Neighborhood Tourist_Fall 2025

DAYTRIPPERS GUIDE TO FUN IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS

neighborhood

TOURIST FALL 2025

FALL FESTIVALS

Pumpkins, parades and stew kick off cozy season Page 12

ECOTOURISM ADVENTURES

Visit 3 destinations to reconnect with nature Page 8

Cabin Getaways Experience fall in full color at these 4 retreats • Page 18

Joliet

Wilmington

Experience Farm Life HOURS: Grounds open dawn to dusk • Office open M-Sa 8am-3pm

5N726 Crane Road • St. Charles, IL • primrosefarm.org Facility of the St. Charles Park District • Donations Appreciated

Fall Fun on the Farm Home School Day Wednesday • September 3 • 9am-12pm Learn your way around the farm! Participate in age-appropriate, traditional chores such as making animal feed, sweeping, laundry and other domestic activities. Meet the animal residents and make your own jump rope, too. Advance registration required. One free adult per family.

Ages 5+ • $8/child

NEW! Primrose Hoedown

Saturday • September 20 • 12-4pm Enjoy music, line dancing, tractor-drawn wagon rides and BBQ. Ages 21+ can swing by the beer garden. Fee includes activities, BBQ and nonalcoholic beverages.

Beer tickets sold separately on site.

All Ages • Ages 11+: $20/person Ages 10 & under: $15/person (Ages 2 & under FREE)

Autumn Hayrides Fridays & Saturdays • October 3-25 5:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm Cruise around the fields at the height of the fall harvest on a 30-minute tractor-drawn wagon ride. Each ticket includes all the fixings to make yummy s’mores over an open fire. Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

All Ages • $16/person (Group Rates Available)

Pumpkin Patch Creations

Fa-BOO-lous

Saturdays • October 4-18 • 3-4:30pm

Saturday • October 25 • 2:30-4pm

Embark on a tractor-drawn wagon ride to the pumpkin patch to find your perfect pie pumpkin.

Back at the farmyard create your own work of pumpkin art. Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Let’s carve up some fun! Bring your own pumpkin or purchase one at the door. Dress to get messy. Carving kit available for use.

Snacks and cider provided. Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

All Ages • $12/person

Ages 2+ • $12 person

(Ages 2 & under FREE)

(Ages 2 & under FREE)

Pumpkin Carving Party

For more info & to purchase tickets: primrosefarm.org/events

ALL

Ages

Animal Adventures

Feed the Goats Feed the Chickens Hands-on Milking Chicken & Egg Hold Your Horses

10am 10am 9am 11am 2pm

Tuesday RES $2/NR $3 Thursday RES $2/NR $3 Wednesday & Saturday RES $8/NR $10 Wednesday & Saturday RES $8/NR $10 Saturday RES $8/NR $10

Activities include interaction with live animals and are subject to the availability and cooperation of said animals.

Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Advance ticket purchase required.

For more info & to purchase tickets: primrosefarm.org/animal-adventures

It is official, fall is finally here!

In this season’s edition of Neighborhood Tourist, we’ve brought to your fingertips a number of cool destinations to check out, spooky opportunities, traditional celebrations and more.

With summer behind us, and school in full swing, sometimes it seems impossible to find a chance for a break. Still, don’t miss out on the opportunity to really enjoy fall at its finest. From ecotourism adventures (page 8) to rustic and snuggly cabin getaways sprinkled with a little bit of water sport and excitement (page 18), this season’s minibreak potential may just surprise you.

And, if you are chomping at the bit for those traditional sweater weather activities, we’ve collected a few festivals (page 12) and some niche

berry bliss (pages 28 and 30) to tide you over until the holiday season commences.

We hope you love this edition of Neighborhood Tourist as much as we do. As always, thank you for reading!

STAFF LAURA SHAW Publisher Northwest Herald & Kane County Chronicle

Kelley White Editor

JULIE BARICHELLO Designer

on the

COVER

Harbor Inn at Heritage Harbor in Ottawa is a resort style community with more than 80 vacation rentals.

Learn more on page 18!

Photo provided by Heritage Harbor

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Additional copies of Neighborhood Tourist are available for $6.99 each.

Email your order to TOURIST@shawmedia.com

OUR CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS ¢ KEVIN DRULEY is a St. Louis transplant who lives in the western suburbs with his wife, Shannon.

What Chicagoans call “pop,” he calls “soda,” although it’s really rather moot since he gave up such carbonated beverages for Lent in 1999. Kevin enjoys day tripping, reading, moviegoing and playing pickup sports. He recently encountered recreational pickleball and is over the moon. ¢ PATTI MACMILLAN loves words — short and to-the-point, lyrical, even convoluted — she believes they all have their place in our wonderfully lavish lexicon. It’s the power and poignancy of words that drew her first to reading, and then to writing, which she has done as a journalist and public relations professional for more than a decade. When she’s not putting digital pen to page, she (mostly) enjoys time spent with her two young sons and husband though the woodland walks that allow her respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life she prefers sans company.

¢ VICKI MARTINKA PETERSEN loves playing tourist right here in the Chicago area. Vicki juggles being a mom with her full-time job as a digital copywriter for a regional hospital system and her side hustle as a freelance writer for local niche publications. When she’s not negotiating with her son to go to bed, Vicki can be found meditating, practicing yoga, cooking and reading. She also volunteers at her son’s school and serves on the board of the AAUW Aurora Area Branch and Moms & More of Oswego. ¢ MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE loves sharing stories and taking time to spotlight the amazing things people are doing in the community.

These stories are an inspiration and a reminder of all the good in our world. As a busy mom to three boys she loves being able to escape into the stories she writes and all of the wonderful people she meets along the way. Melissa and her husband enjoy exploring new places and trying new foods with their three young sons. From delicate sushi rolls to tacos in fresh tortillas there are so many new destinations throughout the state to explore.

¢ GRACE ROSATI is a creative, through and through. Whether it’s writing, making music or crocheting, Grace loves to express herself and learn new things. When she’s not creating, you can find her trying to catch up with her evergrowing list of books to read, or binging the latest hot tv show. ¢ CHRIS WALKER loves stories.

He’ll tell you how seeing Jane’s Addiction at The Riv in 1989 changed him, why Noah Baumbach’s “Kicking & Screaming” is his favorite film and why being a dad is one of the coolest things. He has plenty of great stories, but it’s writing and sharing yours that he loves doing most. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him parenting, watching or umpiring baseball, listening to music or reminiscing about his whiffle ball field.

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WHAT'S INSIDE ¢ CONNECT AND GET COMFORTABLE 8 ECOTOURISM ADVENTURES Visit 3 destinations to reconnect with nature 12 FALL FESTIVALS Pumpkins, parades and stew kick off cozy season 14 GAME ON! Check out these sports bars serving great food, cold drinks and plenty of screens

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¢ MINI-BREAKS AND MORE

¢ SWEET AND JUICY

16 FLAVORS & FOLIAGE Looking forward to fall at Starved Rock Lodge

28 CRUSHING IT Vineyard celebrates growth with traditional grape stomp

18 CABIN GETAWAYS Experience fall in full color at these 4 rustic havens

30 PICKERS PARADISE Choo Choo Farms invites visitors to nab their own aronia berries

22 SPOOKY SEASON THRIVES Dare to visit these haunted houses in Northern Illinois 26 FALLS DRIVES, FESTIVALS AND DINING Let a colorful road trip lead you to new experiences

VINTAGE

Antiques & Collectibles SADIE’S ON MAIN

A charming boutique specializing in unique one-of-a-kind artisanal gifts and distinctive products for Makers and DIYers.

6 W. WILSON ST., BATAVIA, IL • 630-326-9016 W W W. R E D H I V E M A R K E T.CO M

303 N. MAIN ST., ELBURN

630.849.8641 HOURS: SUN: 11 - 3 WED - SAT: 10 -5

ORIGINAL ART CLASSES & STUDIO/SHOP AT SADIE’S

HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN FIND THESE VINTAGE SHOPS:  BELL JAR VINTAGE 313 W. State St., Geneva 847-514-3350 Facebook: Bell Jar Vintage Shop

• Vintage • Antiques • Gifts • Curiosities Fine Estate & Costume Jewelry • Books

TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10 - 5 | SUNDAY 12-5 313 W. State Street in Geneva

847-514-3350

@belljarvintage

 RED HIVE MARKET 6 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-324-9016 www.redhivemarket.com  SADIE’S ON MAIN 303 N. Main St., Elburn 630-849-8641 www.sadiesonmain.com

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ECOTOURISM Red Oak Nature Center

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Forest Preserve District of Will County

ADVENTURES Forest Preserve District of Will County

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center

Embark on a journey to reconnect with nature at these 3 destinations

By Grace Rosati | Photos provided by Fox Valley Park District, Forest Preserve District of Will County and by Mike Spychal

C

onnecting with our surroundings has become increasingly difficult over the years.

But through ecotourism — or nature-oriented activities — tourists and locals alike can support the community while learning about the planet.

A great place to start is your local nature center. The aptly named Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Will County is surrounded by water, making it a hotspot for wildlife.

“Four Rivers sits in a really unique area,” said Facility Supervisor Jerome Gabriel. “It gives people the opportunity to experience much of what the natural world would’ve looked like without having to travel a great distance.”

Around the preserve, visitors can hike the 60-mile Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, launch kayaks at Kerry Sheridan Grove or cast a line in one of the fishing spots.

Inside the center, visitors will find environmental exhibits designed with accessibility in mind.

“Accessibility is a big deal here,” Gabriel said. “In 2023, we became the first fully accredited inclusion nature

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SHOP • DRINK • EAT • STAY • PLAY

Geneva, Illinois

SO MUCH TO FALL FOR! Geneva in autumn is always a treat to behold. Delight in the colorful foliage along our beautiful bike trails. While downtown, stimulate your palate at one of our many wonderful eateries, wineries and taverns. Shop for the perfect gift among our over 140 specialty shops. Refresh and replenish with an overnight stay or spa visit. And visit during our Festival of the Vine to discover a special celebration of everything the season offers.

For more info and events schedule, go to visitgenevail.com.

Don’t Miss: Festival of the Vine, Sept. 5-7

Red Oak Nature Center

center in the nation through the National Inclusion Project. Anyone, regardless of ability level, is welcome to interact with our programs.”

For a day of family-friendly education and exploration, Four Rivers is worth the trip.

For classic fall fun, Jonamac Orchard in DeKalb County is the place to be.

Since opening in 1984, it has become a staple for fresh produce, baked goods and family activities, including you-pick apples, a haunted corn maze and actionpacked apple cannons.

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As Jonamac continues to expand, the team still works hard to maintain a down-to-earth feel.

“There are a lot of people who have no interaction with agriculture on a yearly basis,” said Farm Manager Mike Spychal.

“Seeing kids climb on hay bales and playing in corn, there’s something about the simplicity of it that parents and kids really like.”

The prime time for both pumpkins and apples is the first week of October, making it the perfect time to join the fun on the farm.

Jonamac Orchard

Forest Preserve District of Will County

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center

For a more interactive educational experience, check out one of Red Oak Nature Center’s special events in Kane County. Collect invasive river species at Rusty Rodeo in July, get active at the Bigfoot Trail Run in September, or experience the magic of maple tapping at Maple Fest in early March. A full schedule is available on their website.

Outside of these events, Red Oak is an ideal place to spend the day outdoors.

With more than 40 acres of land, there’s plenty to see.

“In a very short distance, you can

experience quite a few different habitats,” said Environmental Education Supervisor Christy Graser. “We like to think of ourselves as an introductory nature center. You’re learning what nature can do for you and what kind of benefits it can provide.”

When visiting Red Oak for the first time, make sure to stop by the nature center for information and exhibits before beginning your adventure.

This fall, breathe in the crisp air and experience the beauty of northern Illinois. Mother Earth will thank you for it.

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Burgoo Festival

Pumpkins, parades and stew highlight cozy seasonal events

F

By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by by Burgoo Festival, Lumenaura and Art in the Barn all is that sweet spot between sweltering summer days and frigid winter nights. And what better way to enjoy these comfortable temperatures than by spending a day outdoors supporting local artists, taking in scarecrow and pumpkin displays, and squeezing in one last carnival ride? To get you started, here’s a curated list of events that celebrate the cozy magic of fall.

ART ON THE PRAIRIE

Sept. 20–21, Warrenville

Stroll through this juried art fair featuring photography, woodwork, jewelry, ink prints and more by Midwest artists—as live music fills the air. Kids can enjoy making art at Pinot’s Palette, get balloon animals or try face painting. The event runs 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday in the Warrenville Park District Recreation Center parking lot, 3S260 Warren Ave., Warrenville.

HUNTLEY FALL FEST

Sept. 26–28, Huntley

For over 20 years, Huntley Fall Fest has offered a long weekend of free entertainment, a carnival midway, and family fun. Expect carousel classics, a century wheel, thrill rides like Pharaoh’s Fury, a pancake breakfast with a topping bar, fireworks, car and tractor shows, a craft fair, scarecrow-building—and more. Hours are 5–11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sunday at 12015 Mill St., Huntley.

ART IN THE BARN

Sept. 27–28, Barrington

The 50th annual Art in the Barn Fine Art Show takes place on the grounds of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Highway 22, Barrington. This juried festival showcases acrylics, ceramics, jewelry, photography, sculpture and more. A food court and live music entertain while you browse. Hours both days are 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.; admission is $5 for adults, free for those under 12.

Art in the Barn

Lumenaura

LUMENAURA

Oct. 10–26, Aurora

Returning for a second year, LUMENAURA transforms downtown Aurora into an immersive light-and-sound playground.

Fest Weekend, Oct. 10–12, features live entertainment and opportunities to create your own art. The full immersive experience runs through Oct. 26.

SCARECROW WEEKEND

Oct. 11–13, St. Charles

More than 110 handmade scarecrows will line downtown during the 40th annual Scarecrow Weekend. Enjoy live entertainment, a Family Zone, festive photo ops, Scarecrow-to-Go, and the Autumn on the Fox Craft Show at Pottawatomie Park. Hours: 12–6 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.

BURGOO FESTIVAL

Oct. 11–12, Utica

Celebrating its 55th year, Utica’s Burgoo Festival is one of northern Illinois’s largest and longest-running fall parties. Street vendors, live music and artisans abound. The star is burgoo—a hearty stew slow-cooked 12 to 18 hours over a wood fire alongside the historic I&M Canal, and ready to be served at 9 a.m.

Sunday.

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Oct. 22–26, Sycamore

This 64th annual festival fills downtown Sycamore near Main and State streets. The week-long celebration includes a pumpkin check-in and public art display, an opening giant cake cutting ceremony, a parade on Oct. 26, a house walk, carnival, craft shows and a “Pumpkins at the Movies” theme.

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GA

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N O E M

s bars t r o p s e s e h T s and hangout reat are serving g rinks food, cold d f T Vs and plenty o

ided by r | Photos prov

By Chris Walke essner Br y nd Bar and by Sa ts or Sp J e bl Dou

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S

ports fans looking to claim a favorite bar stool as their home away from home have plenty of options. Skip the ticket prices, parking hassles and crowds while enjoying a lively atmosphere, hearty menus and great drink specials at these standout establishments. Let’s go!

COOM’S CORNER SPORTS GRILL

CARSON TAP HOUSE

DOUBLE “J” SPORTS BAR

823 Liberty St., Morris www.carsontaphouse.com

With 14 shareables on the menu, bar food is being reinvented in Morris. Add 36 craft beers to the mix, and you’ll have plenty of cold ones to pair with your order. Menu highlights include chili, soup, salads, fried chicken, burgers, wings and two styles of steak sandwiches. Order a couple of steak sandwiches and a bloody mary—just like Fletch!

1225 E. Ninth St., Lockport www.coomscorner.com

Looking for great food and drinks that welcome families, too? Check out the warm, friendly vibe at Coom’s in Lockport, where hearty dishes and cold beverages complement the action on the TVs.

(Pictured above) 1001 Essington Road, Joliet www.doublejsportsbar.com

Celebrating its 25th year in 2025, Double “J” has long been Joliet’s go-to spot to kick back, grab a cold drink, share some laughs, make new friends and catch a ballgame.

FATTY’S PUB & GRILLE

1312 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb www.fattysniu.com

As the official pre- and post-game headquarters of Northern Illinois University athletics, Fatty’s is a destination for Huskies fans and sports lovers alike. With a newly expanded beer garden, an active calendar of social events and plenty of food and drink options, Fatty’s is always a good time.

GOAL LINE SPORTS BAR & GRILL 85 Brink St., Crystal Lake www.goallinesportsgrill.com

The team at Goal Line promises to “knock your socks off.” With the slogan “It’s Not Bar Food,” the menu goes beyond the basics, served in a cozy, family-friendly setting where you can enjoy a meal, a couple of drinks and a game or two.

RIVERFRONT BAR & GRILL 1525 Water St., Peru www.riverfrontbar.com

Along with daily specials, Riverfront offers 20 TVs, Golden Tee, gaming machines and even a sand volleyball court.

ROOKIES

(Pictured at right) 72 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake 2486 Bushwood Drive, Elgin 1996 S. Kirk Road, Geneva 12220 Princeton Drive, Huntley 1545 W. Main St., St. Charles www.rookiespub.com

You’ll feel like you’re in the front row at Rookies, with wall-to-wall TVs showing the games—plus food and drink specials that beat stadium prices. With multiple locations, Rookies is a seasoned veteran in the world of fun sports bars.

SHAKERS

121 W. Stevenson Road, Ottawa www.shakersottawa.com

Shake things up at Shakers, which offers craft beer and much more. With three dozen rotating beers on tap, a solid food menu and entertainment ranging from live music to leagues in volleyball, darts and billiards, Shakers brings the fun indoors and out.

Make Yourself at Home!

MonthlyFood FoodSpecials Specials Monthly Outdoor Patio Seating Heated Outdoor Patio Seating Dine DineInInor orCarry CarryOut Out Seasonal SeasonalBrews Brews $4.00 Daily Handcrafted $5.00 Daily HandcraftedBeer Beer Specials Specials Try Raider‛s Root Beer (ABV Try Raider’s Root Beer (ABV 7.5%) 7.5%)

306 W State Street Downtown Geneva 630-208-7070 www.stockholmsbrewpub.com SM-CL2264658

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flavors &

FOLIAGE

W

hile saying goodbye to summer can be bittersweet, there’s something exciting about the arrival of fall – especially with fun events just around the corner at Starved Rock Lodge!

Chef Charlie crafted a special Oktoberfest menu, the German band is booked and the kegs are ready to be tapped. It’s almost time for the annual, fun-filled celebration in the historic Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge in Oglesby.

The first of three Oktoberfest events will be a dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Matinees will take place on Monday, Oct. 20, and Tuesday, Oct. 21. Fall colors create a beautiful backdrop outside the windows of the Great Hall while you enjoy music played by the Duseldorfers band. If you have the strength, sign up for the “Stein Hoisting” contest. Tickets for Oktoberfest are $65 and include the delicious buffet, a souvenir stein and tasting tickets (must be 21 or older for beer or wine) and musical entertainment. Tickets for the buffet only are $50 per person.

If you’d like to enhance your autumn adventure, consider adding a river cruise or guided hike during the most colorful month of the year.

Autumn on the River Cruises ($65) run Monday, Wednesday and Friday in October from 11 a.m.

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to 3 p.m. This tour begins with lunch at 11a.m. in the historic dining room at the Lodge, followed by a trolley tour explaining the history and legends of the area. The next stop is The Eagle I river boat, where you will experience the beautiful fall foliage of Starved Rock State Park as you travel along the Illinois River.

Historic Trolley Tours ($20) run on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about the National Historic Landmark known as Starved Rock State Park and Lodge. Travel to the Lock and Dam, the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and through historic downtown Utica. You’ll also stop by the Starved Rock Visitor Center.

Fall Colors Trolley Tours ($40) run on select Saturdays and Tuesdays in October. This tour includes a trolley ride with lunch in the Lodge restaurant (special menu) followed by a guided hike (about 45 minutes) to scenic Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon. Lunch will be before or after the tour, depending on the tour’s departure time.

Take a Hike & a Lunch Guided Hikes ($25) run every Saturday and Sunday through November from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore Starved Rock and discover canyons, bluffs and seasonal waterfalls on this

Looking forward to fall at Starved Rock Lodge Article and photos provided by Starved Rock Lodge

4-mile (round trip) guided hike. Listen as the guide tells stories of how Starved Rock got its name along with other legends of the area. A sack lunch and souvenir drawstring backpack are included.

Visit a Canyon & a Boat Ride ($60) is October’s premier tour, departing every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. Board a trolley with a guide and head to the entrance of one of Starved Rock’s most scenic canyons. The walk is less than a mile and takes about 45 minutes. The hike is followed by a relaxing boat ride on the picturesque Illinois River. A snack, bottle of water and souvenir drawstring backpack are included.

Waterfowl Cruises ($42) depart every Saturday and Sunday in October at 1 p.m. Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge for a one-hour boat ride. The trolley will return you to the Lodge.

For reservations and details, please call the Activities Department at 815-220-7386 or get tickets online at www.starvedrocklodge.com. Reservations for the Thanksgiving Buffet opened Aug. 27.

STARVED ROCK LODGE One Lodge Lane, Oglesby 815-667-4211 | www.starvedrocklodge.com

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FOUR CABIN Experience fall in full color

By Patricia MacMillan • Photos provided by The Cabins at Pine Creek, Starved Rock Lodge, Heritage Harbor and The Cottages on Petite Lake

The Cabins at Pine Creek

A steps away.

look outside reveals a forest alive with blazing color—a scene where red, orange and gold leaves jockey for position under a cool autumn sun. By night, a crackling fire sends smoke toward a sky laden with stars. After a day of hiking in air crisp with the season, a cozy bed is bliss—and it’s mere

Don’t let fall pass you by without experiencing it in all its glory. These cabins available to rent offer just that opportunity:

The Cabins at Pine Creek

6797 W. Pines Road, Oregon, IL | www.pinecreekescape.com Set adjacent to White Pines State Park, this forested escape offers three rustic yet updated cabins that sleep six to 12. Inside, you’ll find full kitchens, fireplaces, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and TVs. Outside, private fire pits and grilling areas await. Two cabins are pet-friendly. “Guests regularly tell us they feel like they’re ‘a thousand miles away,’ even though they may have only driven a few hours,” said Rebecca Wilson, who owns the property. “Families love how the cabins create space for togetherness with kids playing outside, parents unwinding by the fire, and everyone reconnecting away from the hustle.” Trails in White Pines and nearby attractions—such as farmers markets, seasonal festivals and small-town charm—make filling a weekend easy. “Fall is truly magical at Pine Creek,” Wilson said.

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N GETAWAYS Starved Rock Lodge

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Starved Rock Lodge

Heritage Harbor

Heritage Harbor

Starved Rock Lodge

Harbor Inn at Heritage Harbor

The Cottages on Petite Lake

Within Starved Rock State Park, this historic lodge offers guests a choice of hotel-style rooms or cozy log cabins set among towering woods. All lodging includes modern amenities such as mini-fridges, microwaves, Wi-Fi and TVs. The indoor pool complex features a lap pool, children’s pool, two saunas, a hot tub and a sunning patio. “Guests often tell us they love the peaceful setting, the convenience of walking right from their cabin to the trails without needing to leave the park,” said general manager Abby Farrell. “The park’s scenic trails lead to overlooks and waterfalls, and fall photography is incredibly popular here.” October also marks the final month for sunset cruises on the Illinois River to Ottawa and back. On-site dining includes a fullservice restaurant, a café with grab-and-go options, a lounge and a veranda overlooking the valley. “We blend the rustic beauty of a state park with the comfort and convenience of a lodge resort,” Farrell said.

This resort-style community offers 80-plus vacation rentals—from single-family homes to charming “bunkie” cottages—all with modern furnishings, abundant natural light, private decks or screenedin porches and fire pits. On-site amenities include pickleball courts and a marina offering pontoon, kayak and SUP rentals from May through October. The I&M Canal Towpath is right at your doorstep, perfect for biking or walking. A waterfront restaurant and bar are within easy walking distance, and staff offer grocery or breakfast delivery and local tours to simplify your stay. “We also offer add-on options to make your stay even easier, including grocery and breakfast delivery right to your door, or the ability to book local tours to explore attractions in the area,” said marketing manager Jackie Davidson.

This lakefront, family-run resort offers a mix of charming cottages, a tiny house—and a unique houseboat docked on Petite Lake, the smallest of the Chain O’Lakes. Guests enjoy free access to a beach, a rooftop deck, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, water volleyball, fishing piers, private fire pits, grills and more. Antique shops and waterfront restaurants are nearby, and forest preserves and Chain O’Lakes State Park offer abundant hiking. “An old-school getaway for everyone,” the site promises sand-dusted feet, bonfires and lake views.

One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL www.starvedrocklodge.com

The Cottages on Petite Lake

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111 Harbor View Drive, Ottawa, IL www.visitheritageharborinn.com

The Cottages on Petite Lake

25621 W. Hermann Avenue, Antioch, IL www.thecottagesonpetitelake.com

Each destination captures fall’s magic in its own way — whether you want to fall asleep to crackling firelight, fall asleep listening to lapping waves, or simply fall into rest after a harvest-colored hike.

The Cabins at Pine Creek

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ate Hell’s G ouse dH Haunte

Spooky Season

THRIVES HAUNTED HOUSES TO VISIT AROUND NORTHERN ILLINOIS

By Kevin Druley | Photos provided by Hell’s Gate Haunted House and Nightmare Haunted Attraction

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E

ach October, Dave Mead works to update the settings and scares at the Nightmare Haunted Attraction at the Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton.

While the essence of haunted houses remains the same, keeping them fresh is vital.

For Mead, lead organizer of the ensemble at 811 Peru St., that’s what has sustained the attraction for 21 years.

“You’re creating an experience,” Mead said. “And if you don’t, you will not thrive. So, keeping that in mind, that’s our mindset when we start building for the year. And you can’t run the same haunt every year; you need to continually be proactive and move stuff around. It’s a lot of work but it’s a lot of fun.”

When done right, haunted houses generate not only screams and jump-scares that fans of spooky season crave, but also the kind of banter and wordof-mouth that still travels well in the digital age.

Through the years, Mead said, visitors from Chicagoland as well as Iowa and central Illinois

have ventured to the fairgrounds, joining the people of Bureau County in some communal creeping.

“Distance doesn’t make a difference,” he said.

“Once you see it, you can’t wait to see what they’re going to do next year.”

The Nightmare Haunted Attraction costs $15 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. While Mead acknowledges “our core audience is the teenage audience,” he said many older adults also walk through.

are Nig htm d Haunte on Attracti

He recommends parents of younger children use their discretion about their kids’ appetite for spooky fare.

“We try to stay somewhat family-friendly. We don’t go over the top or use obscenities,” Mead said. “You have to have a certain level of simulated blood and torment, that kind of thing, but there’s a limit to what you can do if you’re going to allow younger children. Not all haunts allow anyone under 16 to go in; we do because we think everybody should be entertained.”

Stay. P lay. Explore.

ROCK FALLS TOURISM

WHERE CITY LIFE & NATURE MEET Find Out More Information at visitrockfalls.com Or give us a call at (815) 622-1106

Outdoor Fun • Art • Dining • Shopping • Events

Taco Throwdown Festival

October 4 Spooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Cart & UTV Parade

Find it all in Rock Falls

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H

ere’s a look at other haunted houses and attractions around the Neighborhood Tourist area. Check websites, as pricing and hours vary.

Basement of the Dead 42 W. New York St., Aurora 630-896-2466 www.basementofthedead.com Disturbia Haunted House 1213 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove 630-896-2466 www.hauntedhousedisturbia.com Evil Intentions Haunted House 45W050 Beith Road, Maple Park www.eihaunt.com 5 Points Haunted House 241 W. Roosevelt Road, West Chicago www.5pointshaunt.com Haunted Haven 136 Anderson Drive, Dixon 815-213-2269 www.hauntedhaven.org

Disturbia e Haunted Hous

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Hayride of Horror and Curse of the Bayou 199 Woods Drive, Lockport 815-838-1183 www.lockportpark.org/HayrideOfHorror

Hell’s Gate Haunted House 301 W. 2nd St., Lockport (Note: A shuttle takes guests from the parking lot to the attraction in the woods.)

605-201-4283 www.hellsgate.com Insanity Haunted House 3940 Illinois Route 251, Peru (inside the Peru Mall) www.insanityhh.com Massacre Haunted House 299 Montgomery Road, Montgomery 708-320-3327 www.fearthemassacre.com The Old Joliet Haunted Prison 401 Woodruff Road, Joliet www.hauntedprison.com Realm of Terror Haunted House 421 W. Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach www.realmofterror.com Wicked Hallows Haunted Hayride 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago 630-231-3859 www.sonnyacres.com/haunted-hayride

2025 FALL/WINTER EVENTS ELKHORN ANTIQUE FLEA MARKET - SEPTEMBER 28TH HEATHERS THE MUSICAL - OCTOBER 3RD - OCTOBER 19TH HOLIDAY CRAFT BASH - OCTOBER 4TH ELKHORN OKTOBERFEST - OCTOBER 18TH BEAST FEST - OCTOBER 24TH - 26TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING - DECEMBER 5TH CHRISTMAS PARADE - DECEMBER 6TH RUDOLF THE RED NOSE REINDEER - DECEMBER 5TH - 14TH HOLTON BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT - DECEMBER 13TH

WWW.VISITELKHORN.COM

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Fall Drives, festivals & dining

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske u Photos provided by Otto Dick and Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

PINES ROAD NEAR WHITE PINES STATE PARK IN OGLE COUNTY

hen my husband utters the phrase “Let’s go for a drive,” I feel a level of anxiety rise. Where are we going? Will I need to pack a snack? Am I wearing the right shoes?

Panic.

I need to have a destination plugged into the phone’s map system to ease TOURIST 26 NEIGHBORHOOD FALL 2025

my nerves — and then I can be a great co-pilot, keeping an eye on the scenery and looking for tasty detours.

So here are some destinations — and a few detours, too. Whether it’s a day trip or an overnight stay, exploring the city or retreating into nature, let these spots inspire wandering. Mingle at a smalltown festival, make a date for a show, and dive into delicious bites.

CITY OF MCHENRY

McHenry County offers great driving destinations — from quiet natural areas along the Fox River and the Chain O’Lakes to farms inviting pumpkin picking. In McHenry itself, developments along the Fox River have transformed the downtown into an inviting place where new restaurants and shops are taking root.

“When I moved here in 2000, people used to call it a ‘drive-thru’ town, as people traveled to Woodstock and Crystal Lake. It’s no longer a drive-thru town; it’s a destination,” said Dawn Bremer, member of the McHenry Planning and Zoning Commission and president of the District 156 school board.

Bremer, who owns The Bremer Team with Keller Williams Success Realty, has helped lead the transformation. She spearheaded efforts with local businesses to raise funds for the first of three murals downtown. The new McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes — a tiny outdoor mall — is open Friday through Sunday through December, offering incubator space for new businesses that bring fresh energy to longtime locations.

“We keep hearing people say, this is a lot different than it used to be,” Bremer said.

OGLE COUNTY

Amid the rolling hills and the Rock River, discover small-town charm, history and entertainment.

For a great weekend getaway, check fall event calendars: outdoor markets in Rochelle, the annual chili cook-off in Polo, and the Stillman Valley Fall Festival — complete with a tractor show, craft fair, live music and a parade the last weekend in September.

In early October, Oregon hosts Autumn on Parade, featuring a farmers market, craft fair, Olde English Faire, car shows and plenty of food.

The area is also full of walking trails and cozy cabins near Pine Creek and White Pines — perfect for coffee on the porch at sunrise. The White Pines Lodge in Mt. Morris offers live dinner theater performances, including tribute concerts, musicals and comedies running through December.

QUAD CITIES

Spend time along the mighty Mississippi in the Quad Cities: Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline in Illinois. Live entertainment, music, museums and dining make this region a great playground. The Belgian Museum of the Quad Cities will serve Belgian waffles on Oct. 4, and the Putnam Museum in Davenport offers insight into the river’s history.

The area boasts art galleries, natural preserves and historic sites. The TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon on Sept. 27–28 spans all four cities and includes six additional races. You’ll find outdoor markets in their final weeks of the season, with the Rock Island Artists Market on Sunday, Oct. 12, and musical offerings from the Quad Cities Music Guild and the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra.

The postcard-style “Welcome to McHenry” mural at 3411 W. Elm St., McHenry

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Crushin M

istie Hill Vineyard co-owner Rich Strylowski credits positive word-of-mouth for helping his Custer Park winery build clientele.

It’s only natural, then, to offer visitors a chance to get a little hands-on.

Among other fall events, Mistie Hill, 36921 Ohlhues Road, Custer Park, plans a grape stomp in late September. Offering a playful nod to a more established wine-country pastime, the stomp gives Rich and his wife, Debbie, a chance to thank the patrons who’ve made Mistie Hill a regular stop — and to raise a bit of “I Love Lucy” chatter.

“We get comments all the time. People say, ‘Oh, do you crush the grapes like Lucille Ball?’” Rich Strylowski said. “I hear that at least once a week. People really think that that’s cool.”

Another common retort? “I didn’t know you were here.”

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Indeed, Mistie Hill planted its first vines in 2008 and began making wine in 2011, but it didn’t open a licensed wine-manufacturing facility until 2018.

In March 2025, the Will County Board approved the Strylowskis’ plan to build a 3,400-square-foot facility— including a tasting room—on the family’s five-acre vineyard. It opened in March 2025.

Mistie Hill now sells more than 20 award-winning wines—a mix of reds, whites and fruit varieties—as well as wine slushies and offerings from an expanding charcuterie menu. The wine bar also serves bottled beer, including three varieties of Yuengling. Yes — brewskis from America’s oldest brewery can be had inside this relative newcomer to Illinois’s winery scene.

“I see the clientele really building up, especially in the last few weeks,” Rich Strylowski said in August. “We have a lot of regulars that come in that really like our wine. I see new people coming in almost daily.” On grape stomp day, after visitors have stomped grapes

We invite you to stop by and enjoy a multi-level shopping experience

Vineyard celebrates growth with a traditional grape stomp

By Kevin Druley Photos provided by Rich Strylowski

ng It destined for disposal, they can take more than just memories with them.

“When the people get out of the tub, we’re going to have T-shirts made up with their sizes,” Rich Strylowski said.

“We’re going to try to preserve the footprints, and it’s something that they can take with them as a souvenir.”

The community spirit is mirrored elsewhere in the Neighborhood Tourist coverage area.

For the past two falls, Fox Republic Brewing Company — which opened at 101 W. Hydraulic Ave., Yorkville, in July 2023 — has collaborated with nearby hop growers to craft its Collision IPA. Head brewer Kevin Hopkins combines hops from the garden outside Fox

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Republic with donations from local growers to create the beer. In 2024, Hopkins said, “it came out to about 40 pounds of hops, which is just crazy. It ended up being quite a bit and we used them all.”

Mistie Hill plans to dedicate a noticeably lighter supply of fruit to its stomp. Rich Strylowski estimates it will be “a wheelbarrow’s worth.”

“It’s not going to be, like, half our crop that we’re using,” he said.

Perhaps in time they’ll need more dispensable fruit. For now, up-andcoming wineries and breweries — and the people who visit them — are taking steps to cultivate camaraderie. Barefoot and otherwise.

Sublette IL | 815-849-5209

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PICKER PAR ADIS Choo Choo Farms invites visitors to nab their own aronia berries

By Derek Barichello | Photos by Tom Sistak

I

t’s easy to get lost, if only for a moment, at Choo Choo Farms.

The pick-your-own aronia berry field that neighbors Matthiessen State Park on Route 178 boasts more than 2,000 bushes, some reaching 6 to 7 feet tall and spanning across 37 lanes.

Getting lost among the bushes is welcome by most visitors.

“We’ve had groups of ladies out here, they’re in their 50s or older, and they’re having a small get-together,” said the farm’s co-owner Steven Bakken. “You’ll start to hear them laughing out here, because they’re like, ‘Where are you at? I lost you.’”

Aronia berries, also known as chokeberries, are part of the rose family. The berries, which have a tangy but rich wildberry flavor, are

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added to smoothies, oatmeal and yogurt; baked into muffins, scones, cookies and breads; made into jams, jellies, syrups and sauces; and used to create homemade wines, ciders and meads. They are coveted not only for their flavor, but also their health benefits. High in Vitamin K, aronia berries are packed with antioxidants, naturally low in sugar and can support digestion and reduce inflammation, among other qualities.

Bakken said most consumers are familiar with blueberries, strawberries and raspberries – the kinds found in the produce section of a supermarket – but decades ago, the aronia berry, along with elderberries and mulberries, were more commonly used in the kitchen.

Recently, there’s been a trend to revive

RS SE WHY CHOO CHOO FARMS?

Kylie Bakken of Choo Choo Farms picks aronia berries to make her specialty jam.

some of the lesser known berries native to the region. Bakken’s three-acre field has attracted regular visitors from Chicagoland as winemakers and nostalgic bakers alike get the experience of picking the ripened, dark purple to black berries from the bushes. Children also love running the lanes and helping adults collect the fruit.

Pickers are provided coffee tins at $5 each to fill, and the berries are transferred to a gallon-sized bag. Two coffee tins usually fill a whole bag. For customers who want a larger quantity, they can negotiate a price with the Bakkens.

The best time to pick the berries is late July through early September, with some good berries still to be found into October.

For those looking for something already prepared, Choo Choo Farms makes their own jellies, tinctures and pressed juice with the aronia berries. The farm also sells a variety of homemade jams and jellies with elderberries and mulberries grown fresh at the farm. Several favorite medleys are the Choo Choo Cherry (aronia, elderberry, cranberry, cherry), the Bakken Berry Blend (aronia, elderberry, mulberry), the aronia berry with apples and the firecracker pepper jelly.

The farm’s co-owner Kylie Bakken bakes sourdough breads (sold by the half and full loaf) and sourdough cookies.

Along with being available for pickup at the farm or for shipping, the products are sold at local farm markets and vendor shows like Ottawa’s Third Friday.

“Ever since I’ve tried the sourdough cookies, I can’t go back,” Steven said of his wife’s homemade creation. “They have a fresher and more dynamic flavor. I encourage anyone to try them.”

The Bakkens refer to the farm as a labor of love. Steven, who works a full-time job at SABIC in Ottawa, said the berry field alone takes about 37 hours of weed whacking to clear the lanes for pickers. Almost all of the ingredients used in their products are from the farm, including fresh eggs and honey, which also are available for purchase.

Steven describes the farm as a serene, rural paradise. Along Route 178, just south of Matthiessen State Park, a driveway with a row of mulberry bushes leads visitors to the Bakkens’ home.

Choo Choo Farms is named after Steven Bakken’s grandmother.

Growing up, Steven had affinity for trains and his grandmother lived by a railroad track, so he called her “Grandma Choo Choo.” Around the time the Bakkens moved to the farm, his grandmother got sick, so they named it after her.

“She was always really proud of us and loved what we were doing,” Kylie Bakken said.

During prime picking season, the farm at 2405 N. Route 178 is open from 8 a.m. to about 7 p.m. or near sunset. The Bakkens recommend allotting about 30 to 60 minutes, or just enough time to get lost in the rows of bushes.

“It’s a lot of fun when you’re walking down the rows, because they just engulf you on both sides,” Steven said. “You kind of get lost in the zone in between and picking berries. It’s kind of fun.”

For more information on the farm, call or text Choo Choo Farms at 815-408-1416 or message them on Facebook.

This article originally was published in the fall 2025 issue of Starved Rock Country Magazine.

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