Times Article - 09/05/07

Nearly every south suburb has a big box store and generic strip mall, but few south suburbs have great mom-and-pop stores like those found in Homewood and Flossmoor. Calling them "mom-and-pop" almost does them an injustice. H-F is home to a number of independent retailers and restaurants where you can find fine items and good food, and often complete the transaction directly with the business owner.

One of the newest shops is Bella Vita Home Accents (in Italian, "the beautiful life") at 18111 S. Dixie Highway in Homewood. Currently decked out in fall harvest colors and scents, Bella Vita has - as it name implies - beautiful household wares, accessories, candles and items that are difficult to categorize, such as hanging glass fishbowls. The two sisters who opened the store in June say they love Homewood's downtown atmosphere and appreciate its attributes such as the train, the diversity and the many activities offered in town.

This admiration from small retailers - along with the hope to boost in-town sales - is one reason the Homewood-Flossmoor Joint Community Relations Commission has created Celebrate H-F Week, Saturday to Sept. 14. The week kicks off with Flossmoor Fest on Saturday, where you'll find free activities and games in Flossmoor Park, and entertainment and food options in downtown Flossmoor. The day's activities will go from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Celebrate H-F Week will end Sept. 15, at Homewood's Fall Fest & Chili Cook Off held downtown.

Hay rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin crafts and music combine with a chili-cooking competition from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for a community celebration.

In between these events, you are encouraged to shop and dine in H-F.

Spend a minimum of $5 at a H-F establishment, and turn in your receipt for a chance to win gift certificates and prizes. Drop off receipts at Homewood Public Library (17917 S. Dixie Highway., Homewood) or Flossmoor Public Library (1000 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor) by 3 p.m. Sept. 14. Winners will be drawn during the final Movies in Our Parks at dusk that night in Irwin Park in Homewood.

If you're looking for some suggestions on where to generate receipts for Celebrate H-F Week, don't miss these other independent retailers: Harvest Home & Garden (18107 S. Dixie Highway, Homewood); Art 4 Soul (18135 Harwood Ave., Homewood); Dunning's Market (18436 Governors Highway, Homewood); Poppies (1036 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor); and the pro shop inside the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club (2920 W. 183rd St., Homewood).

For dining in H-F, skip the national chains and head to an independent spot. My favorites include: Siam Thai (3311 Volmer Road, Flossmoor); Fresh Starts (1040 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor); Flossmoor Station Brewery (1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor); Bamboo Blue (18147 S. Harwood Ave., Homewood); 5th Quarter & Press Room Eatery (18105 S. Dixie Highway, Homewood); Northwoods (800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor); and the original Aurelio's Pizza (18162 Harwood Ave., Homewood).

Don't forget to ask for a receipt and say "hello" to the business owner.

The opinions are solely those of the writer. She can be reached at nicolegc@comcast.net">nicolegc@comcast.net.

Shop, dine in south suburbs