Inside Camden Boutique, Elmhurst

Destination: Downtown Elmhurst

A helpful daytripper’s guide to exploring our Northwest Chicagoland region.

Inside Camden Boutique, Elmhurst
Inside Camden Boutique, Elmhurst

A perfect combination of quiet neighborhoods and buzzing urban landscape is what you’ll find around this hamlet in eastern DuPage county. Its location near O’Hare International Airport and several major interstates makes this city of 44,000 an appealing destination for suburbanites and Chicago shoppers alike. And, it’s a lively cultural destination, home to a small college, several quality museums and a vibrant scene for the arts, shopping and dining.

➲ Elmhurst College
This liberal arts college, with about 2,600 undergrads, welcomes many events during the school year, from lectures by well-known thought leaders to celebrations of music, theater and dance. Its 48th Jazz Festival runs Feb. 19-22. 190 Prospect Ave.

➲ Elmhurst Historical Museum
With continuous exhibits on local history, this regional museum highlights everything from Elmhurst’s own genesis to Chicagoland experiences. An exhibit of Lewis Wickes Hine’s child laborer photos opens Jan. 9. 120 E. Park Ave., (630) 833-1457.

➲ Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra
Now in its 53rd season, this high-caliber group of musicians is led by Northwestern University professor Stephen Alltop. Most performances are held at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road. Box Office: (630) 941-0202.

➲ York Theatre
Owned by Classic Cinemas, this glitzy 1924 movie palace has 10 screens playing first-run movies. Fittingly, the American Movie Palace Museum is located upstairs, and displays some artifacts from the Theatre Historical Society of America. The museum is open Wednesdays, Fridays and the first Saturday of the month. 152 N. York St., (630) 834-0675.

➲ “Cultural Campus”
Just east of the college, Wilder Park encompasses several museums and hosts the spring Art in the Park show.
* Elmhurst Art Museum. Shows modern and contemporary artwork, and encompasses architect Mies Van der Rohe’s modernist McCormick House. 150 Cottage Hill Ave., (630) 834-0202.
* Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. Displays of brilliant cut and polished stones, some carved hundreds of years ago. 220 Cottage Hill Ave., (630) 833-1616.

➲ Nu Crepes
Its specialty is crepes, crafted from ingredients sourced locally. Located at the end of an alley that looks like a European side-street. 115 W. Schiller Ct., (630) 577-7558

➲ 100 South Chop House
The atmosphere echoes that of a relaxed supper club. 100 S. York St., (630) 782-9091.

➲ Cafe Amano
A favorite with commuters, known for its fresh, inventive cuisine. Formerly located on the other side of the tracks. 116 E. Schiller St., (630) 279-9333.

➲ Flight 112 Wine Bar & Restaurant
Its menu focuses on light, fresh dishes, but the star attraction is the collection of wines, craft beers, whiskeys and scotches. 112 W. Park Ave., (630) 758-0808.

➲ York Furrier
Since 1931, this downtown fixture has presented stylish fur coats and outerwear, for both women and men. 107 N. York St., (630) 832-2200.

➲ Camden Boutique
Women’s clothing and accessories, with a fun European flair. 106 W. Second St., (630) 834-4870.

➲ Enzee Boutique
A wide selection of apparel for all ages. The jewelry counter displays a wide selection from several designers. 140 N. York St., (630) 530-2965.

➲ RedE Boutique/E Lounge
Contemporary styles with an urban edge. E Lounge, located around the corner, sells accessories and apparel toa mom and her little ones. 146 N. York St., (630) 834-4453/104 W. Second St., (630) 834-3337.