Vintage Shop Hop Returns This Fall with Nearly 300 Shops Across Illinois and Wisconsin

ROSCOE, ILLINOIS — Shoppers in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin are getting ready for one of the most popular small business shopping events in the Midwest. The fall edition of the Vintage Shop Hop takes place Friday and Saturday, October 3 and 4, 2025.

The event is a self-guided road trip that connects vintage lovers with hundreds of locally owned shops. This year, 294 stores in 146 towns are participating, ranging from antique malls and boutiques to consignment shops, barn sales, and home décor stores. Inside those shops are items from more than 9,400 small businesses.

Founder Ann Campos launched the event twelve years ago to help shop owners boost sales and connect with new customers. Since then, the event has grown from 180 stores to nearly 300, with thousands of shoppers traveling the two-state region each spring and fall.

Campos says the trend of “cluttercore” decorating is adding to the excitement. Shoppers can find embroidered fabrics, patterns, wallpaper, and nostalgic items that bring character to their homes. Many participating stores are located in historic or unique buildings, such as barns, churches, banks, and old gas stations, making the shopping trip a memorable experience.

Planning the trip is simple thanks to an interactive Google Map and a master shop list, available year-round at vintageshophop.blogspot.com. The event is also active on Facebook at facebook.com/VintageShopHopEvent.

Campos notes that the Vintage Shop Hop is the largest event of its kind in the Midwest. “It’s a fabulous feeling to know that my event can impact so many small businesses in just two days,” she said.

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