KCM August-2015

TRAVEL EDITION

AUGUST 2015

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY with a tree-mendous destination PAGE 16

TRAVEL THE GLOBE TO THAILAND, JAPAN, AFRICA, IRELAND | PAGE 8

ENJOYING SUMMER?

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Editor's Note Ahh, summer. Evoking memories of road trips to interesting places, hiking weekends in undiscovered stretches of woods, and lazy days by the pool or along the shore.

As we wrap up this summer, we thought it was the perfect time to help you squeeze in that last minute summer vacation, or begin to plan the trip of a lifetime.

In this edition we take you outside the boundaries of our own communities, venturing to spots from the everyday to the exotic.

Kane County Chronicle Features editor and St Charles resident Kara Silva is a world traveler. She shares with us some of her favorite destinations – Thailand. Japan.

Africa – and offers insight and tips to getting the most from your excursion.

great options much closer to home, in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest.

Looking to grab the family for a lastminute, end of summer getaway? We’ve got you covered with great options that aren’t too far from home but feel a world away. No time for an overnight? Become a day-tripper, with “staycation” options that cover the Chicago area and fill your final days of summer with fun.

Whether you are a camper or a beachcomer prefer the accommodations of a fine hotel or the warmth of a cozy cabin, we have the best choices right here at your fingertips.

Thanks for reading,

Regular contributor Tom Witom took his trip of a lifetime this summer, recently returning from several weeks in lush Ireland. He shares that experience with us.

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor

GENERAL MANAGERS Jim Ringness 630-845-5228 jringness@shawmedia.com Laura Burke 630-427-6213 lburke@shawmedia.com EDITOR Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6209 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com

When it comes to escape nothing is trending hotter than the tree house. But they aren’t just for backyards and ten year olds anymore. Today’s hideaways in the sky offer indoor plumbing, full kitchens, air conditioning and more. We highlight some of the finest available for vacation rental in the Pacific Northwest,, as well as some

DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com MAGAZINE COORDINATOR Kelli Murray 630-427-6263 kmurray@shawmedia.com

on the

COVER

Tree houses are trending, like these beautiful cabins the in the sky at Tree House Point in Washington.

Discover the beauty of this out-of-the-box option for your next trip.

Page 16 Photo by Adam Crowley www.adamcrowley.com

4 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Published by Shaw Media 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-845-5288 www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

ACCOUNT MANAGERS Sandra Petti 630-313-0251 spetti@shawmedia.com Tricia Walter 630-845-5272 twalter@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Yvonne Benson, Kara Silva, Shonda Dudlicek, Allison Horne, Wendy Foster, Elizabeth Harmon, Jody Paige, Tom Witom, Melissa Riske PHOTOGRAPHERS Joe Perez, Ron McKinney, Lorae Mundt, Kathy Casstevens, Erin Stefanik, Adam Crowley

Kane County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Kane County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

CONNECTING

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26

EDITOR’S CHOICE: WORLDLY PALATE Got a taste for travel?

Whet your appetite for the journey with some great local options for international cuisine

PHOTO: GAMBERI E CAPPESANTE SCAMPI, VILLA VERONE - GENEVA.

INSIDE TRAVEL

DINING & ENTERTAINING

BUSINESS & CIVIC

7 TRAVEL SAVVY

24 FAST FOODIE FUN

46 SOCIAL LIFE

Shaw Media’s own Kara Silva shares the best of her travels – Thailand, Africa and Japan, to help you plan the vacation of your dreams!

Nearby destinations feed your foodie nature, and your desire to get away and play!

Art was in the air in Aurora at the Bazaar on Water Street.

14 ERIN GO BRAGH!

26 EDITOR’S CHOICE: WORLDLY PALATE

52 CATALYST FOR COOPERATION

Tom Witom just got home from Ireland, and offers his experience of this lush green isle.

Got a taste for travel? Whet your appetite for the journey with some great local options for international cuisine.

Geneva’s Mara Hauser builds business through work environment.

16 TREE-MENDOUS TRIPS

29 FRESH FARE WITH CULINARY TWISTS

Tree houses are trending, and there are fabulous cabins in the sky just waiting for your visit.

Abby’s breakfast and lunch offers new option in St. Charles

18 CLOSE-TO-HOME GETAWAYS

30 STYLE TO SAVOR

Escape for just a few days to finish up the summer.

For a modern Italian menu rich with Old World flavor, try Tribella Grill

20 CAMPING IN SUBURBIA

HOME AND LIFESTYLE

Plenty of adventure awaits at local campsites.

22 DAY TRIPPERS A time crunch in the dog days of summer need not mean the end of summer fun.

32 UNASSUMING ELBURN Small town builds business community with eye on family.

OUT AND ABOUT 54 ARTIST SHOWCASE Amy Klapperich furio of st. Charles shares her oil painting, Begin.End.

56 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Check out a variety of local events, courtesy of our own Planit Kane website!

58 RAINY DAY RESET Great local spots that are out of the elements, and anything but ordinary!

40 SPRUCING UP FOR FALL Wasco Nursery’s Megan Provencher shares her tips for a beautiful autumn garden.

42 NECESSARY BEAUTY Interior designer Rose Giliberto has the low-down on how and when to call in an expert.

44 GREAT TIPS FOR FAMILY TRIPS Get great advice for your next family journey.

6 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL

SAVVY SHAW MEDIA FEATURES EDITOR KARA SILVA OFFERS HER ODE TO WORLD TRAVEL

I

flight; and a girl dressed in tattered rags with fiery eyes that skewered the soul. Images like these lifted With a cover the color of sunflower the veil that shrouded my suburban petals and glossy pages filled with upbringing.

Where were these places? Who images of a world outside of my were these people? I had to find own, as a child I was rendered defenseless against the magazine’s out. ability to instill a ceaseless sense Eventually, my curiosity about the of wonder. world morphed exploration through blame National Geographic.

Those with an affinity for adventure often do.

With a turn of a page, I bore witness to giant red trees that made ants of men; exotic animals free to roam in habitats devoid of metal bars; a waterfall so wonderful it was described as being gazed upon by angels in

reading into real-life adventures.

Having had the privilege to travel to 33 U.S. states and 30 countries spanning five continents, what began as inquisition now borders on obsession.

Travel has introduced me to the

variants of life and left me with individually-tailored talismans of enlightenment, but there are still so many places to go, so many people to meet and stories to hear.

If each place is a piece of the puzzle, then - hopefully - the more I see, the more I will understand about the world and my place in it.

That has always been the allure of travel for me.

Kara Silva of St. Charles is features editor for our sister publication, the Kane County Chronicle. In the pages that follow, Silva takes us on a photo journey to some of her favorite destinations.

A BACKPACKER’S GUIDE TO AFRICAN SAFARI

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I

n Africa, the dirt gathers beneath your nails, gets under your skin and seeps into your soul. It’s an awe-inspiring place, where great difficulty comes in describing such a love affair in mere words. A safari through the Southeastern portion of the continent can be a life-changing experience, but one that often comes at a hefty price.

It’s no secret that travel is expensive, but an African safari can very well break the bank.

In 2008, Travel & Leisure Magazine reported a safari as costing an estimated $800 to $1,000 a person, per day (on average). Africa is not a destination exclusive to wealthy travelers. Learning how everyday people live in different parts of the world doesn’t (and shouldn’t) require a robust bank statement. If anything, having an exceedingly luxurious travel itinerary can remove one further from the truth of a place and its people.

So, if funding a safari is the problem, the answer is overlanding.

Instead of flying from place to place and by also sacrificing luxury lodging, five-star meals and overtly-lavish excursions - an overlanding vehicle’s ability to cover great distances on land, make a trip to Africa more feasible.

Considered the backpacker’s form of safari, overlanding utilizes large, truck-like modified vehicles - offterrain RVs, if you will - that seat about 30 people and carry all the

necessary accompaniments for tent camping and cooking, on a tour that can last anywhere from one week to two months. Hundreds of overland trucks traverse the African landscape between South Africa and Kenya (and beyond) each year, cementing overlanding as a popular alternative to the traditional safari experience.

The South Africa-based overlanding outfitter Nomad Africa Adventure Tours began making overlanding trips in the ‘90s with two employees and a single truck. Today, more than 40 trucks and 150 employees have joined the operation, according to the Nomad website.

Nomad’s 13-day tour of Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana will cost roughly $1,700 (not including airfare) and includes overnight accommodation in tents (or - at an added cost - hotels), most meals, transportation and excursions and activities, such as a full-day safari via 4x4 vehicle in Kruger National Park, a visit to Victoria Falls, guided bush walks in the Okavango Delta and game-viewing by boat along the Chobe River.

When it comes to travel to Africa, budget doesn’t mean not as good, it just means less expensive.

For more information about Nomad Africa Adventure Tours, visit nomadtours.co.za.

-Kara Silva

TOP: While viewing a sunset during a walking safari in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, a harem of zebras grazes nearby.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Soweto – short for South Western Township – in Johannesburg, South Africa. A “poler” maneuvers a mokoro boat in the Okavango Delta. Dinner is prepared over a campfire during a three-day camping trip in the Botswana bush. Breakfast is served in Kruger National Park in South Africa. Taryn Hegi (left) and Kara Silva pitch a tent in the Okavango Delta.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 9

TRAVERSING THAILAND

FOUR PLACES TO VISIT WHILE IN THIS SOUTHEAST ASIAN HOT SPOT

B

ANGKOK: Bustling Bangkok is a cosmopolitan capital city with an electric nightlife. Because Bangkok is a transportation hub, and launch pad for other inter-country attractions, the question isn’t will you visit but how long will you stay? For serious eats, hit the streets. The city has been considered a street-food Shangri-La by irreverent chef and travel-savvy writer Anthony Bourdain.

For a more refined dining experience (dresscode applicable) the five-star Mandarin Oriental

10 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Hotel - where writers like Joseph Conrad (“Heart of Darkness”) and Graham Greene (“Journey Without Maps”) used to hang out - boasts spectacular views of illuminated boats crossing the Chao Phraya River by night.

site is fit with myriad temples, monasteries and palaces that are best visited via tuk-tuk.

For about $15, a tuk-tuk driver will provide an all-day, whirlwind adventure, allowing travelers to explore the crumbling sites of the former AYUTTHAYA: What once was declared one of the Siamese capital city at leisure. most magnificent cities on earth now is a city PHUKET AND ITS ISLANDS: Phuket is a in ruin. Located just 50 miles north of Bangkok, mountainous island blanketed by rainforests and Ayutthaya is an archaeological masterpiece sprinkled with beautiful white-sand beaches; it situated on an island surrounded by three rivers. also is the jumping off point for island hopping in the Andaman Sea. Traveling by long-tail boat (the Founded in 1350, the UNESCO World Heritage TRAVEL

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LEFT: Long-tailed boats, known as the “gondolas” of southern Thailand line the shore of an island in Phang Nga Bay. CLOCKWISE: Monks snap photos of Wat Chaiwatthanaram, formerly a Buddhist temple, in Ayutthaya. An opulent statue at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Dinner and drinks at the outdoor restaurant On The Beach at Panwa Beach in Phuket. A hut seen in one of the hill tribe villages of northern Thailand.

BOTTOM: Kara Silva boards a tuk-tuk taxi in Chiang Mai.

“gondolas” of Southern Thailand) through Phang Nga Bay to witness limestone towers protruding from pristine waters is a must. Popular island stop-offs on the way include Phi Phi Leh Island, a film location for “The Beach” - the backpacker’s cult classic starring Leonardo DiCaprio - or channel Britain’s favorite secret-service agent by visiting “James Bond Island” (Khao Phing Kan) to see scenes from “The Man with the Golden Gun.” For a bit of monkey mayhem, visit Wat Suwan Kuha (or “Monkey Temple”), a cave

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temple with a large, reclining Buddha statue that is completely overrun by monkeys. Vendors sell food to visitors to feed these little miscreants, so expect to be climbed on and stolen from if food is involved.

CHIANG MAI: The elephant is a prominent symbol of Thailand, and if riding an Asian elephant bareback through a lush jungle sounds enticing, then Chiang Mai is the place. Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a flourishing city surrounded by mountains that serves as a TRAVEL

base for backpackers and tourists looking for adventure. After spending a day at an elephant camp, exploring hilltribe villages, rafting on bamboo floats or mountain biking through a maze of opulent temples and falling ruins, relax on the terrace of the Four Seasons hotel. Listed in Patricia Schultz’s “1,000 Places to See Before You Die,” the 20-acre resort’s romantic Elephant Bar boasts stunning sunset views of what resembles a northern Thai village.

-Kara Silva KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 11

MISSION TO MOUNT FUJI

MANEUVERING JAPAN’S MOST POPULAR ATTRACTION

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W

itnessing the dawn of a new day from the very symbol of Japan - Mount Fuji - deserves a prominent position on any bucket list.

Mount Fuji is an active volcano and the tallest mountain in Japan at 12,380 feet. Serving as the Land of the Rising Sun’s most popular tourist attraction, Mount Fuji receives roughly 200,000 climbers to its summit each year.

The official climbing season takes place from July to mid-September, when weather is temperate and facilities and trails are open. The word “climbing” is being used very loosely. The journey to the top is more of an uphill hike, but the higher altitude can greatly affect your pace.

Traditionally, the Mt. Fuji ascent is completed at night with flashlights, glow sticks and anything else that will emit light. The reason for this is to be among the first people in the world to witness the coming of a new day. Hostel-style huts en route to the top provide food, basic medical supplies and a place to sleep.

Often, overnight climbers begin the ascent from the fifth station rather than the volcano’s base, as that’s as far as paved roads go. In total, there are 10 stations, or checkpoints.

The mountain has four different fifth stations from which to choose to begin the climb to the top.

Climb times slightly vary for each trail; the shortest possible ascent time clocking in at four hours.

Once you’ve made it to the 10th station, you’ve made it to the top for a world-class sunrise. Expect hundreds of people to be in attendance for such an event, but its popularity won’t make it any less spectacular.

-Kara Silva

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Travel companions Kylie McGrenera (left) and Taizo Kasuya descend Mount Fuji. Matsumoto Castle. Monks ascend a set of stairs leading to Kiyomizu-dera, an historic temple that was established in 778, in Kyoto. Hot soup and tea after ascending Mount Fuji.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Travelers Kara Silva (left) and her sister, Kylie McGrenera, wait at a bus stop after visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 13

ERIN GO BRAGH (Ireland forever!)

With TOM WITOM

Guidebooks generally do a good job describing Ireland, but they only go so far. The best way to get to know the country and its people – a quick-witted, sharp-tongued and thoroughly charming lot – is through a firsthand, feet on-the-ground encounter.

My wife and I did just that in early June, traveling for two weeks with a small group led by a knowledgeable, experienced coordinator and supplemented by occasional informative talks by local experts in literature, history, geology, and flora and fauna.

Our journey began in Killarney in the southwest, proceeded north to Galway and then to Killybegs before moving southeast on the final leg to Dublin.

Try as they might, brochures can’t successfully capture the beauty of the rugged, scenic countryside. Who knew there could be so many different shades of green?

As luck would have it, Mother Nature provided an atypical string of gorgeous, rainless days with temperatures holding mostly in the upper 60s.

There’s nothing like a traditional Irish breakfast – eggs, potatoes, bacon, broiled tomato, blood sausages, fruit, toast, juice and coffee – to help one get psyched up for an excursion around the Ring of Kerry, where we traveled narrow winding roads and became immersed in the eye-popping hilly landscape dotted with grazing sheep and cattle on parcels of land carefully delineated by stone fencing.

A hike in Killarney National Park provided magnificent views of grounds home to native 14 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

oak woods and one of the oldest stands of yew in Europe. Look carefully and see Ross Castle, a fortified 15th century stronghold built on a rocky outcrop.

The following day found our coach exploring Dingle Peninsula, once proclaimed by National Geographic as “the most beautiful place on Earth.” Other stunning prospects came to light during a visit to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, majestically sweeping some 700 feet high.

The rugged moon-like terrain of the Burren, on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, provided more unforgettable memories. This natural wonder, among the largest karst limestone landscapes in Europe, is home to archaeological monuments going back to the Stone Age; visitors can see Arctic flowers like the bright blue Spring Gentian blooming cheek-by-jowl with Mediterranean species such as wild Dense-Flowered Orchids.

A local historian provided an orientation to Galway (population 76,778 and Ireland’s fourthlargest city) during a walk through its streets.

A ferry ride to Inis Mor, the largest of the Islands of Aran, revealed remnants of early Gaelic civilization, where Christian ruins that rested alongside pagan relics If your travels allow a stop in the town of Adare in County Limerick, check out historic thatched TRAVEL

cottages dating back to 1828; unfortunately, shortly before our visit two of the 11 remaining cottages were destroyed by fire.

A stop off-the-beaten path took us to the Gallarus Oratory, known as “The Church of the Place of the Foreigners” – a small, impressive pyramid-shaped stone structure believed to have been an early shelter for hermits located on the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland.

Other cherished memories brought home from the trip include dinner (Irish stew) at the home of a stonemason, and watching young schoolchildren engage in an end-of-term sports day where they enthusiastically demonstrated their hurling and Gaelic football skills.

One thing we quickly learned is how much the Irish revere their literary heroes. On our way to Killybegs we made a brief stop in tiny Drumcliffe, the meticulously maintained final resting place of Nobel Prize-winning poet W.B. Yeats.

Hargadon Bros. Pub in Sligo may be known for its food but it’s equally regarded for its mid-day readings of verses from Yeats’ canon.

At Powerscourt Theatre in Dublin’s bustling city center, actor Gerry Farrell enthralled a lunchtime audience with his humorous hour-long adaptation of James Joyce’s “Ulysses.” Elsewhere in town, a lifelike statue of poet, novelist and www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

A view of Ross Castle in Killarney.

satirist Oscar Wilde stands out in Merrion Square, a beautifully landscaped park perfect for strolling.

Though the Book of Kells draws visitors by the throng, a smart alternate can be found at the Chester Beatty Library in the Clock Tower Building at Dublin Castle; it charges no admission fee and houses a treasure trove of illuminated copies of the Bible, Qur’an and other European medieval and renaissance manuscripts. This eclectic collection is well worth seeing; take the time to view short videos on paper making, bookbinding and the processes of etching, engraving and woodcuts.

If you see it on the menu, try the boxty, a traditional pancake made with potatoes, an Irish staple, and served with savory fillings.

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Another ideal people-watching park, St. Stephen’s Green, includes paved paths, a formal garden (including a garden for the blind with scented plants that are labeled in braille), a bandstand, ponds and statuary.

Nearby Trinity College also offers visitors a fine place to exercise their legs in Dublin, the country’s capital and largest city (population 1.1 million).

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 15

TAKE YOUR TRIP TO NEW HEIGHTS

By JODY PAIGE

As children we all wished we had one - a hideaway up in the trees to call our own. A space in nature away from demanding adults. But for many it remained a dream – perhaps there was no yard, or no tree large enough. Maybe there was no one to build it. And we grew up.

What if, as an adult, you could still make that dream come true, or relive the joy a backyard tree house once held?

Throughout the United States and in locations internationally, nestled above the world are a growing number of tree house resorts and hotels.

They range from rustic, above ground camping lodges without running water or bathrooms to luxury accommodations to rival any unique or boutique getaways.

“One of the main things that attracts people to tree houses are they revert us back to our childhood,” says Marty Canfarelli, owner of

16 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins in Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest. “Building a tree house and playing in nature - some of our fondest memories stem from that.”

Planet TV show “Treehouse Masters” has stirred up interest in tree house resorts and all weekends through November 2015 were booked by the end of February.

ELEVATED STATUS

White Oak sleeps four to six and has a large branch that extends into the tree house. It will rent for $210 -$225 a night in 2016 and Maple Oak sleeps two to four with rates of $175-$195 a night.

Just a five hour drive from Chicago to the southern tip of Illinois is an area that Canfarelli says is largely undiscovered beyond the “cornfield desert”.

Canfarelli and his wife, Elizabeth were looking for a way to supplement their retirement and used his experience building high rises to construct White Oak and Maple Oak – tree houses for rent.

Canfarelli says the popularity of the Animal TRAVEL

“It’s what we remember from childhood, but this is a notch up,” Canfarelli says. “There are toilets, showers, a kitchen and refrigerator for those who want a bit more and there is heating and air conditioning.”

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¢ TIP FOR TRAVELERS Staying in a tree house can be an adventure. Make sure to get the experience you expect - some tree houses are among the trees elevated on stilts, others built between or around the trees and others truly within the trees. Those interested should consider that tree houses can have a considerable number of stairs, lack plumbing, are located at a height and some, for safety reasons, do not allow children younger than 13 or pets.

Photos provided by www.adamcrowley.com

He is finding grandparents are wanting to share the tree house experience with their grandchildren, who are often more in tune with technology than nature.

“Some of them have never even climbed a tree,” Canfarelli says.

More information is available at timberridgeoutpost.com

ROMANTIC ROOTS Daniel Alexander discovered a great tree in the yard when he purchased his home in Schaumburg.

“I have wanted a tree house since I was a kid,” he says.

After reading a New York Times article about airbnb, an online marketplace to discover unique accommodations, Alexander thought it would be fun to share his tree house with others.

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Up to two adults can stay in his Romantic Garden “Visitors are often surprised to find that, aside Treehouse for about $218 a night and also enjoy from the absence of running water, toilets, and a hot tub, waterfall and koi pond.

WiFi in the tree houses directly (though all are available on the property and very nearby the “The tree house gives a special experience,” he tree houses), we have included many thoughtful says. “It’s the feeling of getting away from it all touches in a stay, such as handmade beds, even though it’s in my backyard.” artisan chocolates, luxurious fabrics, spa-like ROUGHING IT bathhouses, Fair Trade bath and body products,” TreeHouse Point in Fall City, Washington is says Manager Damon Bishop. perhaps one of the best known tree house He says although they have a main lodge with resorts in the country, due to the popularity of more of the creature comforts it is often the last owner Pete Nelson’s show “Treehouse Masters” room booked. as well as his books and company – all geared “Most desire the experience of being in a tree toward sharing about tree house construction. house for the night, not the experience of Nelson has a great respect for nature and talks sleeping in a bed and breakfast in a room in a in his books about “connecting respectfully and traditional building, he says. responsibly to living trees.” uMore information is available at The resort now offers six tree house options ranging from $255-$355 a night, and rustic runs www.treehousepoint.com right along with luxury at the resort.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 17

Close-To-Home

GETAWAYS

By ELIZABETH HARMON

Didn’t have time for a vacation this year? Stop regretting your too-busy summer schedule, and start packing!

We’ve got suggestions for seven great getaways to help you make the most of the waning weeks of summer. Whether it’s a trip with the kids, a romantic weekend with your sweetie, or bonding with the girls (or guys), we have a close-to-home destination that’s perfect for your kind of fun.

million acres, Shawnee National Forest has a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities from picnics and day hikes, to horse camping, wilderness backpacking, rockclimbing, fishing, and boating. At nearby recreational areas, explore historic forts, cypress swamps, and the Garden of the Gods, a stunning canyon of towering sandstone formations left behind by a long extinct sea.

Galena, IL

INSIDE SCOOP: Southern Illinois is also home to the state’s burgeoning HOW FAR: 164 miles, driving distance wine industry. Since its start in from Chicago 1990, the region has grown from WHY GO: Grown-up fun five wineries, to nearly fifty. Sip, dine and unwind along two wine WHAT’S THERE: A quaint shopping trails, the award-winning Shawnee district, historical sites, fine dining, Hills Wine Trail, covering twelve spas, great golf and scenic beauty, wineries located in the heart of the make Galena perfect for a romantic Shawnee National Forest, and the weekend or a girls’ (or guy’s) Southern Trail, which travels deep getaway. into Little Egypt, the scenic delta at INSIDE SCOOP: Stay where Lincoln the state’s Southern-most point. The and Ulysses S. Grant stayed, at the area offers unique lodging too. Spend 160-year-old DeSoto Hotel, located the night in a luxurious modern in the heart of downtown Galena. winery, a historical hotel, a restored Opened in 1855, the DeSoto has lockmaster’s home overlooking the hosted presidents, survived fires, Ohio River, or even a restored 1910 condemnation, and been renovated school house. into an elegant 55- room boutique hotel. There’s even a ghost tour that LEARN MORE: www. departs in front of the hotel at 8 p.m. southernmostillinois.com weekend nights during the summer. Michigan Shores/ LEARN MORE: visitgalena.reachlocal. net

Southern Illinois/ Shawnee Hills Area HOW FAR: 332 miles driving distance from Chicago

Benton Harbor Area HOW FAR: 100 miles, driving distance from Chicago WHY GO: Family fun in the great outdoors

WHAT’S THERE: The Benton Harbor/ WHY GO: Camp and hike amid scenic St. Joseph area communities have drawn generations of visitors in wilderness you’ll never believe is in search of lakefront beauty, great Illinois. food, local wine and the simple, WHAT’S THERE: At over a quartertimeless relaxation summer 18 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

memories are made of.

org

INSIDE SCOOP: “There truly is more outdoor family fun in this area than a family could pack into a week or longer stay,” said Millicent Huminski, Executive Director of Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council. She recommends a visit to St. Joseph’s Silver Beach, home of a restored carousel, plus plenty of sandy fun.

Enjoy beach volleyball, a playground, kayak rental, fishing spectacular sunsets and more. Nearby, splash in the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, with 35’ water sprays and water cannons that blast every fifteen minutes.

St. Louis, MO

LEARN MORE: www.swmichigan.org

INSIDE SCOOP: The City Museum housed in an old shoelace factory near downtown St. Louis is a oneof-a-kind attraction you won’t find anywhere else. “It’s a wonderland for families, says Anthony Paraino, Director of Communications for the St. Louis Convention and Visitor’s Commission. Attractions include an aquarium, circus exhibit, sculptures that kids can climb on, a roof-top slide, Ferris wheel and more. Plus, it’s open in the evenings!

Milwaukee, WI HOW FAR: 92 miles, driving distance from Chicago WHY GO: Beer, Baseball, Bands and more WHAT’S THERE: Over 150 restaurants, numerous museums, including the famous HarleyDavidson Museum, art galleries, the 3-mile Riverwalk (complete with the Bronze Fonz), brewery tours, beer-tastings, ethnic and music festivals, the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Brewers, and the lakefront, Milwaukee is sophisticated, eclectic and LGBT-friendly.

INSIDE SCOOP: A locavore’s delight, Milwaukee’s Braise is one of the nation’s best slow food and roof to table restaurants. Spend the night at the historic 1893 Pfister Hotel, and in the morning, sweeten your coffee or tea with honey produced by the 23,000 honeybees that live in hives on the hotel’s roof.

LEARN MORE: www.visitmilwaukee.

TRAVEL

HOW FAR: 297 miles driving distance from Chicago WHY GO: Family Fun in the Big City WHAT’S THERE: The Gateway Arch!

Plus the Cardinals, many museums including a children’s museum, Forest Park, home of the St. Louis Zoo; Grant’s Farm, home of the Budweiser Clydesdales, brewery and chocolate factory tours and much more! There are regional destinations too. Six Flags, Raging River Water Park and Meramec Caverns caves are an hour’s drive or less.

LEARN MORE: explorestlouis.com

Amish Country/ Elkhart, IN Area HOW FAR: 112 miles driving distance from Chicago WHY GO: Scenic beauty, small town charm, quilts, crafts and RVs. WHAT’S THERE: The Heritage Trail scenic drive passes through seven communities, from Elkhart through Shipshewana. Along the way, are Amish farm tours and shops, quiltinspired gardens and murals, and natural beauty. Each town along the www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

HEALING SPACE Heritage Trail has its own attractions, ranging from botanical gardens, and a restored mansion, to the RV/Motorhome Hall of Fame. There’s plenty of shopping, and dining too. Spend the night in a country inn, log cabin, or campground catering to RV enthusiasts.

INSIDE SCOOP: The Shipshewana Flea Market has over 300 vendors carrying collectibles, housewares, home and garden décor, clothing and more. On Wednesdays, there’s an antique auction, livestock and horses other days. “It’s not Amish, but it’s been around for a long time, is very established and there’s always something going on,” said Jackie Hughes, Public Relations Manager for the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. When it’s time to eat head ten miles south to the tiny town of Emma, to the Emma Café, housed in a restored 1930s general store, for sandwiches, pizza and home-style entrees. Be sure to save room for the café’s homemade pie.

LEARN MORE: www.amishcountry.org

Sheboygan, Wisconsin HOW FAR: 200 miles, driving distance from Chicago WHY GO: Family fun, outdoor recreation WHAT’S THERE: Plenty of sand beach, hiking and boating, great children’s museums, festivals and concerts all summer long and the PGA Championship August 10-16.

INSIDE SCOOP: Blue Harbor Resort offers one of the most majestic locations on Lake Michigan. You get beautiful views and all the amenities, including a full indoor waterpark, beautiful beach access complete with canoeing, kayaking and watersports, and even individual vIllas for families and groups. Looking for something fast and loud? Check out Road America, just outside town, hosting more than 400 professional races and NASCAR events each year for more than five decades.

LEARN MORE: visitsheboygan.com www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

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847.304.5526 www.healingspacellc.com KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 19

CAMPING

in suburbia

By ALLISON HORNE

The bustling city of Chicago may be just down the street, but hidden campgrounds throughout the area offer an escape without going that far from your own backyard.

Camping in both Kane and DuPage counties might not be as extreme as backpacking through the Rockies, but there is still plenty of adventure out there waiting at suburban campsites.

WHERE TO GO There are great camping and hiking spots all over the country, but it’s also possible to get a great outdoor experience without even leaving DuPage and Kane counties.

wooded and semi-wooded sites with electricity, a gravel parking pad, fire ring and picnic table.

No sewage and water hookups are available at this location. Fees are $20 per night for DuPage residents and $30 for nonresidents.

Kane County has several campgrounds that are available to the public for camping. Big Rock Campground, located in the Big Rock Forest Preserve, has 96 campsites with 50-amp service, water access, parking and a fire ring, as well as nine sites for tents only and four equestrian campsites. The forest preserve features 850 acres of wetlands, woodlands and open meadows.

“It’s actually kind of a hidden little gem for a suburban campground,” says Bob McNeely, assistant manager of site operations for the West Division. “It’s really nice, and there are plenty of activities to do with the trails and the boats and all that. It’s really family-oriented.”

The Paul Wolff Campground at Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin also is a viable option for families looking to escape suburbia for a bit.

Nestled amongst nine miles of hiking trails and 600 acres of rolling hills is an 89-site campground with 50-amp service, water access, parking pads and fire rings. There are also 10 primitive sites for tents only, and five equestrian campsites. Fees are $15 for Kane County residents per night and $25 for nonresidents.

DuPage County also has campgrounds at the Blackwell Forest Preserve, which features 64

20 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

TRAVEL

Fish Lake Beach Campground in Volo has plenty of family fun for all ages. Campsites feature water and electric hookups, and there are clean bathrooms, hot showers and coin-operated laundry facilities onsite. The camp also features some luxuries, like a heated swimming pool, kiddie pool, hot tub, hayrides, outdoor movies on Saturday and family activities like bingo, ceramics, and themed dances.

For something a little further outside of the city, Starved Rock in Utica has proven to be a camper favorite. With 18 canyons, 13 miles of trails with waterfalls, sandstone bluffs and natural springs, this adventure is one not to be missed. There are 129 Class-A premium campsites, which are $25 per night. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

RV CAMPING If dirt and sleeping on the ground don’t really sound ideal, another option for camping this summer is RV camping.

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Buying is a big commitment, but many RV stores offer renting options for families looking to use the RV for vacation use.

“Renting can be a good start to see if the RV lifestyle is a good fit,” says Tony Mucerino, owner of Hometown RV. There is no special licensing needed to rent an RV. Unlike tent camping, RV camping can provide the comfort of home while out in the wilderness. Luxuries like bathrooms, refrigerators, and beds are just a few of the perks to staying in an RV while camping.

“There’s an aspect of cleanliness,” Mucerino says in regards to RV camping. “You don’t have to rely on the campground that you went to, and you know you have a shower and a clean facility to use.”

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Most campsites have both tent camping and RV areas, although the facilities (electricity, water and sewer hookups) vary depending on location.

“This is just a different way to go from point A to point B,” Mucerino says.

Whether it is local or somewhere across the country, camping is a great way to get in touch with Mother Nature and appreciate the surroundings.

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CAMPING MUSTS Camping varies from location to location, but there are some things that are necessities if you’re heading out to sleep under the stars for a night.

Amy Knutson Strack, owner of Northerly Outfitters, has been all over the country (and beyond) to seek out nature. Not only does she sell equipment for camping and outdoors activities, but she also lives the lifestyle.

“We are very Midwest-centric at Northerly Outfitters,” Knutson Strack says. “We understand the complexities of travel, and we have the ability to learn where people are going, what they already own and fill in the gap.”

321 Stevens Street, Suite R Geneva, IL 60134 630-232-9097 www.kdminvest.com

Knutson Strack helps both beginners and experienced campers pinpoint exactly what they need for camping and hiking excursions.

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

TRAVEL

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 21

DAY-TRIPPERS A TIME CRUNCH IN THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER NEED NOT MEAN THE END OF SUMMER FUN

By SHONDA DUDLICEK

This summer, be a tourist.

View everything as though it’s the first time and every day trip will be an adventure.

STARVED ROCK, LASALLE COUNTY Up for a hike? Head west along Interstate 80 to Starved Rock State Park in Ottawa.

And when you’re done exploring the park, the surrounding community offers charming wineries, cultural museums, parks and more.

“We have 13 miles of hiking trails that take people to canyons and overlooks. It’s just a beautiful place.”

CHICAGO RIVER, LAKE MICHIGAN

The waterways are what make Chicago. Learn about stately architecture on a Chicago Amazing waterfalls are active in the Architecture Foundation River spring and after this season’s heavy Cruise, or see the sites from a rains. Trails offer exploration by foot Segway on land. Docents explain and by horse, and the Illinois River buildings along the way. See offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking Chicago through a visitor’s eyes and and rafting, along with extraordinary gain a better appreciation for this views and great places to relax. beautiful city.

Experience a fun, outdoor adventure Take a cruise along the shores of with a guided hike to three Lake Michigan. Spirit of Chicago spectacular waterfalls and canyons: offers sightseeing, dining and French, St. Louis and Ottawa. dancing day and night. The ships Not up for a long hike? Take a tour have three levels, including a on Ranger or Bella, the resident rooftop deck with comfy couches Starved Rock Trolleys! There is not and two indoor air-conditioned better way to ride! Ranger seats up decks with panoramic windows to 26 guests in its cozy, charming and a DJ. Cruises dock at Navy interior. Another luxurious option Pier, which may be Chicago’s most is a canal boat tour, complete with popular tourist destination. Locals lunch at the Lodge. won’t admit it, but there’s nothing like taking in the skyline from the The visitor’s center should always top of the 150-foot Ferris Wheel. be the first stop for maps and tips for hikers of all levels, advises Jolyn Wise, natural resources coordinator.

Starved Rock, LaSalle County Photo by Kathy Casstevens

22 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

The staff of the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center have put together some great educational programs for all ages. Bring the kids and learn all about the exciting history and geology of this park.

TRAVEL

CHICAGO WATER TAXI For $10 or less, hop aboard a water taxi and get an all-day pass.

Visit the MagMile and window shop at Water Tower Place and the American Girl Doll store.

Get a sweet treat at Hershey’s, Ghirardelli’s or the new Dylan’s www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

CHICAGO BEARS TRAINING CAMP, BOURBONNAIS How cool is it that fans can watch Chicago’s football team train for free? The team practices on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University, an hour south of Chicago. Gates open at 10 a.m. and practice follows around 11:15. Campgrounds stay open until 2 p.m. with kid- and fan-friendly activities.

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Candy Bar. Other stops include Chinatown and Goose Island. The water taxi is an affordable way to see the city without paying exorbitant parking fees.

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LAKE GENEVA, WI Closer than Wisconsin Dells and not filled with water parks, Lake Geneva offers plenty of water activities like swimming, parasailing, kayaking, paddleboats and rowing. Cruises offer champagne or sunset tours and a U.S. Mailboat Tour, which allows visitors to watch postal workers leap from the boat to the docks while the boat keeps moving.

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“What makes Lake Geneva special is its proximity to the Chicago area,” says Julie Baron, public relations consultant for the Lake Geneva Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s the law that anyone who has a place on the lake must allow people access so visitors can walk 21 miles and peek into the mansions and estates. And the water is very, very accessible for those who don’t have their own craft.”

It’s where hip meets historic -- easily accessible by train, bike, foot and auto.

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 23

Fast foodie fun

Looking for a quick trip with great taste?

These nearby destinations feed your foodie nature, and your desire to get away and play! Take a day, or the weekend and fill up on delicious food, fun entertainment and Midwestern hospitality.

THE MIDWEST GARLIC FEST SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 ELIZABETH, ILLINOIS

TASTE OF THE GARDENS SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 ELKHART, INDIANA

The Midwest Garlic Fest is a celebration of garlic, food, family and music, hosted in historic Elizabeth, Illinois, just 13 miles from Galena.

Spend a summer day strolling through beautiful gardens, perusing fine art, listening to music and enjoying a sampling of tasty foods in the tranquil gardens surrounding the ponds of Elkhart’s historic Wellfield Botanic Gardens.

An array of vendors feature a surplus of naturally grown garlic, garlic related food items, local garlic themed dishes and local spirits. There will be live entertainment, contests and children’s activities throughout the day.

The event is hosted by Galena Garlic Company and is expected to bring garlic lovers from across the Midwest and beyond. Located on Highway 20 in Terrapin Park,

Please visit www.facebook.com/ midwestgarlicfest for more info, or call 815-777-9625

Exhibiting creations of ceramic and glass, wood and sculpture, furniture, photography, and flowers, artist converge at he gardens for this annual judged event. A variety of area restaurants serve up their scrumptious fare, wine and beverages, while local musicians entertain throughout the day.

Hosted by the Elkhart Rotary Club, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, August 22 at the gardens, 1011 N. Main St. in Elkhart. Admission: $5 adults, children 12 and under are free. Food and drink tickets are sold onsite.

Visit TasteOfTheGarden.org to learn more.

24 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

DINING & ENTERTAINING

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

GENEVA’S Local Butcher Filet Mignons ~ Boneless Ribeye ~ Prime Rib

We dry age choice & prime cuts of American Beef and cut them to your specs!

BACON5KEGS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 RACINE, WISCONSIN Bacon5Kegs Southeast Wisconsin is a fun-filled bacon tasting event with vendors from local Racine bars and restaurants.

The hottest restaurants in Racine will prepare and serve bacon samples to thousands of attendees in an effort to win the Bacon and Kegs “Ultimate Baconprenuer” award.

The event takes place at the Racine Yacht Club, nestled right next to Racine’s North Beach offering spectacular views of the lake and Racine Harbor. It kicks off with a 5k. The top three male and female finishers in the following age groups will receive a special lanyard or placement ribbon.

Homemade Italian or Polish Sausage • Brats • Aged Tender Steaks • BBQ Ribs • Jumbo Chops Signature Burgers for the Grill (12oz. each) • Tuscan • Blue Cheese • Bacon-Onion Cheddar • Jalapeno Jack • Gourmet Sliders A Summer Favorite!

20 Different Fresh Salads Daily and Our Own Homemade Potato Salad

What’s a party without Josef ’s potato salad?

Featuring a full Line of Boars Head Lunceheon Meats

After the run is the featured “Bacon Bar” Items may include bacon wrapped appetizers, bacon dipped in chocolate, bacon Bloody Mary’s, bacon vodka and more. Also included are five kegs of beer (free until its gone) but don’t worry... there is a full bar service on the premises. So after the 5K, kick back and relax, eat lots of bacon and enjoy a cold brew.

Tickets are available for both run participation and the bacon bar, or just the bacon bar. Visit www.bacon5kegs.com/

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

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DINING & ENTERTAINING

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 25

WORLDLY PALATE ¢EDITOR’S CHOICE¢

THAI VILLAGE’S BLAZING SHRIMP AND SCALLOPS Photo by Ron McKinney

THAI ¢ THAI VILLAGE 4 N. BATAVIA AVENUE, BATAVIA

ISACCO’S BRAISED SHORT RIBS CANNELLONI Photo by Ron McKinney

ITALIAN ¢ ISACCO KITCHEN 210 CEDAR STREET, ST. CHARLES Steeped in tradition and Old World flavors, the menu at Isacco Kitchen is as inventive as it is delicious. Try a fried zucchini flower, filled with Italian cheeses, or start with the mission figs dip made with goat cheese, and served with Prosciutto and fresh bread. Follow with the short rib baked manicotti, or the lamb shank osso buco, served with saffron risotto. A favorite is the seafood casserole, which layers mussels, clams, calamari, shrimps, scallops, and octopus with fresh tomatoes and fettuccine.

Whatever the choice, it’s a delicious alternative to the ordinary.

¢ VILLA VERONE

¢ GAETANO’S

416 HAMILTON STREET, GENEVA

15 E. WILSON STREET, BATAVIA

Quaint and comfortable, Villa Verone is the perfect spot for a relaxing dinner, perhaps in the courtyard, out of the way of the hustle and bustle. Try a delicious starter of Rollatini di Melenzane, a thinly slice eggplant rolled and filled with fresh ricotta cheese. Pasta takes center stage at Villa Verone, offering homemade options of every shape and sauce. A delicious option is the Papparedelle Paradiso, a tri-colored pasta served in a goat cheese sauce with roasted garlic and chicken. Pick a night with a starry sky and a light breeze and enjoy.

One of the more recent arrivals to the market is Gaetano’s, a second locale to the long-standing Forest Park sister restaurant. Order individually off the menu –butternut squash gnocchi tossed with beef short rib and wild mushroom ragout; pork loin stuffed with crab meat shrimp and gorgonzola; cedarbaked steak with fresh herbs and house made horseradish sauce – or indulge in a three or four course tasting for the entire table. The chef chooses his best and brightest array of complementary dishes to feed your cravings.

26 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

DINING & ENTERTAINING

From the beautifully fresh cuisine to the smiling staff, you can’t help but enjoy your time at Thai Village. Whether you choose the luscious duck with berry sauce, the popular Panang Curry with coconut milk, basil and lime leaves, or the delicate steamed dumplings filled with shrimp and crab meat– everything on the menu is fresh, perfectly prepared and delicious.

It’s a certified Illinois BYOB dining destination, so bring your favorite bottle and enjoy a delightful evening.

¢ VINO THAI 3825 E MAIN ST., ST CHARLES Just east of downtown St. Charles is Vino Thai, known for simple healthy food with flavorful Thai spices. Favorites include the spicy asparagus, tossed with your choice of meat, onion and Thai hot pepper, corn and fresh basil; or perhaps grilled and glazed salmon topped with bell pepper and crunchy green basil. Many choices allow you to determine the level of heat, making the entire menu approachable and enjoyable for any taste. Going with www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

a group? Start with the Thai Platter, a combination of seven appetizer favorites alongside Cucumber Salad and dipping sauces.

¢ TUSK 102 N. RIVER ST, BATAVIA Named for the famed elephants of Surin, Thailand, this eatery sits adjacent to walkable and charming River Street district in Batavia’s downtown. Enjoy delicate panfried chive dumplings, or an array of ginger infused stir-fry, varying in flavor and intensity. Try the specialty - Pad Pik Khing Tofu, a traditional Thai curry stir-fry of tofu, green beans, kaffir lime leaves, and red curry, or shrimp served in a light and delicious coconut curry sauce with tomatoes and peas. And if you’re feeling bold, perhaps the Thai fire, stir-fried with plenty of spices, along with chilis, bell peppers, onions, bamboo shoots, and basil.

LATIN ¢ EL MOLCAJETE 113 W. STATE ST., GENEVA If you’re looking for the perfect spot to stop while strolling downtown Geneva, open the doors to El Molcajete. The menu is filled with dishes inspired with freshness and simplicity. A wide appetizer menu is perfect for sharing, including foursomes of sopesitios (the chorizo version is delish!) and three styles of guacamole (also comes as trio so you need not choose!)

Sixteen different taco concoctions grace the menu, which you can buy in trios, or delve into a sampler of five. Entrees fill you heartier fare, made with such ingredients as flavorful roasted pork, stuffed poblanos, and beef tenderloin medallions.

¢ BIEN TRUCHA 410 WEST STATE ST., GENEVA Not just one of the finest Mexican restaurants in the ‘burbs, Bien Trucha also has been recognized www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

as the best Mexican Restaurant in Greater Chicago, tied this year with the famed Frontera Grill of River North. From the signature margaritas made with fresh limes, muddled-to-order, to the perfectly prepared foursomes of tacos – beer battered tilapia with red cabbage; grilled steak with roasted salsa; shredded chicken with potato hash and queso fresco – just to name a few. Modern and elegant, with a great little patio to enjoy a cocktail.

¢ MACARENA TAPAS 1890 W MAIN ST. ST CHARLES Opened in St. Charles in 2013, following great success at its flagship location in downtown Napervile, Macarena Tapas offers modern Spanish tapas. Start with simple fare, like marinated olives, bacon-wrapped dates glazed in honey, or fried plantains with creamy white cheese. Enjoy a Spanish wine or glass of sangria as you dive into heartier fare – including tenderloin medallions with sun dried tomatoes, peppers and Manchego cheese, or perhaps scallops, wrapped in bacon and topped with roasted coconut, all set upon a creamy avocado sauce.

Break away from the small plates for traditional seafood paella, enough for two, if you aren’t too greedy.

for crunch. Complement your meal with a cool cocktail in this fun, urban-styled atmosphere.

¢ JU-RIN

17720 S. RANDALL RD. #190, GENEVA JuRin Sushi and Teppan restaurant in Geneva offers sushi, noodle dishes, Bento boxes and boasts a few teppanyaki grills as well, where skilled chefs with prep tantalizing dishes right in front of your eyes.

Enjoy freshly prepared rolls and sashimi from the sushi bar, or delight in a traditional Japanese teriyaki dish, or perhaps the Filet Katsu, a breaded and deep-fried Filet Mignon served with a fruit sauce and vegetables.

Complement with hot saki, plum wine, or a Japanese soda.

the traditionally grilled items (swordfish, steaks, salmon, chicken) the beautiful presentation will catch your eye, even before the food hits your taste buds. Try the Kiss of Fire, Alaskan king crab wrapped with white fish, topped with scallions served with spicy mayo and honey wasabi. Or the popular Ocean’s 13, blending super white tuna, salmon, and snapper with the punch of jalapeno, smooth avocado and fresh cilantro.

¢ SWORDFISH 207 N. RANDALL RD., BATAVIA

In an unassuming location along Randall Road is Swordfish, a contemporary sushi and grill restaurant. Whether you delight in sushi, rolled to perfection with fresh vegetables and exquisite seafood, or prefer

EL MOLCAJETE’S TAMPIQUENA Photo by Ron McKinney

JAPANESE ¢ SHAKOU 312 W. MAIN STREET, ST. CHARLES Offering an array of sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine, Shakou really shines when it comes to its maki rolls. The Flaming Hamachi boasts spicy tuna and cucumber topped with fresh yellow tail, jalapeño, tobiko and ponzu sauce.

Or try the dramatic Black Widow, black rice, lightly battered fresh water eel, and avocado topped with sautéed scallops, tobiko, unagi sauce and a bit of tempura

DINING & ENTERTAINING

SHAKOU’S BLACK WIDOW Photo provided

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 27

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ABBY’S BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Offering fresh fare with culinary twists

By KELLI MURRAY

W

hen it comes to fresh ingredients blending with fresh ideas, Abby’s Breakfast and Lunch restaurant has plenty of both. The St. Charles restaurant opened May 1, and has had a steady flow of new patrons filling the seats to taste madefrom-scratch biscuits, chicken chorizo and a fresh corned beef hash made daily, according to co-owner Rob Mondi.

The restaruant is also co-owned by Matt McCoy and is christened after third owner and head chef Abedenego Meija.

The trio took over a Naperville restaurant about a year ago, but the long, late night hours weren’t conducive to family life, he says.

“So we decided to be local to where we lived and with hours that work with our families,” Mondi says. “I love it.”

The St. Charles native said patrons can sip a cup o’ Joe made from fresh ground Kona coffee beans and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Since a full bar is on site, diners may order a Bloody Mary, Beermosa or a variety of craft beers and cocktails.

Breakfast menu items include fresh corned beef hash and sweet potatoes, Rueben omelet, chicken chorizo enchiladas, orwaffle biscuits and gravy made with Adouille sausage for a little kick, Mondi says.

“The biscuit batter is poured into waffle irons, so the gravy goes into all the nooks and crannies,” Mondi says.

For lunchtime fare, Mondi says patrons rave about the restaurant’s fresh Rueben sandwich, but the tuna, chicken and egg salad sandwiches also are very poplular and can be ordered stuffed into an avocado, tomato or English cucumber. The BLTAbby’s Way includes two fried eggs and a seasoned cream cheese spread.

A kid’s menu rounds out the fare with Abby’s flare, to include French toast, chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, waffle fries and other great items.

Fresh baked homemade pies are offered every weekend – key lime, peach, lemon meringue, apple, cheesecake and chocolate fudge. They are quick to sell out, so don’t delay!

“People have been referring their family and friends and neighbors to us,” Mondi says. “Everyone knows someone when they come in here. We want to make it that hangout place to go.”

Abby’s is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., at 11 N. 3rd St., St. Charles.

After 3 p.m., the restaurant may be booked for private parties.

For more information about Abby’s or to view the menu, visit www.abbysbreakfastandlunch.com.

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

DINING & ENTERTAINING

FROM TOP: BLOODY MARY HOBO SKILLET FRENCH TOAST WITH FRESH STRAWBERRIES AND WHIPPED CREAM KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 29

STYLE TO SAVOR

For a modern Italian menu rich with Old World flavor, try Tribella Grill

By KELLI MURRAY

W

hether you are craving Char Grilled Salmon, Ravioli Florentine or an authentic thin crust pizza, Tribella Grill’s menu offers its guests a variety of tastes, and owners Joe and Christine DiGuglielmo take pride in the fresh, homemade flavors that come out of the Tribella kitchen.

“Guests can always expect a delicious, quality meal made from scratch at Tribella,” Christine DiGuglielmo says. “Every dish is cooked madeto-order in our open kitchen.”

Known for pastas, fresh seafood and hand cut steaks, the chefs at Tribella craft classic dishes from Linguini and Meatballs and Rigatoni ala Bolognese to Italian specialties.

“Our Pork Chops Marsala are tender chops, sautéed with shallots and mushrooms in a homemade Marsala wine sauce; served with fresh broccoli and garlic whipped potatoes,” she says.

“The demi-glaze takes our chef three days to prepare, but it is well worth the time”

birthday parties, business dinners, showers, rehearsals, reunions, small weddings and funeral luncheons. For lunch banquets we can Tribella’s filet mignon and Tuscan rib-eye steaks accommodate 25-125 people and dinner groups are longtime favorites of guests and served with of up to 60 people. With a private party at house specialty Barolo wine demi-glaze.

Tribella Grill, guests can expect the same quality homemade food and great hands-on, friendly “Our Barolo wine demi-glaze takes our service they would receive in our dining room.” chef three days to The DiGuglielmo’s are looking forward to prepare, but it is well celebrating the restaurant’s 18th anniversary worth the time,” with their customers, and are featuring several DiGuglielmo says. weekday summer deals, including half-priced

Rigatoni Valentina is a tasty summer pasta, tossed with sundried Roasted Tilapia Con Gamberi tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms in a light roasted garlic tomato sauce, topped with pine nuts and aged parmesan.

Tribella’s dessert menu tempts the taste buds with tiramisu, key lime pie, carrot cake, turtle cheesecake and apple crisp – all made in-house.

bottles of wine on Thursdays, $10 pasta on Mondays and Wednesdays and Tuesdays Double Frequent Diner Points. Patrons can also check out daily features and specials on Facebook.

“We want to thank our guests for their continued patronage,” says Christine DiGuglielmo. “We love being part of this community.”

TRIBELLA GRILL 1900 Mill St., Batavia 630-406-9696 www.tribellagrill.com

Tribella Grill is available for private gatherings and will coordinate with a personal event planner to make an exceptional experience for their guests.

“Tribella Grill is the perfect place to host private events,” she says. “We host everything from 30 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

DINING & ENTERTAINING

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

PICTURE PERFECT

Celebrating our 20th Anniversary

of Custom Framing For Your Family

Pro offers tips for the best vacation photos

Where in the World did your VACATION Take you?

By WENDY FOSTER With virtually everyone over the age of 13 carrying a cell phone and thus, a camera, it’s easier than ever to capture life’s most precious moments including family vacations. Area photographers offer up some tips for recording happy memories via smartphone or digital cameras.

“If you’re going on vacation and photography is a big motivation, pre-plan some of your shots,” said Keith French of Keith French Photography.

This is especially true for monuments and other special photographic attractions “It’s often best to shoot when every other tourist isn’t there,” he said. French also suggested thinking outside of the box. “Do something that not every other tourist with a cell phone is doing. Get off the beaten path, change the angle, use a color filter, try something different.”

Newer models of smartphones are a reasonable if not great alternative for amateur photographers not wanting to invest in a camera. “Higher-end phones are increasingly designed to mimic higher-end cameras,” French said. If depending on a smartphone to capture memories, French urges people to spend some time learning about the many features available in order to get the most out of their smartphone photos.

“The Internet is filled with information. Do your homework and master the device, how it works and what it does,” he said.

French said that one of the biggest issues in any digital photography is the storage of photos.

If you don’t store the photos separately and something happens to the camera, it’s all too easy for the photos to be lost. “That can be two weeks of vacation pictures, gone,” he said, French encourages people to take advantage of technology to back up photos on the Cloud, or plug into a computer and transfer pictures.

“Always back everything up,” he said.

French recommends that the primary photographer invest in a tripod, and set up the self-timer on the camera so that he/she is able to appear in some of the pictures. “One of the main complaints I hear is, ‘there aren’t any pictures of me. I was behind the camera.” More importantly still, he added, “Don’t stress out over photos.

Enjoy your vacation and your families.” www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

Seen it!

Loved it!

Framed it!

Shared it!

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St. Charles (630) 443-7255

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Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (7/14)

DINING & ENTERTAINING

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 31

Unassuming Elburn

Small town builds business community with eye on family By TOM WITOM

E

lburn, incorporated as a village in 1886, has seen its current population climb to an estimated 5,600 thanks to a growth spurt during the 1990s.

Over the years, a number of diverse businesses have planted their roots in the once largely rural farming community.

Longtime resident Rob Houtz, whose great-

grandparents settled in Elburn in the 1880s, runs the Cub Cadet (www.rfhoutzandson.com) dealership at 701 E. North St. He recalls: “One of my earliest memories is seeing a sign reading ‘Entering Elburn - Population 250’.”

Asked what makes Elburn an attractive place to live and work, Houtz noted: “It’s being somewhere in the middle of both suburbia and farm country – with bright lights of the big city and its museums and theaters to the east and peace and solitude to the west.”

In 1934, Houtz’s grandfather, Robert F. Houtz, started a business involved in sales and service of International Harvester equipment. As farms moved west and were supplanted by urban development, Houtz dropped the plows, combines, planters and cultivators in 1968, retaining only the Cub Cadet brand of lawn and garden implements.

“It was a good fit,” says Houtz, a former chemist who rejoined the family business in 1980. “We specialize in the needs of homeowners by selling and servicing a complete line of outdoor power equipment from tractor mowers to walk-behind mowers to snow blowers.”

Another resident who knows the area like the back of his hand is Randy Ream, who has run Ream’s Meat Market (reamsmeatmarket. com), 128 N. Main St., since the early ‘80s. The independent business has roots going back to 1904, though it was acquired in 1954 by Randy’s parents, Robert and Phyllis.

The shop is well-known for its hickory-smoked beef, bacon and sausages as well as flatiron steaks and boneless short ribs.

It produces a variety of hot dogs, polish sausage, salami and a dozen types of snack sticks and jerky products.

32 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

To keep pace with growing demand, Ream says the business soon plans to relocate to more spacious quarters.

“We are targeting a move in late November about three blocks down the street to 250 S. Main St.,” says Ream. The new site, which previously housed a restaurant, has undergone a thorough floor-to-ceiling renovation.

Ream says the end result “will probably double or triple our retail counter space and at least double manufacturing capacity. We will have a dock for semis, a bigger cooler, freezer and processing room plus another smokehouse – our third – which is now being built in Germany.”

One of the oldest buildings in town at 2 S. Main St, welcomed a new business, The Corner Grind ( http://thecornergrind.com), in October, 2014.

The coffee house and restaurant, co-owned by Ann Cobb and her husband Tony, is open seven days a week.

“We have been far busier than expected and community support has been outstanding,” Ann Cobb says. “Elburn has a nice small-town feel and its residents are super friendly. They also are sophisticated, and we kept that in mind by creating decor with an urban vibe.”

The Corner Grind’s supplier, Chicago-based Sparrow Coffee Roastery, uses organic, sustainably sourced coffee beans.

The restaurant, which seats about 25 and also does a brisk take-out business, has a menu featuring mostly deli sandwiches, panini and homemade soup. About 90 percent of the baked goods are made in-house.

The Cobbs also have owned and operated Riverside Banquets in Batavia for the past 19 years.

Creative Beginnings Preschool (www.facebook. com/elburncreativebeginnings), 525 N. Main St., which has served the community for some 25 years, saw a turnover in management in June when Kristy Voegele took the reins. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

Voegele, who studied early childhood education at Elgin Community College, has more than 15 years of experience in the preschool and daycare field at various locations across the suburbs, but this is her first time as owner of a preschool.

“The biggest challenge now is getting word out to let people know that I’m here,” she says.

The preschool can accommodate up to 20 students per class and run up to three different sessions: 2 1/2 and 3-year-olds meet Tuesday and Thursday from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m.; 4-year-olds (pre-kindergarten) meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings; and a mixed-aged group of 3-to-5-year-olds meets Tuesday and Thursday.

“My philosophy is we learn through play,” says Voegele. “The focus is on social skills and kindergarten readiness through music, books and free-choice activities.”

Deb Cornell recently assumed the role of marketing representative for the Elburn Lions Club (www.elburnlions.com), which celebrated its 85th year in 2014.

“With a membership of close to 200, it’s the largest Lions Club in the state – and the most active,” says Cornell, whose role includes coordinating rentals of the organization’s banquet hall to families, businesses and trade associations for wedding receptions, banquets, picnics, parties, meetings and reunions. The facility can handle catered meals for groups of 50 or fewer and as large as 240.

Besides the clubhouse, an outdoor pavilion and the park’s 26 acres are available for rental throughout the year.

The Lions Club’s biggest annual event, Elburn Days Festival, is scheduled for Aug. 21-23 and will feature family-centered fun activities.

(See page 34 for details.)

Our fall classes start on September 8, 2015 for ages 2 and older.

All genres...All levels!

213B W Nebraska St, Elburn, IL 60119 (630) 365-5678

www.mmdance5678.com www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

HOME & LIFESTYLE

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 33

Wrap up A

the summer at Elburn Days

Elburn pays homage to the season with an annual community festival that embraces the rural character of this delightful Kane County town.

parade starting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 21 at Lions Park, 500 Filmore St., will officially tip off the 86th annual Elburn Days Festival.

Registered runners and walkers will participate on Aug. 22 in the 26th annual 5k and one-mile fun race.

Sponsored by the local Lion’s Club, the three-day event will offer food, a beer garden, live entertainment and carnival rides. Among other activities will be a craft show run by the Elburn Chamber of Commerce, a truck and tractor pull competition, a pie baking contest and 4-H livestock auction.

Main-stage entertainment will be provided

by High Fidelity at 8 p.m. on Aug. 21, by 7th Heaven at 8 p.m. on Aug 22 and by Back Country Roads at 7 p.m. on Aug. 23.

The full schedule is posted online (www. elburnlions.com/elburn-days)

Become

a f an!

Coffee - Espresso Baked Goods - Sandwiches 2 S. Main St., Elburn, IL 60119 • 630-448-1133 • www.thecornergrind.com Open M-F 6am-5pm, Sat 7am-5pm, Sun 8am-3pm • Lunch Served Mon-Sat. Only 11am-3pm

Over 30 Years Experience

• Toilet, Faucets, Repair or Replace • Tank and Tankless Water Heaters • Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps • Battery Back-up Sump Pumps • Softener and Iron Filters Steve

Matt

Plumbing Services 630.365.6500

• Drain Rodding and Cameras • Drain Repairs and Replacement

Good Service + Good Price = Good Call

Lic-Insured 058-118332

All Your Plumbing Needs 34 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Follow the Kane County Magazine at facebook.com/KaneCountyMagazine.

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

A Great Old-Fashioned Meat Market

Everything for Back to School Lunches & Easy Dinners

We make our own Lunchmeat!

Ream’s Elburn Market Fine Quality Meats & Sausages

Compare our prices !

Fresh • Aged • Cured • Smoked HOURS: Monday - Friday 9 am - 6 pm Saturday 9 am - 4 pm • Sunday 11 am - 4 pm CLOSED LABOR DAY

128 N. Main Street • Downtown Elburn West side of Route 47 • 630.365.6461

Let us cater to you!

HAVING A GRADUATION, WEDDING OR SPECIAL EVENT

ELBURN LIONS PARK • WE SERVE • Our Park and Banquet Facility is on 26 beautifully landscaped acres, that makes us the ideal setting for your next event. You tell us! We’ll do all the work, you just come and enjoy!

Banquet Facility Rental (Main Pavillion) For ALL occasions up to 240 people South Pavilion (Seasonal) Amenities Playground - Baseball Diamonds - Volleyball - Horseshoes, bags and more!

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CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Like us on Facebook: Elburn Lions Club

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

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500 Filmore St., Elburn • www.elburnlions.com 630.365.6315 • 630.365.6362 fax office@elburnlions.com

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 35

The Salvaged Heart

The Salvaged Heart Vintage Wares has been voted the best Antique Shop in 2014, and the best Resale Shop in 2015 in the Fox Valley, by the Kane County Chronicle. It truly is a mix of both vintage and recycled items, along with handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind home decor and painted furniture. Sixteen businesses blend seamlessly as you wander throughout the six rooms of the shop. You are sure to find a treasure or two, every time you visit.

Photos by Lorae Mundt

14 N. Island Ave. • Batavia • 630-310-9022 HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday Noon – 5 p.m. • Closed Monday

Geneva Antique Market Established in 1991, the oldest antique market in Geneva with 14experienced dealers, the Geneva Antique Market offers a wide range of items dating from the 1800s to the 1980s. Collectors and casual browsers alike will find something of interest, in all price ranges.

Shoppers will find old cameras, toys and trains as well as china, pottery, glassware, post cards, books, magazines, vintage costume jewelry (including Native American pieces), and linens. The mind-century era is represented, including record albums, lighting and art glass. GAM also has furniture, garden items, primitives, folk art and cabin decor.

Photos by Erin Stefanik

227 S. Third St. • Geneva • 630-208-1150 HOURS: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.

Relux

Relux Vintage has been transformed! As new owners, we are committed to all-natural specialty paint products, and have added a showcase of our work to spark creativity. From DIY workshops to our custom painting services including kitchen cabinetry and furniture of all kinds, we want to help our customers find the purpose and beauty in restoring or renewing their furnishings. Our store will be your favorite place to find unique antique, vintage, repurposed and upcycled, primitive, architectural salvage and local artisanal items. We look for the hidden gems at barn sales, flea markets, and auction houses that incorporate good design for your home and garden. We learned about the history and the quality of goods made in the USA from our consignment and resale store in Naperville. Our specialty is making vintage work for the modern home.

Photos by Erin Stefanik

316 Franklin St. • Geneva • 630-743-1352 • www.restylevintage.com Open Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Varied

Amazing Grace Antiques

This historic home’s 14-plus rooms are filled with affordable antiques, primitive to Victorian. Shop in this relaxed, kidfriendly, hometown atmosphere, where the coffee and hugs are free.

401 N. Main Street (Route 47) Elburn • 630-365-2006 www.amazingraceantiques.co.nr Photos provided

America's Treasures

Please visit us at America’s Treasures Antiques, Furniture and Gifts. We have 5800 sq. feet and more than 30 dealers. Our items include: furniture, shabby chic, traditional antiques, lighting and home decor. We also sell Vintage Market & Design Paint and offer painting classes twice a month. Local delivery service is available for the large or heavy items. We are open seven days a week. Parking is available on the north side of the building.

You can also follow us on Facebook to see all our new items.

10 N. Third St. • Geneva (formerly on Bennett St.) • 630-208-1003 Follow on Facebook for the latest new items and or events or visit www.AmericasTreasuresGeneva.com

Photos by Erin Stefanik

Past & Present Shoppes Past & Present Shoppes invites you to come and enjoy a day of shopping like no other. We are a unique collaboration of 21 “cottage” businesses offering a variety of styles including vintage/antique, rustic glam, mid-century, urban industrial, boho, shabby chic, garden and repurposed.

These creative and talented women operate their independent businesses inside Past & Present Shoppes. Cottagers put their own personal twists on the items they sell, bringing in fresh items daily.

Owners Jen Barno and Paula Wolf are very proud of their business and the awesome ladies that share their passion and love for this unique, one-of-akind shop.

22 E. State St. (Just east of Fox River)• North Aurora • 630-844-4468 Open seven days a week • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Like us on facebook

Treasures Photos by Joe Perez

Geneva Optical Department is proud to offer

Because Children’s Eyes are a Window into the Future Does my child need glasses? When should my child have her first eye exam? Can my son’s lazy eye be corrected? For the answers to these questions and any others you might have, turn to the Geneva Eye Clinic and Katherine Z. Brito, M.D., board certified pediatric ophthalmologist, to keep your child’s eyes healthy.

One of the most important preventive steps you can do for your child is to schedule a comprehensive examination by a qualified eye care professional. When detected early, many sight-threatening diseases can be cured or treated to prevent or slow the progression of any vision loss.

From managing complex medical and surgical problems to routine vision care, Dr. Brito provides services for a wide variety of pediatric ophthalmic issues.

Dr. Brito is fellowship trained in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus from Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She is bilingual; speaking both English and Spanish.

Call the Geneva Eye Clinic at (630) 232-1282 to schedule your child’s appointment today.

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NorbertM.D.; M. Becker, M.D.; Kevin M. King, M.D.; Hawkins, PhD.; Katherine Z. Brito M.D.;Z.Patricia A. Steiner, O.D. Ronald J. Simone, Norbert M. Becker, M.D.; Kevin M.Anjali King, S. M.D.; Anjali M.D., S. Hawkins, M.D., PhD.; Katherine Brito M.D.; Patricia A. Steiner, O.D. 1000 Randall Road, Suite 100, Geneva, IL (630) 232-1282 www.genevaeye.com

Sprucing up the Fall Garden

By Meagan Provencher, ICN, Wasco Nursery & Garden Center

A Meagan Provencher is the Senior Landscape Designer for Wasco Nursery & Garden Center in St. Charles.

She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com

s a busy mom with two boys and a teacher living in my house, I count the minutes until school starts for obvious reasons. August also gives me a bit more free time to work in my sorely neglected garden and spruce it up for fall. We are blessed here in Illinois to have fabulous seasons, and though they seem quite short (did summer actually show up?) we actually have many more weeks of beautiful weather in which to enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, that neglect of that garden I mentioned has taken its toll. But alas, we can save the garden and make it look fantastic again for the fall season!

There are long term and short term fixes for sprucing up the garden. If you don’t have the time to rip out the whole overgrown mess, try just adding some punches of color. Take out the worst offenders and replace things slowly, as needed. If you have avoided your front door all summer because the arborvitae have taken

40 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

over and are threatening to eat a child, then let’s go drastic. If your landscape bones look good and you just need some fresh color, then let’s choose fall annuals or perennials. It’s easy to get some color and bring back the excitement of fall!

SHORT TERM:

Mums, fall kale (cabbage), pansies, black-eyed susans, swiss chard, aster, goldenrod and more are starting to show up in the garden center. Great timing as my petunias and impatiens are losing the battle and starting to look a little weary. While I usually don’t plant as many annuals as I used to (they die every year), I still fill my planters for all-season color. I had great success with some giant Coleus and a neat Elephant Ear, so I may leave those in the pots for fall. But the stringy petunias and crispy verbena have got to go. It’s so easy to “flip” your pots for fall that it will only take you an afternoon. Take some photos of your pot with you to the garden center to make it even faster. (I know

HOME & LIFESTYLE

that I can never remember how big my pots are!) Mums, thankfully, are HUGE so they take up a big portion of my pots, but I love to sneak in some cabbage and the black-eyed susans.

All of these plants will tolerate the cold weather and hang in there until I switch to my holiday greens. If you wish to have mums in your garden, and want them to come back each year, plant them in the ground now vs. waiting until November when they are done flowering. Fortunately, mums are very inexpensive so I just throw them away each year as my color tastes are fickle.

LONG TERM:

I’ve noticed a lot of “tired and overgrown” landscapes this year.

Hard to say why, but I’m sure the rain and busy homeowners have a lot to do with it. I know that in my own neighborhood, homeowners are pushed to the limits with kid activities, work, and other commitments. Few have time for landscape maintenance. Many www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

90 Years A Growing Legacy ...fall should not be dreaded. It’s a relaxing time chock full of color, sights, and smells.

Quality Plants, Professional Q Service & Expert Advice . . . Since 1925

Enjoy Your Yard This Summer!

Visit Wasco Nursery to find beautiful flowers and foliage to add color and interest to your home.

maintenance headaches come from old plants that were improperly sited in the first place.

Ignoring them for a few seasons makes it even worse. Raise your hand if you have some sort of overgrown shrub or evergreen taking over your dining room window.

Even if your budget is limited, you can still do some fixing this time of year. Most foundation plantings are easy to rip out and inexpensive to put back in. You can also do some of the work yourself to save on labor. If you have serious landscape issues, don’t try to tackle it all yourself. Hire a landscape designer. While I’m not trying to pat myself on the back, it’s my job to design functional and beautiful landscapes that you don’t have to rip out in a few years because it becomes a maintenance headache. I always keep in mind kids, pets, black thumbs, green thumbs, sun, shade, fences, good neighbors, bad neighbors, busy streets, clay soil, wet soil, dry soil, and a bunch more stuff you never even thought of but will someday give you grief if you don’t. It’s not too late to plant either. You can work on your landscape until the ground is frozen (typically after Thanksgiving). This is a great time of year to repair lawns, plant shade trees, evergreens, and shrubs, redo your foundation plantings (let the light in over the winter!), or even just plan for next season, as garden center staff aren’t as busy this time of year and can take more time to chat with you. Now is a great time of year to plan for your child’s graduation party NEXT May! So don’t despair – fall should not be dreaded.

It’s a relaxing time chock full of color, sights, and smells. There is nothing prettier than row after row of trees changing to all their autumn splendor. Visit the nursery this fall, spruce up your garden, and enjoy the season!

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

Locally grown trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials and a knowledgeable staff to assist you.

Brightly colored hanging baskets, containers, geraniums, annuals, and tropical plants.

Unique garden décor including glazed, cast stone and terra cotta pottery; decorative ironwork; statuary and fountains.

90 “Meeting your growing needs since 1925.”

41W781 Route 64 | St. Charles | 630-584-4424 | wasconursery.com HOME & LIFESTYLE

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 41

NECESSARY BEAUTY with ROSE GILIBERTO

The perfect partner for a perfectly designed room the architectural features of the home, as well as, the client’s lifestyle.

I

n my years as an interior designer and a store owner, I have found there are quite a few misunderstandings about the industry, the fees, and the expectations of our services. So before I dive into things like color and fabric, fixtures and accessories, I thought I would take a step back to the basics, and talk about the intricacies of working with an interior designer, (I know, not as exciting, but certainly valuable!)

Rose Giliberto is the owner of Design Essentials in Geneva.

¢ WHAT DOES AN INTERIOR DESIGNER DO? He or she interviews the client and asks specific questions to determine the lifestyle and needs of the client and their family. With that information, the designer envisions, plans, and outfits the space in a way that makes it both beautiful and functional. I believe when children and pets are part of the family, smart choices, such as durable fabrics and room layout, are integral to meeting a family’s needs. This does not mean you have to sacrifice beauty and a well put together room (which is exactly why I chose the tagline for Design Essentials: “Yes, Beauty is Necessary!”)

Experienced interior designers have a network of trusted artisans and contractors to help execute the design project. A good designer will be able to consider the home as a whole when determining the aesthetic style that will complement

42 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

I often get asked, “What style do you do?” My response: “If you are a great designer, you should be able to incorporate any style into an outstanding finished design. It is not about me! It is about you and your family’s tastes, lifestyle, and needs.”

We strongly suggest our clients start a dream book or inspiration file. This can be done by collecting and organizing magazine pictures in a binder, or building a file on the computer by saving pictures from various design websites. This provides designers a great deal of information about the style and color scheme you desire to achieve. Most people are not familiar with design terms and vocabulary; however, this collection of pictures clearly portrays your vision. ¢ WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER? You may have a vision for your home, but may not know how exactly to execute it. An interior designer, with knowledge and access to a vast variety of materials and sources, can help with that vision. If you are remodeling or building a new home, it is beneficial to involve the designer as early as possible. The designer may catch flaws during the planning stages that the architect or contractor could possibly overlook.

The designer is looking at the project from an interior perspective, which usually involves placement of doors, interior columns, and windows, www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

Design Early

etc. It is much easier to move a window or a column on paper, than to move it after installation! You also want your designer to be involved in choosing the selections of the plumbing fixtures, flooring, and lighting, etc.

These choices set the stage for future selection of fabrics, furniture, paint color, and window treatments.

A qualified designer should develop a plan for your project using the 5 phases of design; programming, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration. You can find a brief description of the phases of design on our website, www.designessesntialsco.com.

Thanksgiving & Christmas Are Approaching!

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Design is a process and great design takes time. Skipping or rushing through just one of these phases could result in missing a critical element to the success of the overall design and completion of the job. ¢ WHAT IT WILL COST? Interior designers have various fee structures.

They may charge an hourly rate, anywhere from $50 to $500; a flat fee, which could be as low as several thousand dollars or as high as five figures; or cost plus, where a percentage is determined at the start of the project to charge over the net pricing of items purchased through the designer. A designer also may use a combination of these fee structures and many require a retainer before work begins. Make sure to get everything in writing. If you do not fully understand the method of fees being charged, do not hesitate to ask questions!

Finally, an important part of choosing a designer is personality fit. Sometimes, no matter how experienced or educated a designer may be, he or she might not be the right expert for you. Take the necessary time to interview your designer. At Design Essentials, we offer a meet and greet appointment at no charge. This preliminary appointment, scheduled in advance and held at our store, provides our future clients approximately 20-30 minutes to get to know our designers, and briefly discuss their project and needs.

Most importantly, you need to trust your designer. If you have taken the proper steps toward choosing this individual, you should feel confident he or she will successfully guide you through the design process while transforming your space into the perfect combination of beauty and functionality. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 43

Great tips for family trips

By YVONNE BENSON Summer months are slipping away like sand through our fingertips… But wait! Have you even had time to go to the beach yet? Or perhaps there’s some other vacation you’d like to squeeze in before the routine of fall comes down in all its colors.

destination and looking for opportunities to bundle and save. Discount websites like Groupon can be a good way to save money, but you need to be careful, she warns.

for plane trips, though you may need to work with less storage space.

But there are some practicalities to consider.

and a packing list will save you a lot of time and worry because you’re a lot less likely to forget something you really need, and you’ll finish packing faster.”

“We enjoy taking trips with grandparents who will usually give us a night out. If you have the funds, many resorts and cruise ships offer kids clubs and babysitting services. Now that our children are a little older, my husband and I can get them a pizza and movie in the room and then enjoy a romantic dinner on our own at a resort restaurant.

“If it’s a first flight, you should talk with children about what to expect and about plane etiquette,” she says. “Nobody likes to sit in front of a child Consider the needs and interests of everyone who kicks! My friend Hilarye Fuller has written in the family. Get older kids involved by getting Allison Laypath has taken her experiences them to help with the planning. “Make sure there a fun picture book about airplane behavior for young children.” traveling with spouse and children into a website is downtime during the vacation, and maybe called Tips for Family Trips. take an extra day off when you get home so Many family trips end up being all about the kids you’ll be rested and ready (as you can be) to all of the time, and Laypath admits that planning “It doesn’t matter where you go or what you return to real life.” a vacation that includes adult time can be a do,” Laypath says, “every vacation has the potential to be ‘good’ because of the time you Laypath recommends you use a packing list for challenge. spend together and the memories you make as every trip.

“This can be tricky - especially if you’re traveling a family.”

“You need all the same things on most trips, on a budget with young children,” she says.

“Start planning well in advance,” she advises.

“Never go into debt for a vacation.”

One of the best ways to save money, she adds, is traveling during the off-season “It’s always the off-season somewhere,” she says. “February is one of my favorite times to visit Arches National Park because the hotels are cheap, the park is empty and the weather is great. In Phoenix, you can get rooms at 4-star resorts with water parks, movies under the stars and other family activities for under $100 per night during the hot summer months.”

Save money on food by eating simple breakfasts in your room and packing picnic lunches, enjoying some of the free activities at your 44 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Road trips are a great way to save some money and go on an adventure, but who wants to be in the car with crying or fighting children? Laypath offered a solution.

“Pack a few special treats or toys that the kids don’t get any other time. It will help them get more excited about their time in the car,” she says. “On our recent trip, I tucked new (and inexpensive) white boards and markers into the seat pockets so my kids had a fun surprise when they climbed into the car.”

The same suggestions for toys and snacks apply HOME & LIFESTYLE

“Booking a vacation home or suite instead of a single hotel room is a good way to give everyone in the family more space and privacy.”

Laypath’s website www.tipsforfamilytrips.com has much more extensive information about family vacations. In the meantime, perhaps you’ve gotten enough ideas to inspire your last minute summer trip before school begins again.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 45

Life

SOCIAL

Artists from all over Aurora and the Fox Valley displayed their art during Bazaar on Water Street in downtown Aurora July 18. The inaugural art event featured more than 40 artists showcasing and selling their work. Visitors were also able to watch a live painting demonstration by five area artists. The event was presented by ArtBar. For more information, visit www.auroraartbar.com. Photos by Joe Perez

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BUSINESS & CIVIC

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 47

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pages of Kane County Magazine!

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two- to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to KaneCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

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Adopt a Duck & Help Change Lives!

St. Charles Rotary & Equine Dreams will be having a Ducky Derby Race!

September 7th At 10:30 AM Otter Cover Aquatic Park

5,000 ducks for adoption at only $5 each or 5 for $20!

The program benefits people thru two non-profit groups: Equine Dreams which provides equine assisted activities to help children and adults with special needs and St Charles Rotary with local scholarships and other community service projects.

1st Prize is $2,500 Cash

Please help two great causes by adopting

2nd Prize is a 2008 HarleyDavidson Sportster

ducks at foxvalleyhopefloats.org!

3rd Prize is a 60� High Definition TV

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Thank you to all of our sponsors Including:

BUSINESS & CIVIC

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 49

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Designed for the fitness enthusiast, Suburban Life FIT offers information on upcoming events across the west and southwest suburbs. Local experts and coaches present valuable advice for novices and avid athletes alike. You’ll also find interesting features on athletes and local races and events.

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PETS

Making the most of your relationship WITH YOUR PET

By Anderson Animal Shelter

Featured Sponsor: DePaw University Canine Campus The vast majority of pet owners are familiar with the quality of care to be provided to an animal’s physical well being: a high quality diet, regular vet visits, routine vaccinations and exercise, as well as preventative care. Frequently, the psychological and emotional well-being of our furry friends are overlooked.

Based on advances in the field of animal behavior sciences, Anderson Animal Shelter has begun to incorporate a holistic approach to animal behavior and enrichment. “All of our methods are based around positive reinforcement,” said Animal Enrichment and Behavior Manager, Steve Frost. “Force and punishment based training is outdated, and ineffective. The techniques we use work because the dogs want to work, they have fun doing so, and it’s fun for the handler as well.”

Anderson utilizes clicker training as a form of event marker operant conditioning, incorporating elements of classical conditioning to shape emotional responses to stimuli through positive reinforcement. The core concept is that a positive association is built between the sound of the clicker, and the immediate promise of a high-value reward. Once this connection is made, the click can then be used to precisely “capture” a desired behavior exactly as it happens, with a reward coming immediately thereafter and always. The captured behavior then increases in frequency until it reliably occurs, whereupon a cue can be put on it, such as “sit”, “down” or “shake”. These are the same fundamental techniques used across the nation in virtually all prestigious zoological and aquatic institutions to train wild animals in a non-contact and force-free manner.

Frost added further comment, “Instead of punishing a dog for what they did wrong, we think creatively and reward them for what they did right. If a dog is jumping up and they know how to sit, I’m going to ask them to sit for me and reward them accordingly, instead of punishing them for jumping. When the dog is sitting, he’s not jumping on me. I’m happy, and the dog’s happy knowing he has the capacity to do something simple to get a reward. Over time, the handler becomes associated with this positivity and the dogs simply couldn’t be happier to work. It seems counterintuitive, but the same is true for reactive dogs. If a dog is barking aggressively and trying to get at another dog while on a leash walk, we want to revert back to classical conditioning and click/treat that dog. Over time, the dog will associate the other dog with a positive emotional response instead of a frenzied, negative one. Our society predisposes us to think we need to punish a dog to be in control, and that we need to be ‘alpha’. That simply is not true!”

Anderson Animal Shelter also utilizes clicker training to make a difference in

the lives of felines. Many of the cats at Anderson have arrived fearful and stressed.

Through clicker training, they make a positive association with human contact, handling and interaction.

“Having a protocol to mitigate stress and help motivate interaction has incredible potential for the cats in Anderson’s care,” said Brenda Borden, a long term feline socialization volunteer. “Pinpointing a trigger like cage approach or outreached hands that individual cats find fearful is the first step. Nemo, a 5 year old Maine Coon mix, is a new enrollee that is protective of his personal space. He’s still

young with energy that needs to be displaced. We play first before training so we’re taking that pent-up energy away. Then he’s able to focus on clicker training for his particular trigger, which is touch.”

So what simple steps can a pet owner do to better the pet and guardian relationship? “Focus on what your animal does right, and build upon that,” said Frost. “Think creatively how you can utilize desirable behaviors and rewards and substitute them for undesirable ones and punishment. Take just a little bit of time out of your day to work with your pet, and have fun doing so! If you encounter any serious behavioral problems, contact a professional trainer who utilizes positive reinforcement and a ‘do no harm’ philosophy, or stop by the Shelter and we can happily provide you with resources and point you in the right direction.”

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CATALYST FOR COOPERATION Geneva’s Mara Hauser builds business through work environment

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE Mara Hauser of Geneva is putting a new spin on the function and use of office space in the Tri-Cities.

made connections with each other.

Hauser is the CEO and founder of 25N Coworking in Geneva, where individuals and small business can share work space, utilizing the facility as needed, and create in a collaborative work environment.

Her concept spills forth into the community, with outreach to local restaurants for catering and meals for tenants. There is the popular monthly Pitch + Catch sessions, which are open to the public. In these sessions members of 25N Coworking can share business plans and ideas and receive feedback from the audience, which often includes investors and other local business leaders from the Fox Valley community.

“It offers the flexibility of workspace, renting space for the day, week, month or long-term,” Hauser says.

She built the company based on her experience with her prior company, The Hauser Group, a design management firm. For more than 22 years, she was the go-to person for designing optimal work environments and through the years she earned awards for her work and accomplishments.

“That is a giant win,” she says. “You can see people getting inspired by others.”

“You can see people getting inspired by others.”

While she loved her work, she saw changes on the horizon. The weakened economy, companies downsizing and the trend to give employees more opportunities to work remotely altered the corporate landscape. When she was invited to apply for The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, she saw an opportunity to develop a new business plan.

“She really took notice of her environment and adapted to that and grew herself and grew her business,” says Meagan Schoenrock, community manager at 25N Coworking.

In 25N Coworking, Hauser has created an office space where tenants, known as members, can lease space to work, host client meetings and collaborate with other members.

“It’s a very urban model that offers economic development and job growth in the suburbs,” Hauser says. She added that more than twothirds of the members in 25N Coworking have

52 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

“We’re helping businesses in the local community,” Hauser says. “We’re a hub for small businesses in the suburbs.”

Schoenrock says Hauser has been a mentor, as she brings the concept of coworking into a reality and it has been exciting to see the program take off with success.

“This is a really great resource for the people in the community,” Schoenrock says.

Reinventing her business wasn’t easy.

“I couldn’t do what I do as a successful business woman without my family,” Hauser says.

Today, Hauser’s daughters, ages 19 and 16, have been able to lend a hand at work. Hauser remembers the challenges of caring for her family, running a full-time business and working on her new business. While she missed occasional soccer games and school events, she says with her husband’s support they continued to make their family a priority. She says family dinners were a great way to catch up and often she joined her daughters around the kitchen island, working on her business plans while they did homework.

BUSINESS & CIVIC

Lynn Schwartz, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership praised Hauser’s work. In her nomination of her for the Women of Distinction award she wrote, “Her own business is centered on the principle of family first, with a culture of leading a team, a community, in a caring and collaborative environment.”

In just a few short months Hauser’s venture has exceeded expectations and expanded from her initial office footprint. Earlier this year she was excited to be a host venue for the Geneva Film Festival and Elgin Community College’s Small Business Development Center.

“I smile every single day when I walk into the office and see people using the space as I imagined,” Hauser says.

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

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Artist SHOWCASE

Festival ot hfe Vine SEPTEMBER ER 11-13 11 13

AMY KLAPPERICH FURIO ST. CHARLES BEGIN. END. Oil pastel paining, photographer As a child I lay on the floor poured over my fathers’ art books. Determined to be an artist at a young age, I took summer school art classes in grade school, and in high school I ran out of regular studio classes, and took independent study. It was natural for me to continue my higher education at a fine art college, one of a consortium of eight museum schools, and I spent the next four years pushing the boundaries of what I could create and solidifying my artistic focus.

I fell in love with photography during that time. What the lens captures is often startling and reveals what you can’t see with your naked eye. The way a photograph brings a different reality to each person that views it is intriguing and compelling. That we all see, feel and remember things differently from each other is the essence of human nature.

This is what I explore every time I pick up my camera.

Good and plenty!

Geneva’s Festival of the Vine provides plenty of good wine, good food and good fun for the whole family! Taste wines from around the world. d.

Sample mouth-watering specialties from Italy, Mexico and France at our ur Flavor Fare. Find unique gifts at our incredible Fine Arts and Crafts show. w.

For events schedule and details, go to visitgenevaillinois.com.

We hope to see you there!

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While photography is my chosen medium, oil pastels are my second love. Creating my own world through color, with a skewed perspective, is something that photography just can’t capture.

I create in both mediums because I can’t stop looking; light, shapes, colors, moments...all of these are constantly recreated in my mind as I savor the details and the feelings in the world around me. My goal as an artist is to have others explore the world through the reality of my lens, and leave a new legacy of memories for them to review and share with others.

For more information about her work, go to www.akfurio.com.

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two- to three - sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to KaneCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

OUT & ABOUT

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 55

AUGUST EVENTS

In Kane County

AUGUST 6 | CONCERTS IN THE PARK Aurora American Legion Band Thursday, 7:30 p.m. McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora Bring lawn chairs or blankets and make it an evening to remember at Concerts in the Park. Set amid the stately oaks and the riverside setting of McCullough Park, the

American Legion band will be performing for its 77th year of service. The band is an eclectic mix featuring all ages - veterans, non-veterans and student musicians playing patriotic, classical and popular music. For more information, go to www.enjoyaurora.com.

AUGUST 8 | BATAVIA FARMERS’ MARKET Saturday, 8 a.m., N. River Street between Wilson and State streets, Aurora Come enjoy over 18 different vendors offering a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, cheese, herbs, flowers, music and more. Along with weekly pop up vendors, check their website weekly for who will be in attendance. 3rd Saturdays will feature the Artisan Collective where you can enjoy living and shopping local.

AUGUST 9 | ‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST JR’ Sunday, 7 p.m. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles Tickets $10 Be our guest and let the Fox Valley Repertory Youth Ensemble take you into an enchanted world for a tale as old as time. The brainy and beautiful Belle yearns to escape her provincial life…and her brute of a suitor, Gaston.

However, Belle gets more adventurous than she wanted when she becomes a captive in the Beast’s enchanted castle! Based on the award-winning Broadway version of the classic Disney animated film, this musical is magical fun for the whole family. For more, go to www.foxvalleyrep. org.

Sunday, September 27 � 11am to 3pm Historic demonstrations � Traditional Games and Crafts Live Music � Pony Rides � Pumpkin Painting � Straw Maze Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides � Delicious Fall Foods Corn Cannons � Face Painting � Farm Animal Meet & Greet Vintage Tractor and Equipment Display Event Admission ���� ��� � �� ���� ���� � �� ���� ��� � ���� primrosefarmpark.com 5N726 Crane Road � St. Charles � 630-513-4370

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AUGUST 11 | CRUISE NITES Tuesday, 5 p.m. Riverside Avenue, St. Charles Community event where people can view classic cars downtown St. Charles. Cruise Nights are Tuesdays thru August 25. Car registration begins at 5 p.m. No charge for participants. For more information, go to www. stcharleschamber.com.

AUGUST 14-16 | ART IN YOUR EYE FINE ART FESTIVAL Friday, 3 – 10:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Batavia Riverwalk, 100 N. Island Ave., Aurora View art on display in the City Hall Exhibit and Student Legacy Exhibit, listen to live music performances featuring some of the area’s most popular bands, watch artists battle it out, partake in a craft beer and wine garden, eat local food and enjoy new activities and exhibits. This is an event fun for everyone. For more information, go to www. enjoyaurora.com.

AUGUST 15-16 | FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE & DRUM Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S Randall Rd., St. Charles Please use oak street entrance. Admission, adults $15; children over age 5, $7.50; younger than 5 admitted free. There will be a Saturday evening equestrian show at 7 p.m. Price: $15. For more information, go to www. kanecountyfair.com

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56 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

AUGUST 10-11 | SKY HIGH Monday, 1 to 3 p.m. Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora Young explorers will have the opportunity to investigate the world of flight through art projects and hands-on activities. Children age 5-8 will build their own kite, launch a rocket, design airplanes, and more! Blackberry Farm $30 (R) / $40 (N) Price: $30. For more information, go to www. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

OUT & ABOUT

AUGUST 16 | DEDICATION OF NEW VOLUNTEER PLAZA AND “REFLECTIONS” SCULPTURE Sunday, 3 p.m. City of St. Charles Municipal Building, 2 E. Main St., St. Charles The Volunteer Plaza Community Committee, in partnership

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with the St Charles Arts Council and the River Corridor Foundation, and with the cooperation of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, will dedicate its new Volunteer Plaza and reflections sculpture by Guy J. Bellaver. The dedication is the culmination of the effort begun in 2010 to have a piece of public art in the city that honors volunteerism, as exemplified by St. Charles community benefactors Max and Doris Hunt.

AUGUST 21 | GET THE LED OUT Friday, 7 p.m. RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora Experiencing Get the Led Out is the closest you’ll get to seeing Jimmy, John, Robert and John Paul back on stage.

The six rockers have made it their mission to bring songs from Zeppelin’s legendary albums like Led Zeppelin I-IV, Physical Graffiti and In Through the Out Door to life… and they’re totally explosive. Gates open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets $15. For more information, or to purchase tickets go to www.riveredgeaurora.com.

Get Your

Smiles Here!

CHILD’S EXAM $79 Includ Includes des e exam, xam regular cleaning, necessary x-rays AND 10% off additional treatments.

New patients only. Must mention at time of appointment.

AUGUST 22 | BUG FEST Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lippold Park and Red Oak Nature Center, Rt. 25 (1 mile north of Rt. 56) Aurora Celebrate nature’s six-legged friends with our 6th anniversary of Bug Fest! Start your adventure at Lippold Park with fun bug games, insect encounters and more.

Free admission.

AUGUST 23 | WOOF, WHISKERS & WINE Sunday, 1- 4 p.m. Acquaviva Winery, 47W614 Illinois 38, Maple Park All proceeds go towards Animal House Shelter! Animal House Shelter in Huntley is a non-profit no kill animal shelter for all breeds of dogs and cats. We rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home all breeds of dogs and cats in need of sanctuary, regardless of age, health, or special needs. Price: $55. For more information, go to www. animalhoueshelter.com.

Hamilton House DENTISTRY

Adult Special $75 off any dental service

New patients only.

Must mention at time of appointment.

M - 9am–5:30pm; Tu- 9am–2pm; Wed- 10:30am–7pm; Th- Closed; Fri- 9am–3pm; Sat- 9am–2pm

Shannon S S Samuels F Farmer D.D.S.

309 Hamilton St., Suite C • Geneva, IL 60134 630-232-1111 • www.HamiltonHouseDentistry.com

AUGUST 25 | LIVE WELL, BE WELL- WORKSHOP Tuesday, 9 a.m. Presence Mercy Health Institute, Upstairs Education Room, 1975 Melissa Lane, Aurora Find practical ways to deal with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices. For adults age 55 and older. Price: Free. Register by calling 877-737-4636.

AUGUST 26 | OPEN MIC Wednesday, 8 p.m. The House Pub, 16 S Riverside Ave., St. Charles Grab the instrument of your choice and jam out. Hosted by Adrian ‘Bo’ Perez of BeCo. No cover charge.

and Much More!

AUGUST 27 | THINK TANK AT 25 N Thursday, 10 - 11 a.m. 25N Coworking, 25 N. Third St., Geneva Working on a new project or an existing aspect of your business? Need help fleshing it out? Get some fresh perspectives from local entrepreneurs. Join us Thursday mornings at the new coworking space in downtown Geneva. Free admission.

AUGUST 29 | SUPER SCITECH Saturday, 10 a.m. Scitech Hands On Museum, 18 W. Benton St., Aurora Free Admission for up to four Fox Valley children with a paying adult. The last Saturday of every month. For more information, go to www.scitechmuseum.org.

AUGUST 29 | BUTTERFLIES AFTER HOURS Saturday, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva Gain special behind-the-scenes access to Geneva Park District’s Butterfly House. All ages will discover secrets of butterflies, like what they do when no one is watching!

Each participant will create his or her own butterfly garden stake to take home. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $7 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 630-232-4542 or visit genevaparks. org. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

Anniversaries Baby Showers Birthdays

Geneva Commons

Located between Starbucks & Noodles & Co.

1308 Commons Dr • Geneva • 630.208.1484 OUT & ABOUT

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 57

RAINY DAY RESET

Need a getaway day but the weather won’t cooperate? Try these great local spots that are out of the elements, and anything but ordinary.

FUNWAY AMUSEMENT CENTER, BATAVIA Funway is Illinois’ largest entertainment center, over five acres of fun including both indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Open 365 days a year, there’s always something to do at Funway! Roller skating, bowling, indoor mini-golf, bumper cars, arcade and more will brighten your day and let you blow off some steam. And if the day dries out, there’s more to do outdoors, from go-karts and batting cages to bumper boats and water games. Visit www. funway.com

having to jump out of an airplane. iFLY’s vertical wind tunnel generates 1600 horse power from 4 powerful fans, creating a wall-to-wall cushion of air on which you can safely float. There’s no parachute, no jumping, and nothing attaching you to planet Earth. It’s just you and the air, and an incredible adrenaline rush. Put on a flight suit and learn to fly, indoors. Every jump in the wind tunnel lasts 60 seconds. No experience is necessary. Just about anyone can fly, including those with physical disabilities.

Visit chicago. iflyworld.com

IFLY, NAPERVILLE iFLY is an indoor skydiving experience that creates true free fall conditions, just like skydiving, without

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INDOOR TRAMPOLINES, SOUTH ELGIN, NAPERVILLE Bounce into fun at a local indoor trampoline gym. Jump on wall-to-wall trampolines or into pits of foam blocks or pelt opponents in a rousing game of dodge ball. Nearby locations include: Epic Air Trampoline Park in South Elgin and Sky High Sports in Naperville.

INDOOR GO-KARTS, ST. CHARLES It’s race time at Under the Big Top indoor amusement center. Over 9,000 square feet of go-kart track area allows you plenty of twists and turns as you race for miles and miles. Under the Big Top’s new go karts allow for height requirements to decrease from the standard 54” to just 48” tall. Separate races will be designated for our junior drivers. When you’re done, kids can let out their energy in the Ball Blaster Arena – three stories of interactive fun will make this attraction fun for kids of any age. Thousands of soft foam balls fly from top to bottom as kids climb and maneuver through mazes, obstacles, swinging areas, and two huge rocket blaster slides. An arcade and laser tag facility round out the options. Visit www.underthebigtopinc.com

58 | AUGUST 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

OUT & ABOUT

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

B U L C S ’ R E Y A L P R E I M E R P E H T

R E Y A L P H C I WH ?

U O Y E AR WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU? Diamond is the ultra VIP. High-limit gaming, limos, air travel and special dinners—the story of her life. But honestly, she’s earned it. Learn more about our five-tier player’s club, featuring the best gaming and amenities in the Midwest, now with more smoke-free areas!

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015 | 59

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