This Chicago Suburb With A Dynamic Downtown Of Shops And Food Is Illinois' 'Gem Of The Fox River Valley'

Tens of millions of people visit Chicago every year, and while many of them will tell you the experience is worth it, others are growing concerned about the many tourist traps to avoid in the city and looking for other places to go instead. If you fall in the latter category, or are just looking for a quiet retreat to enjoy in between big-city visits, we've got just the place for you. Algonquin is a peaceful, moderately-sized hub, and although it's technically a village, its population of over 30,000 people and charming downtown give it more of a small city or Chicago suburb vibe. Combine that with all the wooded riverbanks and lush parks that bring a piece of nature near the third-largest city in America, and you get the most perfectly balanced retreat.

Your trip here will be a breeze, too. Algonquin is roughly 33 miles from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, so most people will have to drive for around 35 minutes back and forth. If you're coming from downtown Chicago, though, prepare for something closer to an hour since, depending on the time of day, traffic can be awful. Despite this being a urban area, public transportation options are limited, so most people opt for a car or rideshare instead. For flyers, rentals are always a fantastic option. They give you all the flexibility you need, and they start at just $20-something a day. As far as timing is concerned, most people come to Algonquin in the summer or fall, since that's the best time for festivals and outdoor activities. Winter is quieter, and there's not much going on, but the village gets extra charming for those who don't mind the colder weather.

The first stop of any Algonquin visit should be downtown, otherwise known as the Old Town District: There's no better place to get a taste of local life. Foodies can fuel up at Cucina Bella, an Italian restaurant known for its calamari, chicken Parmesan, and stuffed mushrooms. The ambiance and service are great, the portions are huge, and the prices are $20 to $30 for an entire meal. Don't forget to end the meal with their famous carrot cake, which customers describe as simply "divine." And if you're craving something more traditionally American, The Texan Barbecue is your spot. The ribs, brisket, and chili come highly recommended, and the rustic ambiance makes everything seem that much more inviting. The place is open every day except Sunday, and they do curbside pickups and deliveries, too.

The best way to spend all that newly-gained energy is shopping. Main Street is dotted with locally-owned boutiques, antique stores, and artisan vendors. For second-hand treasures, go to Heavenly Attic Resale, a volunteer-run location with an impressive selection and great deals. Shopping there helps the community, too, since all proceeds go to nearby charities. Just remember that they're cash-only and they're only open on Fridays and Saturdays. Music lovers have an extra stop to make: Cassandra Strings. This is Algonquin's instrument store and a local favorite, thanks to its great prices and convenient rental program. The staff is also extremely friendly and knowledgeable. While in the area, try to set aside 15 minutes for a quick trip to Barrington. Chicago's storybook suburb is a village with a walkable downtown, a vintage theater, and equestrian clubs.

Algonquin's nickname — "the Gem of the Fox River Valley" — comes from its dreamy river setting, though its outdoorsy allure goes well beyond that. Sure, you can enjoy everything from kayaking to canoeing here, but nature enthusiasts also love green areas like Cornish Park, which is arguably one of Algonquin's most iconic landmarks. Located on Harrison Street right along the river's bank, this space promises playgrounds, picnic areas, comfy benches, and the most peaceful views of water flowing over the Dexter Doggold Memorial Dam. The park is open every day from 6 or 6:30 a.m., and dogs are welcome! Don't forget to take some pictures in front of the clock tower before you leave.

For a change of scenery, you can walk five minutes to Riverfront Park. This is one of Algonquin's prime spots, with more formal gardens and beautiful memorials. It's also the place where you'll see most outdoor concerts and gatherings during the warmer months. Here, you can go on a walk, play basketball, or launch a boat to take in the serene views. There are also some well-maintained picnic areas with plenty of shade, and the parking space near the basketball court is clean and spacious.

If you're looking for a proper outdoors experience, the Fox River Shores Forest Preserve might be more your speed. It's located eight minutes away from the village, and here you can bike, explore nature trails, and enjoy all the previously mentioned water activities, as well as fishing. Still looking for a great place to hike and enjoy small-town allure? Try a day trip to Elgin, an artsy gem near Chicago with diverse dining, trails, and shops.