9 activities to stay lively both indoors and outdoors
3 COZY WAYS TO SPEND A WINTER DAY
When the weather outside is frightful, settle in with these soothing activities
PLAY AT THE REGION'S LARGEST ARCADE
The Gamer's Garage in Marseilles is a weekend retreat for retro gaming Modern Hollywood meets a vintage setting at the Apollo Theater
A CENTURY OF CINEMA
• August Hill Winery
• August Hill Winery
• Illinois Sparkling Co.
• August Hill Winery
• Illinois Sparkling Co.
• Cajun Connection
• Illinois Sparkling Co.
• Cajun Connection
• Fine Field Pottery
• Cajun Connection
• Fine Field Pottery
• Hegeler Carus Mansion
• Fine Field Pottery
• LaSalle Canal Boat
• Hegeler Carus Mansion
• Hegeler Carus Mansion
• LaSalle Canal Boat
• Ottawa Visitors Center
• LaSalle Canal Boat
• Ottawa Visitors Center
• Ottawa Visitors Center
• Tangled Roots Brewing Co.
• Tangled Roots Brewing Co.
• Starved Rock Lodge
• Tangled Roots Brewing Co.
• Starved Rock Lodge
• Starved Rock Lodge
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!
MUST TRY
Play the weekend away at the region's largest arcade
True
Mark
ARTS
Dave
Warm
Starved
| E DITOR’S NOTE |
was 13 years old the first time I went to a movie theater. Cinema trips weren’t part of our household culture in my childhood –we were more inclined to at-home movie nights with VHS cassette tapes. But when I was in eighth grade, my oldest sister and her future husband invited my other sister and I to tag along on their date night to the theater. I remember the movie – “Meet the Parents” – but the film itself wasn’t the most memorable part. That theater trip was more than a movie on a screen. It was an experience unto itself – the dimming of the lights, the string of previews (and my mental checklist of “I want to see that!”), the buttered popcorn, the oversized cup of soda, the sensation of being part of a crowd of moviegoers.
I’ve seen hundreds of movies in theaters since that first trip to the AMC Classic Morris 10. Twenty-five years later, there’s still something special about unplugging from all other distractions for two hours and devoting my attention to a giant screen in a dark cinema.
With the extended hours of darkness in the winter, a trip to the movies is one of my favorite ways to pass an evening. Starved Rock Country is home to multiple theaters – the aforementioned AMC Classic Morris 10 alongside Interstate 80 in Morris, the AMC Peru Mall 8 in Peru, Roxy Cinemas in downtown Ottawa and Streator Eagle 6 at Northpoint Plaza in Streator. In this issue, we highlight one of the region’s historic theaters: the Apollo Theater in Princeton (p. 12). Early sunsets make winter the perfect season to behold the Apollo’s neon marquee lighting up Main Street.
The movie theater isn’t the only place to escape the cold and find entertainment. The Gamer’s Garage Arcade (p. 8) is home to more than 100 classic arcade games including video games, pinball machines and skeeball. Uptown Grill in La Salle hosts live music in an intimate venue with its Playlist Theater series (p. 16). The Ottawa Concert Association also hosts an annual concert series with a wide range of genres and acts (p. 17). We also include a roundup of cozy indoor activities and destinations such as bookstores, art galleries and spas on page 36.
In this issue, we also share ways to stay active both indoors and outdoors, ranging from ice skating and snowmobiling to roller skating and indoor sports simulators (p. 33).
As we transition into nature’s dormant season, there’s no need for us to slow down. Here’s to a lively winter filled with fun and adventures in Starved Rock Country!
JULIE BARICHELLO Editor
Starved Rock Country Magazine is published quarterly or seasonally four times per year
Shaw Media
110 W� Jefferson St� Ottawa, IL 61350 www�starvedrockcountry�com
Email photo or article submission queries to jbarichello@shawmedia�com�
Copyright 2024 Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission, is prohibited Vol 12 No 4
Winter 2024 Edition
2024-11/25,000
GENERAL MANAGER
Jeanette Smith
EDITOR & DESIGN
Julie Barichello
PRODUCTION
Rhonda Dillon
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julie Barichello
Stephanie Jaquins
Ryan Searl
Charles Stanley
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Scott Anderson
Kyle Russell
Tom Sistak
Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
Wake Up With Nature
Game On!
PLAY THE WEEKEND AWAY AT THE REGION'S LARGEST ARCADE
By Stephanie Jaquins | Photos by Tom Sistak
Jordan Harrison’s collection of arcade games started like most collections – with just one.
“I remember playing it a lot when I was a kid,” he said of the first arcade machine he bought: Virtual Cop 2. “I realized I was at a point in my life where I could actually afford these things that I thought as a kid I never would.”
Then he bought another one, and then another. Before he knew it, he had 30 or 40 arcade games.
At that point, he figured he should share them.
“(My brother and I) just started talking about it, and we decided that if we were going to have this ridiculous obsession with buying these machines that we probably ought to just open an arcade and let other people enjoy them,” he said.
He and his brother, Geoff, opened The Gamer’s Garage Arcade two years ago. Today they have more than 100 games. The garage is stocked full and takes visitors
back to a time when they played video games with their friends side-by-side as opposed to the virtual games people play remotely with friends today.
The arcade has about a dozen pinball machines, which are a favorite of his as well as customers’ but a little hard to keep in service.
“Pinballs are tough. They’re definitely the most expensive of the games, and
they’re very high maintenance. There’s a lot of moving parts,” he said.
Pinball machines still have a large following, though, so quite a few manufacturers make aftermarket parts for games that are 20 or 30 years old.
Arcade games can pose a bit more of a challenge, particularly CRT monitors.
“We keep all of our games as genuine as possible to their original form. I take pride in keeping the CRT monitor in them. We do not convert them to LCD or LED flat screens. We do not do that because I believe that when you go to an arcade, especially a retro arcade like ours, I like to experience the feel of the game that I felt when I was a kid playing that game. That’s why most people go to a place like that. They want to relive their childhood.
“They want to relive memories, and I feel like providing them with the most genuine experience of playing that game to bring them back to that time is what I want to do. For me, playing that game on its original hardware, on its original
monitor, in its original cabinet provides the most genuine experience for the customer.”
The games are mostly from the 1980s,’90s and early 2000s. They have classics such as Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Centipede, Cruisin’ USA, Revolution, Buck Hunter and Buck Hunter Safari. When they were opening the arcade, those were some of the most requested games.
They also have four lanes of skeeball, as well as driving games and shooting games.
“People really seem to enjoy the drivers. They’re hands on, and in our driver lineup we have a lot of double games where they’re linked together so you can play head-to-head.
That engages people quite a bit, and they really enjoy when they can race against their buddy or kid.”
The arcade is at 225 Lincoln St., Marseilles. Look for the front door flanked by Donkey Kong barrels. Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $15 per person, and all games are set to free play. Keep your receipt and walk a few blocks to downtown eateries, such as Ziggy’s Bar and Grill, Illini Lounge, Ryan’s Eatery or Bobaluk’s Beef & Pizza, and come back for more play. The arcade is available for private parties. If interested, contact The Gamer’s Garage Arcade on Facebook. C S R
MORE PLACES TO PLAY
u O-NETT GAMING CO.
215 W. Washington St., Ottawa
O-Nett Gaming is a video game store that sells vintage to modern video games, game consoles and accessories, game guides, comic books, trading cards (including Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh), collectibles, memorabilia and more. The store also includes a tabletop gaming area and an arcade with more than 30 classic games and pinball machines. One-hour passes for unlimited play are $5, and all-day passes for unlimited play are $10.
u GOBLIN GAMING
712 La Salle St., Ottawa
Goblin Gaming sells a variety of board games, card games, collectible cards, tabletop games, role-playing games and collectibles. The store hosts regular events, such as Friday night Magic: The Gathering. Follow Goblin Gaming LLC on Facebook for upcoming events.
Come Visit Us!
33HOURS OF
Nonstop Shopping!
VINTAGE STORE TRUE NORTH WILL BE OPEN TWO FULL DAYS — AND ALL NIGHT IN BETWEEN — FOR JANUARY EVENT
By
Maybe you’ve gone antiquing, but have you ever done it in the hours between midnight and dawn?
True North, a Morris store known for its curated vintage finds, antiques and oddities, is bringing back one of last year’s most popular events: the 33 Hour Shopping Event. This marathon session is a celebration of all that makes True North a major destination for vintage enthusiasts, kicking off with the store opening at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24. The doors won’t lock again until 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, marking 33 consecutive hours of activities, tasty treats and deals on unexpected items.
True North co-owner Stacey Olson expects this year’s bash to be even bigger.
“It was funny to see the store busy at 1 or 2 a.m.,” Olson said of the 2024 event. “We had a phenomenal turnout back in January, and we expect even more folks for the 2025 event.”
True North will turn into a one-nightonly nightlife destination. Shoppers can browse the 250-plus vendors that sell an array of vintage decor, collectibles and upcycled fashion. Merchandise includes Illinois and Midwest-made goods, handselected artisan vendors and more. With an increasing cavalcade of fans, countless “best of” awards and attention from vintage and antiquing magazines, True
North has established itself as more than a premium vintage store – it’s a tourist attraction for shoppers.
The 33 Hour event comes on the heels of True North’s latest expansion – a second building dubbed True North 2 at 1338 Clay St., Suite 1N, Morris, added nearly 150 new vintage, maker and clothing vendors to the store’s ever-growing umbrella. In keeping with their upcycling ethos, True North expanded into a building that formerly housed a nursing home, allowing for natural light and cozy pocketed vendor
rooms. The addition has nearly doubled the size of the operation and is a short walk across the street from the flagship shop. True North 2’s hours sync up with the original store, with both locations open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Both will be open for the entirety of the 33 Hour event.
“I think what makes our store so special is that there really is something for everyone. You’re bound to find, like, an old mug that your grandmother had or a vintage skirt you saw in a picture and thought you’d never see in person,” Olson said. “True North is never the same twice. Booths are constantly being restocked with new items, and each vendor brings their own personality and taste to the table.”
True North specializes in what are called smalls, a subcategory of vintage pieces that favor the eclectic and compact rather than the large and sober pieces many think of when they first hear the word “antiques.” These inexpensive, highly collectible conversation pieces are becoming some of the most popular items in the world of vintage, and they happen to be True North’s forte.
A visit to True North is a self-guided tour through jumbled history, kitsch and culture. For more information and to learn about the store’s other upcoming shopping events, follow True North on Facebook.
Hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays (with exception of noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, for opening day), 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays
Created in the spirit of an open-air German Christkindlmarkt, the Chris Kringle Market features two downtown Ottawa locations where vendors sell crafts, gifts, food, handmade goods and more from outdoor huts. Shop under strings of lights on Jackson Street along Washington Square and in the Jordan Block green space on the 100 block of West Main Street.
l CHRISTMAS AT THE CANAL MARKET
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1 208 N. Clark St., Utica
The Canal Market, housed inside a former lumber shed, allows shoppers to browse 26 stalls and two rooms of vendors in an indoor space with massive doors open to the air. The holiday market includes unique local vendors selling handmade, homemade, vintage and antique wares.
l PRINCETON'S CHRISTMAS WALK
Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23
Downtown Princeton shopping districts
Each year, Princeton's Main Street transforms into a magical shopping destination for the Christmas Walk. Trolley rides will transport shoppers between the north and south shopping districts on Main Street. The event also includes holiday music, hot chocolate, horse-drawn carriage rides and a visit from Santa Claus. The Christmas Walk is an annual tradition the weekend before Thanksgiving. Coinciding with the Christmas Walk is the Christkindlmarkt at Open Prairie United Church of Christ, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
l WINTERFEST MARKET
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Downtown Morris
The streets of downtown Morris will be filled with vendors selling food, handmade specialty pieces, home goods and perfect last-minute gifts for the holidays. While downtown, visit the brick-and-mortar shops and restaurants to discover more gifts, home decor and meal options.
MODERN HOLLYWOOD meetsVINTAGE CHARM
The Apollo Theater has nearly a century-long legacy of cinema
When the sun goes down in Princeton, the neon marquee of the Apollo Theater begins to glow.
The historic building stands in one of the city’s two downtown districts, where it has served as an entertainment venue for 141 years. The theater originally served as an opera house and staged variety shows before installing its first projection machine around 1910.
“The building’s been used since 1883 – quite a long time,” said Jay Schneider, owner of the Apollo. “It started off as an exhibition hall, then it became a vaudeville stage. In the 1920s, it became a movie theater.”
By Julie Barichello • Photos by Kyle Russell
That’s been its identity ever since. For nearly a century, the Apollo has continued its legacy as a cinema.
Jay and his wife, Lara, operate the two-screen cinema six days a week, with regular assistance from their son and daughter. A typical week features one showtime per screen Tuesday through Thursday, two showtimes per screen Friday and Saturday, and three showtimes per screen on Sunday. The lineup includes new Hollywood releases and arthouse films.
Theater attendance nationwide sharply declined in 2020 when the government issued stay-at-home orders
to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Studios began releasing films to streaming services sooner, causing a rise in at-home viewership and changing the patterns in which people consume movies.
Theater attendance has rebounded somewhat in recent years, although not to pre-pandemic heights. Jay hopes to see a continued rise in attendance. He has fond memories of visiting cinemas during his childhood in Germany. A trip to the theater provided more than a movie – it was an entire experience.
“We didn’t have a theater in the town where I lived, but we had one the next town over. I remember taking the bus with
THE WALK OF FAME
A reflection of Hollywood exists in front of the Apollo Theater in the form of the Princeton Walk of Fame.
Seven stars and plaques are embedded in the sidewalk in front of the Apollo to celebrate former Princeton residents and their accomplishments. The monument is similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which honors major names and achievements in the entertainment industry.
The Princeton Walk of Fame started with the Remembering Richard Widmark organization. A group of citizens installed a star and plaque in honor of Richard Widmark, a prominent actor in the 1940s through 1970s who starred alongside other Hollywood legends such as Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne. His acting career continued through 1991. Widmark lived in Princeton from 1925 to 1932, attending local schools from sixth grade through high school and working as a doorman at the Apollo Theater.
Princeton Tourism and the city of Princeton expanded the sidewalk monument to honor additional influential citizens with links to the community. Six more stars and plaques on the walk of fame include:
• Kathryn Hays: Actress known for roles in “As the World Turns” and “Star Trek.”
• Nick Young: Broadcast journalist and former anchor of “CBS World News Roundup.”
• Keith Knudsen: Drummer for the Doobie Brothers band.
• Douglas Spencer: Actor in the 1930s and 1940s.
• Gary Green: Founding member and guitarist of rock band Gentle Giant.
• Virgil Fox: Famous American organist hailed as a child prodigy and virtuoso performer. His father, Miles Fox, bought The Apollo in 1925.
my friends and just going over there and watching movies. [...] I grew up going to a movie theater that had an arcade,” Jay said, reminiscing about playing games before the film began.
As a nod to that nostalgia, Jay installed two arcade games children can play for free in the Apollo’s lobby.
To enhance a movie outing, the Apollo often includes special touches and events for a film’s premiere. For animated children’s films such as “Wish” and “The Wild Robot,” the Schneiders hosted a pajama premiere party –guests who wore pajamas to the theater received free gifts or popcorn.
“I made Minion cupcakes for one of the Minion movies,” Lara said. “We’ve done face painting. We’ve dressed up as characters for premieres, and if [guests] dressed up as a character from a movie, they won a small prize. Sometimes we have raffle baskets and will draw a name before the movie begins.”
A staple of the theater
experience is the popcorn – at the Apollo, the Schneiders say the popcorn is extra special.
“We have the best popcorn. Ask anybody around here,” Lara said. “Our popcorn machine is from the ’60s. They don’t make them anymore.”
Lara said the same model of Cretors popcorn machine used at the Apollo is on display at museums, but the Apollo’s is still in use and serving customers. The popcorn machine is especially popular on Tuesdays, which is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bucket) Night. Guests can bring their own lap-sized container and fill it for 75 cents.
The Apollo’s facade and popcorn machine provide vintage charm, but the auditoriums are fully modern with digital projectors and 7.1 Dolby Digital surround sound.
The Schneiders bought the theater in 2009 and celebrated their 15th anniversary with the business in January 2024. Whenever Jay is asked why he bought the theater, his
answer is always the same:
“It was for sale.”
Jay wanted to own his own business, and since the couple lived in Lara’s hometown of Princeton, it made sense to him to invest in their community.
“My background is hospitality. I was looking for a place,” Jay said. “Movies were always in my blood, and hospitality plays a role, too. For me, it was clear. I saw it was for sale. I knew I wanted to buy it.”
The Apollo hosts an anniversary celebration each year around Jan. 9, marking the date the Schneiders took over the theater operation. The celebration includes free popcorn, door prizes and a charity poster sale in which all of the year’s remaining movie posters are for sale, with proceeds benefiting Gateway Services in Princeton.
“I think it’s a big part of Princeton,” Jay said of the Apollo. “It’s been here longer than anybody who is around. There’s so many people who appreciate it.”
Christmastime
With its historic downtown, twinkling lights and festive shop windows, Princeton offers the perfect small-town charm for a holiday getaway. Stroll down snow-dusted streets, warm up at a cozy restaurant, treat yourself to an upscale stay. From holiday parades to shopping events, Princeton wraps you in the magic of the season. Come and see why Princeton feels like stepping into your favorite holiday movie!
CHRISTMAS WALK WEEKEND
November 22nd-24th
Shopping, Carriage Rides, and Special Events: Christkindlmarkt November 23rd
Handmade for the Holidays November 23rd & 24th Visits with Santa & Greenery Sales November 23rd & 24th
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Christmas Light Drive Thru Every Friday-Sunday November 29th-December 22nd & December 23rd-25th
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY November 30th
LIGHT UP PRINCETON
December 6th
Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting, Lighted Parade, Live Reindeer & Candy Cane Hunt
SANTA’S WORKSHOP
December 7th | Bureau County Fairgrounds
WINTER HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
December 11th | Princeton Public Library
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Presented by Midland States Bank
December 14th | Rotary Park
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Bureau County History Center
December 14th
For event details, please
Since the inception of the Uptown Grill’s Playlist Theater almost 20 years ago, the small venue has established itself as a stop for many national acts heading through Northern Illinois.
More than 20 Grammy-nominated artists have performed at the La Salle venue and a couple of Grammy winners as well.
After this many years, Uptown Grill owner Ryan Anderes doesn’t have to seek out the artists. Agents approach him and suggest artists. Sometimes he will hear the name of an act and know it, either because they’re currently popular or because they were in the past. Such was the case with last year’s The Verve Pipe show. The alternative rock band was popular in the late ’90s with its hit “The Freshman,” which reached No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The show sold out in less than 24 hours with just one post on social media.
Other times, it’s an artist he hasn’t heard of and will have to research. Many are upand-coming musical acts.
Margo Price played the Playlist Theater in 2015.
“She was an up-and-coming folk/country music artist that at the time was not very popular. The agent reached out and we trusted them. We liked her music when we
Rocking THE UPTOWN
La Salle restaurant serves live music at a small venue
By Stephanie Jaquins | Photos by Alexis Anderes
listened to her, and so we said, ‘Sure, let’s give it a shot.’”
The show sold 30 to 40 tickets. Six months later she performed on “Saturday Night Live,” and two years after her La Salle appearance she was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys.
The War and Treaty, a husband-and-wife duo consisting of singer-songwriters Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, played there in January 2018. This year they were nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys and have a hit song with country artist Zach Bryan.
“The nice thing about having the contacts with these agencies is they know who is up and coming, so we try to get them before they become too big.
“They’re not going to play a small 120-person venue now, but when they’re trying to make a name for themselves, we’re the type of place they like to stop and get on their tour.”
Musicians enjoy playing Uptown Grill’s small, intimate venue, Anderes said, because they feel the crowd is there to listen and enjoy their music, as opposed to a bar atmosphere with people talking over the music. The event space is in the back of the restaurant so customers also can be waited on. Cocktails and appetizers are available. Two crowd favorites are playing in
November – Griffin House on Friday, Nov. 15, and Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Miles Nielsen has a tradition of performing at Uptown Grill every Thanksgiving Eve.
“Those two acts are like you put a great item for food on your menu and you can’t take it off, otherwise your regular customers will kill ya for taking it off,” Anderes joked. “Griffin and Miles are two of those performers we almost have to have back every year because everyone loves them so much.”
One of the reasons the restaurant owner started Playlist Theater was to bring acts to the area so locals didn’t have to travel out of town as often. They’ve attracted guests from Kentucky, Nebraska, Michigan and Wisconsin.
“They come here just for the music, and they find out we’re actually a really great restaurant and they might tell 10 or 20 of their friends that are traveling through to stop here. It expands your customer base as well,” Anderes said.
Reservations at Uptown Grill, 601 First St. in La Salle, are available for those who want to dine before the show. To see a list of upcoming shows and to buy tickets, visit www.uptowngrill.com and search under the Concerts tab. C S R
Griffin House
COMING UP AT PLAYLIST THEATER
GRIFFIN HOUSE
7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15
Griffin House is an American singersongwriter and storyteller with more than 13 albums. After years of touring as an opening act for artists such as John Mellencamp and The Cranberries, House broke through as a national headliner in 2009 with an appearance on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and the release of “The Guy That Says Goodbye to You is Out of His Mind.” House’s music has been featured on television shows such as “One Tree Hill,” “Rescue Me,” “Party of Five” and “Everwood.” Griffin was one of the first artists to perform at the Uptown Grill Playlist Theater, and he has developed a loyal fan base in Starved Rock Country. He returns almost every year, noting it is one of his favorite venues to play.
BUFFALO NICHOLS
7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Carl “Buffalo” Nichols has a vision for the blues. He sees it as a form of music that’s intimately tied to modern everyday
life, from his choice of instruments to the lyrics. Nichols’ blues style may surprise audiences with its incorporation of 808 programming and electronic music – his music draws inspiration from the present while underscoring that the issues that drove the first blues singers to pick up a guitar are still relevant in 2024 and beyond. This will be his first appearance at Playlist Theater.
MILE NIELSEN AND THE RUSTED HEARTS
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27
Rockford-based Miles Nielsen is the son of Rick Nielsen, a founding member and lead guitarist for the band Cheap Trick. He has spent nearly a decade performing music that draws from the prime years of Western-influenced rock music and classic ‘60s soul. His work is influenced by Otis Redding’s classic soul and Jellyfish’s power pop recordings. Nielsen is a returning favorite at Playlist Theater and performs an annual Thanksgiving Eve show at the restaurant.
More live music on the radar
Ottawa Concert Association has two more shows coming for the 2024-2025 season
For 77 years, the Ottawa Concert Association has entertained audiences by sponsoring live performances spanning a myriad of music styles, including Broadway, classical, dance, ethnic, folk, jazz, instrumental and vocal. Acts also have included acrobats, mimes and variety shows.
Mark your calendar for two upcoming concerts sponsored by the Ottawa Concert Association.
Master guitarist Paolo Schianchi will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, March 14, at Central Intermediate School, 711 E. McKinley Road, Ottawa. Schianchi is skilled with all styles and variations of guitars, ranging from Renaissance lutes to electric guitars. He also performs on a 49-string guitar he designed.
Sail On, The Beach Boys tribute band, will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at Central Intermediate School in Ottawa. Sail On performs classic hits by The Beach Boys as well as selections from their extended catalog.
Each concert season runs September through April and features four shows. Tickets are $25 per person at the door. A season membership to all four shows is $60 per person or $130 per family (up to two adults plus children or grandchildren). Annual membership includes the bonus of receiving tickets to four other concerts sponsored by the Livingston County Concert Association at Pontiac High School.
For more information, call 815-228-6474 or visit www.ottawaconcertassociation.com.
Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts
Artist SPOTLIGHT
DAVE TAYLOR
ave Taylor discovered his artistic streak by accident.
Out of boredom one day, he decided to paint a Mexican folk art mask on wood. The project was inspired by a souvenir displayed on his basement wall.
“After that, I painted another, and then began painting all sorts of things on wood, using a mix of styles,” he said.
Taylor developed a hobby of painting wall art and old furniture with bright, colorful acrylic paint. His work borrowed from and blended elements of Mexican folk art, southern folk art, aboriginal art and pointillism. For years, his projects collected in his basement. They might have remained there, if not for a nudge from a friend.
“A friend in the art community came over and was very impressed. She told me I needed to get this stuff out of the basement so others could see it,” Taylor said. “So I did, and I began sharing and selling my art in 2005.”
Taylor’s work expanded from acrylic paints and transformed into mixed media pieces that incorporate a combination of acrylic paint on wood or canvas, cut paper, cut aluminum and wood assemblages. He
branded his creations – many of which feature animals, historical figures and legends – as Funky Folk Art.
His artwork has become a familiar sight in Princeton, where he lives with his wife. Several of his works are on display at Coal Creek Brewing Company, a microbrewery that opened in 2023 on South Main Street in Princeton.
“Coal Creek has kind of a farming rural theme, which is perfect for much of my art,” Taylor said.
The Funky Folk Art displayed at Coal Creek Brewing plays a prominent role in the decor, but not all works remain as a permanent installation. Customers can buy many of the pieces on display.
“While most people don’t go to a brewery to buy art, I have been surprised and grateful with the sales, support and positive response that customers and staff have had with my work,” Taylor said. “It has kind of renewed my creative energy and focus for creating new works. I was just happy to have my artwork on their walls. Selling the artwork has been a bonus for me.”
One of his most memorable sales took place during a 2008 auction at a gala, which served as a fundraiser for the nonprofit,
no-kill animal shelter Friends of Strays in Princeton. Artists were invited to paint either a fiberglass cat or a fiberglass dog, which were then displayed around town leading up to the auction. Taylor painted a fiberglass dog that he named “Socks.” While “Socks” was on display, it was stolen and later found abandoned in the Hennepin Canal. Taylor made minor repairs to restore the piece; it sold for $2,800 at the auction, which was the highest sale among all entries.
“I was amazed that something I created could sell for $2,800,” he said.
In the years since, Taylor has made an annual tradition of donating to auctions and fundraisers to support his community.
Despite more than two decades of creating and selling Funky Folk Art, Taylor remains humble – and perhaps slightly awed – at each sale. He expresses gratitude for every person who buys and displays his creations.
“With each piece I create, I try to put a smile on your face, make it affordable and unique, so that owners will have it passed down for generations,” he said. “I am very honored and grateful for all the people that have supported me for the last 24 years.”
Dave Taylor lives in Princeton with his wife. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, and hobbies include music, art, sports and pickleball.
To view more of Dave Taylor's art, follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ davetaylorfunkyfolkart, on Instagram, @davetaylorfunkyfolkart or on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/ mudcatdave.
1. Mayday: Cut can collage, 26x26, commission
2. Happy Trails: Plywood and wood lath, 42x48, sold
3. Santa and Rudolph: Cut paper collage, 16x20 plus frame, $280
4. Drink Local: Cut can mosaic, 16x28, commission
5. Muffin: Cut can collage, 15x31, for Rotary Auction in November
6. Chief: Cut paper collage, 24x36, sold - prints are available
7. Benny The Bull: Mixed media, 24x25, $170
8. Moon of the Valley: Cut paper collage shadow box, 18x28, $280
Corner Chair Market
414 S. Main St. * 815-915-7968
Hours- Tues-Sat 10am-5pm
Repurposed Statement Furniture, Home Décor & Gifts
Blue Jay Way Records
615 S. Main St. * 815-872-1935
We have everything you need - CDs, Records, Tapes, DVD and more! Stop in and check out our amazing selection! True Leaves Bookshop
15 Park Ave West
Open Wed-Sat 11am-5pm
Offering new and used books and bookish gifts for readers of all ages.
- 815-875-6455 www.themilkmoustache.com Unique kid’s shop with a retro vintage vibe. Apparel, toys, books, baby gear & gifts
Handmade bath & body products, pajamas, loungewear, great gift ideas and stop by the Make & Take Station to create your own unique scent to use in over 10 of our products!
Meadows On Main
S. Main Stmeadowshomedecor.com815-872-2811
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm * Sun 12pm-4pm Home decor, antiques/primatives, floral. Something for everyone!
Little Blue Dress
514 S. Main St. - 815-915-8097
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm ; Sun 12pm-4pm Fashionable Woman’s Clothing, Rachel Rene 620 S. Main St. - 815-915-2001 www.rachelrene.com
Christmas
l MORRIS
Home for the Holidays
The three-day Home for the Holidays celebration kicks off Friday, Nov. 29, in downtown Morris. The Lighted Holiday Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. The festival also includes the House Walk for Charity on Saturday, Nov. 30, when visitors can tour some of the best-decked holiday homes; a Downtown Window Walk; carriage rides; visits from Santa Claus and his reindeer; and the Festival of Trees, in which decorated Christmas trees and other home decor are open to bids in an online auction. Follow festival updates at www.facebook.com/ homefortheholidaysmorrisil.
l OTTAWA
Festival of Lights Parade & Deck the Park Ottawa's 37th annual Festival of Lights holiday parade will return to the city's downtown at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29. Festive floats and performances will travel south on La Salle Street (beginning at Jackson Street) and culminate at Main Street. After the parade, Friendly City Sound and the Shepherd Choir will perform, followed by a fireworks display. The event includes the lighting of the tree in the Jordan Block green space (100 block of West Main Street), marking the start of the holiday season.
l STREATOR
Keeping Christmas Close to Home and Light Up Streator Streator will be aglow after the sun sets on Saturday, Nov. 30. Volunteers with Light Up Streator will transform the four city blocks of Streator City Park into a wonderland of Christmas lights, with the park light-up at 6:30 p.m. Visitors can stroll among the lighted displays before walking to Main Street for the Keeping Christmas Close to Home lighted parade. Three vendor markets (Bruce Township Hall, Park Place and the Streator Incubator), live ice sculpting and family activities will be open throughout the day leading up to the evening activities.
l UTICA
Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Village
On Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, Utica is home to two days of holiday activities that include horse-drawn carriage rides, performances by a roaming barbershop quartet, hot cocoa and treats at many businesses. Several shops and restaurants in the village offer specials and deals during the event.
l PRINCETON
Christmas Tree Lighting & Lighted Christmas Parade
Princeton will kick off the Christmas season with its annual Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Visitors can join Santa Claus and his friends in illuminating the tree. Free "magical glasses," hot chocolate and photos with Santa are included. After the tree light-up, the Lighted Christmas Parade sponsored by Princeton Lions Club will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce's annual candy cane hunt begins at 7 p.m., in which children ages 12 and younger can search for candy canes with complimentary flashlights.
l LA SALLE
Miracle On First Street
The city of La Salle will celebrate the season's magic on Saturday, Dec. 7, with the annual Miracle on 1st Street. The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with an hour-long breakfast with Santa at the Auditorium Ballroom. Reservations are required. Fire truck rides and s'mores will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall; photos with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Auditorium Ballroom; carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m.; Christmas Family Bingo from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Grove Center; and the tree lighting ceremony at 3 p.m. at City Hall.
l MENDOTA
A Mendota Christmas
A Mendota Christmas will celebrate the season from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in downtown Mendota. Holiday festivities include a craft and vendor fair, visits with Santa Claus, baked goods, family activities and more.
l PERU Light Up the Night
The city of Peru will host its fourth annual Lighted Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, as part of its Hometown Christmas. Santa Claus will be in attendance.
November 2024
Celebrate and honor the nation's veterans during the annual Veterans Day Parade and Air Show in Utica. Celebration of Lights drive-thru opens for foot traffic during the Run, Run Rudolph 5K Fun Run at Rotary Park in La Salle. See the massive array of holiday displays up close and on foot!
Sign up for the Steeples & Saloons walking tour at 10 a.m. in Ottawa. Explore the city's history, church architecture and murals, then end at a brewery. Book online at awesomeottawatours.com
The free Celebration of Lights holiday drive-thru opens for the season at Rotary Park in La Salle: 5 to 9 p.m. weekdays and 5 to 10 p.m. weekends.
Tuesdays are Bring Your Own Bucket Night at the Apollo Theater in Princeton! Read more about the Apollo on p. 12.
Vendors will sell holiday gifts and decor during the Holiday Market at Starved Rock Lodge, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Happy Día de los Muertos! Check out the Day of the Dead display in the lobby of the Illinois Valley Community College campus in Oglesby.
Find holiday gifts at the 3 French Hens Holiday Market at Jennifer's Garden in Morris. The sale runs 5-9 p.m. Friday and continues 9 a.m.3 p.m. Saturday.
Entry fee charged at door
Relax and get creative with the Holiday Paint 'n' Sip class at Camp Aramoni. Attendees will paint a highland cow adorned in holiday accessories. Buy tickets online at www.camparamoni.com
Check out the Ottawa Art League group exhibition at Open Space Art Gallery. The show runs the entire month of November.
Stage 212 in La Salle presents "Misery," the play inspired by the Stephen King novel, at 7:30 p.m.
Spend an evening playing at The Gamer's Garage Arcade, the region's largest arcade, in Marseilles. Read more on p. 8.
The Rusty Halo Snowman Express Market runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 9-10. The holiday craft fair takes place in a replica 1920s town built on a farm at 3277 E. 18th Road, Ottawa.
The Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show runs 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Burea County Fairgrounds in Princeton.
The Broadway hit musical "Wicked" is now on the silver screen. Catch a show at a local theater such as Eagle 6 in Streator or Roxy Cinemas in Ottawa.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The three-day Home for the Holidays celebration (Nov. 29-Dec. 1) begins in Morris. The weekend includes a lighted parade, Santa visits, carriage rides, a holiday house walk and more.
Kick off the season with Keeping Christmas Close to Home in Streator. Holiday markets, model trains, ice sculptures, City Park light-up, lighted parade, carriage rides, Santa and more
December 2024
Shop a seasonal market with antiques, collectibles and handmade goods during Christmas at the Canal Market in Utica, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Event runs Nov. 30-Dec. 1
Hear George Frideric Handel's classic seasonal masterpiece "Messiah" performed by the Streator Community Chorus, 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Streator.
The free Tuba Christmas concert performs holiday carols with the rich tones of brass instruments, 4:30 p.m. at Hall High School in Spring Valley.
Today is National Pastry Day! Stop at a coffee shop for a tasty pastry paired with a warm beverage. Read more about local coffee shops on p. 39.
In the mood to hear classic Elvis holiday tunes? A tribute show titled "Christmas Spectacular With Ronnie B. Elvis" runs 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Starved Rock Lodge. Tickets available at starvedrocklodge.com
30 31 1 2 3 4
Check out the annual
the Starved Rock
Center from Dec. 7-Jan. 5.
Experience Christmas by Candlelight at Reddick Mansion in Ottawa, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy late-night shopping during Midnight in Morris in a downtown full of decorations and music.
Have double the holiday fun today with two celebrations: A Mendota Christmas, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in downtown Mendota, and Miracle on First Street, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in downtown La Salle.
Catch a live 1940s-style radio play! "It's a Wonderful Life" takes the stage at 7 p.m. at Morris Theatre Guild. Details and tickets at morristheatreguild.org
The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra presents "The Sparkle of the Season" holiday concert, 4 p.m. at Ottawa High School. Details and tickets at www.ivso.org
Stay on top of your golf game by playing at one of the area's simulated sports facilities. Read more on p. 35.
Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve as you bid farewell to 2024 and ring in 2025!
Wishing a merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
Happy Hanukkah! The Jewish Festival of Lights begins at sundown.
Take a 45-minute guided tour of Victorian Christmas trees and decor at the Hegeler Carus Mansion.
Details and tickets at bit.ly/HCM-Christmas-Tree
The Home for the Holidays Lighted Drive-Thru is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings leading up to Christmas at the Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton.
The Germaninspired, open-air Chris Kringle Market is open Friday-Sunday, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22 with artisans, food and unique gifts in downtown Ottawa.
Wishing celebrants a bright and joyful Kwanzaa! The holiday begins today and continues through Jan. 1.
Mark your calendar for more winter events coming in early 2025:
• Jan. 25-26: Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock State Park and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
• Jan. 25: Take the challenge to dive into frigid water during Make-A-Wish Foundation's annual Penguin Plunge at Skydive Chicago
Starved Rock Photo Show. Artwork is on display at
Visitor
EXPLORE NORTH UTICA
Come enjoy all our delicious dining options from North to South. From gourmet treats, wines and unique spices to antiques and specialty gifts. We have it all. Come for a day or the weekend.
UPCOMING EVENTS
OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE - Nov 30th & Dec. 1st
EAGLE WATCH WEEKEND - January 25th & 26th, 2025
WINTER WINE WALK - February 8th, 2025
MARDI GRAS PARADE - March 1st, 2025
ST. PAT’S PARADE - March 15th, 2025
ANTIQUIN’ WEEKEND - April 26th & 27th, 2025
Photos by Paula Guttilla Hatchet Canyon Photography
HISTORY
HIDDEN HISTORY takes a closer look at interesting but lesser known moments in Starved Rock Country’s past.
A brush with the law & a brush with fame
In 1983, Dan Aykroyd crossed paths with Marseilles police
n By Charles Stanley
In the summer of 1983, actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd was riding high with his hit movies “Trading Places” and “Twilight Zone.”
But it was riding high in a different way that led to him being charged in Marseilles for possession of marijuana.
After receiving a tip from an off-duty Seneca police officer of two men traveling westbound on U.S. 6 in a dark Mercedes-Benz, an on-duty Marseilles police officer stopped the car at Main Street about 5 p.m. on Aug. 26. Aykroyd said he and his unidentified companion were driving to California.
Marseilles Police Chief Stephen Harvey said Aykroyd was cited for possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana. A court date was set for the following Oct. 5.
Harvey later told The Daily Times newspaper the incident was not considered a misdemeanor or felony and was only a violation of a city ordinance.
“Therefore no fingerprints or photographs,” Harvey said. “It’s just a big inconvenience as far as everyone is concerned. You spit on the sidewalk here and it’ll cost you $50.”
After posting a $50 bond,
Aykroyd was released. He later skipped the court date, and his bond money was confiscated.
In 2005, Aykroyd revisited the incident during an interview on National Public Radio. The encounter with Marseilles police was memorable to him because it was one of his only run-ins with the law. He said smoking marijuana provided him with relief from lower back pain he was experiencing.
“And so the cop stopped me at a stop sign, and he said – you know, he plucked out the bag and said, ‘What's this?’ And I said, ‘Well, it's just a little pot to help me drive across country.’”
At the Marseilles police station, Aykroyd got a view of other drugs the police had confiscated.
“They had, really, much better stuff than I was carrying. And I said, ‘Can we trade?’ And he said ‘no.’
“It turned out to be quite a nice evening. I talked with the young chief of police there, and he said, ‘Ah, we see this stuff all the time.’”
The police also found a dismantled shotgun in the trunk of the Mercedes Aykroyd was driving.
“So when the cops searched my car, they saw I was a safe, you know, citizen and all that.”
Photo
Klein Photography
Matthew
Downtown Ottawa
Inactive SEASON An Active
There's no need to be dormant in the winter – here are 9 ways to stay lively
OUTDOORS
HIKING TO FROZEN FALLS
Trails are open year-round at state parks throughout the region. During the winter, popular hikes include those that lead to frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park. Icefalls typically form in January and February after a sustained period of below-freezing temperatures. Four of the most popular frozen falls are found in St. Louis Canyon, La Salle Canyon, Ottawa Canyon and Wildcat Canyon.
Experienced ice climbers can climb the falls in La Salle, Ottawa and Wildcat canyons. Climbers must bring their own equipment and sign in at the park maintenance building across from the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center. For the Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s brochure and regulations about ice climbing, visit www.bit.ly/StarvedRockIceClimb.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Cross-country skiers who bring their own equipment can travel the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, which stretches 61.5 miles (with 40 miles spanning Starved Rock Country from La Salle to Morris). The Hennepin Canal Trail also is open to skiers. Additional parks with ski trails include 5 miles at Goose Lake Prairie in Morris, 2 miles at Illini State Park in Marseilles and 6 miles at Matthiessen State Park near Utica.
Compiled by Starved Rock Country Staff | Photos by Shaw Media
Mansion Tours: FRIDAY-MONDAY | 11 AM and 1 PM Please call for
Mansion and Gardens
O
SNOWMOBILING
The Hennepin Canal Trail is the state’s longest snowmobile trail, stretching 91 miles. The trail opens to snowmobiles when at least 4 inches of snow cover the ground and frost depth reaches 6 inches. Snowmobiling is allowed only when the route is declared open. To check the daily trail status, call the visitor center at 815-454-2328 to hear a pre-recorded message declaring the trail open or closed. To find snowmobile routes on the trail, visit www.bit.ly/ HennepinCanalActivities.
The Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail also is open to snowmobiling when conditions meet 4 inches of snow and a 6-inch frost depth. To check the trail’s open or closed status, call the park office at 815-942-0796.
ICE SKATING
Ice skating also is permitted on the Hennepin Canal when the water freezes. However, IDNR officials warn that skating is at the individual’s own risk; officials do not monitor ice conditions on the canal. Ice can be thinner near locks, bridges and culverts. The water does not always freeze completely inside culverts, and the water reaches a maximum depth of 7 feet in some locations. Skaters on canal ice should exercise caution.
INDOORS
PARAMOUNT SKATING ARENA
1511 Chestnut St., Ottawa 815-433-9463
www.paramountskatingarena.com
ne of the most expensive and ornate private homes in the Midwest when completed in 1858, the Mansion was built by businessman, politician, and philanthropist William Reddick. Home to the Reddick family for nearly 30 years, the mansion anchors Washington Square, site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate.
100 West Lafayette St. | Ottawa, IL 61350 815-433-6100 | reddickmansion.org
Don’t forget to pack your skates when visiting Starved Rock Country. Two popular skating destinations are open annually: n Goold Park, Morris: Weather permitting, Goold Park’s ice rink will be open Thanksgiving weekend through February. The rink is free and open for use 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Visitors must bring their own skates. n Echo Bluff Park, Spring Valley: The ice skating rink at Echo Bluff Park is scheduled to open Friday, Nov. 29, and has a chiller to stay open all season. The rink hosts open skating on Friday nights – past seasons featured skating under disco lights. Open skate sessions and drop-in ice hockey sessions are available on weekends. Skate rentals are available. For fees and hours, visit www.echobluff.org/ activities/ice-rink-skating-hockey.
Ice isn’t required to go skating this winter – at Paramount Skating Arena, guests can glide across a hardwood floor on in-line skates and roller skates. The roller rink has open skating sessions from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and 6 to 9 p.m. Saturdays. Advanced skate sessions (no skate trainers allowed) are open 9:30 to 11 p.m. Saturdays. Sunday afternoon matinees from 2 to 4:30 p.m. begin in November – follow Paramount Skating Arena on Facebook for updates. Skate rentals are available with the admission fee; discounts are offered to guests who bring their own skates.
WALTHAM CURLING CLUB
3926 E. 758th St., Triumph 815-538-3420
www.walthamcurling.org
Waltham Curling Club’s season typically runs mid-November through March, with several opportunities for the public to test their skills with a broom and a
Ice skating at Echo Bluff
curling stone. Waltham Curling Club hosts free open houses that include an orientation to curling, brief instruction and a chance to throw curling stones. Sessions on the ice during an open house last about 20 to 30 minutes. For upcoming open house dates, visit www.walthamcurling.org or follow Waltham Curling Club on Facebook and @curlwaltham on Instagram.
The club also offers Promotional and Instructional Clinics (PICs). These threehour group sessions accommodate up to 24 people and must be booked in advance at a cost of $30 per person. PIC sessions include 30 to 60 minutes of training, then guests are able to play the game. To register for a PIC, visit www.walthamcurling.org and sign up on the Event Registration page.
STARVED ROCK ENTERTAINMENT
201 Donaldson St., Utica 815-349-6000
www.starvedrockentertainment.com
Starved Rock Entertainment is home to an indoor playland that gives children a place to play regardless of the weather outside. The venue has a soft-floored playroom for infants to 3-year-olds and a playground open to children of all ages. The playland is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. One of Starved Rock Entertainment’s leading attractions for families with children ages 12 and older is the escape rooms, which support up to six players. The experience lasts up to an hour, although teams can escape sooner if they solve the puzzle quickly. Escape rooms are open by appointment only and can be booked online at
www.starvedrockentertainment.com/ booking or by calling 815-349-6000.
AXETREME THROWING
204 E. Walnut St., Oglesby 815-993-9236
www.axetremeaxethrowing.com
Book a session at Axetreme Throwing to throw axes at wooden targets. Walk-ins also are welcome, with availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can bring their own food or have food delivered; however, outside beverages are not allowed. Beverages are available to buy at the on-site bar. The venue is open 4 to 11 p.m. Fridays, noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays. Monday through Thursday is open to pre-booked appointments only.
SIMULATED SPORTS
For those who miss hitting the links during the winter, simulated golf facilities are open year-round. Check out three of Starved Rock Country’s locations.
n Fore on Main: 460 Main St., Marseilles; 815-343-3887; www.foreonmain.com; simulators include multiple sports such as golf, hockey, football, soccer, baseball and basketball
n Bunkers!: 400 Fifth St., Peru; www.bunkersgolfusa.com; 779-444-6534; indoor golf facility with multiple bays. Tee times are required.
n The Tee Box: 223 E. Saint Paul St., Spring Valley; 815-554-9049; www.theteeboxsv.com; simulators include multiple sports such as golf, baseball, basketball, football, soccer and carnival games.
821 First Street LaSalle, IL 61301
Lighted Parade 5 p.m.
Parade starts at Washington Park with Holiday events to follow. Check our Facebook page, City of Peru, Illinois Parks and Recreation, soon for a listing of events!
Curling at Waltham Curling Club
When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a soothing pursuit. Consider one of these relaxing activities to help you recharge this season.
Cozy
Activities
By Julie Barichello
by Ryan Searl
3 rewarding ways to pass a winter day in the comfort of the indoors
Visit a bookshop
When cabin fever sets in but freezing temperatures make the outdoors unappealing, a visit to the local bookstore is an ideal way to get out of the house. Patrons can pass the time roaming the shelves and settling into an upholstered seat to sample a few chapters.
“Independent bookshops offer what online marketplaces and big box stores can't: a warm and inviting atmosphere,” said Angela Adams, who owns and operates True Leaves Bookshop in Princeton with her husband, Matthew. “Reading sparks creativity and a sense of escape; just being surrounded by stories elicits inspiration.”
True Leaves Bookshop is inside Princeton’s former Matson Public Library building, now known as the Sash Stalter Matson Building. The former library circulation desk now displays books, bookmarks and gifts to greet customers when they enter the shop.
The region’s other independent bookstore is Prairie Fox Books in downtown Ottawa. Readers can roam the shelves and make themselves comfortable in living room-style seating. A favorite wintertime spot is in front of the fireplace.
Both shops sell a range of books including a children’s section, fiction and nonfiction, plus a
Photos
Prairie Fox Books
variety of gifts and activities. To plan a snug day at home, check out their selections of socks, scarves, candles, puzzles, board games and more.
“There’s something uniquely cozy about finding a new book, its weight in your hands, the soft turn of pages and the anticipation of the journey ahead,” Adams said. “Bookshops are the perfect place to explore different worlds all winter.”
Creative flow
A relaxing way to keep both your hands and mind busy is to enroll in a workshop at an art studio. Guided classes offer participants a chance to pull up a chair, sip a drink and let their creativity flow.
“Art classes create a comfortable space by encouraging creativity without judgment, allowing participants to express themselves freely,” said Amanda Zehr, owner and founder of Open Space Art Gallery and Studios in Ottawa. “The atmosphere is
typically relaxed, with a focus on exploration rather than perfection, making it enjoyable for people of all skill levels.”
Open Space Art Gallery and Studios hosts an array of single-session art classes. Recent lessons have guided guests through oil painting, wood burning, screen printing, stained glass, needle felting, weaving and more. To browse and sign up for classes, visit www.osartstudios.com/classes.
The EXibit Fine Art Center and Gallery in Morris also hosts classes such as guided oil painting workshops and make-and-take crafts. The venue is home to Open Mic Night the first Friday of every month, where guests can take an active role in performing poetry, music and storytelling or simply enjoy the show. Follow The EXibit Fine Art Center & Gallery on Facebook for information about upcoming events.
For those who want to admire art instead of create it, a quiet stroll through one of the region’s art galleries is an option:
n EXibit Fine Art Center and Gallery, 315 Bedford Road, Morris: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
n Open Space Art Gallery, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
n North Central Illinois ARTworks Gallery, west wing of the Westclox Museum, 350 Fifth St., Peru: Opening
receptions hosted first Friday of each month. Private viewings are available by appointment and can be arranged by emailing outreach@nciartworks.com. For upcoming shows and receptions, visit www.nciartworks.com.
n Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Ave. E, Princeton: Gallery open 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Open Space Art Gallery and Studios
Take a spa day
The winter holidays come with fun, but they also can create stress. One way to decompress during or after the holiday frenzy is to indulge in a spa day.
Spas offer a variety of relaxation techniques for both body and mind. Massage therapists can knead away tension; meanwhile, sessions with Reiki practitioners can provide a spiritual reset. Float tanks mute the external stimuli of the world, allowing guests to meditate and clear their minds through sensory deprivation and weightlessness in warm salt water. Similarly, dry hydrotherapy offers a weightless sense of relaxation without immersing in water – guests can float on a pillow of water and remain dry. Sessions in Himalayan salt rooms offer a chance to unplug from technology and relax in a serene space touted to improve skin and respiration.
A sample of the region’s spas includes:
n Balanced Spirit Wellness Center, Streator: Massage, Reiki, facials, float tank, infrared sauna, Himalayan salt room and more. To book a session, www.balancedspiritwellness.com.
n Salt Tree Yoga, Ottawa: Himalayan salt room, dry hydrotherapy, infrared sauna, massage bed and more. To book a session, www.salttreeyoga.com.
n Unwind at Westclox, Peru: Float tanks, infrared sauna, Himalayan salt room, therapeutic massage, Reiki and more. To book a session, www.unwindatwestclox.com.
Comfort in a Cup
A classic image of winter is hands wrapped around a warm mug. On a chilly day, there’s nothing quite like breathing in the aromatic steam of coffee, tea or hot cocoa.
T LETTY MAE’S TEA ROOM
112 E. Washington St., Morris
This whimsical tea shop and cafe serves lunch and homemade treats, plus regular specials featuring hot and cold soups, salads and cold brews. True to its name, Letty Mae’s also offers a menu of hot tea options that can be ordered by the pot and served in an ornate collection of teacups. The cafe is tucked away against a courtyard – it can be accessed from the 100 block of East Washington Street by entering the courtyard adjacent to Grundy Bank. The tea room temporarily closes from the end of January through February for a winter break. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LettyMaesTeaRoom for updates.
T APPLEJAX CREATIONS COFFEE AND CAFE
312 Liberty St., Morris
AppleJax Creations is a small bakery and cafe serving breakfast and lunch six days a week. Customers can order a classic brew or a special seasonal drink, plus a light meal. Diners can take a seat in the dining room among exposed brick walls and a window that looks out upon Liberty Street, one of downtown’s main thoroughfares. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook. com/applejaxwoodcreations.
T JEREMIAH JOE COFFEE
807 La Salle St., Ottawa
This downtown Ottawa coffee shop is a staple of the community and a perfect spot to recharge after a day’s activities. The space is airy and open, but a collection of couches, chairs and tables provide secluded islands to settle into with a hot beverage. The window seats are a serene spot to watch snow drift over La Salle Street while sipping a winter flavor, and they’re always a prime spot to observe the bustle of downtown. For information, visit www.jeremiahjoecoffee.com.
T BRUCE AND OLLIE’S
166 Mill St., Utica
This coffee shop located inside The Bickerman Building is named after the owners’ two dogs, Bruce and Ollie. The menu includes coffee, craft brews, wine, sandwiches, salads, ice cream and more. Coffee enthusiasts should be sure to order one of Bruce and Ollie’s coffee flights, which feature four seasonal flavors. The business regularly offers other special seasonal flights – past options have included hot chocolate flights and soup flights. Follow Facebook posts at www.facebook.com/bruceandollies or Instagram posts @bruceandollies for the latest specials.
T MORE ON MAIN
317 E. Main St., Streator
More On Main is a coffee shop and cafe inside the Main Street Market building in downtown Streator. The building’s main entrance opens to the coffee shop, which serves coffee and tea among a menu of other beverages. The shop offers a seasonal drink menu, with annual winter favorites such as Christmas in a Cup, Peppermint Mocha, Candy Cane Freeze and more. The shop also serves breakfast and lunch. After dining or buying a coffee, guests can explore the rest of the Main Street Market, which includes a variety of shops selling apparel, home decor, gifts and more. For information, visit www.moreonmaincafe.com.
On the
BOOKS
Starved Rock Country plays a central role in several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Here are four picks of local titles to add to your bookshelf.
ON MY HONOR
by Marion Dane Bauer
This Newbery Medalwinning children's book tells the story of Joel as he struggles with guilt and loss after his best friend, Tony, drowns while the boys were swimming in a forbidden area of the Vermilion River. Starved Rock State Park is featured in the novel when Joel and Tony plan a bicycle trip to the park's bluffs. The author was born and raised in nearby Oglesby. The novel was inspired by a similar incident in Marion Dane Bauer's childhood, when one of her friends and another boy decided to play in the Vermilion River and her friend's companion drowned.
ROSEMARY IN BLOOM
by
Khristy Reibel
This love story is a blend of fact and fiction, inspired by author Khristy Reibel's grandmother. Set in Streator, the book follows Rosemary's journey to true love when her first love, Albert, is deployed to Germany during World War II. With Albert's prolonged absence and the uncertainty of his return, Rosemary weds another man. But when Albert returns, the chemistry between them still exists. Streator locations play a prominent role in the book, including Sterling Street, the twin-steepled St. Anthony Church on Park Street, the historic train station canteen and Owens-Illinois Glass Company.
THE STARVED ROCK MURDERS
by Steve Stout
In March 1960, three women staying at Starved Rock Lodge embarked on an afternoon hike and never returned. Their bodies were discovered in St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park. This true crime book recounts the murders of Frances Murphy, Mildred Lindquist and Lillian Oetting, the investigation and the trial of convicted murderer Chester Weger.
BUY A CALENDAR TO SUPPORT THE PARKS
Around 1920, women working for Radium Dial Company would paint watches with luminous paint containing radium. To keep a fine tip on their paintbrushes, they would "point" them on their lips – in doing so, they ingested high levels of radioactive paint. Kate Moore's "The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women" follows the lethal side effects of the women's work, the scandal that erupted when the factories ignored the issue and the workers' fight for justice.
The new year is around the corner, and the new 2025 Starved Rock and Matthiessen wall calendar is available now.
Each year, the Starved Rock Foundation sells calendars featuring photos of Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks. All proceeds from sales go to the Starved Rock Foundation, a volunteer-operated organization that supports the state park through educational programs, guided hikes, exhibit updates and more.
This year, the Miller Group Charitable Trust will match every donation up to $7,500, doubling the value of each calendar sold.
Calendars are 11 inches by 14 inches. Each month features seasonal scenes of nature and wildlife captured by park hikers. Park events and federal holidays are included in the calendar.
Online orders placed between Nov. 16 and Dec. 7 will ship on Dec. 9. To order online, visit www.starvedrockhikers.com/productpage/2025-calendar.
Calendars also can be bought at the following in-store locations while supplies last:
• LeRocher Bookstore at the Starved Rock Visitor Center
• Starved Rock Lodge in Oglesby
• Starved Rock Country Welcome Center in Utica
• Bruce & Ollies at The Bickerman Building in Utica
• A Mess of Things in Ottawa
• CatsEye Wine Bar in Ottawa
• Heritage Harbor in Ottawa
• Prairie Fox Books in Ottawa
• Lock 16 in La Salle
The calendar was created by Matthew Klein Films.
THE RADIUM GIRLS by Kate Moore
It's worth fighting the urge to stay inside when winter comes around because you never know what you'll find when you head outdoors in Starved Rock Country. A few times during the season, the area will be blanketed with hoarfrost. This evergreen tree in all of its frosty glory contrasts with a red barn west of Ottawa on a frigid January morning.
Photo by Tom Sistak
Starved Rock Country
If you are fortunate enough in your travels and you like getting off the beaten path of the run-ofthe-mill inns and hotels, your destination should include a stop at the Kishauwau Cabins in north central Illinois! Besides being adjacent to Starved Rock State Park, full of amazing canyons and trails, these cabins bring you to the heart of what makes this country great...simplicity, honesty, hard work and family. Your cabin is an oasis in its powerful simplicity. Absent is internet, phone service (except texting) and tv. What at first becomes an unfamiliar/uncomfortable absence of connectivity quickly and peacefully forces you to connect with the sounds of nature, the hum and bustle of adjacent farmlands and the value and This place, as simple as it is, is a
and a true reflection of who we are when we have nothing but nature and ourselves to listen to...
