Trip 1: Oregon
Oregon, Illinois, in Ogle County, has historic venues as well as fun places to get your sweet tooth satisfied. The old piano factory, aka Connover Square, gives you time to wander through the unique and eclectic blend of shops and vintage stores. Built in 1893, the building was once the home of the Schiller Piano Factory, where Victrolas, music pianos, player pianos, spinnets, and baby grands were built. In addition to shopping, on the 2nd floor, take a walk back through time in the Farm Museum, filled with antique farming pieces and memorabilia. Visit the model railroad room filled with a fully operational large-scale HO-scale railroad display that is quite impressive, featuring its own community and Mt. Rushmore. The Noble Bakery is located in the mall and features wonderful cakes, refined buttercream, and thoughtful flavors.
Travel a short distance to Oregon Soap Shoppe; here the chocolate goodies have some very important features. They are 100% guilt-free, 100% calorie-free, OH, so very good for you, and only mildly "habit-forming"! Choose from their many soaps, the delicious chocolate varieties, or any of the other 150+ blends to really nurture your skin. An important, and popular, stop is Merlin’s Greenhouse and Flowers with seasonal home decor and more. Their Otherside Boutique, featuring apparel, shoes, accessories, gift items, and an enjoyable shopping experience, is their top priority. Merlin's has various chocolate flavored dry mixes and candies.
After a day of shopping, head to LaVigna, a northern Italian restaurant, a hidden gem located north of Oregon. They offer an upscale menu, cozy ambiance, and from scratch chocolatey desserts and cocktails.
Trip 2: Mt. Morris, Rochelle
Continue your trip 10 minutes west to White Pines Inn, located in the beautiful White Pines Forest State Park; enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner in the rustic historic lodge. Make sure you save room for chocolate cobbler or chocolate-covered ice cream dessert. Chocolate lovers will delight in the gift shop’s assorted chocolates, truffles, and myrtles.
Heading back east, be sure to stop at Colonial Flowers & Gifts in Rochelle. Featuring seasonal settings, Colonial Flowers & Gifts offers a wide variety of fresh, classic chocolates in upscale packaging and free chocolate samples.