Summer 2021
SUMMER
Sunflowers Delightful field of blooms expected at Matthiessen State Park Page 26
BIRD’S-EYE VIEW
Skydive Chicago brings new meaning to “jumping for joy” Page 14
TACKLING A NEW HOBBY
Starved Rock Country native becomes expert in custom jigs Page 40
Additional copies at 801 E. U.S. Highway 6, Utica 61373
The Forge: Lemont Quarries Lemont
Skydive Chicago Ottawa
Kayak Morris Morris
The Heritage Corridor offers memorable experiences just a short road trip from Chicago. Kayak down the I&M Canal, sky dive through the Starved Rock State Park area, and zip through The Forge: Lemont Quarries. Get started at AdventureOutsideChicago.com.
2 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Starved Rock State Park Oglesby
Come for the beer. Stay for the food. Embrace your nature.
812 LaSalle St, Ottawa, IL
812 L Salle St, Ottawa, IL
Come for the food. Stay for the beer. Embrace your nature.
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 3
Inside
20
MUST SEE 10 14 20
26
ROOT, ROOT, ROOT FOR THE PISTOL SHRIMP
Summer league baseball team hopes to start Starved Rock Country tenure with a bang BIRD’S-EYE VIEW
Skydive Chicago brings new meaning to “jumping for joy” THE JEWEL OF OTTAWA
Learn more about the history of the Reddick Mansion, which recently reopened after a $1.4 million restoration SUMMER SUNFLOWERS
Head to Matthiessen State Park this summer to see its infamous sunflower field
DINING & DRINKING 10
31
6 ALFRESCO RESTAURANTS IN STARVED ROCK COUNTRY
You won’t want to miss these summer outdoor dining destinations
LODGINGS 37
‘PEOPLE DON’T STUMBLE UPON US’
Kishauwau cabins offer wooded seclusion, sense of peacefulness
MADE IN SRC 40
37
ON THE COVER A young girl strolls among the sunflowers at the 60-acre sunflower field at Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby. See more photos on P. 26. Photo by Tom Sistak
4 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
44
TACKLING A NEW HOBBY
Level up your fishing with a custom jig made by a Starved Rock Country native SMALL DOG, BIG SUCCESS
An attempt to make a better candle became Small Dog Candle Co., a rapidly growing mother-daughter enterprise
IN EACH ISSUE EDITOR’S NOTE ������������������������������������������ 6 POSTCARD ������������������������������������������������� 50
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 5
| EDITOR’S NOT E |
’ll be honest: The first time I
then reach out if you want to plan
went to Skydive Chicago, I was
a Starved Rock Country Magazine
thoroughly convinced I would never skydive. The free fall and ensuing
skydiving adventure. I’m open to it! This summer issue has tons of
parachute-assisted glide back to
ideas for our region’s warmest
solid ground — “under canopy,”
months, whether you’re a baseball
if you speak the lingo — all sound
aficionado or more interested in
absolutely thrilling. It’s the idea of
fishing (P. 10 and 40, respectively,
jumping out of the plane, of making
and bonus points if you know
that decision to do it, that scares me.
what a pistol shrimp is). Even as
But then I saw someone actually skydive. Staring at the sky, all of a sudden
restrictions ease, most of these features can be experienced in a socially distanced manner. For
I could spot several tiny specks and
example, it doesn’t get much more
their parachutes. Some did flips
spacious than Kishauwau’s 17 rustic
and tricks. Others just sailed to the
cabins, which are spread out over
ground without much commotion.
about 20 acres (read more on P. 37). It
It was the landing that stuck with
would not take much to convince me
me, though: The woman, guided by
to unplug for a weekend, complete
her tandem instructor and clad in a
with s’mores and hikes in the area.
green jumpsuit, landed softly as if
What does your ideal summer 2021
she was at the end of a sled ride. It
look like? Mine includes a trip to
was mesmerizing.
Matthiessen State Park in late July
“That was the most amazing thing
to see the field of sunflowers, shown
I’ve ever done in my life,” was one of
in all its splendor on our cover. Time
the first things the woman told her
outdoors is something I’m craving,
family members, who were waiting
especially after chilly weather
in the viewing area.
lingered a bit too long for my liking
The most amazing thing ever? I
this spring. My hope is that these
started to wonder if I was missing
pages hold ideas for your ideal
out by being so adamant against
summer in Starved Rock Country:
jumping. The amount of safety
eating, relaxing, hiking, shopping
checks done before getting in the
and enjoying the abundance of fun
plane, coupled with the fact that the
in the region. Enjoy! Thanks for reading!
jump would be with an instructor, began to sway me. Now, after watching several more jumps for the reporting of my story, I can say I would probably — more likely than not — skydive if given the chance. You can read the feature on P. 14, and
6 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
H
ANNAH HOFFMEISTER Editor
Starved Rock Country Magazine is published quarterly or seasonally four times per year. Shaw Media 110 W. Jefferson St. Ottawa, IL 61350 815-431-4014 starvedrockcountry.com Email photo or article submission queries to hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com. Copyright 2021. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission, is prohibited. Vol. 9 No. 2 Summer 2021 Edition 2021-5/25,000 PUBLISHER Dan Goetz EDITOR Hannah Hoffmeister GRAPHICS AND DESIGN Julie Barichello PRODUCTION Rhonda Dillon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stephanie Jaquins Mike Murphy Ryan Searl Charles Stanley CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ryan Searl Tom Sistak Steve Stout
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 7
CL1874399
CL1874399
LIVE THE HARBOR L I F E LIVE THE HARBOR L I F E
8 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 9
| Must See |
ROOT, ROOT, ROOT FOR THE
PISTOL SHRIMP
Collegiate summer baseball team hopes to start Starved Rock Country tenure with a bang
Story by Mike Murphy, Photos by Chipshots Photography and provided by Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp
S
omething special makes players from across America — as far away as California — spend their summers in Starved Rock Country. It’s baseball, a common thread that’s bringing young ballplayers to the roster of the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, a team new to Peru. “Everyone in the Illinois Valley can expect to come out and watch great baseball all summer. We have a great team this year and I look forward to seeing everyone there,” says Jake Dahl,
10 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
a Peru native and pitcher. He’ll spend the summer with the Pistol Shrimp, an amateur wooden bat summer team that’s part of the 16-team Prospect League. The squad is made up of 32 college players from around the country. The 60-game season is scheduled to begin May 27, with the Pistol Shrimp home opener the following evening at Veterans Memorial Park in Peru. Admission will be free for all home games. Although the Pistol Shrimp have been active
WHAT IS A PISTOL SHRIMP? According to www.oceanconservancy.org, a pistol shrimp is a small shrimp with an oversized claw. When it snaps its claw, it sounds like a pistol. A bubble shoots out of the claw at 60 mph to immobilize prey.
SPREAD OUT IN 7 STATES
for three years, they’ve only been a La Salle County entity for a few months. They had to scramble to find a new home after electing to relocate from Lisle, where for the previous two years they existed as the DuPage Pistol Shrimp. The team includes players from Starved Rock Country and nearby counties, as well as other states. “It all came together pretty quickly,” says John Jakiemiec, Pistol Shrimp owner and field manager. “We’re very happy. It’s been absolutely wonderful to see the support in the area.” The Pistol Shrimp debuted in 2019 at the Benedictine University stadium, but the 2020 Prospect League season was canceled due to COVID-19. The team was able to play a few games in a Joliet-based amateur league, and intended to play at Illinois Benedictine in 2021 — but without fans in the seats, the university decided. After that edict, the team decided to look for a home that would welcome fans.
“It was a whirlwind,” June Keeley, Pistol Shrimp general manager, says of the search for a new ballpark. “Not playing would’ve meant the end of the team.” Jakiemiec took to the internet and found images of Veterans Park — which includes lights — on the Google Earth website. He talked about the site with Dennis Bastien, Prospect League commissioner, who then phoned Adam Thorson, director of parks, recreation and special events for the city of Peru. “I was kind of shocked. It was completely out of nowhere,” says Thorson, a Starved Rock Country native and former baseball player at Streator High School. “They did a lot of studies of geography and demographics and decided Peru was where they wanted to be.” The idea was a hit with Peru city officials, and since then they have been working with Pistol Shrimp personnel to find players and upgrade Veterans Park in time for the home opener. “We figured if we didn’t do it, someone else would,” Thorson says.
The Prospect League is a collection of amateur wooden bat summer league baseball teams, made up of college players from around the country. It’s divided into four divisions of 16 Midwestern teams. As with many wooden bat and minor leagues, the league features some ballclubs with unusual names. The team’s home state follows in parentheses.
n EAST DIVISION Champion City Kings (Ohio) Chillicothe Paints (Ohio) Johnstown Mill Rats (Pennsylvania) West Virginia Miners (West Virginia)
n WEST DIVISION Danville Dans (Illinois) Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp (Illinois) Lafayette Aviators (Indiana) The REX (Indiana)
n NORTH DIVISION Burlington Bees (Iowa) Clinton LumberKings (Iowa) Normal CornBelters (Illinois) Quincy Gems (Illinois)
n SOUTH DIVISION Alton River Dragons (Illinois) Cape Catfish (Missouri) O’Fallon Hoots (Missouri) Springfield Sliders (Illinois)
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 11
Visit www.prospectleague.com or www.pistolshrimpbaseball.com to learn more.
That was great news for Dahl. Spending the summer with the Pistol Shrimp means he’ll be able to play ball in front of friends and family, as well as sleep in his own bed. “It’s a great organization that has some of the best players in the country and I can’t wait to compete with them. I played my sophomore and junior years for (La Salle-Peru High School) at Veterans Park,” Dahl says. His catcher at L-P High was Lucas Burris, who this summer will serve as play-by-play broadcaster and podcast co-producer and co-host, all for the Pistol Shrimp. “They have an entire TV network to
12 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
telecast their games. It’s a pretty big collegiate league and excited to be a part of it,” says Burris, a senior-to-be at North Central College and native of Oglesby. With its new tenants, Veterans Park will be upgraded with an improved diamond, renovated bullpens and additional seats. Special promotional evenings, traditional ballpark food and mascot, SouthClaw Sam, will be part of the action. One of the reasons the team moved to Peru was to play in front of fans. The goal is to average 600 fans for each of the 30 home games. “They believe if they reach that, it will be a success,” Thorson says. “We anticipate a lot of
support and a good turnout.” Some of the Pistol Shrimp players will spend their third season playing for the team, and Keeley says team members want to stick together and offer entertaining baseball for La Salle County residents. “We wanted to provide something for these players. And we wanted to provide something for the community,” she says. The team is on board for a summer of baseball and believes local fans will adopt the club as their own — even players from other parts of the U.S. “You don’t have to do this unless you have the love of the game in your S R heart,” Jakiemiec says. C
THEME NIGHTS
May 28 Opening night, co-hosted
June 5
July 1
by Rips Tavern & Louis Lukacsy, Country Financial
Bark in the Park, Benefitting Illinois Valley Animal Rescue
July 8
Ladies Night
96.5 The Wolf Country Night
July 11 Sunday Funday Family Beach Bash Presented
June 10 Polish Heritage Night
by IV Cellular
June 12 Grand Bear Resort’s Super Hero Night
July 16 Frightful Friday: Halloween in July
June 15 First Responder Appreciation, Co-Sponsored
July 17 Craft Beer Night hosted by Tangled Roots
by Mr. Sparkle’s Auto Spa & Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio LLP
Brewing Company
July 22 Germanfest
June 20 Salute to the Military Presented by James Hardie July 24 Wally the Walleroo Night & Benefitting Illinois Freedom Run
June 25 WAJK & WLPO 80’s Big Hair Night June 30 Scout Night
August 1 Little League Day August 4 Fan Appreciation Night
Sponsored by:
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 13
Opposite page, top: Skydive Chicago is a premier skydiving facility northeast of Ottawa. Opposite page, bottom: Instructor Tim Koeppen checks the parachute fitting on Danielle Flannigan prior to her first jump. Left: Danielle Flannigan, along with instructor Tim Koeppen, descends from the sky while completing her first jump. Above: Sean Fitzgerald descends to the ground during his skydive. He praised his tandem instructor for being both professional and fun. Below: Even if you don’t plan on skydiving, watching those that do can be entertaining.
14 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
iV ew BIRD’S-EYE
Skydive Chicago brings new meaning to “jumping for joy” Story by Hannah Hoffmeister, Photos by Tom Sistak
I
n her bright yellow jumpsuit, Danielle Flannigan’s self-described appearance hits the mark. “Look for the banana in the sky!” she jokes as she heads to the plane. Flannigan and her boyfriend, Sean Fitzgerald, are at Skydive Chicago to celebrate the 23rd birthday of their friend Adrianna Dedmond. “I’m feeling cool as a cucumber right now,” says Fitzgerald before his jump. “He’s the adventurous one,” quips Flannigan. Skydive Chicago is a premier skydiving facility northeast of Ottawa. In addition to the skydiving itself (complete with large landing zone and professional instructors), the venue offers a fullservice cafe, campsites and cabins for overnight stays, and the space to just hang out and watch jumpers experience the thrill of jumping out of a plane. With that thrill comes safety as a priority. Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 15
“Once you’ve gone skydiving, you have this kind of confidence about you that you’ve conquered something, especially if you had a high fear about it. You’ve conquered something that was so monumental to you internally, and it kind of opens you up to a new world.”
Instructor Tim Koeppen walkes Danielle Flannigan to the plane after she prepared for her first jump.
“We consider the guest a student, and not just a passenger,” says Josh Reuck, marketing manager at Skydive Chicago. “At the end of the day, they’re with highly experienced tandem instructors who have thousands of jumps. They’re in really good hands.” A tandem instructor is a professional who is harnessed to the student, helping with the safety of the skydive. After their jumps, both Fitzgerald and Flannigan agree: Their instructors were “really professional and fun,” and did a good job making them feel safe. “I would go again,” Flannigan says. Skydiving at the facility first involves some paperwork and a short video. An employee walks the students through what to expect and do during the jump (how and when to activate the parachute, what to expect from their tandem instructor, etc.). After donning an optional jumpsuit and undergoing thorough safety checks of their equipment, it’s time to head to the plane, which ascends to 13,500 feet for the jumpers. “There’s essentially two parts of the skydive,” Reuck says. “One is the physical falling through the air … and the other part is being under 16 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Danielle Flannigan soars over the farmland and rivers of rural Ottawa during her first jump at Skydive Chicago. (Photo provided by Skydive Chicago)
canopy. Once you’re under canopy — once you’re under the parachute — it gives the tandem student a chance to catch their breath, really look around.” And then comes the landing. “You get to see families and friends out there on the ground, cheering on the student,” Reuck says. “That’s a lot of good energy, a lot of fun to watch.” A fear of heights shouldn’t keep one from considering a skydive, in Reuck’s mind. “In my experience in talking to tandems who have been extremely nervous, as soon as they get out of the airplane, they seem to be very relaxed and excited,” he says. “It builds a lot of confidence. Once you’ve gone skydiving, you have this kind of confidence about you that you’ve conquered something, especially if you had a high fear about it. You’ve conquered something that was so monumental to you internally, and it kind of opens you up to a new world.” There’s plenty to do, though, if you’re visiting Skydive Chicago in support of someone else. The venue’s full-service cafe has an indoor seating area, and there are outdoor
picnic tables when the weather is nice. Tent camping is $5 per day, while the nine available cabins vary in price. “I want to explore other parts of the area,” says Fitzgerald after his jump. “I’m a big camping fanatic.” The grassy area in front of the landing area provides an open vantage point to watch jumpers cross off their bucket list item. Out of almost nowhere, it seems, little specks in the sky become people and their parachutes, floating to the ground. “You’re not used to seeing people in the air,” Reuck says. For him, it’s the community that makes the sport. And to him, that community is one where everyone is welcome. “Everybody is very approachable. Everybody here is living life to have the fullest, biggest life possible. It’s an extremely inclusive community,” he says. “If you’re friendly, if you’re a good person, you’re going to be S R accepted.” C
SKYDIVE CHICAGO 3215 E. 1969th Road, Ottawa 815-433-0000 www.skydivechicago.com
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 17
Home port:
Affordable membership plans! Unlimited access to a fleet of boats! No boat loan, storage fees or maintenance! 18 | Spring 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 19
The Reddick Mansion is located across Columbus Street from the Illinois Third District Appellate Court. The court building, constructed between 1857 and 1860, originally was the northern branch of the Illinois Supreme Court.
20 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
THE
JEWEL
OF
OTTAWA
Learn more about the history of the Reddick Mansion, which recently reopened after a $1.4 million restoration Story by Charles Stanley, Photos by Steve Stout
T
he 1858 Reddick Mansion, known as the “jewel of Ottawa,” has a new luster.
Earlier this year a $1.4 million
restoration project was completed on the elegant and imposing red brick home. Now the mansion has a refreshed regal presence at its vantage point overlooking Ottawa’s historic Washington Square. That fullblock park was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate, also in 1858.
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 21
Above: William Reddick, for whom the Reddick Mansion is named. At right: The Reddick Mansion formal dining room. Far right: Fine silver pieces are on display in the Reddick Mansion’s dining room.
Over the span of its years, the mansion has served as a magnificent residence, Ottawa’s city library, and now as a community treasure open for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
MEET WILLIAM REDDICK The namesake of the house, William Reddick, was born in Ireland in 1812. At age 4 he arrived in America with his family, and at 14, he began to learn the glass blowing trade. By 1835 he was married and had decided to become a farmer in La Salle County, where he had purchased, sight unseen, 400 acres of government land at $1.25 an acre. In 1838 Reddick was recruited to run for La Salle County sheriff. After four two-year terms as sheriff, he was elected in 1846 to the Illinois Senate, where he served until 1852. In 1870 he served a final two years as a state senator. Desiring a home that reflected his wealth and achievements, in 1855 Reddick hired Chicago archi-
22 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
tects William B. Olmsted and Peter A. Nicholson to design a grand residence. Construction started a year later and resulted in a 50-foot high, 22-room house in the Italianate style constructed at an estimated cost of $25,000. Among the many features were five fireplaces carved on location out of marble blocks imported from Italy. The home was completed in time for that first LincolnDouglas debate. Although he could have watched from his home, Reddick, a prominent Democrat, sat on the speakers’ stage alongside statesman Stephen Douglas. Eventually, the mansion grounds came to include other structures, including a residence and a barn — all since demolished — and a red brick side building now known as the Caretaker’s Cottage.
A LIBRARY FOR OTTAWA
Throughout his civic life, Reddick concerned himself with providing better community educational opportunities. When he died in 1885, it perhaps was no surprise that he left his opulent home to serve as Ottawa’s public library. That gift was by a $100,000 maintenance fund and the library stocked with a collection of 5,000 books.
Far left: All of the plasterwork in the Reddick Mansion is original. The chandelier was acquired by the Reddick Mansion Association as a close replica to the original. Middle left: This original Reddick family armchair was believed intended for use by men, while another with a female face was for women. At left: The Reddick Mansion’s east balconies were too deteriorated to save and were replaced with exact replicas. Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 23
LARGE-SCALE RESTORATION
In 1858, the newly-completed Reddick Mansion had a commanding view of the first in a series of debates by U.S. Senate candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.
For generations, the mansion’s spacious rooms served Ottawa as a distinctive library location. The main floor circulation desk and shelves also were served by a children’s section in the garden level and reference materials on the second floor. After a new modern library was built for Ottawa in the 1970s, the fate of the mansion was debated. Ultimately, a citizens’ group (which later became the Reddick Mansion Association) succeeded in its goal to save the landmark.
During the mansion’s library era there were many structural changes, such as taking down walls to convert rooms into more practical space. Now those changes had to be reversed. The heavy public use, deferred maintenance and age required a more aggressive response; for instance, east side balconies were so deteriorated it was obvious they would have to be completely replaced. Fortunately, a large bequest was made to the Reddick Mansion Association. Preservation architect Anne Sullivan of Oak Park was hired to develop a strategy. But what started out as a $700,000 undertaking soared to twice that, straining the budget. One unexpected discovery was that toxic lead paint had been applied to the windows and frames. Remediation required each of the 94 windows to be taken apart, the woodwork stripped and then reassembled for a project cost of $450,000. Inside more detail work was done, including the replacement of cur-
tains and other fabrics. Another change was to remove two maple trees that flanked the main entry walk to provide a better look at the mansion’s renewed exterior. Besides various artifacts, there already was a collection of period furniture in the mansion. “The furnishings you see are as close to the furnishing the Reddicks had that we can get,” says Lorraine McCallister, the Reddick Mansion Association president, who was a library patron and employee while growing up in Ottawa. This March, a full year after its closing, the mansion reopened to visitors and for tours to well-earned acclaim. “We are overjoyed at the response from people coming in,” McCallister says, “and to the renewed interest in the S R mansion.” C
REDDICK MANSION 100 W. Lafayette St., Ottawa 815-433-6100 www.reddickmansion.org Tours: $10 for adults, $5 for K-12 students
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For Upcoming Events and Live Entertainment Schedule, like both locations on Facebook! 24 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
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Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 25
Summe
Sunflower
Head to Matthiessen State Park this summer to see its infamous sunflower field
Photos by Tom Sistak
26 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
You’ve heard of amber waves of grain, but what above golden waves of sunflowers? The sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby — 60 acres of them — usually bloom in mid-July or toward the end of the month. Last year, the park announced the field was done for the season Aug. 10. A growing destination for photos and exploration, the sunflower field has walking trails throughout to provide a better look at the gorgeous flowers. Be careful not to pick them, though, so others can have the same experience you did.
Last year, Starved Rock Country photographer Tom Sistak went to the sunflower field to capture their beauty. Here’s just a glimpse of what you may see this summer.
er
rs
p Audree Tanas of Sheridan enjoys the view as she strolls through the sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby. Walking trails situated throughout the field provide up close viewing. t Sam Sanders traveled all the way from Chicago to view the sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park and to take a selfie to prove it. u Declan Duffy gets tossed in the air by his mother, Kristin, to get a better view of the sunflowers. Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 27
Downtown Ottawa Lush plantings and butterfly gardens line streets filled with boutique shops and modern eateries.
Beautiful Downtown Ottawa
City Folk U R B A N
D E
C O R
722 LaSalle Street Ottawa, IL 61350 (815) 386-5533 CityFolkOttawa.com jfd@CityFolkOttawa.com
GLASS, & CUSTOM PICTURE FR
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Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 29
A town full of activities for all ages and interests!
Come explore
JJ’S SPORTS PUB & GRILL n Wide Selectios aft Beer
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6
ALFRESCO RESTAURANTS
in Starved Rock Country
You won’t want to miss these outdoor dining destinations
Story by Ryan Searl, Photos provided by JJ’s, Muffy’s, Thyme Craft Kitchen and Shaw Media
Some of our favorite Starved Rock Country restaurants offer comfortable, socially distanced, alfresco dining experiences! Here are six local favorite restaurants and watering holes that will be serving delicious food on their patios and sidewalk dining areas this summer.
THE VERANDA AT STARVED ROCK LODGE One Lodge Lane, Oglesby 815-667-4211 • www.starvedrocklodge.com
The Veranda dining area is the perfect place to soak in nature while enjoying a meal and a cold craft beer! On both the east and west wings of the Veranda, you’ll get true panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley and the majestic peak of Starved Rock. The Lodge offers a full menu, featuring all your favorites from the Back Door Lounge and the Lodge Restaurant, including beer-battered bluegill fish tacos and the signature ale pot roast! The Veranda is also dog-friendly and boasts a “doggie delights menu,” filled with meats and treats for your four-legged friend.
Starved Rock Country • Spring 2021 | 31
THE LONE BUFFALO
812 LaSalle St., Ottawa 815-324-9549 www.tangledrootsbrewingco.com The Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company is a great place to grab a plate of farm-to-table food and an artisan craft drink. You can indulge in The Lone Buffalo’s selfproclaimed “slow food,” savoring the tastes at one of the many outdoor tables. This relaxed, airy brewpub offers hearty pub classics and new American fare, safely spaced and conveniently located right off Ottawa’s downtown LaSalle Street!
JJ’S PUB
104 W. Main St., Ottawa 815-431-1816 • JJ’s Pub on Facebook JJ’s Pub, conveniently located on Main Street in beautiful downtown Ottawa, is the perfect spot to grab a cold beer and a fresh made-to-order burger, all while you soak in a relaxed patio atmosphere. Located less than a block away from the Ottawa riverwalk, this cordoned off alfresco area is just as comfortable as it is convenient to access. The full-service pub features 16 different beers on tap, and you’ll also find exciting new menu and drink items. Don’t miss a game on your vacation; inside JJ’s, you’ll find 10 TVs showing the best sports! Be sure to check out the JJ’s Pub Facebook page to see the daily specials.
MUFFY’S TAP
423 W. Madison St., Ottawa 815-433-6839 • Muffy’s Tap on Facebook Looking for a relaxed spot to enjoy a cool beverage? Head to Muffy’s in downtown Ottawa to enjoy good booze, good food and good friends under a covered outdoor patio area that’s perfect for Illinois’ unpredictable summer weather. This tap house serves up a line of draft craft and domestic beers, sure to please any beer aficionado in your party. If you’re visiting Starved Rock Country during the week, be sure to drop by for Muffy’s legendary Taco Tuesday nights.
32 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
RED DOG GRILL
411 Great Loop East Drive, Ottawa 815-434-4406 • www.reddoggrill.com Soak in some gorgeous waterfront views on Heritage Harbor’s sprawling covered patio! Red Dog Grill offers a vast selection of seafood and progressive American fare. These modernized takes on Midwestern tavern classics have been a big hit with their loyal fan base, along with a terrific selection of cocktails, craft beers and wines. Keep an eye on the grill’s Facebook page for updates on specials and live outdoor music!
SM-CL1876620
AMERICAN CUISINE WITH THE MOST EXTENSIVE MENU STARVED ROCK COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER. SATISFYING APPETITES SINCE 1985.
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FULL MENU, LUNCH THRU DINNER, EVERYDAY KITCHEN & BAR SERVES LATE CUT & AGED STEAKS IN-HOUSE FRESH SEAFOOD & OYSTERS GOURMET BURGERS & SANDWICHES CRAFT BREWS & WINE SELECTION
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KID FRIENDLY FOOD
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DOGS WELCOME
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PATIO DINING
FOLLOWING ALL CDC COVID-19 GUIDELINES
THYME CRAFT KITCHEN
405 Fifth St., Peru 815-780-8774 • www.thymecraftkitchen.com
UPTOWN GRILL polished . modern . casual
One of Starved Rock Country’s newest and most exciting restaurants, Thyme Craft Kitchen is welcoming guests to its brandnew permanent patio space! Located directly across from Peru’s Westclox building, this farm-to-table restaurant prides itself on making clean meals with fresh, locally sourced produce. You’ll find a variety of different meals that can cater to all manner of dining preferences, from vegan to vegetarian and more.
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PROPER SOCIALLY DISTANCED SEATING FACE COVERING REQUIRED UNTIL SEATED HEALTHY STAFF MEMBERS WITH FACE COVERINGS INCREASED CLEANING & DISINFECTING HAND SANITIZERS
HELP BREATHE LIFE BACK INTO SMALL BUSINESS •
815.224.4545 601 FIRST STREET • LASALLE UPTOWNGRILL.COM
• • •
MAKE RESERVATIONS CURBSIDE PICK-UPS ONLINE ORDERING FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
SM-CL1875509
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 33
Welcome To
Streator Nurture Your Soul • Reiki • Massage • Floatation Therapy • Yoga • Infared Sauna • Facials • Myolfascial Release Technique
419 E. Main St. • Streator, IL
815.672.6600
www.balancedspiritwellness.com
Bromley & Brow B
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308 E. Main St. • Streator 815.672.4772 Open Tuesday - Saturday
Your Total Order! Must Present This Coupon! Expires 8/27/21
Explore - Experience - Enjoy Downtown Streator 34 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
617 E. Main in St. Streator, IL
SunSun 4pm -
815-672-2204
Fri 4pm -
j o e s p i z z a s t r e a t o r. c o m
THE AREA’S PREMIERE GARDEN CENTER
DELIVERING QUALITY LANDSCAPING AND GARDEN CENTER SERVICES SINCE 1960
wn
Wild Hearts Boutique
Gypsy Soul With a Cowgirl Spirit 214 E Main St Streator IL 61364 815-674-7558 yourwildhearts.com Tues-Fri 10-5 Sat 10-3 SM-CL1874441
Your Favorite Comfo ort Foods Comfort
Made from Scratch Anytime!
Eat wh where great service, great food and great folks grea come together! co
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily Specials H Homemade Desserts
-Thur: - 9 pm & Sat: 11 pm
The Country Cupboard 124 S. Vermillion Street | Streator | 815.672.5885 Carryouts and Delivery Available Open 7 Days A Week | Mon-Fri 5:30-7 | Sat & Sun 5:30-2
• LANDSCAPING • GARDEN CENTER • GIFT SHOP 1000 Bernstein Street Streator, IL
Like us on 815-672-8135 | danchrisnursery.com
Smok'n Joe's! Smok'n Joe's!
Located in the parking lot of 402 N. Blooming St. by Streator Liquor & Tobacco
815.510.0505 Call in advance for quick pickup. Delivery available
BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER Breakfast Burritos, Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits and Gravy, Hashbrowns Chicago Italian Beef, Homemade Tenderloins, Fresh Hamburgers, Gyros, Chicken Tenders Lots of Great Fried Appetizers including Cheese Sticks, Poppers, Mushrooms and Onion Rings
Debit and Credit Cards accepted Debit
FFRREEEE PPOOPPSSIC IC FFOORR KKIDLLEESS UUNNDDEERRIDSS 1122
No minimum purchase required for for delivery delivery
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 35
317 Main Street Market Unique, locally owned businesses under one roof! Come check us out! Trendy Clothing and Accessories for Juniors through Misses
OY. J N E . T A SHOP. E
L A C LO
Located inside the Main Street Market Building at
317 E. Main Street • Streator Like us on Facebook
inspiring home decor, gifts and more for you and your littles
The kitchen is the heart of the home. Stop by to see our selection of culinary items, serving pieces, cookware and more. Great place to find the perfect gift. Located inside the Main Street Market building 317 E. Main Street • Streator
An upscale consignment boutique offering clean, brand name/high quality fashion for men, women, & children. 317 E. Main • Streator
815.992.5868 www.rejennerated.com SM-CL1874459
36 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Hrs: Tues-Fri 10A-5P Sat 10A-3P
317 E. Main St. • Streator. • 815.822.8913 815 822 2 8913 13
317 E. Main Street • Streator, IL
| Lod gings |
‘PEOPLE DON’T STUMBLE UPON US’ Kishauwau cabins offer wooded seclusion, sense of peacefulness Story by Mike Murphy, Photos by Tom Sistak and provided by Kishauwau Starved Rock Area Cabins
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he trend, as Terisa King sees it, has vacationers moving to single-occupancy destinations. “People look to rent homes rather than hotels. It’s nothing I see slowing down,” says the co-owner of Kishauwau Starved Rock Area Cabins, east of Tonica. “I’m not going to complain about being busy.” Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the compound of 17 cabins saw some weekends with record attendance in 2020, and has had good numbers this spring. The cabins are spread out over 20 acres and place a premium on privacy. “There’s enough space between the cabins that it’s always quiet,” says Arlene Brennan, a Kishauwau regular since 1992, when the resort only had four cabins. Originally a Boy Scouts camp, Kishauwau was purchased in 1986 by owners that included the late Ben and Ellen King, father and stepmother of Jamie King, Terisa’s husband and now co-owner of the 65-acre resort. “We’re a little far away so people don’t stumble upon us,” Terisa King says. Jamie and Terisa run the place along with other family members. The Kings built most of Kishauwau’s cabins at the year-round resort. Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 37
Hegeler Carus Mansion 1307 Seventh St LaSalle, IL 61301
Visit our website at www.hegelercarus.org to book a tour today and see our concert line-up!
Concerts... starting Friday, May 28th to September 3rd. Gates open at 6:00 Covid safety protocols will be in place.
KISHAUWAU STARVED ROCK AREA CABINS 901 N. 2129th Road, Tonica 815-442-8453 www.kishauwaucabins.com
SM-CL1875983
Illinois’ Newest RV & Tenting Campground
926 N 2150th Rd Oglesby, IL 61348
Info/Reservations: (815) 431-0936
pleasantcreekcampground.com SM-CL1875436
38 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
“Peace and quiet is the way we run it. The owners live on-site. It has a true mom and pop feel. You don’t find a lot of places kind of like this anymore,” says King, who bought the place outright, along with her husband, in 2018. Brennan appreciates the “noncorporate feel” of Kishauwau. So does Chicago resident Lorenza Ramirez, who doesn’t mind the absence of one particular modern convenience. “They do not have internet. So as a family, we can relax without interruptions. Family quality time takes me to Kishauwau,” she says. Each cabin does have a TV set, and guests can borrow free DVDs from the resort. The cabins also are equipped with fireplaces, full kitchens and barbecue grills, wood-burning stoves and fire pits on the outside of each. Food service is not available, so guests bring food and cook their own meals. Miriam Becker, a Schaumburg resident, spends up to six weeks a year at Kishauwau, where she feels at peace far from the Chicago area. Hiking is one of her favorite activities. Checking out from her cabin is not. “No matter what part of the year it is, I always leave with tears in my eyes,” Becker says.
Kishauwau is close to Starved Rock, Matthiessen, Buffalo Rock and Illini state parks. If For more on you’re looking Skydive Chicago, for an adventure, turn to P. 14! Skydive Chicago, horseback riding at Cedar Creek Ranch and Zip Chicago aren’t far, either. The resort attracts people from other states and countries. “And we get the locals, too,” says King, who adds the resort can handle groups of up to 70 people in multiple cabins. The cabins can accommodate couples and up to 14 people. Some have whirlpools, and four are dog-friendly. King says they do their best to offer top-of-the-line service to visits, shown in high marks from their guests. Becker recalls once having a flat tire, only to have the Kings help fix it. “The people who run it are absolutely amazing,” Ramirez says. Regular guests such as Brennan, Ramirez and Becker tend to look forward to the rustic resort once they’re back at home. “We’ve been other places, but there’s nothing like Kishauwau,” S R Brennan concludes. C
– ILLINOIS –
EXPLORE NORTH UTICA
LaSalle County Historical Society
Come enjoy all our delicious dining options from North to South including Al Fresco dining and drinking on Mill Street. From gourmet treats, wines and unique spices to antiques and specialty gifts. We have it all. Come for a day or the weekend.
CANAL MARKET 2021 SCHEDULE
Every Sunday June - September 10am to 4pm Handmade • Homemade • Homegrown • Vintage
UPCOMING EVENTS Wild Bill Days – May 29th & 30th
Utica Craft Beer Street Fest – August 28th
Utica Garden Faire & Plant Sale – June 12th & 13th
Vintage Illinois Wine Festival – September 18th & 19th
Utica Fireworks – July 2nd
Burgoo Weekend – October 9th & 10th
utica-il.gov Photos by Paula Guttilla Hatchet Canyon Photography
The Village of North Utica • PO BOX 188 • Utica,Starved IL 61373 • 815-667-4111 Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 39
| M ade In S RC |
TACKLING A NEW HOBBY
Level up your fishing with a custom jig made by a Starved Rock Country native Story by Stephanie Jaquins, Photos provided by Dan Bosi
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an Bosi’s hobby of making jigs started when he was trying to make the best use of a lead pipe. His dad had found 20 foot of lead pipe in one of his rental properties and offered it to Bosi, who was thinking of a way to put it to use. He bought a pot to melt the lead and one plastic jig mold in summer 2017, with plans of making jigs for himself. “I enjoyed it and I just kept buying more molds,” says the Starved Rock Country native, who taught himself using YouTube videos. He stuck to making jig heads for two years until his wife, Emily, and children, Isabel and Drew, gave him a mold for Christmas, expanding his repertoire to soft plastic baits. He eventually started selling them to people he knew and posting pictures of his work to social media. “It kind of took off from there,” he says. “Everyone started asking for it. That’s when I started mailing them out.”
40 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Now he could find out how well they caught fish. “I held my breath for about a year selling plastics because I was good at selling them and giving them to people, but I didn’t know if they actually caught fish until I started getting reorders.” The reorders help him to know how well a color performs. Bosi says his jigs are better than those you would find at a big box store because the color options are endless — a point proven by a wall of his garage, stacked with various colors and glitters. “Colors are important. One to catch a fisherman’s eye, but also to catch the fish,” Bosi says. “I give people the option, if they want they can order a specific color, which a lot of the tournament guys really like.” His customers range from local fishermen to those in town for a tournament or fishing trip. Starved Rock Country is a popular site for walleye and sauger. “This river here and the sauger fishing is a big part of why I’m doing good with this business,” says Bosi, who tries to go fishing at least once a week in spite of a full-time job and making his jigs, which he estimates takes about 20-30 hours a week.
Finding supplies for making jigs has become more difficult in the past year — more people tried the hobby while home during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Everybody had free time. They tried it and realized it’s an expensive hobby,” he says. When he first started, he thought he’d save money making his own jigs but quickly realized the investment it required. He’s now up to 30 plastic molds and 24 lead molds. “When I first started this, I spent a lot of my own money,” he says. “Most is reinvested back, but also goes to fishing. The rule I have is the money from this is used for fun.” He enjoys meeting fellow fisherman and the artistic side of making the colorful jigs. He doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. “The day it feels like a real job, that’ll probably be S R the end of it,” he says. C For more information, visit Bosi’s Instagram @yousmelllikefish or Facebook at Boz Jigs & Tackle.
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 41
INSIGHTS
Welcome to The Taste of The Illinois Valley
FROM A
FISHING EXPERT M
ike Hanson has been fishing the Illinois River system since he was 13 years old and has been a tournament angler for the past 12 years, most recently being chosen as one of 32 anglers across the nation to compete in the inaugural H2H Pro Walleye Series event on the Detroit River. As owner of Starved Rock Guide Service, he uses his expertise to teach tips and techniques on how to catch fish on the Illinois River, which is 273 miles long. Hanson focuses on the section that runs through Morris to Lacon, following the migrating fish up and down the river system.
“The spring and through fall I like to concentrate in the Starved Rock area. Through the summer, I will be in Ottawa and I will be downriver by Hennepin.” “I do have favorite places, depending on the time of year,” Hanson says. “The spring and through fall I like to concentrate in the Starved Rock area. Through the summer, I will be in Ottawa and I will be downriver by Hennepin.” Hanson enjoys sharing his knowledge of the river system, teaching about different species of fish and helping to identify them along the way. He notes the temperature, time of year and water clarity all need to be factored into a fishing trip. Tours are four or six hours. Supplies are included. Hanson asks people to dress for the weather and bring lunch and snacks. For more information, visit Starved S R Rock Guide Service on Facebook. C 42 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
August 5-8, 2021 Centennial Park in Peru Craft Village • Food Vendors Bands and Live Music • Beer Gardens • Kids Zone Food competitions! Thursday: Wings, Friday: Pork Tenderloins, Saturday: Fried Chicken, Sunday: Pizza See You, and Your Tastebuds, there! www.peru.il.us
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 43
SMALL DOG,
Big Success
An attempt to make a better candle became Small Dog Candle Co., a rapidly growing mother-daughter enterprise Story by Stephanie Jaquins, Photos provided by Small Dog Candle Co.
A
tragic family loss and the pandemic led Jamie Wheeler and her daughter, Avery, into a fast-growing candle business. On March 11, 2020, Jamie’s father, Jimmy Eick, died after suffering a stroke in January in Florida. At the time, Avery was finishing her master’s program at the University of Kentucky.
44 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Both Jamie and Avery came home to Marseilles to attend Eick’s services. “When my dad passed ... it was actually the week before everything shut down, so we as a family were not paying much attention to what was going COVID-related because our world was falling apart,” Jamie says. Upon coming home, they learned they couldn’t hold
a funeral and that Avery’s school was closing, all due to the coronavirus. “Avery and I were stuck in the house, first of all in the winter basically, and second of all, dealing with the sadness of our first family loss, and thirdly, a global pandemic,” Jamie says. Avery also learned the company funding her research to complete her thesis had pulled outside research, so she wasn’t going to graduate in December. “So, we get that news on top of everything else,” Jamie says. “The potential of us killing one another in the living room arguing over what we were going to binge-watch next was greater than anything.” However, it was a candle’s lack of smell — due to poor quality, not a virus symptom — that led to Jamie’s “come apart” moment, she says. “It was like all the weight of the world was coming out in my tantrum over this candle I spent $10 on and couldn’t smell,” Jamie recalls. The two women agreed: There had to be a way to make a candle that smelled great both lit and unlit. As a material and textile science major, Avery saw this as a challenge. Plus, they both had time on their hands. “Before we knew it, we were in the basement with little beakers and measuring tools and finding out the difference between natural soy wax and what have you,” Jamie says. After some research and trials, they made a few candles and gave them to family and friends. “People were texting saying, ‘Oh, my God, these candles were amazing. Where can we get more?’” says Avery, who develops the scents.
YOU CAN FIND SMALL DOG CANDLE CO. AT THESE LOCATIONS: Hill’s Hallmark: 19 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge Iconic Boutique: 617 La Salle St., Ottawa Main Street Spaces: 221 W. Main St., Ottawa Piece by Piece: 1138 Peoria St., Washington Serena Cafe: 2274 E. U.S. 52, Serena Three Wishes: 317 E. Main St., Streator True North: 539 Bedford Road, Morris Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/smalldogcandleco
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 45
“Before we knew it, we were in the basement with little beakers and measuring tools and finding out the difference between natural soy wax and what have you.”
At that point, they thought they’d make about 12 soy candles a month for friends. But then friends gave them to friends, and demand grew. Now, they needed a name and label — and that’s where the family dog, an 8-year-old long-haired mini dachshund named Smallz, comes in. “When he was a little badass living out in the country, he was kicked by a horse and had his jaw wired shut,” says Jamie, adding he also fought opossums and raccoons. This led to several overnight stays at the vet and a family joke that the family works to keep this small dog going. “Of course, he was in the basement with us the whole time, so we called it Small
Dog Candle Co.,” Jamie says. They sold their first candle under the new name July 15. When it grew difficult to keep up with deliveries, the pair began stocking their candles in a booth at Spaces in downtown Ottawa. Today Small Dog Candle Co. is in seven locations and offers seven signature and seasonal scents, available in candles and wax melts. Last summer, they were making a couple hundred candles a month. Now it’s turned into a full-time job, making 150-200 a week with the basement serving as the shipping and production departments as well as office space. Jamie recalls this past Christmas when she, Avery and many family members
Each Office Independently Owned & Operated
Since 1950
Spring Valley Tastee Freez
Choice
1ST SM-CL1874771
309 E Dakota St, Spring Valley
46 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
had just wrapped up shipments for the holiday. “When we got done delivering, we kind of got a little emotional and giggled at the same time and said, ‘Can you imagine how many people are going to open a Small Dog Candle box with their family and will be like “Oh, my God, I’m so excited I got this candle!” And it’s just something we made in our basement.’” Although the initial popularity of the candles took them by surprise, Jamie and Avery say they’re committed to growing the business in the future. “We’ve had great support from the community,” Jamie says. “It’s become S R so rewarding.” C
122 W. Madison Street, Suite 3, Ottawa • 815-434-3337 Email: www.1stchoice.illinoisproperty.com
Rockin’ Starved Rock Country for 44 years!
9thstpub.com We e offer: •S State approved boating cllasses free to the public •B Boat safety checks •V Visitor Center for the Illinois and Michigan Canal, a National Heritage Corridor N • Listed in Illinois Wildlife and Nature Viewing Guidebook N •S Special programs for groups •T The best view of Starved Rock State Park R • Bookstore with Canal and River History Items
FREE BOAT INSPECTIONS
5 minutes from Starved Rock. Live Music 4 Days a Week. 6 Progressive Live Video Gaming Machines.
253 9th Street • LaSalle, IL 61301 815.223.8960 • We Deliver to Utica.
SM-CL1875148
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 47
Welcome to
Downtown Morris
CHILDREN’S APPAREL | SIZES PREEMIE TO SIXTEEN
Located just 60 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago, downtown Morris, Illinois offers the amenities of its more metropolitan suburban neighbors along with small-town hospitality and charm. Come to downtown Morris and enjoy a fun day shopping for unique gifts, enjoying our restaurants and tea room, and enjoying outdoor activities. Make memories and have fun with your friends or your family as you shop, dine and enjoy!
CONTEMPORARY CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE 218 LIBERTY ST. • MORRIS, IL 60450 SM-CL1874416
815/942-3999
Morris, IL is bursting with colors. Come see us!! The creativity is endless. Morris’ 2021 yarn bombing is fabulous. Jane and Stu Kerr APPLE BUTTER AND SHUGIE’S 309 N. Liberty St. Morris (815) 942-5093
215 Liberty st Morris IL 815-942-1514
Trendy woman's Boutique clothes & Accessories.
Trendy woman's Boutique clothes & Accessories.
Sizes XL-3XL
313 Liberty St. Downtown Morris IL 48 | Summer 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Upscale Boutique Specializing in Quality Clothing and Accessories
SM-CL1874469
304 Liberty St. Downtown Morris IL
Down On Main Street Summer Concert Series
IT’S MORE THAN A DAYCATION.
Friday, June 18th The Chicago Experience Friday, July 2nd Joe Stamm Band
IT’S A LIFESTYLE.
Friday, July 16th Saturday June Band Friday, August 13th The Jimmys Thursday, September 9th The Boat Drunks
PARKS • DINING • SHOPPING • LODGING TO START PLANNING YOUR TRIP, VISIT:
STARVEDROCKCOUNTRY.COM
Main Street Princeton in front of the Prouty Building 5-9 pm
SHOP. DINE. ENJOY.
Gourmet Flavored Popcorn • Fudge • Hand Dipped Ice Cream Gellato • Chocolates • Bulk Candy • Bavarian Nuts Jelly Bellies • Smoothies • Nostalgic Candies
And so much more! 108 w. Washington St.
• BAGGED COFFEE • BAKED GOODS • MATCHA DRINKS • TEAS & LEMONADES Our passion is real, fresh cooked food. We cook all of this great local beef, poultry & pork over a wood burning grill & rotisserie giving a natural smoke and char distinctive to cooking over live fire.
• ESPRESSO DRINKS 312 Liberty St., Morris 815.710.5000
• DAILY SOUP
SM-CL1877143
• DRIP COFFEE
CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR HOURS OF OPERATION
701 LIBERTY STREET / MORRIS / 815.710.5006
CHOPSHOPGRILLE.COM
SM-CL1876931
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 49
ve tar d
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Postcard
R o ck C May 2021
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Starved Rock Country
ountr
Sometimes you just have to look closely — not always looking at the big picture, but sometimes the smaller ones. Well, not that a 2-foot spiderweb is small. On this summer day, as the morning dew hung around, this abandoned spiderweb stood out brightly until the mid-morning sun rose and dried the silky net. Photo by Tom Sistak
Chicago
Willowbrook
Romeoville
Joilet
Joilet
Wilmington
Braidwood
Dwight
Pontiac
Pontiac
www.TheFirstHundredMiles.com
Starved Rock Country • Summer 2021 | 51
Family reunions, single family vacations or romantic couples getaways
Perfect destination for family retreats! Open year round.
17 WELL SPACED CABINS IN VARYING SIZES SPREAD THROUGHOUT 65 ACRES OF WOODED PROPERTY, ALL JUST A 10 MINUTE DRIVE FROM STARVED ROCK & MATTHIESSEN STATE PARKS. 12 OF OUR CABINS OFFER HUGE DOUBLE SIZED WHIRLPOOL TUBS FOR THE PERFECT ROMANTIC GETAWAY. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 30 YEARS. OUR CABINS ALL OFFER CENTRAL AIR & HEAT, FULL KITCHENS, PERSONAL OUTDOOR BONFIRE PITS, PICNIC TABLES & GRILLS. COME ENJOY THE QUIET NATURE GETAWAY KISHAUWAU OFFERS TODAY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SPEAKING WITH YOU SOON.
LET’S CONNECT
KishauwauCabins.com
901 N. 2129th Rd. • Tonica, IL • 815-442-8453
