Neighborhood Tourist Winter 2020

DAYTRIPPERS GUIDE TO FUN IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS

neighborhood

TOURIST

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE The Morton Arboretum’s lights show + 8 other outdoor options

WINTER 2020

GIFTS FTS FOR F … WELL, EVERYONE EV 20 stops s o for easy hopping holiday shop PAGE 8

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Support St. Charles by Shopping Local this Holiday Season

St. Charles Gift Guide Beer Tour or Wine Tasting of STC

Purchase beer from all 6 breweries or find unique wines in town!

Relaxed in STC

A gift card or products from one of the many Spas and Wellness Centers.

Taste of STC

Buy gift cards from your favorite restaurants or coffee shops and use them all year long on date nights!

Shop Small in STC

Shop your favorite small retail stores for clothes, home decor, art, candy, jewlery and more.

Keep St. Charles Businesses in your Hearts and Under your Trees this Christmas.

For a full list of Shops, Restaurants and other St. Charles businesses visit:

WWW.STCALLIANCE.ORG

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Downtown Morris Holiday Events

Open Houses every weekend through December 13!

November 21-22 “Kris Kringle” style market in front of your favorite stores on Saturday from 10am-7pm. Enjoy strolling musicians as you walk from store to store!

November 27, 28, & 29 Home for the Holidays Weekend!

Stroll downtown Morris’ beautiful holiday window displays while participating in our first ever WINDOW WALK contest.

Pick up entry form at participating businesses.

Visit each window display and match the correct business to their unique clue/hint. Turn in completed entry by November 29 for a chance to win one of 6 - $100 gift certificate prizes! (Adults only. Limited number of bags.)

December 4 Midnight in Morris! Shopping starts early this year to help with crowds: Noon to Midnight

December 12 & 13 Join us for our first PEPPERMINT BEAR SCAVENGER HUNT! Adorable stuffed bears will be hidden inside participating stores.

Pick up entry form and search the stores to find the bears. Turn in completed entry by December 13 for a chance to win a bear! 32 Bears will be given away.

(Children only. Restrictions Apply.)

December 19 & 20 Hurry! Holiday shopping days are limited! Most stores have extended hours!

Please check our website and FB page for more details. Events could be modified or cancelled based on the status of COVID 19 at that time.

shopmorrisil.com For more Home for the Holiday events: www.downtownmorris.com

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Happy holidays!

The winter edition of Neighborhood Tourist has a particularly special meaning to me. As a kid in St. Louis, my dad took my siblings and me on the infamous “Field Trip,” always conveniently scheduled a few days before Christmas, when Mom might have had a few errands left to do.

We would go on a short road trip and explore for the day — always somewhere historic or artistic or interesting, never anywhere too fancy (Mark Twain’s hometown, a Frank Lloyd Wright house, the tallest point in Missouri and an artist’s workshop, among many others). Our crew’s annual field trip was a neighborhood tourist outing (Missouri edition) years before I became editor of this magazine. This one’s for you, Dad!

Whether it’s downtown associations getting creative with dining and event restructuring (P. 24 and 14) or even just a cup of homemade hot chocolate (P. 20), it’s clear that communities are stepping up in extraordinary ways to present a semblance of normalcy for the most joyous of seasons.

If you can, please try to do some of your holiday shopping at local stores.

Our neighbors own and operate these gems, and it’d be heartbreaking to lose any business to a year that has already featured an unfathomable amount of loss. These bookstores, craft stores and beyond deserve as much support as we can offer! If you need help making your list, our gift guide (P. 8) is a great place to start.

The coronavirus interrupted the traditional way we celebrate the Fourth of July, Halloween and Thanksgiving, and it’s likely the December holidays will be no different. For my family and yours, I hope the same joy and hope is present, even if our traditions are scaled back.

Stay warm and healthy, and thanks for reading!

I do, however, feel encouraged by this winter issue, which is a testament to the resilience of our communities.

Hannah Hoffmeister Editor hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com

STAFF LAURA SHAW Publisher Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group

ALLISON LAPORTA Designer

JACLYN CORNELL Local Sales Manager Niche Products

on the

COVER

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WHAT'S INSIDE ¢ WINTER & HOLIDAYS

¢ DESTINATION DINING

8 GIFTS FOR … WELL, EVERYONE 20 local shops for your holiday gift lists

20 WARM UP WITH HOT COCOA There’s no better way to support local than with a steaming cup — check out these delicious options

14 HOLIDAY CALENDAR A pandemic isn’t stopping Santa from making socially distanced visits 16 COMMUNITIES COMING TOGETHER County leaders, in their own words, reflect on a year unlike any other

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24 OUTSIDE OF THE BOX Restaurants pivot outdoors to serve guests, even in the winter

¢ FROM OUR READERS 28 SPOTLIGHT ON SHABBONA The Neighborhood Tourist staff spent a day exploring this gem in DeKalb County

¢ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 30 THE SHOW GOES ON Theaters and arts organizations persevere in their missions

¢ FAMILY FUN 33 HICKORY KNOLLS Natural area comes alive through new walk-and-read children’s story 34 ON THE BRIGHT SIDE The scoop on The Morton Arboretum’s lights show & 8 other outdoor options 37 ALL IN GOOD FUN Shake out your sillies at these 11 adventure parks

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS ¢ ALLISON BILLS (HORNE) is a freelance writer and social media/ marketing professional who currently resides in Telluride, Colorado.

Originally from Downers Grove, Allison attended Millikin University for undergrad (where she is now in the Hall of Fame for her soccer career) before getting her MA in Journalism from DePaul. When she's not working, you can find her exploring in the mountains with her three (yes, three) dogs with her husband, rooting on her beloved Blackhawks and White Sox, or planning her next trip.

has a story to share, she most enjoys focusing on human interest and lifestyle pieces. She has earned awards from the Illinois Press Association, including first place Best of the Press.

Wendy is the vice president of IVY Marketing Group, a 27-year-old firm specializing in content marketing for retirement communities and senior services. She is also the media director for Diveheart, a not-for-profit that offers scuba diving instruction and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and wounded veterans.

¢ MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE ¢ 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.

¢ WENDY FOSTER has been a freelance writer for suburban and regional publications for more than 25 years. Believing that everyone

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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.

¢ KEVIN TRUSTY loves storytelling and creating. He is a published author and an award-winning marketing professional, copywriter, content producer and blogger. He has worked with businesses in virtually every industry on their marketing initiatives and content strategy. He holds a B.S. in Journalism from Illinois State University, is a member of SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) and maintains a blog on baseball history. In the rare moments he's not writing, you can find him reading, watching his favorite sports teams and adding to his never-ending collection of vinyl records and books.

He resides in Joliet, Illinois. ¢ 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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Gifts for ...

WELL, EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

s where p o h s l 20 loca nd books, fi you can , handcrafted re cookwa more d gifts an

By Allison Bills Photos provided by A Lady and Her Tools, Benzie Design and Harvey’s Tales

Winter & Holidays

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t’s the most wonderful time of the year — except when you can’t find that perfect gift for a loved one. This helpful guide breaks down 20 interesting, local spots that will make your gift shopping a breeze this year.

on an apron and spend the day in the kitchen.

GIFTS FOR THE ASPIRING CHEFS While some people cook because it’s a necessity for survival, others do so simply because they enjoy it.

These gifts are definitely for those people who never hesitate to slap

Marcel’s Culinary Experience is truly heaven for anyone who loves cooking. The retail side of the shop features cookware, cutlery, tableware, linens, home decor and gift baskets, but there is also a

¢ MARCEL’S CULINARY EXPERIENCE 490 N Main St., Glen Ellyn 630-790-8500 www.marcelsculinaryexperience.com

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cooking and catering aspect, too.

Classes include classic dinners, date nights, make and take meals, food and beer pairings, and even kids’ classes. Private and in-home events are also part of their offerings. “We don’t repeat the same class over and over again — we constantly create new concepts and menus and recipes that bring customers coming back many times,” says owner Jill Foucré. “Our chefs are professional teaching chefs and both kids and adults receive this level of instruction.”

In addition to offering gift cards, which can be redeemed for classes or items, Marcel’s also offers a gift registry, which is perfect for special events or the holidays.

“We are all working so hard to be creative and deliver our products in a way that appeals to the customers in today’s environment,” Foucré says, noting they are relying on a busy holiday season.

“We take excellent care of our customers,” Foucré says.

“We wrap, we ship, we sell our products online

and we will always go the extra mile to make the experience special. We love our customers and treat them that way.” ¢ THE WILTON SCHOOL 7511 Lemont Road, Darien 630-810-2888 www.wilton.com/learn-wiltonschool/ Wilton may be best known for their bakeware collections, but their classes are just as great.

Designed for those with a sweet tooth, classes range from skilled classes like sculpting and airbrushing 3D cakes to more basic dessert classes like cake pops and cookies 101. Gift cards are also available. ¢ FARMHOUSE ACADEMY 8940 W. 192nd St., Suite L, Mokena 708-995-5733 www.farmhouseacademy.com From gingerbread houses to family pasta night, the Farmhouse Academy offers it all. Farmhouse Academy owners Kara Fanelli and Kim Mahlum first met almost 20 years ago while working at a pizza joint and decided to share their passion for food through the Farmhouse Academy. Classes are divided up by age groups and range from 2-year-olds to 18 and over.

They also offer homeschool programming, family classes, private parties, special events, gift cards and take-home DIY kits.

for adults. Check online for availability related to COVID-19. ¢ MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE 8900 US-14, Crystal Lake 815-455-8588 www.mchenry.edu/mymcc While McHenry County College has its own culinary program, it also offers plenty of amazing noncredit classes to the public.

Whether you’re interested in wine culture, healthy foods, cupcake decorating or about which mushrooms are safe to eat, there’s a class for everyone.

Register for classes and preview the semester’s class selection online.

GIFTS FOR THE HANDS-ON PERSON Everyone has a creative side, and sometimes all you need is a slight push in that direction.

These guided classes and unique shops may be just the key to unleashing that artistic side! ¢ BENZIE DESIGN 24118 Chicago St., Suite 102, Plainfield 815-556-9341 www.benziedesign.com What started as an e-commerce felt store in Renae Bradley’s basement is now a stunning, colorful shop in Plainfield that has been featured in the DreamWorks film "Trolls."

“We carry a full selection

¢ THE KITCHEN TABLE 301 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton 630-384-9034 www.thekitchentablewc.com Based on the idea that there is always good food and great conversation around the kitchen table, owners Aaron and Amy O’Brien came up with the concept for The Kitchen Table.

The duo offers catering, private dining, parties, and public and private classes. One- or two-hour kids classes include various food options, while basic classes, cook and dine, competitions, and dinner parties are available NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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of hard-to-find wool felt fabric, felt pompoms, needle felting and stitching notions and kits,” says Bradley, the CEO and creative director. “We cater to the creative.”

While the storefront has navigated COVID-19 (“stay safe, stay crafty,” the website says), Bradley has been offering online tutorials, complete with directions and a list of necessary fabric; downloadable patterns for a fee; and online fabric sales with shipping. She plans on resuming classes and workshops in summer 2021.

“Because of our social media presence, our shop has been a destination store for crafters,” Bradley says. “We have visitors from all over the world.”

While The Studio has a focus on kids painting and pottery, there’s plenty for adults, too! In addition to a variety of kids’ classes and birthday art parties, owner Lucy Tonyan offers BYO food and drink paint parties for adults, family paint parties, and private parties — some have been on hold because of COVID-19, but check online for availability in 2021. Plus, The Studio is a certified Annie Sloan Chalk Paint retailer with colors, brushes, waxes and sundries. There are even classes for adults to fully understand the beloved chalk paint. ¢ STRING THEORY 477 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn 630-469-6085 www.stringtheoryyarncompany.com String Theory is so much more than just a yarn store — owner Janet Avila carefully curates her products with companies that make a positive difference in the world. Her concept?

Everyone everywhere is connected to everything — hence the shop’s name. She offers a variety of yarn, knitting tools, gifts that support small businesses, classes (both virtual and in-store), and plenty of project ideas for at-home knitters. Classes can range from basic socks to full-fledged cardigans. Gift cards are also available!

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¢ THE STUDIO 3316 W. Pearl St., McHenry 815-385-3990 www.thestudiomchenry.com

Sandwich. While the focus is painting and art lessons, classes also include floral arrangements, crochet, drawing, ink, acrylics, heirloom signs and so much more (like a Harry Potter art club). Gift cards and DIY take-home kits are available with instructions for anyone who would rather do crafts in their own home. A bonus: A portion of every purchase goes to one of three nonprofits. ¢ A LADY AND HER TOOLS 72 S. Main St., Oswego 331-717-2137 www.aladyandhertools.com Think paint and sip classes — but with power tools. A Lady and Her Tools is a guided DIY woodworking workshop with items ranging from plant stands to entryway benches. The wood is all pre-cut, and all participants will leave with a completed item — stain, paint and all. They are also offering takehome projects with instructions and all the supplies needed. Get ready to upgrade your home decor!

GIFTS FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING We all know that one person who is hard to shop for — not because they’re picky, but because they literally have everything. One way to solve that problem? Homemade gifts. These shops all feature local artisans with handcrafted goods, which guarantees your gift recipient doesn’t have these items.

¢ PETITE PALETTE 32 E. Railroad St., Sandwich 815-764-7012 www.petitepalette.studio

¢ EMERALD BUTTERFLY 210 W. Comanche Ave., Shabbona 815-824-3076 Facebook: Emerald Butterfly

The Petite Palette offers art classes for adults and kids in the heart of

Mother-daughter duo Michele Harlan and Laurie Wilson first got their start

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COLLECTIONS Housed in a Charming 8000 Sq. Ft. 100 Year Old Barn

Multi Dealer Market

Wed & Fri 10-5, Thur 12-7, Sat 9-4, Sun 9-3, Closed Mon & Tues

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. C O M

Red Hive Market, located in charming downtown Batavia, IL., is a unique and eclectic collection of handcrafted, vintage and repurposed treasures!

Additionally, our Maker’s Nook and Dixie Belle Chalk Mi studio offers ner and IOD - Iron Orchid al Paint Designs products for all upcycling projects.

Photo by Laura Swan Sieckman www.lauraswansieckman.com

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Shoppers will delight in our area’s widest selection of barnwood furniture, vintage, primitive & modern boutique rolled into one. Farmhouse furniture and decor, boutique style clothing, jewelry, man-cave, boho, MCM, antiques, gourmet goods and gifts. Also - a beautiful courtyard you can rent for any occasion.

475 W. Army Trail Rd • Bartlet IL 60103 630-326-8858 • info@prestigecreativemarkets.com

Largest Selection of Vintage Christmas in the Midwest

Geneva

Antique Market

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In the Berry House

211 S LINCOLNWAY ST., NORTH AURORA 630-296-8470 Follow us on

#thevintagemarketplaceco

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in Ottawa with a small-town shop called In Bloom. In 2019, they decided to move their business and concept to Shabbona, naming it the Emerald Butterfly.

“The townspeople are very welcoming and supportive,” the duo says. “We also get to meet so many people who are in town to enjoy all that the state park has to offer as well as folks who are traveling Route 30 and come in to shop.”

Michele and Laurie themselves make most of the handcrafted goods, like garden stones and Shabonna-themed magnets, but they also take custom orders. In addition, they sell the work of some local artisans: soy candles, embroidery work and purses, among others. “We love to work with our customers to turn their vision into something they are pleased and happy to take home,” the two say. “Emerald Butterfly is more than just a shop, it is a destination.

“There is always something new, interesting and unique.” ¢ FIDDLESTIKS CREATIVE MARKET 3743 W. Elm St., McHenry 815-271-5518 www.fiddlestiks.net

¢ COUNTRY COTTAGE 520 First St., La Salle 815-220-0150 www.countrycottage.online This beloved gift shop has been around for over 25 years and features nine crafters and small business owners. Gifts include floral arrangements, custom clothing and jewelry, light-up burlap bags, sports memorabilia, anniversary and wedding gifts, retirement gifts and more. ¢ APPLE BUTTER & SHUGIE’S 309 N. Liberty St., Morris 815-942-5093 www.applebutterandshugies.com Since 1992, Apple Butter & Shugie’s has been bringing eclectic gifts to the town of Morris. Upon entering the 3,600-square-foot shop, shoppers will find hometown pride gifts, garden trinkets, wine decor, personalized wedding items, candles, soaps and more. Be sure to swing by during the holidays — they’re known for spreading lots of cheer.

had been around since 1969, to its current state. The 8,000-squarefoot, 100-year-old barn is now home to over 90 small shop owners that showcase barn wood furniture, paintings, candy, denim jackets, vintage furnishings and more.

The owners also do custom restored barn wood work!

GIFTS FOR THE BOOKWORM While it’s easy to buy books online or listen to audiobooks these days, there’s something to be said about flipping through the pages of a hardcover book while enjoying the scent of hundreds of unopened books lining the shelves of a bookshop. ¢ HARVEY’S TALES 216 James St., Geneva 630-232-2991 www.harveystales.com

¢ PRESTIGE CREATIVE MARKETS 475 W. Army Trail Road, Bartlett 630-326-8858 www.prestigecreativemarkets.com

When Roxanne and Chuck Osborne retired, they knew they wanted to do something that kept them active, engaged and connected to their community.

“We have lived in Geneva for 30 years and always loved the downtown shopping area for its lovely family-owned stores and tree-lined streets,” Roxanne Osborne says, noting they visited many independent bookstores throughout their marriage.

In 2019, husband and wife duo Jenay Safranski and Steve Seyller revamped the Prestige Nursery and Garden Center, which

The couple’s shop, which opened on their 35th anniversary Oct. 1, 2018, pays homage to their first Bernese mountain dog, Harvey,

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With more than 60 creative artisans in one shop, Fiddlestiks Creative Market offers everything from home decor to jewelry, clothing and so much more.

Kids are more than welcome at the shop — there’s an area for them to do crafts while their parents shop. An extra bonus?

Fiddlestiks offers vocational site training to help young adults learn job skills. Your purchase is so much more than just a purchase — it’s helping others gain life skills.

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it’s still thriving. While they now have several locations, Anderson’s has stayed true to its roots and prides itself on supporting local communities.

In addition to a variety of books, they also sell classic toys and autographed books, and have book groups, book signings and author chats.

who passed away shortly after they purchased the building.

They currently have two Bernese mountain dogs, Hazel and Howard. “(Harvey) was a gentle giant and we felt he would be a perfect bookstore dog, hanging out with us behind the register,” Osborne says, noting the “tales” pun. “We wanted to still honor him by keeping it named after him.”

Customers can find a variety of new books, puzzles, games and plush toys at the shop while enjoying coffee and tea in front of the fireplace in the winter or on the patio in the summer. “We are so happy to have our little bookshop in downtown Geneva and enjoy meeting so many wonderful people every day,” says Osborne. ¢ ANDERSON’S BOOKSHOP 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville; 5112 Main St., Downers Grove 630-355-2665 or 630-963-2665 www.andersonsbookshop.com This sixth-generation bookshop dates back to 1875 — and

¢ METROPOLIS COMICS 821 First St., La Salle 815-223-9433 Facebook: Metropolis Comics Not all bookworms read longform literature! Since 1991, Metropolis Comics has been offering a bit of everything for comic enthusiasts, including new and back-issue comics, hardcover and trade paperbacks, board games, card supplies, posters and T-shirts.

Come See Our

HOLIDAY SPARKLES THROUGHOUT THE STORE Interior Design • Home Consultation Stair and Wall-to-Wall Carpet Installation Wood and Vinyl Floor Installation Lighting Fixtures • Rug Spa Cleaning Custom Floral Design • and More!

ROOM SIZE RUGS ON SALE TO GO HOME TODAY!

Up to 40% off

¢ BOOKS ON FIRST 202 W. First St., Dixon 815-285-2665 www.booksonfirst.com Books on First is also a coffee shop with the promise of entertaining conversation. This shop has an extensive selection of Midwest history books, fiction, poetry, young adult reads and biographies. Bring the bookshop home with you with one of Ana’s hand-poured coffeehouse-inspired candles or honey from Tim’s Bees. Don’t forget to stop by for some live music and author events! ¢ READ BETWEEN THE LYNES 111 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock 815-206-5967 www.readbetweenthelynes.com Nestled on the historic Woodstock Square, Read Between the Lynes (named after owner Arlene Lynes) has been a staple in Woodstock since 2005. The shop offers an array of books, book bundles, e-books, book groups, kids’ events and more. In addition to books, Read Between the Lynes also offers toys from Marvin’s Toy Store plus Pirro’s Sauce, Prairie Pure Cheese and Pappardelle’s Pasta.

ALL HAND-KNOTTED & HAND-TUFTED ON SALE WHY THE CHANGE TO GENEVA DESIGN HOUSE? (Formerly Strawflower Shop)

To better align our brand with the quality of our products and services! Geneva Design House is fresh style, updated yet comfortable, with some “wow” for your home. All from a family-owned business with a lifetime commitment to the community. Come check us out!

HOLIDAY TRIMMINGS, ORNAMENTS, SNOW GLOBES – AND OUR LIMITED EDITION CHICAGO HOLIDAY PRINT! GenevaDesignHouse.com 210 W State St. Geneva, IL 60134

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11-4 Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-4 Closed Monday

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Calendar

Win nteer & Holidays

How do you celebrate the holidays? Do you have a tradition that makes it just feel like Christmas? Well, if any of those traditions involve Christmas tree lightings, Polar Express events or visits with Santa, you’re in luck — communities have reimagined their traditional celebrations to fit the moment. Please check online before attending to view up-to-date information and COVID-19 guidelines.

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DEKALB COUNTY ❉ CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND CHRISTMAS CRUISE 2-7 p.m. Dec. 5 Downtown Shabbona

competition, with prizes for both the best decorated house and business/organization. For additional information go to Destination Shabbona’s Facebook page.

Destination Shabbona’s second annual Christmas event kicks off from 2 to 4:45 p.m. with an outdoor holiday farmers market. Families are then encouraged to visit the (prelit) Christmas tree and see festive downtown decorations. Santa and his helpers will be at Water Tower Park from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Shabbona Lions Club is also planning to sponsor a Christmas decorating

GRUNDY COUNTY ❉ MIDNIGHT IN MORRIS 5 p.m.-midnight Dec. 4 Downtown Morris Celebrate the season by shopping and basking in the holiday spirit of downtown Morris on Dec. 4. Retailers will stay open until midnight, offering special promotions and holiday treats. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season with fabulous decorations. This event is sponsored

by the Morris Retail Association.

Additional information can be found by visiting www.ShopMorrisIL.com.

KANE COUNTY ❉ THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE 3:15, 4:25, 5:35 and 6:45 p.m. weekends Thanksgiving-Christmas Jon Duerr Forest Preserve Guest can hop on the Polar Express as it speeds towards the “North Pole” for socially distanced pictures with Santa.

There will be singalongs, live musical entertainment and safety guidelines in place. Wear your pajamas, and book your tickets online at www.

FoxTrolley.org/PolarExpress.

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A PANDEMIC ISN’T STOPPING SANTA FROM MAKING SOCIALLY DISTANCED VISITS TO YOUR COUNTY

BY WENDY FOSTER

KENDALL COUNTY ❉ OSWEGO HOLIDAY EXPRESS 4-8:20 p.m., Dec. 10-13 South Point An imaginary train takes guests to Mrs. Claus' Cookie House for refreshment from The Village Grind and Pearce’s kitchen. Activities include visiting with Santa, meeting a snowman and a reindeer, and more. Visit www.

OswegoLandParkDistrict.org to register.

LASALLE COUNTY ❉ CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TROLLEY TOUR 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-20 Starved Rock Lodge’s Great Hall The Christmas Lights Trolley Tour is a wonderful way to experience the area’s fabulous light displays from the warmth of a heated trolley. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket. Visit www.StarvedRockLodge.com or call 815-220-7386.

LEE COUNTY ❉ CHRISTMAS IN DIXON Month of December • Downtown Dixon The Dixon Chamber of Commerce has plans for a monthlong celebration of Christmas, all following safety guidelines. From Dec. 1 to 14, drop off your letter to Santa at the mailbox in front of the Plan to Prosper building for a chance to win a visit from Santa, who will also be out and about throughout December. For outdoor fun, see ice sculptures on the riverfront all day Dec. 5. If food is your preferred way to celebrate the season, Cliff’s Donuts will be serving sweets out of its food truck 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 12. And lastly, following along on Facebook to participate in a 12 days of Christmas event that begins Dec. 7. ❉ MCHENRY COUNTY CHRISTMAS DISPLAY AND QUILT SHOW 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday through Jan. 4 McHenry County Historical Society and Museum

Guests have the opportunity to take a walk down memory lane to the days of Christmas catalogs. Antique toys and animated decorations bring to life, the 1969 Sears Wish Book. The scene includes plastic reindeer, a snowman, angels, buildings and more! The display will also include a life-size Santa that decorated Brandt’s Pharmacy in Marengo for many years and a collection of rocking horses. For more information, visit https://mchenrycountyhistory.org/ christmas-display-quilt-show.

WILL COUNTY ❉ BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND THE GRINCH 8-9:30 a.m., 10:30-noon, 1-2:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club Banquet Room Enjoy a holiday breakfast with Santa and the Grinch. Don’t forget to register

by Dec. 2! To book a reservation or for more information, visit www.

LockportPark.org.

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Communities Coming

Together

County leaders, in their own words, reflect on a year unlike any other

DEKALB COUNTY ¢ Donald Goncher, village president of Shabbona This year, thus far, we have experienced very much. I am thankful that the community has shown support and respect for each other. I am thankful that our children are strong and will endure. I am thankful to the community for

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their continued support of the village endeavors to improve the village.

DUPAGE COUNTY ¢ John R. Quigley, president and CEO of Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Our Chamber’s contributions to the economic vitality of Elmhurst, its business community and our 500some members have never been more apparent during these most challenging and rewarding times in our 102-year history. On a personal side, I’ve been blessed my entire life in never worrying about where to find my next meal, never distressing over where I will sleep at night and never fearing for my safety — each of which way too many people around our world must deal with on a daily basis.

GRUNDY COUNTY ¢ Christina Van Yperen, president and CEO of the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry We’ve all felt the impact of 2020 and probably have had to force ourselves to take some time to focus on what we are grateful for this year. The business community of Grundy County is known for its generosity. Our local businesses are the first to donate to local causes. This year the people behind those causes, and the community as a whole stepped up to return the favor. They came out in number to support our local shops, restaurants, and organizations helping them to get through this economic hardship. This year I am grateful for the generosity of the businesses and the residents of this community.

KANE COUNTY ¢ Gloria Kelley, executive director of CASA Kane County In a year of stress, anxiety, disruption and isolation, the effects of the pandemic have been devastating for many, but few have been harder hit than children of abuse. Unfortunately, our abuse and neglect cases have risen over 300% since the pandemic and the numbers continue to rise. We are in need of additional volunteers and staff to properly advocate for these foster youth as we seek to place each in a safe, permanent home. As you contemplate your holiday giving, CASA Kane County would appreciate your consideration. For information on volunteering, please visit our website www.casakanecounty.org; to donate, visit our website or participate in our

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text to give campaign by texting the word “Child” to 630-448-8135. We wish you and your family all the joys of the season and we thank you for helping us bring hope to foster youth.

in so many ways. I’m especially thankful this year to be surrounded by a supportive family and to be a member of this resilient, caring and special community. We are all looking forward to a healthy and prosperous new year.

KENDALL COUNTY ¢ Troy Parlier, village president of Oswego The holidays are a season for reflecting back as well as looking forward.

While it would be easy to look back on 2020 and complain how “difficult” this year has been, when I take a moment to reflect, I am grateful for all the good we witnessed this year, too. I am grateful for how we faced challenges together as a community. Even in the dark and uncertain moments, we witnessed Oswegoans’ true character shine through. We saw the best of Oswego

LASALLE COUNTY ¢ Pamela Beckett, president of the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation During 2020, as challenging as it has been, I can say that I am truly grateful for the safety and good health of my husband, our family and friends. We have been able to remain positive and use the sheltering time to stay connected.

My association with the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation gave me the opportunity to provide grant

funding to social service organizations throughout north central Illinois who are working on the front lines to provide food, housing and utility assistance, child care and mental health services to our most vulnerable residents. Yes, it’s been a challenging year, but now it’s time to look forward, cherish our loved ones, and enjoy the upcoming holiday season!

LEE COUNTY ¢ Kris Noble, executive director of Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 has been tough. Yet, even in times of stress and challenge, I have found SO many things to be thankful for. Maybe it’s about perspective, maybe we find the that during difficult times we realize that there are constants in our lives

Friday • December 4 • 4-7pm Saturday Satu Sa turd rday ay • D December ecembe ec ber 12 • 3-6 3-6pm -6pm pm A family dinner for $59 includes two fresh-baked pizzas – one 14” 1-topping & one 12” cheese – from Riverside Pizza & Pub, four specialty-frosted sugar cookies and two coloring books with crayon sets. At the time of registration, you may choose to add salad or more pizzas & cookies. Sign up for 1/2-hour pick up time slots.

Pick up location: Pottawatomie Community Center 8 North Avenue • St. Charles Advance reservations required at: stcparks.ticketleap.com

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Sunday • December 6 10am-12pm

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and for those things we are thankful. For me, the list is simple: I am THANKFUL for my incredible family who supports me, laughs with me, and has an incredible amount of patience with me; I am THANKFUL for friendships, those people in my life who make me a better person because I learn from them; and I am THANKFUL for my job at the Chamber, working with so many amazing people in the Sauk Valley.

MCHENRY COUNTY ¢ Diana Kenney, executive director of Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street I am grateful to be living in a community of people who are kind, generous and compassionate.

This past year has been full of stress and challenges for all of us. To be surrounded by people who understand and care is truly a blessing. Let’s all remember that,

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

WILL COUNTY ¢ Jen Howard, president of Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry I am thankful for the opportunity to work with a team of individuals who are committed to charging forward even in the midst of new challenges and utilizing their skills to help people in our community navigate the storm. I am thankful for the slower pace we all experienced since the pandemic began.

Time slowed, we had no place to rush to and we spent more time with family. As we end 2020, I am grateful for the frontline workers especially police officers, firefighters and health care professionals for sacrificing their well-being by serving us in the community and staying true to their professions.

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Modern Image Studios

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Warm up Destination Dining

with

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HOT C

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Want to experience your hot chocolate?

Check out Aurora Downtown’s Cocoa Crawl, which is reimagined this year to follow safety guidelines.

There’s no better way to support local than with a steaming cup of hot chocolate — check out these delicious options

By Kevin Druley Photos by Spencer Plum Photography, Glass & Grain Photography, and Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters

S

arika Singh may be the owner of Hey Sugar, but she doesn’t forget the influence many customers have had on advancing one of the spot’s signature offerings.

Suppose five socially-distanced customers are preparing to place an order while standing inside the dessert shop in downtown Geneva. Many of their palates are about to shift, and they hardly even know it.

That’s because the current line leader just requested an Adventurous Hot Chocolate, one of eight flavorfully ornate concoctions — admittedly “over the top,” Singh says — that more closely resemble an ice cream

sundae than a nondescript, warming drink in a cup.

Ooooh? What’s that? It looks delicious.

Why, it appears to be a destination drink for Neighborhood Tourist readers seeking a scrumptious cup of hot cocoa this holiday season.

“You eat with your eyes, right?” Singh says.

“So, it’s a very visual experience. So, a lot of times we’ll make extra hot cocoa just so people can see what it looks like, and nine out of 10 times, it’ll sell.” Singh and Co. create Hey Sugar’s cocoa from a mix of fine Belgian chocolate and a handful of other secret ingredients.

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Various establishments in the Neighborhood Tourist coverage area venture to have an answer.

Here’s a look: ¢ BREWPOINT COFFEE 124 W. Park Ave., Elmhurst 224-542-8263 | www.brewpointcoffee.com “The all-time classic comfort-in-a-cup,” as it’s called on the Brewpoint website, sizes include kids and 12, 16 and 20 ounces. Customers can also choose salted caramel or spiced hot chocolate for some variation on the classic. Prices range from $2 to $4.25. ¢ CONSCIOUS CUP COFFEE ROASTERS 5005 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake (along with three other locations) 815-356-0115 | www.consciouscup.com Conscious Cup offers classic hot chocolate — which is to say, hot — as well as a frozen option, which entails iceblended hot chocolate with whipped cream. ¢ GRAHAM’S FINE CHOCOLATES & ICE CREAM 302 S. Third St., Geneva 630-232-6655 | www.grahamschocolate.com While there are worse vantage points than sipping on a hot cocoa while sitting in downtown Geneva or Wheaton, customers also can bring the goodness home without having to worry about the warmth wearing off.

As with the original Graham’s location in Geneva, the quaint retail shop in Wheaton also sells homemade marshmallows ($2.98), tins of homemade hot chocolate ($13.98) and an assortment of both ($16.96).

Instructions on the store website suggest adding three spoonfuls of the cocoa mix in warm milk. Stir and enjoy.

on lyk

Destination Dining

¢ HEY SUGAR 507 S. Third St., Suite E, Geneva 630-262-8200 | www.heysugargeneva.com

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Brewrista and the Bean owner Abby Myers is up front about her hot chocolate mix, which she serves at the trailer she operates in Hinckley from April through October. She purchases it from renowned chocolatier Ghirardelli but encourages customers to add their own toppings, with mint or raspberry syrup being among her suggestions for the holidays.

First, though, it’s all about

that rich, ultra-chocolaty base. “I never use a little bit. I just use like a whole, entire (helping). Probably four tablespoons,” Myers says. “I try to make it flavorful.

Because you can get hot chocolate. You can make it at home, so it’s really hard to stand out with your hot chocolate. So it’s like, ‘How much are you going to use that will make them walk away happy with a hot chocolate just bought?’”

Savor a cup of Hey Sugar’s Belgian hot cocoa or Belgian white hot cocoa, available for $5 each as a 10-ounce pour. Numerous add-ons are available, including lavender and honey, salted caramel, rosemary, gingerbread and pumpkin pie. The more detailed options range in price from $7 to $8, and be advised that they can’t be confined to a lid. Among the options with a decidedly holiday flair — S’more Fun, Salted Caramel Chaos and Classic Red Velvet.

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Outsid OF TH

Destination Dining

RESTAURANTS PIVOT OUTDOORS TO SERVE GUESTS — EVEN IN THE WINTER

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By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photos provided by Cinder and Vinegar Photography and D&J Bistro

W

hen news broke that the governor was ordering restaurants to close their doors in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jean Suzuki called her dad, Chef Masato Suzuki and owner of D&J Bistro, located in the small strip mall off Lake Zurich’s bustling Rand Road. “I told him, you have to figure out a plan,” she says.

After more than 45 years of restaurant experiences, Chef Suzuki and his business partner, Stephane Goupil, found themselves facing an unprecedented set of problems.

Would the Zagat-rated French cuisine restaurant — featured in print and on television, including the PBS show, “Check Please!” — survive the challenge?

The chef says his first concern was for his staff, most of whom have been with him at the restaurant for 25 years.

“I cannot abandon them,” he says. “I have very committed employees.”

Like restaurant owners across the world, Suzuki found himself facing an incredible challenge: to keep his staff working, keep feeding customers and help the business survive the pandemic. “We decided we had to survive, but every day was very difficult and I didn’t know what was going to happen in our future,” Suzuki says.

Roughly 30 miles south, Elle Withall had been in her new role as executive director for the Downtown Wheaton Association for less than three months when the closures shut down the bustling downtown that includes 120

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de

HE BOX businesses. Suddenly she and her marketing and event coordinator were looking for any possible way to help businesses.

As each business struggled with its own pivot, Withall worked with the city of Wheaton to place a moratorium on permit fees and parking changes to designate spaces for curbside pickups. She sought approval to close Hale Street, located just off Main Street, and set up large tents to help restaurants maximize dining capacity with outdoor space.

The swift action and rallying of local business owners and leaders proved not only helpful to restaurants, but also retailers who saw an uptick in business with more visitors walking through the area. “As difficult as it has been, I really believe one of the better things has been to see the return of the downtown as a destination. We’ve become an example,” Withall says.

She’s even welcomed a new retailer and expects a new restaurant to open this year as well. But with winter looming, there was no time to rest on the success.

“We looked at ski resorts for inspiration,” Withall says, noting how many operate outdoor cafes in the snow and cold. “We felt it was imperative we try anything and everything to make it work.”

But it won’t be easy. Tents are helpful, but outdoor heaters require ventilation for safety. She found heaters that burn on diesel instead of the typical propane. This will allow for the tents to remain open on the sides for air movement while providing warmth for diners.

“We can make downtown Wheaton into a winter wonderland and keep our downtown businesses in business,” Withall says. “We can’t make winter go away, so we will

embrace it.”

In St. Charles, diners will continue to eat outdoors and maintain a view of the Fox River at Alter Brewing’s glass-walled patio. Ken Henricks, president of Alter Brewing, which also has a tap room in Downers Grove, says the special patio was designed to capture the panoramic view of the river. Along with heating elements, he hopes it will draw out diners even on cold winter evenings.

As a newer business, facing the pandemic hasn’t been easy, but Henricks says it has brought him and his neighboring restaurant businesses in the First Street Development together. “We have a lot of collaboration with our neighbors,” he says.

At D&J Bistro, the head chef’s daughter used her years of corporate experience to help her dad. She redesigned his website in just a NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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“

We can make downtown Wheaton into a winter wonderland and keep our downtown businesses in business.We can’t make winter go away, so we will embrace it.

Elle Withall

“

executive director for the Downtown Wheaton Association

few days, adding updates that included an online payment option and gift cards. She learned how to create a QR code for customers to have a touchless menu option. She even tried to help by gathering orders from her friends and neighbors and making weekly drives of more than two hours’ round trip from Chicago to Lake Zurich and back.

“Every little bit can make a difference,” Jean Suzuki says.

Destination Dining

Loyal customers, who have grown to love the chef’s innovative dishes and beloved favorites, rallied their support for the 33-year-old restaurant. They bought gift cards and donated funds to allow the chef and his staff to make more than 900 Meals for Heroes to deliver to first responders. “It was incredible,” Jean Suzuki says. “It wasn’t about making money, but about keeping the staff busy and giving back to people.”

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When the state allowed the return of dining with limited capacities in June, the team was ready, with outdoor tables in their parking lot and a covered tent.

Knowing winter wasn’t far off, he bought

outdoor heaters too.

Longtime customers filled up the tables and the chef, who reconnected with his favorite past-time of pickleball during the pandemic, has welcomed his court opponents to his restaurant as they see if his recipes are better than his serves.

“I have been helped so much from my customers, from my friends,” Suzuki says.

It has been humbling to the chef, who, with his wife, emigrated from Japan in 1974, became U.S. citizens and raised their children in the community. He’s built a successful business making others happy with good food, inspired by the changing seasons and his staff who bring new flavors and ideas to his everchanging menu.

He says December is traditionally his busiest month; and while he knows he won’t see his typical income, he is already crafting ideas for New Year’s celebrations so guests can still raise a toast to a better year ahead.

“It will be as normal as much as we can,” he says.

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Winter Family Fun at the St. Charles Park District

stcparks.org

SANTA’S Dinner Dash

Twas’ weeks before Christmas and all through the town park district elves are scurrying around.

Planning and preparing family dinners with care You will see Santa while driving through there.

Advance reservations required at:

stcparks.ticketleap.com

Woodland Santa’s

E

Outdoor Adventure

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Add to the excitement of Christmastime’s holiday magic with a letter from Santa Claus, all the way from his workshop at the North Pole.

• Register for Santa’s Letter and answer the checklist questions at: stcparks.ticketleap.com • $5 per letter • Optional: Have your child write a letter to Santa Claus and return it to Santa’s Mailbox at PCC or mail it to the address below.

Letters from children will not be returne ed.

St. Charles Park District 8 North Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174

NEW!

Pick up location: Pottawatomie Community Center 8 North Avenue • St. Charles

le o P h t r o N

North Pole

•

A family dinner for $59 includes two fresh-baked pizzas – one 14” 1-topping & one 12” cheese – from Riverside Pizza & Pub, four specialty-frosted sugar cookies and two coloring books with crayon sets. At the time of registration, you may choose to add salad or more pizzas & cookies. Sign up for 1/2-hour pick up time slots.

er t t e L

Letter from the

Ages

Friday December 4 4-7pm Saturday • December 12 • 3-6pm •

Pizza and cookies are yummy to eat give Santa a smile and receive a sweet treat!

FROM TH

ALL

ing from Registration ongo mber 9. ce De to 23 November e

s at th Santa’s helper District rk Pa es rl St. Cha of the rest! will take care

ALL

Sunday • December er 6 10am-12pm

Take a short hike winding through the woodlands of Hickory Knolls.

Along the way, play a festive game and make a holiday ornament!

Warm up at the campfire and enjoy a special treat. Santa will have his favorite husky dog to take a family picture next to the glowing fireplace at the outside pavilion.

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Ages 2 & under free. Dress for the weather. Trails are not stroller friendly. Advance registration required.

Ages

NEW!

Register for a start time:

10am. . . . . . . . #23206 10:15am . . . . . #25356 10:30am. . . . . .#25357 10:45am . . . . . #25358 11am. . . . . . . . #25359 RES $10/NR $15 per person HICKORY KNOLLS CENTER

3795 Campton Hills Rd. • St. Charles

T register: stcnature.org To

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FROM OUR READERS

Photo by Ashley Bell

Spotlight

Frrom Our Readers

I

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WHISPERING PINES REIND

EER RANCH

n late August, I received an email about our fall issue of Neighborhood Tourist:

“My name is Jerry Foster and I work for Resource Bank, a community bank with branches located mostly in DeKalb County. I wanted to reach out to you this morning as I just finished reading your magazine for the first time and absolutely loved it. … As was the case when I read your magazine this morning I’m always amazed when I find new things in the area, given I’ve lived here my entire 53 years.”

Foster’s email concluded with, “If perhaps you would like to learn more about the area please reach out, my wife and I would be happy to provide a tour … Thank you to you and your

staff for the great work you’re doing for helping the greater community!”

And with that, we picked a date on the calendar and set off to Shabbona!

Our whirlwind of a day started at Foster’s workplace, Resource Bank, which is also home to a one-room schoolhouse available for community use. From there, we headed to the Emerald Butterfly, a gift shop where we met the village president of Shabbona, Donald Goncher, and the owners of the store, who also work with Destination Shabbona, a tourism group that promotes the area.

After a driving tour of the area, we headed to Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch, where we met and posed with

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Archie the reindeer, born in May 2019. His antlers were velvety, something I definitely hadn’t expected!

Foster had pre-ordered lunch for us at Shabbona Cafe: delicious wraps that we ate, picnic-style, with Goncher and Mark Cinnamon, a Shabbona village trustee.

Then we were off to the water for kayaking at Shabbona Lake State Park. It was the most relaxing recreation I’d done in months; the water was smooth, the weather sunny and warm. One of my coworkers had never kayaked before, but she was a trooper

— proving that kayaking is a relaxing time regardless of experience level.

Back on dry land, we headed to our last stop, Waterman Winery. In the vineyards, we met the family who owns the winery, hard at work harvesting grapes. We snagged a few bunches to eat on our trip home.

Now back in St. Charles, I can confirm that my first time visiting the little town west of me will not be my last. The only question that remains: Where will our next field trip take us?

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THE

Show Arts & Entertainment

GOES ON

30

A

phone flashlight illuminates the path and bounces around the spacious walls of the Raue Center for the Arts. All of the seats are empty.

The physical theater is dark, with the exception of a few socially distanced performances. But in a new, online space, the mission of the Raue Center — “enriching the lives of all through the arts,” per its website — is thriving.

“We’re trying to stay busy and varied,” explains Richard Kuranda, executive director.

The Crystal Lake arts center is not alone in this. While COVID-19 has restricted space allowances of theaters and arts organizations, they’re persisting through online or socially distanced classes, community outreach, donations and more.

“This is a tough period for any nonprofit organization and arts organizations, particularly ones that have relied on in-person events and classes and performances,” says Doug Grier, director of art education and outreach at Water Street Studios in Batavia.

The Raue Center is averaging four

classes per week for kids, Kuranda says. Want to learn how to tap dance or write monologues from the comfort of your own home?

The pandemic has made that possible. “They are genuinely engaged,” Kuranda says, noting how much the kids try to help each other in this online format.

In a testimonial provided by the center,

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EGYPTIAN THEATRE DOWNTOWn DEKALB, IL

New restrooms.

VIRTUAL TAP DANCE CLASSES, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND MORE: THEATERS AND ARTS ORGANIZATIONS PERSEVERE IN THEIR MISSIONS

By Hannah Hoffmeister Photos by RCG Photography, the Raue Center and Shaw Media

GET INVOLVED

at your local theater or art studio! Take a class, make a donation if you can, or follow on social media to see what’s happening.

Gayle Johnston says the Raue Center’s virtual classes “came to the rescue” for her daughter Alyssa. “When we found out there would be virtual classes from Sage Studio, we found a bit of ‘normalcy’ back in our lives,” she says.

Almost 50 miles south, the Paramount Theatre in Aurora is also relying on online classes through its Paramount School of the Arts, which opened in June 2019. “As much as there are definitely hardships, there are definitely benefits,” notes

Shannon Cameron, director of education and community engagement. For example, some teachers who are usually booked are available in an online format, and the theatre has had time to engage themselves and the community in dialogues about race and art, she says. (Kuranda also notes this as a positive of the year for the Raue Center.)

“As much as I miss theater and I miss performance …

I’m excited to see how we can make profound change within the industry to make it a more beneficial place for ALL

New concessions.

Visit us online FOR upcoming shows

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Whiskey Acres Distilling Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., DeKalb DeKalb, IL

Charming Jonamacdowntowns Orchard, DeKalb County Malta, IL people,” says Cameron.

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Grier, at Water Street Studios, notes how challenging it was to retool classes to be online. While the process was time-consuming, the studio now offers virtual educational classes, complete with supply pickup in some cases. The studio also offers in-person workshops with limited and distanced seating.

All three organizations encouraged participation.

Anything helps, whether that means telling a friend about the classes, taking a class or signing your kid up for one, or making a donation.

“We’re going to have more adult classes in the spring so it’s not just for kids. There’s no age limit,” Cameron says.

“Of course, donations will always be very welcome and very needed … We’re really having to be careful with every penny we spend.” If

you prefer your donation to be specific, you can buy a subscription (or give one as a gift), or sponsor a student’s classes with a scholarship.

The Raue Center’s marquee may best show the community aspect of local theaters and arts organizations, which have continued to enrich the lives of the people they serve even during the pandemic.

This year, the marquee — lonely without advertising the center’s 70 shows canceled from March to September — became a bright spot for birthdays… and a new family. When Rich and Deb Naponelli’s granddaughter was born, the Raue Center’s marquee read “A star is born.” The family gathered nearby to celebrate with an outdoor lunch and photos.

“It seemed to bring genuine joy,” Kuranda says.

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Hickory Knolls

Natural area comes alive through new walk-and-read children’s story

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Story and photo provided by the St. Charles Park District

enture out to the Hickory Knolls Natural Area to experience the trails like never before. St. Charles Park District staff recently installed an original walk-and-read children’s story to educate readers about the history of the land and the many different animals that live in and around the scenic open space.

Consisting of 13 story boards, “Hickory Knolls: A History of Our Home” follows Harley the hawk and Greta the grasshopper as they journey through the natural area. Along the way, and with the help of their animal friends, Harley teaches Greta about the changes that have occurred to preserve the land they call home.

Not only will children pick up fun facts about the animals, plants and land, they may also see those same characters in real life. “There is an interactive element to it,” says Outreach Ambassador Pam Otto.

“Readers are experiencing the story while reading it, making the story come alive.”

For example, while overlooking the tall grasses in the Metra Wetland, readers may also see Aaron the American goldfinch, the character they just met in the story.

They might hear frog calls in the ponds while reading Spencer the spring peeper’s

explanation of metamorphosis, or witness monarch butterflies fluttering through the prairie near Archery Woods while learning about the restoration efforts that allowed the native plants and its pollinators to thrive.

Inspired by Park Board Commissioner Bob Thomson, who originally proposed the idea for a walk-and-read story after experiencing a similar activity out of state, the St. Charles Park District Marketing Department created the story for Hickory Knolls.

Unlike many other story walks incorporated into the landscape of libraries and other community sites, “Hickory Knolls: A History of Our Home” is an original tale. The writing style and storyline as well as the images may capture the attention of children, but readers young and old will appreciate how the story weaves in historical facts of the dramatic transformation of the land over the years and the ongoing effort it takes to maintain the site.

“I hope the story connects residents to Hickory Knolls and they begin to appreciate the land and help take care of it,” Otto says.

Bringing more awareness of the natural

area itself was another goal of the walkand-read story. Many people don’t know that Hickory Knolls stretches over more than 120 acres of prairies, woodlands, savannas, marshes and more.

“We are always encouraging Hickory Knolls Discovery Center visitors to explore the natural area, but there was also a need for unguided hikers to know what they were experiencing as they walked the trail,” Otto says. “This story fills that need.”

“There are so many wonderful amenities within the park district, and I hope that this unique story on this unique trail brings more families out to an area they may not have experienced before, or experienced in this way,” Thomson adds.

The walk-and-read story begins on the trail across the road from the Hickory Hideout natural play area south of the garden plots. Look for the Andrini Trail sign to find the start. The first story board is down the path. The entire story walk is an estimated 3/4-mile. Inner loop story walk is about 1/2-mile.

For more information, visit www. stcnature.org/harley. Families will also find character bios on this page to learn more about the friends they meet on their interactive adventure.

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on the

Bright Side B t and d safety f t highlight hi hli ht this thi drive-thru d i th lights li ht show h Beauty

By Kevin Trusty | Photos provided by The Morton Arboretum

L

overs of winter, rejoice!

If festive, outdoor activities put a smile on your face and you just can’t wait to start basking in the holiday atmosphere, you’re in luck. One of the boldest and brightest seasonal attractions in Illinois is opening soon.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum kicks off Nov. 20 and runs through Jan. 3, 2021, in Lisle.

The annual exhibit is always a ringing hit.

This year, in the wake of COVID-19, the Arboretum is taking extra precautions to promote a safe and socially distanced attraction. So, for the first time, Illumination will open as an extended drive-thru experience.

“The safety of Illumination guests during this pandemic was the top priority in our decision to transform it into a driving experience this year,” says Alicia LaVire, vice president of marketing and communications at The Morton Arboretum.

Familyy Fun

Illumination also promises to be more immersive than in years past. From the safety and warmth of your vehicle, you can navigate the nearly 2-mile long attraction, which features a total of 11 eye-popping, LED exhibits. The brand-new route through the property will allow attendees to go deeper into the woods than before. As you steer through the path, the exhibits will be accompanied by a customized

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soundtrack that plays on your car radio. Five of the spectacular exhibits are new this year, promising a captivating experience.

The attraction is being brought to life by a team of lighting designers from Lightswitch, and production company Intelligent Lighting Creations. “No matter how physically distanced we are from others, this year’s Illumination is designed to be a shared experience, bringing much-needed celebration and joy to the holiday season,” says John Featherstone, lighting designer at Lightswitch.

Rounding out the show’s new features this year are extended hours of operation. Illumination will now run until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The show will also be open with special hours for the winter holidays.

“Each year we make adjustments to the Illumination schedule and hours based on guest feedback. This year, we are pleased to offer extended hours and added holiday dates in response to guest input,” LaVire says.

For tickets and more information, visit www.mortonarb.org/events/illuminationtree-lights-morton-arboretum. Ticket prices are date specific and per vehicle.

As an additional safety measure, all tickets must be purchased in advance.

No tickets will be sold on-site.

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de

mor e OUT D O OR F UN Looking to get outside this winter? Here are some great options to support local businesses, enjoy the beauty of nature and take in the winter atmosphere throughout northern Illinois. Be sure to check each location’s website for the latest COVID-19 guidelines, hours of operation and other updates.

DEKALB COUNTY ¢ HOPKINS PARK 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb www.dekalbparkdistrict.com Hopkins Park is host to an array of winter fun, highlighted by the DriveThru Santa Express on Dec. 5. Register on the park district’s website for your chance for a socially distanced visit with the man in the big red suit.

DUPAGE COUNTY ¢ CENTENNIAL PARK 500 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville www.napervilleparks.org/ wintersportsfacilities Centennial Park is one of a handful of outdoor facilities in the Naperville area that offers ice skating and ice hockey at the lighted facility, open until 10 p.m. from Dec. 15 to Feb. 15, weather permitting. Arrowhead, Country Lakes, and Weigand Riverfront parks offer sledding and snowboarding, among other activities.

GRUNDY COUNTY ¢ GEBHARD WOODS STATE PARK 401 Ottawa St., Morris www2.illinois.gov/dnr/parks/pages/ gebhardwoods.aspx Enjoy hiking and snowmobiling through the beautiful Gebhard Woods trails, which also connect to the I&M Canal Trail for even longer adventures.

KANE COUNTY ¢ WHEELER PARK 822 N. First St., Geneva www.genevaparks.org Wheeler Park has three free ice rinks — two for ice hockey and one for skating — starting in December, weather permitting. Lights are available at the rinks, with skating permitted until 10 p.m. daily. Bring your own skates!

LASALLE COUNTY ¢ STARVED ROCK STATE PARK 2688 E. 873rd Road, Oglesby www.starvedrocklodge.com/ starved-rock-state-park/ Miles of guided winter hikes are available throughout the park; and when enough ice is present, there’s available ice climbing available at some of the park’s dozen-plus waterfalls. Warm up afterward with food and a local craft beer or two at the Starved Rock Lodge.

LEE COUNTY ¢ PAGE PARK ICE RINK 1 Page Park Drive, Dixon www.dixonparkdistrict.com/sports/ page-park-ice-rink/ Enjoy ice skating on Page Park’s outdoor rink, which opened last winter. The rink is open from sunrise until 10 p.m. Hours will be updated on the website weekly.

MCHENRY COUNTY ¢ BEN’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM 7719 Ryan Road, Harvard www.benstreefarm.com While the farm’s traditional wagon rides are taking a year off for COVID-19 purposes, you can still visit this farm to pick a Christmas tree from one of the nine varieties offered! The farm is open Friday-Sunday starting the weekend after Thanksgiving.

WILL COUNTY ¢ GOODENOW GROVE NATURE PRESERVE 27064 Dutton Road, Beecher www.reconnectwithnature. org/preserves-trails/preserves/ goodenow-grove Head out for sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through the preserve, weather permitting. Sled tubes and snowshoes are available for rent at Plum Creek Nature Center. The preserve closes at sunset daily.

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ALL IN fun!

d oo g

Shake out your sillies at these 11 adventure parks

By Chris Walker Photos provided by Epic Air Trampoline Park and Funway

on’t let winter days leave you frozen at home. Check out these indoor (or heated) options — they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone in the family.

¢ ENCHANTED CASTLE 1103 S. Main St., Lombard 630-953-7860 www.enchanted.com Specializing in family fun, birthday parties, group celebrations and events for all occasions and ages, Enchanted Castle offers laser tag, indoor go-karts, bumper cars, the “Catapult” ride, laser maze, mini bowling, mini golf and a game room with over 200 sports, video and redemption games. ¢ EPIC AIR TRAMPOLINE PARK 1675 N. Lancaster Road, South Elgin 847-608-0600 www.epicairpark.com Who could’ve imagined that simply putting down your phone, disconnecting and getting off the couch

and on your way to South Elgin would be epic?

This 30,000-square-foot trampoline park will have you and your kids jumping down trampoline tracks, leaping majestically into a pool of foam cubes, nailing your pals with dodgeballs or posterizing your buds like MJ. Jump up and jump around here. Oh, and there’s great food and drinks when you’re jumped out. ¢ FUNWAY 1335 S. River St., Batavia 630-879-8717 www.funway.com The Windmill City is also home to Illinois’ largest family entertainment center, which features an arcade with video games, Skee-Ball, pinball machines and more; laser tag; bumper cars; bowling; and roller skating.

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Bring the whole family, the scout group, office coworkers, kids sports team or neighborhood friends, and make it a night out for group fun. ¢ HAUNTED TRAILS FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 1423 N. Broadway St., Joliet 815-722-7800 www.hauntedtrailsjoliet.com Want to hear some great news? The Monster’s Tomb Game Room is open all year long. While some of the themed attractions sort of hibernate during the winter, guests will have no problem exploring the many options in the game room while outdoor attractions and the Golfside MiniArcade will resume operation in April. ¢ IFLY 1752 Freedom Drive, Naperville 779-456-4359 www.iflyworld.com/chicago-naperville

Family Fun

If you feel the need, the need for speed, iFLY offers an experience of the freedom and thrill of flying in its indoor skydiving facilities. Its state of-the-art wind tunnels are open to kids as little as 3 years and folks who are as young as 103 years. The family that flies together, shares time together.

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¢ MIND TRAP ESCAPE ROOMS 299 Montgomery Road, Montgomery 630-216-9609 www.mindtrapescaperooms.com The clock will be ticking throughout the winter for those who challenge their group to work together to try to escape

Storm Surge, Locked-up Supermax, The Collector, Doctor Death or Pharaoh’s Chamber. These five real-life escape games are based on the popular computer and mobile phone escape game. Most games are for 2-10 players and you have just an hour to escape. ¢ PARAMOUNT SKATING ARENA 1511 Chestnut St., Ottawa 815-433-9463 www.paramountskatingarena.com Celebrating 40 years in 2021, this skating rink and roller derby arena serves the Ottawa, Morris, Seneca and neighboring areas with skating, roller derby, youth hockey, fundraisers and more. It also features a concession stands with burgers, hot dogs, pizza and other good stuff. ¢ PLUM HOLLOW FAMILY CENTER 1933 Illinois 26, Dixon 815-271-4101 www.bowldixon.com There’s fun stuff to do for the entire family here with regular and cosmic bowling, mini golf, laser tag, sand volleyball, an arcade, party rooms and more. ¢ SPLINTERS AXE THROWING 1519 E. Main St., Unit 1100, St. Charles 630-231-2955 www.splintershangout.com Looking to do that something you haven’t done before on your next family fun night, date, birthday party, corporate team-building event or bachelor/bachelorette party? Nothing

will beat the fun and adrenaline you will get by throwing axes in this thrilling target sport. This is big kid fun, so 14 years and older only. ¢ TOP GOLF 3211 Odyssey Court, Naperville 630-596-1000 www.topgolf.com/us/naperville Regardless if you swing it like Tiger Woods, Happy Gilmore or Al Czervik, you’ll find fun while playing this unusual take on golf with family and friends. And the cool thing is you get to do it outdoors — but in the comfort of climate-controlled bays — while indulging in delicious food and drinks that are brought to you while you play.

Grip and rip? Fore sure! ¢ URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK 1955 Glacier Park Ave., Naperville 2732 E. Main St., St. Charles 140 E. Lake St., Bloomingdale 220 Exchange Drive, Unit F, Crystal Lake www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com The self-coined “ultimate indoor adventure park” has four locations in the suburbs and approximately 175 nationwide, so folks are flocking toward its trampolines and more.

While attractions vary by park, thrillseekers of all ages are in for a one-ofa-kind experience with trampolines, dodgeball courts, obstacle courses, bumper cars, climbing walls, go-karts, indoor skydiving, bowling, foam pit, laser tag, arcade and more.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

ONE PAYCHECK AWAY FROM HUNGER? She turns to Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Through a vast network of food pantries and direct distribution programs, we fuel solutions to hunger â&#x20AC;&#x201C; providing 80 million meals annually to our neighbors across suburban Chicagoland and Northern Illinois.

Learn more about Northern Illinois Food Bank and be a part of the solution at SolveHungerToday.org.

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