At Burr Ridge Village Center, you get the best of both worlds in terms of a shopping experience: a spate of large, exclusive retail shops like you’d find in downtown Chicago, but free parking and kid-friendly things to do and special events like you’d find outside the city. Burr Ridge Village Center is without a doubt a “city meets suburbs” shopping destination and mixed-use development area with stores, restaurants, luxury residences and offices—oh, and home to one of only three Kohler Waters Spas in the world.

“It’s a beautiful escape that doesn’t require hours in the car,” says Christina Komer, marketing director at Burr Ridge Village Center. “I can get my shopping done and really get that personalized shopping experience from all our stores, spend some time in Kohler Waters Spa and then get a five-star meal.” Plus, Komer says, the shopping center has an interesting mix of boutiques and well-known national retailers.

New retailers at the center include Bouq Box Flowers, Kelley Cawley women’s boutique, Jockey, and First Family Dental. “We are excited to announce that Peak Running will be opening at Burr Ridge Village Center this summer,” says Kristy Tramontana, general manager of the village center, adding a second location after the success of its Downers Grove store. “Their concept at the center will include craft beer offerings for shoppers to enjoy as well.” Tramontana adds: “We have an existing retailer looking to expand and are in discussions with exciting, prospective tenants.”

“We offer a little something for everyone when it comes to dining,” Komer says. Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is a local favorite, and last fall the restaurant expanded its space. Stix and Stones Wood Fired Oven Pizza is a popular fast-casual option that has fantastic pizzas with gourmet toppings that both kids and parents like.

And at Burr Ridge Village Center, there’s a nice mix of stores and restaurants no matter your age or the group you’re shopping with—family, friends, or coworkers. There are nice places to relax, too, including a new fireplace pavilion at the Village Green entrance, a lush, open community space at the center.

“We try and offer an experience for all of our shoppers, whether it’s enjoying the sun on our new soft seating on the Village Green, or following along on our Story Stroll to engage our youngest shoppers,” Komer says. The Story Stroll was recently installed on the pathways at the center. It’s a series of 10 story boards on wooden posts that together tell a singular story when you follow the path. The story changes periodically, so there’s something new to see on subsequent visits.

The Burr Ridge Village Center also hosts various special events throughout the year, including Concerts on the Green during the summer, sidewalk sales, Yoga on the Green, car shows, petting zoos, fun runs, shop and sip events, a Fall Fest, winter and holiday festivals, and more. “Our Sip, Shop & Give event in September always draws the community in,” says Komer.

“Guests get to sample different wines, beers, and spirits while shopping our different stores and seeing our restaurants.” This September event also includes an evening concert and goodie bags to help raise money for a specific cause each year. “This is one of our team’s favorite events, because we get to see the generosity of our shoppers,” Komer adds.

The next big event coming up this year is the Spring Egg Hunt on the Village Green on April 8. Families with kids ages 12 and under can participate in the egg hunt, which is broken down to two hunts: one for ages 5 and under, and the other for ages 6 to 12. Families will also get to visit the Easter Bunny, enjoy crafts, visit a petting zoo, and pose for family pictures.

Burr Ridge Village Center has free parking and a wide range of brand-name fashion shops and dining. It’s located on the corner of Burr Ridge Parkway and County Line Road in Burr Ridge. For more information, call 630-654-2782, or visit shopburrridge.com.