When we left Chicago proper, we drove about 27 miles west to Glen Ellyn, IL where our hotel, Inn at Water's Edge, on the campus of DuPage College, was located. The hotel is on the third floor of the Culinary and Hospitality Center, while the first floor is dedicated to the culinary arts [including the instructional kitchen].
Our continental breakfast on Sunday morning was very nice. A chest of Mighty Leaf teas was available for us to choose from. I chose organic Darjeeling.
~ Linen napkins, cutlery and dishes. ~
~ Fresh fruit for our cereal. ~
~ Miniature muffins and Danish pastries. ~
Yogurt, Granola, and Cereal selections. We were the only two having breakfast on Sunday morning, so the buffet was only set up for two.
Wheaton and Naperville are near Glen Ellyn, so when we finished eating we went to two antique stores. The first one was The Perfect Thing in Wheaton.
Whenever possible, I purchase a teacup as a keepsake from my trips. The antique store had a beautiful Shelley teacup marked half-off, so it came home with me. It was originally $65 for $32.50, and it was in perfect condition. I love its pedestal.
~ The inside of the teacup is as pretty as the outside. ~
Also on the half-off shelves were three brand new Fitz and Floyd bone china Nutcracker salad plates. At $6 each I couldn't resist. I have a Fitz and Floyd Nutcracker teapot that will go perfectly with them.
From Wheaton we drove a short distance to Naperville, and we could have spent an entire day there. Naperville has a quaint downtown claiming "A shopper's paradise with over 100 stores to love."
Our first stop was A-1 Antiques that carries a large inventory of vintage costume and fine jewelry which my friend loves. She found some lovely signed pieces that she purchased, as well as gifting me with a pretty brooch that went well with the outfit I was wearing as an early birthday present.
From the antique store we hurried over to Adagio Teas.
I love their marketing strategy of setting pump pots outside filled with tea so passersby can take a taste, and [hopefully] come inside to make a purchase.
Before heading back to College of DuPage for the first presentation at 2:00 p.m., we hurried over to DAVIDs TEA one street over.
DAVIDs TEA is another wonderful tea shop, but we had little time to look around. We will definitely return to Naperville at a later date.
Tomorrow's post... "Kathy Baum, jewelry professor at College of DuPage shared insights on the jewelry and artistry of the 1800's and 1900's, the era that surrounds Downton Abbey" and Jessica Fellowes' presentation on "All things Downton Abbey."
