Issuu

NOVEMBER 2026

ON THE MARQUEE Live music, theatrical performances and more Page 16

FESTIVE AND BRIGHT Plan for these seasonal celebrations Page 28

Finding the

FINEST Celebrating top destinations in shopping, dining, entertainment and services Page 42

COMPASSIONATE & COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE Our 7 Board-Certified Providers, specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of many eye disorders including Cataract Surgery, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetes, Dry Eye treatment, Retina Disorders, Oculoplastics and more.

MYOPIA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Your eyeglass prescription may influence your child’s vision more than you think. Qualifications • Patients ages 5-20 years old with myopia • Family history of myopia • Children who spend a lot of time indoors, reading books and on screens Treatment Options • Stellest lenses • MiSight soft contact lenses • Low-dose atropine eyedrop • Combination therapy (ie: drops and lenses) Follow-Ups • Follow-ups will be more frequent in the beginning of establishing the treatment plan, but can eventually happen once every 6 months while the patient is in the program. 1000 S. Randall Road, Suite 100 | Geneva, IL 60134 | (630) 232-1282 | genevaeye.com

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Editorʼs

NOTE This month marks the beginning of the holiday season, a time when Kane County shines brighter and shows how special it really is. Every November, we dedicate our magazine to the winners of Kane County’s Finest contest, a homage to local services, shops, entertainment venues, wellness centers and so much more. This year is no exception to the usually colorful and wonderful group of winners that lay the foundation for success and quality in our favorite towns.

In this edition, we’ve cast an extra spotlight on Kane County’s Finest categories in self-care and personal services. Turn to page 8 to start perusing the experts for yourself—or find out where to buy the gift of an experience! Celebrating the season while life gets busy is absolutely key, and we’ve included some ideas of where you can start. Don’t miss ‘What’s on the Marquee’ on page 16 in live music, theatrical performances and more. For seasonal celebrations, check out page 28 and turn the dreaded “holidaze” on its head.

And who doesn’t love a really good sushi roll? Learn more about a dream turned into legend with Zen’s Sushi Express on page 24. Starting your holiday shopping early? With a little help from some of Kane County’s Finest shops and specialty boutiques on page 22, you’ll find plenty of options to indulge in. Whatever you fancy, this edition has it all— and then some! Don’t forget to check out our full list of winners starting on page 42. As always, thank you for reading and have an amazing holiday season. We’ll see you in December!

Kelley White, Editor

on the

COVER

MARKET MANAGER Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Kelley White kwhite@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Julie Barichello 815-431-4072 jbarichello@shawmedia.com SENIOR MARKETING SPECIALIST Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Tricia Walter 630-345-0066 twalter@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Jonathan Bilyk, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske and Chris Walker This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Art by Drew Pertl, named Kane County's Finest Photographer Next month: The holidays are here! The December issue highlights local celebrations and festive ideas to incorporate at home.

4 NOVEMBER 2026

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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NOVEMBER

2026

INSIDE

Whatʼs

KANE COUNTY'S FINEST

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE

8 SELF-CARE & HEALTHY INDULGENCE Kane County’s Finest wellness services have the spotlight

35 GIVE THE GIFT OF FEELING GOOD Get relaxed and gift the perfect experience

14 A BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION The Finest art galleries have something to show you 16 ON THE MARQUEE Live music, theatrical performances and more 18 RAISE A GLASS Kane County’s Finest Breweries and Wine Bars bring on the taste 22 GIVE A LITTLE JOY Find the perfect present at one of these shops and specialty boutiques

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT 24 ZEN’S SUSHI EXPRESS Khine Zaw’s dream evolved into local legend 25 CALENDAR Events happening this month 26 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Emily Mazzacavallo brings beauty and function to ceramics 28 HAPPY HOLIDAZE A sampling of seasonal celebrations and festive fun 34 GRAB A BOOKMARK Have you heard of these titles yet?

6 NOVEMBER 2026

36 CANDY CORNY GOODBYES What do friendships and leftover Halloween candy have in common? 38 250-PLUS VISITS TO DISNEY Guru Travel talks lessons learned about slowing down

BUSINESS & CIVIC 40 TAX-SAVING MOVES Consider these strategies before year’s end 42 AND THE WINNERS ARE… Kane County’s Finest award recipients 47 LENITY FINANCIAL Sophisticated strategy with genuine humanity

SPECIALTY CARE TAKE A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO PET WELLNESS—NATURALLY With PEMF Therapy That Comes to You

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to boost circulation, ease inflammation and support natural pain relief and mobility. Book an appointment:

630-384-9827 Services offered in your home for your pet’s comfort and your convenience. Also serving human clients.

Serving Pet Families in St. Charles & the Greater Fox Valley Area Specializing in preventative services such as routine wellness, vaccinations, lab work, diagnostic testing & bloodwork, to sick visits, chronic disease management & end-of-life care. The advantages of home pet care are many and can significantly reduce stress for both pets & owners. Flexible hours & convenient ordering of your pet’s medications offered through my website. To learn more about Dr. Bransky & my services, visit drbranskyvethousecalls.com SM-CL2354771

WHY USE TRANSPET SERVICES

TRANSPET SERVICES is an animal loving business with a focus on the safety and security of your pet. American Red Cross Certified Pet First Aid, with fully equipped transport vehicles to assure the comfort and wellbeing of any size dog and cat. Each pet is kenneled in a clean sanitized unit, each kennel is sanitized after each use. Kennels are secured to the transport vehicles frame, no use of tiedowns allowed. No more than three pets transported at one time with individual transport on request at no additional fee. Only late model vehicles with front-rear heat and A/C are used. Transports are equipped with stretchers, two sizes of gurneys, hip slings and stair ramps. A holistic calming agent is available on request. TRANSPET SERVICES is fully insured and bonded.

TransPet Services Pet Transport · Home Care Walking · Sitting

Jim Kohlmann, Owner

cell 630.370.4270 | office 630.668.0213 www.TranspetServ.com

Where your Pet is our Valued Client!

Feel your best with health, wellness and personal services voted Kane County's Finest By Vicki Martinka Petersen

& Healthy Indulgence SELF-CARE

The Perch 140 S. River St., Suite 114, Aurora 630-907-7173 | www.theperchplace.com

Nestled along the Fox River in downtown Aurora, The Perch is more than a yoga studio. It’s a haven for those looking to relax and connect through movement. The lineup of yoga classes are designed to be beginner friendly. Classes include stretch and restore yoga, gentle yoga and midweek reset. For a full self-care experience, consider signing up for one of the perch’s wellness weekends which meld nourishing yoga practices with mindfulness practice, creative pursuits and other activities to help attendees recharge. Prana Yoga Center 321 Stevens St., Geneva 630-262-9642 | www.pranayogacenter.com

Prana Yoga Center offers a multi-style approach to yoga that integrates techniques from various alignment-based yoga styles including Hatha, Vinyasa, restorative, and tone and core. The center also offers Hot Mat Pilates and meditation classes. The instructors, who have earned the highest Yoga Alliance certifications, adapt classes for all levels from beginner through advanced practitioners.

COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026 8 KANE

The Perch | Photo provided by The Perch

YOGA

Elements Massage | Photo provided by Elements Massage

Sage Healing Collective | Photo by April Duda Photography

DAY SPA Elements Massage 507 S. Third St., Geneva 630-232-7335 | www.elementsmassage.com/geneva

The signature skincare services at Elements Massage feature therapeutic facials and other skin enchantments designed to create your healthiest skin. The custom facials are tailored to your skin’s needs. The Essence of 3D Custom Facial addresses concerns like hydration, uneven tone or breakouts. For improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and elasticity, consider the Advanced Age Defying Facial. If you’re dressing up for a special occasion, the Clarifying Essentials Back Treatment deeply cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates your back. Other services include chemical peels and dermaplaning. Sage Healing Collective 525 S. Tyler Road, St. Charles 331-901-5672 | www.sagehealingcollective.com

More than a day spa, Sage Healing Collective is a wellness destination where beauty, medicine and movement align. Each experience blends calming ritual with clinically informed touch for a customized experience to reduce tension, support skin health and improve circulation. Services include restorative facials, nail care and waxing. Medical aesthetics melds skincare and medicine, offering nonsurgical treatments that support skin health. The assisted stretch therapy sessions help relieve chronic tension, increase range of motion and restore functional movement. TAYLORD Brows Lashes Skin Studio 217 W. Main St., St. Charles 630-549-9950 | www.mysite.vagaro.com/taylordbrow/home

Taylord is a luxury brow, lash and skin studio. The studio specializes in precision brow waxing, brow lamination, lash lifts, custom facials and advanced skin treatments. For first-time guests or anyone looking for a refined, elevated shape, the Taylord Brow features an in-depth consultation, signature brow shaping, custom tinting and a soothing brow massage. The specialty facials include Pumpkin Enzyme Facial featuring the delightful autumn scents of pumpkin and clove, and the Valentine’s Facial Redemption offering rejuvenating treatments to enhance your skin’s radiance and vitality. KANE COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026

A BETTER LIFESTYLE STARTS WITH A STRONG COMMUNITY. Are you new to fitness or trying to develop better habits? Our center offers a wide range of fitness and wellness options to suit different interests. Some of these include: • MyFitRx® medical fitness pathways • Personal training • Volt Guided Fitness • Rock Steady Boxing • Swim instruction • Massage therapy • LES MILLS™ • Cafe, Pro Shop and more Plus, who says fitness can’t be fun? We encourage our members to join our festive and themed fitness events for a fresh take on exercise. Whether it’s an exercise class or a fitness challenge, we create interactive and welcoming settings to help you stay motivated. By joining Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health & Fitness Center, we can give you the tools you need to support your long-term health. Start enjoying the benefits today. Contact us today at 630.938.9000 or visit our website at delnorhfc.com today.

COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026 10 KANE

DEL-4827550_1026

HEALTH CLUB Northwest Medicine Delnor Health & Fitness Center 296 S. Randall Road, Geneva 630-938-9000 | www.delnorhfc.com

Whether you’re looking to become more active or for support with a medical condition, Northwest Medicine Delnor Health & Fitness Center has you covered. The center features a lap pool, warm water therapy pool, gymnasium and an indoor track. Stay fit with top-of-the-line cardio machines and free weights for all levels of training. With MyFitRx, you can choose from one of 10 specialized pathways designed to meet health and fitness goals, including transitional care, weight management and fitness for conditions including diabetes, orthopedic-related issues, cardiac and cancer. The center also offers supportive fitness options for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease to help improve strength, stability and daily function. Vaughan Athletic Center 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora 630-907-9600 | www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/facilities/vaughan-athleticcenter

The Vaughan Athletic Center features over 225,000 square feet of athletic, fitness and aquatic fun. Check out the more than 200 pieces of state-of-the-art fitness equipment or pop by a class in the group exercise studios. The three aquatic areas include an eight-lap pool, warm water therapy pool and an indoor water park complete with slides and interactive water play elements. The center also offers nine indoor tennis courts, indoor tracks and a field house with four-court multi-use space for leagues, programs and open gyms.

Prana Yoga | Photo provided by Prana Yoga Center

Vaughan Fitness Center | Photo provided by Vaughan Fitness Center

Prana Yoga Center 321 Stevens St., Geneva 630-262-9642 | www.pranayogacenter.com

Prana Yoga Center goes beyond fitness to help people deepen their mind-body connection. The center features two infrared-heated studios that help deeply penetrate muscles and connective tissue to warm the body – perfect for taking your yoga practice to the next level. Step inside the Himalayan salt room where the salts emit healing properties and amplifies the effects of yoga, meditation and sound healing. Or, sign up for an Ayurveda consultation to receive personalized guidance for creating more balance in your energy, digestion, sleep, stress and daily rhythms.

COCOONING IS OUR FAVORITE SEASON

NOT YOUR AVERAGE BOUTIQUE. 3 floors. Endless finds. Fashion, home and gifts you didn’t know you needed. Voted The Finest Home Decor and One of the Finest Gift Shops in Kane County

212 S. Third St., Geneva | 630-232-8340

cocoongeneva KANE COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026

MASSAGE Elements Massage 507 S. Third St., Geneva 630-232-7335 www.elementsmassage.com/geneva

The therapists at Elements Massage believe your massage should be tailored to fit your needs. That’s why every session may utilize various types of massage. The Deep Tissue Massage applies pressure to several layers of muscle, tendons and other tissues to relieve pain and reduce muscle stiffness. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, the Sports Massage helps your body recover more quickly and help prevent injury. Other massages offered include Swedish, trigger point and prenatal.

SHOP • DRINK • EAT • STAY • PLAY

November 7th & 8th JINGLE WHILE YOU MINGLE HOLIDAY EVENT

Christmas Walk & Holiday House Tour

HO HO HOLIDAYS!

‘Tis the season to be jolly… especially in downtown Geneva! Festivities start with Santa’s arrival at our annual Christmas Walk on Dec. 4th, and continue with our House Tour Dec. 4th & 5th. Visit five spectacular homes all decked out with festive holly and sparkling holiday warmth. Call 630-232-6060 or stop by. Visit genevachamber.com for House Tour tickets, details and a complete schedule. Discover the holiday magic in Geneva! This event is supported by a grant from the City of Geneva, Illinois

COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026 12 KANE

Saturday & Sunday • 10am-5pm

November 28th

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Saturday • 10am-5pm

Store Wide Sale

December 4th

HOLIDAY CHEER LADIES NIGHT Friday • 6-9pm

Enjoy Live Music and Santa will be Visiting from 6:30 - 8:30

The Herrington Inn & Spa | Photo by V House Photography

Elements Massage | Photo provided by Elements Massage

The Herrington Inn & Spa 15 S. River Lane, Geneva 630-232-4252 www.herringtoninn.com/spa

The European-style spa at The Herrington Inn & Spa offers a variety of massages to help soothe the mind and body. The Signature Massage begins with a foot soak infused with magnesium bath salts and nourishing scrub followed by a Swedish Massage to relax sore muscles. Momsto-be seeking relaxation and rejuvenation can partake in the Signature Pregnancy Massage. The massage menu also features an Express Massage concentrated on a specific area, Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage and Hot Stone Massage.

Sage Healing Collective 525 S. Tyler Road, St. Charles 331-901-5672 www.sagehealingcollective.com

Upon arrival for your massage, a practitioner will chat about your intention to create an all-inclusive customtailored treatment plan. For a unique experience, the Warm Bamboo Massage uses heated pieces of smooth bamboo to knead tight muscles and roll out tension. Another specialty is the Himalayan Salt Stone Therapy – an innovative healing technique that replenishes, detoxifies and exfoliates the skin. Other offerings include pregnancy, couples and hot stone massages, reflexology, and integrative massage with Reiki Energy Healing.

Your holiday holid ho lida lida ay ya adventure dventure dvent ure is about to beg begin in and we have ve 5 new locations this year!

POP-UPS

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START S NOVEM BER 21ST

11 LOCATIONS! LOCA OC TIONS! OCA TIONS!

Every location is bursting with twinkling lights, festive treats, and merry surprises around every corner! Don't forget to drop your letter to Santa in our special North Pole mailbox, where one lucky person will win a brand-new bike!

www.KarasChristmas.com

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KANE COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026

A R T G A L L E R I E S

PROUD FOX FRAME SHOP AND GALLERY 213 West State St., Geneva 630-262-8797 www.ProudFoxGallery.com

Searching for a piece of art to adorn the walls or in need of custom framing, the team at Proud Fox Frame Shop can help. The store is home to an impressive collection of art, including pieces from local artists. It also provides custom framing, from single images to collages. Custom framing takes an eye for detail, finding the material, style and colors to best showcase the images inside the frame. The designers at Proud Fox Frame Shop take the time to help each customer through the process, whether it's framing a family heirloom, photos, original art or a poster. The staff can provide restoration services. In 2027 the shop will mark its 40th anniversary of business. p Shown above: "Follow The Sun" By local artist Michael Cane of St. Charles SIDE STREET STUDIO ARTS 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin 847-429-2276 www.sidestreetstudioarts.org

In addition to art classes for all ages and special events, the gallery at Side Street Studio Arts features new exhibits each month. The space opened in 2013 and has grown into a place supporting local artists. u Shown at right: Visitors view art installations in the gallery at Side Street Studio Arts. Photo by Adrian Medriano

COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026 14 KANE

WATER STREET STUDIOS 160 S. Water St., Batavia 630-761-9977 www.waterstreetstudios.org

There are more than 4,000 square feet of gallery space inside the location, featuring local, national and international artists. The gallery hosts 11 different exhibits each year and celebrates each new installation with Second Fridays, a lively event for the community to enjoy the latest art exhibits. In addition to art classes and programs, the location provides more than 20 resident artist studios, and the public can engage with local artists to purchase art or commission work in various mediums. p Shown above: This metal sculpture by artist Bill McGrath has metal rings around a yellow cloud. Photo by Dave T. Morris

KANE COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026

ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

What’s on the

MARQUEE?

By Chris Walker

ARCADA THEATRE

Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the historic Arcada Theatre at 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, is a 900-seat entertainment and music venue that originally hosted silent films and vaudeville acts. Whether hosting a legendary comedian like George Burns, a classic rock icon such as Robin Trower, tribute acts or charismatic vocalists like Blackie Lawless and heavy metal rockers W.A.S.P., the Arcada Theatre boasts a packed event calendar all year-long. Here are nearly 30 events happening at the Arcada before we celebrate the arrival of 2027. www.arcadalive.com n Nov. 4: Wheel of Fortune Live! n Nov. 5: Lee Rocker n Nov. 6: Made in America - Toby Keith Tribute n Nov. 8: Max Weinberg’s Jukebox n Nov. 10: Engelbert Humperdinck n Nov. 11: Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening n Nov. 12: Kenny G n Nov. 13: Firehouse & Steelheart n Nov. 14: Foghat n Nov. 18: Art Garfunkel n Nov. 19: Steven Page & Dag Juhlin n Nov. 20: The Orchestra starring ELO & ELO Part II former members n Nov. 21: The Phil Collins Experience - Tribute n Nov. 22: Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience (2 p.m.) n Nov. 22: Chazz Palminteri, A Bronx Tale (7 p.m.) n Nov. 25: Thunderstruck - A Tribute to AC/DC n Nov. 28: Echoes of Pompeii - Pink Floyd Tribute n Nov. 29: Glenn Miller Orchestra n Dec. 11: The Oak Ridge Boys n Dec. 12: Top of the World - A Tribute to the Carpenters (3 p.m.) n Dec. 12: Zepparella - All Female Tribute to Led Zeppelin n Dec. 15: Christmas Wizards - Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute n Dec. 16: Mark Tremonti n Dec. 17: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder n Dec. 18: Los Lobos n Dec. 20: Blue Oyster Cult n Dec. 30: BoDeans COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026 16 KANE

Photos provided by Jennifer Prislinger and Go odly Creatures Theatre

GOODLY CREATURES THEATRE

This traveling theatre company at 611 S. 8th St., West Dundee, specializes in breathing new life into classic works of literature by producing original plays as well as established adaptations of canonized works of literature for the stage in modern, edgy and thrilling ways. This winter the theatre is focusing on the education arm of the organization and accepting new students and bookings for workshops. These can be booked a-la-carte, or in a series, and can be customized based on your organization's goals. www.goodlycreatures.com

STEEL BEAM THEATRE

After 24 years, this intimate venue founded by Donna Steele closed near the beginning of 2026. It has been replaced at 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, by the Fox Youth Stage. The Fox Youth Stage, whose mission is focused on youth theater programming, is presenting 9 to 5 Jr. from Nov. 13-15. www. thefoxyouthstage.org

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PARAMOUNT THEATRE

It’s hard to top the old-school charm of this restored 1930s Art Deco movie palace, especially with its lineup of Broadway productions, concerts, comedy shows and other special events. Located at 23 E. Galena Blvd., the Paramount Theatre opened in 1931. www.paramountaurora.com

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Musicals n Through Jan. 3, 2027: Million Dollar Quarter n Nov. 7: Copley Comedy Series featuring Benker & Preston n Nov. 11 - Jan. 3, 2027: A Christmas Carol n Nov. 20 - Dec. 23: Second City Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue

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$1 Classic Movie Mondays at the Paramount Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and movies start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $1 per person, cash only. Concessions available for purchase with credit or debit. n Nov. 16: "Alice in Wonderland" n Nov. 23: "Citizen Kane" n Nov. 30: "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation" n Dec. 7: "It’s A Wonderful Life" n Dec. 14: "The Santa Clause" n Dec. 21: "The Polar Express" (special 10 a.m. showing only) n Dec. 21: "Home Alone" n Dec. 28: "Hercules"

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Striving to be a place where live music matters most to the musicians, fans and the community, The Venue is the stage for the Fox Valley Music Foundation whose mission is the preservation, protection and presentation of music in the Fox Valley area. “On any given night at The Venue, you might hear blues, jazz, rock, folk, funk, Americana, zydeco, big band music, or something you didn't even know you liked yet,” says Charlie Mayton, general manager of The Venue. “You might see a nationally touring artist one night and a 15-year-old musician stepping onto a professional stage for the first time the next.” www.themusicvenue.org

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n Nov. 3: Pete Hellman Big Band with Youth Ensemble of DuPage n Nov. 6: First Fridays with Jason Benefield (FREE Open House) n Nov. 10: Pete Ellman Big Band with Downers Grove South High School (2 bands) n Nov. 14: This is Live (a fundraiser for The Fox Valley Music Foundation) n Nov. 17: Pete Ellman Big Band with Lisle High School (2 bands) n Nov. 19: Roots & Thirds with Shawn Maxwell featuring Ridgewood High School n Nov. 22: Pete Jive with band and special guest Jon Goldfine, 40 years of Jive! n Nov. 28: Heartsfield n Dec. 3: Roots & Thirds with Shawn Maxwell featuring Evanston High School Jazz Band n Dec. 5: The 20th Annual Dennis O’Brien Band Ho Ho Holiday Show n Dec. 11: Gary Hoey’s Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour n Dec. 16: Aurora Film Society Presents: Odd Man Out

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Advertisement produced on behalf of the following specific insurers and seeking to obtain business for insurance underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Insurance Company of Washington (Bellevue, WA) or affiliates. In TX: insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Company, Mid-Century Insurance Company of Texas or Texas Farmers Insurance Company. In NY: insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company or Farmers New Century Insurance Company. Home office, Los Angeles, CA. Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3120 139th Ave. SE, Ste. 300 Bellevue, WA 98005. Farmers New World Life Insurance Company is not licensed and does not solicit or sell in the state of New York. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance. List of all insurers at farmers. com. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. Not all products, coverages, features and discounts are available in every state and may vary by state. Restrictions, exclusions, limits, and conditions apply. See agent for details.

KANE COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026

RAISE A

GLASS

to Kane County’s Finest Breweries and Wine Bars By Jonathan Bilyk | Photos provided by Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery, Penrose Brewing Company, Geneva Winery, fire+wine and Up North

ane County has never been short of places to grab a stool and slake your thirst.

But in recent years, the region has distinctly distilled an ever more potent reputation as a destination for innovative and award-winning local breweries and wine rooms, offering a blend of cutting-edge trendsetters and new pours of timeless classics. Yet among the endless excellence that defines the local scene, there are a few crafters and vintners, as selected by our readers, who stand out as Kane County's Finest, who promise locals and visitors alike the chance to knock back a complex and refreshing beverage. Here, we offer a list of six of Kane County's Finest Breweries and Wine Bars/Tasting Rooms and a chaser, featuring a shot of some of the top-shelf beverages the thirsty and curious can find at each hot spot.

COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026 18 KANE

BREWERIES

Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery 306 W. State St., Geneva For nearly a quarter-century, Stockholm's has brewed their ever-growing lineup of Old World-style beers. But unlike many other breweries, Stockholm's doesn't enter their brews into contests or seek fame outside of the acclaim of their customers and their enduring popularity. The beers at Stockholm's are unfiltered and naturally conditioned, meaning they are naturally carbonated through fermentation, resulting in what they say is a "full-balanced flavor ideal for pairing with your meal." As owner and brewmaster Michael Olesen puts it: "Stockholm’s did not feel obliged to brew what became

the popular styles so many craft brewers did. Case in point is our number one selling beer, State Street Pilsner." While a Pilsner is a traditional kind of brew, Olesen said Stockholm's opted to brew the State Street Pilsner as a Northern Style Pilsner, which offers a less bitter flavor profile versus the traditional Bavarian-style Pilsner. "These are naturally brewed and known for their crisp finish," Olesen said. "In fact, in 2015, we received a review of our State Street Pilsner from a German national. He recognized ours as similar to Sauerland (an area north of Frankfurt) Pilsners. He summarized, 'A lot of German Pilsner are very bitter, not so the Sauerland Pilsner. And not so yours. It tastes really great. Congratulations.'”

Riverlands Brewing Company 1860 Dean St., Unit A, St. Charles

Penrose Brewing Company 509 Stevens St., Geneva

For more than seven years, the co-founders of Riverlands, including head brewer Eric Bramwell, have crafted not only some of the region's best beer, but a new hot spot for celebrating community and togetherness.

Founded in 2014, Penrose has staked out a reputation not only for top-flight craft beer, but also as a unique stop for a lineup of award-winning hard seltzers.

Riverlands, for instance, has collaborated with both the Kane County Forest Preserve and the city of St. Charles to craft unique brews to celebrate local events, including the Maple River brown ale in honor of the annual Maple Sugaring Days at LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve. However, the brewery has also staked a claim on the broader stage as well. Their Kayak Pilsner took gold in the German Pilsner category at the 2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Riverlands followed that with a bronze medal for their Tranquil 2025 brew at the Festival of Wood & Barrel Aged Beer. In discussing that win, Bramwell said that "FoBAB" award "might be my favorite of all" secured by Riverlands, thanks to his personal history, dating back to 2015, of experiencing the stunning brews at the festival produced by the stiff competition, "some of the best breweries not only in Chicagoland, but also nationwide." The award-winning Tranquil 2025 is a non-adjunct barrel-aged imperial stout, which Riverlands describes as a "blended concoction of epic proportions" and a "mind melter" that "combines our specially brewed stout base aged for a total of 31 months in premium Widow Jane and Calumet Farms 15 year bourbon barrels," followed by another 12 months in "freshly emptied Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels." The beer is then "double oaked ... with American and French Oak inserts from our friends at Creative Oaks to further drive oak complexity."

In 2025, for instance, Penrose Brewing took home six medals at the U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship, the largest hard seltzer judging event in the U.S. Gold medal winners included the Pink Lemon Seltz-Up flavored lemonade and the Blueberry Pomegranate Lemon Seltz-Up mixed fruit beverage. The 2025 awards followed multiple medals won in the seltzer competitions in 2023 and 2024. In celebrating the 2025 awards, Penrose founder and head brewer Tom Korder said the awards reflected recognition on the national stage for the work and skill demonstrated by Penrose's team at creating "seltzers that not only taste great, but also push the boundaries of flavor innovation." Among others in an assortment of palate-popping hard seltzers, Penrose describes its gold medalwinning Blueberry Pomegranate Lemon Seltz-Up as a "delightful concoction (that) combines the tangy zest of lemon with the sweet burst of blueberry and the exotic allure of pomegranate." They say the beverage promises "a symphony of flavors that refreshes and invigorates with every sip." The seltzers, however, come on top of a long list of craft beers that earned Penrose its start and built its reputation. They are led by the Goofy Boots Hazy IPA, which took a gold medal at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival. Goofy Boots is described as "a circus full of intense hop flavors," featuring "notes of candied lime, ripe peach, and dried mango ... landing on a pillowy wheat finish."

WINE BARS

Geneva Winery, two wine bars and tasting rooms 426 S. Third St., Geneva, and 5 N. River St., Batavia Vineyard and production facility: 2N100 Brundige Road, Elburn Since the fall of 2020, Geneva Winery has offered patrons of all tastes a sample of some of the best locally produced wine in the region. Co-owner and winemaker Brent Copstead said the winery was founded with an overarching goal of "community and friends" in mind: "We want to offer everyone a place to relax, enjoy each other's company, and share a glass of wine. "Or a bottle," he added. Altogether, Geneva Winery offers patrons about 60 different choices of wines, available in red, white, rosé, fruit and sparkling varieties, all formerly produced in Geneva and now, at the Elburn production facility since 2025. Among other outstanding choices, Copstead suggested: • The Bootlegger. Described as a "dry, medium oak, medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon aged in authentic bourbon barrels, delivering rich notes of dark berries, vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, and a hint of bourbon spice with a long, smooth finish;" and • The Dionysus. Described as a "dry, medium oak, fullbodied wine with rich cherry and plum flavors, dark chocolate hints, aged 18 months in French oak and cold-filtered for smoothness." Fire + Wine 200 N. Kirk Road, St. Charles BG Hospitality brought its Fire + Wine restaurant and wine room to St. Charles in the spring of 2026, building on the success of its first two locations in Glen Ellyn KANE COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026

and Park Ridge. But while new to the Fox Valley, Fire + Wine has quickly developed a reputation as one of the best destinations for quality wine in the region, said BG beverage director Alex Jacobs.

They said they "wanted to create a place that brings a little bit of the Northern Michigan experience to Geneva — a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere where people can slow down, try something new, and enjoy a tasting, flight, glass, or bottle without needing to make the trip north."

Because Fire + Wine "has always found its core identity in the kitchen," Jacobs said. "The wine program at Fire + Wine is driven by the food, with global selections chosen to complement the menu."

Throughout the year, Up North's wine list is rotated, featuring different Northern Michigan wineries and providing "a selection of its wines for our guests to explore," they said.

"We focus on thoughtful, curated wines that invite guests to discover something new while still keeping the program approachable," Jacobs said. "Choosing and enjoying a great wine with your meal shouldn’t feel intimidating."

"Because of that, the experience at Up North is always changing," they said. "A guest might discover a great Michigan pinot noir or cabernet franc on one visit, then come back and find a completely different lineup of whites, sparkling wines, rosés, or unique varietals from another Michigan producer.

Guests can find 30 wines to experience by the glass across a range of price points. They can also feel welcome to explore new varieties during Fire + Wine's weekly "Wine on Wednesday" program, offering all bottle-only selections at half price. Fire + Wine also offers a "continuously changing reserve list," which, Jacobs said, "Allows us to bring in small producers and offer some really special selections on a limited basis." Two new selections available through the autumn seasonal food and beverage menu include Jean-Max Roger's Les Chantes Alouettes Pouilly-Fumé white and Burn Cottage's Moonlight Race Pinot Noir red.

"For us, that discovery is really what makes the wines special."

Up North Wine Tasting Room 9 N. 2nd St., Geneva (relocating in January 2027 to 524 W. State St., Geneva)

In October, Up North featured a selection of wines from Aurora Cellars, providing an assortment of "authentic cool-climate wines, crafted and true to the vintage and vineyard in which the wine is grown." They said the "wines capture a time and place in each bottle grown on Leelanau Peninsula and Northern Michigan."

At Up North, owners Amy Goedken and Cathy Humphreys have built the wine bar's reputation "around showcasing the wines and wineries of Northern Michigan."

In January, Up North is relocating to a new, larger Geneva home, where it will offer not only Michigan wines, but also Michigan whiskeys, too.

Serving Seniors and Building for the Future Home-Delivered Meals

Well-Being Checks

Pet Food & Assistance

And more!

Learn more about our Sustainability Fund www.KaneSeniorCouncil.org COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026 20 KANE

630-338-0999

Thank you for voting us The Finest Meat Market & The Finest Caterer as well as One of the Finest Gourmet Shops in Kane Co!

Fresh Turkeys From Your Local Butcher Try Our Autumn Pasta Specials Butternut Squash Gnocchi Pumpkin Raviolis Try Our Homemade Vodka Sauce

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FREE-RANGE TURKEY. RAISED WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS. NATURALLY PROCESSED

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www.josefsmeats.com Tues-Sat: 10am to 5pm Sun 10am to 2pm

NOVEMBER

2026

Gift GUIDE

Get a Little Joy at some of Kane County’s Finest Shops Farmdog Flowers 239 W. Wilson St. Batavia www.farmdogflowers.com Elevate your tablescape this holiday season with an array of fresh seasonal winter blooms, candles and much more. Let the team at Farmdog Flowers share the beautiful options like an amaryllis, fresh greens and so much more. The shop is designed to let customers feel like they’ve stepped into a quaint flower shop in England, from their fresh seasonal flowers and plants to their range of accessories and gift ideas. Plants and blooms are just the start as shoppers can find teas, towels, containers, lotions, fragrances and candles. During the holidays the shop blooms with ornaments, sleigh bells, ribbons and garlands. Find other great gift ideas from stationery, giftware and home décor.

Che ck thes out favo e sho rite des pping tina By M tion eliss s Pho a Rub a the tos lca ir re

spe provide ba Risk ctiv e bu d by e sine sses

K. Hollis Jewelers 2030 Main St., Batavia www.khollisjewelers.com Discover the beauty of lab-grown diamonds at K. Hollis Jewelers. This season’s favorites include a custom K. Hollis Creation of 14-karat white gold, 0.5-carat lab-grown diamond lever back dangle earrings. Simple elegance is the 0.69-carat lab-grown diamond stud earrings, which pair perfectly with the 0.64-carat lab-grown diamond pendant on a 10-karat white gold cable chain. Brighten a cool winter night with the 18-karat gold-plated sterling silver pieces by Danish designer Sif Jakobs, like the three-stone cubic zirconia ring, spiral earrings and a matching tennis bracelet.

Bee Coco Candle 308 W. State St., Geneva www.beecococandle.com Ingredients matter, and that’s why Bee Coco Candle goes the extra step ensuring its products use the best ingredients from its soaps to fragrances, candles and even its fresh-roasted coffee beans. Their products are free from carcinogens, parabens, phthalates and even free from gluten and soy. Candles are even safe for your four-legged furry family members. Discover its seasonal favorites or something to brighten a cold winter night. COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026 22 KANE

Liz & Kate Boutique Dodson Place 407 S. Third St., #174, Geneva www.liznkate.com At Liz & Kate Boutique, fall and winter style starts with versatile layers you’ll reach for all season long. Bundle up in this effortlessly polished ensemble, featuring a plush navy quilted vest layered over our luxuriously soft faux cashmere top for lightweight warmth and cozy comfort. Add a touch of sparkle with a glass-beaded necklace and waterproof bar style earrings, then keep everyday essentials close in our whipstitch sling bag. Finish with a pair of World’s Softest socks for extra warmth from the ground up. The shop carries styles and designs to fit everyone as well as specialty gifts for all ages, including children.

Fox Jewelers 1009 E. State St., Geneva 630-232-7525 www.foxjewelersgeneva.com

State Street Jewelers 230 W. State St., Geneva www.statestreetjewelers.com State Street Jewelers has been serving the community for generations, offering the best in jewelry pieces, service and repairs and custom designs. Included in the featured designers is Parle, which includes designs in 14K yellow or white gold for necklaces, earrings and fashion rings as the perfect way to showcase color and style with beautiful gemstones and diamonds.

Christmas is a magical time of year to celebrate love and the team at Fox Jewelers loves helping couples find the perfect ring for the occasion. They specialize in custom bridal and engagement rings, offering natural and lab-grown diamonds in every shape and size.

Cocoon 212 S. Third St., Geneva www.cocoononline.com Step inside Cocoon to discover 13 rooms filled with treasures, trendy pieces and items to elevate your everyday look. From the posh to the whimsical, classic and festive too, the staff at Cocoon are always ready to help shoppers find something for everyone on their list with candles, apparel, jewelry, accessories, paper products, décor, even baby gifts and toys.

GLEN RIVER OF ST. CHARLES

Looking for more gift ideas? See page 42 for a full list of 2026 Kane County's Finest winners across all categories. Discover the area's top-voted shops and services.

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KANE COUNTY'S FINEST NOVEMBER 2026

ZEN’S SUSHI EXPRESS

Behind the

FINEST Khine Zaw's dream restaurant evolves into Kane County's favorite sushi destination By Chris Walker Photos provided by Zen's Sushi Express

TRY IT FO YOURSEL R F! Ze

n's Sushi E xpress Open from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday-Su nday 1459 E. Sta te St., Gene va www.zensu shiexpress .c o m 331-248-0 282

hine Zaw does not consider himself a visionary, but he made his dream of opening a sushi restaurant with his wife Cho Wai a reality.

“We got married in 2014 and didn’t have much money and started the little sushi franchise in Woodman’s,” Zaw says. “Then we started at another location and the sushi sales skyrocketed. We had a baby and before our kids were going to go to school we moved back to Illinois for a better education and started the sushi bar at The Fresh Market in the Geneva Commons. We didn’t have much money but I wanted to open a restaurant and then we found a place where we could do it two blocks away.”

His Zen’s Sushi Express, 1459 E. State St., Geneva, is one of the leading fast-casual sushi restaurants that you will find in Illinois. Just a few years ago, the idea of such an amazing restaurant was something Zaw could only see in his dreams. “I would dream of it and then give up,” he says. “And then I’d dream about it again and give up again. And it happened again and again before we opened. My wife was worried because we have little children, and what will we do if we fail? We aren’t even 40 yet, so if we make a mistake or we fail, we still have time to change to another career. We can go work at a factory or drive Uber or DoorDash.” With the fantastic feedback Zen’s Sushi Express is receiving these days, Zaw doesn’t appear destined to trade in his chef uniform for factory garb anytime soon, although he may keep local DoorDash folks super busy transporting his traditional Japanese dishes. “I feel so happy that people like it,” Zaw says. “It’s all about the people. It’s not because of me. We don’t do much that’s special. We keep the quality and the good hospitality. We say

& ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2026 24 DINING

That’s where you’ll find raw items like spicy tuna, tuna avocado, salmon avocado, spicy salmon, salmon Phili and yellow tail rolls, as well as tuna and salmon varieties of hosomaki. hello and thank you. We welcome you in. We treat you like you’re family and they come in and feel warm.” Zen’s Sushi Express was born out of the humble beginnings of Zaw’s first franchise sushi store at the Woodman’s Food Market in Onalaska, Wisconsin, in October 2014. Word spread. Soon the sushi was flying out of the refrigerated display cases. By the following fall, Zaw had opened his second franchise store at the Woodman’s Food Market in Altoona, Wisconsin.

A variety of appetizers, nigiri, veggie rolls, soups, salads, poke bowls and inari is on the menu, as well as fully cooked items, such as the tempura soft shell crab and more. “If food wasn’t my passion, I’m not sure where I’d go because I’m always in the kitchen,” Zaw says. “Even at family events or with friends, I’m in the kitchen or grill area. We welcome you and want you to give us a try. We’ve got good hospitality and we keep the quality high. We can’t make everybody happy, but we have consistent quality. It’s the same quality we’ve had for the last 10 to 15 years.”

calendar

NOVEMBER 2026 1

SUN

MON

TUE

View the "Here, There" Exhibition at Schingoethe Center in Aurora starting at 9 a.m.

Veterans Day

Kenny G performing at Arcada Theatre in St. Charles

"A Christmas Carol" "Alice in Wonderland" at Paramount Theatre at the Paramount in Aurora, starting at Theatre in Aurora 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Stone-A-Palooza at Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles from 2-8 p.m.

23 Pie Wars for grades 6-12 at the Geneva Public Library, starting at 2 p.m.

THU

Karaoke at The Dive Bar in Elgin, starting at 8 p.m.

Daylight Savings Time Ends

WED

FRI

14 This is Live (a fundraiser for the Fox Valley Music Foundation) held at The Venue in Aurora

Thursday Showcase at The House Pub in St. Charles, starting at 9 p.m.

SAT

21 Christmas on the Fox Art and Craft Show at Prairie Events Center, Kane County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving! Black Friday

Small Business Saturday—visit one of Kane County's Finest! Find a list of local shops on page 42.

Celebration of Lights from 5-7 p.m. in Batavia.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2026

Artist OF THE MONTH

Emily Mazzacavallo The Tri-Cities are booming with arts and artists — perhaps nowhere more vibrantly than Batavia’s Water Street Studios, which hosts events, galleries and up to 25 artists in residence. Each month, Kane County Magazine and Water Street Studios are partnering to highlight artists and their work.

mily Mazzacavallo’s foray into ceramics started with an act of love. “I began my ceramics journey by taking the Beginning Wheel Throwing class with Jeremy Foy at [Water Street Studios] in January of 2023 in order to encourage my dad, who is also a ceramicist, to get back into art after a long hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she says. “I was instantly hooked and continued to take classes with Jeremy until a makerspace opened up in the ceramics lab in December of 2023.” Mazzacavallo used the opening as an opportunity to officially become a Claylab member at Water Street. Over the next year, Mazzacavallo spent hours practicing and honing her unique approach to the craft, then partnered with Red Hive Market as an artisan vendor to share her work within the Batavia community. “I create handmade ceramics that exist between the functional and the fantastical,” she says. “I begin with thrown forms, and alter these through carving, sculpting, and adding details by hand. My work is inspired by the natural world, particularly the plants, textures, and small discoveries found in the Midwestern forest preserves that surround me. I also incorporate the colors and idiosyncrasies of the underwater world I see while scuba diving into my work.” Mazzacavallo draws on details from everyday life, like the delicate masterpiece of an orb weaver web, the rich color of leaves or the alien structures of mushrooms. “I find joy in slowing down to notice these things and appreciate their beauty,” she says. “From these observations, I transform familiar elements of nature into imaginative works that are whimsical or even humorous.”

& ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2026 26 DINING

But for the ceramics artist, beauty isn’t where the design ends. Mazzacavallo’s pieces are as functional as they are mesmerizing. “I enjoy creating objects that have a purpose and can become part of the everyday lives of the people who use them,” she says. “At the same time, I want those objects to invite a moment of delight - to make someone smile or look twice. Through my ceramics, I try to bring the wonder I see in the world into people’s homes.” At Water Street Studios, Mazzacavallo has found a community of artists that both support and revel in the creativity of those around them. “The people in the clay lab encourage each other to experiment, take risks, and try new techniques,” she says. “One of my favorite things about WSS is that the community of artists will mourn your failures with you and help lift you up to try again.” The artist's own experimentations have led her to adding intricate details to her pieces. “One of my favorite things to create is hobbit/fairy door mugs with as much detail and whimsy as I can include,” she says. “From sculpting tiny mushrooms — with gills, because you have to have the gills! — to creating bark, brick, rock, and fern textures, to glazing tiny individual details without the glazes melting and combining, all the while maintaining the integrity of a functional and weight-appropriate vessel, these mugs are something that constantly challenge me to push my limits, while also turning out unique works of art of which I am proud.” Last year, Mazzacavallo tested those limits, putting out a series of mugs with tentacles for handles.

The challenge was to create texture that would do real-life cephalopods justice while also making sure they weren’t sharp to the touch. Mazzacavallo began to work with a variety of glazes to capture the perfect combination. “The result was a mix of reality and humor that is exactly what I hope to accomplish with my work,” she says. “I relish the idea of someone in a virtual work meeting smiling inside knowing that they are drinking out of a kraken mug on the side.” Her goal for the rest of this year involves finishing a garden stack featuring the details found in Midwestern nature that Mazzacavallo is so drawn to. “The stack is eleven pieces in total and will come to a height of about four feet when assembled,” she says. “I am invested in having this piece tell the story of the things that bring my family and I joy, like a squirrel finding an acorn or the triumph of discovering morels in spring.” Though Mazzacavallo has always been creative, such as engaging in dance and piano as a child, she never considered herself a “true artist.” “I founded the Art Club in my high school, but I remember thinking I was doing it for the other “real” artists,” she says. “I would like it if my artistic journey could inspire someone else to revisit their own creative self and see that art does not have to be grand. It can be simple and functional but still meaningful.” Mazzacavallo’s sentiment toward artistry is as deep, joyful and detailed as her breathtaking works. “We make things that serve no practical purpose other than to express an idea, capture a feeling, or tell a story,” she says. “Everyone deserves to add that depth to their existence.”

For more information on the artist of the month, head to waterstreetstudios.org or the studio’s social media pages. DINING & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2026

Winter Wonder Lights in Geneva Photo provided by Geneva Park District

HOLIDAY HAPP & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2026 28 DINING

Holiday Homecoming in St. Charles Photo provided by St. Charles Business Alliance

Santa's cottage in St. Charles

Photo provided by St. Charles Bus

iness Alliance

A seasonal sampling of area events By Chris Walker

here’s a ho ho whole lot of fun stuff going during this special time of year and unlike Santa, you don’t have to travel all the way from the North Pole to get there to do it since so much is happening right outside your front door in Kane County.

PENINGS GUIDE DINING & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2026

Christkindlmarket Aurora Photo by Eric James Walsh Photography

Christkindlmarket Aurora

FREE 'Elf' screening at Arcada Theatre

Shop, eat, drink and be merry! There’s over 60 international and local vendors here selling unique, handcrafted holiday items, toys, ornaments and more. And nothing beats shopping besides eating and drinking while doing it, especially with traditional German fare like bratwurst, schnitzel, hot spiced wine and more available for purchase. Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sundays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.christkindlmarket.com

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” or something like that. Come root on Buddy the Elf at the historic Arcada Theatre and grab some snacks from the lobby. Buddy’s favorites are candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup. What are yours? www.stcalliance.org

Nov. 20 - Dec. 24

Frosty Feet Dance Party 9:30 a.m. Nov. 21

Dance and have fun at your child’s own pace at this winter-themed dance party featuring a wonderland of colorful lights and sensory-friendly play stations designed to spark movement and imagination. Ages 6 months to 4 years www.stcparks.org

Lighting of the Lights Ceremony 5 p.m. Nov. 27

Kick off the holiday season with the community. It’s a good time to say hello to Santa who is taking time out of his busy schedule to visit at 1st Street Plaza. www.stcalliance.org

Ages

10+*

ROW ZONE

Drop-In Rowing Monday-Friday • 8:30am-4pm Drop-In Hourly Daily Admission: Resident $4/Nonresident $6 per person Hourly Room Rental: Resident $30/Nonresident $45 For more info & availability, call 630-513-4388.

1400 Foundry Street • St. Charles, IL 60174

630-513-4388 • stcsportsplex.org *Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult, age 18+.

& ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2026 30 DINING

Nov. 28

Electric Christmas Parade in downtown St. Charles

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 28

This must-see event starts at 6th Street and travels down Main Street before finishing at 4th Avenue. This event features parade floats, bands and a special appearance from Santa. www.stcalliance.org

St. Charles Holiday Shop Crawl Nov. 28

Visit each participating shop for special promotions while supporting local businesses and giving yourself a shot at winning the grand prize giveaway. www.stcalliance.org

Santa’s Cottage Nov. 28 - Dec. 20

Come and visit Santa’s new cottage every Saturday and Sunday from 1–4 p.m. Take photos and share holiday wish lists with the jolly guy in red. www.stcalliance.org

Winter Wonder Lights Celebration Kickoff Nov. 28

Help transform beautiful Peck Farm Park into a dazzling display of lights and holiday cheer. Hot cocoa and s’mores, letters to Santa, holiday music and more. (Note: Winter Wonder Lights continue nightly Nov. 29-Jan. 1 from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. for FREE.) www. genevaparks.org

Celebration of Lights 5-7 p.m. Nov. 29

Experience the magic that’s created when Batavia and the holiday season come together for a Celebration of Lights on the Batavia Riverwalk, 151 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Come to watch the Christmas tree lighting and enjoy a variety of fun activities and opportunities with holiday crafts, a performance from the Batavia Community Band, community sing-a-long, reindeer viewing, story time, a stroll on Christmas Tree Lane, a free treat, a visit from Santa and more. www. bataviaparks.org

Holiday in the Grove Dec. 4-5

Kiwanis presents this annual event in Sugar Grove beginning with a tree lighting, a visit from Santa, hot cocoa and cookies, plus holiday music by the Black Willow Brass Quintet on Friday night, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, wake up early for a pancake breakfast with

Santa at the Sugar Grove Community Building. Visit reindeer, go for a horse-drawn ride, buy cookies from Mrs. Claus’ bake sale and participate in activities such as face painting at the Sugar Grove Public Library and more. Begins at 8 a.m. www.sugargrovekiwanis.org

Gingerbread Barn Raising Photo provided by Geneva Park District

32nd Annual Elburn Chamber Christmas Stroll 4 - 7 p.m. Dec. 5

Live reindeer, downtown holiday lights, festive activities at local shops, live music, food trucks and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus are all planned in downtown Elburn. www.elburn.com

Caroling with the Cows

5 p.m. Dec. 5 and 3 p.m. Dec. 6

It’s time to get in the holiday Mooood by singing carols to the cows at Primrose Farm while also enjoying hot cocoa, other treats, exploring the farmyard and checking out the winter maker’s market. www.stcparks.org

Gingerbread Barn Raising at Winter Wonder Lights 4 - 6 p.m. Dec. 6

Get your own gingerbread barn in the Orientation Barn at Peck Farm Park and start decorating while enjoying hot cocoa and holiday music. Looking to start a new holiday tradition? Now’s the time! One registration covers the whole family, with up to six people per gingerbread barn. www.genevaparks.org

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2026

Lights & Flights Craft Brew Fest Photo provided by Geneva Park District

Lights & Flights Craft Brew Fest

Sundaes with Santa

Dazzling holiday lights, craft beer tastings and delicious food. Guests receive 15 sample pours and a commemorative glass. Ages 21+ www.genevaparks.org

Build your own sundae with frosty, fun toppings and make paper chains to count down the days until Santa’s arrival. The jolly guy in red will visit you and your family at your table and make time for photos. Plus, he’s got a special gift to share before making the long journey back to the North Pole. www.stcparks.org

4-7 p.m. Dec. 12

Gingerbread House Creations 10 a.m. Dec. 12

Visit the Baker Community Center and create your own ultimate architectural masterpiece out of graham crackers, frosting, colorful candies and more during this fun DIY event. Can’t make it on Dec. 12 but want to still make a gingerbread house? Purchase a take-home kit version at the Pottawatomie Community Center. www.stcparks.org

4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Dec. 14

"The Grinch" movie screening at Playhouse 38 6 p.m. Dec. 21

Sip on hot chocolate and enjoy other festive snacks while journeying to Whoville. Nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. www.genevaparks.org

Cocktails and Gingerbread House Creations

Bagpipes & Bonfire at Winter Wonder Lights

Cocktails to complement your creation? Make it happen with this special event at Riverlands Brewing Company, 1860 Dean St., Ste. A. www.stcparks.org

Winter solstice traditions around the world feature bagpipes playing traditional music. Celebrate the longest night of the year and the beginning of longer days, sipping hot chocolate while enjoying this special music performance at a bonfire at Peck Farm Park. www.genevaparks.org

6:30 p.m. Dec. 13

Dec. 21

Thank You for Voting Stockholm’s THE FINEST year after year!

Stockholm’s WON the FINEST in the Following : Local Brewery | Brunch | Bloody Mary | Martini

And One of the Finest: Steak

306 W State Street - Geneva, IL

SM-CL2354739

& ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2026 32 DINING

630-208-7070

www.stockholmsbrewpub.com

BEER

LIGHTS

FOOD

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

General Admission $55 | VIP $70 Designated Driver $15

12.12.26

POURS 3-7PM | LAST CALL 6:30PM COMPLETE DETAILS AT GENEVAPARKS.ORG/FLIGHTS

Featuring pours from 18+ local breweries!

Peck Farm Park 4038 Kaneville Rd Geneva, IL NOVEMBER

2026

Grab a pes and The adventurous esca found in expansive knowledge asons to books are just two re g material. be thankful for readin endations Here are two recomm ading list. for your November re

 FOR CHILDREN: "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

There's something important you need to know about Clare the fox: he's dead. After being hit by a car, Clare had a choice to enter one of four realms of the Afterlife or become an usher to help other animal souls enter the Afterlife. It's a solitary and lonely "undeath." Clare's only social encounters are brief chats with souls passing by his cottage, whom he directs toward their designated Afterlife (Peace, Pleasure, Progress or Pain), and his only companion is Captain, the largest mushroom in his carefully tended fungi garden. Clare's quiet existence is thrown into chaos with the arrival of Gingersnipes the badger, who is incapable of crossing into any of the four Afterlifes. Confounded and extremely annoyed, Clare seeks counsel from Hesterfowl, who is known for her premonitions and knowledge. That's when he learns the horrible truth: the time has come for Clare to officially die, and Gingersnipes will be his replacement usher. Fearing what awaits on the other side and unwilling to relinquish his role, he doubles his efforts to send the badger to Afterlife, even if it means deception. She's just a pesky badger, and it's not like she's becoming his friend ... right? Author Aubrey Hartman creates a world with equal parts humor and heart in this Newbery Honor winner. Optimistic, sunshiny Gingersnipes and reluctant, prickly Clare are an entertaining odd couple for elementary school readers.

 FOR ADULTS: "The Snow Child" by Eowyn Ivey

Jack and Mabel move to the Alaskan wilderness in 1920 to establish their homestead. If this wasn't challenging enough, their marriage is in a brittle place as Mabel navigates through depression linked to her fertility struggles. She longs to be a mother, but sorrow overtook her after their only child was stillborn. Despite the rugged and relentless landscape, the couple finds a sweet moment of levity when they witness their first snowfall of the season. Jack and Mabel have a snowball fight and build a snow child. When they look outside the next morning, their snow creation is gone. Instead, they find a young girl living alone in the wilderness, with her only companion being a red fox. The child, Faina, flits in and out of their lives throughout the winter until Mabel discovers the girl's makeshift home. From then on, Mabel brings Faina into their home to raise her as their daughter. As Faina grows up with Jack and Mabel, she knits the couple closer together ... but that which comes from the wilderness is difficult to contain in a domestic world. This title will resonate with readers who love folklore and fairy tales.

& ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2026 34 DINING

Give the gift of

FEELING this holiday GOOD season

SOMETHING TO ENJOY AFTER THE HOLIDAY RUSH

very holiday season, we search for gifts that feel thoughtful and personal. We want to choose something our loved ones will enjoy, something that shows we see them and appreciate everything they do. This year, consider giving them a gift they may rarely give themselves: time to relax, recharge, and focus on their own well-being.

The gift of wellness offers something meaningful in a season filled with busy schedules and endless to-do lists. A massage, a customized facial, or a stretch session creates an opportunity to step away from daily responsibilities and enjoy an experience devoted entirely to them.

A THOUGHTFUL GIFT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO DO SO MUCH

We all know someone who is always taking care of everyone else. Perhaps it is a parent balancing work and family, a partner with a demanding schedule, or a friend who never seems to slow down. These are often the people who put their own needs at the bottom of the list. Giving a wellness experience sends a simple, heartfelt message: “You deserve to be cared for, too.” It offers more than an appointment on the calendar. It gives them something to look forward to and a reason to make time for themselves.

Between shopping, gatherings, travel, and year-end responsibilities, the holidays can leave little room to pause. A wellness gift creates that opportunity, whether your loved one uses it during the festivities or saves it for a quiet moment in the new year. Imagine having an hour set aside with no errands to run, no hosting duties, and no one else to take care of. Just a welcoming space, a personalized service, and time to settle in. That is a gift worth looking forward to.

AN EXPERIENCE THAT FEELS PERSONAL

One of the beautiful things about wellness gifting is that it can reflect the person receiving it. Some people love the quiet comfort of a relaxing massage. Others enjoy a facial tailored to their skin or the opportunity to focus on movement through assisted stretching. At Elements Massage, customization is at the heart of the experience. Each guest can share their preferences and goals so their service feels personal from the moment they arrive. A gift card allows your loved one to choose the experience that appeals to them and schedule it at a time that works for their life.

A MEANINGFUL WAY TO GIVE LOCALLY

Choosing a wellness gift from a neighborhood spa also supports a local business and the people who make each visit special. It is a lovely way to share a favorite place with someone you care about while investing in your community. This holiday season, give your loved ones time to feel cared for. Whether it is for a partner, parent, friend, or someone who could simply use a little breathing room, the gift of wellness is a thoughtful reminder that their well-being matters, during the holidays and throughout the year. Scan the QR code to order a gift card!

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2026

n SUBURBAN SUPERDAD n

CANDY CORNY

GOODBYES

Stale Halloween candy leaves a bad aftertaste; sometimes, life experiences do the same

& LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2026 36 FAMILY

As a journalist, few opportunities tantalize more than the chance to watch human actions speak louder than words. We see it on election days, when people choose who will lead them, and then cheer, laugh or recoil in horror. We see it in business, where foot traffic and the allocation of dollars tell no lies. And on Halloween, we see it in the bowl at the front door: which sweet treats are gobbled up first, which are set aside for later and which are never eaten. For certain, the debate will rage into perpetuity over which candies are "the

best." Like election politics, everyone is entitled to their opinion and their reasons (even if they, like those who are allergy free but somehow still don't like Snickers, are very, very wrong.) But for the candies at the bottom of the list? Their lingering presence in the bowl, bucket, bags or other assorted storage devices lying around the house on Nov. 1 speaks the unvarnished truth. And there is no real debate over which Halloween candy choice always ranks at the literal bottom of the barrel: the American culinary oddity known as "candy corn."

Sure, it may go by different names in different places or during different seasons (apparently, during the Halloween season it is officially known as "Harvest Corn.") But no matter what you call it, it can't be pronounced correctly without a sneer or a roll of the eyes. And no matter what you call it, while other varieties of leftover Halloween offerings will be slowly eaten over the course of ensuing weeks (or months), you can bet that if those vaguely honey marshmallow kernel-shaped bits of solidified corn syrup manage to avoid an appointment with the trash man, they will almost certainly still be there, untouched, come next October.

Offering you the Best Advice, the Best Coverage at the Best Rates AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • LIFE Or at least they will be there if you are anything like me, staring at the caramel-colored bag you uncovered on the back of one of your pantry shelves, pondering deep questions like: If an apocalypse wipes civilization from the map, would an unopened bag of candy corn be the last food item to retain its flavor and texture? And, if so, would it be like being reunited with an old friend whose recent choices have left a bad taste in your mouth? Every parent knows there are few elements of life more distasteful than helping your kids through the inevitable stages of grief that follow losing friends. Whether losing them spiritually or geographically, it makes no difference. It will still sting. But when I say "few," that is more distasteful, it's because what is more distasteful is the inevitable sting of working through your own grief when friends exit stage left – and particularly when they do so for no discernible good reason.

Providing service in the following states: IL, WI, PA, CO and IN

Experience, of course, teaches that true friendships can and do survive even great distances, especially in an age of constant and instant communication. And, with such friendships, experience teaches when you reunite, it can be like finding that forgotten Snickers bar in the pantry: A fun and still delicious surprise, months or sometimes even years later. But even knowing that to be true, the moment of departure can leave you standing in the kitchen, or driving in the car, or riding the mower, or sitting at the table with your hot beverage of choice, pondering deep existential questions like: How can one measure the coterminal value of a friendship? Or: How can we choose to enjoy the time we have, knowing we will always, ultimately, be alone? And through it all, you're hoping the next time you meet, the experience won't actually taste like years-old unwanted candy corn kernels from the back of the pantry.

n Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modern-day dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)

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WHAT 250+ VISITS TO DISNEY taught me about slowing down By Kelly Ortiz Photos provided by Guru Travel

aving visited Walt Disney World over 250 times, it’s fair to say it is one of the great travel loves of my life. I am the owner and founder of Guru Travel, An Earmarked by Disney Authorized Travel Agency; I spend my days building expert itineraries for Fox Valley families. But on a recent 10-day summer trip with my husband, my 21-year-old son and his girlfriend, I decided to run an experiment that completely shifted my perspective. Normally, we stay at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. This time, wanting extra space and a fresh perspective, we booked two rooms at Pop Century — a Value Resort I hadn’t stayed at in nearly a decade. What I discovered surprised me in the best possible way.

adult children opened up a whole new layer of magic — a freedom to just enjoy being together.

The Strategy Behind the Magic

What stunned me most was that over 10 days in peak summer crowds, we didn’t purchase a single Lightning Lane pass — and we never waited longer than an hour for anything. Relying purely on smart park strategy (a Guru Travel specialty), we proved that knowing how to navigate matters far more than just spending extra money. One of my favorite secrets for non-morning people? Schedule your main sit-down meal for 11 a.m. By the time you step out refreshed and full, the rope-drop crowds are hot, exhausted and heading back to their hotels. Plan Around the Peaks: Knowing which park to visit on which day is the single easiest way to dodge heavy lines. Scan the QR code to download our complimentary, 12-page 2027 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar, complete with month-by-month crowd ratings, After Hours ticketed event dates and EPCOT festival schedules.

Don't Wait to Lock It In A Different Kind of Pace

Between morning coffee strolls to the Skyliner and direct access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, Pop Century delivered a genuinely relaxing getaway. Instead of the frantic, sunrise-to-fireworks pace most people associate with Disney, we leaned into a slower pace. We slept in, strolled into the parks around 10 a.m., took evening swims and explored Disney Springs late into the night. Going back with & LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2026 38 FAMILY

If there was one lesson I learned the hard way, it was my personal planning timeline (do as I say — I give much better advice than I take.) Because I planned this personal trip closer to travel than usual, I missed out on early promotional discounts. Planning six to nine months ahead isn't just about securing room reservations; it's about locking in new seasonal offers — like current 2027 room discounts — and giving yourself time to budget stress-free.

Secure your Walt Disney World Vacation with a $200 refundable deposit. Whether you are introducing toddlers to the magic or reconnecting with your grown kids, you don’t have to let the fear of crowds, logistics or budget hold you back. With the right roadmap, you can reclaim the real joy of the journey. Scan the QR code below to download your free 12-Page 2027 Disney World Crowd Calendar. Ready for done-for-you concierge planning at $0 extra cost? Start your journey at thewdwguru.com, call 630-885-3999 or contact Kelly directly at kelly@ thewdwguru.com.

DISNEY ARTWORK, LOGOS AND PROPERTIES: © DISNEY – SHIPS REGISTRY: THE BAHAMAS

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To book your magical Walt Disney World vacation, contact us today!

www.thewdwguru.com letstravel@thewdwguru.com | 630-885-3999

TAX-SAVING MOVES TO CONSIDER BEFORE YEAR'S END

Now is the time to consult your financial advisor

Frost is now on the pumpkin, and with the upcoming holidays also comes the season to work with your financial advisor for end-ofthe-year strategies to help control the bite of taxes for the 2026 tax year. (Can you believe how fast this year has gone?!)

TAX PLANNING

In consultation with our teammates at Raymond James, here are some recommendations from our team.

If you’re at or near the next tax rate threshold, pay close attention to

& CIVIC NOVEMBER 2026 40 BUSINESS

Proactive investors can benefit from making strategic adjustments that can reduce next year’s tax bill. As the year comes to a close, it may be a good time to check on your investments with an eye toward tax implications. Keeping long-term investment goals in mind, a trusted advisor can help you consider adjustments that could impact your typical year-end planning.

MANAGE YOUR INCOME AND DEDUCTIONS

anything that might tip some of your earnings into the next range and consider ways to reduce your taxable income before the end of the year. Determine whether it makes sense to accelerate deductions or defer income to minimize your current tax liability. Certain retirement plans also can help you defer taxes. Contributions to a traditional 401(k) are made with pre-tax dollars, which lowers your income by the amount of the annual contribution. You won’t pay income tax on the contribution and earnings until the time of the withdrawal, at which point your income and tax rate may be lower or you may have more deductions available to offset the income.*

Contributions to a health savings account (HSA) can reduce taxes, too. Your pre-tax payroll deductions reduce income, and any after-tax contributions can be deducted on your tax return, even if you don’t itemize. Remember, your HSA funds can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses and never expire.

TO HARVEST OR NOT TO HARVEST

Tax-loss harvesting – selling an investment at a loss – has the potential to help offset gains. If your capital losses exceed your capital gains, a portion of your excess losses can be used to offset ordinary income and

*Withdrawals from qualified accounts, such as an IRA, prior to age 59 1/2 may also be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. RMDs are generally subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state taxes. Consult your tax advisor to assess your situation. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.

additional losses can be carried forward to future years. You’ll want to be mindful of harvesting losses in a manner that doesn’t disrupt your long-term investment strategy. Additionally, understand wash sale rules, which limit the ability to buy a “substantially identical” security within a set timeframe.

MIND YOUR RMDS

Investors who reach a certain age are required to take RMDs from their IRAs. You face a 25% tax penalty on amounts not withdrawn from your IRA to meet the RMD, so you’ll want to confirm you’ve met your obligations. Taking a distribution will impact your taxable income or tax bracket. If you are in a lower tax bracket, consider taking an additional strategic distribution at that lower rate.

EVALUATE CHANGES

From welcoming a new family member to moving to a new state, these life changes can impact your financial situation. Bring your financial advisor up to speed on major life changes and ask how they could affect your year-end planning. Moving can significantly impact tax and estate planning, especially if you’ve relocated from a high income tax state to a low income tax state, from a state with a state income tax to one without (or vice versa), or if you’ve moved to a state with increased asset protection.

Law partner. Second-generation immigrant. Art benefactor.

With the new year on the horizon, now’s the time to schedule your year-end planning review. Call your wealth manager now while you still have time to make adjustments. If you are seeking additional insights, don’t hesitate to call our team!

Your first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the year after you reach 72 or 73 years of age (depending on your year of birth). If you delay, however, you must also take your second RMD in the same tax year. This can inflate your income, which may affect your tax bracket. Note: To streamline the process, RMDs can be automated to help ensure you don’t miss applicable deadlines.

This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or plan provider. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Tom McCartney and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members.

Authored by Tom McCartney, founding principal of My Advisor & Planner and a wealth manager, RJFS. Pictured left to right with his team are co-founder and wealth manager Sharon Piet, Tom, and Michael Holevas, CFA, wealth manager. Any opinions are those of My Advisor & Planner and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Every investor’s situation is unique, and you should consider your investment objectives, risks and costs before making an investment. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. My Advisor & Planner is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Their office is at 107 S. 2nd Street, Geneva, IL 60134. Call 630-457-4068.

Your unique life, planned. Understanding what people are passionate about is how we help them plan for what’s most important. Backed by sophisticated resources, a Raymond James financial advisor gets to know you and everything that makes your life uniquely complex. That’s Life Well Planned.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/ SIPC. © 2024 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. 24-BDMKT-6351 KS 2/24

BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2026

Congratulations to the businesses, services and organizations voted as the finest Kane County has to offer! Stars indicate a winner that was voted the Finest in the category. Additional listings in each category indicate winners who were voted One of the Finest.

2026 winners voted as

Kane County's Finest

& CIVIC NOVEMBER 2026 42 BUSINESS

Kane County's Finest • 2026 winners

Arts & Entertainment Art Gallery g Water Street Studios 160 S. Water St., Batavia Proud Fox Gallery & Frame Shop 213 W. State St., Geneva Side Street Studio Arts 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin

Live Music Venue g Arcada Theatre 105 E. Main St., St. Charles The Venue 21 S. Broadway Ave., Aurora

Dining Bakery

g Harner’s Bakery Restaurant 937 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora Mad Batter Bakery and Confections 320 W. Main St., St. Charles Gather Bakery 315 W. State St., Geneva

Bloody Mary g Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery 306 W. State St., Geneva Nosh 22 N. 3rd St., Geneva

Live Theatre

Dukes Northwoods 7 E. Main St., St. Charles Featured on our cover!

g Paramount Theatre 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora

Brunch

Goodly Creatures Theatre West Dundee Steel Beam Theatre 111 W. Main St., St. Charles

g Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery 306 W. State St., Geneva Riganato 700 E. State St., Geneva

Museum/Cultural

Nosh 22 N. 3rd St., Geneva

g Geneva History Museum 113 S. 3rd St., Geneva

Caterer

St. Charles Motorcycle Museum 1317 E. Main St., St. Charles

g Josef’s Elegante Meat & Deli 716 W. State St., Suite A, Geneva

Public Golf Course

Riganato 700 E. State St., Geneva

g Pottawatomie Golf Course 845 N. 2nd Ave., St. Charles

Enticing Cuisine 1117 N. Washington Ave., Batavia

Tanna Farms Golf Club 39W808 Hughes Road, Geneva

Coffee Shop

Bliss Creek Golf Course 1 Golf View Road, Sugar Grove

Travel Agent g Geneva Travel & Cruise 312 W. State St. #106, Geneva Guru Travel Elgin Travel A Latte Geneva

Water Street Studios

Pottawatomie Golf Course

g Arcedium Coffeehouse 60 Indiana St., St. Charles Moka 132 Independence Drive, Batavia 24 S. Lincolnway, North Aurora Limestone Coffee & Tea 8 W. Wilson St., Batavia

Dining on the Waterfront g Atwater’s Restaurant 15 S. River Ln., Geneva Salerno’s On the Fox 320 N. 2nd St., St. Charles The Graceful Ordinary 3 E. Main St., St. Charles Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery

Photos on this page provided by Water Street Studios, St. Charles Park District and Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery

BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2026

Kane County's Finest • 2026 winners

Local Brewery g Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery 306 W. State St., Geneva Riverlands Brewing Company 1860 Dean St., Unit A, St. Charles Penrose Brewing Company 509 Stevens St., Geneva

Martini

Health & Wellness

Personal Services

g Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health & Fitness Center 296 S. Randall Road, Geneva

g Sage Healing Collective 525 S. Tyler Road, Suite S, St. Charles

Health Club

Prana Yoga Center 321 Stevens St., Geneva

g Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery 306 W. State St., Geneva

Vaughan Athletic Center 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora

St. Charles Place 2550 E. Main St., St. Charles

Pilates

The Turf Room 650 Randall Crossing Lane, North Aurora

Romantic Dinner g Atwater’s Restaurant 15 S. River Ln., Geneva Niche Restaurant 14 S. 3rd St. #2201, Geneva Paixão Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse 477 S. 3rd St., Suite 190, Geneva

Steak g St. Charles Place 2550 E. Main St., St. Charles Paixão Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse 477 S. 3rd St., Suite 190, Geneva

g Prana Yoga Center 321 Stevens St., Geneva

Yoga g The Perch 140 S. River St., Suite 114, Aurora Prana Yoga Center 321 Stevens St., Geneva

Home & Garden Handy Man

g Home Grown Carpentry

Maid Service

Cosmetic Skin Care

Cosmetic Surgery g Dr. Todd S. Hewell III, MD 260 W. River Dr., St. Charles

Day Spa g Elements Massage 507 S. 3rd St., Suite C, Geneva Sage Healing Collective 525 S. Tyler Road, Suite S, St. Charles TAYLORD Brows Lashes Skin Studio 217 W. Main St., St. Charles

Hair Salon g Cornerstone Hair Studio 322 W. State St., Geneva Hair By Melissa Renee 1610 Commons Drive, Geneva Montage Salon & Spa 612 W. State St., Geneva

Manicure/Pedicure

g Love 2 Clean 4 You LLC

g E’LAN Nail & Spa 2401 Kaneville Road, Suite 2, Geneva

Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery 306 W. State St., Geneva

Nursery/ Garden Center

3D’s Nails 16 S. Van Buren St., Batavia

Sushi

g Heinz Brothers Nursery 2010 E. Main St., St. Charles

Ava Nail Bar 1879 S. Randall Road, Geneva

GROW Geneva 220 S. 3rd St., Geneva

Massage

g Zen’s Sushi Express 1459 E. State St., Geneva Wok n Fire 2801 E. Main St., St. Charles moto imōto 181 S. 1st St., St. Charles

Schaefer Greenhouses 120 S. Lake St., Montgomery

Herrington Inn & Spa 15 S. River Lane, Geneva Sage Healing Collective 525 S. Tyler Road, Suite S, St. Charles

Wine Bar

Photo provided by The Perch

g Geneva Winery & Tasting Room 426 S. 3rd St., Suite 1A, Geneva Up North Wine Tasting Room 9 N. 2nd St., Geneva fire+ wine 200 N. Kirk Road, Unit A, St. Charles

& CIVIC NOVEMBER 2026 44 BUSINESS

g Elements Massage 507 S. 3rd St., Suite C, Geneva

The Perch

Photo by Katie O'Brien Photography

Kane County's Finest • 2026 winners

Sage Healing Collective Photo by April Duda Photography

Josef's Elegante Meat & Deli Photo by Sandy Bressner

Drew Pertl

Professional Services 55+ Community g The Reserve of Geneva 2508 Kaneville Road, Geneva Covenant Living at the Holmstad 700 W. Fabyan Pkwy., Batavia River Glen of St. Charles 975 N. 5th Ave., St. Charles

Bank g The State Bank of Geneva 22 S. 4th St., Geneva Old Second National Bank 37 S. River St., Aurora Chase Bank 5 N. Randall Road, Batavia

Financial Services (Accounting, Advising & Taxes)

Pet Groomer

g Geneva Investment Group 117 N. 3rd St., Geneva

Just for Paws 40W089 Route 64, St. Charles

Fox Valley Tax Solutions 605 W. Main St., St. Charles

Dirty Pawz 760 Heartland Drive, Sugar Grove

Lenity Financial, Inc. 724 W. State St., Suite A, Geneva

Photographer

g Dogtopia of South Elgin 580 Randall Road, South Elgin

Florist

g Drew Pertl St. Charles

g Town & Country Gardens 216 W. State St., Geneva

Kimberleeb Photography 8 S. Northampton Drive, Geneva

Farmdog Flowers 239 W. Wilson St., Batavia

Artistic Peggy Sue St. Charles

Schaefer Greenhouses 120 S. Lake St., Montgomery

Senior Care

Pet Boarding

g The Reserve of Geneva 2508 Kaneville Road, Geneva

g Dogtopia of South Elgin 580 Randall Road, South Elgin

Covenant Living at the Holmstad 700 W. Fabyan Pkwy., Batavia

DePaw Pet Resort 100 S. Glengarry Drive, Geneva Ruffner’s Luxury Pet Boarding 1880 Dean St., St. Charles

BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2026

Kane County's Finest • 2026 winners

Retail- Shopping, Food & Beverage Bridal/Formal Wear g Wolsfelt’s Bridal 1025 S. Lincoln Ave., Aurora Anew Consignment 27 W. State St., Geneva The Crystal Bride 207 W. State St., Geneva

Downtown Shopping District g 3rd Street Geneva Batavia St. Charles

Furniture Store g The Pep Line 201 Cedar Ave., St. Charles Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design 1725 S. Randall Road, Geneva Geneva Design House 207 James St., Geneva

Gift Shop

Gourmet Shop g Chi-cuterie 321 Franklin St., Geneva Josef’s Elegante Meat & Deli 716 W. State St., Suite A, Geneva The Royal Wren 11 S. 3rd St., Geneva

Home Decor g Cocoon 212 S. 3rd St. #2, Geneva Farmdog Flowers 239 W. Wilson St., Batavia The Pep Line 201 Cedar Ave., St. Charles

Jewelry Store g State Street Jewelers 230 W. State St., Geneva Fox Jewelers 1009 E. State St., Geneva K. Hollis Jewelers 2030 Main St., Batavia

Meat Market

g Bee Coco Candle 308 W. State St., Geneva

g Josef’s Elegante Meat & Deli 716 W. State St., Suite A, Geneva

Cocoon 212 S. 3rd St., Geneva

Ream’s Meat Market 250 S. Main St., Elburn

Farmdog Flowers 239 W. Wilson St., Batavia

Country Village Meats 715 E. State St., Suite 100, Geneva

Cocoon Photo by Locked In Photography

Specialty Item Shop g Bee Coco Candle 308 W. State St., Geneva Liz & Kate Boutique 407 S. 3rd St. #174, Geneva Farmdog Flowers 239 W. Wilson St., Batavia

Wine Shop g Geneva Winery & Tasting Room 426 S. 3rd St., Suite 1A, Geneva Up North Wine Tasting Room 9 N. 2nd St., Geneva Wine Exchange 1 Illinois St. #140, St. Charles

Women’s Boutique g Liz & Kate Boutique 407 S. 3rd St. #174, Geneva Anew Consignment 27 W. State St., Geneva

Chi-Cuterie Photo by Susan Ryan Photography & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2026 46 BUSINESS

House of 423 219 W. State St., Geneva

Behind the

SOPHISTICATED STRATEGY. GENUINE HUMANITY.

Serving Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia and beyond, the family-owned Lenity Financial is a boutique investment firm that understands the value of personal connection and care. Husband-and-wife team Lisa and Mark Bova have lived, worked and invested in the Geneva community for the past 24 years. They bring more than 50 years of combined experience. “We work with families and business owners, planning and investing their wealth for today and their future,” says Mark. “We offer wealth-management services including investment management, financial planning and tax planning.” Lenity participates in the community in several ways. The firm sponsors Geneva Beautification and plants and tends a garden on State Street in Geneva. The Bovas also contribute time and sponsorship at Water Street Studios in Batavia, participating in its annual fundraiser, All in for Art. “Naturally beautiful flowers and plants, and art, bring us together as a community, and it’s important to us to share in this way,” says Lisa. In addition, the Bovas enjoy participating in Geneva High School Career Day as speakers and the University of Illinois Financial Planning Career Day — Lisa’s alma mater. “It is our belief that mentoring young people and educating

LENITY FINANCIAL 724 W. State St., Suite A Geneva 630-948-3330 www.lenityfinancial.com

them about careers in our industry is an important way to give back,” says Lisa. 2026 marks Lenity Financial’s 10th anniversary and the Bovas’ 25th wedding anniversary. Family-owned and operated since 2016, Lenity Financial today manages nearly $100 million in investment assets. Clients who begin working with Lenity typically spend about four to eight hours with the Bovas as they build a comprehensive financial plan together. The process considers all aspects of life and finances so everyone has a clearer picture of goals and priorities. Unique to Lenity, the team invests 20 to 30 hours getting to know each new client. “It’s incredibly important to us to understand what our clients need their money to provide for them and their families today and in the future,” says Lisa. “It’s equally important for clients to spend this time upfront so they can get to know us and understand how we’ll work together. We invest this so that we’re aligned on their goals, financial needs and dreams,” says Mark. Accounts can be opened, moved and checked in a few taps. The Bovas built Lenity on the premise that a financial life is larger than the account: retirement a few years or months away, a business to run, parents already retired, children just entering a career, and an attorney or insurance adviser who need to work from the same set of facts. “We really get to know people and make it easier for them — and better in the long term,” Mark said. “We have a clear understanding of what our clients need us to do with their money, and we work together with their other advisors, such as a CPA or attorney, to create a more seamless financial experience.”

Photo by KimberleeB Photography

hether you’re looking to create more predictable retirement income, gain confidence that you’re ready to retire or design a tax-efficient legacy plan that honors your wishes, Lisa and Mark Bova, founders of Lenity Financial, work with families and business owners as fiduciary financial planners and investment professionals.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2026