Tala To-Go: Hot Drinks and Local Finds
Join us with ‘Tala To-Go” as we take our coffee beyond the café and into the heart of our local communities. Whether it’s a festival, a neighborhood market, or popular spot, we’re there with a cup in hand, discovering what makes each area around our cafes unique. Together, let’s explore the places and events that bring our community to life, one sip at a time.
Libertyville is full of so many cool things to explore! But first—arguably the most important stop—a warm drink from Tala on this chilly day. We picked up hot chocolates, the perfect treat to sip while strolling through Libertyville.
We made our way to downtown Libertyville to check out the recently decorated park and street! I love seeing the holiday ribbons and evergreen wrapped light posts. We headed to Hewn for some delicious pastries to munch on as we explored the local stores. My go-to treat at Hewn is the ginger molasses cookie—it’s the perfect cozy bite. Afterward, we browsed a few shops that caught our eye, and I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful holiday window displays. Libertyville really is the perfect spot to get all your holiday shopping done while supporting local businesses.
My favorite stop of the day was the newest addition to Libertyville’s downtown: About Time Bookstore! This charming bookstore has something for everyone, with a wide selection of books across every genre. I was immediately drawn to the mystery and thriller section and had so much fun thumbing through books for my TBR list. About Time also carries books by local authors and has a gently used section—such a great find! Of course, I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to the adorable shop dog.
After some book shopping, we made our way to our final stop: Independence Grove. Just minutes from Tala, this beautiful forest preserve is the perfect place to enjoy nature in any season. Even as the autumn leaves are blowing away, there’s still a bit of fall magic to be found here. We took a walk through the trees and along the lake—yes, it was chilly, but it was such a fun way to get some fresh air and enjoy the crisp weather.
It was the perfect afternoon, filled with holiday cheer, bustling shops, and the beauty of the changing seasons. Exploring Libertyville with a warm drink in hand made it all the more special. I can’t wait to discover more of this wonderful community—though I’m pretty sure my first stop will always be Tala!
Marissa Cummings
On staff at our Libertyville café, Marissa loves befriending customers and making the perfect cup of coffee. She is currently pursuing her master’s in social work and interning as a therapist with a passion for serving her community. When not behind the bar, she is usually curled up with a good mystery book and a warm miel in hand.