Holiday Gifts Galore at The Grove's Arts & Crafts Faire

Buildings full of holiday cheer!

Last year, Kat and I learned that craft fairs can be a treasure trove of items perfect for those people on your holiday gift list that you want to get a little something for but have no idea what that little something could be. We both went to the Holiday Store at The Grove in Glenview and were amazed by the variety of crafts--big and small, festive and practical--that we found. Well, The Grove has a larger craft event sounding off the beginning of the holiday season and allowing you to get a head start on finding those unique gifts. We had a great time!



During the Arts & Crafts Faire at The Grove, six of the historic site's buildings are full of merriment (as opposed to one at the Holiday Store). I cannot even begin to describe the amount of crafts available. They range from personalized, handcrafted ornaments to crystal jewelry to locally milled soaps to candles to doll clothes to preserves to sports crafts to metal pins to fresh baked breads. In addition, the site is pleasantly decorated for the holidays with twinkling lights adding that sparkle.

Crafts can literally be found in every nook and cranny of the designated buildings. You can definitely spend a ton of time perusing all of the crafty wonderments. Fortunately, the Arts & Craft Faire does have little cafe if you get hungry during your shopping and need a little refreshment. The cafe offers a few choices like pizzas, sandwiches, salads, a soup of the day, and lasagne. The food is catered in for the event.

Kat and I did find a number of treasures during our shopping trip. It feels great to have some of the more difficult people to shop for already off of my list! A great way to start of the season!

A few things to know:

• The event runs November 7-10 and November 14-17, 2013. The hours are 10AM-8PM Thursdays and Fridays, 10AM-5PM Saturdays and Sundays.
• Admission is $5 per adult and $1 per child. (You can get a $1 off coupon here.)
• You cannot bring strollers into the buildings.
• You cannot bring drinks into some of the buildings.  (I brought some tea to keep me warm and had to leave it at the entrance of one buildings.)
• Visa and Mastercards are accepted.
• Not all of the buildings have the credit card machines, so it may be easier to bring some cash to avoid having to go to another building to make your purchase.
• The buildings are filled to the brim, so it may be easier and more enjoyable to go without the kids.
• Don't forget to take a short hike and enjoy the Interpretive Center while you are there!
• All of the holidays are represented--even Thanksgiving--which makes it a great place to get that something special. 

If you bring the kids, be sure to stop by Santa's Workshop. Santa's Workshop has a bunch of kids crafts like barrettes, doll clothes, and more. Also, kids would love a stop at the Interpretive Center were there are all sorts of holiday foods. Additionally, the Interpretive Center has animal exhibits that are always sure to put a smile on a little one's face!

If you miss the Arts & Crafts Faire, The Grove will also be holding with Holiday Store  November 29 - December 22 on Wednesdays - Sundays, 10AM-5PM. Admission to the Holiday Store is free. While the Holiday Store is smaller, it still has a lot of crafts! The Grove is located at 1421 Milwaukee Ave. in Glenview, Illinois.

This is a great way to shop local and support American artisans!

**Updated 11/9./13.