventure. Additionally, the Beloit Farmers' Market finds its home in the downtown area during warmer months. No matter the time of year, though, there is quite a shopping adventure to be had!

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Colectivo Coffee and Black Cat Alley in Milwaukee

After our adventure down memory lane at the Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee, we went in search of locally roasted coffee and popped into Colectivo. In addition to our hot beverages of choice, Colectivo has a decent menu of breakfast items, sandwiches and wraps. Plus, they have tempting fresh baked goodies from Troubadour Bakery. As a family of famished explorers, we ordered a selection of sandwiches. I, of course, ordered my traditional mocha latte which I can say was delicious!

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Lunching It At Town House Books and Cafe in St. Charles, IL

On a weekend visit to St. Charles, Illinois, we visited Town House Books and Cafe for the first time for a little lunch. The adorable local business is housed in a historic home dating back to the 1850's. The quaint shop and cafe provide the perfect ambiance for us to relax a bit on a Sunday afternoon.

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Perfect Little Coffee Stop at Perfect Blend in Highland Park

I am always scouting for new coffee shops during our Chicago suburban explorations. After visiting the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, we stopped at Perfect Blend in Highland Park for a little coffee on the way home. Coffee shops pretty much run the gambit between being strictly place for a coffee concoction to full service restaurants. The Perfect Blend is somewhere in between which gives you a lot of options if you are looking for something to nibble on with your coffee.

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Coquelicot Gallery and Cafe Home to Artisan Finds and Light Bites in Palatine

Coquelicot Gallery and Cafe is a new addition to the Chicago suburbs supporting independent artisans and providing an elegant space where the public can enjoy coffee, tea, light bites and art. I must admit the first two things that drew me to Coquelicot Gallery was the allure of loose leaf tea and the ability to peruse art including locally made items. When you enter Coquelicot, you feel that you are in a refined yet welcoming space.

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Scenes Around German Village in Columbus, Ohio

On our last day driving back from Annapolis, we stopped for lunch at German Village in Columbus, Ohio. We visited German Village a couple of years ago and fell in love. With a little time to mosey along, we decided to stop. German immigrants originally began settling in the area in the mid-1800's so there is incredible character and history in German Village. It is truly a special place to visit.

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Eclat Chocolate in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Chocolate. Chocolate somehow always makes it way into our road trips. I wonder how? Could it be that I love locally made chocolate?  While in Pennsylvania visiting family, we ventured into Eclat Chocolate in West Chester. On a previous trip to Pittsburgh, I savored an Eclat bar I discovered at a local chocolate shop. So, I was thrilled to have an opportunity to explore Eclat's Factory Store!

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Road Trip to Annapolis, Maryland

This week, we took a road trip to Annapolis, Maryland! Over the next couple of weeks, I will share our discoveries and stops on the way and back.  Overall, the trip from the Chicago area to Annapolis is about 11-12 hours, therefore there is a lot to discover there and on the way! We were able to stop in Pittsburgh on the way there and back:

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Get Behind The Arts 2018 in Kenosha and Racine, Wisconsin April 27-29

Up close art experience at the 2017 Get Behind The Arts Event photo by Barb Thompson Photography

Get Behind The Arts is an INCREDIBLE weekend adventure in nearby Kenosha and Racine, Wisconsin welcoming the community into local art studios, galleries and museums. The self-guided tour gives visitors an unparalleled view of the creative and innovative processes of local artists in their own work spaces. Over the course of the weekend, over 100 creatives at 27 locations will introduce the community to their art and ignite the creative spirit in all of us. The weekend is a fabulous time to appreciate the talent of local artists and their contributions to our community, appreciate their artistry and foster our own artistic passion. Can you tell I am excited about the event?

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Community, Whimsy and Fun at Beat Street in Arlington Heights

Beat Street's cheerful letters and window of whimsy invites visitors to indulge their inner child regardless of age. One cannot walk into this toy store without feeling childlike wonderment. Last week, I visited Beat Street and talked a little with owner Jen Sanger. I am thrilled to share more of this local small business with you!

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Discoveries in French Lick, Indiana

After visiting the French Lick Baden Museum, we spent some time exploring French Lick. While there is quite a bit of shopping available within both French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel, there are definitely are a lot of discoveries to be made within quaint French Lick.

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Arlington Cake Box Bakery in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Arlington Cake Box Bakery in Arlington Heights has long been one of our favorite places to pick up baked goods. If you are looking for an old school bakery, Arlington Cake Box Bakery is the place! Family run since 1949, the bakery has an incredible selection of baked goods. While many of us look for sweet temptations at bakeries, they also have a selection of breads and rolls. Truly, Cake box has one of the largest bakery selections I have every seen.

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Afternoon in Oak Park, Illinois

Afternoon in Oak Park, Illinois

We spent a recent Sunday afternoon checking out a few spots in Oak Park. Our first stop was to the Oak Park River Forest Museum which is housed in an historic 1898 Fire House. The historic brick building does have an inviting feel, welcoming visitors to learn about the area.

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The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh

On our road trips east to New Jersey, we often find ourselves spending a little time in Pittsburgh. The city has quickly become one our favorite cities to explore. The city itself is striking especially from a perch upon Mount Washington where you can soak up the skyline surrounded by rivers and bridges.

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Easter Egg Hunt in Barrington Stores

Through April 8 enjoy some Easter fun at the above Barrington stores. Find an Easter egg while shopping and win a prize! I thought I would share this for shoppers this weekend and over Spring Break!

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Adding Local Flavor to Your Vacation

When I travel, I like to absorb the local surroundings as much as possible. Sometimes this requires a bit of pre-planning. Often, you can also find some true gems on the fly. Supporting the local businesses and treasures adds a richness to your experience while helping the local communities you enjoy so much! Here are a few ways I have learned to capture the essence of my destination to take a little piece back with me:

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The Grove Holiday Arts & Craft Faire and a Fall Hike

The Kennicott House decorated for the holidays.

One of my favorite events all year is The Grove Holiday Arts & Craft Faire! The Grove is both a historical landmark and nature preserve with several historic buildings nestled within a prairie grove. The Arts& Craft Faire is a very special time when several of the historic buildings, interpretive buildings and nature center are filled to the brim with quality crafts, artisan products and culinary treats. Guides in 19th century apparel, twinkling lights, whimsical snowmen and evergreen fronds add to the holiday atmosphere.

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Family Tradition Thrives at Max and Benny's Restaurant

We visited Max and Benny's in Northbrook a couple of Fridays ago for dinner. We expected a crowd on a Friday evening, so we arrived early. We soon learned that the restaurant not only attracted a crowd but tables of jovial diners eager to not only enjoy a meal but to sit with friends and family sharing the news of the week.

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