The Arboretum of South Barrington - South Barrington, Illinois

Maria T.

Arboretum of South Barrington is a fantastic spot, especially during the evening with its beautiful lights and inviting atmosphere. The shopping and dining options are great, offering something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed the festive decorations and the cozy ambiance at Star Cinema Grill, which made for a perfect night out. Whether you’re here for a stroll, shopping, or entertainment, it’s definitely worth a visit!

Steven M.

Such a beautiful way to kick off the holidays!! A must see!! It brings out the happiness inside you instantly!! They did a phenomenal job!!

Bob R.

Outstanding Christmas decorations. But that was not the reason we were there. Had a retirement planning seminar and dinner at Ruth's Chris. Always an outstanding meal there. Service and visual appointments are impeccable. Then headed over to Cooper's Hawk for our monthly wine tasting and a night cap at the bar. I posted separately about Cooper's Hawk. They too, are outstanding in what they do.

Stephanie N.

It's a nice shopping center but Maps had it ALL wrong! It was super helpful though to stop and look at the available directory. If you go and are looking for something specific, I highly suggest finding the directory for directions before you do a bunch of unnecessary laps.

T P.

3/18/25- still a great, upscale shopping center! Very empty if you visit in the morning hours.

There are two main shopping centers in Barrington and this one is the fancier of the two. There are some high-end stores here, a few restaurants, and a nice movie theater. It can be a little confusing to navigate if you don't know where you are going but you'll eventually find your way. I also always see actual Barrington police officers driving or walking around here, not just security.

Maxim A.

It is upscale shopping center for the Barringon, Hoffman residents and tourists. There are plenty of famous restaurants and shops. I visited Potbelly and Panera bread for budget meals, but Mago Greal, Georgina Pizza, Wok and fire, and other upscale shops are open. I bought shoes at DSW and walk around the ponds and grass. It looks good.

Diane H.

I was visiting from out of town and I thought I was going to an actual arboretum (you know, a beautiful place where trees and natural landscapes are conserved, like Kew Gardens). I looked all around for a park but there was nothing but a giant shopping mall with a Halloween display on some grass in the middle. If I was a legislator I would litigate against commercial properties using the name "Arboretum" because it's misleading. What if you thought you were going to a Church and it turned out to be an army recruiter?

Dancer I.

Updated Lowered to 2, Thursday 7/25/24 Radio Gaga - Vid. RUDE, BIASED, SNOBBY Arboretum P. R. Rep., blue dress taking video of a dancing couple. Very insulting & offensive towards me when I asked her to clarify her statement

Updated Review, with new photographs; Wednesday, July 20, 2022: (Wed.) Wickstrom Lincoln Concerts At The Arb - The Moods

They are a fun band, that salutes the early Motown Era, plus mixes it up with modern day hits. They put in the Stepping [dance] moves, of Temptations, and the choreographed dance, of the [Four] Tops, and [The] Spinners. They have a Falsetto voice, a Baritone, Tenor, and some place between the Baritone and the Tenor, is Bass, to cover the vocal ranges.

Updated Review, with new photographs; Wednesday, July 13, 2022: (Wed.) Wickstrom Lincoln Concerts At The Arb - Libido Funk Circus

They are a fun band, that throws back to the Classics, in Funk, Soul, and R & B, plus gives a salute to modern day music. They even mix in hit music, from other music genres.

Wickstrom Lincoln Concerts At The Arb:
The event are, generally, nice. The shops and businesses, at The Arb, are cooperative and gracious. The goal and focus is to drive business to The Arboretum of South Barrington, through foot traffic. I support The Arb, despite the Summer concerts series, but incentives, to visit The Arb, are welcome. Many businesses are offering discounts, that are in connection with the Wickstrom Lincoln Concerts At the Arb, promotion. Other businesses have acoustic music, on alternate nights. The Arb is working cooperatively to come to life, and to offer fun events for fun experiences.

Review for Saturday, June 25, 2022 visit. I wanted to wait to Review the Arboretum, until after I have attended one of the Summer Concert Series shows. Google Maps keeps insisting that I review the visit on the date, above. My Rating should be 2 Stars. The 3 Stars Rating is only for the fact that Arboretum of South Barrington has the Summer Concert Series, plus other week days and weekend music events happening. That entertainment aspect offers something extra to the ho-hum mall, that give it a bit more excitement and brings out enthusiasm and excitement in patrons, and fun for patrons.

I do not go over to the Arboretum as often as I used to. I get out to a few of the concerts, during every summer. The Arboretum seems to be barely hanging on, after the Covid-19 Pandemic Lock-down.

The Arboretum of South Barrington is no better or different than any of the other modern day, slightly more upscale strip malls or plazas. They do not boast anything magnificent or extraordinary. Also, just the same as the others, many businesses have closed, and have come and gone, prior to and since the Lock-down. There are many retail vacancies at the Arboretum.

That all makes The Arboretum of South Barrington run-of-the-mill, in my view.

I went to DSW and no place else, at the Arboretum, on Sunday. If DSW receives reviews, then I might leave one, for it. This review is for the Arboretum.

It has changed, but not, so much, for the better. The Arboretum of South Barrington is not spectacular. There is nothing to race over there for. Even the upscale IPIC Theaters is permanently closed, at the Arboretum. There are some decent restaurants, and some average to everyday stores, at Arboretum of South Barrington.

If the Arboretum will get fine shops, fine dining, and fine entertainment, plus some casual entertainment as game rooms, even a small comedy club and/or a small playhouse, for something for everyday, and for everyday folks; plus do seasonal events such as ice skating (does, I believe), and then after Winter, utilizing the rink for skating. And having fall festivals or Halloween events, since there is a large pumpkin patch, only blocks away, on Higgins Road.

If the Arboretum would get in FABULOUS retail, to mix with the rest, then the rating and review would be much better. Should I see a good Summer Concert, at the Arboretum, this summer, then I will alter this Rating and Review.

Until then, I give a so-so Rating to a so-so mall.