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Tourism

Comparing the Hoffman Estates of the 1950s with the Hoffman Estates of today has been great fun, explained Linda Scheck, the Village’s Tourism and Business Retention Coordinator.

“The dirt roads and farm fields have been replaced by paved streets and corporate headquarters.

"We now have over 1,200 hotel rooms, an emerging Entertainment District and attractions for every age and interest.”

AN EXCITING ADDITION TO AREA ENTERTAINMENT

Sears Centre Arena One of the newest additions to Hoffman Estates’ entertainment scene is the modern Sears Centre Arena. Located just north of I-90 and west of IL Route 59, within the developing Prairie Stone Business Park, the Sears Centre Arena opened its doors in October 2006 as an 11,500-seat, multi-purpose arena welcoming a host of different events sure to appeal to any interest. From the sounds of such top performers as Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson and the esteemed Elgin Symphony Orchestra, to the sights of the ever-popular Cirque du Soleil and the excitement of the Chicago Slaughter (football) and Chicago Storm (soccer), the Sears Centre Arena is the place to be when visiting Hoffman Estates’ burgeoning Entertainment District.

According to Pam Lintern Swick from the Sears Centre Arena, the event schedule has grown by over 60 percent in the arena’s second season compared to its first. The Sears Centre also continues to expand its entertainment values and options, most recently with the opening of the Prairie View Lounge. “We see the Sears Centre Arena continuing to grow with and be an integral part of the community of Hoffman Estates,” explained Swick. “Our event offerings will continue to grow and expand, as will the type and variety of entertainment packages.”

FAMILY FUN

A Proposed Water Park in Hoffman Estates Plans to construct a new $85 million hotel and water park project have been approved by the Village Board. Sitting upon 22 acres within Hoffman Estates’ blossoming Entertainment District, the indoor water park will span approximately 60,000 square feet of fantastic water features with a tropical backdrop. Complementing the indoor water park will be an outdoor pool and plenty of attributes designed for the warm summer months and sun lovers.

“I think the draw to the water park will be a combination of unique elements in the area…three shopping centers, an entertainment arena, many restaurants, movies, bowling, bocce ball and the Forest Preserve for biking or hiking,” related Gary Skoog, the Village’s Director of Economic Development.

The new water park, which was initiated by developer Splash H2otels, will be located just east of the Beverly Road exit off I-90 within Prairie Stone Business Park. Upon its completion, explained Skoog, the water park “will be a great addition to our tourism draw.”

LAVISH SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES

Back in the Village’s earliest years, it “shunned development early on, preferring to remain a bedroom community,” said Scheck. “In the past 10 years it has been in a retail development ‘catch-up’ mode and has been successful in developing new centers and redeveloping older centers.”

In fact, as the Village turns 50 this year, so does its oldest shopping center, Hoffman Plaza. Located at Roselle Road, between Higgins Road (Route 72) and Golf Road (Route 58), it is part of the area’s shopping district, which lines Roselle Road between Routes 58 and 72. The district, composed of more than 55 eclectic stores, has undergone a major ongoing redevelopment project. The extensive facelift of the district began when Valli Produce remodeled its complex in 2000. The 175,000-square-foot Hoffman Plaza experienced an $8 million rejuvenation, which included upgraded facades, lighting, parking lots, new signage and landscaping. Golf Center Shopping Center, a 160,000-square-foot shopping center that was built in the 1960s, also completed a total remodeling project.

The newest addition to the retail landscape of Hoffman Estates is the expansive Poplar Creek Crossing Shopping Center. Located at the southwest corner of Routes 59 and 72, just north of I-90, Poplar Creek Crossing stretches over 42 acres and includes 400,000 square feet of retail space. This regional shopping center is anchored by a 124,000-square-foot Target, which is supported by a number of further national retailers.

Adjacent to the shopping center is the 185,000-square-foot Cabela’s retail store, which opened in September 2007. The showroom infuses the store’s retail products with educational and entertainment activities such as a taxidermy museum, dioramas, large aquariums, a shooting gallery and a 26-foot high conservation mountain.

What’s more, just south of Poplar Creek Crossing is the new Prairie Stone Crossing development, an eight-acre, 63,000-square-foot shopping center that incorporates three retail buildings. The modern retail site can be found at the northwest corner of Route 59 and the newly named Hoffman Boulevard.

“The retail centers in Hoffman Estates were developed to ensure our residents have products and services they need close by,” explained Scheck. “Travelers appreciate that they can easily locate stores and products within five miles of any lodging location.”

Featuring a longstanding business in Hoffman Estates: Fabbrini’s Flowers Fabbrini’s Flowers stands as one of Hoffman Estates’ oldest businesses, with a history that reaches back to the mid-1960s. It all started when Kathy Fabbrini opened “Brass and Glass,” a fine gift shop featuring fresh flowers, in May of 1966, paving the way for today’s successful business.

The beautiful flowers became the business’s main focus, and the fine gift shop was transformed into a gorgeous flower shop donning the name “Fabbrini’s Flowers.” This change proved to be a pivotal move, as the business is now recognized as one of the top 100 florists in the country. Today, the shop is managed by Jim Fabbrini, allowing his parents, Joe and Kathy, to enjoy the retirement years.

The assortment of fresh flowers discovered at Fabbrini’s Flowers is impressive, and each gift is arranged with a professional and special touch. On top of the quality products offered at the shop, Fabbrini’s Flowers is dedicated to giving back to the community, bestowing more than 15,000 roses every year at local events and business sites.

ECLECTIC DINING SELECTIONS

The range of cuisine discovered in the Hoffman Estates area is quite impressive. From American classics and the freshest surf and turf around to ethnic delights, it’s all here. Just as striking as the assortment of menus is the mixture of long-established restaurants with modern dining options. The Assembly American Bar & Café has been churning out its award-winning burgers and BBQ ribs since its opening in 1978; the Anvil Club in East Dundee has served up top steaks and chops since 1956; Millrose Restaurant and Brewing Co. in South Barrington has been a popular dining

destination for some time; and great Italian foods have been prepared for years at Garibaldi’s, Ritchie’s Café Clemenza and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

These fantastic restaurants have been recently joined by new eclectic dining establishments, such as LaStrada Ristorante and the neighboring eateries of Claim Jumper and Buffalo Wild Wings. Adding to the list of dining establishments, both new and old, is tasty breakfast items at Apple Villa; fast-food fixes at Buona Beef, Jimmy John’s, Domino’s Moe’s Southwest Grill and Dairy Queen; and fine spirits and foods at Penny Road Pub in Barrington, Neighborhood Inn, America’s Bar & Grill and C.K. Mulligan Bar & Grill.

Featuring a longstanding restaurant in Hoffman Estates: Dover Straights Serving up the best seafood has been a tradition at Dover Straits since 1978. The restaurant received its name in honor of The Straits of Dover, a channel located between England and France that is known for its ideal fishing waters. The original Dover Straits establishment opened its doors in Mundelein in February of 1978. In December of 1981, the restaurant operations were taken over by the Metropulos brothers, who then decided to expand the offerings of Dover Straits to Hoffman Estates in December of 1989.

Dover Straits, standing as one of the oldest restaurants in the Village, has become a staple in the dining scene of Hoffman Estates. Its menu features only the finest in fresh seafood.

LODGING: ACCOMMODATIONS
TO MAKE YOU FEEL AT HOME

Over 1,200 guestrooms are available in the Hoffman Estates area. The Village’s close proximity to O’Hare International Airport and vibrant downtown Chicago, plus entertainment options and a diversified base of more than 700 businesses make this an ideal place to stay for fun or business. The area’s hotels are equipped with plenty of amenities to suit any guest’s needs, from indoor pools and exercise facilities to business centers and meeting space. The Tourism Office of the Village of Hoffman Estates is happy to assist with group sales by sending out requests for proposals on your behalf. If you are planning a family reunion, military reunion, tournament, sporting event or corporate meeting, the Tourism Office staff is looking forward to helping you plan a memorable and successful event.

In the heart of Hoffman Estates, stay at the Candlewood Suites, Comfort Inn, Hyatt Place, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, LaQuinta Inn or the Red Roof Inn. Centrally located in the Village, these hotels are minutes away from the area’s major attractions, entertainment and shopping districts, restaurants and major business centers. Adding to the appeal, most of the hotels offer shuttle service to various sites within a five-mile radius.

The community’s largest hotel is the Chicago Marriot Northwest, which stands eight floors high and includes 295 guest rooms and four suites. Located in the Prairie Stone Business Park, adjacent to the Sears Centre Arena, the Marriott offers guests convenience to retail, entertainment and dining options. This beautiful full service hotel offers amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center and high-speed Internet. The Marriott is equipped with 15 meeting rooms and 14,000 square feet of event space, as well as the on-site River City Grille and Lounge.

Further options include the Holiday Inn-Schaumburg and the Wingate by Wyndham Schaumburg, just minutes from the center of Hoffman Estates. An exciting addition to the area’s already established hotels is the newly proposed hotel/water park development, Splash H2O Resort & Conference Facility. The hotel portion of the facility will include 240 guestrooms, a health club, several on-site restaurants and a 19,000-square-foot conference center to complement the expansive indoor water park.