Current events tend to overshadow Chicago’s history, and most early buildings (and trees) succumbed long ago to grander projects. I frequently visit Forgotten Chicago to learn about the traces and erasures of things that were, and waste a lot of time wondering about history I will never know.

Horst's Polka Band

In my past life (as a frequent I-94 commuter), I often saw brown signs along the highway pointing to “Long Grove Historic Village,” but never took the time to stop. What a mistake. Long Grove was settled in the early 1800’s, and the buildings from that time remain alive and well. It’s a thrivingshopping destination that hosts car- and busloads of visitors from near and far. Historic Long Grove’s small downtown area includes 120 businesses and provides family-friendly events all-year round. Pick an event and mark your calendar (the local’s choice: Chocolate Fest in May). Recently lured by Oktoberfest, my family and I parked just off Old McHenry Road and followed the sound of music to Fountain Square. Underneath a tent, Horst’s Polka Band from Racine, WI, pumped out rounds of deutsche Musik to a happy audience.

Kitchen at Long Grove Historical Society

After our appetites for food, drink and dance were sated, we crossed the road in search of the Historical Society. Their farmhouse museum stands just south of the covered bridge, across the parking lot. Our friendly guide wore an authentic costume, and shared the house’s history with us (it had been rescued from a different location). Another visitor chuckled at the sight of the iron wood-burning stove, and remembered her grandmother cooking up burnt biscuits in Mississippi with a similar set-up.

Olivia's Past boutique

Time travel is imaginable in Long Grove. Just squint your eyes, ignore the passing cars, and pretend you’re off to market. The shopkeepers pack their cozy stores with friendliness. Many tend a bit towards the touristy, but there are some real gems in the midst. Visiting the boutique Olivia’s Past feels like visiting the closet of a friend with fantastic taste. It’s filled with unique items that are completely wearable and gorgeous. Next door, the new European Flower and Gift Market (fomerly the Fairy Garden) actually does import some of its unusual flowers from Europe, and caters to out-of-town orders as well. Needlecrafters should certainly visit the yarn studio, I’d Rather Be Knitting (which pointedly welcomes crocheters too), for one of the most color-charged yarn walls I’ve seen, and an accommodating, enthusiastic attitude. There are so many more: over 47 shops and businesses appear on the walking map.

I'd Rather Be Knitting yarn shop

After all that dancing, learning and shopping, it was time to eat again. We picked The Village Tavern, a family-friendly restaurant that’s been operating continuously since 1849. It’s so refreshing to sit in an authentic space that’s still being used. You can even see the original cut-marks in the timbers. The Tavern also hosts live music. When we were there, a bunch of little kids jumped up on the stage to dance, and a grandmother was celebrating her 93rd birthday. The food was great, the service excellent.

Historic Long Grove, it took a long time, but you’ve got me now. See you again soon.

Happy Exploring!

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