More Good Reasons to Visit Princeton
As long as you are already coming to visit Hornbaker Gardens, you might want to look into some other good reasons to visit the Princeton area. Here are a few:
Hoffman's Patterns of the Past: This incredible shop, located at 513 S. Main, carries nearly every china pattern known to man. If you want to replace a couple of pieces from your grandmother's china, Hoffman's probably has them. In addition, it is one of nicest gift shops you will ever encounter. Their many gift collections include Swarovski Silver Crystal, the Heartwood Creek/Jim Shore collection, and Willow Tree figurines. Check out their website at www.patternsofthepast.com.
Annie's Little Pots: Annie Dittmer owns and operates a wonderful shop in Princeton's north end, at 906 N. Main. Annie works with stoneware and raku, creating vases, bowls, word tiles, necklaces, and whatever else might strike her fancy. Besides her own creations, the shop carries metal art, greeting cards, purses, water colors, and jewelry, all created by local artists. There are quite a few very interesting garden related pieces. Her website is www.annieslittlepots.com.
Sherwood Antique Mall: Located in Princeton's north end, at 1661 N. Main, Sherwood Antique Mall contains a huge collection of antiques and collectibles (no crafts or reproductions) from over 200 dealers. Give yourself some time. There is a lot to see here.
Hunter's Ridge Golf Course: This fine 18-hole former private golf club is now a public course. It is located southeast of Princeton on Rt. 26. As the crow flies, it is just a mile north of Hornbaker Gardens, but more like three miles by car. The course is gorgeous and fun to play, with a few challenging holes. The clubhouse is located in a beautiful older building, nestled in a wooded area. Please note that dining facilities are no longer available at Hunter's Ridge. Call 815 879-6531 for tee times or visit www.huntersridgegc.com.
The Bureau County Historical Society: The Bureau County Historical Society operates two museum buildings and a research library. The museum consists of two buildings that are next door to each other: the Clark-Norris Home, a handsome Prairie Square mansion built in 1900, and the Newell-Bryant House, a stately Greek Revival house dating back to 1853. The library includes: birth, wedding, anniversary files, family histories, military history, local history books, and the H.W. Immke Photography Collection. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Museum located at 109 Park Ave. West, just west of the courthouse in Princeton. It has been acknowledged as one of the very best of its kind in the country. For more, see the website: www.bureaucountymuseum.com.
Lovejoy Homestead: The Lovejoy Homestead is a National Historic Landmark and was the home of Rev. Owen Lovejoy. Rev. Lovejoy was Prominent in the abolition movement and the Underground Railroad, a founder of the Illinois and national Republican Party, and a congressional leader. The Owen Lovejoy Home now belongs to the City of Princeton and was opened as a museum in 1972. The home was a stop on the Underground Railroad and you can see where slaves hid on their journey to freedom. For more, see the website: www.lovejoyhomestead.com.
A Hundred Acres Orchard and Market: Just minutes west of Princeton, A Hundred Acres Orchard and Market is an Apple Orchard that also grows raspberries, sweet corn, pumpkins, gourds, and some vegetables. They open in April and end their season in December with Christmas Trees. There is a kids play area, hayrack rides, corn maze and picnic areas so families can come spend the day at the orchard. www.ahundredacresorchardandmarket.com
