Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of West Dundee, available exclusively at Eastside Cafe.
Community
West Dundee is a charming Fox River village with a walkable historic downtown and a strong sense of local community. River views, distinctive shops, Grafelman Park, the Depot, and nearby trails create a welcoming hometown for residents and an appealing stop for visitors.
Where to find it
311 Barrington Ave
East Dundee, IL 60118
Store hours
Monday–Tuesday: 6:45 a.m.–2 p.m.
Wednesday–Thursday: 6:45 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday: 6:45 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The East and West Dundee mugs began when the team at Elder + Oat approached me about creating designs for both communities. After that shop closed, I was grateful to connect with Katie at Eastside Cafe, who now carries both designs.
People often ask about the camel on the West Dundee Mug. It comes from Randall Oaks Zoo, a local place tied to a funny family memory. While my husband was feeding the alpacas, one tried to pull the feed cup from his hand. He held on, and the thoroughly offended alpaca responded by spitting directly into his eyes. It was our unforgettable introduction to how alpacas express their displeasure.
Beyond that story, we love the restaurants, Fox River setting, and pottery history of East and West Dundee. Together, the two mugs celebrate an area our family genuinely enjoys.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with Eastside Cafe to create a mug rooted in West Dundee.
Research and community input highlighted the Fox River, historic downtown, parks, bridges, and Dundee traditions.
Ashley translated each selected place and symbol into an individual hand-drawn illustration.
The drawings were refined and arranged into a continuous design that rewards a closer look.
The finished mug became a locally available keepsake through Eastside Cafe.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Fox River helps tell the story of West Dundee and the character residents recognize as home.
Historic Downtown West Dundee helps tell the story of West Dundee and the character residents recognize as home.
Grafelman Park helps tell the story of West Dundee and the character residents recognize as home.
Dundee Depot helps tell the story of West Dundee and the character residents recognize as home.
Dundee Bridge helps tell the story of West Dundee and the character residents recognize as home.
Raceway Woods helps tell the story of West Dundee and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
I let Fox River lead this drawing, then worked Historic Downtown West Dundee, Grafelman Park, and Dundee Depot into the scene around it. That flow gave me a natural way to carry the parts of West Dundee people know best across the full curve of the mug.
A meaningful local gift
For Christmas, a birthday, or an everyday reminder of home, this hand-drawn West Dundee, Illinois mug is a personal local gift for anyone who knows and loves the community.