Shopping small this holiday season is a win for everyone!

When you shop small you support a small business owner and their family, and you get to give a unique gift to a loved one!  McHenry County is filled with quaint downtowns lined with one of a kind boutiques and shops! Let us give you the inside scoop on so you can make the most of your holiday shopping excursions!

Woodstock Square

Historic Woodstock Square - 

Rich with Victorian architecture, this historic town square seems to be frozen in time. Woodstock has an independent streak brimming with creativity and entrepreneurship. Explore the creativity for yourself as you shop the quaint boutiques throughout the square. 

Shops you won't want to miss: 

  • Lather yourself in luxury at Silver Prairie Natural Soap Company. Silver Prairie offers natural soaps, handmade one at a time in individual molds using fresh goat milk from their own herd of Swiss diary goats, along with quality oils and butters. These will make great stocking stuffers, or gifts for the office. 
  • There is nothing better than a bar of craft chocolate. Don't miss a stop at Ethereal Confections for a handful of bean to bar chocolates. Their unique flavors are a foodie's dream come true. Do you have a friend or family member who is Vegan? This is the perfect  stop to get a unique gift that meets their dietary requirements. Don't forget to grab a few holiday truffles for yourself!
  • Have someone on your list that is a little sassy and smart ass-y? A stop to Jackass Charm Corner Store is a MUST! Their sassy yet classy store is decorated with a 1940's decor, and filled with Ruthie Sudsalot's handmade soaps, as well as a variety of other handmad items from local artisans. 

 

Downtown McHenry - 

Each year we see Downtown McHenry continue to flourish and grow! That makes it a perfect spot to shop this holiday season. With more than one downtown district you can spend an entire day shopping, dining and exploring. 

Shops you won't want to miss:
 

  • Every little one dreams of having a brand new bicycle with a big red bow underneath their tree. Make that happen for a little one on your list this holiday season with a visit to The Bike Haven.  This is also the perfect destination for an avid cyclist. Whether they are wishing for the latest accessories or top-of-the-line road bike, The Bike Haven's professional, honest and experienced staff will help you pick the perfect gift. 
  • Pet lovers rejoice! Pet Central is a great stop for your furry friends. The offer finds for fish, reptiles, small pets, cats, dogs, birds and a variety of exotic animals. Pet Central specializes in holistic and natural pet foods and has been of service to the McHenry County community for over 16 years. 
  • Shopping for the fashionista on your list? Black Orchid Boutique has all of the latest fashions, including unique clothing, accessories, jewelry and more. 

 

Huntley

Huntley Square - 

It's happening in Huntley, a community whose population has more than quadrupled in the last decade. Clearly, this is a place people want to be! You'll be elated to spend some time on the Huntley Square.

Shops you won't want to miss:

  • A trip to Huntley is never complete without a visit to Morkes Chocolates. Grab something sweet to impress everyone at your holiday get together. Their chocolates are made from the highest quality cacao beans of the Ivory Coast, Brazil and Ghana. Their molded chocolates make the perfect accessorty to your holiday table decor, or a box of assorted chcoolates is an excellent gift for your sweetheart.
  • Have a foodie on your list? Grab them a gift card from Manny's Handcrafted Gelato, BBQ King Smokehouse, Parkside Pub or Sal's Pizza. They will be able to have a night out on the town thanks to your thoughtful gift. 

 

Downtown Crystal Lake Main Street - 

You'll find so much to fall in love with when you shop and dine in Crystal Lake's historic downtown district! Start your shopping extravaganza with a hearty breakfast at Benedict's La Strata, followed by a visit to Santa at the Brink Street Market!  

Shops you won't want to miss:

  • Make sure your first stop is to The Clothes Gallery! This landmark building on the corner of Brink & Williams has been a staple of Downtown Crystal Lake for over 30 years. Shop for the latest fashions that will make you look and feel your very best!
  • Are you shopping for that person who has everything? Kitchen Outfitters is a must stop. They have every kind of kitchen gadget ever imagined. Kitchen Outfitters is also the perfect place to grab a gift for the hostess of your holiday festivities.
  • While you are exploring Williams Street, make a stop at Marvin's Toy Store. This gem of a toy store is home to a variety of unique toys, books and fun for children! If you want a gift that will spark imagination and crativity, this is your place.
  • Last but certianly not least, you won't want to fortget the beer lvoer on your list! Make a stop by Crystal Lake Brewing and get a growler or howler of their favorite brews. These folks are passionate about creating honest, accessible, thirst-provoking beer with attention to quality and taste reminiscent of a simpler time when craftmanship was king.


 

Crystal Lake

Richmond's Main Street - 

Quirky things are brewing in the small town of Richmond. We suspect a plot among Richmond residents to make their fair city quirkier, quainter and just more interesting in general, with a number of unusual venues opening all the time.

Shops you won't want to miss:

  • Richmond is home to the famous Anderson's Candy Shop, a local favorite celebrating 100 years of chocolate in 2019. Grab a box of assorted chocolates to bring to your holiday party, or some holiday chocolates to stick in stockings.
  • Also on this historic Main St. is Finery and Finishes, which specializes in carefully selected and unique clothing and accessories. Have a lover of rustic chic?
  • Make sure to make a stop at Revived Creations to look at their unique collection of furniture, home decor, and more. 

 

This is just a handful of the amazing small businesses scattered throughout McHenry County. To see a full list of shopping opportunities visit our shop page here: 

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