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How to Find the Right Fireplace for Your Home

By Paula Hendrickson

While the crackle and aroma of a wood-burning fireplace creates a relaxing environment, lighting fires and cleaning up ashes can be exhausting. Luckily, the traditional woodburning unit is just one of many styles available for today’s homeowner.

“The majority of people want gas,” says Kevin Obee, general manager of Benson Stone Co., in Rockford. “Gas units have come a long way in the past 20 years.”

Most modern units are ultra-efficient and fit into most spaces – new or existing.

Before you go shopping, be sure to know your lingo.

Open Vent vs. Direct Vent: While both systems exhaust fumes outdoors, open-vent systems – like traditional fireplaces – draw in air from the room. They’re less efficient than a sealed directvent system, which pulls combustion air from outside your home.

Wood Burners: High-efficiency wood fireplaces and inserts offer the look of a traditional wood fire without as much heat loss. Modern models have fans that blow the heat back into the room. Sealed combustion systems also mean you’re not using indoor air to fuel the fire.

Gas Logs: They’re found in both open-vent fireplaces and direct-vent inserts. Most of today’s log units are made to radiate more heat than models made just a decade or two ago. Using his own fireplace as an example, Obee says he usually runs his gas log system on the high setting with the furnace set around 72.

“It actually saves me money every single time I use it, because I’m not using my furnace to heat the same space,” says Obee.

Electric: In situations where installing a gas line or proper venting would be impractical or expensive, some homeowners opt instead for electric fireplaces.

Obee estimates that direct-vent units put out anywhere from four to 10 times as much heat as an electric fireplace, so these models are best for ambiance alone.

Whatever system and style you choose, adding a functional hearth to your home is an investment that can pay off over time by reducing heating costs and increasing the value of your home – not to mention that warm and cozy feeling it provides on a chilly evening. ❚

Benson Stone Co. is located at 1100 11th St., Rockford, (815) 227-2000.

Your Getaways

Kishauwau Cabins Are an Escape to Nature

By Pat Szpekowski

Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, Kishauwau Cabins, in Tonica, Ill., maintains a loyal following. Many families and couples return year after year, during all our seasons. What they find is a place where they can savor a peaceful, restful getaway in a natural setting.

The property envelops 65 acres of beautiful scenery on a bluff above the Vermilion River, in a spot that’s close to Starved Rock State Park and Ottawa.

“We were fortunate that the COVID-19 pandemic brought visibility and relevancy to us because of our open space, when other hospitality areas were closed,” says Terisa King, who owns the cabins with her husband, Jamie.

The 17 cabins on site can accommodate and sleep from one or two people up to 14, depending on the building. Their intimacy and flexibility help these cabins to cater to romantic escapes, family reunions and even corporate teambuilding retreats.

For all of their quaintness and country charm, these beautifully constructed cabins aren’t without their modern conveniences. Each is equipped with central air and furnace heating, enabling them to stay comfortable year-round. They also have wood stoves or gas fireplaces. All cabins have a fully equipped kitchen with basic pots and pans, cooking utensils and dishes. A private, outdoor bonfire pit, picnic table and grill enable guests to savor the outdoors without competing for space.

For travelers with pets, Kishauwau Cabins offers a few pet-friendly rentals.

The King family still resides on the property, and they remain devoted caretakers. They’ve used COVID-19 concerns to create contactless guest check-ins, something Terisa says will continue.

Given its location, Kishauwau Cabins invites adventures to Starved Rock, Ot-

Winnebago Cabin is one of 17 places to stay at Kishauwau Cabins.

tawa and the surrounding areas for casual and fine dining, visits to local breweries and wineries, outdoors recreation, numerous state parks, and shopping, spas and live entertainment.

“Each season of the year at Kishauwau Cabins has its own natural allure,” Terisa says. “That’s what makes our property one of the most inspirational and memorable places to be.” ❚

Kishauwau Cabins is located at 901 N. 2129th Road, Tonica, Ill., (815) 4428453.