Illinois' Charming Little Village Is A Serene Countryside Spot With Shops, Historic Charm, And Wine

Illinois is a state filled with a wealth of fantastic destinations. From South Barrington, an affluent suburb sandwiched between Rockford and Chicago with impressive parks and upscale shops, to Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park, an under-the-radar lake getaway that is a fun-filled escape for hiking, boating, and camping, there's plenty to see and do in The Prairie State. One such spot is the charming little village of Elizabeth.

Nestled in the northwestern Illinois countryside, this tiny village is home to fewer than 700 residents, according to World Population Review, making it a tight-knit and friendly community. This setting means it's also an ideal and serene weekend escape for those seeking a respite from the pace of the Midwest's larger cities. Sitting on the edge of the Apple River and surrounded by rolling hills, Elizabeth's atmosphere is truly calming.

While the village is small, it's home to a selection of quaint shops where you can pick up some great souvenirs from your visit. Village Treasures is an adorable and unique gift shop downtown, where you can find a range of cozy home decor items. Another store you simply must visit is Elizabeth's Grand Antique Co. With many bustling stalls lined with various types of vintage goods and antiques, time spent here is comparable to visiting a museum. But visiting the village's shops is just one of the homey activities you can take part in here.

A trip to the antique store is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the rich history that Elizabeth has to offer. The small village is also home to a surprisingly large selection of great museums that are perfect for those interested in learning about the area's history. One of these is the Great Western Railroad Museum. "A brilliant little museum," wrote one visitor on Google Reviews. "There's no charge to enter, and it's full of really cool artifacts and displays. Another intriguing spot is Paul's Vintage Bicycle Museum. Filled with hundreds of rare and vintage bikes restored to their former glory across three floors, it's a truly unique spot with a friendly and knowledgeable owner.

History enthusiasts should also be sure to check out Apple River Fort State Historic Site. Here, visitors can uncover the history of the 1832 Black Hawk War through a short film, several exhibits, and through the knowledgeable staff. The site is open year-round, Wednesday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the summer season, and Fridays and Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the winter season.

After browsing the museums, it's time to relax, and what better way to do this in and around Elizabeth than at a winery? Less than 10 miles south of town is Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery. Offering a diverse selection of wines available to sample with handcrafted appetizer selections and live entertainment, this winery has it all! Guests can check out the patio's fantastic views and sip from their glasses in the winery's Tuscan-style tasting room. Another great option is Massbach Ridge Winery, whose 15-acre vineyard supplies the grapes for more than 20 wines. 

Elizabeth is as rural as it gets, sitting around 140 miles from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Wherever you're coming from, you'll need a car, as public transport is hard to come by in the Midwestern countryside. It's a good idea to make a pit stop in Rockford, the "City of Gardens," to see its stunning green spaces and check out its outdoor thrills and recreation.

There are only a couple of accommodation options in Elizabeth (which, given its size, is something of a miracle). One of these is the Three Elizabeths Guest House, a classic and cozy spot with homely decor, aptly named after three women who fought in the Battle at Apple River Fort. Another great spot nearby is the View Motel, which boasts beautiful countryside views and spacious bedrooms.

You'll want to book your visit between mid-June and early September. At this time of year, the temperature ranges from 57 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for strolling around town, visiting its museums, and sipping wine on a scenic terrace. Be sure to bring along comfortable walking shoes for exploring the village and historic sites, and reusable bags for all the antique shopping you're sure to do.