GIVE AN EXPERIENCE IN STARVED ROCK COUNTRY

Skip the wrapping this holiday season with these 6 adventures

Story By Ryan Searl • Photos provided by Pine Hills Golf Club, Hank’s Farm Restaurant, Awesome Ottawa Tours, Uptown Grill, CatsEye Wine Bar and Balanced Spirit Wellness Center

Looking for a unique gift that won’t risk being delayed in the mail during the holiday rush? Consider purchasing your loved ones an authentic experience in Starved Rock Country. From delectable dining to terrific tours, we’ve assembled a convenient collection of award-winning small businesses that offer unforgettable, local experiences.

GIVE THE GIFT OF GOLF AT PINE HILLS

Voted finest golf course This 18-hole semiprivate course is located on the southern end of Ottawa. Pine Hills Golf Course was designed by the famed Thomas Bendelow, known for laying out such courses as Medinah Country Club and Olympia Fields, and opened its doors in 1924. Pine Hills is also home to a popular restaurant offering the largest gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly menus in the area. This dining room is serving up award-winning pizzas and delectable dinner rolls using homemade dough, alongside made-to-order dinners, sandwiches and sides. Best of all, at the Pine Hills Restaurant you’re treated to a stunning panoramic view of this gorgeous golf course.

Hank’s Farm

2973 Route 71, Ottawa • 815-433-2540 • www.hanksfarm.com

Pine Hills Golf Club Bar and Restaurant

1665 N. 2501st Road, Ottawa 815-434-3985 • www.ottawapinehillsgolfclub.com DINNER IN A FORMER DAIRY BARN

Voted finest dinner, one of the finest fried chicken and one of the finest kids’ menus For fans of one-of-a-kind dining destinations, consider getting a gift card to Hank’s Farm in Ottawa. The restaurant is housed inside a former dairy barn, surrounded by 20-plus acres home to roaming peacocks, chickens, ducks, turkeys and sheep. Hank’s has been lauded for its elaborate brunch buffet that takes place every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bountiful smorgasbord includes salmon, fried chicken, eggs Benedict, French toast sticks and 14 feet of fresh desserts.

Illinois’ longest operating lumberyard continues to thrive along Peru’s historic riverfront. Maze Lumber has been providing top quality building materials to Illinois Valley contractors and homeowners for 174 years, still owned by the founding fathers (Maze).

Located in a 15,000-square foot showroom and office, we offer building materials for the modern home as well as a full line of the traditional lumber items used in home building, commercial construction, and industrial applications. Our experienced sales staff takes pride in their ability to provide knowledgeable assistance along with prompt delivery at reasonable prices.

BUILD IT ONCE  BUILD IT RIGHT

FIREPLACES

BATHROOMS

WINDOWS DECKING& FLOORING INTERIOR DOORS

EXTERIOR DOORS CABINETRY& COUNTERTOPS

STONE, SIDING& ROOFING KITCHENS

mazelumber.com

TAKE A TRIP THROUGH HISTORY WITH AWESOME OTTAWA TOURS

Voted finest adventure Prepare to have your perception of Ottawa altered forever. Starved Rock Country native Tom Aussem provides fascinating and informative tours, detailing the town’s storied past. Over the course of the trip, you’ll hear tales of crime, liberation and perseverance that all played a part in shaping the beautiful riverfront town.

A gift certificate from Awesome Ottawa can be redeemed for such popular programs as Radium Dial Girls of Ottawa, Illinois; Indian Burial Mounds and Forgotten Graveyards; Wine Through Time — Prohibition Pub Crawl; Ottawa Obscura Bike Tour; annual Haunted Tours; and The Grand Homes of Ottawa, Illinois.

Awesome Ottawa Tours

624 Court St., Ottawa • 815-343-4940 www.awesomeottawatours.com

Rockin ’ Starved Rock Country for 45 years!

Live Music 3 Days a Week. Over 70 beers and 10 wines available.

9thstpub.com

Breakfast Lunch Lunch and Dinner 8 am till 9 pm

View our Menu:

We Deliver

815-223-8960

LIVE

Video Gaming Slots & Poker

Home of the Cheeseburger in Paradise

Uptown Grill

601 First St., La Salle • 815-224-4545 • www.uptowngrill.com

ENJOY FINE DINING AND LIVE MUSIC AT UPTOWN GRILL

Voted finest romantic dinner, one of the finest cocktails and one of the finest dinners La Salle’s Uptown Grill is renowned for their polished take on classic dishes, often lauded as being one of the best places to grab prime rib in the Chicagoland area on Friday and Saturday nights. These charbroiled steaks are cut and aged in-house, and the seafood, shellfish and oysters are prepared fresh every day. In addition to offering great food and a full-service bar and lounge (complete with an extensive list of over 100 wines and 12 craft beers on tap), Uptown Grill is also home to one of the most exciting music venues in Starved Rock Country. On select nights, the stage at Uptown Grill’s Playlist Theater hosts popular touring acts. Past guests have included Alejandro Escovedo, Robbie Fulks, The War and Treaty and Loudon Wainwright III.

polished. modern. casual.

UPTOWN GRILL

AMERICAN CUISINE WITH THE MOST EXTENSIVE MENU STARVED ROCK COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER SATISFYING APPETITES SINCE 1985

FULL MENU EVERYDAY • SERVING LUNCH THRU DINNER KITCHEN & BAR SERVING LATE CUT & AGED STEAKS IN-HOUSE • FRESH SEAFOOD & OYSTERS GOURMET BURGERS & SANDWICHES CRAFT BREWS • LARGE WINE SELECTION PRIVATE BANQUET ROOM • LIVE MUSIC KID FRIENDLY FOOD • PATIO DINING • DOGS WELCOME

815.224.4545 • 601 FIRST STREET • LASALLE

UPTOWNGRILL.COM •

ENJOY A WINE TASTING AT CATSEYE

Voted finest cocktails, finest wine and one of the finest live music spots Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, CatsEye has fused together urban-vintage style and an eclectic array of drinks to create one of the most comfortable drinking destinations in Starved Rock Country. With an ever-changing roster of wines from around the globe, frequent live music, food truck events and local artist spotlights, CatsEye will provide a novel drinking experience every time you return. Pull up an antique chair, order a charcuterie plate and enjoy an evening of good company and great wine! Be sure to check out the CatsEye Facebook for discounts on wines by the bottle and new seasonal additions to their menu.

Balanced Spirit Wellness Center

419 E. Main St., Streator • 815-672-6600 www.balancedspiritwellnesscenteril.com

CatsEye Wine Bar

724 La Salle St., Ottawa • www.catseyewinebar.com

Rip s Tavern

OPEN WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY SERVING LUNCH

FRIDAY 11:30 - 2:00 SATURDAY 11:00 - 2:00 SUNDAY 11:00 - 1:00

GIVE THE GIFT OF RELAXATION AT BALANCED SPIRIT WELLNESS CENTER

Voted finest spa/massage Nestled in historic downtown Streator and less than a halfhour southeast of Starved Rock State Park, Balanced Spirit Wellness Center is an all-in-one relaxing retreat that aims to align your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Since 2017, Balanced Spirit has been offering rejuvenating massages, transformative Reiki sessions and deeply relaxing Himalayan salt room experiences to visitors and locals alike. Balanced Spirit is also home to a tranquil yoga studio on-site. These classes can cater to anyone from the experienced yogi to first-time student, perfect for anyone passing through the area or vacationing in Starved Rock Country.

Uncork A Great Time At Clarks Run

Gaming Available!

Wine & Beer Tasting Room, Live Music. Now Serving You At 2 Locations! Clarks Run Antiques Clarks Run Antiques

215 N. Division St., Utica • 815.667.7190

Quality unique crafts, antiques, and gifts. TASTING ROOM & OUTDOOR PATIO Enjoy our wonderful wine and beer selection. Tues - Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm, Closed Mon Clarks Run Creek Wine & Gifts

143 Mill St., Utica • 815.691.8049 143 Mill St., Utica • 815.691.8049Check Utica’s Best Kept SecretFacebook for Music Schedule Gifts & Wine, Bourbon, and Specialty Drinks Rent our upstairs room for special events. Bachelorette Parties, Birthdays, or Showers Gifts & Wine, Bourbon, and Specialty Drinks Mon, Wed, & Thurs 12-7pm, Fri & Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-6pm, Closed Tues For Upcoming Events and Live Entertainment

Schedule, like both locations on Facebook!

L I LV IV E T HEE T HE H H AR B OR LIFEAR B OR LIFE