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Community Corner

Enjoy the Stroll in Downtown Highland Park

Plan a memorable summer day with your young child and "The Big Dogs"

 

HIGHLAND PARK, IL (JULY 11, 2013) - More dimensional than a strip mall and easier to navigate than the big city, Highland Park is one of Illinois' best kept secrets and a favorite destination for many. Located just 20 minutes north of Downtown Chicago, this historic, charming neighborhood offers travelers and locals the perfect atmosphere for enjoying a day of shopping, strolling and dining.

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This summer, plan the perfect day with your kids or grandkids in Downtown Highland Park! North Shore natives can hop on the train to Downtown Highland Park and explore "The Big Dog Show," a unique outdoor art exhibition by award-winning, nationally known artist Dale Rogers. Children of all ages will enjoy taking photos with the 14 Cor-ten steel, 8 foot high by 10 foot long "American Dog" sculptures located at City Hall (directly across from the train station). Visitors can follow and count the paw prints on the sidewalk that lead them into Downtown Highland Park and find the seven additional “Big Dogs" throughout downtown.

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While you're enjoying the stroll, stop into one of Downtown Highland Park's 130+ retailers. With a variety of dog friendly stores, you're sure to enjoy your time exploring the specialty stores and boutiques Downtown Highland Park has to offer, including several children's clothing and toy stores to take home a special memory of the day. While perusing, take advantage of the sales being held in honor of "The Big Dogs."

 

Royal Appointments (447 Central Avenue) is having a special sale on hand colored dog prints. Stop in, select your breed and a hand colored, framed and matted print will be delivered to your house. A percentage of sales will be donated to Tails of Hope, a non-profit animal rescue in Highland Park. Linly Designs (1766 Second Street) is celebrating the 'Dog Days of Summer' by donating 10% of the store's proceeds to Tails of Hope. Additionally, receive 20% off dog bowls throughout the entire month of July. Sunflower (1882 Sheridan Road) wants you to take your doggie out in style. Stop into the store and mention you're a dog walker and take 15% off an outfit to wear while exercising your pooch.

 

After a busy day make sure to refuel at one of Downtown Highland Park's 35+ restaurants. Stop by The City Park Grill (1791 St. Johns Ave) and check out their Special Big Dogs menu. Items include delicious jumbo hot dogs and jumbo sausages. If you're looking for something sweet, stop by Highland Pop (464 Central Avenue) for a personalized Big Dog Tin filled with your favorite popcorn. Also be sure to “paws” for a frozen treat or confection at one of Downtown Highland Park’s many snack shops.

 

For more information about Downtown Highland Park and "The Big Dogs" visit Bigdogshp.com.

 

About

The Downtown Highland Park Alliance is a public-private partnership of the Highland Park CBD Property Owners Association, the City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce. The Alliance was founded in 2008 to enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Highland Park. The operations and promotions of the Alliance are funded by a Special Service Area commercial property tax currently authorized through 2013.             

 

Artist Dale Rogers has been working as a full time metal sculptor for over 10 years. His work is originally designed, laser cut, TIG welded and hand finished into large scale 3-dimensional sculptures that combine his love for abstract geometrics with organic lines and a figurative appeal. Because everyone gains from art, Dale wanted to design a large scale exhibit for the public that could tour around the country – The Big Dog Show was successfully born from this dream.


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