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GRAB LIFE BY THE
HANDLEBARS Sales Service and Bike Rentals
57 Main St, Oswego, IL (630) 551-2300 www.oswegocyclery.com FOX RIVER TRAIL GUIDE 2021
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INSIDE 6 WHAT’S NEW
5 new spots, whether you’re looking for a beer garden or soul food
11 A DAY ON THE TRAIL
Pick a sunny day for this local road trip, all along the river
Editor's Note
W
hen I moved here a year ago from St. Louis, I knew my new home was situated along a river. What I didn’t know then, however, was how much relaxation and appreciation for nature I’d find in living near the Fox River. Whether walking, biking or strolling to a riverside restaurant, the Fox River Trail provides an accessible way for me and thousands of others to engage with the outdoors. Our annual Fox River Trail Guide provides insight to everything that makes this trail a treasure for Kane and Kendall county residents. From new spots that have popped up since last year to a planting of 5,000 daffodils, you’ll find there’s something for everyone in these pages. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
15 BIKES & BREWS
Two businesses partner to host Wednesday night charity rides along the trail
18 SHARING THE BIKE PATH
6 simple guidelines to maintain safety (and fun!)
20 ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE IN THE FOX VALLEY
Where & when to spot flowers or animals — and what about cicadas?
24 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Playgrounds abound on the Fox River Trail
28 ‘5,000 REASONS TO SMILE’ Project Daffodil plants so much more than bulbs
30 ON THE WATER
You can kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard, all near home
33 FARMERS MARKETS
Find fresh produce at these 4 Kane and Kendall county spots
Hannah Hoffmeister | Editor Cover and above photos by Shaw Media
37 BIKING BOOM
A pandemic-induced spike in bike sales has boosted local shops
Swing by for an ice cream break! Cones Shakes Malts Sundaes Floats Splits Italian Ice open late 302 S. 3rd St., Geneva, IL www.grahamschocolate.com SM-CL1869193
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Explore the Elgin Area this Summer while enjoying the Fox River Trail
Family Fun
Gail Borden Library SEBA Park Escapade360
Art & M�eums
Elgin History Museum Public Arts Tour Live Music
Local Dining & Refr�hing Drinks
Black and Gray Brewing Bleuroot Farmers Market
Architecture
Painted Lady Homes Self Guided Tours Sears Homes
Plan your next adventure on and off the Fox River Trail at www.ExploreElginArea.com and share your photos with us by using our hashtag on social
#ExploreElgin SM-CL1867639
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?
What’s New
5 new spots along the river, whether you’re looking for a beer garden or soul food By Jonathan Bilyk | Photos provided by Spencer Plum Photography and Mandrake
s Ken Henricks tells it, he and his business partners were looking for the next chapter for Alter Brewing: a place with a killer view of the water, which would enhance the experience for their fans to enjoy one of their famous craft brews with a great bite to eat. And, as fate had it, they found no place finer than the shores of the Fox River in downtown St. Charles. “Whether it be conscious or subconscious, human beings are drawn to water,” says Henricks, president of Alter Brewing. “The Fox
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River Valley in St. Charles has some of the most stunning river views in the world.” And in 2020, Henricks and the team at Alter numbered among several food and drink purveyors to take the plunge and open new establishments against the current of one of the most challenging years for restaurateurs in modern history. From Elgin to Yorkville, in St. Charles, Geneva, Aurora and Oswego, daring restaurant owners tossed together bold concepts and enticing menus, with a dash of business acumen and a heaping helping of tenacity to plow ahead with
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Opposite page: Mandrake Small Plates & Libations Right: Alter Brewing
planting and growing culinary establishments. Now they’re ready to welcome communities as a year of quarantines and lockdowns at last comes to an end. Since 2018, Henricks and his business partners, David Yob, Pete Kosanovich and Mark Hedrick, had sought a new location to build on the success of Alter Brewing’s original location in Downers Grove. In St. Charles, Henricks says, Alter found an “amazing location” in a “vibrant community” that presented “the opportunity to be in a vibrant ‘Main on Main’ setting, with an outdoor presence along one of the most picturesque scenes in all of Illinois.” To take advantage of the setting, Alter added a second-story observation deck above its patio bar. Henricks says the addition allows customers to savor “the serenity of the flowing river, coupled with the juxtaposition of nature’s rolling hills and mature trees,” nestled amid the small-town feel of St. Charles. Henricks says the setting complements Alter’s menu, which features its lineup of craft beers and its new menu, “centered around handhelds, shareables and salads with a smaller but very sophisticated entree section.” Prepared by executive chef Eric Klekamp, the menu includes such appetizers as beer cheese fondue and messy fries, and entrees including a “burger of the week” and a lamb chop entree that Henricks says won Klekamp his job. Alter’s St. Charles location opened in May 2020; the region was two months into the
Stop in for Breakfast Or Lunch 630 W. State St., Geneva
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(331) 248-0646
COVID-19 pandemic and its associated government public health restrictions. The combination of the virus and the government restrictions, compounded by an inability for businesses that opened in 2020 to obtain assistance under federal pandemic relief measures, was “almost devastating,” Henricks says. He credits their survival to support from the community, particularly the city of St. Charles, and the draw of their outdoor dining setting. “Thankfully, an outdoor dining presence was part of our DNA prior to COVID,” he says.
Serving Breakfast
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Alter Brewing
Mandrake Small Plates & Libations
To the south, in Yorkville, restaurateur Adrian Frost credits a different kind of outdoor setting for the success and survival of Mandrake Small Plates & Libations. Frost and his partner, chef Jarrod Johnson, opened Mandrake in July 2020, seeking to bring to Yorkville a fine dining experience hard to find in the suburbs. For six years Frost and Johnson operated a small organic farm west of Yorkville in rural Plano, supplying produce to high-end restaurants in Chicago and experimenting with vegetable varietals. But in November 2019, Frost and Johnson decided to branch off and “open the kind of restaurant they would want to eat at.” After locating a unique site about a block from the Fox River in downtown Yorkville, they set about reshaping the building, assembling their wine list and curating a menu.
Frost says the menu may offer new adventures for many, and they’ve relied on drawing a mix of “sophisticated foodies” and those seeking new culinary experiences. “We encourage people to start with what they know, and then build out from there, as their confidence in the flavors grows,” says Frost. And they pair the unique small plate dishes with a deep wine list — more than 300 different vintages. Frost, who serves as the restaurant’s sommelier, says he hopes to eventually grow the list to more than 500. The unique nature of their menu has drawn patrons from throughout the western suburbs and beyond, says Frost, particularly thanks to exposure from regional food bloggers. Through the summer, their tables were booked solid, often two weeks in advance, he says.
The menu rotates seasonally, with ingredients from their farm or supplied by high-end suppliers, such as all imported cheeses delivered from Chicago.
When COVID-19 restrictions were reimposed in the fall of 2020, Mandrake abided by the rules requiring indoor dining to shut down. And with the inability to modify the menu or the concept for to-go options, Frost says they needed to rely on their own savings to survive the winter.
The winter menu, for instance, included such items as a whole roasted rainbow trout over a bed of parsnip, oyster mushrooms, lardons and horseradish cream; a juniper-scented duck breast; Swedish meatballs; Prince Edward Island mussels; and much more.
As restrictions have eased, Mandrake has welcomed a growing number of patrons back to their 20-seat dining room on a nightly basis, says Frost. “We know there’s really nothing like this in the suburbs,” he says. “But we believe there is a market for real food out here.”
Handcrafted Beer Specials Seasonal Brews Monthly Food Specials Gluten Free Menu Outdoor Patio Dine In or Carry Out 306 W. State Street Downtown Geneva 630-208-7070 www.stockholmsbrewpub.com
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DESPITE THE TRAVAILS OF 2020, the Fox River region offers a number of new restaurants for pandemic-weary locals and visitors alike to sample and enjoy. Here are a few that opened in 2020: ELGIN Moni’s Soulfood Fiesta, 13 Douglas Ave., Elgin: Launched first in DeKalb, owner Monique Howery brought her take on soul food with a Latin twist to downtown Elgin in September 2020. The menu blends Southern food, handed down through Howery’s Black ancestry, with the flavors of Mexican and Jamaican cuisine. As Howery says, the menu is not only creative, but also a reflection of her “pioneering, risk-taking and soulful” personality. ST. CHARLES Alter Brewery + Kitchen, 12 S. First St., St. Charles: Building on the success of its Downers Grove taproom, the restaurant offers views inside, where the brew house pulses as “the heartbeat of the room,” and outside, where the patio dining area and the second-story observation deck offer commanding views of the Fox River and downtown St. Charles. The menu offers an array of chef-created appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees, all designed to be paired with Alter Brewing’s extensive array of craft beers. AURORA Mora on the River, 43 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora: After closing for the winter, owner Jason Morales is reopening the dining experience that is Mora. The four-story establishment offers diners a choice of three different cuisines, with different floors devoted to American, Italian and Asian cuisine.
And on the building’s rooftop? Access to all three. Mora also offers a basement speak-easy. OSWEGO 113 Main, 113 Main St., Oswego: Opened in downtown Oswego in late December, 113 Main offers diners an array of cocktails and “American fare, but with a unique twist,” according to owner Matt Verde. Made-from-scratch menu items include popular appetizers, such as the short rib poutine and steamed bao buns (think crispy chicken, vegetables, gochujang, cilantro and sesame). Diners can also choose from an array of salads, entrees and sandwiches, including the popular 113 Burger, with a black pepper-crusted patty, applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese and a roasted garlic aioli. And all can be enjoyed in an open, warehouse-like setting, with three large, garage-style doors that can be opened when warmer weather beckons. YORKVILLE Mandrake, 101 W. Van Emmon St., Yorkville: Situated about a block from the Fox River, Mandrake beckons those seeking a more sophisticated approach to fine dining. Mandrake’s seasonal menu features small plate entrees made from fine ingredients, much of which are harvested from the restaurant’s own farm, just to the west near Plano. Mandrake pairs those fine courses with its extensive wine list, currently boasting more than 300 vintages. Diners can also enjoy the guidance of the restaurant’s co-owners, sommelier Adrian Frost and chef Jarrod Johnson, as they explore the culinary experiences the owners say are unmatched in the suburbs.
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4 N Island Ave • Batavia • 630.482.3729 • www.BataviaCreamery.com y.com
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Courier Av
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Skyline Tree Service was established in 1988 and is family owned and operated. After over 30 years of service, we still hold strong to our original commitment to excellence to provide our customers with quality tree care services. 64
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1. My Sister’s Lil Donut Shoppe 25 S. Madison St., Oswego Since you’ll be burning a lot of energy today, it’s encouraged to indulge in a donut or two at breakfast. This cute shop is run by two sisters who serve up a variety of specialty donuts, including their popular donut of the month. Recent flavors include blueberry and strawberry cheesecake, Fruity Pebble and hot chocolate. They also offer cinnamon rolls, cookies and other treats. Don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee!
GENEVA
630-402-0139 deanesmarket.com FOX RIVER TRAIL GUIDE 2021
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May St.
HIGHLA
By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by My Sister’s Lil Donut Shoppe, The Book Shop Batavia and Shaw Media
500 S. Third St., Geneva
Park Ave .
Cedar St. Spruce
Iowa Ave.
May St.
Pick a sunny day for this local road trip
HOUSE MADE SANDWICHES, SOUPS AND SALADS. LOCAL ARTISANAL FOODS, CHEESES, CHARCUTERIE. EAT HERE OR TAKE TO GO. PICNICS PACKED FOR YOU!
Wil de rS t. Oa kA ve. Grand Ave . Locust St.
Blackhawk St. Hammond Ave. View St.
Sycamore Ln.
Itching to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air? A day on the Fox River Trail is a day well spent — and there are tons of places to eat, play, shop and relax. So, find a sunny day, grab your bike or walking shoes, and get ready for a fun day trip close to home.
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Jefferson St.
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Elizabeth St.
Church St.
Franklin St. Spring St. State St.
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Maves Dr. Ozier Dr.
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2. Aurora Regional Fire Museum 53 N. Broadway St., Aurora
3. The Book Shop Batavia 15 N. River St., Batavia
4. Deane’s Market & Deli 500 S. Third St., Geneva
Located inside Aurora’s old central fire station, the Aurora Regional Fire Museum displays both the history of the Aurora Fire Department and local fire service. During your visit, check out the “Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued” exhibit, which explores 150 years of tools and technology used by firefighters throughout history. Another popular exhibit shows how people can practice fire safety in their homes. Be sure to review the social distancing guidelines.
If you’re looking to pick up a book to read over lunch, you’re sure to find something here. This cozy nook serves as a passion project for the owner, who envisions a haven for people to share their mutual love of books. The bookshelves are bursting with rare books, children’s books, literature, poetry, nonfiction and fiction waiting to find new homes. Can’t wait to start reading your selections? There’s a patio next to the shop where you can relax for a bit.
It’s time for lunch, and Deane’s Market & Deli hits the spot with its handcrafted sandwiches, soups and salads. The sandwich fixings are nestled between your choice of multigrain, French, white, Texas toast, rye or gluten-free bread. You’ll want to save room for a seven-layer dessert bar or homemade cookie. Come back later in the day to pick up ready-made meals, including meats, pastas and sauces from the market for dinner.
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5. Island Park 2 E. State St., Geneva Now that you’ve got something to eat and read, take a short bike ride or walk over to Island Park. This scenic park in the middle of the Fox River features a treehouse-themed playground and picnic pavilion. Chart your path with a map of the Fox River Trail on pages 18-27!
6. Pollyanna Brewing Company 106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles Finish up your day trip with a handcrafted beer at Pollyanna Brewing Company. Pollyanna’s is always in search of the next hit craft beer, experimenting with local fruit and spices, seasonal lagers and barrel-aging. Try the year-round The Full Lemonty golden ale or a seasonal favorite like the Summerly raspberry wheat ale. Selections are also available to bring home.
BONUS STOPS Did all that biking and walking give you a hankering for ice cream? Consider Batavia Creamery (4 N. Island Ave., Batavia) or Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream (302 S. Third St., Geneva). Both are near the trail! If a cold margarita is more your style, El Molcajete (227 S. Third St., Geneva) and Hacienda Real (585 E. Kendall Drive, Yorkville) are two delicious options.
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TEQUILA BITES COCKTAILS
EQD
585 E KENDALL DR. YORKVILLE IL 60560 | WWW.HACIENDAFLAVORSOFMEXICO.COM | (630) 882 9541 SM-CL1866754
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BIKES & BREWS WEDNESDAY NIGHT CHARITY RIDES ALONG TRAIL BRING TOGETHER TWO ST. CHARLES BUSINESSES
M
any ideas have been shared over a couple beers at the bar, but few pan out.
The recurring Wednesday night charity ride hosted by Sammy’s Bikes and Pollyanna Brewing Company is a wonderful example that’s living up to its barroom hype. Last year, about 50 riders gathered every Wednesday to support a charity, get some exercise and fresh air, meet fellow cyclists and quench their thirst with a delicious Pollyanna brew. The event will continue this summer.
By Chris Walker
It’s a win-win-win in St. Charles. “You’re kind of checking all the boxes,” says Nick Miller, general manager of Pollyanna Brewing. “You’re getting some exercise, helping the community and you get to relax and enjoy a cold beer.” Before the pandemic seized control of normal, everyday life last year, Miller was chatting with a patron from Cincinnati whose neighborhood brewery was overflowing with
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bikers. “I thought, ‘Why don’t we tie it in with a charity and try to do a charity of the month?’” Miller says. “I called up Sammy Radi (owner of Sammy’s Bikes) and he jumped on board, and we had a nice consistent following all year.” Those interested in participating should stop by Pollyanna Brewing Company (106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles) at 6 p.m. Wednesday with a $15 donation, a bike and helmet. “The bike riders will come back and get their beer and hang out,” says Miller. “Sometimes we’ll have food trucks.” A different charity is chosen each month. Cal’s Angels, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Special Olympics Illinois are just a few of the charities represented last summer. “It’s 15 miles and for all kinds of riders,” Radi says. “It’s definitely satisfying, and it’s healthy for the community. Everybody gains from it.” Check out Pollyanna’s and Sammy’s Bikes’ Facebook pages for the latest info. The first 2021 charity ride was scheduled for late March.
16
LOOKING TO CHECK OUT MORE LOCAL BREWERIES IN THE FOX RIVER VALLEY? CONSIDER THESE: n ART HISTORY BREWING 649 W. State St., Geneva 630-345-6274 www.arthistorybrewing.com n FLIGHT TASTING ROOM & BOTTLE SHOPPE 508 Center Pkwy., Suite C, Yorkville 630-686-2337 www.flightbottleshoppe.com n OSWEGO BREWING CO. 61 Main St., Oswego 331-999-1991 www.oswegobrewing.com n PENROSE BREWING 509 Stevens St., Geneva 630-232-2115 www.penrosebrewing.com n STOCKHOLM’S RESTAURANT - BREWERY 306 W. State St., Geneva 630-208-7070 www.stockholmsbrewpub.com
FOX RIVER TRAIL GUIDE 2021
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n When walking, stay on the right hand side of the path and leave room for faster bikes and runners to pass safely. n If you have a dog accompanying you, keep them on a leash close to you. No cyclist wants to get tangled up in a leash or have an encounter with a pet running free.
SHARING
n If you are passing a group on a bike, use your bell to announce your presence or speak in a polite but loud voice: “Passing on your left.” (Don’t pass on the right.) n It isn’t necessary to set a land speed record on the community bike path. Please slow down to a casual pace when Austin Ave. passing slower groups, and especially Berkley St. Salem Ln. while going by a playground. Houston Dr. Austin Ave.
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veryone enjoys relaxing along the Fox River. It is a special spot to enjoy nature and get out of the house after a long day. An afternoon trading the honking of cars for the honking of geese is time well spent!
Indian Ln.
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pring has sprung, as the saying goes, and the Fox Valley is coming to life! After a long, hard winter and an even longer year of lockdowns and quarantines, Mother Nature is answering the call with warm days, sunshine and the return of new plant and animal life to the Fox River Trail.
Spring is the best time for birding along the trail, says John Sprovieri, president of Kane County Audubon. “The migrating birds are coming in. Warblers and flycatchers are going to start arriving in early May.” Where to catch a glimpse? Anywhere along the trail, says Sprovieri, who advises checking out the Les Arends and Fabyan forest preserves and mentions yellow-rumped warblers, palm warblers, chestnut-sided warblers, and even Wilson’s and Canada warblers. “These are great little birds,” says Sprovieri. “They’re small and very colorful — yellow and orange and green and sometimes blue. They sing beautiful songs.” Late April and early May are good for seeing thrushes, according to Sprovieri. “Swainson’s, hermit and the wood thrush, which is said to have the most beautiful song of all our local birds. It’s a rusty red color; a beautiful bird,” he says.
rict
TOP: The seed head of a jack-in-the-pulpit. Big and bright red, it often is mistaken for some sort of ripe berry but is not edible — at least, not by humans. ABOVE: Orange jewelweed is also known as spotted touch-me-not for the way the seed capsules explode when touched, sending seeds several inches to a few feet away from the parent plant.
Migrating birds began coming in in early March, including sandhill cranes in large flocks of 50-60. Ducks also began making their way back in March, like the ring-necked and merganser, which also breed, then head north. Also check out flycatchers, swallows and swifts.
25 ST. CHARLES ST. ILLINOIS PRAIRIE PATH
Dr. Deer Point
SOUTH ELGIN
Courier Ave.
Park Pl. Tucker Ave. Salina Ave. Essex Ave.
GREAT WESTERN TRAIL
Essex Ave.
Oakwood Dr.
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Silver Glen Rd.
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Collins St. Virginia Dr. Carla Dr. Saratoga Ct. Melinda Dr. Sweetbriar Ct. Ct. Lexington Martin Dr.
Greenfield Ave. Gerald Ave. Division St. Manchester Ct. Helen Ave. Kane St.
Martin Dr. Dean St. Kenilworth Ave. Dr. Renee
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Stevenson Rd.
Sundown Rd.
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Bowes Rd.
Bowes Rd.
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For those concerned about the predictions of the dreaded 17-year locust, or cicada, don’t worry about swarms ruining your trail visit. “Cicadas are coming to Illinois, but not northern Illinois,” says Pam Otto, the St. Charles Park District’s outreach ambassador and naturalist. “We’ll have our usual annual cicadas, but the 17-year cicada is not due here until 2024.” If you’ve been waiting patiently (or impatiently) for plant life to appear, April and May are when woodland wildflowers bloom. “It’s important they come out before the trees are fully leafed out,” says Otto. “The leaves block out the sun and wildflowers on the forest floor need to complete their life cycle to turn into seeds. They peak in early May.” Try Norris Woods Nature Preserve if you’re interested in seeing them. According to John Rabchuk, board member of the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles, another project the Foundation is planning for this summer is the addition of five benches on the east side of the river along the bike trail at Langum Park. Compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the benches will also have pads installed next to them to keep strollers and bikes out of the mud. “We will also add a limestone outcropping into the river for
A young common snapping turtle ponders a walk across the path. If a turtle is in imminent danger of getting hurt, it can be moved off the trail, placed in the same direction it was heading. But most turtles are just fine where they are and should NOT be placed back in the nearest water.
fishermen and for kayaks, paddleboards and other nonmotorized watercraft,” says Rabchuk. What about animals? “Our cold-blooded creatures are poking their heads out,” says Otto. Turtles (painted, soft-shell and common snappers) are coming out of the river’s muddy substrate to bask on rocks and logs and soak up some rays in quiet areas of the Fox. Deer are always plentiful, as are chipmunks and squirrels. “You don’t often see flying squirrels because they are nocturnal, but they are on stretches of the trail near oak woodlands. They love their acorns,” adds Otto.
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starting point, destination st or stop-over — discover seasonal selections brewed seas on-site | taproom & patio on-s
Near Fox River Trail | 7th & State | Downtown Geneva | (630) 345-6274
ARTHISTORYBREWING.COM
SM-CL1869313
ILLINOIS PRAIRIE PATH
Republice Rd. VanNortwick Ave.
Mallory Ave. VanNortwick Ave. 1st St.
13 12 17
18
14
Western Av e.
15
Laurel St.
Chestnut St.
Ave. land Cleve
Jackson St. Harrison St.
10 11
P RR
Shumway Ave.
We Hea ste the rn A rR d. ve.
DOWNTOWN GENEVA
P
Va
16
23 4/2/21 3:23 PM
Water S
Elm St.
Houston St.
MCKEE ST.
Illinois Ave.
North Ave.
Lincoln Ave.
Jefferson St. North Ave.
Timber Trail
Maple Ln.
Shabbona Trail
31
Webster St. Adams St.
State St.
W N. Island Ave. P
1st St.
St. River
MAIN ST.
WAS
WILSON ST.
Elizabeth St.
Franklin St. Spring St.
Church St.
.
N AVE HINGTO
Prairie St.
WILSON ST.
Gore St. Logan St. Lake St.
Lathem St. Madison St.
Maves Dr. Ozier Dr.
Davis Rd.
Douglas Rd.
Rd. Orion Thoria Rd.
KWY
P YAN FAB
Van Buren St.
Water St.
9 Dr. en All
Prairie St.
Park St.
25
FABYAN PKWY
Kendall St.
Marion Ave. Garden Ave.
Peck Rd.
.
RR P LINCOLNWAY ST.
Fargo Blvd.
19
20 KCC_FoxRiverBikeTrail_2021.indd 23
Ray St.
Sunset Rd. Dunstan Rd.
Dryden Rd. Fargo Blvd.
South St.
Dow Ave. Meadows Rd.
K
GENEVA
Easton Ave.
7th St.
RDJa. mes St.
8th St. 9th St.
31
16 Shady Ave. Cheever Ave.
4th St. 5th St. 6th St.
P
Orion Rd.
Redwing Dr.
Spring St. Chalmers St.
T.
Oak St.
STATE S
38
T.
STATE S
James St. Campbel l St. Franklin St . Fulton St . South St .
Hamilton St.
11 13 12 14,15
E VILL ANE
Charles St. Pine St. Maple Ln. Willow Ln. West Ln.
River Ln .
Sherman Ave.
Lincoln Ave. Logan Ave. Grant Ave.
RR CRISSE Y AVE
College St.
Surrey Rd.
Considine Rd.
Woodward Ave. Euclid Ave. kwood Dr. Austin Ave. DodsOa on St. Jefferson St. Wall St. Summit St. 38
Stevens St.
Ford St. Peyton St.
McKinney Ave.
BATAVIA
25
Fargo Blvd.
Howard St.
t. St. h St.
Hight St. Locust Ave. Union St .
McKinley St.
Fellows St.
Richards St.
Crissey Ave.
17 18
ANDERSON BLVD.
4th St.
Gray St.
Horne St.
Cutler St.
McKinley St.
2nd St.
3RD ST.
Edison St.
Illinois St.
Fellows St.
Mosedale St.
Bowman St.
Elm St.
2nd St.
3rd . St. 4th St.
#
Kane St.
n. dL for Fox
Ash St.
Roosevelt St. Gray St. Eklund Ave.
G 31
10
RD.
Harrison St. Kansas St.
W
River Ln .
Peyton St.
F
VA ENE
9
P
Ford St.
P
BENNETT ST.
25 P
Center St. North St.
Moore Ave.
5th Pl.
RR RESTROOMS FOX RIVER TRAIL P PARKING OTHER TRAILS ADVERTISER (lndex on page 27) W WATER
Sandholm St.
Harrison St. Woodlaw n St. School St .
Center St.
7T
4th Pl. 3rd Pl. 2nd Pl.
RR
.
VE HA
Division St. Elm Ave.
e. Av
e. Edwards Av e. Rita Ave. h Av Jewel Ave. Rut Beatrice Ave.
t an as Ple
Lucylle Ave.
h Ave.
t NORTH
.
IDE DR
EAST S
OUTDOOR By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photos provided by Fox Valley Park District
W
armer weather can only mean it’s time to get out and explore. Check out these fun playgrounds and parks located along the Fox River. SEBA PARK
151 Water St., South Elgin The South Elgin Business Association Park is located along the Fox River and is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty, stroll the trails and chat with the locals fishing. The best feature is the playground, which even has additional covered areas and shade. You’ll want to schedule a play date here!
Manchester Ave.
Pin eS t.
Chestnut St.
Laurel St.
Webster St. Adams St.
ER S
T.
RR RESTROOMS
FOX RIVER TRAIL P PARKING OTHER TRAILS ADVERTISER (lndex on page 27) W WATER
24 KCC_FoxRiverBikeTrail_2021.indd 24
D. LD R ERFIE
Hill Ave.
R ST
25 State St.
P
ST P.
BUTT
ER
T.
Dee Rd.
RIV
Ridge Rd.
LNW AY S
P
31
LINCOLNWAY ST.
NORTH AURORA
s St. Adam St. Grace s St. Robert Willowway
Hillside Pl. Fairview Dr. State St. Harmony Dr. John St. Kingswood Dr.
#
P
CO
OAK ST.
t NORTH
22
Briar Ln.
VanNortwick Ave.
BANBURY RD.
Sharon Ln. April Ln.
Mallory Ave.
LIN
Carlisle Rd. Bernadet te Ln.
Harrison St.
Jefferson St. Jackson St.
To w Mi ne A llv ve iew . Lo ck Dr Ne wo . wt od on Ln Av . e.
Morton St.
31
Millv iew Dr.
Union Ave. Walnut Ave. Blaine St.
Jackson St. Harrison St.
P RR Woo dlan d Av e.
Long Ave.
Water St.
MOOSEHEART RD.
Western Av e.
21
RIV
P RR 25
1st St.
Republice Rd. VanNortwick Ave.
22
ILLINOIS PRAIRIE PATH
Shumway Ave.
22
Houston St.
MCKEE ST.
Illinois Ave.
North Ave.
Maple Ln.
North Ave.
Timber Trail
Shabbona Trail
Jefferson St.
HART RD.
25
Lincoln Ave.
Van Buren St.
Elm St.
P
Water St.
P
Locust St.
Ave. land Cleve
21
W N. Island Ave.
1st St.
St. River
Prairie St.
MAIN ST.
State St.
VE. TON A22
G WASHIN
WILSON ST.
Elizabeth St.
Franklin St. Spring St.
Church St.
Van Buren St.
WILSON ST.
Gore St. Logan St. Lake St.
Park St.
Lathem St. Madison St.
Ozier Dr.
College St.
Prairie St.
PINE ST.
BATAVIA
Cherrytree Ct.
Sycamore Ln.
4/2/21 3:23 PM
RIVE
R ADVENTURES POTTAWATOMIE PARK
PLAYGROUNDS ABOUND ON THE FOX RIVER TRAIL
Center. This park allows visitors to soak up the natural beauty, and children will enjoy climbing on the nature-based playground and the shelter, designed to look like a treehouse.
8 North Ave., St. Charles
Looking to play along the Fox? There’s nowhere closer than Pottawatomie Park, located right on the riverbank. You can watch the butterflies flutter through the Native Plant Demonstration Garden or plan ahead and purchase tickets for a paddlewheel riverboat cruise, where you experience the river from a whole new view. And for the little ones, there’s an expansive playground next to the community center.
HUDSON CROSSING PARK 65 N. Harrison St., Oswego
No need to pack a picnic when you visit this park. Located just off the downtown area, you can easily order from the restaurants and take your food to the park to enjoy it alfresco as you watch ducks and canoes float on the Fox River. For more about There’s a great playground for biking on the children to enjoy — or better, Fox River Trail, bring your bicycles and head turn to P. 18! off on the Fox River Trail.
LIPPOLD PARK
2001 S. River St., Batavia This park is conveniently located between the Fox River and Route 25, just north of the Red Oak Nature
AURORA 26 ILLINOIS PRAIRIE PATH
Front St. Grove St. Superior St. Liberty St .
Benton St.
Center Ave.
South Ave. Weston Ave. Ave . Seminary Av e. Marion Ave.
RIVE
R ST.
LA
K Wo od E S law T nA . ve .
Rat hbo ne Ave .
HIGHLAND AV
PRAIRIE ST.
Fairview Dr. State St. Harmony Dr. John St. Kingswood Dr.
Se Con
Ev
P
25 KCC_FoxRiverBikeTrail_2021.indd 25
Wa 25 ter St.
Blu ff S t.
Mi dd le Av e. Wo od law nA ve .
E.
herrytree Ct.
Lin col LaS n Ave . alle St.
JERICHO RD.
May St.
North Ave.
WA Y
No rth Ave .
Ben ton St.
RO AD
5th St.
Se mi nar y
NE GA W YO LE NA RK S BL T. VD .
LaS alle S B t.
Rid ge wa yA ve .
May St.
Downer Pl. Garfield Ave.
Iowa Ave. Blackhawk St. Hammond Ave. View St.
HIGHLAND AVE.
26 25
NEW YORK ST . GALENA BL VD.
Grand Ave.
Pennsylvania Ave.
Wil der St. Oak Ave . Grand Ave. Locust St.
Park Ave.
Wilder St. Oak Ave. Palace St.
Do wn Be er nt Pl. Cla on S t. rk St.
Pierce St.
31 Plum St.
ILLINOIS AVE.
INDIAN TRAIL
Forest Ave. Sunset Ave.
Pennsylvania Ave.
Hammond Ave.
HIGHLAND AVE.
Lawndale Ave.
Park Ave.
Old Indian Trail Lakelawn Blvd.
Palace St.
P
P
Cedar St. Spruce St.
State
LAKE ST.
Manor Pl. Michigan Ave. Colorado Ave. California Ave. Florida Ave.
88
PW 24
Jackson St. Bevier Pl.
31
St. dams t. S Grace s St. Robert Willowway
P
4th St. Lin col nA ve.
BRO ADW AY
. ST
P
31
25
KE
Y ST. LNWA
LINCO
T.
ES
LAK
Lincoln Ave. Aurora Ave.
Lincoln St.
Jefferson St.
LA
25
SULLIVAN RD.
. R ST
RIVE
INDIAN TRAIL
23
VE. RA A
. RD
25
AUR
L EL
88
High St.
O
CH
SULLIVAN RD.
IT
M
Hankes Ave.
High St.
Edwards St. Rural St.
Sheridan St.
New Haven Ave.
25
VIRGIL L. GILMAN TRAIL
4/2/21 3:23 PM
HIKE, BIKE &
PLAY OSWEGOLAND
64 PARKS | 1290 ACRES OF PARK LAND | 20 MILES OF TRAILS Explore the Fox River Trail at
Violet Patch Park
Benton St.
Sherman Ave.
MON
Sherman Ave.
BROADWAY P
R
VE
RI
. ST
VIRGIL L. GILMAN TRAIL
LAK
30
Knell Rd.
E ST .
Riv er S M t Rail ain S . roa t. dS t.
Sco Jef tt St. fer son Wa St tk
Ma in S t.
MI LL
RR
ST.
P 2 5
TGOM
ERY R
D.
Melrose Ave.
Parker Ave.
P
Mil l St .
29
Oliv e Sar r Rd. dA ve.
DOU
Aucutt Rd.
PRAIRIE ST.
K Wo od E S law T nA . ve .
Lincoln Ave. Marsch Ave.
LA
R ST.
Ashland Ave.
P
RIVE
Keck Ave.
Center Ave.
South Ave. Weston Ave. Ave . Seminary Av e. Marion Ave.
Lin col nA ve.
Lafayette St.
Douglas Ave. Homer Ave. Elliot Ave.
Hartway Dr.
HIGHLAND AV
Blu ff S t. Eva ns Ave Ha . zel Av e. Simms Ave.
P
E.
27, 28
Wa 25 ter St.
Rat hbo ne Ave .
Mi dd le Av e. Wo od law nA ve .
VIRGIL L. GILMAN TRAIL
4th St. Lafayette St. Leanon St. Sexton St. Concord St.
JERICHO RD.
May St.
Lin col LaS n Ave . alle St.
Se mi nar y
Ben ton St.
WA Y
5th St.
Rid ge wa yA ve .
May St.
Downer Pl. Garfield Ave.
Iowa Ave. Blackhawk St. Hammond Ave. View St.
HIGHLAND AVE.
NEW YORK ST . GALENA BL VD.
Park Ave.
Cedar St. Spruce St.
Pennsylvania Ave.
RO AD
No rth Ave .
Pierce St.
Plum St.
Grand Ave.
Wil der St. Oak Ave . Grand Ave. Locust St.
North Ave.
ow ne Be rP nt l. Cla on S t. rk St.
NE GA W YO LE NA RK S BL T. VD . D
LaS alle S B t.
31
Wilder St. Oak Ave. Palace St.
Jackson St. Bevier Pl.
31
New Haven Ave.
P
P
ILLINOIS AVE.
Sunset Ave.
Lawndale Ave.
Park Ave.
Pennsylvania Ave.
4th St. Lin col nA ve.
BRO ADW AY
. ST
Manor Pl. Michigan Ave. Colorado Ave. California Ave. Florida Ave.
Palace St.
Hammond Ave.
25
KE
Old Indian Trail Lakelawn Blvd.
LAKE ST.
|
North Adams Park | Saw Wee Kee Park
LA
INDIAN TRAIL
PW
|
Lincoln St. Jefferson St. 630.554.1010 • oswegolandparkdistrict.org
P
D.
LR
IGHLAND AVE.
AUR
EL
E
LAK
ST.
Lincoln Ave. Aurora Ave.
O
CH
INDIAN TRAIL
IT
25
VE. RA A
High St.
Edwards St. Rural St.
Hankes Ave.
High St.
Forest Ave.
Sheridan St.
Front St. Grove St. Superior St. Liberty St .
Hudson Crossing Park
ILLINOIS PRAIRIE PATH
M
1
Creating Opportunities for a Healthy Community!
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ADVERTISER INDEX 1 ELGIN AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 60 S. Grove Ave. | Elgin
12 GENEVA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 8 S. Third St. | Geneva
2 CHIME AND STAVE KITCHEN 40W188 Campton Crossings Dr. St. Charles
13 STOCKHOLM’S RESTAURANT BREWERY 306 W. State St. | Geneva
3 ENZO’S 40W188 Campton Crossings Dr. St. Charles
14 EL MOLCAJETE MEXICAN RESTAURANT 227 S. Third St. | Geneva
4 THE BIKE RACK 2930 Campton Hills Dr. St. Charles
15 GRAHAM’S FINE CHOCOLATES & ICE CREAM 302 S. Third St. | Geneva
5 SKYLINE TREE SERVICE 303 N. Second St., #23A St. Charles
16 DEANE’S MARKET & DELI 26 ALL SPOKED UP 500 S. Third St., Ste. 141 | Geneva 14 W. Downer Pl., Ste. 10 | Aurora
6 ST. CHARLES PARK DISTRICT 101 S. Second St. | St. Charles 7 POLLYANNA BREWING COMPANY 106 S. Riverside Ave. | St. Charles 8 ST. CHARLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 216 Riverside Ave. | St. Charles 9 MILL RACE CYCLERY 11 E. State St. | Geneva 10 FOXFIRE RESTAURANT 17 W. State St. | Geneva
RGIL L. MAN TRAIL Sherman Ave.
28 OSWEGO CYCLERY, BICYCLES & BEYOND 57 Main St. | Oswego
19 GENEVA PARK DISTRICT 710 Western Ave. | Geneva
29 OSWEGOLAND PARK DISTRICT 313 E. Washington St. | Oswego 20 FOX VALLEY ORTHOPEDICS 2525 Kaneville Rd. | Geneva OUTSIDE MAP RANGE: 2535 Soderquist Ct. | Geneva More locations outside map range: n NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK 273 Dearborn Ct. | Geneva Algonquin | Barrington | Elgin n HACIENDA REAL 21 BATAVIA CREAMERY 585 E. Kendall Dr. | Yorkville 4 N. Island Ave. | Batavia
ST.
J
Jac
WA S Osage Ct.
Dr. Fox Chas e
27
ST.
Millstre am Ln .
Shore Dr.
Century Dr .
Washington St.
S GLA
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31
DOU
Light Road
Boat Ln.
31
MILL RD.
30
Marina Dr.
31
29
St. Polk Mo Benton St. P S. nroe S MA t. RR 27,28 Ma DIS Forest Ave. W S. A in S ON dam t. STS. M S. sS . Ha ad t. rris iso on nS St. t. Tyl er St.
DISON
P
t. eld S Garfi St. Park
Wil son St.
N. MA
71
HIN kson S efferson GT t. St. ON ST.
Lombardy Ln.
Northhampton Dr.
Eastway Dr.
Brockway Dr.
Somerset Dr. Field Point Rd. Pickford Rd. Circle Dr.
Orchard Rd.
Old Post Rd.
Saugatuck Rd.
d. rd R . Cayman Dr. d ilfo Gu rus R Old Post Rd. o Cod
Rd. Long Beac h
Pembrooke Rd. Marnel Rd.
Rd.
Ci Ha rcle D m r. Du pton ran Rd. go Rd .
30
Bria rcliff Rd.
Fer nw ood
Briarcliff Rd.
Ashlawn Av e.
lin St. Frank nd St. Ashla
30
t NORTH
ST.
25 RR
RR RESTROOMS 71
St. rson Jeffe
Oaklawn Ave.
e. Ashlawn Av
Circle Dr.
25
Aucutt Rd.
s as lP Hil er d l u Bo
DISON
Sco Jef tt St. fer son Wa St. tkin sA ve. Cas eS t.
Boulder Hill Pass
Scarsdal e Rd.
ERY R TGOM
ST.
MI LL
WAUBONSIE TRAIL
Circle Dr.
S. MA
Dr. Seneca Rd. Bereman d Rd. el Greenfi ass lP er Hil Bould
W WATER
r. te D ega Ston
Riv er S M t Rail ain S . roa t. dS t.
P PARKING
RD.
Woo dri Gree dge Rd. nbria r Rd .
. ST
Mil l St .
18 STATE STREET DINER 620 W. State St. | Geneva
OSWEGO
MON
Sherman Ave.
Marsch Ave.
Hartway Dr.
27 OSWEGO BREWING CO. 61 S. Main St. | Oswego
OTHER TRAILS
R
VE
RI
E ST .
17 ART HISTORY BREWING 649 W. State St. | Geneva
FOX RIVER TRAIL
BROADWAY P RR
LAK
25 WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 18 S. River St. | Aurora More locations outside map range: Sugar Grove | Aurora Fox Valley Plano | Online
OSSING
P 2 5
24 FOX VALLEY PARK DISTRICT 101 W. Illinois Ave. | Aurora
WOLF CR
e.
23 EL JEFE 1271 N. Lake St. | Aurora
DOUGLAS RD.
D.
Melrose Ave.
ette St.
11 STATE STREET JEWELERS 230 W. State St. | Geneva
22 BATAVIA PARK DISTRICT 327 W. Wilson St. | Batavia
4/2/21 3:24 PM
‘5,000 REASONS
TO SMILE’ PROJECT DAFFODIL PLANTS MUCH MORE THAN BULBS By Allison Bills | Photos provided by the River Corridor Foundation
E
veryone needs a reason to smile — and the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles hopes that Project Daffodil will do just that.
Initiated by the foundation, Project Daffodil planted 5,000 daffodil bulbs across 23 6-by-18 plots in October. More than 100 people, all socially distanced, volunteered with the intention of bringing a stunning floral display to the beloved Mt. St. Mary Park.
Moad says the flowers will likely fully bloom starting in April and will be visible for around six to eight weeks. Some have already started to peek through as the ground has begun thawing. “These daffodils we planted should have some varying bloom times, so that’ll help the array last a little longer,” Moad says, noting they planted yellow, white and orange daffodils. “I would anticipate early April, but if we have a warm March, it may be earlier.”
“We thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could do something that could really create a floral bouquet for the city come 2021?’” says Laurel Moad, co-chair of Project Daffodil and secretary of the River Corridor Foundation. “What an amazing thing to be able to present to the community and visitors and help us emerge from a horrible year of dealing with COVID-19.”
But they’re not stopping at the 5,000 they planted this year. Project Daffodil hopes to continue planting 5,000 new bulbs every year along the river heading south until they reach 100,000, if possible.
They chose daffodils instead of any other bulb because daffodils are a universal symbol of rejuvenation. “They’re a bit more hearty of a bulb and they’re also a little bit more squirrel-resistant,” Moad adds, laughing.
“This is a very large signature project for us and it’s a very different kind of project for us,” Moad says. “We hope it’ll give the community 5,000 reasons to smile.”
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FOX RIVER TRAIL GUIDE 2021
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ON THE
Water
You can kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard, all near home By Hannah Hoffmeister and Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
alking, biking, rollerblading, running: These are all activities done on the Fox River Trail. But have you ever considered kayaking?
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“It feels like you’ve traveled someplace” out on the river, seeing it from a new perspective, says Karen Townsend-Heidlauf, marketing manager at Mill Race Cyclery. The Geneva bike shop, situated close to the river, offers kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards for rentals. The shop is planning short trips for groups to see parts of the river beyond the Tri-Cities; check the website soon for more details. The experience often surprises people with how pretty and quiet it is, says Townsend-Heidlauf. She notes that the water activities fit a broad range of abilities — and might even entice your teenager into some quality family time.
Rejoice Cafe, a plant-based restaurant, recently opened inside Mill Race Cyclery, so you can fill up on a healthy meal before or after your trip out on the water. There’s no shortage of water activities available on the Fox. Below you’ll find just a sampling of those options: KAYAK MYAK RENTALS 847-204-1724 www.kayakmyakrentalsllc.com No need for hauling your own equipment with Kayak Myak Rentals. After booking the trip by phone, staff from Kayak Myak Rentals will meet you and your party at your launch site with everything you need, including a life jacket and safety whistle. There are different trips of varying time and distances. Check out the website for details and recommendations.
Wellness Weekend in Downtown St. Charles September 18 & 19, 2021 Embrace Your Health at Wellness Weekend!
September 18th The Wellness Hub
• Body, Mind & Spirit Booths, featuring local Fox • 5K Valley organizations focused on Health & Wellness • ½ Marathon • Healthy Lifestyle Demonstrations • Full Marathon • Family Fun & Activities • Give-Aways • Fox Valley Marathon Children’s Race (3 p.m.)
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September 19th The Fox Valley Marathon Races
For Up-to-Date Information visit stcharleschamber.com/wellnessweekend/ Events occuring near Riverside & Illinois Ave, St. Charles
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MILL RACE CYCLERY 11 E. State St., Geneva 630-232-2833 • www.millrace.com Take a canoe, kayak or paddleboard ride along the Fox Fiver and escape the bustling bike trails and busy roads to find some respite along the slow, meandering waters. Mill Race Cyclery is not just for those who ride on two, maybe three wheels — you’re missing the kayak and canoe. The cycle shop offers an array of water sport rentals including two-person canoes, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Rentals are available for different amounts of time: hourly (two-hour minimum), daily or weekly. RIVER VIEW MINIATURE GOLF COURSE 8 North Ave., St. Charles 630-584-1028 www.riverviewminigolf.org Find more than a rousing game of putt-putt with boating rentals available at the park district location from mid-May through mid-August. Rent a kayak for the hour, each including a life jacket and paddles. Kayaks launch from the dock in Pottawatomie Park. Rentals must be made in person, but be sure to check the website for details.
YAK SHACK 630-479-8074 www.yakshackonline.com In additional to rentals and trips, Yak Shack offers classes and an online retail store with dry tops and splash jackets as well as accessories. The classes, which build on each other, include an introduction to kayaking that takes participants all the way up to instruction in whitewater kayaking. You can rent canoes, kayaks, tube trackers and more for trips beginning at 10 a.m. Advance reservations are recommended. I’VE GOT MY OWN KAYAK OR CANOE. NOW WHAT? Consider taking a trip that will lead you to one of the downtown spots along the Fox River! Find a put-in or drop-off spot near the Tri-Cities, Aurora, Oswego or Yorkville; whether you’re interested in snagging a beer at Alter Brewing, an ice cream cone at Batavia Creamery or produce at a farmers market, these are all fun, doable options accessible right off the water. Turn your kayak trip into a day spent along the river — for food and recreation ideas, head to P. 11.
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Wine & Dine
LIVE MUSIC ON THE WEEKENDS
WEEKLY LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS! FOXFIREGENEVA . COM 630-232-1369 17 W STATE ST. GENEVA, IL THURSDAY: 11AM - 9PM • FRIDAY - SATURDAY: 11AM - 10PM • SUNDAY: CLOSED MONDAY - THURSDA
SM-CL1641689
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MARKETS
FIND FRESH PRODUCE AT THESE 4 KANE & KENDALL COUNTY SPOTS By Kevin Druley | Photos provided by Oswego Country Market
umerous farmers markets along the Fox River Valley operated for at least part of the 2020 outdoor season, with organizers and vendors navigating the COVID-19 pandemic as Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mandates allowed. With spring and summer on the horizon — and with it a renewed cycle of market season — that experience has fueled the planning for 2021. “It’s hard to make predictions without knowing what some of those intermediate steps for gathering, for distancing, for mask requirements and what those may be, so first and foremost, we’re following what IDPH and CDC say for all of those important gatherings,” says Cori Veverka, manager
Ride, Hike, & Play in Fox Valley 168 Parks, 48 miles of trails
ROOM TO PLAY!
Your adventure starts at www.wherefunbegins.org
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n AURORA FARMERS MARKET Water Street Square 65 Water St., Aurora 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, June 12-Oct. 16 aurora-il.org/1595/Aurora-FarmersMarket
of the Oswego Country Market. “We’re really lucky that farmers markets are essential services and essential businesses, so that’s how we were able to move forward and operate last season.” Relative to what veteran marketgoers might expect, Veverka calls the current version “a little more utilitarian shopping experience.” Still, savoring local produce is savoring local produce, and many are eager to seek easy-to-sprout greens at the start of the season; berries and peaches in June and July; and corn in August. To the right you’ll find sampling of farmers markets in the region. Some dates and information were unavailable at press time, so be sure to check social media channels or farmers market and township websites for updates.
n BATAVIA FARMERS’ MARKET North River Street between Wilson and State streets, Batavia 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, June 5-Oct. 30 (indoor market concludes May 29) www.downtownbatavia.com/current events/batavia-farmers-market n GENEVA FRENCH MARKET Metra train station, intersection of South and 4th streets, Geneva 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sundays, April 11-Nov. 14 www.bensidounusa.com/geneva n OSWEGO COUNTRY MARKET 15 Main St., Oswego 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays, June 6-Sept. 26 www.fb.com/OswegoCountryMarket
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We’re all in this together. We provided 97 million meals in our community in 2020.
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BIKING
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A pandemic-induced spike in bike sales has boosted local shops By Hannah Hoffmeister | Photos provided by Shaw Media
joy of biking is no secret to many Fox River Trail T heaficionados. But for many, it’s a newfound hobby. Last year, biking grew exponentially, as stay-at-home orders caused a mad dash to bike shops to try something outdoors. All Spoked Up in Aurora saw a 500% increase in bike sales, says store manager Jon Schratz. “We actually sold out of bikes in June,” he says. “More people are just really excited about being out on bikes.” Schratz says he’s noticed a shift in the public unplugging more and spending more time being outside. If that sounds appealing and you’re interested in buying a bike, don’t wait until the summer. Sooner is better, especially if you have to wait for delivery. Already a devoted cyclist? All Spoked Up has started virtual race challenges. You can view the route on a GPS system, then log your time with the bike shop to vie for merit badges and recognition. Check out the company’s Instagram page, @all_spoked_up_aurora, for details (and photos of the bike shop cat, Francis).
LOCAL BIKE SHOPS are hubs for everything from bike maintenance to a sense of community among fellow cyclists. Have you visited these four? n ALL SPOKED UP 14 W. Downer Place, Aurora 630-801-9005 www.allspokedup.com n MILL RACE CYCLERY 11 E. State St., Geneva 630-232-2833 www.millrace.com n OSWEGO CYCLERY 59 Main St., Oswego 630-551-2300 www.oswegocyclery.com n THE BIKE RACK 2930 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles 630-584-6588 www.thebikerack.com FOX RIVER TRAIL GUIDE 2021
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