A Chicago Weekend Get- Away - Exploring the Fox River Valley

Historic Dundee is only an hour drive from Chicago, sitting in the Fox River Valley, making it a perfect weekend get away. With the Fox River running through the main street of this quaint little town, there is plenty to see and do.

Bring your bikes and hit the bike trails that stretch North and South along the Fox River, walk through the historic district and pick out your favorite brightly painted historic home, or shop the cute stores that line Main and River Street.

Here are some of my favorite stores and restaurants I discovered on a recent trip to Dundee.

Around the Corner Candy
107 South Second Street, West Dundee, IL
Around the Corner Candy is just the kind of candy store you would expect to find in a small town. Candy from your childhood and new additions fill buckets, tins and shelves. Wafer saucers, gummy lips, and sheets of saltwater taffy are just waiting for you! It doesn't cost a nickel anymore, but you can still get a lot of candy for a couple dollars.

Pet Pals Market
115 West Main Street, West Dundee, IL
Pet Pals Market is a one of a kind pet store full of healthy products for your pet. I can't help but think of Pet Pals as a Whole Foods store with your pet in mind, all the products are a natural alternative to processed and preserved food.

We were immediately greeted at the door by the extremely friendly and tame dogs, but we definitely felt ignored by the rest of the staff. Not exactly sure why, but we were not acknowledged in any way during our entire fifteen minute visit even though there was only one other customer present. Still, the purpose of the store is great and there are definitely products here that you cannot find anywhere else.

SteepleJack Books, Inc.
125 West Main Street, West Dundee, IL
A quiet used book store that welcomes browsers, serious bookies and their dogs into its doors. SteepleJack Books can order new books for you, but it's the used books that get me in the door. Like other used book stores you never know what you're going to find while browsing the shelves, unique and eclectic titles caught the attention of every family member.

On the day of our visit I was a little hesitant taking a group of children into a small bookstore, you never know how they will be received, but the store owner was happy to have us and encouraged the children to relax in the children's section.

Primrose Lane
114 West Main Street, West Dundee, IL
Right across the street from Pet Pals and SteepleJack is Primrose Lane, full of accessories and decorations for your home and garden. We found unique pieces of artwork, beaded lamps and other cute pieces of wall art. Also featured in the store all natural bath and beauty products and handmade jewelry made by local talent.

Definitely somewhere to find new additions to your home or look for a neat gift for that hard to shop for person.

Brigadoon Antiques
1 East Main Street, East Dundee, IL
For those of you who love antique shopping be sure to stop by Brigadoon Antiques which sits right along the Fox River. A great place to find pieces that have been dug up in the surrounding area, so you never know what you will find.

Piece-A-Cake Bakery
304 North River Street, East Dundee, IL
After all that shopping pop into Piece-A-Cake Bakery, a cute little shop just across from the river. Cakes and cookies are made in a variety of unique shapes and sizes. The kids will get a kick out of the 3-D cookies on display, each one displays a different scene such as an aquarium, barnyard, or prehistoric scenes complete with dinosaur cookies.

River Trading Post
314 North River Street, East Dundee, IL
The River Trading Post is a gallery showcasing Native American Art; including Hopi Kachina dolls, a large collection of Native American baskets, and Native American Sculptures. While most of the items in the gallery are for serious collectors of Native American art there are some items and gifts for those who are just looking for unique home decorations or jewelry. Be sure to check out the small collection of books and prints.

Artful Objects
326 North River Street, East Dundee, IL
Fun and funky, Artful Objects is packed with artsy gifts for your home and you! Glass decor, beaded purses, and unique wall art pack the first and second floors of this cool store. Cases of unique, one of a kind jewelry fill the first floor and there is a huge selection of beaded and embroidered pillows to choose from.

You cannot walk out of here without buying something, or at least thinking about something you want to come back and buy.

Lavender Cafe and Java Bar
100 North River Street, East Dundee, IL
A great place to grab a bite of lunch, you can dine indoors or watch the world go slowly by while sitting out on the shaded sidewalk. Menu includes a selection of great pizzas, paninis and soup and salad.