Schaumburg, Illinois, Surprised Me—in the Best Way

Just about 30 miles northwest of Chicago, I visited recently for a work assignment my husband had, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. But from the moment we arrived, it felt easy.

The airport was a breeze, there were tons of dining options just minutes away, and the city layout made getting around stress-free—even with a full work schedule. (Yes, I worked a ton during the day!) But in the evenings, we got to explore together, and it didn’t take long to understand why Schaumburg is such a favorite among business travelers.

I wanted to stay somewhere new—something off our usual path. As a travel agency owner and fellow traveler, I’m always trying different hotel brands and styles so I can give firsthand recommendations to my clients and team. Some of my clients don’t bat an eye at any expense, while others are saving for a once-in-a-lifetime dream trip. Either way, finding the right product at the right price matters, and I love being able to speak from experience.

Schaumburg delivered big time when it came to food and service. Whether we were grabbing sushi post-shopping, savoring a romantic steakhouse dinner, or diving into some of the best Mexican food I've had in a while, one thing stood out: kindness and quality were always on the menu. Every server we encountered seemed genuinely excited about the food—and even more excited that it was our first time there. That kind of energy is contagious!

Now, as much as I could talk about food forever, there was more to do than just eat (though no regrets there). My husband and I love to hike—not in the climbing-Mount-Everest kind of way, but long nature walks are totally our thing. So, when I stumbled on Spring Valley, I knew we were in for a treat. It was pure nature at its finest—peaceful, scenic, and the perfect reset after a busy workday.

We also checked out Sculpture Park, which was such a unique experience. Okay, confession time: I have a weird fear of tall things. Like, the Statue of Liberty up close? Nope. Gives me the heebie-jeebies. I know it’s odd, but I’m working on it—especially because I love art. Colors, shapes, textures—I want to see it all. The sculptures here? Some were massive, some quirky, some breathtaking. It was honestly so cool, and if you find yourself in Schaumburg, I’d definitely recommend stopping by.

And yes... I shopped. Because how can you visit Woodfield Mall—one of the largest malls in the country—and not? If you know me (or are starting to), you know I love a good shopping day. This place had everything: all the stores I wanted, plenty of snack options (seriously, so many), and just a fun vibe all around.

My big takeaway? Schaumburg is warm, welcoming, and full of little surprises. There’s plenty to do, the food is phenomenal, and you’ll feel right at home whether you're visiting for work or fun. Just be sure to carve out time for a walk—or two—because you will be eating well!

And as a bonus, you’re just over 30 miles from downtown Chicago, so even more adventures are only a short drive away.