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Shopping in Woodstock, Illinois
The classic town square in the heart of Woodstock, Illinois, comes complete with an octagonal bandstand, lacy gazebo and a towering statue of a solemn Civil War infantryman. It's no surprise that visitors travel from Chicago (60 miles northwest) and beyond to admire the scene, along with the hundreds of strings of lights that outline surrounding buildings and trees at this time of year.
Woodstock launches the holiday season with its Christmas Walk celebration the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Aunt Holly (sort of a local Mrs. Claus) strolls the square greeting children. The Victorian-clad Dickens Carolers serenade shoppers, and carriages give free rides around the square.
The Friday after Thanksgiving heralds the lighting of the buildings and trees along the square. The Christmas Parade on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend includes high school bands and, of course, Santa himself.
Afterwards, parade-watchers can join St. Nick for refreshments at the firehouse. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees star at the 1890s Woodstock Opera House, with an imposing five-story corner bell tower, and stained-glass windows arching over its graceful front entrance.
Shops beckon along or nearby the square. Cobblestones sells country-style home accessories and gifts. The Backdrop sells unique furniture and artisans' works. Delicate blown-glass ornaments, plus custom-made jewelry and fine art fills shelves at Studio 2015.
The sophisticated menu at Harvest Moon Cafe includes entrees such as bison strip steak, lamb shank with rosemary and wild mushroom risotto. If you'd like burgers, pasta or pizza, eat in the cells of the former county jail, now The Jailhouse Restaurant.
Reviewed April 2004.
