Naperville 2024

NAPERVILLE has been a much-buzzed-about western suburb of Chicago for a long time, because of its continual growth as well as the sheer number of things to do and see within its borders. Although one could literally write a book on potential places to visit — and people have — one of the best things about this dynamic community is the fact there really is something for everyone.

Say, for instance, you’re into sports. You can find several places to take part in or watch a game, match or meet. If your taste runs more towards shopping and dining, your only difficulty will be whittling your list down to the stores and eateries that suit your style, mood, budget and time frame.

Even the landscape lends itself to a multitude of diversions and excursions. There’s a real beach in town, as well as a winding river.

Wide-open grassy spaces and restored prairies dot the area, as do dense and shady woodlands. Modern gleaming hotels? They’re part of the skyline. Historic neighborhood homes in the painted lady style? They are attractions, too. Did we mention that it’s a college town?

What this all means, of course, is that Naperville is one of those perennial destinations where area residents regularly have something new to try and visitors can keep returning with a totally different itinerary. It’s also a reason why the town frequently makes the list for top places to live or travel, as evident by its recent #1 ranking on Niche’s list of the “2024 Best Cities to Live in America.”

As for where to begin, that’s another thing about Naperville as a thriving suburb — you can start a fun experience just about anywhere.

BUY SOME TIME DOWNTOWN

Let’s venture downtown first, to some of the spots that make Naperville a true shopping and entertainment hub in the western suburbs.

Follow the Riverwalk . . . that stretches for two miles along the DuPage River and see where it leads, probably to a photo opportunity in a charming corner overlooking the water or in a nearby green space that’s likely teeming with flowers this time of year.

The scenic walkway will soon be extended to include the upcoming Eagle Street and South gateways, the latter connecting to the Endeavor Health campus.

If you’re in shopping mode . . . you’re in luck, because downtown Naperville offers a truly distinctive mix of favorites — both national chain stores and locally owned shops and boutiques, side-by-side in a quaint and pedestrian-friendly shopping district.

While browsing shop windows this summer . . . enjoy the 18 artistically painted sculptures of honeybees, ladybugs, caterpillars and snails throughout the downtown area.

On the national chain side . . . geek out at seemingly everyone’s favorite tech mecca, the Apple store, and speed up the process by making an appointment at its Genius Bar.

Whet your appetite . . . by picking up something new for your kitchen at Sur La Table. Schedule a visit to coincide with one of its cooking classes, like South American Steak Night or upcoming session on wild-flower macarons — the hardest part may be picking the session that fits your taste.

Refresh your home . . . at Arhaus, featuring an array of contemporary sustainably sourced furnishings and décor; or at Beidelman Furniture, an independent, locally-owned fixture in downtown Naperville for more than 160 years.

Take it as a sign . . . that you need a fresh piece of décor at SaraBoo Creek, where you can create custom signs and browse other accents for yourself and your surroundings.

Or indulge yourself . . . with custom décor, floral or jewelry elements at Little Luxuries or browse the wide range of furnishings and home accessories at Ellce Home.

Expand your wardrobe . . . at the many apparel shops located in downtown Naperville, each with its own style. Here, too, you can find well-known national retailers, like Anthropologie, Eddie Bauer, Lululemon and Filson, the latter of which is its only store in Illinois and only one of eight in the U.S.

Explore the racks and shelves . . . at independent clothing stores for men and women like Trails & Tides, Top Fashion, Faherty, and Dean’s Fine Clothing, a Naperville favorite since 1959.

Women shoppers will also want to check out . . . Aerie & Offline by Aerie, Chico’s, Loft, J Jill, J. McLaughlin and White House Black Market, along with local favorites like Boutique Poppy, Evereve, Francesca’s and Karisma Boutique.

Embrace the spirit . . . of another town that starts with “N” and ends in “ville” by finding an outfit at Dash of Nash, a Nashville-inspired boutique.

Add a little sparkle . . . to your wardrobe with jewelry from James & Sons, Naperville Jewelers, BK Jewelry or Costello Jewelry Co., the latter of which also offers a variety of upscale gift items and personal accessories at its The Apartment store in the same building.

Gear up . . . at Naperville Running Company, named the Best Running Store in America twice and among the top 50 for many years; or represent your favorite school or athletic pursuit at the new Pro Image Sports.

Show your local pride . . . or embrace tourist mode by picking up a Naperville-themed t-shirt at Standard Goods.

For fun, cute and useful stuff . . . for kids and babies, there are plenty of great options, starting with longtime favorite Gotskind’s Shoes & Clothing and also including Bows & Babes, Tinker and Little Barn Baby.

Find a special something . . . at any number of gift, card and accessory stores in downtown Naperville. Shop your conscience at Peace Naperville, featuring an array of ethically-sourced sustainable goods and gifts and offering events like face yoga and an air plant “bar.”

Go treasure hunting . . . at the aptly-named Treasures Naperville, known for its plethora of games, puzzles, toys and other activities. The store also hosts weekly Game Nights and Parents Night Out events.

See what the buzz is about . . . at Miniso, Chinese a “global lifestyle’ store that opened in town in late 2023.

Looking for good summer beach reading . . . drop by the independent Anderson’s Bookshop, where you can stroll the stacks to find something that’s up your alley. And if you have little ones in tow, bring them along to pick out a book from the many children’s selections, or a toy at the separate but almost adjacent Anderson’s Toyshop.

Check the schedule . . . of Anderson’s wide range of author visits, including Pulitzer Prize finalist and Naperville resident Luis Urrea on June 4; or Tomi Adeyemi, to celebrate the release of Children of Anguish and Anarchy on Saturday, June 29th at nearby Center Stage Theatre.

Make it an interactive outing . . . with a DIY activity at Pinot’s Palette, Pottery Bayou or Sea Love Candle Bar and Boutique, which offers pour-your-own, scent-blended candles.

PRIME YOUR PALATE

Foodies from throughout the area flock to downtown Naperville for its vibrant dining scene, which covers a world of cultural cuisines, from casual to formal to experiential. This time of year, the vibrant culinary scene spills outdoors to patio and alfresco dining areas, including several overlooking the scenic Riverwalk including Sixty-Four Restaurant & Wine Bar and Empire Burgers & Brew.

Other eateries with nice Riverwalk ambiance include Quiubo, which specializes in modern Mexican; and Santo Cielo, also offering contemporary Latin cuisine, along with great city views from atop Hotel Indigo.

For more festive dining al fresco . . . the places to be are Potter’s Place, with it’s upbeat casual vibe, large outdoor patio and traditional Mexican fare; and Tapville Social which, in addition to its wide selection of craft beers has a newly expanded back patio.

Give a toast . . . to the oldest tavern in Naperville, The Lantern, where you can nosh on classic pub fare and also enjoy its popular cheese curds and free popcorn.

Other pub standbyes . . . include Quigley’s, featuring classic Irish fare, Guiness pints, live music, and a popular dog-friendly patio; and Jackson Avenue Pub, known for its burgers and craft beer selection.

Taste what the newbies have to offer . . . too, like the recently-opened Miskatonic Craft Kitchen, which serves up locally-brewed beer, inventive cocktails and more; or the soon-to-open Latin-themed, AltaVida, specializing in street food and a tequila tasting bar.

Turn the tables . . . on famous TV Chef Gordon Ramsay and rate his food, as he usually does to others, at the recently-opened Ramsay’s Kitchen.

Cue up your camera . . . for an Instagram post or TikTok video at local versions of trending places like Firecakes Donuts, JoJo’s Shake Bar, Molly’s Cupcakes or Elite Boba, to name a few.

Imagine for a bit . . . that the west branch of the DuPage River is the Seine and you’re in Paris when you stop in Le Chocolat du Bouchard, a patisserie and bakery offering fine French chocolates that is also home to Bistro du Bouchard, which serves up savory items like Croque Monsieur/ Madame sandwiches and baked French onion soup.

For true farm-to-table dining . . . chef-owned Allegory is a popular choice, offering seasonal dishes featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a warm, welcoming ambiance.

Tempt your taste buds . . . with an authentic dish crafted by chefs at any number of globally-inspired restaurants, whether it’s Italian fare at Gia Mia, located in the historic Nichols Library building, Davanti Enoteca, and Rosebud; Mediterranean dishes at Vasili’s Mediterranean, Nando’s Peri-Peri and the new Maria’s Gyro; or Asian and sushi plates at Jin 28, Ikkai Japanese Restaurant, Pho Chicago and Cajun, and the soon-to-open Ichiddo Ramen and Lotus Banh Mi.

Pick your protein . . . at meat and seafood hot spots like Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Catch-35 and Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House.

Top off with a treat . . . at Ben & Jerry’s, Sweet Home Gelato, Coldstone Creamery, Kilwin’s, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, or Cookie Dough Creations, the latter of which is also popular for its arcade in the back of the shop. For some take-home treats, make a quick stop at Naper Nuts & Sweets, a nostalgic old-time candy store known for its fresh candy corn.

Venture beyond downtown . . . to explore shopping and dining at other commercial areas located within the city limits. Pick up goods for grilling and picnicking at Casey’s Foods in Naperville Plaza or find great plants and flowers at The Growing Place, a four-acre nursery on Plank Road.

Check out Freedom Commons . . . an oasis of dining near I-88 featuring restaurants like Fogo de Chao, Maggiano’s, Cooper’s Hawk, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Shinto and White Chocolate Grill.

Take a drive along . . . Route 59, home to scores of merchants as well as popular eateries like Biaggi’s, Vai’s, Entourage and Lazy Dog, the latter of which will soon be surrounded by an array of new entertainment venues and other restaurants as part of the “Block 59” redevelopment plan for the current Heritage Square Shopping Center at Route 59 and Aurora Avenue.

Speaking of Aurora Avenue . . . for a distinctive dining experience, check out Meson Sabika, a popular tapas restaurant located in an 1840s-era mansion which boasts a beautiful outdoor patio dining area.

SET YOUR SITES ON FUN

Many western suburbs tout attractions like museums and entertainment venues, but Naperville’s attractions reflect its diverse population and its continual influx of visitors.

Carve out time . . . in your walking or driving tour of downtown Naperville to visit Naper Settlement, a living history site set on 12 sprawling, scenic acres. Take a tour of its historic schoolhouse, residential home, blacksmith and more, or come out for a special event held on the grounds, such as the Naper Nights concerts held during the summer.

Let someone else do the driving . . . by hitching a ride on a Naperville Trolley Tour and learning more about the sites, scenes and history of the city. Or for more personalized travel, call Tuk Tuk Naperville, which offers rides within a 2.5-mile radius of the downtown in its 3-wheeled, expanded golf cart-like vehicles.

When school’s out for summer . . . or if you have younger ones who are not in school or care programs, get the wiggles out and foster learning along the way at the DuPage Children’s Museum, where the programs are as vibrant as the colors inside and outside the building.

Pack your towel . . . sunscreen, a good book and other summer essentials and make your way to Centennial Beach, a onetime quarry that was later converted to a pool with sandy area and is now run by the Naperville Park District. Enjoy some quality beach, swim or dip-in-your-toe time and take advantage of aquatic programs, including swim lessons and paddle board yoga.

If water is your thing . . . rent a paddleboat or kayak at Paddleboat Quarry along the Riverwalk, or grab your tacklebox and cast a line in the waters at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve or Knoch Knolls Nature Center, where you can also enjoy a scenic walk.

Step it up . . . with a trip to the top of the Moser Tower, a Naperville icon that offers a panoramic view of the town, accompanied by beautiful music played at its Millennium Carillon. Perhaps not ready for the 253-step climb? Take the elevator to the observation deck half way up or just stand at the base and enjoy the sounds of the 72-bell carillon.

Get your game on . . . at some of the Naperville attractions geared around sports and adventure, including Topgolf, Bowlero, iFly, Urban Air Adventure Park, Funtopia, the Picklr, Naperville Yard, Whirlyball and various sites operated by the park district, like the sprawling Nike Park or Frontier Sports Complex.

Get into the swing of things . . . at the park district’s Springbrook and Naperbrook golf courses or at Tamarack Golf Club.

MAKE AN EVENT OF IT

Four years after the pandemic shut down gatherings, events are back in a big way in Naperville.

Automobile aficionados . . . will want to check out the Downtown Naperville Classic Car Show on Saturday, June 15.

Combine the best of two worlds . . . at the Downtown Naperville Summer Wine Walk on Sunday, June 2, where you can shop and sip a dozen or so different varieties of wine while supporting the Naperville Women’s Club and its philanthropic activities.

If beer is more your style . . . see what’s on tap at the Naperville Ale Fest, a craft beer festival set for July 13 on the grounds of Naper Settlement.

Remember those who served . . . at the annual Memorial Day parade in downtown on May 27; or make it a multi-day celebration over the 4th of July holiday at the Naperville Salute event at Rotary Hill on July 5-7, featuring food, festivities and fireworks.

Stock up on locally-sourced goodies . . . at the expansive Farmers Market at Fifth Avenue Station, every Saturday through late October, from 7 a.m. to noon. Or check out the new-this-year Farmers Market at Naper Settlement on Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m., June through September.

Get in tune . . . with your love of music at the many concerts staged in Naperville, including a wide range of performances at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College.

Or consider taking a class or two . . . the school offers 90 undergraduate majors, and 29 graduate degree and certificate programs.

Head to the great outdoors . . . for summer concerts hosted by the Naperville Park District on Sundays and by the Naperville Municipal Band on Thursday evenings at Central Park.

If theatre is your thing . . . catch“Jesus Christ Superstar,” staged by BrightSide Theatre at North Central College June 7 - 23, or “All Shook Up” June 21 - 30 or “West Side Story,” July 9 - Aug. 4 at Summer Place Theatre at Naperville Central High School.

Appreciate art . . . and perhaps find something to adorn your space at a local art fair, such as the Naperville Fine Art & Artisan Fair June 29-30 at Naper Settlement; the Water Street Art Fair in downtown Naperville on July 14; or the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair Sept. 21-22. The latter is sponsored by the Naperville Art League, which offers a variety of workshops and classes and has its own gallery. And a fun new event to celebrate Latin culture and art, the Latin (sub)URBAN Art Walk, will be held Saturday, July 20.

Say goodbye to summer . . . at the annual Last Fling, a four-day, family-friendly festival held downtown over Labor Day weekend put on by the local Jaycees.

Check out . . . the Naperville Public Library, known for its programs almost as much as its abundance of resources spread between three branches.