Escape To 'Cottages In The Woods' For Swedish Bakery, Artisans, Whimsy

GENEVA, IL — A gnome, giant pumpkin and a fairy or two will welcome visitors to "Cottages in the Woods," held in the beautiful woodlands of historic Good Templar Park in Geneva, Saturday, Oct. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 22. The woods will be brimming with Scandinavian arts and crafts, Swedish food, folklore and fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both days.

Nineteen charming Swedish stugas (cottages) from the early 20th century will open their doors showcasing some of the Midwest’s most talented artisans. Woodland fairies and Tomte (Swedish Santa) will roam the grounds greeting guests. Pick up some baked goods to bring home from the Swedish bakery. Food trucks will be selling concessions. There is also a kids craft station.

Visitors will find a wide variety of rosemaling, dalamaling, Swedish watercolor, candles, pottery, knitted items, woodworking, vintage, watercolor prints, classic children's books, natural cosmetics, jewelry, prayer beads, wreaths, and garlands. There will also be demonstrations, including a krumkasa demo in the Swedish bakery.

Good Templar Park is a private park, which only opens the historic cottages to the public a few times a year. Fall is the most beautiful time of all, with leaves of red and gold falling from towering oaks, and offers the perfect fall day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
“Cottages In The Woods” has established itself as one of the Midwest's premier fall events drawing visitors from all over the Chicago region.

"Cottages In The Woods" is a family friendly event. Admission to the artisan sale is $10 for adults, and can be paid at the gate. Kids under 12 are free. Good Templar Park is located at 628 East Drive, Geneva. For more info visit Good Templar Park.

Friends of the Viking Ship will also be offering docent-led tours for a separate admission from 10 a,m, to 4:30 p.m. boh days, of the replica Gokstad viking ship that sailed across the Atlantic and up the St. Lawrence Seaway into Jackson Park during the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Manned by Norwegian sailors and unattended by any other craft, Norway wanted to prove the feasibility of Leif Erikson’s alleged expedition from Norway to the New England coast in 1000 AD. Good Templar Park is the fifth home of this Illinois Landmark. Admission is $7 for adults over 18 and $5 for teens, age 13-17. Kids under 12 are free.

See who’s coming to Cottages In The Woods:

• Evonne Einoris Scandinavian Painted Artwork
• Ron Diller Wood Creations
• Terri Locke Upcycled Bird Feeders
• Debbie Anderson Nisse Nook Scandinavian Designs
• I.N.R.A Illinois Norsk Rosemalers
• Jody Moreen Books/Gifts/Vintage/Swedish Decor
• Glenna Armesy All Natural Pure Make-up
• Jeanette Romero Custom Canvas Bags, Soaps
• Debbie & Grace Thompson Macrame, Ornaments
• Carrie Heck The Gnome Merchant
• Donna Carroll Quilt Designs
• Dan Snyder The Wood Templar
• Paul Vanderweide Fretwork Wood Creations
• Lisa Ralston Pet Collars
• Hanan Hall Maileworks Jewelry, Hair Slides
• Kathy McPartland Scandinavian Art, Watercolor Greetings Cards
• Karen Kloubec Pottery
• Peg Boehm Watercolor Art
• Lori Shamanski Painted Folk Art
• Linda Miller "Fiddlesticks" Vintage Crafts & Holiday
• Carol Frey Swittens ( mittens )
• Denise Chalkan Memory Wire Coil Bracelets
• Lisa Tomplinson Crocheted Items, Novelties
• Tina Druce-Hoddman Fairy Art
• Robin Roe Ornaments