Small Town Spotlight: Elizabeth, IL

This Small Town Spotlight is on Elizabeth, Illinois - The Heart of JoDavies County. Located 30 miles east of Dubuque and 15 miles from Galena along Hwy 20. villageofelizabethil.co

Discover Elizabeth, Illinois - For many travelers along Highway 20, the town is often a quick pass-through when going to and from Chicago, but with five museums, the largest antique mall in northwestern Illinois, the Apple River Fort historic site, fresh & fun eateries, and art galleries there's plenty of reason to stop and explore this vibrant small town.

AUDIO: Business owners Susan Hanley and Tammy Trebian talk about Elizabeth, Illinois.

At 800 people, Elizabeth is a bit smaller than its better-known neighbor Galena, but you'll discover a vibrant community here. Come summer, the town should see a boost with a few more businesses opening for the peak travel season.

Lola's Deli

Lola's Deli has been open for just three months, and I predict this place will be immensely popular with its amazingly fresh deli sandwiches, salads, and delicious breakfasts. Lola's Deli Facebook page

Business partners Carrie Clark and Susan Hanley are excited to bring the fresh food Deli to the community and feel confident about Elizebeth's business climate, suggesting that others ought to consider opening a business in the historic downtown.

Lola's is comfort food at its finest. I kid you not; the biscuits and gravy were light, fluffy, and flavorful. Honestly, they are some of the best I've ever tasted.

Lola's owner Carrie Clark puts a lot of love into her fresh deli sandwich creations.

Common Cents

Tammy Trebian and her husband have operated their hybrid antique store Common Cents on Main St. for over a decade. The business repurposes, reuses, and restyles estate sale treasures.  commoncentseliz.com

Tammy shared her excitement about the community growing with women-owned businesses and another busy tourist season on the horizon.

Elizabeth is also home to a fun local brewery. Hwy 20 Brewing is a small craft brewery located in an 1875 Presbyterian Church. They offer eight rotating taps & a variety of styles, all brewed onsite. Hwy 20 Brewining Facebook Page

The town is also home to Northern Illinois' largest antique emporium, the Grand Antique Company.  grandantiqueco.com

In addition, the historic school is home to over 200 vendors selling vintage wares, antiques, collectibles, artwork, etc.

The book selection alone is a compelling reason to visit this old repurposed school.

In fact, touring the schoolhouse itself is a fun roadside attraction, not to mention there's a terrific espresso stand in the underground basement.

The well-traveled Highway 20 and nearby Great River Road present many fun opportunities to explore unique midwestern towns and villages.

Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum offers an extensive collection of roalroad books, artifacts and interactive exhibits. elizabethhistoricalsociety.com

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