Your Guide to Spring Vintage Shop Hop in Downtown Elgin
This Guest Blog Courtesy of Judson Student Abigail Herman
*Check back for details on the next Vintage Shop Hop in Fall 2022* Calling ALL vintage lovers once again! Join in the fun of Spring Vintage Shop Hop 2022. This regional shopping experience features hundreds of unique shops, four of which you can find in Downtown Elgin. Read on to learn where and when to shop local during the Spring Vintage Shop Hop.
Shop the Hop and Support Local Businesses.
For 8 years now local businesswoman Fran Nesbitt, owner of Whatnots & Whimsies, has been participating in this event and has watched it grow every year. “Vintage Shop Hop is a wonderful way to show my appreciation for all those who participate. It’s a great way to curate the best vintage finds for our shop and have others celebrate that with us.” Regionally, Vintage Shop Hop has thousands of loyal participants who make this event a tradition. Shoppers not only support all the participating businesses, they also tend to wander the town and stop at other destinations such as restaurants, cafes and bars. Vintage Shop Hop is a win-win for the entire downtown community!
Whatnots & Whimsies is rolling out the red carpet and gathering the best of the best vintage finds for Vintage Shop Hop. On Friday and Saturday from 10am to 6pm they’ll be hosting a special Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show featuring exclusive merchandise available this weekend only. You’ll be swept back in time with clothing, jewelry, hats, designer handbags, and accessories from your favorite eras all ready for you and your bestie to play dress up and find those one of a kind pieces to add some vintage charm to your wardrobe! Shoppers can also help themselves to a complimentary coffee bar with decadent bakery treats and European chocolates. The weekend will be full of special sales and discounts plus some fun games where you can win discount prizes up to 50% off!
To encourage a little extra fun, Whatnots is asking all the ladies trying on vintage pieces to snap a photo and tag them on Facebook or Instagram to receive special in-store coupons. As an added bonus, they’ve partnered with their neighbors at Elgin Antiques & Uniques for a punch card promotion. If you purchase an item from both of the shops you’ll receive a stamp to be entered to win one of two $25 gift certificates! Click here for Whatnots & Whimsies Shop Hop details.
Wear your comfy shoes and come shop this three-level antique store brimming with many different items from antiques to collectibles. You never know what treasures you’ll find shopping this traditional antique store. For Shop Hop weekend they’ll be open Friday and Saturday from 11am to 5pm. Shoppers can take advantage of their “Spin the Wheel” discount offer and enjoy complimentary refreshments. As an added bonus, they’ve partnered with their neighbors at Whatnots & Whimsies for a punch card promotion. If you purchase an item from both of the shops you’ll receive a stamp to be entered to win one of two $25 gift certificates! Click here for Elgin Antiques on Facebook
Continue your Vintage Shop Hop adventure with a visit to Meraki Market Hub, a multi-vendor boutique full of handmade items, accessories for him and her, seasonal gifts, clothing, house plants, home décor, pet items, children’s clothing, toys, and more. A welcoming café area offers the perfect spot to relax with some Intelligentsia coffee and a treat from one of their specialty food vendors. For Vintage Shop Hop they’ll be open Friday and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Shoppers will enjoy complimentary hot coffee and live violin music. Click here for Meraki Market on Facebook.
State Street Market Shops is located just a couple minutes outside downtown. Visit to explore their amazing mix of vendors offering a wide variety of items including antiques, primitives and vintage items ranging from furniture and kitchenware to jewelry and pop culture items. For Vintage Shop Hop they’ll be open from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday. Many of their vendors will be offering specials and will have wonderful new merchandise out including beautiful new Spring decor. As an added bonus shoppers will receive a special free gift with purchase! Click here for SSMS Shop Hop details.
When you’re in Downtown Elgin for Vintage Shop Hop be sure to check out some of our other great local shops.
Visit Elgin Knit Works to see their amazing selection of yarns and knitting supplies. If you’re in search of a one-of-a-kind curated piece of clothing or that special home accent visit ABLE Shoppe. To explore unique pieces made by local artists check out MADE at Side Street and if vinyl is your vibe visit Rediscover Records. Also check out the new Steep n’Clay shop offering high quality loose leaf teas and handcrafted pottery.
Sustain Your Shopping Energy
Mama Lee’s Gourmet Popcorn
This year, make Vintage Shop Hop a day to enjoy all that Downtown Elgin has to offer. Come shop the four participating locations and spend some time getting to know Downtown Elgin. When you need a quick snack stop by Cook’s Sweet Boutique for some retro candy or ice cream. If savory is more your style stop at Mama Lee’s Gourmet Popcorn now located inside the Centre of Elgin. Try their traditional cheese & caramel blend or the special Elgin mix. Health conscious shoppers will want to visit Goose’s Natural Juices for a fresh smoothie or an energizing ginger shot.
Cap off your day with a nice dinner at Al’s Cafe where you’ll want to save room for their famous Burns Malt. Or, try the popular Elgin Public House where you can enjoy all your favorite pub foods and a huge beer selection. If Sushi is your thing don’t miss the wildly popular and highly recommended Kubo Sushi. Lastly grab a night cap at Martini Room, Vern’s Tavern or Lounge 51.
We hope you enjoy your Shop Hop experience and discover something new in Downtown Elgin!
“Hi, my name is Abigail Herman and I am a senior at Judson University. I’m majoring in communication with minors in photography and marketing. I’m excited to intern with DNA this semester because of the many incredible communication, photography and marketing opportunities I’ll get to be a part of. I hope this blog will help further your curiosity regarding Vintage Shop Hop and cause you to want to be a part of it yourself!”
