My husband was in the mood to catch some trout.
I was in the mood to reel in a Coach purse and some Swedish meatballs, so it was off to Bolingbrook.
Right where the Stevenson Expressway meets Interstate Highway 355 is a town of farm fields turned tract housing. But this day was all about what Bolingbrook has become since its start as a suburb.
MORNING
More Top Picks Best Disposable Gloves
Nestled behind strip malls is a little gem called Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm (425 Trout Farm Rd., 630-759-2381). Four lakes, hand-stocked with trout, gave us the chance to dust off the tackle box and practice casting. As tranquil as that was, I was eager to see the other side of town. Namely, the Promenade.
AFTERNOON
The Promenade (631 E. Boughton Rd., 630-296-8340) is an outdoor, high-end shopping spot — one with stores and restaurants that aren’t the same old, same old.
With all the browsing and buying ahead of us, lunch was a must. Great Steak ( 19 E. Boughton Rd., 630-783-2495 ) fit the bill, with piping hot steak, peppers and onions inside a soft sub roll. Then at Janie and Jack ( 639 E. Boughton Rd., 630-783-8336 ), which I’d never heard of, I found an adorable romper for a friend’s new baby girl. Then at Coach ( 631 E. Boughton Rd., 630-783-9421 ) I ogled the purses I could never afford. Even the restrooms at this place are upscale. Granite changing tables? Impressive.
A two-minute nap on a Sleep Number bed at Select Comfort (619 E. Boughton Rd., 630-243-4852) and we were ready for anything.
EVENING
The IKEA (750 E. Boughton Rd., 630-972-7900) across the street was on the itinerary, but it’s not smart to enter a store of that magnitude on an empty stomach. We stayed at the Promenade for a bite at Ted’s Montana Grill ( 623 E. Boughton Rd., 630-783-2493 ). The Green and Hot Chicken tasted like it was straight out of Texas, with guacamole, jalapenos and Monterey jack cheese. Served with fries for around $10, the price was easy to swallow too.
Going to IKEA for their Swedish meatballs and not staying to shop would have been rude. So we wandered around, realizing that it’s not just futons and bookcases anymore. Whether you need to furnish a summer home, spruce up your bedroom or just replenish your sippy cup supply, this store is just what you want.
And if you’re looking for a place to spend the day, then Bolingbrook is just what you need.