The Little Town In Illinois That Might Just Be The Most Unique Town In The World
By Stephanie Andrews|Published November 20, 2016
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Stephanie Andrews
Author
Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. A circus performer, stuntwoman, professed travel buff and lover of Tom Waits, Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her favorite Chicago haunts with both adventurous locals and curious travelers.
With almost 58,000 square miles of sprawling land, any explorer interested in tackling all the sites in Illinois certainly has a lot of ground to cover. While the Land of Lincoln has more to offer than you may have ever realized, there is one town in particular that will turn heads, have small town-lovers gushing and leave you feeling as if you stepped into a bygone era.
Head to the one place in the country where Groundhog Day is everyday! Sure, you might not see a groundhog when you drive into McHenry County and enter the magical little town of Woodstock, but you’ll be transported into the town that was the setting for the famous movie that starred Bill Murray.
Who says that Illinois doesn’t have quaint New England-esque towns? You’ll fall in love with the Historic Woodstock Square with its plethora of stores catering to the shopping addict. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a place that is frozen in time when walking along the late 19th-century Victorian buildings and homes.
Besides Woodstock’s obvious involvement in the movie Groundhog Day, this little town is a major proponent of all things artistic. Actor and playwright Orson Welles grew up in Woodstock and even performed his first play at the Woodstock Opera House.
The Woodstock Players summer theatre was also an amazing theatrical stepping-stone for Paul Newman, Tom Bosley and Betsy Palmer. Even the creator of the famous detective Dick Tracy, Chester Gould, lived in the town for 50 years while commuting into the city for the Tribune (now that’s some diehard loyalty for this hamlet).
Enjoy seasonal favorites like Jazz on the Square Jam Sessions every 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month at the Stage Left Café. Or catch a flick at the 2nd Monday Film Club at the Woodstock Theatre.
If you love fresh produce then you’ll love Woodstock’s Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday in the square from May to October. Find out why Woodstock is home to one of the Top 20 Farmers Markets in America, according to American Farmland Trust.
Revel in a little holiday charm during the winter by watching the Lighting of the Square in November, competing in a gingerbread house competition or just lunching on some cookies with Santa. Woodstock is sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit.
To satisfy your foodie spirit, enjoy heavenly desserts (even gluten-free friendly!) that are out of this world at Ethereal Confections. Head to the Public House of Woodstock, a renovated historic courthouse that offers traditional and tasty American eats, or grab a pint (or join in on their delicious fish fry) at the popular watering hole, Liquid Blues.
And of course the town wouldn’t be complete without an homage to Groundhog Day. Every year on February 2nd they celebrate their town’s film debut with a chili cook-off, a screening of the movie, a tour of popular movie sites and even a town dance. People have come as far as Australia to celebrate this holiday with the great people of Woodstock.
Find out for yourself why the White House has named Woodstock a Preserve America Community. Enjoy all that this small town with a large spirit has to offer. Been to Woodstock already? We would love to hear some of your recommendations for what to do in this great town in the comments below.
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