My husband and I visit Historic Downtown Long Grove quite a bit. There is so much to do there. In the summer there are festivals almost every week, celebrating strawberries, chocolate, and much more. For a good brew, try the Buffalo Creek Brewery. The beer is brewed on site and they have a lot of exclusive and unique flavors. Our favorite restaurants are Joanie's Pizza and The Village Tavern. The Sock Monkey Museum is fun and educational at the same time. The covered bridge is pretty to look at and has been renovated many times after being hit by busses that are too tall to clear the bridge. Historic Downtown Long Grove has been featured in many movies and should be featured in your food and entertainment plans. I highly recommend Historic Downtown Long Grove! read more

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My memories of Long Grove were always favorable, a fun day browsing in many, unique shops. It was really depressing to see what it has become. Most stores were empty and the remaining ones had very limited hours. The few remaining stores are not enough to visit. It would be great if it could be revitalized . It seems as if they are scheduling events to bring people to the village, i.e. revive handmade market, craft beer, but not sure if it is enough. It is very sad to see what has happened here, hope it can change. read more

Stumbled on an article mentioning Historic Downtown Long Grove was worth a stop, but I left with mixed feelings overall. Cute town initially when arriving and driving thru to find parking. The town features brick walkways, cool little one way bridge to get over the river, some historic buildings, plazas, grassy areas, a park, and man made ponds and lakes. Overall a cool to stop by for a bit and browse but overall not much people around wandering about. After strolling around the area for a bit and checking out the shops, we did make a pit stop for lunch at the pizzeria and some wine tasting at the winery. But after all that just about done in 2 hours or so we decided to move on. Anyways, this one is worth a stop if you're itching to get out of downtown Chicago for a bit and enjoy a more relaxed and laid back sort of pace. For a day time Saturday, it seemed really desolate. Curious how this one is during the nights. Maybe more lively? Would make a pretty cool area to do a rustic sort of photoshoot that's for sure. That's all I got on this one. 'Til next time, cheers! 133/365 read more

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I used to love downtown Long Grove. Back in the day, nearly all the shops remained, people were always walking around, and it was a lovely place to be. On occasion, I would come here just to take beautiful pictures of autumn trees or snow-covered bridges. It's was one of those picturesque kind of places. Now... it's a dying town. Most of the shops have shut down (including some awesome places I went to less than a year ago!) and the remaining few have strange hours, very, very specific kind of items, or cater to the wealthier Long Grove residents than little ol' me. Some of the stores that claim they're still open appear to be closed (like WineSplash -- bummer!). I don't know why this town is declining so much. Are people forgetting about it? Is it only busy during festival weekends? Are the items too specific & expensive? High taxes/high rent for the stores? Everyone I know seems to love Long Grove and yet, it's on the decline. I kind of doubt I'll be back again unless I'm just passing through. It's a shame. read more

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Buffalo Creek Park is in back of The Village Tavern. One end of the walking path is near the Covered Bridge on Robert Coffin Road. It loops around to the Tavern Lot. I see people getting family portraits taken by the gazebo, bridge, and by the naturalistic garden (next to the picnic tables). As for stores downtown, I like Signature Popcorn, Covered Bridge Creamery, and long Grove Confectionary. read more

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It's pretty darn depressing to go back and visit if you remember how this town used to be. Many of the staples are gone or have changed dramatically. I got excited when there were talks of the Apple Haus coming back but that never materialized. Bummer. The last time I visited, there was another random lady walking around saying "What happened?" and we reminisced about the old shops. Super sad. read more

I went here for chocolate fest last night but have been to downtown long grove many of times before. I love the rustic beauty of the old time shops and locally owned businesses. The wineries are a must visit (unwined, broken earth, etc). The fests... apple, strawberry, Irish, chocolate, etc are also a must. Great way to get back to your roots and spend quality time with friends and family. read more

I love Long Grove, but I do have to agree with what many of the other reviewers have mentioned -- prices are higher, shop selection has greatly declined (with short hours), there's a lack of special items and attractions to justify a visit here, and the emptiness really detracts from the overall experience. Even with the recent Pokemon craze that brought many visitors in to utilize the densely packed set of Pokestops, that did not seem to revitalize the business community in the area. Perhaps the only restaurant that stands out now is Joanie's with excellent broasted chicken and there are a few nice places to get coffee, wine, and beer -- however this really isn't the bustling, delightful area that it was a number of years back when finding parking during the day was much more challenging. Still, it's a nice place to take a stroll or take pictures with historic looking buildings. I hope one day the businesses are repopulated again and this becomes a great destination all year around to visit. read more

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Couple days ago I had been told how interesting is this place and I thought about the plan, but life isn't about plans all the time:) I was driving and came across the Long Grove Village, looked around and told to myself, hey, there you are... It was raining today, but I couldn't restrain myself from this wonderful, colorful, worn, historic and various cultural stores. Every single thing or store or person (salesperson) cares so much... History, years, stories etc... Because of the weather I couldn't make much but after I left I feel like I traveled in some countries... I have learned, that their festivals are more enjoyable. Of course I am gonna get more from this remarkably interesting place. read more

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Man, I'll bet Historic Downtown Long Grove used to really be something. Today, not so much. ... Unless you have a fetish for vacant storefronts with realty signs postering the windows. It's a shame because it was a really beautiful day to go exploring, but coming here was actually pretty depressing. Time... it hasn't been kind to this once bustling little downtown. Apparently it used to be a lot more fun, and while I was hoping that was still the case, my personal neighborhood tour of the area today proved otherwise. Many of the storefronts were empty, and even the ones that did have businesses occupying them had me wandering over and over and over and over again how the hell they stay open selling the extremely niche items they sold and at the prices they sold them. And honestly, I'd say Historic Downtown Long Grove is leaning more towards the title of Dilapidated Downtown Long Grove at this point. The one and only store that really stood out to me as being cool and worth while (also the only store I saw any other people in and buying things from) was the antique shop located in a lower level of an outdoor shopping area just of the main drag. That place was mega cool, but the two Irish shops located a quarter-mile from each other, the Christmas shop that sells X-mas items year round at a full and non-discounted price, and stores selling odd knick-knacks that you'd see on the random shelves at HomeGoods, only at Bloomingdale's prices. Oh, wait - there was one more cute place. A little coffee shop. My grandma asked to use the bathroom and the woman said they didn't have one. What? But you serve food? And beverages? The woman working then explained that even when she has to go to the bathroom, she has to hold it until someone she knows comes in so they can watch the store while she goes to another storefront down the street to use the loo. Not even Mayberry does that sh*t. So strange. I'd even done a little research before heading all the way up to area, wanting to make the most of a day spent trying to patronize businesses, and had my mind set on going to a place called WineSplash that was recommended and highly rated on Yelp, only when I walked up to the door, it was locked and there was a sign that they'd 'Be back at 12:25'... it was 3:15. They're regular hours posted say they're open from 12-9pm and their facebook page mentioned nothing about not being open when they should have been. And why would they have put a sign up saying they'd be back at a certain time, and then 3 hours after that time, still not be back or open? Part of me actually got worried and thought, 'Oh god, what someone is in there and got murdered or something?', because that's usually my first thought, but then I saw a review one person had written that the very same thing that had happened to me today, had happened to them TWICE in the past where the shop should have been open based on their posted hours, but wasn't, and the sign on the door noted that they'd be back at a certain time, and while it was 5 hours after that time, the shop was still not open. Perhaps someone's been splashing in a little too much wine? Either way, it made sense why some of these businesses have closed over the years if that kind of thing is taking place. I'd like to go back to check out that antique place again, but it's just too out of the way to make the trip worth while and even if one of their many annual festivals (Apple, Strawberry, Ice, and Chocolate fests) was taking place, I probably wouldn't bother as I've heard those have been on the decline as well. It was mildly neat to check out one time, but unless some major changes take place, I likely won't be back. read more

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Long Grove Village is still open for business! Well, ok, it's a bit of a shock to see how few shops remain in operation for now. At first glance you think, "Ghost Town." But no, it lives. Don't know all the details, but it seems some owners have retired and some have sold their properties which are currently closed, but new businesses and shops are expected to open soon. It's true, a few of the old favorites are gone, and some have changed location. But the owners and workers in the shops we visited are doing their best to hang in there with hopes of better days to come. Went there on a Tuesday for lunch at the Village Tavern...which is CLOSED on Tuesdays. No problem. Had a terrific outdoor lunch at the Long Grove Cafe on the Mill Pond on a beautiful day. Good food and excellent service in a beautiful spot. Made some purchases and had good conversation at: *Paddy's on the Square (which has expanded, by the way), *The Back Porch (just walk in and listen to the wind chimes) *Beans & Leaves Coffee & Tea (a new owner, and she is really great), *Ma & Pa's Candy for the apple cider doughnuts *The Country House where we talked White Sox and Black Hawks with the owner. A couple of stops we didn't make as it was getting late and we hoped to beat the traffic back to Orland Park. Yeah right. So, for right now, at least, there is not a whole lot there. But what IS there is worth the drive, and the folks working there make it worth 5 stars. read more

6/2021 Not much here any more. Lots of stores are closed. Nice walk, but not what it used to be. Run down in some spots. Have to watch your stops on the brick paths, etc. Not as many shops to enter like they had in years past. read more

Made it out here for the first time and I have without looking at any Yelp reviews. Since I wanted to explore this area for years, I didn't want others opinions to taint my expectations for my inaugural trip. I was rather saddened at the very few people that were there on a Saturday. The town was maybe at 5% capacity (if that). It was a relaxing walk but there is no possible way that that kind of Saturday crowd can support the shops in that town. Expect more closed stores relatively soon people. It makes me kind of sad to see a historical district like that start the descent. Maybe they can re-brand it as a modern day ghost town? . read more

I've been to Long Grove when it was a must visit place with no parking available because of the crowds. The day after Christmas seemed like a nice time to see the village decked out in holiday finery...nope, just a ghost of Christmas present. The busiest spot in town was the brewery . That was pretty cool cause they had Covid spaced firepits out back . Wakling around we noticed improvements in the sidewalks and walkways but the parking lots were poorly maintained. Shame on the village for letting this treasure of their community go to ruins. read more

Oh my goodness. What has happened to Long Grove? We used to go once or twice a year on family outings and spend the whole day. We would shop, shop, shop, and them meet up for dinner at the Village Tavern. Two favorites were The Apple Haus and The General Store. Sadly, I found out today that both are gone. Even the shops that are still operating seem to be doing very little business. I'll always have fond memories of the days we spent there, but I don't think I'll be back. read more

Its sad that this little quaint town has died. My mother and I would visit often, and shop, dine and enjoy the quaint village. What happened? read more

50 storefronts open- many stores have moved within the shopping district and more are opening. Love the unique gifts and charm. read more

Historic Downtown Long Grove - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Long Grove, Illinois

The town is empty except for a few shops. Gone are the tourist and tour buses. It's a GHOST TOWN. So very sad. The cute buildings are still there so a quite walk was nice. read more

What a quaint area!! Rebuilding is underway, and I am so excited to see it all complete. The restaurants are delicious with great service!! Visit The Country House store too. John the owner is the best!! You can't go wrong with a visit to downtown Long Grove. read more

Just went there last week while waiting for wife doctor appointment This was sad this place is a dump Almost all the business are empty no cider house no donuts no Seasons restaurant Broken clocks broken sidewalks such a shame read more

Long Grove could be, and should be, a great Chicagoland destination, but these days there isn't much there to justify a long trip to visit. Lots of empty buildings. Seems like rent is too high to keep most businesses there. But it can't be easy having a store in a location that's largely a weekend destination. I've always felt that Long Grove should be the Galena of Chicagoland, but it has a LONG way to go to even get close to that. read more

The notes of my review mirror those of my fellow yelpers. When the economy tanked, so did Long Grove. This area used to be so busy, people would park on the side streets of local subdivisions and walk. Now only a few stores remain. Growing up in one of those subdivisions, going to Long Grove was a ritual. In grade school it was to stores with neat stationary and stickers. In high school it was to the stores that sold crystals and silver jewelry. Summers were filled with field trips for cider and doughnuts. Now, all the stores at the main intersection are empty. Long Grove Confectionery almost went under as well but got a last minute investor. This is an area filled with small, independent businesses that i love to suppprt. The problem is they are all gone. Of course there are exceptions, there's a restaurant that's pretty good and a coffee shop and bakery I would like to try but that's about it. read more

Just like rest of the reviews, this place has become dead. I came here over ten years ago and it was more lively. Today was the first day of apple festival and yea... Was it worth $5 parking plus $5 to get it? I mean I don't really understand why they are charging when visitors are just visiting or shopping. Other than stands that sold apple donuts, filters there wasn't much emphasize on apples but that's why we came to this festival! All the stores are like...blah. You can buy items sold here at local craft stores, nothing that is speciality items only sold here in Long Grove. Unless they make these stores more target to youth, the stores will eventually all disappear. They need to be more smart and think how can they attract wide variety of population. read more

Very nice town, An authentic one as well. Unlike many of the uber modern towns around. Or more recycled, Sort of said. Though the street has a rather peculiar name, Ending with the word "Coffin". May sound creepy to a few. But nevertheless, The village is a wonderful place to visit. read more

It's unfortunate that something that was a part of my childhood has started to decline more noticeably. It's difficult to be harsh on Long Grove, I'd rather be constructive. This a quaint, historic town in a beautiful setting. The historic nature of the buildings has been really preserved over the years. The stores are cute and I hope they start to see a rebound, but I think the issue with Long Grove is that it has tried to be both a town and a tourist attraction and maybe veers a little too far towards the latter. I agree some of the stores are too niche. There has been a real attempt to keep the "feel" of the town, but as others have noted, maybe there needs to be some flexibility to the standards that the town has set in order to keep the historic feel - bring in an anchor or two that is a more modern chain in order to get people there and then they'll wander to the other stores. This would be a wonderful town (awesome setting for outdoor seating) to build a restaurant scene around - bringing in some new, more modern restaurants could really lead to part of a reinvention of Long Grove. You don't have to go away from the historic feel, but the town maybe has to craft a better balance of trying to be a useful town (I think a CVS or Walgreens here that was done up with historic touches - like modern inventory with an old-fashioned drug store/dime store soda fountain would be awesome and useful for people who live in LG) and a tourist attraction. And I don't think it would be asking the world for a Walgreens to create a "special store" - McDonalds has certainly done different themed stores over the years and created a more subtle, upscale store for nearby Lake Forest.) A rustic, antiques-decor Starbucks wouldn't be a bad fit here, either. Door County in Wisconsin has made the same "feel" work - and while not Door County, Long Grove gives you a taste of the same thing. However, maybe there's just too many other options around Long Grove and it has to evolve a bit. Again, that evolution doesn't require veering away from the town's historic charm. read more

Great small time downtown feel...with a beautiful historic bridge to accent the area. To be there is to feel hours away from the modern world amenities of big malls and established chains, but in fact those places are only 10 minutes away! The festivals like the chocolate, strawberry, apple, etc.. are amazing and well attended. They just need to fix their roads and sidewalks to give the finishing touches. read more

The area itself is very sad. There are a lot of vacant stores, and I am not sure what is being done to attract new business. They need a great anchor store like an Anderson's Bookshop to come in and start holding events there. My wife and I came here for wine tastings and to walk around when we first started dating, and now there is hardly any stores left to visit. I feel bad for the stores who are trying to make a go of it, and wish the city, or the CVB would do something to help them out. Maybe it will eventually turn around. read more

It used to be a great town to visit, filled with brilliant shops. Rather depressing now. So many vacant stores. They really need to do something to bring businesses in. read more

Wow, Long Grove has gone so far down hill that they are not having a farmers market this year! Dead and almost forgotten.

Ghost town. There is nothing left. Very sad. About 70% of the businesses are just vacant buildings. On a fall Sunday at 1 in the afternoon even the 10 small stores trying to stay alive were mostly closed read more

My friend and I went out to spend the day, having nice dinner and enjoy historic Long Grove. We lasted an hour. It is incredibly sad to see what has happened to this town. As a kid, I remember how much fun it was and the really neat stuff they had to pay. I remember a lot of original items, one of a kind things you couldn't find elsewhere. And of course the Apple Cider and doughnuts. None of that is there today. The few stores that are open have the same stuff you can find anywhere and you have to get around 3-4 shuttered stores to get there. So sad. read more