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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Patch Picks: Downers Grove Staycation

Have fun without leaving town.

Is your private jet in the shop? Never fear, Patch is here with Spring Break options right here in town.  Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., 630-968-0219 and Tivoli Bowling Lanes, 938 Warren Ave., 630-969-0660 See a movie in the historic theater, then go bowling.  Or go bowling, then see a movie. Whichever order you choose, it's a day of fun. Downers Grove Golf Course, 2420 Haddow Ave., 630-963-1306 For many people, golfing and vacation go hand in hand.  As the first golf course west of the Allegheny Mountains, Downers Grove Golf Course provides both sport and history to the golf fanatic. Downers Grove Park District Museum, 831 Maple Ave., 630-963-1309 Speaking of history, many people enjoy a cultural attraction while on vacation.  This …

In this Article:

Tivoli Theatre, Tivoli Bowling Lanes, Downers Grove Golf Club, and 3 more ›

patty

1:44 pm on Thursday, March 31, 2011

I love spending school breaks at home! The truth is, I don't like to travel; it exhausts me. In the past, my perfect vacations were spent in a reserved beach cabana with a good book. But unfortunately, that doesn't fly with active kids and a husband who loves cramming in as much sight-seeing as possible. At home, I can really relax. Everyone sleeps-in & it's soooo quiet. And although I don't feel…   more ›

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Patch Picks: Spectacular Spas

Places to go for penultimate pampering.

Are you frazzled, tense, suffering from ragged cuticles and clogged pores?  Time to head to a spa. Quickly. It's much cheaper and more enjoyable than a nervous breakdown, which may or may not be the alternative.  Why take chances? Blissful Spa, 5002 Main St., Downers Grove, 630-241-4100 Blissful's slogan is "where beauty and wellness unite to transcend."  Enjoy a cup of organic Yogi tea along with your massage, facial, waxing or mani/pedi.  Or take a belly dancing lesson! Spa Constantine, 5333 Main St., Downers Grove, 708-969-5333 This spa offers what you'd expect in the line of massages, skin and nail care.  One rather unique feature is their "Ages 8 to18 Day Spa Packages" for girls.  They also offer group packages for spa parties. Zano …

In this Article:

Blissful Spa, Spa Constantine, Zano Salon & Spa, and 2 more ›

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Patch Picks: Summer Camps

Plan now to avoid a bummer summer.

It won't be long before those backpacks come home filled with used-up school supplies and end-of-year art projects. Summer is right around the corner—and whether you need a place for the kids to be while you're working or simply can't bear to hear the words "I'm bored" for the 875th time, it's time to consider summer camp options before they all fill up. Here are some Downers Grove choices to check out: Downers Grove Park District, 2455 Warrenville Road, Downers Grove, 630-963-1304 The Park District offers a wide variety of camps, from ages two-and-a-half to 18. Half-day and full-day camps are available catering to variety of interests and activities. Registration opened in February and will continue through the summer as space is …

In this Article:

Downers Grove Park District, Indian Boundary YMCA, Highland School, and 2 more ›

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Patch Picks: Best Places for St. Paddy's Day Fun

Leapin' leprechauns! It's almost St. Patrick's day!

St. Patrick's Day is fast upon us, and you don't want to be left crying in your green beer because you didn't make any plans. Patch is here to help you find the "green scene" right here in Downers Grove. Emmett's Ale House, 5200 Main St., Downers Grove, 630-434-8500 On March 17, you'll find Irish food and drink specials all day long, a Firkin tapping with Mayor Sandack at 5 p.m. (a Firkin is an oak keg), and live music by Tim Curran from 7  to 11 p.m. Pinecone Cottage Tea House & Catering, 1029 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove, 630-963-9130 While beer and whiskey get lots of attention on St. Patrick's Day, the Irish also enjoy their tea and have proud tea traditions. Pinecone Cottage is offering a four-course prix fixe afternoon tea …

In this Article:

Emmett's Ale House, Pinecone Cottage Tea House & Catering, Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant, and 2 more ›

Tony Cesare

10:38 am on Thursday, March 10, 2011

Trinity Irish Dancers-Sunday at 2:30. Your daughter will be mesmerized by the performance-and you can drink a Guiness.   more ›

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Patch Picks: Books Worth a Look

We ask the Downers Grove Public Library to recommend some books in honor of Read Across America Day.

March 2 was Read Across America Day,  a celebration established in 1997 by the National Education Association as a nationwide “pep rally” to help kids get excited about reading. The day was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Dr. Seuss, someone who contributed greatly to the world of children’s literature.   Of course, reading is important at all stages of life, and festivities were held all over the country, from the White House to preschools to local libraries in honor of its importance to our lives.   With so many wonderful books available, it may be difficult to decide which to choose. We asked our own librarians to weigh in on their literary “Patch Picks.”  From Suzy Miller, Readers' Advisory, Literature Department, Downers Grove …

In this Article:

Downers Grove Public Library

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Susan Carroll

3:59 pm on Thursday, March 3, 2011

Thank you so much for contributing, John! Maybe we can get a Patch book club going.   more ›

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Patch Picks: Take a Peek at Unique Boutiques

Looking for something that's one-of-a-kind? Patch has you covered.

  • THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
  • Susan Carroll
  • Thursday, February 24, 2011

Sometimes, buying something mass-produced is okay. Like plain white undershirts, for instance. Or tube socks. But other times, you’re looking for something uniquely tailored to you and your tastes—a gift that really stands out.  Special occasions call for something special. In times like these, you don’t need a discount warehouse—you need a boutique. Luckily, Downers Grove has quite a few of those available for your shopping needs and pleasures. Here’s five you might want to check out: Consider It Done, 5133 Main St., Downers Grove, 630-964-7194 Consider It Done offers a wide variety of merchandise, but it all has a recurring theme of whimsy. Along with the items for sale, the store also puts together custom gift baskets. Avec Panache, …

In this Article:

Consider It Done, Avec Panache, Jolie Boutique, and 2 more ›

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Elaine Weber

3:12 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012

Wow David, Sorry you had this kind of experience. I've been shopping at Style Studio for years. I have Many items in my home and closet from this shop. I have not had a bad experience and have made returns and purchases, many of them handled by Maureen. I have had good customer service from her each time. I suspect there is more to the story than is written. Good Luck with your new shopping,, I …   more ›

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Patch Picks: Places to Watch the Superbowl

Celebrate the sport’s greatest game at one of these local hot spots.

Patch Picks is a new weekly feature highlighting local businesses, destinations, services, organizations and other suggestions generated by readers and Patch editors. You'll find useful lists for everything from the best places for Sunday brunch to date-night destinations, florists, girls' night out and kids' party places. Want to suggest a Patch Picks list? Submit your ideas in the comment box. 1. Brick House Tavern and Tap, 1461 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove 630-963-1104 Brick House prides itself on “Dispensing Happiness to the Common Man,” providing plush couches, recliners, big-screen TVs and attractive waitresses on a daily basis. For Superbowl Sunday, they plan on dispensing that happiness at a reduced rate: $1 cans, $2 domestic …

In this Article:

Brick House Tavern & Tap, Roundhead's Pizza Pub, Shanahan's, and 2 more ›

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Susan Carroll

11:30 am on Saturday, February 5, 2011

Another Round is mentioned so frequently, I decided to cover its older brother instead. I'm sorry someone glued you to your barstool, but I'm sure you deserved it.   more ›

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