Back November 10, 2020
Travel Blog

Sweet Revival in Kings | Coffee, Sweets, and Antiques

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Sweet Revival is worth the trip

Sweet Revival is located in the unincorporated town of Kings, in Ogle County on Rt. 64. This beautiful former church is full of treasures, delicious gourmet coffee, and chocolate treats. Open for 5-1/2 years, Sweet Revival Antiques is a unique shop featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage finds, and gifts, as well as a gourmet coffee bar and chocolate counter. Upon arriving in Kings — population 215 — Sweet Revival would be hard to miss. The 1862 Greek Revival Church, with an addition added in 1915, stands tall with sage siding, ivory windows, and a welcoming front entrance. The sign reads, “Coffee, Sweets, Antiques,” where you will find all of these elements inside.

The church building was moved from its original site in 1887 when the town’s founder believed the community needed a church. The current building remains much as it was in 1915. However, the woodwork, floors, stained glass windows, and tin ceiling in the basement are all original from 1862.

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From a church to coffee, sweets, and antiques

The current owner, Laura Fitch, bought the building in 2009. She saw an opportunity to give new life to a wonderful piece of history. A former teacher and mother of five, her goal is to offer a gathering place where people can enjoy great coffee while browsing through an eclectic mix of antiques and unique treasures.

Entering the historic building, you can immediately smell the gourmet coffee bar. Espresso and the scent of chocolate fill the air. Distracted from the antiques, I headed to the coffee bar to grab a latte before I started hunting for treasures. 

Laura greets us with a smile as we stare at the chalkboard menu, listing all of the specialty drinks. Featured drinks such as S’mores Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Pumpkin Pie Latte, and fruit smoothies are neatly written across the board. Two house-favorite drinks are a caramel turmeric latte made with turmeric elixir, a touch of caramel syrup, and steamed milk. The other is a breve — espresso with steamed half and half.  We order our drinks and admire the church as the sun shines through the arched stained glass windows reflecting multi-colored hues onto the 150-year-old original hardwood floors. A gathering area features a couch and fireplace, the perfect place to enjoy coffee with friends.  

“I believe that this building was meant to be shared and bring joy to people, and I hope to do that every day,” said Fitch.

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We take our time walking through the main level and the historic church’s basement, hand selecting a few one-of-a-kinds finds to take home with us. The owners rent space to a few vendors who have specialty items to contribute, but they primarily pick their own treasures, so the shop reflects their style and passion for the unique. They currently have plenty of Christmas decor and those perfect gifts you need for the holidays. 

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Finding Sweet Revival (when GPS fails you)

If you are trying to find this shop for the first time, your GPS may not recognize Kings. Never fear!

If you are coming from the east, take Illinois Hwy 64  approximately 30 minutes west from Sycamore or come from the west, drive 15 minutes east from Oregon until you see a railroad crossing. They are in the old church building right on the highway. If you’re coming from Rockford, take I-39 or Illinois Rt 251 south to Hwy 64. Turn right and travel until you see a small group of houses. You’ve reached Kings. There they are – right next to the tracks.

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Take a road trip on Rt. 64

While there isn’t much else in the town of Kings, Sweet Revival is a wonderful stop as part of a day spent antiquing in this part of northern Illinois. If you stay on Illinois Rt 64, you’ll discover other unique shops in Oregon, Lanark, Mt Carroll, and Savanna. When you need a fun day out or a weekend trip, our area of NW Illinois has plenty of antique shops to choose from! 

Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please call for details.

Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Thursday: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Contact information

Sweet Revival Antiques
12554 E. IL Route 64
Kings, IL 61068

Phone: (815) 761-5643
Email:

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