Unexpected Arts, Culture, and Hidden Gems in Chicago Southland
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Most visitors think of the Chicago Southland area as a gateway to Chicago. I know I did! So what surprised me the most was the area’s thriving arts scene, historic theaters, local makers, galleries, and community events. I discovered that the area has so much to offer – in fact, I barely touched the surface during my recent visit.
Living in Indiana, Chicago Southland was also an easy drive – it’s the perfect weekend getaway from Indianapolis or most of Northern Indiana. We had such a great time exploring just a few of the 62 communities that make up this diverse area in Illinois, that I know we’ll be planning future visits to check out the rest!
Thanks to Visit Chicago Southland for hosting a wonderful experience. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.
Discover Local Artists and Makers
Thanks to Chicago Southland’s proximity to Chicago, the area is full of extremely talented artists and makers. It’s a much more affordable place to live – especially for new entrepreneurs- yet still has the benefits of being close to one of the largest cities in the United States.
SoHo Shops at Town Center
SoHo Shops at Town Center is a truly unique new artisan marketplace. It supports local entrepreneurs and creatives by enabling them to open a shop affordably within a community of other makers.
During our visit, we learned that there was an extensive search for the current crop of businesses and that the mix will vary each year that the shops are open. This means that, for us shoppers, we can enjoy a wide variety of businesses, AND each year will be a new experience.
We had a great time talking to the business owners, hearing their stories, and purchasing some one-of-a-kind gifts for our family back home. All of the stores were terrific, but a few standouts for us included delicious homemade barbecue sauce, unique scents, and custom-made purses.
Note: The shops are seasonal, and open every weekend from May through December, so plan your visit accordingly – but DO visit!
SoHo Shops, 16114 South Park Ave, South Holland, IL
Union Street Gallery
Chicago Southland is a treasure trove of art, and Union Street Gallery is a fantastic place to enjoy some of the best of it! This long-standing gallery has a mission to support regional artists and houses a handful of artist studios.
I spoke to the executive director and discovered that they have around eight or nine new exhibits each year! When we visited, the exhibit happening was titled “Earth & Ocean,” which showcased the relationship between 40+ artists and nature. This was a juried exhibit (with some of the art for sale), and the artists were selected from across the country.
After you have enjoyed the current exhibit, you can visit the artists-in-residence and chat with them about their work. If you want to create art, check their website to see if a class is available. Even if you aren’t a serious art collector, Union Street Gallery is well worth a stop.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL
Experience Chicago Southland’s Creative Community
I’ve mentioned a few of the permanent spots for enjoying the creative arts, but another great opportunity is to visit during one of the many festivals found in the region. We experienced one of the local street fairs, but there are plenty going on all summer long – and if you happen to visit on a weekend when there isn’t one, consider one of the many farmers’ markets, where you are sure to find locals creating fresh and exciting art.
Homewood Art & Garden Street Fair
Local street fairs are always fun, so I actively search them out! We were lucky enough to visit Chicago Southland during the Homewood Art & Garden Street Fair. We enjoyed live music, talented artists, and a fun community atmosphere. My daughter even picked up a gorgeous and very unique ring!
The fair also had a fun station where kids (and kid-like adults like us!) could paint squishies! So, during our Chicago Southland art weekend, we even created our own art!
Local Theaters Keeping the Arts Alive
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love live theater and concerts, so I was thrilled to experience both during our visit.
The Lyric Theater
I am a sucker for an old theater, and the restoration story of The Lyric is a terrific one. The Lyric opened in 1917 and was open fairly consistently until the late 1980’s. Luckily for the community, two long-time Blue Island residents decided to bring back the theater, and boy, did they do a great job!
Today, The Lyric hosts tribute bands (we saw the Jimmy Buffett tribute band), movies, community events, and more! The atmosphere is fun, festive, and a great spot for an evening out. Instead of typical theater seating, the building hosts tables – great for small groups or meeting new friends! There is a full-service bar as well as a yummy concession stand.
The Lyric is an important part of the local community. We sat with three couples who make a point to come to most of the shows. Everyone there -both in the crowd and on the stage was having a fabulous time!
The Lyric Theater, 12952 Western Ave. Blue Island, IL
The Drama Group
If plays and musicals are more your thing, Chicago Southland has plenty of opportunities to enjoy that type of art, too. We attended a fun showing of the play “Clyde’s” at the drama group. (Next up is The Prom!).
The drama group has been in the Chicago area for over 90 seasons! Each year, they host up to six performances at their Chicago Heights theatre. The seating is comfortable, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
After the show, we spent a few minutes touring backstage (the costume and prop collection was amazing!) and learning a bit more about this wonderful group. In addition to a variety of current and classic shows, they also host theater camps, clinics, and workshops. Plus, each summer there is a kids’ camp and a teen show too!
The regular show season typically runs from October through August, so you can find a show to enjoy almost anytime you visit the area!
The drama group, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights, IL
An Unexpected Local Cultural Experience
Sometimes, experiencing the local culture of a region isn’t found exactly where you think you’ll find it!
Tringo at Bartolini’s
I know that technically dinner and an activity wouldn’t be considered “art”, but I’m throwing it in this round-up because it IS local culture.
On our first evening, while looking for a local spot for dinner, my daughter found Bartolini’s. Not only did they offer delicious (award-winning!) pizza, but when we visited on a Friday night, we got to participate in Tringo!
What is Tringo? We had to figure that out too, and turns out it’s an awesome combination of Bingo and Trivia! Throughout the evening, we participated in four rounds of trivia and then four rounds of Bingo. We didn’t win, but we did have a lot of fun.
This is the type of experience I’d call a “hidden gem” any time!
Bartolini’s, 3844 W. 171st St, Midlothian, IL
Where to Stay in Chicago Southland
Chicago Southland offers a variety of lodging options ranging from nationally recognized hotel brands to extended-stay properties. If you’re planning a weekend exploring the region, consider staying in centrally located communities like Homewood, Tinley Park, or Crestwood for easy access to many of the attractions mentioned above.
Yes, you’ll need a car, but I didn’t feel like any of the driving was excessive – we rarely drove more than 15 minutes between stops. For us, living in Hamilton County (a suburb of Indy), this wasn’t anything we weren’t used to!
During our recent stay, we stayed at a centrally located Holiday Inn Express, which made it easy to get to all the places we visited. In addition to a comfortable and recently updated room, we enjoyed free breakfast each morning – and since I love their coffee, it was a great way to start each day!
Map of Chicago Southland Attractions
FAQ’s: Chicago Southland’s Arts & Culture Scene
Where is Chicago Southland?
Chicago Southland includes 62 communities (suburbs) south of Chicago.
Is Chicago Southland a nice place to visit?
Yes! There are plenty of attractions – a wide variety with something for everyone.
Do you need a car to visit Chicago Southland?
Due to the area’s spread-out nature, a car is highly recommended when visiting Chicago Southland.
Conclusion: Arts & Culture in Chicago Southland
What I expected to find in Chicago Southland was a convenient base near Chicago. What I didn’t expect was a collection of galleries, artisan markets, historic theaters, local festivals, and community organizations working hard to keep the arts alive. These unexpected experiences ended up being some of the highlights of my visit.
Add in some unique outdoor activities (natural and man-made) and delicious food, and we had a fun, well-rounded weekend. It just goes to show that you don’t have to drive all the way to the big city to enjoy a terrific weekend getaway in Northern Illinois!
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