VENUES

When her father, William, died more than a decade ago, Karen didn’t want to see the property leave the family or fall into disrepair. She sought to restore the barn, a task completed a couple of years before the first wedding.

After a cousin told Karen about a young couple wanting to use the barn as a wedding venue, the barn found a purpose again.

“I can’t take credit for the idea of a wedding venue,” Rogers said. “That was a blessing sent from above.”

Converting a former dairy operation into an events venue, while retaining its original look and feel, wasn’t easy. It took a couple of years, and it’s still a work in progress; Rogers is always thinking of things that to add on in the future.

In keeping with the rural decor, the barn is furnished with about 300 mismatched wooden chairs and 35 different barnwood tables. Wedding decor and props on site can be used at no additional cost.

“I try to keep up with barn wedding trends and look for items that are useful or add authenticity to their wedding day,” Rogers said. “A lot of the decor I started with were items that belonged to my grandmother, grandfather and father. My family kept a lot of items from the 1930s through the 1980s so I had a lot of inventory from the start. It’s wonderful that these vintage items have a renewed purpose.”

That eye for detail and decor, along with a whole heap of country charm, has kept customers coming back.

“Some come back on their anniversary for photos or to just remember, others come back when they are pregnant or have a life change,” Rogers said. “I absolutely love that so many people are connected to the farm.”

More info

The Barn at Allen Acres is at 2206 Prophetstown Road, west of Rock Falls, near the intersection with U.S. Route 30. Online: thebarnatallenacres.com Email: thebarnatallenacres@ gmail.com Phone: 847-687-3348 Social: The Barn at Allen Acres on Facebook, Instagram (@ thebarnatallenacres) and Pinterest (@thebarn2206)

VENUES

AMBOY COMMUNITY CENTER 280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy 815-857-2324 Features: Full-service bar, full kitchen, tables and chairs. Capacity: 250-300 Online: cityofamboy.org and Facebook THE BARN AT ALLEN ACRES 2206 Prophet Road, Rock Falls 847-687-3348 Features: Historic, rustic dairy barn and/or countrythemed farmhouse available for rehearsal dinner, the wedding and wedding night, vintage carriage for photos, plenty of acreage for tents, tables, dancing. Capacity: 150 upstairs in the barn, where the ceremony is held. Online: thebarnatallenacres.com and Facebook, Instagram THE BARN ON THE HILL 7 E. Route 72, Leaf River 815-703-0628 Email: thebarnonthehillvenue@gmail.com Features: Tall pines, large shade trees, a lush lawn, and well-tended flower beds make an ideal backdrop for outdoor receptions and photo shoots. The barn’s sliding doors open to let in natural light, and thousands of tiny white lights strung from the beams create a comfortable, yet elegant, setting. Capacity: Up to 250; patio seating 300 plus Online: thebarnonthehill.net and Facebook BARNACOPIA 2570 N. West Branch Road, Polo 815-284-8484 Features: The barn has three levels that include antique tractors and cars. Outdoor space includes a beautiful willow tree, patio and much more. Capacity: Up to 400 Online: barnacopia.com and Facebook, Instagram BASIL TREE RISTORANTE 123 E. First St., Dixon 815-288-7555 Features: Enjoy the delicious Basil Tree Catering of Italian traditions and more for your event in its private dining room. Capacity: 50 Online: basiltree2008.com and Facebook, Instagram

BRANDYWINE BANQUET AND EVENT CENTER 441 state Route 2, Dixon 815-284-8484 Features: Three banquet areas, customizable menus, three large wooden dance floors, building-wide PA system with wireless microphones, free Wi-Fi, projectors and screens, two full-service bars, plus three on-staff event coordinators, all in a warm, elegant setting. Capacity: 400 Online: brandywinedixon.com and Facebook THE BRAUER BARN 9151 Edwardsville Road, Winnebago 815-519-2653 Features: A barn built around the 1900’s is the setting for this beautiful event space featuring original hard wood floors and sliding door to access the outdoor space. Space is wheelchair accessible. Capacity: 299 Email: thebrauerbarn@gmail.com Online: thebrauerbarn.com and Facebook

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BYRON FOREST PRESERVE: JARRETT PRARIE CENTER 7993 N. River Road, Byron 815-234-8535 Features: Banquet rooms available with space for indoor or outdoor events and beautiful views. Online: byronforestpreserve.com CANDLELIGHT INN 2200 First Ave., Rock Falls 815-626-1897 Features: Banquet room can accommodate 100 people or be divided for smaller parties. or CANDLELIGHT INN 511 Riverview Drive, Clinton Iowa 563-243-3200 Features: Banquet room on the first floor veranda of the restaurant with views of the Mississippi River. Room can accommodate 175 people. Online: candlelightinnrestaurant.com and Facebook, Instagram CHAMPS BANQUET VENUE 9 E. Third St., Sterling 815-626-6003 Features: A rustic, yet modern facility with access to the outside patio, which seats 40. The venue caters food to smaller groups of 20-30 people, but outside food service is available for larger groups. There’s a full-bar service, and people can bring in live entertainment. Capacity: 150 Email: champs.banquetvenue@yahoo.com Online: Facebook CHAPEL IN THE PINES 15165 Quigley Road, Sycamore 815-895-4797 Features: Ceremony options include the chapel, a gazebo or beautiful gardens on this seven-acre private estate that includes a vintage-inspired reception hall. Capacity: 150 Email: pinesinfo@gmail.com Online: chapelinthepines.com/ and Facebook THE CLUBHOUSE RESTAURANT 29-11 Ironwood Blvd., Lake Carroll 815-493-2810 Features: Full-service restaurant with banquet space for receptions including an outdoor patio. Online: golakecarroll.com/

THE CRYSTAL CORK WINE SHOPPE 219 W. First St., Dixon 844-843-2675 Features: Rent the wine cellar for private parties. Includes a private bar and is handicappedaccessible. Crystal Cork also offers a traveling bar. Capacity: 48 Email: thecrystalcork@gmail.com Online: thecrystalcork.com and Facebook DAYS INN BY WYNDHAM 2105 First Ave., Rock Falls 815-626-5500 Features: Several large banquet rooms that are wheelchair accessible. Capacity: 350 Online: wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/rock-fallsillinois/days-inn-rock-falls/overview DEER VALLEY BANQUETS 3298 Hoover Road, Deer Grove 815-499-2911 hello@deervalleybanquets.com Features: Where your happily ever after begins ... Our venue features a large, open banquet room with cathedral wood ceiling and a wall of windows overlooking our scenic golf course. Our menus are customized to fit your taste and budget and our full-service staff will take care of all the details so you and your family can enjoy the day. We have two full-service bars with personalized drink packages to choose from, and our newly renovated bridal suite is the perfect space for your bridal party to get ready and relax before the ceremony begins. Our upper patio and gazebo provide a romantic location to say “I do” with your closest family and friends. Contact us today to schedule your tour! Capacity: 450 plus. Online: www.deervalleybanquets.com, one Facebook @DeerValleyBanquets, and Instagram DILLON HOME MUSEUM 1005 E. Third St., Sterling 815-622-6202 Features: Manicured, spacious grounds and fountain are a beautiful setting for museum home, built in 1858, and included in the National Register of Historic Places. Wheelchair accessible. Online: sterlingparks.org/location/dillon-homemuseum/ and Facebook DIXON ELKS LODGE 779 1279 Franklin Grove Road, Dixon 815-288-3557 Features: Full-service food and bar, linens, tables, chairs, dishes, servers. Suitable for casual events, bridal showers and elegant receptions. Capacity: 425 Online: dixonelkslodge.com and Facebook THE DIXON HISTORIC THEATRE 114 S. Galena Ave., Dixon 815-508-6324 Features: Host your special day in this historic theater. Online: dixontheatre.com/ and Facebook EAGLE POINT LODGE 4101 N. Third St., Clinton, Iowa 563-243-1260 Features: Located in Eagle Point Park the patio can seat 250 and the lodge can seat 299. Online: cityofclintoniowa.us THE FLIGHT DECK AT THE CHICAGOLAND SKYDIVING CENTER 1207 W. Gurler Road, Rochelle 815-561-3664 Features: An out-of-the-ordinary event space as the skydiving center transforms into a banquet space from November through March. Online: flightdeckbar.com/ and Facebook, Instagram HAPPILY EVER AFTER WEDDING BARN 1794 S. Klinger Road, Pecatonica 815-494-8850 Features: A rustic barn that is more than 100 years old set in the rolling fields just minutes from Rockford and Freeport. Choose from inside the barn or out in the beautiful grassy fields. Capacity: 200 Online: happilyeverafterweddingbarn.com and Facebook HENREKIN PINES 28650 Hahnaman Road, Deer Grove 815-499-6169 Features: Remodeled barn and event hall create the perfect setting for a rustic chic event in a tranquil setting. Facilities are ADA accessible and rooms are heat and air conditioned. Capacity: 240 Online: henrekinpines.com/ and Facebook

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HENRY’S DOUBLE K 834 S. Jackson St., Mount Carroll 815-244-0180 Features: The large event room has a private bar and lots of table seating. There’s an area for live entertainment, a dance floor, house catering and service available and large parking area in the back. For smaller events the dining room can easily seat groups of up to 70 people. Online: henrysdoublek.com and Facebook HORNBAKER GARDENS, INC. 22937 1140 N Ave. Princeton 815-659-3282 Features: The beautiful botanical gardens and arboretum can serve as the perfect place for exchanging your vows, or host a reception at The Barn, a new climate-controled facility with large windows overlooking the gardens, and a covered patio. Online: hornbakergardens.com and Facebook KAPP’S BANQUET FACILITY 201 W. First St., Rock Falls 815-625-1963 Features: Indoor banquet hall near the Rock River. Online: visitrockfalls.com/venues and Facebook KILBUCK CREEK 6752 N. Kilbuck Road, Monroe Center 815-393-3247 Features: Located among the secluded trees, this venue has beautiful space outdoors and indoors for a wedding ceremony and reception. Say your vows in the wedding Pergola as guests sit in the antique pews and enjoy a reception under the crystal chandelier in the gathering hall. Guests can choose to stay in the log cabins. Capacity: 250 Online: kilbuckcreek.com and Facebook LINCOLN WAY INN 409 N. State St., Franklin Grove 815-456-7700 Features: Scenic countryside serves as a backdrop for events with the option to use the indoor or outdoor venues. Enjoy modern amenities with a rustically elegant feel. Capacity: 150 Online: lincolnwayinn.com/ and Facebook, Instagram LIVENGOOD’S BARN 21647 Thomson Road, Chadwick 815-499-5934 Features: Two barns — the first is a mid-century two-story dairy barn that is handicapped accessible and climate controlled with rustic loft and dressing rooms. The second barn is a newly remodeled, climate controlled building. There are also room for outdoor ceremonies and a scenic pond. Capacity: 225 Email: livengoodseventbarn@gmail.com Online: livengoodsbarn.com and Facebook, Instagram THE LOFT AT K’S KORNERS 13030 Galt Road, Sterling 815-626-2988 Features: Historic barn renovated for weddings, receptions and special events. There’s a 1920s bar and ornate winding staircase. Handicapped accessible and climate controlled. Capacity: Up to 300 Online: Facebook LOVELAND COMMUNITY HOUSE & MUSEUM 513 W. Second St., Dixon 815-284-2741 Features: Choose from a single room to the entire building for your wedding and reception. Full kitchen available. Dining hall includes raised stage for a DJ, small band. Capacity: Dining room seats 200 Online: lovelandcommunityhouse.org and Facebook MAHAFFEY’S ON MAIN 121 E. Main St., Morrison 815-768-7996 Features: Rent event space in historic downtown Morrison. Online: Facebook MAJESTIC PINES EVENT CENTER 11503 Three Mile Road, Thomson 815-902-6076 Features: Choose from several banquet rooms including a small room with a fireplace that would serve as a beautiful setting for a small wedding ceremony. There is a large outdoor patio outside of a banquet room. Building is wheelchair accessible. Capacity: 600 Online: Facebook MAMA CIMINO’S 104 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon 815-288-4448 Features: Banquet room, beers, linens, buffet-style catering, some gluten-free food. Capacity: 150 Online: mamaciminosdixon.com and Facebook MAXSON’S RIVERBOAT & RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT 1469 Route 2 North, Oregon 815-732-6761 Features: Have your special day aboard the The Pride of Oregon, an authentic Paddle Wheel Riverboat located on the Rock River. For a land option, the restaurant with its glass-enclosed dining room provides beautiful views of the river and an extensive menu and bar. Capacity: 149 riverboat; 300 restaurant Online: maxsons.net and Facebook MCCORMICK EVENT CENTER 205 E. Third St., Rock Falls 815-284-8484 Email event@saukvalleyevents.com Features: One of the largest event venues in the Sauk Valley with four large rooms that can be booked individually or together. Largest room holds about 230 people, and when all four are opened up, can accommodate nearly 750 people. The parking lot can hold 120 vehicles, and a garage door allows vehicles and larger equipment to be brought into the facility. The venue boasts a huge dance floor, a building-wide PA system with wireless microphones, free Wi-Fi, screens, two full-service bars, floor-to-ceiling room dividers and dimmable lighting. On-staff event coordinators are also available. Close to hotels. Capacity: 750 Online: mccormickevents.com and on Facebook MEXICALI ROSE BANQUET HALL 1409 Eighth Ave., Rock Falls 815-590-3110 Features: Beautiful, contemporary banquet space to host events. Online: mexicalirosebanquethall.com and Facebook, Instagram MILLS & PETRIE MEMORIAL BUILDING 704 N. First St., Ashton 815-973-8397 Features: In addition to housing city offices and the library there are reception spaces available, including a gymnasium and access to a kitchen. Online: millspetrielibrary.weebly.com/facility.html

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NAAMAN DIEHL AUDITORIUM 811 S. Clay St., Mount Carroll 815-244-3001 Features: Spacious room that is handicapped accessible with access to a state-of-the-art kitchen. Space managed by Carroll County Farm Bureau. Capacity: 130 Online: carrollcfb.org and Facebook OAK LANE OF OREGON 3261 S. Daysville Road, Oregon 815-871-0948 Features: 1800s-era rustic dairy barn with housing for the bridal couple, dressing rooms, bathrooms, an air-conditioned banquet room, two bars, reception hall, caterer’s kitchen. Bartenders, tables and chairs, vintage mismatched dishes and flatware, provided as well as a list of preferred vendors, such as photographers and caterers. Choose from indoor or outdoor ceremony sites. Capacity: Up to 180 Email: oaklane2012@gmail.com Online: oaklaneoforegon.com and Facebook OLD FULTON JOURNAL BUILDING 408 10th Ave., Fulton 815-266-7619 Features: Building features various seating arrangements and outdoor space to stage a wedding and reception. Capacity: 65 Online: visitnorthwestillinois.com/ OUT AT THE FARM 8229 11th St., Davis Junction 779-707-0996 Features: A rustic outdoor venue located in a forest on the Kilbuck Creek with an old barn, silo and stone pump house. Capacity can be increased with an additional tent. Capacity: 150 Online: outatthefarm.com and Facebook, Instagram PALMYRA PUB 628 Palmyra Road, Dixon 815-288-6300 Features: Private dining room with varied menu from casual to more formal. Capacity: 50 Online: palmyrapub.com/ and Facebook, Instagram PARTIES ON POPE 207 Pope St., Nelson 815-441-1446 Features: Room rental with tables, chairs and use of kitchen. Capacity: 250 Online: partiesonpope.com and Facebook THE PAVILION AT EMERALD HILL GOLF COURSE 16802 Prairieville Road, Sterling 815-622-6204 Features: Outdoors, tent overlooks the fourth tee, covered walkway to the clubhouse, portable dance floor and bar. Capacity: Up to 150 Online: emeraldhillgolf.com and Facebook PINE CREEK ESCAPE 6811 W. Pines Road, Oregon 815-881-1180 Features: Choose your perfect romantic location whether it is a walk down cobblestones a gazebo or say your vows near moss-covered stone staircases. Staff can accommodate weddings large and small. Extras include the ability to make an entrance on a horse and carriage or a Rolls Royce Experience. Online: pinecreekescape.com and Facebook, Instagram THE POLO ROOM BANQUET HALL 712 N. Division Ave., Polo 815-946-2886 Features: Built in the early 1950s, there is plenty of space to celebrate a special occasion with a fullservice restaurant, catering and bar available for use. Capacity: 225 Online: thepoloroom.com and Facebook POST HOUSE BALLROOM 100 W. Second St., Dixon 815-288-9236 Features: Stately, elegant, historic, turn-of-the-century former post office, constructed of Bedford stone, marble, granite, steel and terrazzo. Full bar available as well as options for a dance floor, tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, arch, PA system, projector screen. Kitchen available. Handicapped accessible. Capacity: 250 Online: posthouseballroom.net/ and Facebook PRAIRIE VIEW GOLF CLUB 6734 German Church Road, Byron 815-234-4653 Features: Clubhouse available for rentals, with views of the beautiful grounds. Online: byronforestpreserve.com/facilities/ prairieview-golf-club RAILSIDE BAR & GRILL 207 S. Butler St., Nelson 815-251-4633 Features: Warm pine interior, casual and cool. Choose from banquet or table service. Capacity: 150 Online: Facebook ROCK RIVER CENTER 810 S. 10th St., Oregon 815-732-3252 Features: Round or banquet tables, staff, room set-up and tear-down, linens and china table service, coffee service, beverage dispensers, a grand piano, and a food service tower. The 10th St. Catering in the center has a full service menu and can cater. Menus can be customized to suit tastes and price range. Wooden floors for DJ and dancing. Capacity: 280 Online: rockrivercenter.org and Facebook ROCK RIVER SUPPER CLUB 3901 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls 815-625-2387 Features: Three rooms, outdoor gazebo, three outdoor sites, full-service wedding and events coordinator on site; wedding packages; club memberships; bar, food, servers. Capacity: 200 Online: rrgap.com and Facebook SALAMANDRA & THE GATHERING PLACE 105 W. First St., Dixon 815-285-0874 Features: Full-service Mexican restaurant and bar with a banquet room. Capacity: 100 Online: Facebook SHADY OAKS COUNTRY CLUB 577 US Highway 52, Sublette 815-849-5424 Features: Reception room overlooking beautiful grounds. Online: shadyoakscc.com/ THE SHORE EVENT CENTRE 4111 N. Riverview Drive, Bellevue, Iowa 563-872-5000 Features: Can accommodate up to 400 guests for indoor or outdoor events overlooking the Mississippi River. Online: offshoreresort.net/weddings-and-events and Facebook

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SHERIDAN’S WALTON TAP 906 Walton Road, Amboy 815-857-2381 Features: Delicious menu options with helpful staff. Capacity: 50 Online: Facebook SMOKED ON 3RD BBQ BISTRO & CATERING 14 E. Third St., Sterling 815-632-3773 Features: Restaurant available for private events and receptions. Email: info@smokedon3rd.com Online: smokedon3rd.com and Facebook STARLIGHT’S THEATER & LOUNGE 341 First Ave., Sterling 815-564-9430 Features: Host your event in a former vaudeville and movie theater that even served as a disco. Capacity: 300

Online: starlightstheatre.com and Facebook STORYBOOK GARDENS 13501 E. Bethel Road, Rochelle 815-888-7962 Features: All-inclusive wedding site with three reception locations. Extras include salons for the bridal party to prepare for the big day and beautiful outdoor gardens for amazing wedding day photos. Capacity: 300 Online: storybookgardens.club and Facebook TYCOGA VINEYARD & WINERY 2585 195th St., DeWitt, Iowa 563-249-2704 Features beautiful landscapes and say your vows under the pergola with the vineyard as a backdrop. Have an outdoor wedding and indoor reception if you choose. Email: tycogawinery@gmail.com Capacity: 250 Online: tycoga.com WILLY’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 3210 W. Fourth St., Sterling 815-626-0401 Features: Reserve the restaurant for your receptio,n with full-service food and beverages. Capacity: 70-80 Online: Facebook WOODCOTE COTTAGE 2114 Lowell Park Road, Dixon 815-284-3306 Features: The stone and timber cottage in historic Lowell Park provides a quiet, private setting for a ceremony and reception. Kitchen access and ADA restrooms. Capacity: 100 Online: dixonparkdistrict.com/woodcote/ VFW POST #540 1560 Franklin Grove Road, Dixon 815-288-5165 Features: Spacious room provides a great setting for a special day. Online: vfw540.org

two gorgeous barns and scenic grounds to celebrate your perfect day.