Why not spread the love a little this Valentine’s Day by supporting some of our wonderful businesses in downtown Naperville? With just a week to go, I’m providing you with my unofficial guide to some of the great treats worth checking out.
And if you don’t have a Valentine this year, spoil yourself or a friend.
Sweets for your sweetie
Le Chocolat du Bouchard, 127-129 S. Washington St.
I always think of this establishment as the little chocolate shop that could. They opened not long after I moved here and at the time I couldn’t see how they could survive with a national chain, Ethel’s, already in business just around the corner. Well, owner Cathy Bouchard showed them. Before long Ethel’s moved out and the newcomer showed she was here to stay.
“We are so happy that our customers have been supporting us through all this and that they refuse to cut back on their chocolate cravings when times are tough,” Bouchard told me. “Chocolate sweetens every day and is one of life’s little indulgences!”
Nowadays Le Chocolat has expanded to include its own bistro, which is offering a special four course menu for Valentine’s Day. Their chocolatiers are featuring several versions of Hot Chocolate Cocoa Bombs and Breakable Smash Hearts, one of the hottest trends around. But for those who prefer to keep it traditional, their handmade Valentine’s treats and dipped strawberries are perfect for sharing.
Cinnaholic, 41 W. Jefferson Ave.
What could be better than cinnamon rolls? Cinnamon rolls with ooey, gooey toppings! The Naperville store is a franchise, part of the company launched after owners made an appearance on “Shark Tank” six years ago.
“When I decided to open in January of 2020, who knew that it would be such a tumultuous year?” local owner Kaleen Barbera told me. “Although I am a solely owned business, I have a great team of individuals, most of whom are also Naperville residents. … I love our community and am proud to be a part of it.”
For Valentine’s Day, Cinnaholic is offering sweetheart boxes with two custom rolls, two mini cookies, two brownie bikes and two chocolate covered strawberries.
Putting ‘art’ in ‘heart’
SaraBoo Creek, 107 W. Jefferson Ave.
The quintessential Naperville gift store, which has been in town since 2007, is known for their seasonal wood décor, which can be customized and personalized in store and online.
“Our Buffalo Check rustic heart has been very popular to decorate your front door for the season and beyond,” owner Cindy Crawford said. “And customers have been loving our little heart ornaments and our little ‘love’ house to decorate their tabletops and three-tiered trays.”
Crawford says that the appreciation customers showed toward small businesses helped get them through the last year. She’s so grateful she even made a special sign for their window to thank customers.
Little Luxuries, 212 S. Main St.
This Valentine’s Day you can say it with flowers that will last all year long. A veritable cornucopia of floral décor, Little Luxuries nestles dried flowers and foliage among eclectic and whimsical gifts.
Owner Sue Finck says: “Seeing our clients smile makes doing what we do all worth it. It’s never taken for granted. This Valentine’s Day we hope to sprinkle a little love with beautiful small florals, new jewelry and great smelling candles. We are offering curbside pickups, mailing gifts and putting together gifts for clients who can’t get in.”
Pinot’s Palette, 175 W. Jackson Ave.
Pamela Bartlett, owner of the popular make your own art gallery Pinot’s Palette, is inviting everyone to paint their heART out while supporting their small, local business.
“We are open for in-studio painting classes and private events,” she said. “Since we have limited capacity, we have added ‘Paint at Home’ products to help us during this time. … We also have kits that come with a prerecorded video and kits with written, self-guided instructions.”
Set in stone
Naperville Jewelers, 120 Water St.
Loyal customers and word of mouth advertising has kept this jewelry store busy throughout the pandemic. It’s been in Naperville since 1999 and moved to their current location in 2018.
“A lot of people are still staying home but with restaurants opening back up it will help us,” manager Dawn Gorman said.
Valentine’s customers tend to be mainly men, with rubies, garnets and diamonds popular gem choices.
“Because we know our customers we can show them something that will suit their partner’s personality,” she said.
Preening and pampering
Zano Salons, 35 S. Washington St.
Spoil yourself or a loved one at this Naperville staple, which has been in business for 35 years.
Co-owner Nick Provenzano said, “We want to thank all of our guests and staff for their continued support through the years and especially during the recent economic climate. With the obvious safety precautions, we continue to take, we also wanted to reward all of our guests by offering 20% off pedicures, facials, and select color services until Feb. 14.”
A Night Away
Travel may still be difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the feel of being somewhere else while staying close to home.
Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk is offering a romantic getaway with a special Valentine’s Escape package that includes a bottle of Meomi red wine and chocolates from Naper Nuts and Sweets.
General manager Syed Hasan called 2020 an “unprecedented year” marked by “horrific pandemic, riots and violence in the streets, political turmoil and a contested presidential election. Now more than ever, it is important for us each to ask ourselves what we can do to be part of the solution rather than just a participant in the dialogue.
“We in Naperville felt the anxiety, hurt, fear and anger, and now it is time for us lean on each other and truly embody our spirit of being a caring and a selfless community.”
Katie Wood, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance, said, “There is so much to love about shopping in Downtown Naperville — any time of year. But this year, more than ever, downtown businesses thank you for choosing their shops, spas or restaurants for finding treats for your loved ones. Now that indoor dining has resumed (albeit limited seating), perhaps the perfect gift is a date night out for two!”
And if you can’t decide what to choose, downtown Naperville gift cards are welcome in most stores.
Hilary Decent is a freelance journalist who moved from England to Naperville in 2007.
