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My sister and I are planning a day trip to St Charles IL within the next month. I found the Cottage Stamper and that looks like a must see. Does anyone know of other places we should check out while we are there??
Thanks
If you are there the first weekend of the month, DO NOT MISS the Kane County Flea Market. Not stamping related, but if you're into flea markets, it's one of the best in the midwest. It's HUGE and fabulous, but can be kinda pricey.
Oh, you will LOVE the Cottage Stamper! I used to live in Elgin, not far from there. I really miss shopping at the Cottage Stamper! In terms of craft stores, the usual Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Joanns are not far from there (all in Geneva or Batavia). There is also an Archivers up in Algonquin. But, really, for rubber stamps (including A Muse stamps, my favorite!), you can't beat the Cottage Stamper! Have fun!!!
By the way, you may want to try calling Cottage Stamper to get on their mailing list. They mail a newsletter every 2 months that has a $5 off $25 purchase coupon in it. Maybe they'd mail you a current newsletter in time for you to use the coupon!
Thanks...I'll see about that coupon right away. Amuse is one of my favorites too. We don't have an Archivers around here so hopefully we can stop there too. Not sure if we will be there the first weekend of the month but will go to the flea market if we are. Can either of you recommend a good place for lunch?? (Next to stamping that is my favorite thing!!)
If you go to Algonquin to the Archivers it is in a brand new outdoor mall with great shopping and tons of the latest places to eat. Also close by is the Hagar pottery, very cool there and lots of great deals!
I agree about the Cottage Stamper. They have helped me build a very nice collection of Amuse and Elzybelle stamps. They also recently started carrying COPICS. Not sure if you said when you are going, but they participate in Amuseapaloosa (sp?) every summer.
Also nice is the Scrap Shack, with a nice selection of papers and ribbon. It is at Rt. 64 and Randall Road.
Then there are Michaels (which has really expanded improved lately), Joann's, and Hobby Lobby, all within about 3 miles of each other on Randall Road.
I'm pretty lucky to have all 5 stores in a 3 mile radius from my house, plus the Kane County Flea Market. If you are here the first full weekend of the month, you can check it out.
Not stamping related, but downtown Geneva is quite nice for little shops. You can stop at Graham's for a nice ice cream cone on their front lawn.
If you are making it an overnight trip and want to splurge a bit, I recommend the Baker Hotel (St. Chas) or the Herrington (Geneva).
I use to live across the street from the cottage stamper. I also worked right next door to it too.
It's a Must!! They have so many wonderful stamps! As well as many other things.
The Scrap Shack it cool too. They have a lot of Cool 12x12 paper.
Geneva IL which is right now the road for St. Charles. Geneva has a lot of wonderful shops. the Little Traveler is the best place to go in my opinion.
Also check out the Geneva Common's. right off Randall road and Rt38.
They have a Joanne's. and other shops. And places to eat.
In St. Charles check out 3rd street Market. for shopping. Also while you're in St. Charles check out the Blue Goose food store. This is a Awesome place!
I now live about 12 miles from St. Charles but still come back as often as I can.
I miss living downtown St. Charles near the river.
Hi Krista, thanks for the info...sounds like we shouldn't miss Geneva while we are so close. We'll go to the Scrap Shak too, there's always room for more paper! My guess is we will be ready for the ice cream too.
Thanks again for giving us more options.
Pat
Thanks Julie,
Sounds like you really loved living in St Charles, hope you get to visit again soon. I'm hearing so many good things about it, can't wait for road trip day!!!
If you go to Geneva, you must go to Cocoon. Love it! Also, Egg Harbor is a must for lunch or breakfast. (Near Geneva Jake's across from Little Traveler) They are only open until 2 pm, though. There is no better place for early meals, if you ask me! Old Towne Pub is also yummy for lunch or dinner. Sandwiches, salads, etc. There is a new store called Eco Savvy right next to Cocoon that is kind of interesting. Little Traveler has a little bit of everything. It's surprising how low some of their prices are. They also have an all year Christmas shop.
Cottage Stamper has fabulous customer service and is doing a nice job of getting new merchandise in. Scrap Shack has lots of cool stuff and nice layout ideas mixed in with the merchandise.
There is an Archivers on Rt 59 in Naperville/Aurora.
Actually, for scrapping/craft stuff, if you have time, you may want to stop in at Tuesday Morning. There is one on Rt 64 near Kirk, and a new one on Randall near Target. They have an assortment of stuff. Just saw a ton of American Crafts paper at the one on Randall. It's real hit or miss, though. They mostly carry home dec/towels, etc. but there is a section for crafts, etc.
St Charles, IL
