You and your children will share a yummy breakfast when the merry festivities begin.

$10.00 for children; $12.00 for parents (includes a $5 shopping coupon for the adults).  Please arrive at the Fulton Street entrance at 9:15 am.

I wanted to share a story with you about the little traveler.  My dear friend and neighbor had a birthday, and she is a person who has everything. I had no clue what to get her but I wanted to do something to make the day a great one for her.

The two of us came to The Little Traveler for shopping, had a lovely lunch in the restaurant, enjoyed the fashion show and had so much fun looking at all of the fun merchandise in all of the rooms and nooks and crannies at the Little Traveler.

The best gift  you can give someone is your time, in my opinion, and the time we both spent at the Little Traveler that day was priceless. I know that we will make this an annual event and I look forward to next year and having another lovely day.

I wanted to thank you and your staff for helping to make my Mother’s birthday extra special this year.  We visited your store on Friday, September 16^th.  My sister and I had an idea – we wanted to take my Mom through the store and have different clerks present her with gifts we had purchased earlier.  We bought items in the following sections:  candy, wine, gourmet, kitchen, Dept. 56, linens, flower shop and Vera Bradley.  Each and every staff person was very happy to play along and had the purchases wrapped beautifully.  When we arrived to each section, your staff cheerfully greeted my Mother by name (Eileen) and wished her a happy birthday while presenting her nicely wrapped gift.  Two even sang – which was unexpected!  I believe the singers were in the wine shop and flower shop.

Some special staff mentions – my sister originally spoke with Dale in the Christmas area about a Dept. 56 house.  Her enthusiasm towards holding and wrapping a house for my Mom led to us wanting to expand to many other departments.

Judy, the wonderful person who answered your main phone on the afternoon of Thursday, 9/15, patiently listened to my idea and tried very hard to find someone to help me coordinate the event on Friday.  She led me to Peggy Maness in linens.

Peggy told me to see her first when I came to shop for the gifts.  I told her which areas I would be going to and she went around and talked to everyone to give them a heads up.  She is also the one who suggested a common ribbon color – we chose yellow.  (The Dept. 56 house was already wrapped too nice to change from the pink.)

So I wanted to share a giant “THANK YOU” to your staff.  Everyone we worked with was so pleasant and really helped surprise my Mom.  She loved it!

My Mom had spent three months in the hospital and a nursing home earlier this year and now has to face another surgery.  She loves shopping, so our afternoon at the Little Traveler was perfect for her!  After dinner, we took all the presents home and she got to open them there, so the fun lasted for hours.

Thanks again.  You have a wonderful staff there!

Patrice Mendala-Zitt

I was born and raised in the wonderful town of Geneva, Illinois.  Now I live in Naples, Florida . In fact, Sylvia Simon was my neighbor.  My parents have passed away, so now when I visit Geneva, The Little Traveler, you are my home.

Growing up my mother, sister and I would go to the Atrium Cafe for every special occasion.  As I had my children, we continued the tradition. Then there was my ladies luncheons among the antiques and the wonderful food was always memorable.

My husband was a great shopper, so whenever we would visit Geneva, you were always our first stop.  We would always experience great finds. Please don’t ever change!  You will always be home away from home.

With loving memories, sincerely

Ruth C. Griffin, Naples, FL

Hi Little Traveler,

Last weekend four of us traveled from Akron, Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio to visit our friend in South Elgin, Illinois. Three of us have been friends since 1st grade and the other two were added at our all girls Catholic high school. Our Chicago friend, Ann, said I must take you to the Little Traveler in Geneva. What do they sell we asked? A little bit of everything was her answer. So, we all bought our matching scarves to remember our weekend. The women who sold us the scarves took the photos and told us to email them in and possibly they will be on the website. So here they are.

Thanks Little Traveler, we enjoyed our visit.

Marianne Bodine
Avon Lake Ohio

Known as Aurora’s ‘first lady of the arts,’ Ford was a considerable presence in the arts at a time when male artists were most prominent. Born in 1897, and raised in the Fox River Valley, she graduated from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in 1918 and later became president and director of the school.  She had many famous students including the wartime and editorial cartoonist Bill Mauldin.  The late Sylvia Simon, former owner of The Little Traveler, had the honor to learn from this great icon.

Van Sickle Ford was the first woman from Illinois to be invited into the prestigious American Watercolor Society in 1954 and the first woman artist member of Chicago’s Palette & Chisel Academy in 1960.  Her art has been exhibited with some of the most notable and popular painters of the 20th century, including Edward Hopper, Grant Wood, and Rockwell Kent.

The Little Traveler is excited to host a free Special Presentation by the Author, Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 2:30pm in The Atrium Cafe.  Meet author Nancy Smith Hopp, of Aurora, Illinois, as she tells us about this amazing icon of the Fox Valley. We’ll have copies of her book available for purchase and signing.  No registration is necessary.

Nancy Hopp was a former student, neighbor, and ardent fan of Ruth Van Sickle Ford. Writing Warm Light, Cool Shadows was a seven year journey into the life and works of one of the most interesting artists of the 20th century.  The book shares unique insights into Ford’s personality and talents along with candid photographs and stunning reproductions of Ford’s watercolor and oil paintings.

As a child, Hopp watched the construction of Ruth Ford’s Round House a few blocks from her own home.  In 1965 she enrolled in Ford’s watercolor class at Aurora University, and the two women were reunited in 1985 when Hopp’s father was a resident in the same nursing home as Ford.

We hear from many customers that visits to The Little Traveler have become a favorite tradition for many families.  The tradition doesn’t have to stop at a day of shopping—The Little Traveler would love to help you out with wedding showers, baby showers, special birthdays, whatever it is you have to celebrate!

Party Favors from The Little Traveler

The creativity of our gourmet department staff knows no bounds!  And one of their very favorite things to do is put together unique party favors that are customized specifically for your event.   We’ve got lots of wonderful choices for weddings, wedding showers, baby showers, birthdays, teas, whatever you can think of, really.

And how convenient that The Little Traveler happens to have the biggest candy shoppe around, so the inside of the party favors is sure to be just as delicious as the outside.

Private Showers and Tea Parties in the Atrium Café

The Little Traveler can also host your wedding shower, baby shower, birthday party or other celebration.  Our chef and party planners will work with you to create an appropriate menu and ensure that your guests will have a great time.  Here’s what a recent customer said:

I had my to be daughter-in-law’s wedding shower in the Cafe/Tea room on April 16,2011.  The food was delicious, especially your soups!  Also, I could not have been happier with your staff, from Zach – who helped organize the shower to Cindy who was our server! Both were professional, pleasant and very, very helpful.  Her staff was extremely helpful and efficient as well.  I will highly recommend your establishment for anyone that appreciates excellent service and delicious food!

Thank you!

Jo

It is my first place to go for a new baby outfit too.  Everything is different than you see in regular stores.  I am also happy to see so many items in the food areas being made in America.  Thank you.

Barbara

I watched her sweet little face as her eyes grew wide at the beautiful lights and decorations. I can only imagine what was going through her little nine month old mind. She was extremely well behaved… it was as if she knew she was in a special place!

I look forward to sharing many more visits to the “Traveler” with her and future grandchildren. Thanks for always being that special place our family loves to visit throughout the year!

Sincerely,
Maureen Anderson, St. Charles, Illinois

Maureen will receive a $50 gift certificate as a token of our thanks for this lovely letter, published in the Spring 2011 Almanack. Send your letters to Almanack Editor
404 S. Third St., Geneva, IL 60134.

Shopping at The Little Traveler has always been an international experience because we fill the cozy rooms of our historic home in Geneva, IL with delights from around the world.  All of our collections—jewelry, gourmet foods, wine, antiques, linens, Christmas decorations, home goods, collectibles, children’s toys, clothing, etc.—include items that have traveled the globe to get here.

Now we want to see where they go when you take them back out into the world!  Whether your Vera Bradley luggage travels to China or Door County—we want to see it there!  Do you wear your Brighton, Trollbeads or Chamilia bracelet wherever you go?  Snap a photo and show us!   Look, fashion watches from The Little Traveler keep perfect time with the granddaddy of them all!

Send your photos of The Little Traveler pink bag or any item you’ve purchased from the Traveler to: bev@littletraveler.com OR post directly onto our facebook page. Thanks & have fun wherever you go!

]]> http://www.littletraveler.com/content/where-have-you-traveled-with-your-little-traveler/feed/ 1 http://www.littletraveler.com/content/the-right-outfit-for-many-occasions/ http://www.littletraveler.com/content/the-right-outfit-for-many-occasions/#comments Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:13:39 +0000 Bev http://www.littletraveler.com/content/?p=2279 Continue reading →]]> An Elmwood Park High School Class that I once taught and sponsored had their 50th reunion this year.  I was asked to be their special guest of honor.

When they graduated in 1960 they gave me a beautiful three-strand crystal necklace.  I have always treasured that gift.  I wanted to wear it at the reunion, so I went through everything in my wardrobe to choose something that would best show off the necklace.

Lots of little-worn “fancy” attire got pulled out of closets and tried on.  My daughter and I scrutinized each outfit until I came to a beautiful subtly-beaded black top that had been purchased at Little Traveler.  We both agreed it was a perfect complement for the necklace.

It is not the first time that Little Traveler has provided the right outfit for lots of different occasions.

O.G.

More than 50 years passed between my teenage years and my last visit to the Little Traveler. About 10 years ago I was visiting my sister-in-law in Glen Ellyn and she mentioned Little Traveler.  “Let’s go,” I said, and we were off to Geneva.  I was amazed at the fact this shop really hasn’t changed physically in 70+ years.  It is still quaint, but the inventory of merchandise is phenomenal.  I purchased a Tiffany lamp which is my permantent connection withthe Little Traveler from my home im south Florida.
Sincerely,

T.C.

Boynton Beach, FL

Whenever I entertain house guests, I plan a day at your wonderful store (lunch too!).  What a way to spend the day—they can’t wait to return.  You make my entertaining so easy and fun, something for everyone.

Thank you, A. K.

St. Charles, IL

• Beautiful paper plates, napkins, and cups assure that your holiday table will be festive with a minimum of clean up.

• Cards to meet every need, from traditional to 3D are a wonderful way to wish everyone a happy holiday season. Choose from beautiful boxed sets or unique individual cards.

• Check out our great gift ideas, Vera Bradley and Lily Pulitzer– agendas, magnets, notepads and more make a great addition to any desk.

• “Written in Stone” plaques and magnets boast funny and heartfelt sentiments. Bejeweled magnets, notepads, purse pads with mirrors add sparkle to any stocking or gift exchange.

• Add a touch of whimsy with musical Santas, an Elf hat, and a variety of snowman themed items to any celebration.

Little Traveler,

Since I moved to Scottsdale AZ I have pined for you.

I just had 2 jars f Pumpkin Butter sent to me so I’m feeling much better,

Tiger

Thanks, Tiger!  Looking for something to do with that Pumpkin Butter? Try this recipe for Pudding Pumpkin Cake.

Thank you so much for the gift certificate to THE BEST unique store ever, “The Little Traveler.”  I so enjoy not only bringing guests there, but also enjoy coming by myself.

I recently lost my husband to a long battle of cancer.  While waiting for his prescriptions, I would stop by to help take my mind off of things. He always knew that The Little Traveler was a favorite of mine, often giving me gift certificates or would come shopping with me, so I could give him some ideas. Now, it comforts me to shop at The Little Traveler, feeling that a part of my husband is with me, overseeing what I am about to purchase.

One of my most cherished gifts that my husband purchased for me was the Swarovski Red Dress for Women Charm.  My mother passed from heart disease and since my husband purchased it for me, it has a very special place in my heart.

Knowing how much I enjoy shopping at The Little Traveler, my son has carried on the tradition.  Also, gift certificates can be ordered from people who reside in other states for us, who are lucky enough to live close enough to Geneva.  My sister, who lives in Texas, has ordered gift certificates for me, knowing that is the best gift that she could give.

Sincerely,

Kathie Osborn

Growing up on a farm just about 30 miles west of Geneva, I thought that it was such a treat to be taken to my mom’s favorite lunch destination, the Little Traveler. This was a favorite place for mom and her friends to reunite and catch up on life. Sometimes I was afforded the opportunity to “tag along.”

As time went on and I moved away, finally settling in SC, I began to appreciate the unique experience of visiting the Little Traveler each summer with my mom. Nowhere else seemed to offer such a wonderful opportunity to dine and shop for hours all in one store. One summer when I was coming home for a class reunion, she suggested that we have lunch at the Little Traveler to see if I might be able to find just the right dress for the occasion. Sure enough, we found a two-piece outfit that was the prettiest teal color with some crocheted detail that made it a one-of-a-kind outfit. She loved it the minute she saw it on me and insisted on buying it for me.

Sadly, six years ago this very month, my sweet mother passed away leaving an unbelievable void in my life. As I was making my decision as far as what I should wear for her funeral, I put aside the notion of wearing the traditional black outfit and decided upon that awesome teal dress that we shopped for together. It represented not just a singular moment of time we shared at your shop, but in a larger sense it represented the importance of spending quality time with the people you love most. Thanks for providing some great memories!

Beth Jacky, Lexington, SC

When being asked what childhood memory stuck out in my mind, I was extremely surprised at the picture that flashed in my mind.  The image of the front of The Little Traveler.  The lunches, puppet shows, and story times that I was given the opportunity to sit through have made a memory that is unforgettable.  I remember my mom getting the newsletter and I would anxiously await what event was scheduled.

I was first taken to The Little Traveler when I was five years old.  I went with my grandma and mother in order to meet my childhood obsession: Madeline, the character from my favorite book.  My grandmother promised me I could take my picture with her.  Sure enough, I got my picture and even got to work side by side with my grandma to make a hat just like Madeline’s.  Little did I know at the time that this outing would be one of my favorite memories.

My grandma became sick this year with cancer, and during her treatment I kept playing that memory over in my mind, hanging on to such a fun time.  I am happy to say my grandma is cancer-free at the moment.  I hope we can make another trip to lunch at The Little Traveler once again, and I can feel like “one of the ladies.”

Sincerely,

Kelly Del Valle, Woodridge, IL

Kelly will receive a $50 gift certificate as a token of our thanks for this lovely letter. Send your letters to Almanack Editor, 404 S. Third St., Geneva, IL 60134.

My story begins when I was 5 years old.  My mother told me and my sister Anne that on the weekend we would take the train to Geneva to meet our great-aunt Kate.  I had heard stories of her worldly travels and at Christmas we always received a special gift from her.  Living in Chicago in 1946 and not owning a car, the train was really our only option.  What an adventure!

We walked up Third Street to The Little Traveler and rang the doorbell.  Someone let us inside and we waited in the foyer to be greeted.  I remember looking up the long staircase as I heard aunt Kate’s footsteps from above, then at the turn of the stairs she came into view with a big smile.  She was a very gracious and generous woman whom I will never forget.

I have returned to The Little Traveler often since then and, in fact, I was there last weekend.  I always take a moment to gaze up the stairs when I enter to remember her.  I am so pleased that her legacy lives on.  Her name was Kate Howard Raftery, the founder of The Little Traveler, but she was my great-aunt Kate.  Great indeed!

John Howard Loader

Oak Lawn, Illinois

John will receive a $50 gift certificate as a token of our thanks for this lovely letter. Send your letters to Almanack Editor, 404 S. Third St., Geneva, IL 60134.