Downers Grove

like many other suburban downtowns, clustered around the Metra Station. Most of the shops are along Main St. The downtown is a decent size with plenty of unique stores and restaurants, including a brewery.

is a French and 1920s style movie palace that plays second-run movies. It opened in 1928 as only the second theater in the world designed for sound motion pictures. On weekends you can listen to the music of a Wurlitzer pipe organ before the movies begin.

in nearby Darien, is dedicated to Therese Martin, a French Carmelite nun who wrote Story of a Soul. Her admirers travel here from around the world to see her prayer book and other artifacts.

In 1856, Samuel Curtiss donated part of his sheep pasture for use as a cemetery. He was later paid $15 for the land, money from individuals who formed a cemetery association in 1864. Nearly 100 members of Downers Grove's early families, including Israel Blackburn, a freedman, and members of the Blanchard, Curtiss and Wells families are buried here. The cemetery was used until 1939 when Emma Foster Miller was the last to be interred. It is one of the few American cemeteries located in a main business district.

is a 10.4 acre nature reserve with 135 species of plant and animal wildlife. A nature trail provides pedestrian access and is served by a six-car parking lot located on Cross St.

The 5.8-acre Barth Pond was constructed in 1978, as a joint venture with the Village of Downers Grove. The pond was originally developed to serve as a storm water detention facility, but also serves as a popular fishing spot. In May, you can spot goslings of the many Canada Geese at the park.