I am a bona fide, certified city girl. That’s pretty much a requirement for my job but it can mean that I tend to forget there is life outside the city limits. I do leave Chicago frequently, but only as long as it takes to pick up my son and race straight back to my comfort zone. As many of my suburban friends will tell me, however, the fun stuff doesn’t stop at the edge of Cook County. In fact, last week I found a few spots that are worthy of a drive all the way out to – gasp! – South Barrington!

Truth be told I didn’t really discover them, in the sense that Columbus didn’t discover America. The Arboretum was already there; I just didn’t know about it, even though I’ve driven by countless times. I was there for “Uncorked From The Heart”, a progressive wine tasting that invited guests to visit six spots and sample wine (or cocktails) and cuisine, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

As a member of the press I was invited to bring a guest to a special preview in Gold Class Cinemas. I kept wanting to call it Gold Coast (see – city girl), but it really is first class. The seats are comfortable, wide recliners that lean back so far you can see the ceiling without craning (if you’re so inclined). We had a choice of two cocktails from the bar set up near the screen, and as we watched previews servers came around with cuisine that was decidedly better than the standard popcorn and nachos fare: Chipotle crab salad, mini Philly cheese steak, mini flatbreads and mixed berry cheesecake shots (missed that one).

Next we took the shuttle to Pinstripes. This bowling and bocce bistro served a variety of red and white wines and different pizzas and flatbreads. After that was L’Eiffel, with knowledgeable oeniphiles pouring the wine and an assortment of hors d’ouevres and desserts. Favorites? The escargot and a little ball of chocolate-y goodness. Since they had live jazz we were tempted to stay there longer, but we had three more stops to go.

The shuttle once again arrived right when we needed it and took us to Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. I’d been to the one in Orland Park for a wine dinner, so I was excited to see it on the list. So, apparently, was everyone else. The room was packed with guests trying their wine and flatbreads. The only place more crowded was Ruth’s Chris, which was to be expected since they were serving Steak Diane and Coppola wines.

Our final stop was Aquisitions. A home design store, it was the sole non-food and beverage spot on the list. By this time we were full so we skipped the proferred tapas, but we did have a glass of sangria before heading back to Gold Class and reclining once more.

When we were at L’Eiffle I had noticed they had traditional absinthe fountains, so we decided to head back for some strong liquor and some smooth jazz. On the way we made a quick detour to Anna Shea Chocolates. (Picture a woman driving along very considerately, then screech! Chocolates! Turn! Park! That was me.) These have to be the most gorgeous chocolates I’ve ever seen. Each one looked like a work of art and seemed too beautiful to eat. However, I happened to have a card for a free bon-bon, and then the lovely lady behind the counter told me that everyone gets a free one when they visit! That’s worth the drive out to I-59 alone. I did eat them, and they were works of art within and without.

Finally at L’Eiffle we enjoyed some Pernod while listening to too-loud jazz. If at any time during the evening I might have felt out of my element, that was erased when someone I knew approached me at the bar.

The end result of all of this is that, while I’m still an unabashed urbanite, I’m more than willing to venture out to the land of the suburbanites. I may even stay awhile.

This Thursday, March 4, 25 DuPage County restaurants will unite for the 4th Annual Taste of Hope—an event that will raise money for DuPage PADS, a non-profit agency committed to ending homelessness in DuPage County.

Attendees can choose from dinner entrees from all of the participating restaurants and can participate in the silent and live auctions as well as raffles, with all proceeds going to DuPage PADS.

The event will be held at The Abbington in Glen Ellyn, IL. Dinner is from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. and costs $80 per person. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 630-682-3846  x 242.

You can also do a little sampling amid a roving feast in the Northwest suburbs this Thursday as well.  On March. 4, spend your evening playing bocce ball and sampling wine and food from fine dining establishments in South Barrington as Uncorked “From the Heart.”

The evening begins at Pinstripes: Bowling-Bocce-Bistro where a complimentary shuttle will transport guests to six restaurants at the Arboretum of South Barrington including:

* Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
* L’Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie
* Gold Class Cinemas
* Pinstripes: Bowling-Bocce-Bistro
* Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Tickets for Uncorked “From the Heart” cost $40 in advance and $50 at the door and can be purchased online here. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

South Barrington, IL – February 10, 2010 – Facelogic Spa in conjunction with SpaFinder, the world’s largest spa network, will be a part of the weeklong Deal Days, March 8–14, when customers can experience one of two specially selected full-service, 50-minute spa treatments for just $50.

According to wellness experts, stress relief is more important than ever, and spas have become an important stop on the path to health and well-being. In an effort to make more people aware of the connection between the spa lifestyle and health and wellness, Facelogic Spa will offer guests the Custom Microdermabrasion Facial or Signature Facial with Specialty Peel (or both!), each 50 minutes of pampering and each just $50.

“We’re very excited to take part in Deal Days with Spa Finder. Facelogic Spas offers a great variety of targeted skincare treatments and we’re excited to offer them to local guests at affordable prices,” says Anna Phan, owner of Facelogic Spa in South Barrington, IL.

Currently, Facelogic Spas offer a variety of targeted treatment facials, skincare and cosmetics lines including the Facelogic Signature line, MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross, Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skincare and Eminence Organics Skincare as well as Microdermabrasion treatments.

“The number-one reason people go to spas is to relax and de-stress,” says Milana Knowles, vice president of SpaFinder, Inc. “Every day we hear people say, ‘I need a spa,’ underscoring the fact that spas have become a necessity, not a luxury. Our hope is that SpaFinder Deal Days will go a long way toward introducing people to new spa experiences.”

Facelogic Spa welcomes first-timers as well as old friends to reserve a $50 spa treatment during this special week, March 8–14. For more information call 847-844-3223 or visit SpaFinder.com/dealdays. Sign-ups for treatments are first come, first served, and space is limited.

About SpaFinder, Inc.: The world’s largest spa media, marketing and gifting company, SpaFinder, Inc. connects millions of wellness-focused consumers with thousands of spas worldwide. SpaFinder’s media properties include the award-winning SpaFinder.com, the Spa Enthusiast newsletter and the annual Global Spa and Wellness Directory. SpaFinder and its new gift division, Salon Wish, offer spa gift certificates and cards that are redeemable at a combined network of over 9,000 spas and salons worldwide and are available at thousands of retail outlets. The company’s technology division innovates new solutions that help spas build and streamline their businesses, including the popular SpaBooker online booking system. SpaFinder Europe and SpaFinder Japan offer regional spa marketing and gifting programs, including localized, native-language websites. Founded in 1986, the privately held company is headquartered in Manhattan.

SOUTH BARRINGTON, Ill. (December 10, 2009) – Children and their families are invited to enjoy free performances of holiday music by artists of the Old Town School of Folk Music on Monday, Dec. 21 through Wednesday, Dec. 23 at The Arboretum of South Barrington. Concerts are 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and are held indoors at Pinstripes Bowling, Bocce & Bistro. The duos and trios scheduled to perform include a Holiday Jam with Julie Helenius on Dec. 21, Karen’s Holiday Hootenanny on Dec. 22, and Karen & Carl Lubicz in a Holiday Concert for Kids on Dec. 23. The concerts are geared toward children of all ages.

Old Town School of Folk Music, founded in Chicago more than 50 years ago, teaches and celebrates music and cultural expressions rooted in the traditions of diverse American and global communities.

Meanwhile, The Arboretum of South Barrington will continue its free family sleigh rides and Santa visits each weekend through Dec. 20, and again on Dec. 24.

The Arboretum of South Barrington is located at 100 W. Higgins Road in South Barrington. For a full holiday schedule, seasonal gift-with purchase specials, gift cards, and more contact please visit www.ShopTheArboretumSB.com or call (847) 426-6200.

Cutting Edge in Organic Décor Flourishes in NW Suburbs

SOUTH BARRINGTON, Ill. (November 25, 2009) – Imagine an arrangement of real plants or flowers that need absolutely no care whatsoever, will never wilt or lose their colorful blooms, and look worlds more appealing than a silk arrangement. Gail Kueker, owner of Finishing Touches Studio at The Arboretum of South Barrington has announced a recent agreement with a US importer to be the exclusive provider in Illinois of special varieties of sealed Australian-grown eucalyptus, which she has trademarked “Wild Greens.”

Sealed plants are real plants that have been sealed in a proprietary solution to retain their color and shape for many years. They need no water, soil, or sun. “They’re not only eco-friendly,” says Ms. Kueker, “but they are also beneficial, because they emit an oil that combats airborne bacteria.”

Ms. Kueker became intrigued with sealed plants last winter when several customers came into her interior decorating studio looking for plant arrangements that didn’t need care, and who also complained of silk arrangements looking passé. “I did some searching around,” she says, “and I found this supplier, had them ship me a eucalyptus spray, then arranged it nicely in a vase. It looked wonderful. And it sold immediately.” So, she ordered more, arranged them, and sold these very quickly, as well. Soon her studio began to look more like a forest than a decorator’s shop, displaying five varieties of sealed eucalyptuses in different sized sprays and arrangements. “It’s all the rage now,” she says.

Her current bestseller is large seeded eucalyptus that starts at $35 for the bunch. If you bring your own vase, Ms. Kueker will arrange the spray for you at no additional charge. Other arrangements include sealed hydrangeas, soft roses, cedar berry juniper, and small Christmas trees. Her specialty is creating custom one-of-a-kind arrangements and providing sealed trees that are five to eight feet tall. “This is really the cutting edge in organic décor,” she says.

From now through the holidays, Ms. Kueker is offering a 20 percent discount on a customer’s first order on a sealed plant arrangement or tree simply by mentioning this article.

Finishing Touches Studios is located at The Arboretum of South Barrington across from Arhaus. For further information call (847) 428-8040, or visit www.finishingtouchesstudio.com .

The Arboretum of South Barrington is located at 100 W. Higgins Road in South Barrington. For directions or other information please visit www.ShopTheArboretumSB.com or call (847) 426-6200.

The Arboretum of South Barrington to Present “Holidays are Magic” Nov. 28 – Dec. 24

Also, Tree Sales Begin Nov. 27, Children’s Choirs Perform Dec. 5

SOUTH BARRINGTON, Ill. (November 5, 2009) – A full schedule of family holiday magic is planned at The Arboretum of South Barrington this season, with everything from concerts and choirs to horse drawn sleighs, tree farm sales, and a rousing bash to welcome the arrival of Santa Claus. “Holidays are Magic” will be held weekends from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19, plus Christmas Eve on Thursday, Dec. 24. In addition, daily tree farm sales will begin as early as Nov. 27. All events are fee, and the public is welcome to leisurely stroll through The Arboretum cityscapes that will be decked with window displays, animated lights, and traditional décor. “We welcome the entire community to celebrate with us,” says Michael Jaffe, developer of the 600,000 square-foot town center. “It’s a time of year that we’re particularly excited to spruce up for.”

The full schedule is listed below.

Friday, November 27

Sales begin for Majestic Michigan Christmas trees and wreaths at The Arboretum Tree Farm located in front of MEGA Gymnastics. Also available are animated lights and a variety of tree décor.

Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 28-29

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM:  Photos & Visits with Santa at Santa’s House located in front of DSW Shoes. Visits are free, although photos available for purchase only.

NOON (Nov. 28 only): Radio Disney Road Crew kicks off the holidays and welcomes Santa to The Arboretum.

NOON – 4:00 PM: Horse drawn sleigh rides for the whole family (charitable donation suggested).

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 5-6

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM:  Photos & Visits with Santa at Santa’s House located in front of DSW Shoes. Visits are free, although photos available for purchase only.

NOON – 4:00 PM: Horse drawn sleigh rides for the whole family (charitable donation suggested).

Free Children’s Choirs (Dec. 5 only; details TBA at www.ShopTheArboretumSB.com)

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 12-13

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM:  Photos & Visits with Santa at Santa’s House located in front of DSW Shoes. Visits are free, although photos available for purchase only..

NOON – 4:00 PM: Horse drawn sleigh rides for the whole family (charitable donation suggested).

SUNDOWN: Lighting of 12-foot-high Menorah each day of Hanukkah through Dec. 19, located at the Plaza in front of Gold Class Cinemas.

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 19-20

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM:  Photos & Visits with Santa at Santa’s House located in front of DSW Shoes. Visits are free, although photos available for purchase only.

NOON – 4:00 PM.: Horse drawn sleigh rides for the whole family (charitable donation suggested).

SUNDOWN (Dec. 19 only): Lighting of 12-foot-high Menorah each day of Hanukkah through Dec. 19, located at the Plaza in front of Gold Class Cinemas.

Monday – Wednesday, Dec. 21-23

10:30 AM: Holiday Concert Series at Pinstripes Bowling, Bocce & Bistro

Thursday, Dec. 24

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Photos & Visits with Santa at Santa’s House located in front of DSW Shoes. Visits are free, although photos available for purchase only..

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Horse drawn sleigh rides for the whole family (charitable donation suggested).

The Arboretum of South Barrington is located at 100 W. Higgins Road in South Barrington. For an updated holiday schedule, seasonal gift-with purchase specials, gift cards, and more contact please visit www.ShopTheArboretumSB.com or call (847) 426-6200.

WEB LINKS:

The Arboretum of South Barrington: www.shopthearboretumsb.com

PRESS CONTACTS
The Arboretum of South Barrington

Jonelle Kearney

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Kasia Yuska

kyuska@dodier.com

DODIER & COMPANY

(800) 970-7392 or (520) 299-1000