Listen Everyone, Elgin, is not a run down city. Today, more than ever, Elgin is starting to become a city where you can spend hours in and not get bored. All you really have to do is look around. I have lived in Elgin my entire life. So, I know the in's and out's of Elgin and all the secret gems this amazing city has to offer. If you do go to these places, I promise, you will have a better appreciation for this city.

1. Side Street Studio Arts

This place ROCKS! Side Street Studio Arts is a beautiful art space/gallery that provides a great outlet for local artists of all mediums. From the live performances to their monthly gallery's to their new Supply store, SSSA has been changing the artistic game of Elgin and sharing their love to not only Elgin and Chicago but all a crossed the United States. From their Staff to their Volunteers SSSA constantly has something for everyone.

2. Elgin Books and Coffee

It might be a little weird for this one to be on the list. But, Elgin Books and Coffee is more than a storefront bookshop. From the outside, it looks like a tiny book store but if you dare step inside, your world gets flipped upside down as you enter an entire library. The store is long in width, with secret gems of Elgin History, music, and more. It's a place you can spend hours in, just looking through the great library it has to offer and it provides for a marvelous adventure with your friends.

3. Blue Box Cafe

Whether you need a nice mocha or a tasty sandwich, Blue Box Cafe is the place to be. Elgin is blessed with it's variety of Coffee shops, but Blue Box is special because not only is it in the center of the Elgin Art District but it also comes with a very unique Doctor Who theme. If you are a fan of Doctor Who, then you will appreciate the authenticity of this Cafe. It's unlike any other place you will go to, whether you want to get some homework done or have a lunch meeting, this is the place to be.

4. Rediscover Records

Rediscover Records. This place is the awesome. As you may know, records are coming back. But to them, they've always been back. Rediscover Records has all of your musical needs, spanning literally every genre you can think of. Because of the locality and also being in the Elgin Art District, they also like to partner with organizations like SSSA. Their loving and fun approach to a unique style of playing back music makes this place a fun, welcoming store of Elgin.

5. Mama Lee's Gourmet Popcorn

To end my list, I want to highlight my guilty pleasure. A fairly new spot in Elgin and recently chained to Spring Hill Mall, Mama Lee's Gourmet Popcorn is easily one of the hottest crazes that's hit Elgin in a while. Opening back in the Summer of 2015, Mama Lee's Gourmet Popcorn opened with a need of Chicago style popcorn in the Suburbs. With the mix of incredible and affordable popcorn and the hospitality of the employees, you will not leave disappointed if you need some good Gourmet Popcorn.

That's it! Of course there are so many other great places in Elgin that the people need to know about. What are your favorite places in Elgin? Leave it in the comments below and we can have a good old talk about this incredible city!