There's A Colorful, Hidden Mini Shopping Village In Illinois Filled With A Dozen Local Small Businesses
By Linze Rice|Published August 11, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Though Illinois is filled with excellent shopping destinations, when it comes time to give a gift, I always seek out local artists and craft makers first for a one-of-a-kind item that comes straight from my community. As someone who dabbles in resin art during my spare time, I always appreciate the personal touch and uniqueness that comes with something handmade. So when my town officials announced a new mini-shopping village in Berwyn, Illinois, I was beyond excited. Today, what was once a vacant space has been transformed into a thriving market and community space.
Let’s take a look!
The Berwyn Shops, 6931 Roosevelt Road, are a colorful collection of 12 mini stores that are each operated by a local artist or vendor. You can find everything from clothing, to jewelry, cupcakes, fresh flowers, and more inside.
A dozen 12-foot by 15-foot sheds were painted and their interiors were decorated by the shop owners chosen to rent the space for the year. Vendors had to apply to take part in the project, and a jury of community members choose a new "class" of artists to feature each year.
The creative talent is off the charts at the shops. Here you'll find lots of personality, curated products, handmade wares, and custom creations that you can't find anywhere else.
Locals and visiting shoppers alike have been flocking to the shops, especially during the holidays. I've found it's also a great gift place for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and bridal showers.
Though it's no longer an empty patch of grass, the Berwyn Shops are a homegrown garden of artisanal vendors that have created one of the most fun and unique shopping experiences in the state.
The space also hosts networking and community events, such as yoga classes and Santa meet-and-greets.
So, would you spend some time at this adorable mini-shopping village in Berwyn, Illinois? Where’s your favorite place to shop in Illinois? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the Berwyn Shops website and the Berwyn Shops Facebook page. And while you’re in town, head just a few blocks east for a pint of some of the best local beer, and grab dinner at this historic music club that serves the best brisket around. In fact, Berwyn is a pretty cool place for a relaxing staycation — use these staycation ideas to get started on planning a “trip” from the luxury of your own home!
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