Count to 10,000!
Plan on spending a full day in downtown Galesburg as there are many shops to check out as well as a number of coffee shops and restaurants for refueling. You will also have no trouble meeting the daily recommended number of steps, 10,000 as downtown Galesburg is designed for walking. From colorful street murals to painted trash cans, to whimsical bike racks, the community has done an amazing job of creating a beautiful environment to explore. You can not go wrong with spending your Saturday in downtown Galesburg.
Stop 1: The Carriage House
Start your Saturday off on the right foot with a visit to the Carriage House on South Seminary Street. Parking is not a problem as there are a lot of free parking lots. The delicious smell of fresh bread will draw you in. Enjoy a cup of hot java and a freshly baked pastry. The atmosphere is comfortable thanks to the carefully selected design elements and the warm colors, and the pleasant staff that is eager to help and answer questions and offer suggestions of what to do in downtown Galesburg.
Stop 2: Galesburg Farmers Market
The next stop is the weekly Galesburg Farmers Market located just one block off South Seminary Street. In addition to fresh locally grown garden produce, visitors to the farmers market will find fresh baked goods, flavored popcorn, jars of local honey and honey sticks a special treat for children. Shoppers will also find a selection of tea leaves, scented soaps, and colorful bouquets of flowers. For one dollar you can support young entrepreneurs by purchasing a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed lemonade. Open every Saturday, rain or shine, May through September.
Pro Tip – Take advantage of the free parking, conveniently located throughout downtown Galesburg.
Stop 3: Calico Cat
The Calico Cat retail store is a must-visit with something for all ages including those with a sense of humor. From display cases of jewelry, cards, scarves, decorative hot-air balloons, t-shirts, coffee cups, garden and patio art, and a section just for men you are guaranteed to find the perfect gift for friends and family or for yourself. You could not miss the cases of decadent candy when you entered the store. The round balls of rich goodness are gently packaged in fancy boxes ready for giving as a gift.
Pro Tip – Ask the clerk for an ice pack for your candy if you plan on being outside for some time.
Stop 4: Mother Goosebumps
Mother Goosebumps tagline is children’s clothing and delights which perfectly describes this quaint store. If you are looking for clothing for little ones, Mother Goosebumps has a wide and deep selection of colorful clothes for the little ones. Other delightful items include bows, clips and headbands, toys and books, all things baby.
Stop 5: Wordsmith Bookshoppe
Independent bookstores are the best. The selection of books is unending and the passionate knowledgeable staff will order books they do not have in the store. There is a large selection of books on Galesburg. The store also hosts author signing events and there might just be one going on while you are in town. The store is a short walk from South Seminary Street on E. Main Street which feels like a large eastern U.S. city.
Pro Tip – Purchase a book by famed Pulitzer Prize winning author Carl Sandburg, who was born right here in Galesburg.
Stop 6: baked (pizza)
Time for lunch! Enjoy a delicious one-of-a-kind pizza at baked on South Seminary Street. Baked is the top-ranking pizza joint in Illinois and in the top 40 nationwide on Yelp. Have you ever had rhubarb on pizza? Rhubarb and fetta cheese complement each other. Yummy! You will crave it after one bite. Pro Tip – Be sure to order something “off the menu” or out of the norm. And don’t forget to doodle on the chalkboard wall.
Stop 7: The Bar 65
End your day with a visit to The Bar 65. Owner and bartender Sam will eagerly share his knowledge about whiskey. If you enjoy whiskey or have wanted to try whiskey or learn about whiskey, The Bar 65 is the place to go. The Bar 65 is owned by Sam, his wife, son, and daughter and it immediately feels like home.
Pro Tip – Tell Sam that Randy & Tessa sent ya!
