SCENES OF SPRING

 Didier ’ s tulips flourish at Mt. St. Mary Park.

sce ne s of

 Eastern redbud blooms abound at Mt. St. Mary Park. He ead ad outdooutdoo or rs s to to appr appre eciate ate t the he n na atural al si sightsghts of f spr sprin ing g a an nd d su um mm me er r i in K Ka an ne e C County ounty

Ph ho ot to os s b by y Spenc Spence er Pl lu um, m, Spenc Spence er Pl lu um P m Ph hot oto ogra rap ph hy y

Beauty is everywhere in Kane County. Where do you go to appreciate the outdoors? Whether it’s the Fox River Trail, a county park or even your own backyard, time spent in nature is time well spent. Local photographer Spencer Plum headed outside to document spring and early summer sights. Here’s just a peek of what you may see on your own adventures.

 A sunbeam finds its way through a majestic tree at Pottawatomie Park.

 Take the stairs at Pottawatomie Park’ s James H. and Joann N. Collins Tower to see this view of the Fox River, facing north.

 This Delnor Woods Park trail is lined with beautiful wild blue phlox.  Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, gets a dose of sunshine at Pottawatomie Park.

When oneWhen one adventure ends,adventure ends, another begins — and for me, that means a n a new chapter in in South South Carol Carolina. Thank you, Kane Kane County County, for allowing me to to share my work withshare my work with you! you! -Spencer -Spencer

www.spencerplum.comwww.spencerplum.com

GET UGET UGET P & P & GET OUT!GET OUT!

 Peyton Somers enjoying the shallow water feature at Pottawatomie Park.

We have been waiting TOO LONG for decent weather and a normal season after the pandemic. Now is the time to get up, get real clothes on and GET OUTSIDE! Now that Mother Nature has (probably) decided she would stop the snowfall, it’s time for us to take advantage of all the nature centers, bike trails and that beautiful river in our backyard. Visit www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com for a complete list of activities on our SUMMER GUIDE, but I’ve planned a day’s worth of adventures in each town to get you started! Try some of these outdoor activities, all of which are FREE or relatively inexpensive because… budgets!

ST T. . C CH HA AR RL LE ES S

 POTTAWATOMIE PARK You can easily spend an ENTIRE day here. Between the beautiful path alongside the Fox River, River View Miniature Golf Course, the park that sits nestled in the hill, kayak and pedal boat rentals, paddlewheel riverboat cruises and more, there is no shortage of fun to be had here. Pack a picnic lunch and spread your blanket out on the banks of the Fox River!  BLUE GOOSE MARKET If you don’t want to pack a lunch, just walk over to Blue Goose from Pottawatomie! Enjoy some freshly grilled brats, hamburgers, hot dogs, steak sandwiches or veggie sandwiches right on the patio. The wine bar is also open inside BGM!  KIMMER’S ICE CREAM After lunch, you’ll want some ice cream to cool you down. Kimmer’s has an inspiring story behind it — ask about it when you head in there! I LOVE getting the “Chocolate Covered Strawberry” shake, but it’s hard to resist their sparkle cones. Seriously, they have cones with edible sparkle sprinkles! You need to try one.

WitWith C h Chrisshrissy Somers, www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com

GE EN NE EV VA A

 GENEVA FRENCH MARKET Sundays are better at the French Market. Located on the corner of South and Fourth Streets in the commuter parking lot, you will find local artisans, shops, growers and food options available. I can’t leave the market without something from Hahn’s Bakery and Alice’s Corner!  MILL RACE CYCLERY Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for some adventures on the Fox! Did you know that Mill Race Cyclery will even shuttle you back to the shop once you reach the end of your adventure?! YUP!  STATE & THIRD STREET

SHOPPING

Window shopping is FREE (but certainly a challenge with so many cute things available to purchase at all the shops)! For a list of shops and restaurants listed by category, visit my website. And the first Friday of each month, several participating shops are open until 8 p.m.!

BATAVIA

 BATAVIA BOARDWALK SHOPS Ten unique businesses each take over a “tiny house” and use it as their storefront from May to December this year. You will also find live music, popup events and live demonstrations! With so many food options just steps away, spending the afternoon at the Boardwalk is easy.  RIVERWALK AND PEG BOND

CENTER

FREE concerts in the park almost every Wednesday from June 2 to Aug. 4! The River Rhapsody Concert Series is hosted by the Batavia Park District. There are even movies in the park immediately following the concerts the last two weeks of July!  HALL QUARRY BEACH About 60,000 square feet of swimming makes you feel like you’re anywhere BUT the Tri-Cities! Enjoy the only beach in our area! Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it. Reservations are required. It’s starting to feel like a normal summer! #ExploreMore by getting outside and enjoying all the Tri-Cities have to offer! For more SUMMERTIME information, visit www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com. Happy exploring, friends!

Chrissy Somers is the owner of Families on the Fox, a website that serves as a free resource to the Tri-City community. A daily events calendar, indoor fun resource guide, seasonal events, pre-planned date nights, adult n fun outings, and more can be found when you visit www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com.

PhotobyKatieKaltz Photography

JUNE 2021

to to We’re looking aheadWe’re looking ahead concerts, arts eventsconcerts, arts eventsand more — here’sand more — here’s what’s happeningwhat’s happening in in KaneKane CountyCounty

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Clip this page out

Hang it on your fridge so you can celebrate all that June has to offer!

Compiled by Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

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Did someone say buttery popcorn? Join Batavia Popcorn Depot at 4 p.m. for its ribbon-cutting.

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First Friday celebrations in Aurora this year include food trucks. You won’t want to miss this one!

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Geneva Public Library hosts a storytime event at 9:30 a.m. for children in preschool and elementary school.

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From 6 to 9 p.m., view Water Street Studios’ newest exhibit at its “Second Friday” event.

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Fox River Arts Ramble — celebrate artwork and culture at 17 venues throughout Kane County.

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Check out the Batavia Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon.

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Cantigny Park’s outdoor summer series returns with a 3 p.m. concert by rock band Voyage.

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St. Charles Park District hosts One Night Band at a 7 p.m. outdoor concert. Check online for details.

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Juneteenth: This day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.

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For Father’s Day, celebrate the dads in your life with a barbecue, a night out or family time along the Fox River.

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Swedish Days concludes with the Chocolate Crawl. Have you bought your ticket yet?

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Celebrate National Selfie Day by taking a selfie at your favorite Kane County spot!

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Let the weekend fun start early with Batavia’s Thursday Night Art Market, 6-9 p.m. along Water Street.

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The Swedish Days Festival in Geneva may look different than in years past, but you can still expect plenty of fun.

SWEDISH DAYS FESTIVAL

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30 Mark your calendars in advance!

Wellness Weekend in St. Charles, Sept. 18-19! Expect body, mind and spirit booths featuring local Fox Valley health and wellness organizations, along with giveaways, a children’s race, the Fox Valley Marathon races and more.