This is DeKalb's only independent bookstore other than the adult one. It's run out of what used to…read morebe a garage in back of the main building at 115 N. 1st Street; hours are limited and the stock doesn't rotate much. Still, they have an awful lot of books packed into a small space, and the proprietor - a retired professor who's just looking to break even - is very helpful. He'll help you find what you're looking for, and if you're interested in something there isn't much demand for - such as books in French - he may be able, if you call ahead, to grab some out of storage for you. Prices are reasonable.

Wonderful treasure in downtown Dekalb. A very eclectic assortment of used and rare books. The owner…read morehimself is a gem and will be happy to talk about a variety of subjects as you explore the shelves searching for that book you didn't know you wanted. A great way to spend an afternoon!

Excellent little book shop, great selection of books, nice owner…read more Definitely need to check it out!

If you're claustrophobic, this isn't the place for you. If you're not. Come on in! This place gets…read moremore visitors than a public library does! This place has tons of books to browse around and shop for! Plenty of great finds and activity bustling inside this little place. Owner was really nice and friendly. Overall! Great hidden nook!

I've been shopping at AS&S since before I lived in Chicagoland (used to order from their catalog;…read morekids, that was the paper version of the internet), but wanted to stop in when I was in Geneva today since the company has been having a hard time according to their social media. I was happy to see so many people in here! If you're shopping for random stuff, this is the place for it: craft supplies, games and toys, bottles and jars (including itty bitty ones, which I bought), marbles, strange holiday overstock, neon signs, science experiments, a billion electronic parts...you name it. For sheer weirdness this store can't be beat but I legitimately do buy practical items here too. Stop in and support this long time local favorite!

Now employee owned but still as quirky and fun as ever. Whether looking for school poster supplies,…read moreperiodic table coffee mugs, science kits, crime scene tape, multi-function tools, or other odds 'n ends, I triple-dog-dare you to spend more than 10 minutes there and walk out empty-handed! Pro Tip kid stuff to the right.

Have passed by Past and Present for years and not really sure why I never stopped in but the other…read moreday I found myself rounding that familiar State St curve and decided that it was time I satisfied my curiosity. I'm glad that I did because this is a very nicely curated antique shop with a little vintage thrown in here and there for good measure. As far as pricing went I felt it was pretty reasonable for the most part. What really made the experience all the better though was the absolutely friendly shopkeeper who was working at the time. They were nice to everyone they interacted with and we had a nice conversation while I was perusing. I didn't leave with anything but I saw a couple of things I might come back for.

I love this place ! Have driven by so many times and now every other Sunday stop in after breakfast…read more! I love how clean and organized it is . You guys are killing it !

Excellent place for your needle felting needs! Staff is so nice and helpful - whether you are a…read morenovice or seasoned felter. So many colors!

Esther's Place is a magical wonderland. That's all you need to know. :)…read more It is here, that I found myself at a table with a group of people from Sweden, eating homemade baked goods and poking needles into brightly dyed wool. We made felted acorns with those needles and wool. An hour prior to my visit, I never imagined that I would be doing that, but there I was, enjoying the company, poking, and learning a Swedish word or two. So glad I had the fortune to end up here. After a couple weeks of living in our RV near Elgin, we 'moved' to a campsite in Big Rock, a mile or so from Esther's place. Big Rock isn't a big (or very exciting) town, so I did a quick online search to see what kind of shops were nearby and this place popped up. Interested in doing a little bit of exploring, I stopped by here expecting to just look at yarn for five minutes. But no, I had a light lunch with a group of people visiting from Sweden, played with needles, and learned so much about the story behind Esther's Place. Well, that's a much better adventure anyway, right? In the two weeks that I stayed at the campsite nearby, I dropped by Esther's several times for whimsical inspiration, drooling over wool, conversation, and a quick afternoon of needle felting with some good friends. Not only can you swing by the charming house (there is a knitted monkey hanging out in a tree!) to sign up for a myriad of classes or farm tours, but you can purchase felting materials & wool, handmade treasures like little felted animals and knitted scarves, handmade soaps/lotions, and have a chance to pick up some farm fresh fruits and veggies in the warmer months. Stay for awhile and you might just be treated to a hospitable plate of pie or a glass of water as you sit and chat with the family. Natasha, the sweet woman behind Esther's place, is so warm & friendly, bubbling with enthusiasm for fiber arts and the community. I am amazed at how she made her dream a reality and has created this fantastic haven for people to come together and create delightful things. Her family also helps with the business (and the farm); it's nice to see a thriving family business in this sweet little town. Definitely visit Esther's Place if you have a spare afternoon and a desire to learn something new!

Tucked quietly on the corner is a beautifully strange little sanctuary for the curious and the…read moremacabre. The moment you step inside, you're wrapped in a moody, gothic atmosphere that feels less like a store and more like a place to linger -- to explore, to wonder, to feel. The collection is a haunting blend of morbid mementos, scientific oddities, and dark, beautifully crafted pieces that pull you in and refuse to let go. Every shelf holds something fascinating. Every detail feels intentional. What makes it even more special is that the owner creates most of the pieces. There's soul in the work -- and it shows. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate, they make the space feel personal and alive. Elgin is lucky to have a shop like this -- a little corner of the strange and the beautiful. Prices are fair, the vibe is unforgettable, and it's absolutely worth stepping inside.

After visiting The Oddities Show in Rosemont, it was suggested to visit this shop which I did…read moretoday. I sort of knew about this shop after attending a play down the street several weeks ago. However, the time of the play and the hours of this store did not match that day. Interesting, strange, one of a kind items are here. If you visit, be sure to look up! I did have to buy an Edgar Allen Poe pill box before leaving. I was the only person in the shop and I would have stayed longer but I couldn't stand the music any longer. Perhaps I will visit again with my Paranormal friends.

This is a really great vintage store in N Aurora. What it isn't is a thrift store. This isn't…read moreSavers. You'll find so many cool curated items, but most of it isn't exactly cheap. I love the things I came home with though. They were worth the price I paid The ladies working there were really helpful and sweet. I'll most definitely be returning

Very cool place! We were in here for over an hour looking at everything. They had so much. My…read morefriend was looking for decor and I was looking for clothes and accessories and we found some great pieces. I got a dress, sunglasses, and earrings for around $50. My friend got a clock and a frame for $30ish. A lot of workers walking around but they did not talk to us and let us shop. Sometimes I like that but for others that could be a turn off. Up to you. I would definitely go back.

Was offered a koval liquor taste while shopping which was nice…read more Off though that most items did not have prices and I had to ask them to come over and tell what items cost

Have come here to buy cheese before. Generally a pleasant experience. My last experience tried a…read moresample of the crackers on display, was going to buy them but when I saw the exorbitant price, I put it down. The lady sort of mocked me like with a tone of: oh too poor? "Oh looks like you're good". The reverse psychology doesn't work. No I'm not spending **$8.50** on a box of crackers worth 3-4 handfuls.