She Magazine

Woodstock, Ill.

To “Groundhog Day” fans, Woodstock will look quite familiar

Published:

Story and photos by Mary Bergin

To most of us, Groundhog Day represents little more than a sleepy-eyed rodent’s few seconds of fame. To the people of Woodstock, Ill., the day is a big reminder of Hollywood exposure that lasts all year.

Much of the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray, was filmed in downtown Woodstock, a McHenry County community of 25,000.

Why make a movie in Woodstock? Restored, historic architecture and a strong entrepreneurial attitude make this village atypical for its size. The National Trust for Historic Preservation took notice in 2007 by choosing Woodstock as one of 12 Distinctive Destinations in the U.S.

Cute shops, cobblestone streets and cozy dining options circle the well-kept 1890s Town Square, which is a hub of activity in warm weather — home to weekly farmers markets and other well-attended events (a Mozart Festival in August, Harvest Festival in September). Walk one block north to the Metra station, where trains chug east to downtown Chicago in less than 90 minutes.

Browse inventory at Read Between the Lynes, and notice the Dick Tracy comic strip collections, here because cartoonist Chester Gould was a Woodstock native. This bookstore schedules author talks frequently.

Nibble on a mudslide — a chunky mix of milk and white chocolate, Oreos and crispy rice — at Cobblestones. Browse the racks of vintage and boutique apparel at Lulu’s on Benton. Quilters gather materials and ideas at Sewing Concepts; scrapbookers do the same at Lorraine’s Memories. Both of the craft shops conduct specialty classes.

Woodstock’s 1889 limestone and terra cotta Opera House long was an acting base for Paul Newman, Geraldine Page, Orson Welles and other notable performers while on nationwide tours. Artistic endeavors still flourish there and inside the Old Courthouse Arts Center.

Two blocks away is cozy Alexandria House, a bed and breakfast (served by candlelight) where some of the best-known actors used to stay. On Town Square are lovely little surprises (eclectic reading materials, treats in jars) at the second-story Town Square Inn, whose six roomy units are $89 to $160 per night.

La Petite Creperie provides savory to sweet choices on its delicately divine and diverse French pancake menu. Order a crepe filled with scrambled eggs, guacamole, cheese and potatoes for breakfast. Consider the French Kiss — caramelized apples with vanilla ice cream — as a final dinner course.

Shopping at the Thoughtfulness Shop and Gallery 100 means perusing $2 decorative pens to $40,000 pieces of original art. These two enterprises operate as one, selling “fine to casual art” and assorted gifts. Think cloth purses by Vera Bradley to paintings of drunken grapes by Michael Godard.

Artisans at the Blues Inspired Emporium create jewelry, clothing and art from recycled materials. Thrifty shoppers will want to explore Diva’s Attic, Sparrow’s Nest and Interiors Anew — all near the Town Square — but don’t ignore Colonial Antique Mall, a short drive away. The treasures of 150 antique dealers fill the mall’s 35,000 square feet.

Also venture into Woodstock’s outskirts, where Kimball & Bean sell architectural remnants and garden antiques on weekends (and other days, by appointment). A 19th century barn is the showroom for this unusual collection. Think fireplace mantels to water fountains.