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. This spring she will have a new line of birdbaths. 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.

Festival 56: Summer stock theater is alive and well in Princeton, and is known as Festival 56 (named after Exit 56 on I-80) - Illinois' largest summer theater festival. This will be Festival 56's fifth season of outstanding musicals and plays during July and August. Productions this summer will include I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; Hamlet; Jesus Christ Superstar; Vanities; City of Angels; A Doll's House; and The Odd Couple. Check out their website, www.festival56.com, or call toll free 866 806-5656.

Bureau Creek Orchard: Keep this one in mind for a fall visit. Brothers Jeff and Jay Schenck planted a beautiful orchard several years ago, just west of Princeton off Rts. 6 & 34, and it is now fruiting heavily. They provide golf carts so that you can drive out into the orchard and pick your own if you wish. We bought some great Honey Crisp apples and picked several boxes of red raspberries there last fall. The shop has apples, cider, taffy apples, jams and all sorts of other fruit goodies. Their website is www.bureaucreekorchard.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.

Bureau County Historical Society Museum and Lovejoy Homestead: History buffs will enjoy visits to these two sites. The Museum is 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. Phone 815 875-2184 for information. Lovejoy Homestead is the home of Owen Lovejoy, the famous abolitionist preacher, and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. You can see where slaves hid on their journey to freedom. For more, see the website: www.lovejoyhomestead.com.