La Grange, Illinois, in western Cook County has long been known as a fun family town. Between the many different self-guided walking tours from the La Grange Historical Society, to a full event calendar, you’re bound to find an upcoming event perfect for you.

Check out:

• The La Grange Farmers Market held every Thursday from May to October;

• The June La Grange Pet Parade and Carnival where four-legged friends come out in droves alongside the humans who love them;

• Endless Summerfest which offers food, fun and music for three days to close out summer;

• Halloween Walk, where witches, ghosts and goblins haunt the downtown area;

• And see how La Grange decks its halls in holiday colors during Hometown Holidays La Grange, held every November and December.

Plus there are expos, special sales, and wellness events throughout the year. You’re sure to discover something for every taste and adventure in La Grange, IL 60525!

For breakfast, it doesn’t get more delicious than what’s on the menu at Blueberry Hill Breakfast Cafe, located at 49 S. La Grange Road. Named one of Chicago’s Top Ten breakfast locations by the Chicago Tribune, Blueberry Hill serves not only world-class breakfast and brunch fare, but also sandwiches, wraps, salads and much more. Try crepes, pancakes, even biscuits and gravy. There are amazing omelets, Belgian waffles, and skillets to choose from too. Or bite into your favorite juicy burger! And of course there’s a great kid’s menu. It’s comfort food like mom would make at Blueberry Hill Breakfast Café.

Another perfect place for a friendly get together, date night, or after work spot is The Elm. Located at 23 W. Harris St., The Elm offers casual cocktails and delicious meals with friends, someone special, or the whole family. This neighborhood restaurant is cozy, swank with big city charm, yet friendly and accessible. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring everything is freshest quality. That includes holidays, like their weeklong St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Enjoy dining on a rooftop deck or inside where you’ll find a comfortable setting.

Small plates at The Elm include Sesame Salmon Wontons, Poached Lobster, or Baked Crab Cakes. Then move on to Seared Scallops, Shrimp Pasta, or a 12-oz. Prime New York Strip. Sandwiches include the Grilled Chicken or The Elm Cheddar Burger with herb garlic mayo. Lunch offers more choices, like a Grilled Striped Bass Sandwich, Beyond Burger, or a Southwestern Quinoa Salad.  And if you bring the kids you won’t be disappointed because the special kid’s menu includes Grilled Cheese, Chicken Tenders, Popcorn Shrimp, and more. The Elm’s cocktail menu brims with fun concoctions like the Trés Hombres made from Calle 23 Tequila, Mezcal, and both apricot and pineapple; the Heart of Elm (Grey Goose pear vodka, Crème De Fleur and lemon); the Nutty Manhattan — with bacon; and the Watermelon Press (watermelon-infused Ketel One and soda). You can’t go wrong at the Elm.

Barrel House Social at 100 W. Burlington Ave. has been serving La Grange for four-plus years. Owner Kristi Blessing loves its location by the Metro train station close to parking, a premium in La Grange. Barrel House Social has a great outdoor patio garden with two TVs, plus a front sidewalk patio. It’s a great spot to gather for groups both large and small. The menu offers many delicious options. Try the Nashville Hot Chicken or house-smoked pastrami sandwich. Savor seasonal craft cocktails and a specially curated whiskey menu. Enjoy live music. Join them for their yearly celebrations too: Lobster Fest, Oktoberfest, the Halloween Costume Party, and Whiskey 101. For more information on all those events and more, join their mailing list and keep up to date on what’s happening at this great downtown hot spot.

Anna Davison, the owner of Blackberry Market at 36 S. La Grange Road, has been warming hearts and stomachs of the folks in these parts since 2019. Her cinnamon rolls, seasonal market sides, and fresh coffee are crowd pleasers. Late risers can grab breakfast until 1:30 pm. Anna points to the full-service bakery which pumps out made-from-scratch goodies, complemented by the kitchen where they create hand-crafted food and drinks. “We love offering a local choice for great coffee, baked goods, and food,” Anna says. Find fresh salads and flavorful soups as well as beer, wine and specialty cocktails.

EmpanadUS at 22 W. Calendar Ct. is a family run business with two other locations in the Chicagoland area. Their empanadas are both sweet and savory with a crisp fried shell that contains the most magnificent flavor combinations. There are traditional beef or chicken empanadas, or try something a little different like corn, caprese, tuna, or buffalo chicken empanada. And for a sweet surprise, check out the apple empanada or the banana with Nutella.

Forbidden Noodles at 50 S. La Grange Road opened in 2018, bringing classic ramen noodle bowls as well as stir fry dishes to area.  They’ve been able to create quite a following with pork belly Tonkotsu ramen, steak, cheese and jalapeno egg rolls, Japanese curry chicken, and shrimp crispy wontons. There’s also beer, sake and mochi. 

Mak's House at 46 S. La Grange Road offers a beer garden and outdoor patio for its guests. There’s trivia on Tuesdays with music and Bingo on Wednesdays.  Here, it’s all about food, drinks and good times. The menu is packed with mouthwatering meals like The Burger Burger — so good they named it twice — featuring two quarter-pound beef patties topped with cheese, red onion, pickle, and homemade dijonnaise on a brioche bun. You can even make it “sloppy” by adding chili. The Natcho Mommas Burger is not your typical burger either, with a quarter pound of beef plus cheddar, jalapenos, bacon and nacho cheese. And who can forget about the Fuhgeddaboudit burger, with prosciutto, provolone, roasted red pepper garlic and parmesan cheese sauce.  There are chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, wings, fried pickles, mac n cheese, and skillets such as the Buffalo Chicken Mak or the Chili Mak, salads, flatbreads, and dessert. Plus there’s a special kid’s menu, and a drinks menu as well. There’s something for everyone at Mak’s House, where you’ll feel right at home.

Be sure and stroll the avenues for fun shopping, from home goods to children’s clothes and everything in between.

Olivaceto at 77 S. La Grange Road brings flavorful artisan oils to the area. Owners Josie and Lucy Rivas opened this tasting bar after a trip through Maine where they fell in love with the idea. Olivaceto offers specialty gourmet oils, balsamic vinegars, artisan-infused sea salts, handcrafted soaps, gift bags, Stone & Grove Teas, and more. Stop in for a tasting and pick up something new.

Cleo Boutique at 36 S. La Grange Road specializes in women’s fashion and always has up to date styles. Check out their beautiful sweaters, tops, and outfits that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into Fashion Week. 

Jackson Square Antique Mall at 112 E. Burlington is a multi-level mall featuring furnishings, home décor, antiques, vintage, clothing collectibles, jewelry, and more. There are more than 50 independent dealers and something for everyone. From artwork and posters to light fixtures, barware, kitchenware, china, crystal and toys. 

Anecdote Home at 8 W. Burlington offers modern furnishings for contemporary lifestyles. Here there’s everything for the home, from trinkets to sofas, from rugs to lighting. There’s even a vintage section for those who like to mix time periods. 

Watermelon at 25 South La Grange Road right in the heart of the historic downtown . This family-owned business has been in La Grange since 2019. Owner Nina Makovski has a deep connection to the area, having been born and raised in La Grange. This is a boutique and play space for kids, as well a kids’ party venue and full-service balloon bar. “Everything available in our shop can also be found on our website” says Nina. You’ll find clothes for both boys and girls ages 0-5, toys, games, slime, books, jewelry and an entire wall dedicated to party goods. According to Nina, Watermelon is the only retail boutique around for children. “Everybody who walks through the doors are drawn to our fun and festive atmosphere,” Nina notes. “It’s impossible not to have a good time while you’re here.”

Fair Game at 19 South La Grange Road is a game store that celebrates board games, card game and puzzles. Find accessories as well as miniatures and classic roleplaying games. There are casual meet ups and game nights happening here. Check out the games workshop miniature night every Tuesday and Arts and Game Weekend in September. 

For another type of game experience, try the Just Escape Room at 512 W. Burlington. Enjoy interactive scenarios based on games where groups solve puzzles and use items they find to escape before time runs out. Rooms include:

• Split Personality, where your team of doctors must split between two rooms and work together to save the patient;

• The Attic, where somewhere within lies an untold treasure that grandpa left there before his passing. You’ll have to find it before the bank evicts sweet little grandma;

• The Secret is a room where dad has been working on a new hobby, but you sense there’s something more to it. You have 60 minutes to uncover the truth before Dad returns; and finally,

• The Closet, which may have looked like a great place to hide — until the door locked behind you. Now you have 20 minutes to find your way out, or else. 

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La Grange has history, shopping, dining and family fun for all ages. Come enjoy its lovely historic homes and streets, fine dining, and shopping, and let the good times roll all year long!