The Little Traveler, Geneva: Hours, Address, The Little Traveler Reviews: 4.5/5
The Little Traveler
The Little Traveler
4.5
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Locally owned and operated, The Little Traveler is a Geneva Landmark. A SIMPLE IDEA THAT EVOLVED INTO A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE Downtown Geneva is still known as one of the most unique shopping districts in the Midwest, maintaining a tradition of hospitality, charm, and character. This area is now one of the prettiest streets in Geneva. The Little Traveler has remained the cornerstone of this tradition. The shop has grown considerably since the original Italianate Victorian residence (which now serves as the center section of the shop) to thirty-six rooms of treasures. You’ll be greeted by a caring staff and amazed by the never-ending array of items brought back by our modern day little travelers.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
320 within 3 miles

Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream
166
443 ft$$ - $$$ • Dessert

All Chocolate Kitchen
278
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Italian • American

The Burger Local
170
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

Bien Trucha
438
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Spanish

Fiora's
261
290 ft$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options

Egg Harbor Cafe
183
230 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Barrel + Rye
174
336 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegan Options

Preservation
212
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Wine Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

Nosh
210
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

The Patten House Restaurant
309
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
46 within 6 miles

Geneva History Museum
31
0.2 miHistory Museums
Central Geneva Historic District
1
0.3 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Island Park
46
0.5 miParks

Penrose Brewing Company
44
0.6 miBreweries

Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden
91
1.1 miHistory Museums
Wheeler Park
7
0.7 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Arcada Theatre
269
2.1 miTheaters

Downtown St. Charles
129
2.1 miScenic Walking Areas

Northwestern Medicine Field
84
1.4 miArenas & Stadiums

Friends of the Viking Ship
11
1.1 miSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
180 reviews
Excellent
135
Very good
36
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Bonnie T
Chicago, IL1,846 contributions
Couples
This old mansion has a million little rooms in which different items are sold from housewares to clothes to toys to candy to fair trade and so much more. And there’s a small restaurant that offers a surprising variety of meals and desserts. This store is not to be missed.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heather B
Lombard, Illinois, United States20 contributions
I love coming here to shop and dine in their cafe. I recently came with my mom and was happy to see that they have strict protocols in place to keep employees and customers safe during the pandemic. It's a great little outing and I love seeing all the unique items that they sell!
Written June 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael S
16 contributions
Lunch at the cafe in the Little Traveler. The cafe is charming. It has a fountain, and fancy chandeliers. I had the little plate of crustless sandwiches. The service was very good. Some ladies stopped by to have ice cream sundaes that looked good. It's a good place to go with your friends. I brought my Red Hat ladies there some time ago
for high tea. They all loved it. They have a room for parties or showers. The shops are fun. There are 32 little shops. You are bound to find a treasure. It is a cute little town with lots of places to explore.
for high tea. They all loved it. They have a room for parties or showers. The shops are fun. There are 32 little shops. You are bound to find a treasure. It is a cute little town with lots of places to explore.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laura
3 contributions
Family
After shopping at Little Traveler for about 25 yrs I am more disappointed every time I go. Every room use to be bursting with fun things to buy and Now every room just seems more and more empty. Christmas time was always magical with the Christmas room bursting at the seams now it’s just a very empty conservatory. After going the other day I was even more disappointed. Buckets catching water. Awnings disgustingly dirty and some even broken. What a shame to see this beautiful store lose its charm.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
muzique1960
Woodridge, IL142 contributions
An amazing shop - so many rooms of great items from clothes, to Christmas decorations, outdoor decorative items, jewelry, purses, shoes, kitchen items (an extravaganza of utensils!), a wonderful wine room, candy . . . . you don't need to shop anywhere else! And the lunch room is quite wonderful! Great service. Helpful staff throughout the shops. A beautiful town and a lovely shopping "village"!
Written November 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tray857
Batavia, IL237 contributions
Solo
Being local, I try to shop on 3rd street in Geneva to support local businesses. I've bought many toys for gifts, kitchen goods and gourmet food items from The Little Traveler over the years. I am done with them. Out of the many shopping visits, only one section *sometimes* has nice employees (here and there) and that is the toy section.
Other sections, you will find ladies who stand around, check you out and then if you dare ask a question, will snip back at you and dismiss you as if you are scum. This is ridiculous and I'm sure, driving away many customers. I did an informal poll of local friends and they all said the same thing.
There are many other businesses on 3rd street that manage to be nice to everyone.
Save yourself from a negative experience and support other places that don't treat customers with open hostility.
Other sections, you will find ladies who stand around, check you out and then if you dare ask a question, will snip back at you and dismiss you as if you are scum. This is ridiculous and I'm sure, driving away many customers. I did an informal poll of local friends and they all said the same thing.
There are many other businesses on 3rd street that manage to be nice to everyone.
Save yourself from a negative experience and support other places that don't treat customers with open hostility.
Written August 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonnie F
West Chicago64 contributions
This house has it all! It can take hours to go through to see it all. It is a great, wondrous maze of many different shops- clothing, toys, housewares, decor, wine, food...it is a fantastic experience. And there is a cafe inside to take a break and have a little lunch or coffee. Well worth your visit!
Written June 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JMomHum
Naperville, IL153 contributions
Friends
Spent a delightful day with friends at the Little Traveler in Geneva Illinois. I remember going there with my Grandmother! If you have not been, it's an old house that has turned the 12+ rooms into little shops each of which carry 100's of items....from food and wine, to cookware, clothing, toys, linens, housewares, paper goods, floral arrangements, seasonal decorations, baby & children's clothing, antiques, art, lighting, and so much more. And don't forget lunch. They have spent time thoughtfully expanding their menu and you won't be disappointed.
Written November 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MWTravelinLady
Burlington, IA51 contributions
Friends
While at the art fair in Geneva, a friend and I visited this "store". It is more like a mall of boutique shops with many uniqre items. The art fair was a high quality, large one and this establishment is at least as good. I have been looking for several months for an outfit for my step-son's wedding. I was told it needed to be formal, but not too formal, colorful but not too colorful. It has been a challenge. I found exactly what I have been looking for in their women's clothing store! The building itself is very interesting and the items in the various boutiques are high quality and seem appropriate to the surroundings. Even if you don't buy anything this place is worth a visit..
It is worth a special visit to Geneva!
It is worth a special visit to Geneva!
Written July 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EileenBerman
Geneva, IL22 contributions
Family
the Little Traveler is a large white building, but on the inside it is many many different stores flowing together. from toys to fancy crystal, from candy to vera bradley purses, there is something for everyone, and much of it unique. if you visit on Saturday, they often have many interesting samples to try.
Written August 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
38Marlene38
Geneva, IL3 contributions
I have been told that you accept special orders for a tray of your tea sandwiches. I would like to order a tray as a gift for my friend who celebrated her 16th birthday in your restaurant. My phone number is (312) 952-1302 and my name is Marlene Williams.
Thanks
Kelsey S
2 contributions
Does this store accommodate for strollers?
Rex H
4 contributions
Just so you know there are many different levels and they’ve tried to accommodate wheel chair access. I’m not going to commit on the specific clearances but you would best serve yourself with a quick phone call for a much more qualified solution!
Resort730335
Carmel, IN
Open on sunday?
Bev N
Geneva, IL13 contributions
Hi, Pjmshorty. Yes, The Little Traveler is open on Sundays from 11am - 4pm. From 11-3, the Atrium Cafe at the center of the store serves a great brunch!
Resort730335
Carmel, IN
What are the hours and does it include all the shops?
Marilyn O
Lincolnshire, IL14 contributions
The little traveler is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. And Saturday it is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Sundays it is open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Given the configuration of the shops, I would imagine that they would all have to keep the same hours. I hope this is been helpful to you.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Little Traveler
- The Little Traveler is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Tue - Fri 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Sat - Sat 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near The Little Traveler:
- (0.37 mi) The Herrington Inn & Spa
- (0.44 mi) In Town Apartment in downtown Geneva!!
- (3.24 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago/St. Charles
- (1.83 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago St. Charles
- (7.24 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Aurora
- Restaurants near The Little Traveler:
- (0.00 mi) Atrium Cafe
- (0.04 mi) Kilwin's
- (0.08 mi) Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream
- (0.05 mi) Fiora's
- (0.04 mi) Egg Harbor Cafe