Escape the Ordinary

TriCities

Magazine

Serving the TriCities area Batavia | Geneva | St. Charles

June/July 2019

Escape

The Ordinary

Great short trips to explore wines, music & art

In this issue

Coming inAugust…

Welcome......................................................................................... 6

Indulge

Revitalizing treats

Keep the summer flowing with luxury treats to get you ready for the fall season

See more at KaneNeighbors.com For advertising in TriCities Magazine call 630-995-3482

Escape the Ordinary............................................................ 10

Short jaunts with a focus on art, wine and music.

Insights.................................. 8

Summer was our best season

Real Estate..........................22

Pets are factoring into home purchases

Photo Media Bakery—Jenn Richardson

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Music................................... 29

Blues on the Fox features blues giants Taj Mahal and Robert Randolf & the Family Band

This Photo and Cover © Jay Blakesberg/Retna LTD.

Cover: Taj Mahal headlines Blues on the Fox, Aurora, June 14

Theatre................................ 29

Shakespeare in the Park returns to Geneva’s Island Park

Last Look............................ 30

Connecting past and present

More

UnPlug......................................................................................... 24

Neighbors Publications

630-995-3482 KaneNeighbors.com

Neighbors StaffTim Sullivan & Kate Sullivan, PublishersHannah Ott, Community EditorLinnea Carlson, Creative Director

For advertising opportunities:Anita Malik, Account Executive630-995-3482info@neighborsmagazines.com

See the online edition atKaneNeighbors.com.

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Advertising deadline is the 10 th of the month preceding publication.

©2019 TriCities Magazine is published by Emerald Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

June/July 2019KaneNeighbors.com 5

Welcome

If you are looking for places to enjoy wine, music and art this summer, you don’t have to go farther that the TriCities…unless you want escape for a weekend. We offer a “short list” (starting on page 11) of places and events for your consideration, that will help you “escape the ordinary.” Our list is arranged by travel time, from the immediate area (Geneva, Aurora, Naperville) to under five hours by car (Grand Rapids, St. Louis, Brown County, Indiana; Iowa City). Our focus in every suggestion is music, art and wine.

At the end of the feature story (page 21) is or “Go” list that includes travel time from Geneva to each destination.

With each destination, we also include one suggestion for accommodations. In most of the places in our list there is at least one less than ordinary place to stay. Although it may be difficult to book a room on short notice we couldn’t resist the adding an especially interesting B&B, or a hotel close to the action.

The obvious missing element in our list, is activities for kids. Without doubt, you won’t have trouble finding information on local and regional events and activities for the whole family. So, we stuck to weekend getaways geared to adults.

Scott Lebin’s article (pages 8–9), on the other hand, is wonderful overview of summer life in the TriCities and all that this area has to offer…for the whole family.

For more information on summer getaways, local attractions, and updates on events and activities, please visit KaneNeighbors.com. We’d love to hear about your “escape from the ordinary.” Have a fantastic summer.

Tim and Kate Sullivan

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Contributors

Scott Lebin Insights, page 8

Scott Lebin is a long time

Geneva resident, a board member of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (20 years) and an avid photographer. Previously, he has written a bi-monthly article for the Neighbors of Geneva Magazine. He is president of Managed Economics for Doctors, Inc. and Lebin Financial Planning in Geneva. He is the past-president of Geneva Lions Club International, served on the financial advisory committee of the Geneva School District, served on the City of Geneva Economic Development Commission and was an elected member of the Board of Education. He is past president of the Illinois Theatre Association. Scott has been married to Bobbi for 52 years and has two children and three grandchildren.

Deb Gurley

Real Estate, page 22

Deb Gurley is the recipient of St. Charles 2015 L.E.A.P. Award, President of Geneva Women in Business–2014, president of St. Charles Women’s Business Council–2015, current board member of Mutual Ground, current board member of the St Charles Chamber of Commerce and previous board member of Zonta. Currently, Deb is a Real Estate Broker for Miscella Real Estate in Geneva. She is also a Certified Interior Redesign Specialist, and Home Stager. Her guiding principle in real estate and in life is…“treat others with the respect, service and integrity they deserve.”

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Summer was our best season

by Scott Lebin

“And so, with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Summer in the Fox Valley has arrived when neighbors venture into their yards, begin appearing in parks, and are seen without their winter coats, scarves and gloves after a long cold winter. They are ready to enjoy all things warm and wonderful that summer brings. Great aromas from outdoor cooking can be smelled across property lines and the activity of diners start to fill the outdoor seating venues at many of the local restaurants. Children at play kicking soccer balls, laying chalk on the sidewalks for hopscotch, throwing horseshoes, and playing baseball fill the air with sounds that were muffled during the winter and wet spring months.

The joy of living in the Fox Valley is the abundance of special opportunities to explore the outdoors with events that

enrich our lives and fulfill the promise and warmth of a beautiful summer.

Batavia is home to Harold Hall Quarry Beach which is the stone quarry that Batavia residents have been using as a swimming facility since 1920. It features a sand bottom with 60,000 square feet of islands, slides, and a diving area. There are a playground and picnic area as well. Many Batavians remember the years when a big canvas was dropped over the rocks and movies were viewed during the summer months. Memories of the “ole swimming hole” are part of the best memories of Batavia in the summer.

The annual Fourth of July Fireworks Display is also a favorite event of early summer where neighbors meet neighbors and children don’t have to travel far from home to observe a magnificent firework

Insights

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Photo: Tim Sullivan

extravaganza near Randall Road in Batavia.

To the north of Batavia, Geneva provides some engaging annual events to create a panoply of activities throughout the summer. Swedish Days, June 18–23, will provide the annual carnival rides and games. There will be parades, special events, music competition, kids’ area, food booths and craft fairs for the 200,000 visitors who usually attend the event. This year, Tuesday night will be dedicated to the business community, with focus on unique shops staying open late and providing entertainment and special events. Third Street and State Street will come alive with many unique events, prizes, and entertainment. Wednesday will be the Park District day to provide opportunities for members of the community to watch and share their children’s talents. Big popular bands will be featured on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. This year on Sunday the 23rd of June the “Granddaddy” of all Illinois festival parades will be celebrating its 70th year. Many families locate their spots on the street early in the day to continue what has grown into an annual family event.

Geneva’s Art Fair, July 27th to 28th, was voted last year as the 6th “Best Art Fair in America,” out of the best 50 shows

surveyed by ArtFairCalendar.com. For 19 years Geneva will have seen this Art Fair grow from its infancy to a nationally recognized event. Third street in Geneva is closed from State Street to the train station and features a juried selection of artists who create 3D, oils, watercolors, chalk, sculpture, clothes, furniture, jewelry, artistic “PlandScapes” and much more.

Next, the Concours d’Elegance on August 25 brings to 3rd Street in Geneva a special opportunity to view cars that have been part of the history of the automobile industry. This year’s antique, classic and modern automobiles will also highlight the Stutz, Allard, and fintailed models along with many more spectacular vintage automobiles. In addition, the event will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Bentley Motor Car Company along with the celebration of the Sports Car Club of America’s Diamond Anniversary.

Traveling to the north once again we will discover a plethora of events to fully round out the offerings during the Summer in the Fox Valley. On June 15 there will be a 5K run in St. Charles along with a team tug of war contest for both youth and adult age brackets to determine the strongest in the Fox Valley. Why not gather your team together,

register, and begin practicing to be able to compete and win the tug of war contest? Independence Day festivities at St. Charles Parks will provide entertainment throughout the day. Like Batavia, on July 4 there will be an aweinspiring firework display that can be viewed from the bridge or any spot along the Fox River in downtown St. Charles. Don’t forget to blend into your summer experience biking, backyard barbecues, block picnics, Cougars baseball games and family get-togethers. These make summer in the Fox Valley seem like a wonderful vacation.

Yes, “…life does begin all over again with the summer.” There is a great passage about summer arriving in “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. She captures in two sentences the childhood emotion of summer and the return of a close childhood friend Dill. This universal memory of Scout about summer is one we all understand only too well… “Summer was on the way; Jem and I awaited it with impatience.

Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots, or trying to sleep in the tree house; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape; but most of all, summer was Dill.”

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Escape

The Ordinary

Short jaunts with a focus on Arts, Music, and Wine

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The Midwest is filled with relaxing attractions to enjoy a quick getaway. With art festivals, live music, wine tours and great food to go with it, you’ll be surprised by what the region can offer.

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In less than five hours, you can reach these destinations and make the most of your weekend in a new and exciting setting.

Explore an unfamiliar community, make new friends and bond with old ones, view original art, listen to live music while you relax with a delectable glass of wine. All you need is an open weekend, open mind and the desire to escape the ordinary.

Local escapes

(under 2 hours)

Within a relatively short drive from home you can find some incredible events and great places to stay…for a complete escape.

Geneva Swedish Days—June 18–23

More than 200,000 festival goers will escape to Geneva, Tuesday through Sunday, June 18–23 for “The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals.” A continuous

Don’t miss the Grand Parade during Geneva’s Swedish Days festival.

Photos this page courtesy Geneva Chamber of Commerce

street full of arts and crafts, nightly entertainment, Swedish (and American) food booths, and a Grand Parade…all along the streets of 100 specialty shops and a fine collection of restaurants, with an incredible selection of wine.

Accommodations: From the Herrington Inn you can walk to all the attractions. The perfect spot for a luxurious, overnight escape. 630-208- 7433 Herringtoninn.com.

Aurora Blues on the Fox—June 14–15

Blues lovers won’t have to travel far to escape. Aurora’s 23rd Annual Blues on the Fox Festival (River’s Edge Park) has a killer lineup. Friday evening’s headliner is Taj Mahal (see cover) with opener Ana Popovic kicking off suburban Chicago’s

largest summer blues festival. Gates open at 6pm. Popovic starts at 7pm. Saturday’s starring act is Robert Randolph and the Family Band, with Coco Montoya, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Jamiah Rogers paving the way with a full day of rocking live blues. Gates open at 2pm. Jamiah Rogers opens Saturday’s quadruple bill at 3pm.

Accommodations: The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is right across the street from River’s Edge Park and just a block away from downtown Aurora. 630-896-2800. Ihg.com/holidayinnexpress

Naperville Rib Fest—July 3–6

Outside of Chicago, no festival can match this lineup: Billy Idol, Living Colour, Flo Rida, KC & The Sunshine

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Band, Brantley Gilbert, Randy Houser, Joe Hanson. Seriously? This festival is worth a weekend escape. Along with Ribfest, Naperville is full of music, art and wine from every continent.

Accommodations: Hotel Indigo is Naperville’s newest luxury hotel, located along the city’s famous river walk, in downtown Naperville. 630-778-9676. hotelinnaperville.com

Woodstock 2019 Woodstock Folk Festival— July 21

If folk music is your escape of choice, check out Woodstock’s festival. Spend the weekend and get to know this charming town and its charming people. The festival runs from 12–6pm.

Accommodations: Stay the night at historic Cherry Tree Inn B&B.

815-308-5946, cherrytreeinnbnb.com.

Ottawa 2 Rivers Wine Fest, June 7–9

The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Ottawa Visitors Center bring you the

BEST of Illinois wine, outstanding jazz and FRESH grilled lobster at this festival in downtown Ottawa, in the heart of Starved Rock Country.

Accommodations: The River House

Bed and Breakfast, an historic Queen Anne built in 1890, sits high on a bluff overlooking where the Illinois and Fox Rivers cross paths. 312-912-5931. Ottawariverhouse.com

Relax on the front porch of Woodstock’s venerable Cherry Tree Inn.

Photo courtesy Cherry Tree Inn

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Midwest escapes

(under 3 hours) Galena Galena Cellars Vineyard May–Oct., 11am–8pm (6pm during week)

Galena is the ideal, quick getaway in Illinois. Shop and dine in the charming downtown area, see the century-old buildings, take time to hike, cruise the river, visit the sculpture park and sip on local wines. Galena has a breadth of options when it comes to wine. A short drive can bring you to the striking views of Galena Cellars Vineyard. Enjoy wine tasting, a wrap around deck, guest suites and even time with your dog at the petfriendly vineyard.

Accommodations: The comfortable Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel is set against Galena’s rolling hills and promises warm hospitality like that of the EmeraldIsle.

June/July 2019

Enjoy the unique shops lining Galena’s Main St.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lakefront Festival of Art— June 21–23

Milwaukee attracts music lovers with Summerfest and historic venues like Eagles Ballroom and Turner Hall, but it’s also becoming a popular hub for the arts. With the Milwaukee Art Museum, an

iconic structure on the lake with moving “wings”, and the Lakefront Festival of Art, there are endless opportunities to view or purchase art. The festival showcases 170 national artists on the museum grounds. You can also view art in the architectural form at The Domes and see the stunning botanical gardens inside.

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Experience the thrill of the ride at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.

Accommodations: The Pfister Hotel has elegant rooms in a landmark Victorian hotel with a spa, pool and dining. 414-273-8222 thepfisterhotel.com.

Kenosha, Wisconsin Tribute Island Music Festival— July 19–21

At the beautiful Simmons Island on the lakefront, see live bands pay tribute to artists who performed as early as Woodstock ’69 to as late as Lollapalooza ’18. The event features the most celebrated tribute acts from across the Midwest, with over 50 bands playing on five stages. For the arts, visit Anderson Arts Center, a mansion that now exhibits local, regional and national artists. There is also the monthly Kenosha Art Market, June through October. Grab Sunday brunch at Union Park’s Tavern before you check out the market.

Accommodations: Spend a weekend in the renovated 100-year-old building turned premier luxury boutique hotel, The Stella. 262-842-2000 stellahotel.com.

One-of-a-kind ceramics are handcrafted at the Ephraim Pottery Studio in Lake Mills.

Lake Mills, Wisconsin Ephraim Pottery Studio and Gallery Tues.–Sun., til 5pm

Lake Mills, on the shores of Rock Lake, is the perfect place for a quaint lakeside experience. The town’s distinctive studio, Ephraim Pottery Studio and Gallery, displays and sells ceramic works of art. The gallery will impress you with outstanding, textured designs on tiles, vases, lanterns, light fixtures and

Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson Museum

jars. Buy one and bring home a one-of-akind keepsake. Other attractions include the old-fashioned James J. Chocolate Shop and Lewis Station Winery that is set inside an old gas station and has awardwinning, natural wines.

Accommodations: The Fargo Mansion Inn B&B is on the national list of historic places and has cozy, sophisticated rooms.

920-648-3654 sweetautumninn.com.

Madison, Wisconsin Chazen Museum of Art Tues.–Sun., til 5pm (9pm Thurs.)

Art is everywhere in Madison! The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, everything from jewelry to junk art at Hatch Art House, even its farmers market has arts and entertainment. The Chazen Museum continues to be the top spot for art exhibition. Home to the second-largest collection of art in Wisconsin, it has more than 20,000 works. It also has temporary exhibitions which may be local, national, international, contemporary or historical in scope.

Accommodations: The Edgewater boutique hotel sits between Lake Mendota and Monona, giving visitors spectacular views all-around. 608-535-8200 theedgewater.com.

Photo courtesy Ephrraim Pottery Studio

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A perfect sunset frames the lighthouse at New Buffalo on Michigan’s western shoreline.

Harbor Country, Michigan Grape & Grain Wine Tours 10am–5pm

Harbor Country township sits right on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, and it’s an enjoyable experience no matter which area you visit. Three Oaks is the arts and cultural center, Harbert has plenty of antique shops, Michiana

has cabin rentals, Union Pier is a major destination for families and New Buffalo, “the Gateway to Michigan”, has great food, lodging and retail plus the largest number of slips for boating enthusiasts. You can also experience the region’s wine country. Consider a Grape & Grain Tour which brings you to the well-known Round Barn Winery, Tabor Hill Winery

and Free Run Cellars in less than seven hours. Get a group together and create your own bus tour, choosing from a list of 24 wineries, breweries and distilleries.

Accommodations: Stay at an upgraded vacation cottage in a resort setting with Beachwalk Vacation Rentals. Lake Michigan is just a short walk away.

800-814-7501 beachwalkvacationrentals.com.

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Saugatuck, Michigan Village Square Art Fair—July 27

Saugatuck is one lively city to explore! From wineries like J. Petter and Fenn Valley to festivals on the lake like Venetian Fest in late July, there is an attraction for everyone. There is also a focus on the arts. The Ox-Bow School, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Douglas Art Club and many galleries create an art lover’s paradise. Plan to attend the annual Village Square Art Fair. There will be diverse works from about 150 artisans in the heart of downtown.

Accommodations: The Hotel Saugatuck, an old mill that became the luxury bed & breakfast it is today, is a relaxing place to rest after an active night on the town. 269-416-0731thehotelsaugatuck.com

Bloomington-Normal Illinois Shakespeare Festival June through August

If you love Shakespearian theatre, then Bloomington-Normal is the place to visit this summer. The city will surprise you with its fine arts culture, going beyond its college town reputation. The Illinois Shakespeare Festival, starting June and running through mid-August, has improv, sing-alongs and plays Caesar and As You Like It. The festival will also include Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Accommodations: The Vrooman

The Ox-Bow School of art in Saugatuck is a center of activity.

Mansion is just steps from farm-to-table restaurants, shops and live-music venues in the downtown area. 309-828-8816 vroomanmansion.com.

Midwest escapes

(under 5 hours) Iowa City, Iowa Iowa City Jazz Festival—July 5–7

Iowa City is a major city for music festivals. The Soul & Blues Festival and Cornfed Folk Festival attract many new visitors. There is also a big Jazz Festival that’s free for all who attend. Attendees can enjoy a wonderful variety

of jazz music on the University of Iowa Pentacrest with national, regional and local musicians on the Main Stage and three side stages. Food vendors, art booths, children’s activities and Friday night’s fireworks will all be part of the fun.

Accommodations: With deluxe amenities in every room and unique embellishments like rooftop seating and kitchens in the suites, Hotel Vetro will enhance your Iowa City adventure.

319-337-4961 hotelvetro.com

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival runs through the entire summer with productions at several venues.

Photo courtesy Illinois Shakespeare Festival

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Grand Rapids, Michigan A Taste of Culture Wine Tour Friday, recurring every two weeks

Grand Rapids is one of the fastest growing cities in America and its tourism has also grown, thanks to community-wide efforts. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meyer May House are always admired attractions. There is also a delicious wine and food tour, “A Taste of Culture.” In four hours, Raise A Glass tour guides will take you to three locations and share premium wine education. The tour includes 11 pre-selected wines, charcuterie and a delicious gourmet small plate at each stop.

Accommodations: The 4-star Amway Grand Plaza Hotel has a superb view of the river and its location in the downtown

The Missouri Botanical Garden provides many peaceful resting spots.

area makes traveling around the city a breeze. 616-774-2000 amwaygrand.com.

Photo courtesy Friends of T.C. Steele Historic Site, Inc

Brown County, Indiana T.C. Steele State Historic Site Tues.-Sun., 10am–5pm

Brown County and its county seat, Nashville, have national parks with breath-taking views, historic buildings, covered bridges over calming streams and plenty of restaurants and shopping downtown. Visit the location where the arts started at the T. C. Steele State Historic Site. American impressionist painter Theodore Clement Steele and his wife Selma established a home, studio and gardens on 211 acres of land in the early 1900’s. It remains essentially unchanged, giving visitors an experience where history meets art.

Accommodations: Relax in updated rooms while you take in the views of Nashville, Indiana at the Brown County Inn. 800-772-5249 browncountyinn.com.

Spend time walking through the garden trails at the T. C. Steele State Historic Site.

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St. Louis, Missouri Whitaker Music Festival— June 5–30, 7pm

St. Louis is known for The Arch as well as brewery tours, sporting events, diverse museums and tasty food. The city also gives you a chance to unwind after all the sightseeing at its openair Whitaker Music Festival. The Wednesday evening concerts take place at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The free shows, funded by the Whitaker Foundation, have picnic fare, beer, wine, soda and sno-cones available for purchase.

Accommodations: The Autograph Collection of Hotel Saint Louis has nearby local attractions, a full service spa and many rooms with balconies overlooking the city. 314-241-4300 marriott.com.

Go:

Aurora—20 min: 630-256-3190, enjoyaurora.com Bloomington-Normal—2 hrs: 309-665-0033, visitbn.org Brown County—4 hrs, 20 min: 800-753-3255, browncounty.com Galena—2 hrs, 30 min: 815-776-9200, visitgalena.org Geneva—5 min: 630-232-7494, geneva.il.us Grand Rapids—3 hrs, 30 min: 616-258-7388 experiencegr.com Harbor Country—1 hr, 50 min: 269-469-5409, harborcountry.org Iowa City—3 hrs: 800-283-6592, thinkiowacity.com Kenosha—1 hr, 45 min: 262-654-7307, visitkenosha.com Lake Mills—2 hrs: 920-648-2344, ci.lake-mills.wi.us Madison—2 hrs, 10 min: 608-255-2537, visitmadison.com Milwaukee—2 hrs: 800-554-1448, visitmilwaukee.org Naperville—30 min: 630-305-7701, visitnaperville.com Ottawa—1 hr, 15 min: 815-434-2737, pickusottawail.com Saugatuck—2 hrs, 50 min: 269-857-1701, saugatuck.com Woodstock—1 hr: 815-338-4300, woodstockil.gov

Photo courtesy Brown County Visitors Center

See the Bean Blossom covered bridge on the self-guided covered bridge tour when you visit Brown County, Indiana.

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