Checking You List Twice
By Kurt Huizinga

The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you have yet to begin your shopping, you may be in trouble — that is, unless you visit Arlington Heights. The businesses downtown, all located in one convenient location, offer an assortment of gifts that will cover your entire shopping list, from friends and family to business associates.

Downtown Arlington Heights has been recently renovated into a planning marvel that mixes old and new, and marks its return as a center of commerce and a place for gathering and recreation.

The downtown area welcomes shoppers to browse the variety of art galleries, boutiques, gift shops, health spas, and cafes, set among an eclectic mix of restored buildings interspersed with modern designs.

Distinctive Details offers just what the name says — those signature pieces that really personalize your home. They display a variety of accessories, including pillows, picture frames, candles and holders, and even furnishings such as lamps, stools, and a selection of fine linens, all available at www.distinctive-details.com.

Step into the past at Island Girl Salvage, where magnificent historic architectural pieces have been rescued from demolition by the dedicated “salvage crew.” Customers can own a variety of authentic pieces of history, including stained glass, fireplaces, doorknobs, ornaments, kitchen sinks, and much more. View the continually changing inventory at www.islandgirlsalvage.com.

Victoria’s Books likewise recognizes the import of preserving historical items — in this case, the written word. Victoria’s sells antiquarian and signed books, and has an extensive catalog in all genres. The store offers a wide array of more affordable and popular titles.

For more elegant gift ideas, downtown Arlington Heights has a number of fine jewelry stores. Browse Flaherty Jewelers, Mitchell’s Jewelers, and Persin & Robbin Jewelers, all on Dunton, and Keswick Jewelers on Evergreen, and compare the varieties of handcrafted rings, pendants, bracelets, and many other superiorly crafted pieces.

And if all else fails, you can’t go wrong with gift certificates available through the Downtown Business District. Redeemable at any stores in the District, gift certificates can be purchased at Village Bank and Trust, Citibank, Peoples’ Bank, and Harris Bank.

A Night Out On The Town: Downtown Arlington Heights

Forget driving to downtown Chicago for a spectacular night out on the town. An evening brimming with art and culture, exquisite food and entertainment awaits in downtown Arlington Heights.

The first stop is the Arlington Heights Sculpture Walk, sponsored by the Arlington Heights Arts Commission. This collection of outdoor sculptures is located in the downtown area, mostly along Northwest Highway, with some sprinkled in area parks. A few of these works have become permanent fixtures in the community while others will remain temporarily. The sculpture walk is a “visible sign that Arlington Heights has some culture and sophistication,” commented Peggy Knapp, Arts Commission Co-Chair.

Fran Volz, a resident of Arlington Heights, gained popularity as an artist when he began crafting elaborate snow sculptures in his front lawn each winter. Lack of material in warmer seasons forced him to explore other, more permanent avenues for his sculpture making. One happened to be bronze. After mastering this medium, Volz sculpted a statue of the village’s founder, William Dunton. Now, this traditional piece has a home in one of the downtown area parks and is a permanent addition to the walk.

A more socially-inspired and unusual addition to the collection is a sculpture named “Cell Phone Booth” by Ed Francis. From afar it looks like a typical phone booth, brightly painted with a glass enclosure. Stepping inside gives a whole new outlook. Daunting faces from inside the glass stare out; openings between the bars provide no retreat for users and the absence of a place to sit makes for a very uncomfortable environment. Knapp described it as “whimsical and thought-provoking.” Purchased by the village “Cell Phone Booth” now has a permanent home at the Arlington Heights train station.

Just a quick stroll from the Sculpture Walk is the second stop, La Tasca Tapas Restaurant. While the journey is short, diners feel as though they have been transported into the heart of a Spanish fiesta with colorful décor, a lively atmosphere and delectable fare. With an extensive selection of cold and hot tapas, paellas, soups, salads, desserts and a never-ending wine list, even the most discriminating palate can be satisfied.

The cuisine ranges from “basic to adventurous,” says co-owner Danny Barbarigo, and promises “there is something for everyone.” It is the quality and consistency that brings people back again and again. Diners travel to La Tasca from as far away as Gurnee and Chicago to taste these ethnic flavors and enjoy the overall ambiance made possible by flamenco dancers, salsa lessons, wine tastings and much more. “People have a fun time here,” affirms Barbarigo. For dessert, try velvety flan or ice cream with sautéed bananas, covered with caramel and pistachios. A delicious meal coupled with homemade sangria and topped off with festive, live entertainment — what could be better?

The house lights dim as the performance begins at stop number three. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre features a wide variety of entertainment options with family-friendly theater, dance performances, musical concerts, dance ensembles and comedic relief. All of the more than 300 seats in the theater offer amazing full-sight views. Take advantage of multiple shows with a subscription series, offering ticket packages for great shows at terrific prices. A partnership with The Second City brings hysterical comedy to the Metropolis with programs like “Truth, Justice or the American Way” and a number of other sidesplitting shows. The humor doesn’t end there. Acts such as Rob Becker’s “Defending the Caveman,” stand-up with Brett Butler, and sketch comedy group Money in the Pants will surely tickle the funny bone.

Catch a favorite like “Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” or enjoy a few laughs with the After Dark Comedy Series. The holiday season is not complete without “A Christmas Carol,” or The Second City’s “Dysfunctional Holiday Revue.” The mix of musical acts at the Metropolis brings something for everyone, from Arranmore’s Irish folk tunes to symphonic melodies from the Metropolis Youth Symphony.

Hungry for more? Stop number four will surely end the evening well. Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Pub is a great place for friends to gather, taste Irish dishes, throw back a beer and enjoy some live music. This unique 8,000-square-foot pub was constructed in Ireland and shipped to the United States, then reconstructed piece-by-piece, making it as authentic as they come.

A case of the munchies is no problem at Peggy Kinnane’s. Just snack on some Tipperary Wings, Curry Chips or Templemore Tenders and wash them down with a McSorley’s Ale or Guinness. Every Friday and Saturday night live entertainment enhances the cheery atmosphere and Sunday mornings welcome an early crowd for a traditional Irish breakfast.

Last stop: home to regale in the memories of a night in downtown Arlington Heights enriched with fine arts, exotic cuisine, musical variety, laughter and great company.