Neighborhood Tourist_FALL 2020

DAYTRIPPERS GUIDE TO FUN IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS

neighborhood

TOURIST TOURI FALL 2020 F

Challlenge yoursellf: Try rock clil mbing

INDOOR, OUTDOOR OPTIONS NEAR YOU | PAGE 8

FRESH FRUIT IN YOUR AREA EA PICK-YOUR-OWN FRUITS AND VEGGIES

NT_DUMMYads.indd 1

22

ALL THAT JAZZ

ST. CHARLES TRADITION TO BE HELD SEPT. 10-13

30 8/11/20 4:44 PM

NT_DUMMYads.indd 2

8/11/20 4:44 PM

MAKE YOUR WEEKENDS Wild!

Stay, Play and Eat at Wild Rose!

Visit our website for Coaches Corner hours and to book your hotel room today!

CASINO HOURS:

Sunday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m

Watch, Wager, and Win at DraftKings Sportsbook at Wild Rose!

Bet on your favorite sporting events as well as the Greyhound and Thoroughbred races.

OPEN Wednesday - Sunday

(800) 457-9975 | 777 Wild Rose Drive | wildroseresorts.com gambli treatment, call 1-800-BETS OFF. Must be 21 or older. If you or someone you know needs gambling

NT_DUMMYads.indd 3

8/11/20 4:44 PM

Hello, Neighborhood Tourist!

I am very excited to be the new editor of Neighborhood Tourist. I am a recent graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and delighted to be a fairly new resident of St. Charles.

I’ve spent the summer getting to know the northern Illinois area that we are so lucky to call home.

This issue of Neighborhood Tourist is all about finding ways to embrace the end of summer and start of fall. I grew up picking apples, grapes, blueberries and peaches — then turning them into pie, cobbler, ice cream, you name it — so I’ve bookmarked our feature on pick-yourown fruit and veggie farms that are in season (P. 22). I’ve been looking for an excuse to attempt my grandma’s pie crust recipe, and ripe apples just might provide that.

If you prefer your gardens to be of the beer variety, we’ve got a feature on the best outdoor options in your area (P. 32). And when those calories catch up to you, you can find a nearby running club or climbing gym — we’ve got details on those, too.

The arrival of fall brings to mind the anticipation of a slightly burned marshmallow melting the chocolate on a perfect s’more, the crunch of leaves as you and your kids jump into freshly raked piles, and the first chill as you realize you probably should have brought a jacket on that walk. What does fall mean in your neighborhood?

Part of being an editor is having an understanding of the community you serve; as someone who’s new to this area, I’d love to learn more about your hometowns. If you have ideas or just want to grab coffee and talk about all that your county has to offer, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to connect with readers.

STAFF LAURA SHAW Publisher Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group

ALLISON LAPORTA Designer

Stay safe, and thanks for reading!

Hannah Hoffmeister Editor hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com

JACLYN CORNELL Local Sales Manager Niche Products

on the

COVER

The Forge: Lemont Quarries, which opened in July, offers three climbing towers and two bouldering structures.

Photo by Aldo Risolvo, D’Lara Photography.

Correction: In the spring edition, "Great Weddings Start with Great Venues" (P. 34) was attributed to the incorrect author. The story was written by Allison Bills.

4

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

Email your order to TOURIST@shawmedia.com

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 4

8/11/20 4:44 PM

LIVE THE HARBOR L I F E

NT_DUMMYads.indd 5

8/11/20 4:44 PM

OUR CONTRIBUTORS ¢ 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.

¢ JONATHAN BILYK has dedicated his career to finding and telling the stories of those around him in ways that not only inform, but entertain — and, as the case NOVEMBER be, drive people to act. Working as a journalist for more than two decades, Jon has won numerous awards recognizing editorial excellence in business and finance reporting, science and

NT_DUMMYads.indd 6

technology reporting, news reporting, column writing and even an award for best sports story.

¢ SIOBHAN CONNERS graduated with her Bachelors of Journalism from the University of Missouri in 2020 with an emphasis in magazine editing. She is originally from the Chicago suburbs. Now, she lives in Kansas City where she teaches middle school.

¢ 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.

¢ NICK KELLY is a freelance writer and reporter who has worked for The Boston Globe, Tampa

Bay Times and The Athletic.

A University of Missouri graduate, Kelly has a passion for telling stories that inform, entertain, inspire and surprise readers. He likes to find the extraordinary in ordinary things in life and in his storytelling.

When he’s not writing, he’s probably reading, playing the piano or spending time with family and friends.

¢ 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.

¢ PAT SZPEKOWSKI, APR is president of PR Strategies & Communications, Inc. in Elgin. She is an awardwinning freelance writer who enjoys storytelling and capturing the essence of people, businesses, and not for profits. Her stories and business profiles have been published in newspapers and local, regional and national magazines, including Shaw Media publications. Pat strongly believes in community outreach and is actively involved in the Fox Valley area.

¢ 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 wiffle ball field.

8/11/20 4:44 PM

WHAT'S INSIDE ¢ SPORTS & RECREATION 8 ROCK ON Indoor climbing gyms provide chance to try challenging, rewarding sport

¢ WHERE WE LIVE 22 AN APPLE A DAY Where to go for U-pick fruit and veggies

¢ FAMILY FUN

15 HIT THE TRAIL Bike paths abound in northwest Illinois

24 FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAM From state parks to museums, fill fall with outdoor escapades

18 JOIN THE CLUBS Run clubs persist, even as marathons and 5Ks are canceled

28 GO WEST Fall flavors and colors await at these DeKalb and western Kane County spots

¢ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 30 ALL THAT JAZZ Jazz Weekend in St. Charles to be held with precautions in place

¢ DESTINATION DINING 32 BACKYARD BREWS Beer gardens provide outdoor oasis for summer nights

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 7

7

8/11/20 4:44 PM

8

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 8

8/11/20 4:44 PM

Indoor gyms provide chance to try rock climbing

By Allison Bills Photos by D'Lara Photography

I

t’s no secret: No one travels to the Midwest or Chicago suburbs to summit mountains or scale mountain walls.

But for some, the natural geographical landscape isn’t stopping them from pursuing a love of a vertical challenge — in the form of rock climbing and bouldering. Rock climbing typically consists of traversing walls with a rope support system, while bouldering is on smaller rocks without any sort of rope or harness.

“A lot of us flatlanders yearn for something like rock climbing, but there’s not a huge climbing community around here,” says Adam Garcia, owner of the North Wall Rock Climbing Gym in Crystal Lake. “It’s definitely a little harder to get involved with; you either have to know someone to bring you into it or you have to be bold enough and just say, ‘I’m going to do it.’”

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 9

9

8/11/20 4:44 PM

"

We want people to try climbing. That’s what we’re here for. If you don’t have a place like this to try it out, you’ll never know if you like it.

- Adam Garcia

Garcia got his first taste of rock climbing at 12 years old. He was camping at Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin and saw people scaling a wall.

“I remember seeing that and thinking, ‘Wow, that’s insane,’” he says. “It was the first time I’d ever heard of it and I didn’t know people did that.”

For a lot of Midwesterners, rock climbing is not something that’s easily accessible like biking, hiking or even swimming.

Garcia admits the first time he saw someone rock climbing, he wanted to try it, but he didn’t even know how to get started.

Sports & Recreation

In the Chicago suburbs, the simple answer is indoor rock climbing gyms.

10

Garcia found his way into the climbing world around five years ago through the North Wall Rock Climbing Gym, which he now owns. His gym has options for all ages and skill levels but is also a go-to spot for people training for traditional rock climbing and bouldering.

“It can absolutely be intimidating to start out,” Garcia says. “But people should always go and feel the wall and take some falls.

"

Some people go and try it and it works and makes sense, while other people realize it’s not really for them.”

The North Wall Rock Climbing Gym offers 1,600 square feet of bouldering and an additional 800 square feet of an auto-belay climbing wall. The auto-belay machine, which lowers climbers to the ground when they let go of the wall, is a new commercial side of climbing that a lot of large gyms provide.

Garcia teaches top rope, lead climbing, belaying and bouldering classes as well as private coaching sessions. “We want people to try climbing,” Garcia says. “That’s what we’re here for. If you don’t have a place like this to try it out, you’ll never know if you like it.”

For anyone looking to expand beyond a climbing gym, a brandnew climbing opportunity, The Forge: Lemont Quarries, opened its doors this summer in Lemont.

While this adventure park offers so much more than just climbing on its 300 acres, rock climbing and bouldering are a huge part of the experience.

“At our park, you get different

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 10

8/11/20 4:44 PM

If you like documentaries, watch “The Dawn Wall” or “Free Solo” to see two famous climbers master their sport.

elements than what you would get anywhere else in a climbing gym in Chicagoland,” says co-founder Jeremie Bacon, noting they have three main climbing towers: the Skyscraper Tower, which caps out at 120 feet, and the East and West X-Towers, two 90-foot climbing towers.

“From a climber’s perspective, it’s a really unique experience,” adds Byron Bell, general manager of The Forge. “You won’t find climbing anywhere else up to 90 feet and you’re climbing outside in the real elements and exposure.”

Unlike most typical climbing gyms, The Forge doesn’t use an auto-belay system. Their system mimics lead climbing, where climbers will clip and pull up rope as they go. “It’s a unique feel and helps make it an extra challenge,” Bell says.

There are also three custommanufactured concrete structures for bouldering, two that are 10 feet tall and one at 12 feet.

“Boulders are easy for people to overlook and they really shouldn’t,” Bacon says. “These boulders are as close to the real thing that you can get; they’re

hand-sculpted by expert climbers, so if you’re a pro or wicked good you can just boulder using the natural rockscape.”

One thing is for sure — The Forge is unlike anything climbers have seen before.

“If you’re a climber and you think you’ve experienced everything there is to experience in climbing and the community, we have a special treat for you here,” Bacon says. “There’s a whole new world that opens itself up to you as a climber when you experience these things outside.”

While climbing walls made by people are essentially the only option for climbers in the Chicago suburbs, some of the Midwest’s premier outdoor natural climbing is just a few hours away in Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin.

“It’s a place people from the Chicago area can visit regularly and have a great positive outdoor climbing experience and learn how to get the skills to climb across the country,” says Nick Wilkes, owner and instructor of Devils Lake Climbing Guides. “It’s the closest natural place to climb.”

There are approximately 1,800

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 11

11

8/11/20 4:44 PM

documented climbs at Devil’s Lake sprawled across 40 or so bluffs. Some are big, others small. Some are hard to get to, others easy to access. All of it is single pitch climbing.

“I’ve never talked to anybody who prefers indoor climbing to outdoor climbing,” Wilkes says. “When you’re climbing a rock wall, it’s real stone. The holes aren’t marked for you.

You have to find the holes with your eyes and your fingers — it feels more authentic and less contrived.”

Since many are accessible from the top, it’s possible to build an anchor and a top-rope system, similar to many climbing gyms. Lead climbing is also an option, but carries more risk and is only recommended for experienced climbers.

Bouldering has also become extremely popular at Devil’s Lake, which Wilkes credits

NIU Huskies Football, DeKalb, IL

Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., DeKalb, IL

Jonamac Orchard, Malta, IL

Call or visit our website for a FREE Visitors Guide

12

indoor climbing gyms for.

What started as 50 bouldering areas in the ’50s has exploded into around 400.

“Some people want to try climbing because it’s a fun thing to do,” Wilkes says.

“There’s another group of people who are trying to learn how to go rock climbing on their own because they want to be self-guided climbers. It’s a great place to start and/or develop your climbing career.”

Rock climbing may not be for everyone, but there’s something special about maneuvering up a sheer rock face to find yourself at the apex.

“I don’t want to sell it short — rock climbing is a hard, difficult activity,” Garcia says.

“Serious rock climbers fail 90% of the time and we are doing all of that falling for the 10% success that we have. It’s worth it because we got it right.”

Russell Woods Forest Preserve, Genoa, IL

Barn Quilt Tour, DeKalb County, IL

D E KA L B CO U N TYCV B . CO M

877/335-2521

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 12

8/11/20 4:44 PM

Weddings, Families, Headshots...

From the 'burbs to the city... for any and all of your photo needs

6 3 0 - 3 2 2 - 8 0 6 0

NT_DUMMYads.indd 13

|

w w w. d l a r a p h o t o g r a p h y. c o m

8/11/20 4:44 PM

Downtown Morris Is Open!

Over 45 Unique Shops and Restaurants!

www.shopmorrisil.com 14

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 14

8/11/20 4:44 PM

BIKE PATHS ABOUND IN NORTHWEST ILLINOIS

By Nick Kelly

T

here might not be a better time to explore biking trails than this time of social distancing. Whether you want to travel across counties or make a short trip with your family, here are some great trails to explore. ¢ DEKALB COUNTY DeKalb Nature Trail Length: 1.6 miles

If you are looking for a trail lined with trees, this is a good option. This trip includes intersections with the Kishwaukee River and the P.A. Nehring Forest Preserve.

And you’ll see the Kishwaukee Country Club golf course during your ride.

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 15

15

8/11/20 4:45 PM

¢ DUPAGE COUNTY Danada and Herrick Lake Regional Trail Length: 5.8 miles This trail provides the chance to ride on a crushed stone pathway over 1,600 acres. The trip also takes you past Rice Lake and Herrick Lake. ¢ GRUNDY, LASALLE AND WILL COUNTIES Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail Length: 79.5 miles There’s no lack of trail here as it travels alongside the Illinois River. In Morris, this part of the trail includes a stop by Gebhard Woods State Park, campsites and a ride through Morris,

where the Grundy County Historical Museum and shops await. Continue out of Morris, and you’ll encounter the William G. Stratton State Park.

In LaSalle, you have a chance to view the old canal towpath. The overall trail begins in LaSalle at Huse Lake, where you can make a pit stop to sit in a replica canal boat. ¢ KANE COUNTY Fermilab Trail Length: 5.8 miles The Fermilab Trail, named because of its proximity to Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, gives you the opportunity to cross into DuPage County. At the

time of publication, access to Fermilab was closed because of COVID-19 (the lab is helping with research and other tasks). Bookmark this one for future use! ¢ KENDALL COUNTY Blackberry Trail Length: 1.5 miles While following this moderately short path alongside Blackberry Creek, you’ll encounter everything from prairie to stores. You will likely spot some birds as well. ¢ LEE COUNTY Lowell Parkway Trail Length: 3.5 miles This former railway-turned-

Come see our leaves, where every color lives in perfect harmony.

CANTIGNY

1s151 Winfield Road Wheaton, IL cantigny.org

16

@ cantignypark | #cantignypark

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 16

8/11/20 4:45 PM

trail is home to part of the Illinois Central Railroad bed, which dates all the way to the mid-1800s. This Dixon trail includes a stop at Lowell Park, either at the beginning or end of your journey.

neighborhoods and more. The trail also serves as a connector to other trails.

¢ MCHENRY COUNTY The Prairie Trail Length: 26.5 miles

If you’ve ever wanted to have the chance to bike across an old swing bridge, this is the trail for you. The trail is flat, and you’ll have a chance to see plenty of the Des Plaines River en route to the edge of Cook County. It also meets up with the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail if you’re looking to continue the fun.

This trail, which runs the entire length of McHenry County, provides it all. Along the way from the Kane County border (where it joins the Fox River Trail) to the Wisconsin state border, you can see shops, woodlands,

¢ WILL, DUPAGE AND COOK COUNTIES Centennial Trail Length: 13 miles

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BIKE IN THE BITTER COLD If you’re a new bike owner, you will need to take care of it as the weather becomes colder and snow arrives. Here’s what you should do to keep your bike in good condition during cold months: ¢ LUBRICATE THE BIKE This will help prevent several things, including dry rot where the rubber of the tires dries out and starts to crack. Chad Crawley of Chad’s Mobile Bike Repair in Aurora recommends using dry lube instead of wet lube, which can attract dirt. “Dirt is the mortal enemy of bicycles,” he says. ¢ STORE IN A CLIMATECONTROLLED AREA If you aren’t going to use your bike during the colder months, find a place inside, such as a partially heated garage, a basement or an

attic, says Daniel Smith, a service technician at North Central Cyclery in DeKalb. If you must leave the bike outside, you need to cover it to keep the snow from accumulating.

“That is really going to rust out the parts,” Smith says. If the chain gets rusty, it could snap unexpectedly. ¢ USE IT IF YOU CAN Crawley suggests taking your bike out even just once a month to ride around in the cold months. That will help get the gears moving, promoting overall gear health. ¢ WASH THE BIKE This comes after the storage and before you start to use your bike again. Crawley says to treat your bike like a car and give it a rinse to remove the lube and any other dust or dirt that accumulates while storing.

Pottawatomie Golf Course Most Beautiful Golf Course in the Fox Valley!

2020 Green Fees M-F

9-Holes (through Sep 30) 9-Holes (Oct-Dec) Twilight* & Replays

$17 $16 $13

SaSu & Holidays

$20 $16 $13

Book Tee Times Online!

Tee Times: 630-584-8356 pottawatomiegc.com

* Walking only. Times subject to change throughout the season due to change in daylight hours.

A Certified Audubon Sanctuary along the Fox River A facility of the St. Charles Park District

The Perfect Gift! Punch Cards

845 N. Second Avenue St. Charles, IL 60174

$84 for 6 rounds of golf.

May be used for any tee time.

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 17

17

8/11/20 4:45 PM

Run clubs persist, even as many marathons and 5Ks have been canceled

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

N Sports & Recreation

ot long after moving to St. Charles, Mark Wiitanen went out for his usual Saturday morning run along the Great Western Trail when he crossed paths with the Fox Valley Trail Runners. One of the runners was a neighbor, and he was invited to join the group.

18

And so the lifelong runner, former school athlete and parent-coach found companionship; no matter the weather or distance, he could count on seeing familiar faces each week.

Throughout the state there are local run clubs offering runners of all levels, ages and ZIP codes the opportunity to share those long miles in the companionship of other avid runners. From the Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich to the Hillstriders

Running Club of Crystal Lake down to the Starved Rock Runners in LaSalle, runners can train together. Some are small groups, and others — like Elmhurst Running Club, which has more than 200 active members — encompass several communities.

For many clubs it’s more than just the miles.

Nearly 20 years after Wiitanen’s first encounter with the Fox Valley Trail Runners, he serves as president of the club’s board of directors. While he and the board are navigating around changes due to the pandemic, they persist in their mission.

“We are all about promoting health and fitness and wellness of the community

and making it fun,” Wiitanen says.

The Fox Valley Trail Runners started in 1995 with a group of runners who also volunteered with local races. Now it has more than 500 members and hosts events including the Great Western Half Marathon, She Runs the Fox, Summer Sunset 5K, and The Fox and the Turkey.

Last year there were more than 3,000 participants in these races. Funds from these events allow the club to support community organizations and provide scholarships to young athletes. In 2019, the club distributed $22,500 in scholarships to 11 college-bound athletes.

This year the club’s popular Summer Sunset 5K went virtual, as the club tried to raise funds to support this year’s

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 18

8/11/20 4:45 PM

Cooler Temperatures are IDEAL for Planting and Saving

Still time to plan that perfect outdoor living/entertainment area of

s m a e r D r u Yo Northwest Highway

14 Rakow Rd.

31

Visit our website for more information! www.whisperinghillsnursery.com Route 31 in Crystal Lake

NT_DUMMYads.indd 19

Visit us on Facebook

1/4 mile south of Rakow Rd. on Rt. 31

X

Whispering Hills

847.658.5610

8/11/20 4:45 PM

 FIT4MOM Greater Northwest Chicago Suburbs Run Cub+ celebrates after a weekly training run in Bartlett last fall. Photo courtesy of Kristen Knobloch.

scholarship applicants. After a spring hiatus, the club members resumed group runs in July, adding new safety precautions and advance registration to help groups maintain small sizes for weekly runs.

“Everyone’s excited and looking forward to it. They’re tired of running by themselves,” Wiitanen says. In the past, the group organized runs on Saturday and Sunday mornings and two evenings during the week.

Sports & Recreation

Many run clubs offer additional training programs to their members. Wiitanen says several members of the run club are certified running coaches through the Road Runners Club of America. These programs can help a runner train for a 10K, half or full marathon.

20

For some runners, training includes the endurance to keep their feet moving and upper body strength to push a double stroller with occupants asking for juice and more crackers. Megan Gertz, a running and fitness instructor with FIT4MOM of Greater Northwest Chicago Suburbs, has seen this and so much more on her weekly training runs with the group.

“Strollers are always welcome on our runs,” says Gertz. “After four years, I’m just giving up my double stroller as my oldest outgrows it.”

FIT4MOM, a national brand with local

franchises, provides fitness programs geared to moms of all stages, from postpartum workouts through classes with higher intensities. The FIT4MOM Run Club+ brings together lifelong runners and those training for their first 5K. “Running with a group helps people stay motivated and keeps you accountable,” Gertz says.

“We are all about promoting health and fitness and wellness of the community and making it fun.”

- Mark Wiitanen As a running coach, Gertz creates customized training schedules to help each member meet her goals by the end of the eight-week spring, summer and fall training programs. Runners train individually and also attend weekly group runs. “There is no runner left behind,” Gertz says. “We all start together, and we all finish together.”

But the Run Club+ training goes beyond improving a runner’s pace and endurance. “We celebrate each other. It’s

a nonjudgmental, safe space,” explains Nicole Fraser.

Fraser and Kristen Knobloch started as club members; today, they co-own the FIT4MOM of Greater Northwest Chicago Suburbs, which serves residents from communities including Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Elgin, Barrington, Algonquin, Wauconda and Lake Zurich.

With many participants who bring their children for the runs, it became an opportunity for moms to lead by example, Knobloch says.

“Our kids are with us and they’re seeing us get out there and running one, four, six miles,” Knobloch says. “They see us push past the challenges, and that’s teaching them that we can be strong and keep going even when it’s tough. Our kids are adopting our behaviors and they’re seeing that working out is fun, not a chore.”

To learn more about the run clubs mentioned, visit: www.foxrivertrailrunners.org www.elmhurstrunningclub.com www.hillstriders.com (Crystal Lake) www.starvedrockrunners.org www.alpinerunners.com For a FIT4MOM near you, visit fit4mom.com For even more clubs, check out www. runningintheusa.com/club/list/il

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 20

8/11/20 4:45 PM

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

Urban Industrial Chic Farmhouse Upcycled Vintage New

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

SM-CL1799532A

Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 / Sunday 11-4 1501 Indiana Avenue, St. Charles 630.803.5253 www.trendandrelic.com (coming soon)

Multi Dealer Market

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

Pixies O n Main JOIN US FOR OUR

Grand Opening

Home - Gifts - Antiques - Furniture - Jewelry & More 227 S. Third St., Suite 101, Geneva ~ 630-457-5587

NT_DUMMYads.indd 21

SM-CL1799532C

SAT., AUGUST 29TH

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

#thevintagemarketplaceco

8/11/20 4:45 PM

Apple an

a Day...

Take advantage of the multitudes of fresh fruits and veggies in northern Illinois

By Chris Walker

W

hile farmers markets put smiles on countless faces by affording folks with access to an assortment of fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, going a step farther and trekking out to a local farm to pick your own produce can be a lot of fun for you or the whole family. With the pleasant cool breeze of autumn and the deliciousness of the fall harvest right in front of you, there’s hardly a better way to support local businesses and treat yourself. Did someone say apple pie?

DUPAGE COUNTY

¢ SONNY ACRES 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago www.sonnyacres.com Closed Monday; open TuesdayFriday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; weekends 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where We Live

Apples, corn, onions, peppers, plums, potatoes, squash, zucchini, more (not U-pick)

22

KANE COUNTY

¢ GOEBBERT’S PUMPKIN PATCH AND APPLE ORCHARD 42W813 Reinking Rd., Pingree Grove www.goebbertspumpkinpatch.com Pick-your-own daily, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.;

farm stand daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. thru mid-September Apples, cabbage, eggplant, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes ¢ KUIPERS FAMILY FARM 1N318 Watson Road (pumpkins), 1N145 Watson Road (apples), Maple Park www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Apples (10+ varieties), pumpkins (pumpkin farm opens Sept. 19)

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 22

8/11/20 4:45 PM

Now that you’ve picked your fresh produce, it’s time to make something delicious! ¢ SPRING BLUFF NURSERY 41W130 Norris Road, Sugar Grove www.springbluffnursery.com Open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

LASALLE COUNTY

Beets, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, okra, onions, peppers, squash, tomatoes, more

Apples, eggplant, garlic, onions, peppers, squash and more (not U-pick)

KENDALL COUNTY

MCHENRY COUNTY

¢ EVERGREEN FARM AND AMY’S GREENHOUSE 11642 Fox Road, Yorkville www.evergreenfarmamysgreenhouse.com Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Apples, sweet corn, cucumbers, green beans, onions, peaches, pears, plums, potatoes, more (not U-pick)

¢ DONNIE APPLESEED ORCHARD 378 N. 33rd Road, LaSalle www.donnieappleseedorchard.com Closed Monday-Tuesday, open Wednesday-Sunday 1-5 p.m.

¢ CODY’S FARM & ORCHARD 19502 River Road, Marengo www.codysfarm.com Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Apples and pumpkins (U-pick); broccoli, carrots, green beans, onions, peppers, watermelon, potatoes, zucchini and more (not U-pick) ¢ STADE’S FARM AND MARKET 3709 Miller Road, McHenry www.stadesfarmandmarket.com Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Apples, green beans, pumpkins, raspberries and tomatoes (U-pick); cantaloupe, beets, cucumbers, winter squash, more (not U-pick)

WILL COUNTY

¢ BRONKBERRY FARMS 18061 S. Bronk Road, Plainfield www.bronkberryfarms.com Closed Mondays, open TuesdaySunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Apples and pumpkins (U-pick); gourds, melons, okra, squash, more (not U-pick)

Kuipers Family Farm’s Apple Chicken Salad • 1/2 cup fat-free yogurt • 1/4 cup orange juice • 1/2 cup Kuipers Apple Jelly, melted • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced • 2 cups celery, finely sliced • 3 fresh-picked Kuipers apples, diced with skin on • 1/2 cup fresh chopped peanuts

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, orange juice, melted apple jelly and lemon juice. Add chicken, celery and apples. Toss gently to coat all pieces. Season with salt and chill until ready to serve. Sprinkle with peanuts and serve. Serves 8.

Spring Bluff Nursery’s TacoStuffed Acorn Squash • 2 acorn squash • 3/4 lb. lean ground turkey

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning of choice • 1 1/3 cup cheese, shredded

Heat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment, and set aside. Cut two acorn squash in half and scoop out all of the seeds. Spray with oil, season with salt and pepper, and place face down on the baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, then flip and roast for 10-15 more minutes until they are starting to brown and are easily pierced with a fork.

While squash is roasting, cook taco meat. Cook turkey over medium heat, tossing in the taco seasoning and breaking it up as you cook. Cook for 10 or so minutes until cooked through. Top acorn squash with 1/2 cup ground turkey and 1/3 cup shredded cheese. Either return to the oven or store for a meal prep lunch or dinner.

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 23

23

8/11/20 4:45 PM

F un

for

THE WHOLE FROM STATE PARKS TO MUSEUMS, FILL YOUR FALL WITH OUTDOOR ESCAPADES

Family Fun

By Siobhan Conners

24

S

chool might be taking up your kids’ weekdays, but weekends are still fair game! When the homework is finished and the fall weather is too good to be ignored, here are a few family-friendly activities to fill up your weekend calendar.

Farm Fun ¢ BLACKBERRY FARM 100 S. Barnes Road., Aurora Admission price depends on activity Blackberry Farm is a pioneer village turned playground.

From pioneer cookware to a mid-1800s train lobby to a one-room schoolhouse exhibit, this “living history museum” uses demonstrations to teach kids about pioneer life. It also offers fun activities, like a carousel,

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 24

8/11/20 4:45 PM

pony ring and playground. Check online for availability related to COVID-19. ¢ JOHANSEN FARMS CHILDREN’S ZOO AND PUMPKIN PATCH 710 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook Admission: $9.95 weekdays, $14.95 weekends and Columbus Day You’re sure to find the perfect pumpkin at Johansen Farms — in the past, they’ve had more than 25,000 to choose from! The fall festival runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31 and offers everything from a pumpkin patch to a petting zoo to games. Plus, parking is free.

Photo provided by the Morton Arboretum

FAM

¢ DOLLINGER FAMILY FARM 7420 E. Hansel Road, Channahon Admission is free, but the Battle of Dollinger Farm 1776 has an additional cost

With over 100 rare and endangered tree species on its campus, the Morton Arboretum is a beautiful place to explore on any day. It’s also offering a mix of in-person and online events throughout fall.

If you’re looking to get a breath of fresh air, the Tails on the Trails event on Aug. 30 allows guests to visit with their dogs, and the annual Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, which runs from Nov. 21 to early January, is perfect if you’re already counting the days until the holiday season.

If you want to enjoy the arboretum from the comfort of your living room, check out the Glass Pumpkin Patch to purchase handblown glass pumpkins online Oct. 14-18. ¢ STARVED ROCK STATE PARK 2688 E. 873rd Road, Oglesby

Like many other public farms, Dollinger Family Farms has a pumpkin patch and expansive gift shop. Unlike other farms, however, it also offers Revolutionary War reenactments on the weekends. The battle begins at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, but all weekends are chock-full of events. The farm opens Sept. 14.

Starved Rock’s waterfalls, canyons and views of the Illinois River make it a must-visit location. There’s no shortage of things to do: In addition to hiking, fishing and picnicking, you can also take a trolley ride or boat cruise. If you’re looking to stay the night, the Starved Rock Lodge is open for business.

Outdoor Spaces

¢ SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK 13608 Fox Road, Yorkville

&

Places

¢ MORTON ARBORETUM 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle Admission: Adults $15, seniors $13 and children $10, discount prices on Wednesdays; advance timed-entry passes or tickets are required.

There’s no better time to experience the great outdoors, and Silver Springs State Park is a great place to do so. The titular silver spring never freezes, making it a great place for fishing and canoeing. If you’re up for a little backpacking, there’s also a camping area off the beaten path.

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 25

25

8/11/20 4:45 PM

The Kitchen Sink ¢ H.I. LINCOLN BUILDING 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove Admission: Free to see the building, $4 for music.

Who doesn’t love an open mic? There’s one every third Friday of the month at the H.I. Lincoln Building in Franklin Grove through the rest of 2020.

Sign up for a 15-minute set and play the genre of your choice.

Refreshments will be for sale during the event.

¢ ILLINOIS RAILWAY MUSEUM 7000 Olson Road, Union Admission: $11 adults, $9 seniors, $8 children If you have a future engineer in your family, the Illinois Railway Museum might be the perfect way to spend a Saturday.

Executive Director Nick Kallas says about three-fourths of visitors are families. In addition to its regular exhibits, the museum also has its Showcase Weekend on Sept. 19-20 and Pumpkin Train on Oct. 24-25. Showcase Weekend is the perfect chance to see and ride rare equipment, while the Pumpkin Train takes your family to a nearby pumpkin patch for some Halloween fun.

Readyto ride?

MARBLE WORKS Kitchen & Bath Showroom

Grand Opening

Looking for local bike trails?

Find the 2020 Fox River Trail Guide at www.foxriverbiketrails.com

Coming soon to the local park districts and most retail locations noted below.

Monday - Friday 8-4

Manufacturer Direct Pricing

When you shop with us you can rest assured, that you’re not dealing with a middleman. Bringing you the most VALUE

Experts You Can TRUST (Since 1989)

Whether Your Next Project Calls for Cabinets or Countertops

WE HAVE IT!!

1601 N La Fox St (Route 31), South Elgin, IL 60177

(847) 742-9222 • info@marble-works.com

26

w w w. f o x r i v e r b i k e t r a i l s . c o m

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 26

8/11/20 4:45 PM

NT_DUMMYads.indd 27

8/11/20 4:45 PM

Fa amily Fun

I

28

n good news for fall-themed weekend day trips and getaways, experts note the risk of contracting the coronavirus is lower outdoors.

So if you’re planning a jaunt to a favorite apple orchard, nature preserve or winery, you might not need to reverse course.

patch, cider house, bakery and store.

Two special treats are offered on weekends only: an apple orchard sundae and a caramel apple float, but make no mistake, Jonamac’s everyday offerings have stood the test of time, helping the family establishment go strong for more than three decades.

This Neighborhood Tourist correspondent likes the fall surroundings in his neck of the suburban woods just fine, but always has associated the most heightened sensory experiences of the season with the western reaches of this publication’s coverage area.

“I think the foods here on our farm are typically tied to a family’s tradition,” says Jonamac co-owner Jenna Spychal.

“So, they have that extra little nostalgia built in with them that, you know, families come out here every year together and get their apple donuts or their caramel apples or what have you.”

With that, here’s a brief fall itinerary for thought. If you’re up for a long drive along the Route 38 corridor, you might even hit these all in one prolific staycation day. Or enjoy them one at a time. ¢ JONAMAC ORCHARD 19412 Shabbona Road, Malta www.jonamacorchard.com In addition to its titular apple orchard, Jonamac offers a corn maze, pumpkin

Spychal says the staff especially enjoys hearing about multigenerational family experiences. These days, many visitors who came to Jonamac as youngsters are returning with children of their own.

“We are really excited to open up again this season,” Spychal says. “Things will be a little different this year, obviously, but we’re trying to do our best to make things as normal as possible despite the current climate, so we’re trying to

take steps so that families will be able to safely continue their traditions this year despite everything going on with the COVID situation. So, I hope they come back. We’re anxious to see how this season will go.” ¢ ELBURN FOREST PRESERVE 45W061 Route 38, Elburn www.kaneforest.com Hiking, picnicking and historic sites are among the amenities at this outdoor gem, which provides the chance to stretch your legs or work off some goodies if you took the mega-day trip challenge and are making your way east or west.

One of the oldest members of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County family, Elburn Forest Preserve features white, black and bur oak trees, as well as the largest shagbark hickory in Kane County. The old stone shelter was salvaged from an Elburn church that housed worshippers during the Great Depression. Want more? You might

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 28

8/11/20 4:45 PM

EGYPTIAN THEATRE

Fall flav ors colors a and wait at thes e adve nture spots in DeKalb and we st Kane C ern ounty

COMING SOON...

NEW RESTROOMS, CONCESSIONS, carpet, AND Air conditioning

Druley

Photo by Spencer Plum

By Kevin

DOWNTOWn DEKALB, IL

get a peek at a flying squirrel, which are among the species that call the preserve home. ¢ OBSCURITY BREWING & CRAFT MEAD 113 W. North St., Elburn www.drinkobscurity.com We know, we know. Fall often is synonymous with “rustic,” and this craft alcohol and barbecue spot only opened in July. But please, take the adults in your group to absorb the atmosphere of the patio. Then get back to us. If tradition is still on the brain, try Obscurity’s foray into mead, perhaps the oldest fermented beverage around.

“That product is a lot of fun, and you really can do a lot with it,” Obscurity co-owner Luke Goucher says. “We’ve had fun, almost a youthful fun, kind of playing with that product and really seeing the

versatility. And we’re excited about that.”

After that, relax and settle in with a Kuipers’ apple cider or pumpkin donut for a drive home filled with fall colors.

Happy day tripping. ¢ ACQUAVIVA WINERY 47W614 Route 38, Maple Park www.acquavivawinery.com “A serenade to the sense,” as described on its website, Acquaviva blends a fullservice winery, tasting room and bistro on a picturesque, 85-acre layout. While connoisseurs of Italian cuisine will tell you the food has no season, the rigatoni bosciola – rigatoni pasta with beef tenderloin tips covered in a mushroom, onion, and tomato sauce – is inviting to a fall palate. Enjoy it with one of Acquaviva’s 10 wines.

VIRTUAL HARD HAT TOURS TUESDAYs | 5:30pm | FACEBOOK LIVE TO learn more visit

WWW.egyptiantheatre.ORG ANNUAL SPONSORS: est. 1851

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 29

29

8/11/20 4:46 PM

All that JA ZZ WEEKEND IN ST. CHARLES TO BE HELD SEPT. 10–13 WITH SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

By Pat Szpekowski

Arts & Entertainment

S

30

Start making plans, live jazz fans.

beverages and food at restaurants and shops while still following social distancing guidelines.

No matter what type of jazz music you prefer — from swing, rhythm and soul to brass instruments and more — the ninth annual St. Charles Jazz Weekend is primed to hit all of the right notes.

Jenna Sawicki, executive director of the St. Charles Business Alliance, notes the Sept. 10-13 event will be one for all to enjoy with added safety standards in place. This year will focus on safety, high-quality entertainment and local business support.

“Safety first is a top priority,” Sawicki says. “We are excited for the event and thrilled with this opportunity to support

our businesses and community. In times like these, music and art (are) very much needed to keep spirits and hope alive.”

While the main stage at First Street Plaza is being eliminated, Jazz Weekend will continue to feature talented musicians at different venues throughout St. Charles.

Patrons will be able to enjoy live music,

Jazz Weekend has become a local and regional favorite. Last year, Grammywinning saxophonist Frank Catalano, who has local roots, was among over 30 musical artists who performed around St. Charles. Catalano is scheduled to perform again this year on the event’s first day.

Businesses have been encouraged, as in the past, to hire their own jazz bands and entertainment. The schedule of talent lineups and locations will be fluid this year, but you can stay up to date at www.stcjazzweekend.com for accommodation listings and more information.

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 30

8/11/20 4:46 PM

 Frank Catalano performs at The House Pub in 2018. Photo provided.

PHOTO BELOW: Dean Simms & the Hot Notes perform at Club Arcada in 2018.

A Wonderful Vintage Inn

On 8 Acres Within the City of Geneva

(LIVE) MUSIC TO OUR EARS Experience the fun of live music as you support local restaurants, venues and artists. It’s good for the psyche and soul!

Before you go, make sure to check the venue’s website or Facebook page for updates and COVID-19 guidelines.

DEKALB COUNTY

¢ PRAIRIE STATE WINERY 222 W. Main St., Genoa www.prairiestatewinery.com Local musical artists entertain at this popular winery.

KANE COUNTY

¢ PRESERVATION 513 S. Third St., Geneva www.preservationgeneva.com

Bed & Breakfast Pet Friendly Accommodations • Pool On-site

Booking Weddings & Events Multiple Areas for Intimate Gatherings Indoor Accommodations and Open Air Tent on the Lawn for Outdoor Celebrations & Gatherings

Garden Parties for 10 or more people

Full week live music lineup, including singersongwriter Mondays.

¢ FOX FIRE 17 W. State St., Geneva www.foxfiregeneva.com Wide range of live music from blues, country, jazz, rock and more.

KENDALL COUNTY

¢ LAW OFFICE PUB AND MUSIC HALL 226 S. Bridge St., Yorkville www.lawofficepub.com Local independent musicians hosted with the goal of being “a small cog in the wheel of positive change in the music industry,” according to its website.

MCHENRY COUNTY

¢ THE QUARRY CABLE PARK 5517 U.S. 14, Crystal Lake www.thequarrycablepark.com Hosts bands on weekends, 7-10 p.m. See website for the full listing.

¢ PORT EDWARD RESTAURANT 20 W. Algonquin Rd., Algonquin www.portedward.com Variety of music performers showcased on weekends at this Fox River restaurant.

The Oscar Swan Country Inn T 1800 West State Street, Geneva, IL (630) 232-0173 • nina@oscarswan.com www.OscarSwan.com NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 31

31

8/11/20 4:46 PM

Backyard B RE WS

BEER GARDENS PROVIDE OUTDOOR OASIS FOR SUMMER NIGHTS

By Jonathan Bilyk | Photos by Eric Rutledge Photography

Destination Dining

I

32

n more normal times, the acronym “BYOB” could not be spoken anywhere near the sprawling beer garden at Hawthorne’s Backyard.

about a mile and a half west of Route 59, Hawthorne’s has long boasted one of the region’s most expansive beer gardens. In normal years, the tavern’s 4-acre outside would summon guests to play on their sand volleyball courts, whiffle ball field, baggo boards and lawn games, or gather around the fire pit while enjoying live music.

But, as manager Greg Karellas says, 2020 has put a new spin on the acronym at the West Chicago beer garden. While guests still can’t bring their own beer, they are encouraged to “bring your own bags” — as in bean bags, for playing cornhole.

“It’s the only kind of BYOB we allow on the patio,” says Karellas with a laugh.

Many regional brewery and tavern owners have expanded operations onto sidewalks and parking lots, finding creative ways of hosting distanced patrons. Others, however, already had long-standing, outstanding spacious gardens in which to allow patrons to get off their couches and plant themselves on a

stool for an adult beverage or two and perhaps a bite to eat.

And in summer 2020, few establishments have proven more essential (to sanity) than outdoor beer gardens.

Located on West Hawthorne Lane

This year, some of those elements remain, including the live music.

Others, like the cornhole games, are limited. Still others, like the whiffle ball field, are closed entirely as part of the effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, says Karellas.

But with space to remain properly distanced and mask rules firmly in place, Karellas says Hawthorne’s backyard patio, with its staff of about 25, has remained a beacon for people to enjoy a sunny day or summer evening.

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 32

8/11/20 4:46 PM

Northern Illinois, however, is bedazzled with an abundance of stellar beer garden choices. Whether defined by their ambience and recreational options, others may simply offer an overflow of top-notch beer choices, on tap or bottled.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OTHERS SELECTED FROM THROUGHOUT THE REGION:

DEKALB COUNTY

¢ FATTY’S PUB & GRILLE 1312 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb WHAT’S ON TAP: Fatty’s offers a lengthy assortment of craft beers, as well as more standard domestic and imported varieties. Craft brews include varieties from Ballast Point Brewery; Deschutes; City Lights; Dogfish Head; Finch Beer Co.; Founders Brewing Co.; Firestone Walker; and DeKalb’s own Forge Brewhouse, among many others. Fatty’s also offers a full menu of lunch and dinner entrees and appetizers.

WHAT TO DO: Fatty’s patio is the place to be on Northern Illinois University football game days. It’s also an official Chicago Blackhawks bar, offering sports on TV on the brick patio, which offers ample seating.

DUPAGE COUNTY

¢ SOLEMN OATH BREWERY 1661 Quincy Ave., Suite 179, Naperville WHAT’S ON TAP: A wide assortment of its own fresh craft brews, including selections like the Dank Lloyd Wright Pineapple IPA; the Lu Radler, which is blended

with grapefruit soda and is billed by Solemn Oath as the “official beer of patio season;” Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout; and the Quincy Burnet American Lager.

WHAT TO DO: Enjoy lots of space and lots of fresh craft beer and seltzers. Solemn Oath offers a 4,200-squarefoot beer garden, with tables spaced up to 12 feet apart. Food trucks stop by regularly. The brewery also offers deliveries of its beers and seltzers throughout the Chicago area. ¢ HAWTHORNE’S BACKYARD 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, West Chicago WHAT’S ON TAP: 14 beers, plus an assortment of domestic and imported bottles. The food menu is extensive, including ribs and regular pig roasts.

WHAT TO DO: Plenty, in the “Backyard.” Even amid COVID restrictions, Hawthorne’s allows patrons to play cornhole (as long as they supply their own bags) or gather on the expansive patio, which boasts a fire pit, fireplace and gazebo.

Plus, live music on weekends.

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 33

33

8/11/20 4:46 PM

KANE COUNTY

¢ FILLING STATION PUB & GRILL 300 W. Main St., St. Charles

Destination Dining

WHAT’S ON TAP: In addition to “a wide selection of beers,” the Filling Station boasts an expansive menu featuring many choices served in big portions at reasonable prices.

34

WHAT TO DO: The Filling Station is located smack in the middle of St. Charles’ bustling downtown, not far from the Fox River. Located in a historic former gas station, the patio offers a near urban ambience, replete with shade from mature spreading trees and tables set under umbrellas. It has earned a reputation as both a familyfriendly restaurant and one of central Kane County’s hottest spots in the evening. Live music is offered on select weekend days. The patio is also dog friendly. ¢ TWO BROTHERS ROUNDHOUSE 205 N. Broadway, Aurora WHAT’S ON TAP: Two Brothers offers a full brewpub experience. That includes a full menu, including breakfast choices with artisan coffees, on weekends at its cafe. But its main draw is its selection of artisan beers, which it

has offered for more than 20 years as one of the first craft breweries in Illinois.

The brewery offers seven year-round brews and nine seasonals, including new artisan products released throughout the year.

Raptor Pale Ale — as well as seasonal varieties — such as their Irish Red, Oktoberfest and Winter Porter. The Lone Buffalo also offers a full menu of burgers, sandwiches, entrees, starters and nonalcoholic beverages.

WHAT TO DO: The Two Brothers beer garden is located in the tranquil heart of the historic limestone roundhouse that houses the brewery, tap house and restaurants. The beer garden offers live music on weekends, along with other entertainment options, such as its Brew and View free showing of classic movies in the beer garden.

WHAT TO DO: Situated in downtown Ottawa, this well-known spot has claimed a portion of the adjacent Jackson Street block for an expansive outdoor tented dining and drinking area.

Reservations are encouraged, particularly due to COVID-19 prevention measures and the brewery and restaurant’s sustained popularity as a LaSalle County destination.

LASALLE COUNTY

MCHENRY COUNTY

WHAT’S ON TAP: Tangled Roots features its Forty1Eighty 8 brew, which they call “farm to foam beer.” Named for the GPS coordinates where both its hops and barley are grown and brewed, the beer offers a true taste of what the region can offer in beer. Additional craft brews include a selection of core beers — such as the Devil’s Paintbox IPA, Kit Kupfer Amber Ale and River

WHAT’S ON TAP: The brewery offers an assortment of its own multiple awardwinning craft brews, including its Rugged Coalminer robust porter; Hickster American Cream Ale; Exiled Angel Belgian Style Golden Ale; and Giant Killer IPA. Scorched Earth also offers seasonal brews, such as its Honey Graham Cracker Coalminer Porter, brewed to complement s’mores by the fire. New

¢ TANGLED ROOTS BREWING COMPANY – THE LONE BUFFALO 812 LaSalle St., Ottawa

¢ SCORCHED EARTH BREWING 203 Berg St., Algonquin

beers or seltzers are released and added to the rotation regularly.

WHAT TO DO: Live music on Saturdays. Food trucks, and encouragement to bring your own food. An abundance of socially-distanced tables on a trellised patio with plenty of shade. Dogs are also welcome on the patio, most of the time.

WILL COUNTY

¢ GARAGE BAND BREWING 15025 S. Des Plaines St., Plainfield WHAT’S ON TAP: An assortment of their fresh craft beers, brewed onsite, including Go Man-Go Berliner Weiss, The Devil’s Daughter Raspberry Porter, Alban Eiler Irish Red Ale, Don’t Harsh My Mellow American Pale Ale and The Ghost of Floyd Collins Oatmeal Stout.

WHAT TO DO: On the patio, which adjoins the tap room via an open garage door, patrons can take in an array of musical acts in a variety of genres from throughout the Chicago area. Garage Band says they are both family friendly (depending on the family) and pet friendly, “as long as the owners are well behaved.”

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

FALL 2020

NT_DUMMYads.indd 34

8/11/20 4:46 PM

SM-CL1795683

NT_DUMMYads.indd 35

8/11/20 4:46 PM

COMMITTED

230 W. State Street | Geneva, Illinois | 630.232.2085 www.statestreetjewelers.com NT_DUMMYads.indd 36

8/11/20 4:46 PM