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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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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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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Chicago Suburbs Small Business Connection

To make it a little easier for small businesses and fans to connect, I have created a Facebook Group. I have set it up as a space where we can collaborate, share ideas and share our news. The group is relatively new, so I am still developing the rhythm. Overall, I want it to be as easygoing as possible because I know how busy we all are! Please join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChicagoSuburbsSmallBusinessConnection/

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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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Halloween the Made in USA Way at Norton's U.S.A!

Every year, Norton's U.S.A. has an incredible selection of made in U.S.A. items for Halloween and this year is no exception! Items range from an adorable Halloween village to spooky changing portraits to cute paper plates and napkins to spooky and sweet ponchos to nostalgic cutouts to creepy ornaments for your Halloween tree to frightful Halloween cards and much, much more!

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Fresh Baked Sweet Treats at Three Tarts Bakery and Cafe in Northfiled, Illinois

A couple of months ago, we spotted Three Tarts Bakery and Cafe on a trip through Northfield. The adorable cafe setup beckoned us although we did not have time to visit upon our initial discovery. We finally had a free afternoon and popped in for some sweet treats this weekend.

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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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5 Best Places for Hot Chocolate in the Chicago Suburbs

Decadently satisfying hot chocolate from Heart of Europe Cafe

When the air starts to get crisp, it is time to enjoy some hot chocolate! We are fortunate to have some really wonderful and unique places here in the Chicago suburbs to savor a cold weather treat. Here are my family's favorites for a cup of hot cocoa:

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Vintage Shop Hop March 4-5, 2016

Love to hit the road for some shopping? There is a pretty cool local event in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin featuring unique local shops coming up called the Vintage Shop Hop! During the Vintage Shop Hop, stores selling vintage items, antiques, handmades and uniques open their doors to hoppers with all sorts of special surprises. Each store picks their own fun for visitors including special discounts, treats, wine tastings, raffles, artists on site and more! Ann at Nellie's Barn Sale in Roscoe is the mastermind behind this annual event.

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Anderson's Candy Shop {Barrington}

Chocolate tastes so much better when it is fresh and handmade! That is why I am entirely fortunate to not live very far from Anderson's Candy Shop in Barrington. The Anderson family has been making chocolate confections in Richmond, Illinois for three generations--since the 1920's! A few years ago, the family opened a second shop in Barrington giving more families an option to enjoy their delights!

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