We had driven around the square in Woodstock, determined to continue on our trip to Minneapolis,…read morewhen either my boyfriend's mom or sister noticed a little shop tucked in among the other stores. They convinced my boyfriend to make another loop around the square and park in front of the quaint shop because we had to check it out. I'm so glad they made us turn around. The Backdrop is a find that is chock full of so many other great finds. This is a gift shop that makes you want to buy a few things for yourself -- which I did. The Backdrop has cards, pillows, trinkets, jewelry, novelty books, home decor and other doo-dads a-plenty. We spent more than the five minutes we told my boyfriend we would take perusing everything. And so many of the finds were very affordable, such as the locket I got for about $15 and a print about beer for $12. The owners -- or at least I believe they are the owners -- were also great to chat with. They had actually been down to Kentucky for Kentucky Crafted, and they had a better knowledge of past Kentucky governors than I have. It was nice to talk to someone who is passionate and easy to talk to about my fave state. It's probably good that I don't live in Woodstock or else I spend way too much money at The Backdrop on a regular basis.

Learning to speak Klingon can be a daunting task. You don't want to pronounce something incorrectly…read moreand find you've just called some temperamental Klingon a butthead by accident. So you can see why it came in so handy when I happened upon this cute shop in Woodstock Square that sold a book teaching Klingon. The Backdrop is one of the more unusual home decor shops I've ever come across. I could look for hours and spend a fortune. There are a lot of unique items such as the aforementioned Klingon book (see pic), weird and creepy mounted doll heads, beeswax art, beautiful handmade jewelry, and a ton of truly unique home decor. It is probably my favorite shop in Woodstock. I feel like you can find something for everyone at this store. If issued the challenge, I dare say I could buy for everyone on my Christmas list here. I could certainly buy a bunch for myself! Items found here are moderate to pricey, but you are definitely paying for a carefully curated collection of items, and in my book, unique equals special, so I very much appreciate finding items here I can't elsewhere. Everything here is unique, even items not for sale, like foam core cutouts and painted decor (that you would never believe were made from foam core in a million years), or yard sticks mounted and used as display shelves. Inspiring is the word I would use. You can really get your creative juices flowing after a saunter through the store. You will think of all sorts of home projects with The Backdrop as the inspiration. As a graphic designer, I admire the imaginative and innovative selections and executions. As a Klingon, I demand it.

I love the Studio Art School! Super cute place in downtown McHenry…read more A bunch of girlfriends and I did the paint class on Friday night -- it is $30 if you go by yourself, but if you bring a friend (or multiple) its $25 per person -- huge steal compared to places in the city. Reservations are required and on the website they show you what painting they do each Friday. BYOB, adults only class, and all supplies for painting are provided. You can also have your painting framed instantly for an additional $20 The instructor was super nice and fun, always encouraging a drink or two to boost your confidence if need be, lol. And everybody's painting turned out soo well!! I really can't wait to paint again!

Incredible helpful in providing aid, chalk paint and one on one service during the Covid…read morequarantine. I can't wait for classes to begin again. Lovely store, great location and all sorts of goodies!

I found the cutest diy chair for my office for $35! The staff were friendly and even carried my…read morepurchases out to the car and helped me get them in the back seat. The place is laid out well with different booths, it is clean and pleasing to the eye.

Adorable, affordable resale shop - lots of great finds for amazing prices. Store Owner is super…read moresweet - check it out - even if u don't find something to buy, you will see a lot of items that bring bank memories!

This is one of the best tours I've ever been to. It was magical and the owner is so generous to…read moreopen up the home to the public We were enthralled with the fantastic wonders that exist here. It's 3 hours and worth every minute The less you know the better. It's a fantastic surprise once you've entered into this excellent experience

The Sanfilippo Foundation (de la musique) has limited tours of their beautiful and amazing estate…read more It's located in Barrington Hills on over 57 acres. The 52,000 sq. ft Tudor style home has so many unique musical, one of a kind and ornate items that you really have to see to believe! We went on the tour yesterday and it was really enjoyable. They have so many historical Calliope's from Europe and US on the premises. Also many other items including Tiffany lamps, steam trains/engines, a perfume museum and a restored carousel in its own building that is really something to see! It's truly a fascinating tour and very tastefully done. They only collected the very best top of the line pieces for the collection. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Pictures and reviews really don't do this place justice. You need to go and see everything for yourself! It's definitely worth it and you'll leave feeling dazzled!

Love shopping at Black Oak; beautiful items, always something new and different, reasonable prices…read moreand even delicious treats on the weekend. Always a warm welcome when we go in.

I have been in this store with my two friends many times. The owner Chris always beens over…read morebackwards to say hello to my two friends but NEVER has said hello, welcome or anything to me. Very rude! Very fake. I will never spend a dime there and will tell all my friends about my continuing experience.

This place is awesome. The pottery is made on site. The glaze colors to choose from are beautiful…read more The place has been in business for over 30 years. Almost all of my kitchen ware is from here.

They have bowls, cups, platters, ornaments, and more. The shop is so quaint. Owners are helpful and…read morefriendly. It's one of my favorite pottery places.

What a wonderful store! It has a little bit of everything. It's always fun to see what you'll find…read more It's like an indoor multi person flea market. This time around i literally said as I walked in I'm looking for a butter bell and that's it!! Well lo and behold! I'm telling you this place is amazing the staff is so friendly and are willing to help you find things. You will need a week to see everything they have . The place is clean and well organized and you always get a bang for your buck.

Fabulous antique and treasure store! 70 plus vendors in a huge space! Front is deceptive as it's a…read moresmall narrow hallway but when you get to the back it's 10 thousand sq ft of treasures!!! You must go!

Standard paint-and-sip experience. The instructor was kind and clear and really helped make…read moreeveryone's paintings look great! It went way over time and got a little slow at points but overall a good experience. Just note that the drinks are not included (I thought they were).

We went on a Sunday for a sip and paint and while I loved the picture - I was surprised by the…read morenumber of people. You sit in two long rows of tables facing another painter. The teacher was about 13 people away to the side - I couldn't see what she was doing as the other painters blocked my view (and I blocked the view of the painters sitting downstream from me) . They need to have the teacher in front or at least have them on a pedestal- maybe have tvs around the room where you can follow what they are doing. They went too fast and it was a panicked blur at times. It was loud - not as enjoyable as I had hoped. I have been to other parties priced the same with the teacher in front of you and about 1/4 as many student painters. Much chiller and a more relaxing vibe. Not sure if I will go here again.