Neighborhood Tourist Fall 2023

FALL 2023

TOURIST

FALL

IN THE AUGUST HILLS

Celebrate a historical vineyard in Peru

Page 28

DECK THE HALLS

A stress-free guide to holiday decorating

Page 32

FUN & FRIGHTS

Encounter ghosts and find the closest spooky events

Page 14

Don’t miss these autumn adventures • Page 10

Within this issue of Neighborhood Tourist, you’ll discover an abundance of interesting stories and events to explore! From seasonal events (P. 10) highlighting fall fests, pumpkin farms and apple orchards, to hair-raising haunted houses and ghost tours (P. 14), you’ll be sure to find plenty of activities to try this year.

Alongside traditional beloved fall activities, we also feature complementary food favorites that are synonymous with the season (P. 22). After stocking up on local harvest treats and cider, save room on your calendar to take a drive and try something new. Wine enthusiasts will savor the selection of vineyards found near or far (P. 28), and those looking to connect with nature can find solace on

the Illinois River while enjoying a scenic waterway tour (P. 20).

However you decide to make your memories unforgettable this season, thanks for fall-o-ween our recommendations. We truly love to tour this region with you!

LAURA SHAW Publisher Northwest Herald & Kane County Chronicle

Jaclyn Cornell Local Sales Manager jcornell@shawmedia.com

Starved Rock Country photographer Tom Sistak captures images of couples exploring Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks during peak fall foliage weekends in mid-October.

JULIE BARICHELLO Designer

The crisp autumn air, vibrant fall foliage and the crunch of dried leaves beneath my feet on the sidewalk are some of the simple things I love about the turn of the season in Illinois.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

WRITERS

¢ JULIE BARICHELLO is a journalist and graphic designer with lifelong roots in North Central Illinois. During her career, she has reported on education and health beats for newspapers, served as a copy desk chief and designed both newspapers and magazines. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys reading, cooking and exploring state and national parks across the country with her husband, Derek.

¢ KEVIN DRULEY is a St. Louis transplant who lives in the western suburbs with his wife, Shannon. What Chicagoans call “pop,” he calls “soda,” although it’s really rather moot since he gave up such carbonated beverages for Lent in 1999. Kevin enjoys day tripping, reading, moviegoing and playing pickup sports. He recently encountered recreational pickleball and is over the moon.

¢ BRANDON LACHANCE has been a professional journalist since his 2003-04 freshman year at Southern Illinois University Carbondale when he started writing for three newspapers in southern Illinois. Since then, he

has spent 18 1/2 years journeying the media circuit as he wrote for the Southern Illinoisian and was a La Salle NewsTribune sports writer for eight years. Currently the selfcontracted journalist hosts Edge of Your Seat Podcast (a sports show highlighting central and northern Illinois athletics with a guest on every pod), writes for Shaw Media magazines, broadcasts football, baseball and softball games on Starved Rock Media radio stations and writes for the Mendota Reporter and Amboy News.

¢ PATTI MACMILLAN loves words — short and to-the-point, lyrical, even convoluted — she believes they all have their place in our wonderfully lavish lexicon. It’s the power and poignancy of words that drew her first to reading, and then to writing, which she has done as a journalist and public relations professional for more than a decade. When she’s not putting digital pen to page, she (mostly) enjoys time spent with her two young sons and husband though the woodland walks that allow her respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life she prefers sans company.

¢ VICKI MARTINKA PETERSEN loves playing tourist right here in the Chicago area. Vicki juggles being a mom with her full-time job as a digital copywriter for a regional hospital system and her side hustle as a freelance writer for local niche publications. When she’s not negotiating with her son to go to bed, Vicki can be found meditating, practicing yoga, cooking and reading. She also volunteers at her son’s school and serves on the board of the AAUW Aurora Area Branch and Moms & More of Oswego.

¢ MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE loves sharing stories and taking time to spotlight the amazing things people are doing in the community. These stories are an inspiration and a reminder of all the good in our world. As a busy mom to three boys she loves being able to escape into the stories she writes and all of the wonderful people she meets along the way. Melissa and her husband enjoy exploring new places and trying new foods with their three young sons. From delicate sushi rolls to tacos in fresh tortillas there are so many new destinations throughout the state to explore.

Movie

Nights at the historic Movie Nights at the historic Movie Nights at the historic ROXY Theater! ROXY Theater! ROXY Theater!

Saturday, Oct 28: Monster Mash!

Saturday, Oct 28: Monster Mash!

Saturday, Oct 28: Monster Mash!

Saturday, Nov 25: Christmas in the Square

Saturday, Nov 25: Christmas in the Square

Saturday, Nov 25: Christmas in the Square

Saturday, Dec 09: Saturday, Dec 09: Saturday, Dec 09: Christmas at the ROXY Christmas at the ROXY Christmas at the ROXY

WHAT'S INSIDE

¢ WHERE WE LIVE 10 FALL EVENTS IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS

Don’t miss these seasonal adventures

14 FUN & FRIGHTS

Local guides encounter spirits on ghost tours

20 THE VOYAGE OF THE SAINTE GENEVIEVE Climb aboard the tenacious Ottawa paddle wheel riverboat

¢ DESTINATION DINING

22 FALL FOODIE FAVORITES

Your guide to tasty local indulgences

24 RICHES FROM THE EARTH Head Chef Luis Quezada reinvents his menu with regional bounty

28 IN THE AUGUST HILLS

Celebrate a generational Peru vineyard in August Hill Winery

¢ HOME & ENTERTAINMENT

32 DECK THE HALLS

A stress-free guide to keeping up with holiday décor

34 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Fall into a good book this season

36 A BUNCH OF HOCUS POCUS

Something wicked this way comes

40 OKTOBERFEST AT STARVED ROCK LODGE

Join in classic German festivities

FALLEvents

Mark your calendar for these favorite seasonal activities around the region

HAPPY TIMES PUMPKINFEST

Sept. 16-Oct. 29

16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms is a blast for the whole family with their donuts, farmstand, yummy concessions and entertainment for everyone. Stop by until Oct. 29, when the Pumpkinfest will wrap up its 2023 season.

FALL FEST GRANT TOWNSHIP

Sunday, Oct. 1 • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

26725 W. Molidor Road, Ingleside

Hosted by Grant Township and the Village of Fox

Lake, Fall Fest will take place at the Grant Township Center. Fall Fest is free with vendors, food, music, drinks, a petting zoo, inflatables, pumpkin carving and more.

LAST MAKERS MARKET AT WOODSTOCK

Sunday, Oct. 1 • noon

150 S. Eastwood Dr., Unit F Woodstock

Join Holz Lager Brewing Company for Sunday Funday at the last Makers Market of the season in October. This event starts at noon and has free admission with beer, vendors and more – all local to Woodstock.

Photos by Drew Pertl, Kevin Nelson and Shaw Media

Photo by Drew Pertl

Compiled by Kelley White and Julie Barichello

in Northern Illinois

SCARECROW WEEKEND ST. CHARLES

Oct. 6-8

There will be a family zone and an activity zone with their own unique forms of entertainment including Scarecrow-to-go, photo ops and other fall family activities. Don’t forget to check out Autumn on the Fox Craft Show in Pottawatomie Park.

WOODSTOCK ALE FEST

Saturday, Oct. 7 • 1 to 5 p.m.

Corner of Clay and Newell, Woodstock

This year is the tenth anniversary of Woodstock Ale Fest, highlighting as many local breweries

as possible with 60 craft brews from 30 different breweries. Proceeds from the fest will go toward Independence Health & Therapy. There will be games, live entertainment, contests and hourly Firkin Tappings. Come on down for a great cause and delicious ales!

BURGOO FESTIVAL

Oct. 7-8 in downtown Utica

Autumn in Utica isn’t complete without enormous cast-iron cauldrons stirred with oar-sized wooden paddles throughout the night over an open fire. The 53rd annual Burgoo Festival, hosted by the La Salle

County Historical Society, is a hub for artists, artisans and antiques vendors to sell wares. On Sunday, visitors can sample the namesake attraction: a cup of burgoo, which is a thick stew brimming with vegetables, local meats, herbs and spices.

APPLE PICKING AND FAMILY FUN AT ROYAL OAK FARM

Saturdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28

15908 Hebron Road, Harvard

All aboard the Royal Oak Express Train at this family friendly U-pick apple orchard and farm. Take the kids to the petting zoo or hop on the carousel – always a kiddo favorite – or sit back and let them run wild

WOODSTOCK ALE FEST

BURGOO FESTIVAL

GENEVA DOWNTOWN TRICK-OR-TREATING

at the playground. The entertainment area has free admission, but all rides and extras are purchased using tokens. There is so much to do and it is an amazing way to spend the day with your family!

NIGHT OF 1,000 JACK-O-LANTERNS

Oct. 11-15 and Oct. 18-22 • 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe

Artists carve pumpkins and place them throughout the Garden where you can walk along the paths and enjoy their amazing creations. There will be some seasonal food and beverages for purchase, live entertainment and carving demonstrations.

CANTIGNY FALL FESTIVAL

Saturday, Oct. 14 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton

At this festival, kids 15 and under are free! There will be pumpkins, live music entertainment, treats, a craft fair, gardens, kids crafts and so much more.

BARRINGTON 22ND ANNUAL SCARECROW FESTIVAL

Saturday, Oct. 14 • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Memorial Park

The Scarecrow festival is a great opportunity for some fall fun in South Barrington. Pumpkin

decorating, pony rides and more will entertain the kids and bring everyone together for a unique celebration of one of the most iconic symbols of fall.

FALLTOBER FEST AT STARVED ROCK STATE PARK

Saturday, Oct. 21

2678 E. 873rd Road, Oglesby

Starved Rock State Park will celebrate the season with Falltober Fest on Saturday, Oct. 21. Guided fall color hikes will embark from the park’s Visitor Center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with one-mile and two-mile options. Other activities at the Visitor Center include a story time and Going Batty program for children at 9:30 a.m.; the Incredible Bats program, featuring live animals from six continents, at 11 a.m.; and Native American ghost stories told by Brian “Fox” Ellis at 2 p.m. All programs are free.

GENEVA DOWNTOWN TRICK-OR-TREATING

Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 • 2 to 5 p.m.

Kiddos are welcome downtown Geneva to celebrate another day of trick-or-treating! Shops that are participating will have a sign and give out their sweets and treats.

APPLE PICKING AT ROYAL OAK FARM

CANTIGNY FALL FESTIVAL

BENGSTON’S FALL FESTIVAL AND PUMPKIN FARM

Monday, Oct 30 • 11 a.m.

13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen

Bengston’s Farm is unique and a true destination for everything autumn. There will be a ride through tractor town on a personal tractor that will feature dancing animals, talking tractors and show all the funny activities farm animals take part in once the farmer leaves! This six-minute ride is an amazing part of what makes Bengston’s truly spectacular.

HORROR FILM SERIES

Month of October

135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb

Visit the Egyptian Theatre in the month of October for their cinematic terror film series. This is a true horror fan’s dream with selections from multiple subgenres.

HEINZ ORCHARD

1050 Crest Road, Libertyville

An affordable, U-Pick apple orchard close to Chicagoland with varieties of Jonathan, McIntosh and Empire apples. This is a no-muss, no-fuss orchard with no extra fees aside from purchasing bags for apples.

GOEBBERT’S PUMPKIN FARM

40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington

There is something for everyone at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm and a host of entertainment options including a Duck Derby, gem mining, corn box, jumping pillow, pumpkin-eating dinosaur, camel rides, pony rides, a giraffe barn and so much more. Try out their plethora of food options and their famous bakery full of decadent pies. Check out the general store and produce market while you’re there!

KANE FAMILY FARMS CORN MAZE

2165 N. 3020th Road, Ottawa

Kane Family Farms will host its 5-acre corn maze for the second year, open Thursday through Sunday beginning Sept. 14 through the end of October. About 2,000 of the farm’s 3,700 visitors explored the maze in 2022. The maze has multiple layers of activities. One section is devoted to a kids maze, where younger children can explore freely without the risk of getting lost. For older explorers without a strong sense of direction, cellphone tracking can assist with navigation of the full maze. Special events this year include a one-acre haunted trail inside the corn labyrinth as well as Saturday night flashlight mazes, which allow guests to explore in the dark.

KANE FAMILY FARMS CORN MAZE

Photo by Kevin Nelson

Fun & FRIGHTS

Local guides encounter spirits on ghost tours

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske • Photos by Shaw Media and courtesy of Minda Powers-Douglas

Afterlife Tours

Walking through a cemetery offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the people who once lived in an area and for Mike Smith, it will likely include an encounter with a spirit or two, roaming about the property.

Smith shares his passion for history and his interest in spirits and more as the head of Afterlife Tours where he and his small team of guides lead participants in search of paranormal activity. This fall he has several walking tours lined up for Spring Lake Cemetery in Aurora. “It’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else that includes education, history and you’re going to learn about the paranormal,” Smith said.

While he can’t guarantee paranormal activity on a tour, nearly every tour includes some amount of occurrences. Leading groups as small as 10 to a maximum of 20 people means everyone can have a turn using equipment, such as an electromagnetic field spectrum, to detect the paranormal during the three-hour tour. While his tours and encounters with spirits have helped him learn quite a bit about the Aurora cemetery, Smith firmly said he isn’t leading a tour filled with stories. “We are not storytellers. If we connect with a spirit, we can ask yes or no questions to learn more about that spirit,” he said.

Using a copper dowser rod, he and his guides will ask “yes” or “no” questions and be able to learn about the spirit, whether they are buried in the cemetery, the century in which they died and so on. Smith and his team have great respect for those who have died as well as the cemeteries they visit. He opts for tours late at night to avoid imposing on those who are visiting their loved ones at the cemetery. He shares a portion of the proceeds with the cemetery to help with maintenance, providing more than $10,000 to cemeteries throughout his eight years of hosting tours.

He has hosted company outings on his tours and this year he even provided tours to bachelorette parties, something he admits he wouldn’t have ever guessed he would do. He always keeps his groups small to enable the best experience for participants. Often, he has repeat customers on his tours.

“Because every experience is different, they can come back and experience something different each time,” he said.

AFTERLIFE TOURS

Tours start at $35. Advance online ticket purchase required. AfterLife-Tours.com

Ghosts of the Mississippi

With a rich history in the area, Minda PowersDouglas has plenty of tales to tell as she leads her Gangsters & Ghosts Tours in Rock Island. She, along with her daughter Annabella Powers-Douglas and a small team of guides, lead QC Haunts & History Tours.

After years of taking tours in other cities, Minda decided to launch her own tour. She’s the author of a pair of nonfiction books, “Cemetery Walk” and the “Chippiannock Cemetery.”

“I love history,” she said. “The more I dig in, the more I learn.”

In her research on cemeteries, she’s come to connect with spirits as well.

While she can’t guarantee encountering ghosts on a tour, she explained how in almost every one of her walking tours to outdoor sites and local businesses in downtown Rock Island there is an encounter with some paranormal activity. She will bring hand-held equipment that can measure the activity, as well.

“You don’t have to believe in ghosts,” Minda explained. “You can think the whole thing is hooey and you can still have a good time on the tour. There’s a lot of history and, after all, ghost stories are part of the oral tradition.”

The area along the Mississippi River and not far from the Rock River, Rock Island has depth of history. One of the central gangster figures in her tour is John Looney, who built a getaway retreat for his gang in Rock Island in the late 1800s and rose to power in the pre-Prohibition era.

While she offers tours nearly year-round, she admits the fall is the busiest time. Last year she launched a kid-friendly tour that families could enjoy together. She and her daughter even have a little fun with the fall tours, incorporating visits with local businesses, even stopping at Skellington Manor, a locally managed haunted house in a former Masonic temple where actors provide some theatrical frights and one just may encounter a real spirit or two as well.

QC HAUNTS & HISTORY TOURS

Tours start at $20. Advance booking required, see Facebook page for up-to-date events. QCHaunts.com and Facebook

MORE

MORE SPOOKY TOURS

For more fun and frights, check out the following haunts

THE OLD JOLIET

HAUNTED PRISON

Advance ticket purchase required. hauntedprison.com

For those who prefer a haunting experience that’s also make-believe, visit one of the biggest haunted houses is the The Old Joliet Haunted Prison, which takes place inside the former prison. The experience is known to elicit shrieks and screams. In addition to the haunted rooms, there’s an optional escape room game and a commissary featuring food and drinks as well. The haunting begins Saturday, Sept. 23.

FRIGHT FEST AT SIX FLAGS

GREAT AMERICA IN GURNEE

Select evenings Sept. 16-Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to park close. Advance ticket purchase recommended, see website for prices. www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/events/ fright-fest-5

When the sun goes down, the zombies come out to scare. The rollercoasters and rides will thrill, and the frights will have visitors shrieking. There are six haunted houses, nine scare zones and cast members eliciting screams at every turn.

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN FLEA MARKET

Saturday, Oct. 28 3 p.m.-Midnight, Wheaton. Admission $10 adults; free for children.

zurkopromotions.com/wheaton-illinoishaunted-halloween-flea-market

For those looking for less spooky, check out the annual Haunted Halloween Flea Market at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. Shoppers and vendors dress up in costumes and mill about the late-night market. Event features special guests and activities.

GALLERY OF GHOULISH HOME TOUR

Homes can be viewed Oct. 13-31 stcparks.org

What started as a friendly competition has turned into a full-on spooktacular display of frights and lights as residents in the Fox Valley area put on their best show, from yard displays to full-on haunted tours throughout their properties. The competition is hosted by the St. Charles Park District which offers tour guides and maps. Vote for your favorite display.

INSANITY HAUNTED HOUSE

3940 Route 251, Peru

Sept. 29 – Oct. 28, Fridays & Saturdays, Sundays beginning Oct. 8 www.insanityhh.com

One of the scariest Halloween attractions in the state can be found at Peru Mall. A 2022 Haunted Illinois poll ranked Insanity Haunted House as the No. 1 haunted house Illinois, and it has been voted in the state’s top three

since 2019. The attraction invites guests to experience “10,000 square feet of pure terror.” Special dates include a Halloween night opening on Tuesday, Oct. 31; Sunday children’s matinees from 3 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 15, 22 and 29; and a blackout event from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, in which lights are turned off and visitors navigate with a glowstick. Insanity Haunted House is recommended for ages 12 and older due to its graphic nature and intensity.

HAUNT 31

Oct. 1-31

Sunday-Thursday: Dusk-9:30 p.m., FridaySaturday: Dusk-10 p.m. www.haunt31.com

This “yard haunt” has had 21 years of scaring with props, displays, music, actors and so much more. The fun part is this haunt takes place in a residential neighborhood, so it is locally famous and a hidden gem!

BOO’ZE & SPIRITS

FLASHLIGHT TOUR

135 N. Second St., DeKalb

8 p.m., Friday Nov. 17, $30 tickets

Hunting for ghosts in an old theatre using just a flashlight to guide your way? Count yourself in! Staff will bring you along on a tour of the Egyptian Theatre and show you corners of the building the general public doesn’t usually experience. It’s a true backstage pass to the Egyptian’s spooky history and haunts. This 2-hour tour only gets better if you snag a cold one beforehand from concessions!

Make Yourself at Home!

Monthly Food Specials

Outdoor Patio Seating

Seasonal Brews

$4.00 Daily Handcrafted Beer Specials

Try Raider‛s Root Beer (ABV 7.5%)

SAINTEENEVIEVE G the voyage of the

Ottawa's paddle wheel riverboat overcame obstacles to make its home on the Illinois River –now tourists can climb aboard for scenic tours

By Brandon LaChance • Photos by Julie Barichello and courtesy of Sainte Genevieve Riverboat

Gentry Nordstrom was having one of the most stressful days of his life. His wife Lindsay had just given birth to their third child, so he couldn’t make the journey to bring his new financial endeavor – a diesel-powered paddle-wheeler – home to Ottawa. For seven days, he called his crew daily to make sure plans and schedules were in order. On the eighth day, he could tell from his partner Nathan Weiss’ voice the project was not on track. “We bought the boat on Dec. 8, 2021, when it was still in Cincinnati. We had to drive it down the Ohio River, up the Mississippi River, and up the Illinois River to get it to Ottawa,” Nordstrom said. “It was supposed to be a 17-day trip. This is a true paddle wheel boat that moves, at the most, six miles per hour, and if you’re going upstream, it goes slower. We knew it was going to take a while, and we knew it was going to be an adventure.”

The paddle-wheeler didn’t disappoint – the journey to Ottawa proved to be a memorable one.

“It was named Mark Twain when we bought it. We knew we wanted to change the name, but we didn’t know what we wanted the name to be. We were staring down the barrel of a 17-day adventure on these rivers, and we figured the boat was going to name itself. We knew something was going to happen or something would pop up that the boat would name itself,” Nordstrom said.

Eight days into the trip, weather created difficulties as the boat turned to travel up the Mississippi River. The vessel slammed against rocks on the bank, breaching the hull. By the next morning, Nordstrom said it became clear to the crew that the boat was taking on water and would sink if they didn’t act quickly.

While unfortunate, the incident did lead to the boat’s new name.

“The crew was able to beach the boat on a sandbar in the Mississippi River. We were rescued by a local barge company, and they took us to their quarry, which was in St. Genevieve, Missouri. They were really hospitable to us,” Nordstrom said.

“We thought, ‘Is this the moment the boat named itself?’ We did some research on St. Genevieve. She is actually the patron saint of Paris, and her legend is, at one point, her enemies conspired to drown her in a lake, but they ultimately weren’t successful. When we read that, we knew the boat named itself, and she became the Sainte Genevieve.”

The Sainte Genevieve was towed to St. Louis and stayed through the winter of 2021 and early 2022 while repairs were made to the hull and other work was completed.

The journey finally concluded on March 12, 2022, when the Sainte Genevieve arrived in Ottawa. After seven months of gutting and remodeling the riverboat, the Sainte Genevieve became operational on Oct. 4, 2022, when it made its first cruise on the Illinois River.

“I’m good friends with Nathan Weiss. He’s the owner of Ottawa Millwork Co.

in Ottawa. He’s always been a fan of riverboats because his father was always working on boats, including the famous Julia Belle Swain. Nathan grew up around boats and fell in love with them at an early age,” Nordstrom said.

Weiss had the vision to bring a riverboat to Ottawa's waterfront and shared the idea with Nordstrom in summer 2021. They decided if they found the right boat, they would make it work.

The Sainte Genevieve opened its tours and events in 2022 with a short season from October through mid-December. The vessel launched its first full season in May 2023 and continues through November with evening cruises on Thursdays and Fridays, three cruises on Saturdays and two on Sundays.

The crew offers various types of excursions, including a standard sightseeing tour, sunset cruises and collaborative dessert, brunch or dinner cruises catered by local eateries.

Excursions travel one of two directions: they either go upriver from downtown Ottawa, past Heritage Harbor and toward Marseilles Lock and Dam, or downriver past Buffalo Rock State Park before turning around and heading back to Ottawa.

When the river is frozen in the winter, the Sainte Genevieve is docked at Heritage Harbor. Last winter, the boat hosted a handful of events.

“We did a concert series during the winter. It’s a closed cabin, so we have a heated cabin,” Nordstrom said. “For a winter event, we can get 50 to 60 people in the cabin of the boat.”

The vessel also hosts private events such as holiday parties, corporate meetings, bridal showers and family reunions, among others.

“The boat is a true paddle wheel, so it’s a classic riverboat,” Nordstrom said. “We’re really trying to highlight that old, antique-ish feeling with a bit of a modern flair. We’re focused on the vibe inside the cabin and the views of the river. It’s about getting people on the boat and providing a cool experience.”

Favorites Fall Foodie

APPLE

all offers all manner of idyllic outdoor experiences.

Apple orchards, pumpkin patches, long walks through nature.

Folks need fuel for these adventures, of course, so what a wonderful thing that seasonal food and drink options abound. Once reflecting on the splendor of fall fare, Jenna Spychal, co-owner of Jonamac Orchard in Malta, said: “It has a certain level of scarcity that makes it special that you can only get it certain times of the year.”

Here, Neighborhood Tourist offers a glance at where to find your fall food favorites this autumn. We wish you happy hunting – and munching.

By Kevin Druley

CIDER DONUTS, CARAMEL APPLES, ETC.

“Most apple orchards have an apple donut, but all of us have a different recipe that we use, which are all top secret,” Spychal said. To walk around the store areas or gift shops of the following places is to salivate at the sight of these famous fall delicacies. But wait, there’s almost always more, including caramel apples, fudge, pies, pastries, jams and spreads. If you’re not careful, you can spend almost as much time indoors as out.

Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm

13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen

www.pumpkinfarm.com (708) 301-3276

*Note: Bengston’s is now a cashless operation.

Boggio’s Orchard & Produce 12087 IL Highway 71, Granville (815) 339-2245

www.boggiosorchardandproduce.com

Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center 40 West Higgins Road South Barrington (847) 428-6727

www.goebbertspumpkinfarm.com

Jonamac Orchard

19412 Shabbona Road, Malta (815) 825-2158

www.jonamacorchard.com

Kuipers Family Farm

1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park (815) 827-5200

www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com

Prairie Sky Orchard 4914 North Union Road, Union (815) 923-4834

facebook.com/prairieskyorchard

Sonny Acres Farm 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago (630) 231-3859

www.sonnyacres.com

Stade’s Farm & Market

3709 Miller Road, McHenry (815) 675-6396

www.stadesfarmandmarket.com

Windy Acres Farm

37W446 Fabyan Parkway, Geneva (630) 232-6429

www.windyacresfarmstand.com

Photos courtesy of Jonamac orcharD, KuiPers family farm anD sonny acres farm

Favorites

PUMPKIN SPICE

Imagine if the first two initials in the Hilary Swank movie “P.S. I Love You” stood for “pumpkin spice.”

Many agree with that sentiment this time of year, and these establishments have been known to serve seasonal desserts or drinks incorporating the flavor. Contact them or check out social media for updates.

The Graceful Ordinary

3 E. Main St., St. Charles (331) 235-5803

www.thegracefulordinary.com

The Ice Cream Place

1439 Cannonball Trail, Yorkville (630) 882-9254

www.theicecreamplace.net

OpenDoor Coffee

502 W. Main St., Genoa (779) 771-3503

www.opendoorgenoa.com

Niche Restaurant

14 S. 3rd St., Geneva (630) 262-1000

www.nichegeneva.com

ADDED SPICE

You can’t spell “Let’s take a car ride to a pumpkin patch” without C-O-C-K-T-A-I-L-S, for what it’s worth.

If fall flavor with an added kick is calling your name, try these spots on for size.

The Filling Station Pub & Grill

300 W. Main St., St. Charles (630) 584-4414

www.fillingstationstc.com

Jonamac Orchard (cider house) 19412 Shabbona Road, Malta (815) 825-2158

www.jonamacorchard.com

Obscurity Brewing & Craft Mead 113 W. N St., Elburn (630) 320-2255

www.drinkobscurity.com

Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets 22221 North Pepper Road, Lake Barrington (847) 381-7308

www.onionbrewery.com

THE ABBEY RESORT & AVANI SPA

269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana, WI 262-275-9000

www.theabbeyresort.com

Riches

from the Earth

Chef Luis Quezada is sourcing the bountiful fields of Wisconsin and Chicagoland to create his menu at the Abbey Resort & Avani Spa

By Jamie Baker • Photos courtesy of Abbey Resort & Avani Spa

The best flavors in the world start right in our own backyard. No matter where you are, there is something, some unique ingredient to learn and bring to its fullest potential on the plate.

Chef Luis Quezada is an expert at learning his ingredients before creating a menu that is not only a celebration of his region but is full-bodied and completely satisfying as well. The experience and talent he brings to the 240 West restaurant and Waterfront Café is rare.

“I started my career in Las Vegas, Nevada and I went to culinary school there as well,” says Quezada. “I did my internship with the Bellagio before opening in 1999. When I graduated, I was offered a job as a Chef de Cuisine in Vegas. Then I ended up accepting an Executive Chef position at Ceasar’s Palace for about five years before leaving Vegas [in 2011] because I thought it was time for me to grow into something else.”

Chef relocated to New Mexico to work as Executive Chef at the Hilton in Sante Fe four years. He left New Mexico for Austin, Texas to open a Sheraton Hotel and stayed for the next two years before moving on to Kalahari Resort in the Poconos for nearly three years. “Some of my Marriot friends called me to join them in the Rockies in Denver, Colorado,” he says. “And from there, I spent time with my dad as he was treated and recovered from cancer before I ended up coming this way to the resort.”

Each place and each experience introduced different styles to Quezada, creating a well-rounded education, something he had already as he grew up with a father who was also a Chef. “My dad was a chef at a Ritz Carlton for several years and he traveled a lot, so when it came time for me to decide what I really wanted to do with my life, I had a conversation with my mom and asked her if she thought I could do what dad had done his entire life,” says Quezada. “She said ‘I don’t think you’ll be able to do it, it requires a lot of discipline and travel.’ Just because mom thought it was something I wasn’t going to be able to accomplish, I think that actually made a goal out of it for me to prove mom wrong.”

When Quezada travels, he seeks to find the root of different styles of cuisine, trying to understand why certain regions and cultures eat the way they do. “When I traveled, I always made it a point to really learn what the reason is that they use the ingredients they do in different areas,” says Quezada. “I always made it a point to have

conversations with the chefs and the cooks, I always wanted to learn why and how they eat. People are very passionate about their culture and their food, and they always want to explain the reason why they eat the way they eat.”

At the Abbey Resort & Avani Spa, Chef Quezada is dedicated to utilizing his region’s most prized and plentiful ingredients to round out a delicious menu. “When I came here, I realized we kind of cater to the people of Chicago and Chicagoland,” says Quezada. “I started doing some research and I found out there were so many farms around here and we get some romaine lettuce, mushrooms, lamb from local farms. The region is so rich that there’s no need to do so much research that you can just call the farm and ask.”

And, of course, Quezada has made it a point to start using the world-

famous Wisconsin cheese in his dishes. He estimates about 60% of the kitchen’s ingredients are sourced within the state of Wisconsin and the Chicagoland area.

“What we are trying to do here is allow the ingredients to speak for themselves, we get heirloom carrots from Wisconsin and they’re so rich and sweet and colorful that we use it as a side dish,” says Quezada. “We make our own pasta and get the flour from Wisconsin, and we make our own ricotta cheese. I also decided we needed to showcase some of the soy and some of the corn, there’s so much corn around here, it’s crazy.”

It is more than worth the trip up to the The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa for relaxation and the opportunity to taste the delectable menu Chef Quezada has brought to southern Wisconsin using simple riches from the earth.

ROCK FALLS LUMBERJACK SHOW

October 7, 2023 • Showtimes: 11am, 1 pm & 3pm Lumberjack Show, Beard Contest 2pm, Escape Room from Mobile Adventures,

Celebrate this historical Peru vineyard

In the B

ordered by towering trees, a hillside sits beneath a setting sun. The day’s final rays warm the grapes that grow plumper while they lie among the verdant vines. It’s a land that has been cared for and cultivated for more than a century. It’s the land of the Engelhaupt family.

The grapes, of which there are several different varieties, feature in the libations of August Hill Winery. Established in 2002 by Mark and Teri Engelhaupt, the winery and vineyard are located in Peru with a tasting room in nearby Utica. Its moniker stems from Mark Engelhaupt’s grandfather, August.

August Hill provides wine drinkers with a considerable selection, from whites and reds to rosés and dessert wines.

White wines include the semi-dry Vignoles, the sweet and aromatic Niagara and Sweet William, a wine similar to Riesling. Patrons can also select reds like the medium-bodied Chambourcin,

Ginocchio with notes of licorice and fig, or the black currant-forward Triplicity.

“Our top seller is the table red, Berlyn,” said Susanne Bullock, marketing manager for August Hill Winery and a member of the Engelhaupt family. “Another favorite is Auggie’s Blackberry.”

The port-style wine is especially good as a topping for ice cream, she added.

August Hill also features Moscato as well as specialty semi-sweet wine Indigo, which carries flavors of tropical fruit and cotton candy and shimmers in a wash of aquamarine blue. Their Caramel Apple wine is especially popular in autumn. The winery also carries a line of bubbling wine, with its newest releases—Bubbly Rosé, Mimosa, and a sweet blush dubbed Mardi Gras— available in cans.

August Hill’s tasting room offers customers the chance to sample various wines with the purchase of a flight. Also on offer are small bites,

including an array of luscious cheeses. The bread plate bears half a loaf of Italian bread, its thick crust perfectly suited to a side of homemade basil pesto or dipping oil, and those with a sweet tooth are hard-pressed to pass up chocolates in such sumptuous flavors as dark chocolate espresso and milk chocolate salted caramel whiskey.

But it’s the wine that keeps people coming back, and sparkling wines have become something of a specialty for the Engelhaupts. It was a trip to the Champagne region of France that inspired the pair to found their second business, Illinois Sparkling Company, in 2011.

“One of the things that’s hard about growing in Illinois is the higher acidity of the grapes, but this acidity makes it perfect for sparkling wines,” Bullock said.

The company, ISC for short, makes a number of wines, including the sparkling rosé known as Brut Rosé De Saignée and the golden-colored Sec with notes of honey and citrus. Customers can also

By

August Hills

partake in Ensemble, which features citrus notes as well as the more surprising flavors of butterscotch and lime. Ensemble is a collaboration between ISC and Pops for Champagne in Chicago. ISC wines are available at August Hill’s tasting room.

Bullock notes that ISC wines are made using traditional and ancestral methods, with each bottle meticulously cared for by hand. Among the techniques employed is riddling, which requires wine bottles be turned “neck down” and rotated incrementally to loosen sediment, thus allowing it to collect in the neck of the bottle. It is a practice that dates back to the 1800s.

“It’s a very labor-intensive job,” said Bullock, adding that part of the wine’s appeal is that it can be considered more natural than wines that are commercially produced en masse.

Customers can get a real-life glimpse (and taste) of this age-old process when they enter the wine cave located at the Peru vineyard. The cement structure is dressed to play the part with a striking entrance, and,

once inside, patrons discover wine barrel tables and a view of wine-making equipment.

“People really enjoy it,” Bullock said. “There are so many things they don’t realize about the sparkling wine process.”

The 45-minute Cave Tasting Experience includes a tasting of six August Hill and ISC wines as well as a tasting glass to take home. Participants are also encouraged to bring a jacket as the cave is cool all year round.

The vineyard also offers wine drinkers the opportunity to take in the scenic surroundings as well as live music with Wine on the Hill. Both offerings take place weekends May through October. Those who can’t visit the tasting room or vineyard in person are invited to find retailers by using the online wine finder tools located on the August Hill and ISC websites.

To learn more, visit www.augusthillwinery.com and www.iscbubbly.com.

Patti MacMillan • Photos courtesy of August Hill Winery

Dec. 1 & 2, 2023 Holiday House Tour

DECK THE HALLS!

Discover yuletide treasure in Geneva! Visit five spectacular homes all decked out with festive holly and sparkling holiday warmth. Tickets go on sale mid-October. Call 630-232-6060 or stop by visitgenevail.com for tickets, details and a complete schedule. Discover the holiday magic in Geneva!

Where W ne to go for

l AUGUST HILL

106 Mill St., North Utica, IL 61373 | www.augusthillwinery.com

With the Guardian tree looking over their grapes from the top of the hill, rest assured these wines are loved from the moment the vine sprouts, to the first sip across your lips. This is a heritage vineyard with a lot of amazing history – don’t miss this one on your bucket list! Featured in article.

l WATERMAN WINERY

11582 Waterman Road, Waterman | www.watermanwinery.com

With their uniquely flavored wines and handcrafted philosophy, Waterman Winery is a true expert at creating delicious wine. They complete the entire process from maintaining vines to fermenting and bottling onsite. Waterman Winery is also dedicated to recycling unused materials to continue to enrich their wines and their process. They are currently selling red, white and fruit vintages.

l ACQUAVIVA

47W614 Route 38, Maple Park | www.acquavivawinery.com

This 85-acre estate is home to a “full-service winery” with a pizza bistro, marketplace, tasting bar, event space and a production center where you can view the winemaking process. Try out one of their award-winning vintages and scrumptious cuisine. When you visit, take the time to view their display of art from Andrew Zabela and admire the truly gorgeous grounds in Maple Park.

l FOX VALLEY WINERY

59 Main St, Oswego | www.foxvalleywinery.com

At Fox Valley, you’ll be able to experience a full range of wines, including dry, sweet, red and white. This winery has won several awards for their labels and hosts a variety of events including live music. This is a well-known and well-loved winery right here in Fox Valley.

l LYNFRED WINERY

15 S. Roselle Road, Roselle | www.lynfredwinery.com

Here you’ll have the opportunity to sip flights or savor by the glass as well as participate in tastings. Lyndred’s enjoys producing the most flavorful wines possible from the best fruit found throughout some of the finest regions for producing grapes.

l GENEVA WINERY

426 S. Third St., Suite 1A, Geneva | www.genevawine.com

Here, you’ll find something for everyone and every taste with white, dessert and red varieties available. Geneva Winery gravitates toward “internationally inspired” vintages and welcomes visitors to indulge and taste their comprehensive collection.

l PRAIRIE STATE WINERY

222 W. Main St., Genoa | www.prairiestatewinery.com

This award-winning winery focuses on giving their visitors a full-bodied experience with their outgoing staff and exclusive wine tastings. Prairie State sources their grapes directly from Illinois, so you know you are getting the best of home, straight from the glass.

l SABLE CREEK WINERY

14912 Eastern Ave. #103, Plainfield | www.sablecreekwinery.com

With grapes sourced from the best of the best in the country, Sable Creek Winery has exclusively flavorful wines for any palate to enjoy. You can even take home a wine slushy kit with your choice of mix and wine. For the more adventurous, there are plenty of events on the table as well.

ALL Ages

Experience Farm Life

Home School Day

Wednesday • September 6 9am-12pm

Participate in traditional chores such as making animal feed, sweeping, laundry and more. Meet the animal residents and make your own jump rope, too. Advance registration required. One free adult per family.

Ages 5+ $8/person

An Apple Afternoon

Saturday • September 23 12:30-2:30pm

Bring your family out for a custom afternoon of apple picking, historic baking, and tractor drawn wagon ride around our fields and orchard. Advance registration required.

Ages 5+ RES $12 • NR $15/person

Barn Dance

Saturday • September 16 5-9pm

Enjoy music, swing dancing, a bonfire and an amazing sunset. Ticket includes admission & a 30-minute beginner swing dance lesson.

All Ages

Adv. Tickets (by Sep 15): $13/person

Tickets at the door: $15/person

Autumn Hayrides

Fridays & Saturdays

September 29-October 21 5:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm Cruise around the fields on a 30-minute tractor-drawn wagon ride. Then make s’mores over an open fire.

All Ages

Individual Ticket: $15/person

Group Rates Available

Fall Fun on the Farm Animal Adventures

DECK the HALLS

A stress-free guide to keeping up with holiday decorating

By Vicki Martinka Petersen

Once the kids are back to school and before you know it, it’s time to add fake cobwebs around the house for Halloween, set out a cornucopia on the coffee table for Thanksgiving, and transform the house and yard into a winter wonderland for Christmas. While it’s fun putting up seasonal décor, it doesn’t have to necessarily be stressful decorating in back-to-back months.

“Each holiday deserves its time to be celebrated. Rushing decorating for the next holiday before we observe the first can only cause anxiety,” says Bridget Johnson, owner of Red Hive Market in Batavia.

When her now adult children were younger, Johnson dedicated a few shelves in the family room for Halloween vignettes like little potion bottles. The décor in the rest of her house focused on fall colors and decorations.

“I’d still have up brown and orange for fall decorating, but the kids got to enjoy some decorations for Halloween,” Johnson says.

When jumping into the fall decorating season, Johnson says the outdoors can be a great place to “shop.” A cool branch can be used as a building block for a table centerpiece or a mantel. Or gather up pinecones or gourds to put in a beautiful bowl.

Wreaths are easy to change up for all seasons. For the fall, Johnson suggests adding faux pumpkins and leaves to a wreath. Another classic fall decoration is placing a stack of uniquely colored pumpkins outside the front door.

“It’s not just about decorating the inside of your home but building anticipation on the outside to give a hint of what they’ll find inside,” Johnson says. Other ways to add fall touches to your

home include buying a simple blanket or getting orange, yellow and browns glassware for a nice table setting.

“With fall, you want to create a feeling of coziness when guests come visit,” Johnson says.

When it’s time to pack away the fall décor, winter-themed decorations like frosted pine cones and wooden snowflakes can last you from December through January/ February.

“Even after you put away the Christmas tree, we’ve still got wintery weather for months so you can still keep up snowflake and icicle decorations,” Johnson says. Inflatables are a popular choice for outdoor decorating in December. Johnson’s husband would assemble those during a nice weekend in fall but wait until after Thanksgiving to inflate.

“It really helped my husband a lot to put up the decorations on what might be the last nice weekend in November,” Johnson adds.

If you’re blessed with an abundance of holidays decorations, Johnson suggests freshening up your holiday décor by investing in an heirloom quality piece like a platter you can incorporate into the treasures you already own.

“Recently I sold a vintage papier-mâché turkey. It added something the customer didn’t already have with the pieces she already owned,” Johnson says.

Another idea to freshen up your holiday décor: find three unique items at a small business that you can use to build on your existing pieces. If you’ve accumulated too many holiday decorations, consider passing along things you own to friends and family for their holiday decorating.

“At the end of the day, it’s about who we’re with and not what we have up for decorations that counts,” Johnson says.

Private, Recreational Camp Resort pools & beach, lakes, trails, recreation programs

So Much to See. So Much to Do.

Hiking Trails. Woodlands. Nature. Lakes. WiFi. Pools. Crafts. Movies. Fitness Center. Prairie. Deer. Pavilions. Arcade. Mini Golf. Day Camp. Tennis. Basketball. Live Music. Theme Activities. Fireworks. Painting Parties. Open Markets. Social Events. Volleyball. Shuffleboard. Teen Dances. Car Show. Paddleboats. Sledding. Farmers Markets. Night Hikes. Campfires. Fishing. Tournaments. Pickleball. Acoustic Nights. Wine & Cheese Social. Road Rally. Golf Outing. 5K/3K. Haunted House. Canoeing. Anything That Floats. Horseshoes. Petting Zoo. Wagon Rides. Aqua Zumba. Playgrounds. Karaoke. Family Fun Night. Coffee Hour. Clubs. DJs. Scavenger Hunts. Kayaking. Tug of War. Food Fairs. Picnics.

| Photos courtesy of Red Hive Market and Getty Images

BOOK recommendations

Fall is the perfect time to

book. James Josef at The Book Shop Batavia recommends five titles for readers of various ages to add to their autumn reading list.

n “A Manual For Cleaning Women” by Lucia Berlin is a collection of short stories that are beautiful in their everyday ambience. I recommend it to everyone, especially writers.

n “Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too” is a book I bought for my daughter, and within mere days she’d read it several times. It’s wonderful in its honesty and vulnerability. Children and parents should share in reading this book.

n “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers is a classic that more people should read. It tells the story of a group of people with one friend in common: a kind, deaf mute. The perspectives change from character to character as they tell their individual stories of loneliness.

n “The Constitution of Knowledge” by Jonathan Rauch is timely and needed. It explains how we come to knowledge. Rauch intelligently tackles how we should handle disinformation and conspiracy theories. I also recommend his earlier work, “Kindly Inquisitors.”

n “Of Boys and Men” by Richard Reeves is a heartfelt and intelligent dive into the problems facing young and adult men. Reeves artfully lays out with statistics what the problems are and how we may help in an age of loneliness and disconnection. I highly recommend this book for teachers, coaches and especially parents of young men.

cozy up with a good

HOCUS POCUS a bunch of

CATCH A GLIMPSE OF DANCING WITCHES WHEN THEY SWOOP IN FOR OCTOBER PERFORMANCES

By Julie Barichello Photos by Tom Sistak, Becky Kramer and Scott Anderson

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES.

Wicked awesome, that is.

The seasonal dance troupe known as the Hocus Pocus Hags spellbinds audiences each October with free performances around La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. Like a specter, they appear at the start of Halloween time and draw crowds across Starved Rock Country. Then, when the spooky season fades, they vanish for another year.

The Hocus Pocus Hags are a volunteer group of dancers who craft elaborate witch costumes and perform a series of Germaninspired dances. Three of the founding witches – Denise Jeppson, Mary Nielsen and Jackie Curran – launched the group in Jeppson’s garage in Granville, a village in Putnam County.

The idea started brewing when Curran shared a video of the German dance troupe Wolfshäger Hexenbrut (English translation: the Wolf Hunter’s Coven) performing their now-viral witch dance for the central European holiday Walpurgis. Jeppson saw Curran’s post on Facebook.

“Denise [Jeppson] said, ‘Wouldn’t you love to do this?’” Curran recalled. “I said, ‘Yes, I’ve been wanting to do this!’”

So they donned their pointy hats, grabbed their brooms and took flight with the idea.

Nielsen, owner and instructor at Illinois Valley Jazzercise, stepped into the role of dance teacher for the troupe. Thirteen witches twirled their brooms and stomped their boots at a single performance during their inaugural year in 2017.

“The next year we had 16 witches,” Nielsen said. The group performed two dances

in 2018. “The following year is when it exploded.”

By 2021, about 40 witches (and the occasional warlock) ranging in age from teens to seniors in their 70s were dancing with the Hags.

Their calendar is busy these days, with more than 20 performances crammed into a 31day month. The troupe is in high demand and has developed a following throughout the region, especially among children and spectators ages 50 and older.

This year will mark their seventh season of performing at fall festivals, events and parades in Starved Rock Country. Most of the Hocus Pocus Hags’ appearances are clustered around weekends, generally landing on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On a given weekend, there are multiple chances to behold the witches – they usually schedule

several performances on Saturdays at various events and locations across the region.

Shows include three German witch dances plus a children’s dance. The Hags also might dance to a popular American billboard song. Performances typically last about 20 minutes and involve audience interaction.

“When we do the kid dance at the end, we usually ask the kids to join us,” Jeppson said. “That’s why we started. It was for the kids.”

The Hocus Pocus Hags aim to keep their repertoire fresh each season by incorporating popular dance trends and songs. TikTok dance trends are a source of inspiration, especially since younger spectators can recognize the material and participate.

One TikTok trend the Hags have considered is the Wednesday

Addams dance, inspired by actress Jenna Ortega’s idiosyncratic, armflailing choreography on the Netflix series “Wednesday” and further popularized by Lady Gaga on TikTok.

One of the crowd’s favorite aspects about the Hags is glimpsing the variety of elaborate costumes. Hats, dresses of layered fabric, full face paint, prosthetic noses and horns, wigs and embellished besoms (a type of broom made with a bundle of twigs tied to a stick handle) are among the regular adornments.

One troupe member has worn a full Krampus costume at previous events.

“Some of us get very extravagant with makeup,” Nielsen said. “It’s like being in a theater. We have witch doctors. We have voodoo witches. Everybody chooses something different.”

Before and after performances, it’s

not unusual for crowd members to request photo opportunities.

“They ask, ‘Can I get my picture taken with you?’ You feel like a celebrity in your costume,” Nielsen said.

The Hocus Pocus Hags perform exclusively around Halloween, with one out-of-season exception for the Frightful Friday theme night each summer at Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp baseball. Fans who want to witness their witchy ways can follow

The Hocus Pocus Hags on Facebook for the most up-to-date information about their schedule.

When attending a performance, the crowd is encouraged to react and interact.

“It’s nice to watch the crowd,” Nielsen said. “We feed off them. The more excited they are, the more excited we are.”

SEE THE WITCHES

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

• 5 p.m. parade in Princeton

• 6:30 p.m. Fright Night at the Bureau County Fairgrounds

THURSDAY, OCT. 19

• 6 p.m. Utica Witches Walk

SATURDAY, OCT. 28

• 10 a.m. Halloween parade in La Salle

• 1 p.m. Peru Halloween at Washington Park in Peru

*Times are approximate. Follow the Hocus Pocus Hags on Facebook for updates about locations and times. More performances will be announced in September and October.

Morris is known for lively events and festivals, boutiques and specialty shops, great eateries, and yearround recreation. Nestled an hour southwest of Chicago along the Illinois River and I & M Canal, Morris is where you can connect to nature, recharge Downtown, and make memories for a lifetime.

www.morrisil.org

You’re invited to Oktoberfest at Starved Rock Lodge

Imagine steaming dishes filled with sauerbratin, weinerschnitzel, bratwurst and sauerkraut.

Starved Rock Lodge is now accepting reservations for its Oktoberfest celebrations. The menu has been created by chefs, the ceramic steins have arrived, the German band is booked and the lodge is ready to welcome you to this annual, funfilled event in the historic Great Hall and Starved Rock Room.

German comfort food is included in the Oktoberfest buffet, which features everything from kasespatzle to gurkensalat. For dessert, enjoy Black Forest cake and apple strudel along with mohnkuchen (German poppyseed cake). Complete your experience with a pilsner, lager or stout. If you are more of a wine lover, then try a riesling or Gewurstraminer.

The first of three Oktoberfest events will be a dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. German music will fill the air and German beer and wine will be served. Matinees will take place on Monday, Oct. 16 and Tuesday, Oct. 17. Fall colors will be the backdrop outside the windows as diners relax in the Great Hall while enjoying music by the Duseldorfers band. If you have the strength, sign up for the Stein Hoisting contest.

Tickets for Oktoberfest are $60 and include the delicious buffet, a souvenir stein and tasting tickets (must be age 21 years or older) for beer or wine and musical entertainment. Tickets for the buffet only are $45 per person.

If you’d like to enhance your autumn adventure, consider adding a river cruise or guided hike during the most colorful month of the year.

n Autumn on the River Cruises run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $58 per person. This tour begins with lunch at 11 a.m. in the historic dining room at the lodge, followed by a narrated trolley tour explaining the history and legends of the area. The trolley will then take you to “The Eagle I” riverboat where you will see the beautiful fall foliage of the Starved Rock State Park area by water. There are restrooms available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved.

n Historic Trolley Tours run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in October from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as on Sundays at with departures at noon and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $13 for children 10 years and younger and free for children 3 years and younger. On this tour, you’ll learn about the National Historic Landmark known as Starved Rock State Park and Lodge. Travel to the lock and dam, the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and through historic downtown Utica. You’ll also get to tour the Starved Rock Visitor center.

n Fall Colors Trolley Tours run on Saturdays and Tuesdays in October. Tickets are $38 per person. This tour includes a trolley ride with lunch in the lodge restaurant (special menu) followed by a guided hike (about 45 minutes) to Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon. Lunch will be before or after the tour, depending on the tour’s departure time.

n Take a Hike & a Lunch Guided Hikes run every Saturday and Sunday through November. Depart at 10 a.m. and return at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. Explore Starved Rock and discover canyons, bluffs and seasonal waterfalls on this 3-mile round trip guided hike. Listen as

the guide tells stories of how Starved Rock got its name along with other legends of the area. Break for lunch at the halfway point. The hike will vary upon group skill and trail conditions. A boxed lunch and souvenir drawstring backpack are included.

n Visit a Canyon & a Boat Ride is October’s premier tour, departing every Sunday at 11 a.m. Board a trolley with a guide and head to the entrance of one of Starved Rock’s scenic canyons. The walk is less than a mile and takes about 45 minutes. After the hike, relax with a boat ride on the picturesque Illinois River. A snack, bottle of water and souvenir drawstring backpack are included. Tickets are $53 for adults and $48 for children (10 years and younger).

n Waterfowl Cruises depart at 1 p.m. every Sunday in October. Tickets are $35 per person. Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall of the lodge. The trolley takes passengers to Lone Point Shelter to enjoy an hour-long boat ride on The Eagle I and see the waterfowl of the Illinois River. The trolley will return passengers to the lodge.

n TO MAKE ADVANCED RESERVATIONS for special events and tours, call the Activities Department at 815-220-7386 or get tickets online at www.starvedrocklodge.com.

Rent our Beautiful Courtyard for any Occasion!

HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN FIND THESE 6 VINTAGE SHOPS:

¢ BELL JAR VINTAGE 313 W. State St., Geneva 847-514-3350

Facebook: Bell Jar Vintage Shop

Housed in a Charming 8000 Sq. Ft. 100 Year Old Barn Multi Dealer Market

Wed & Fri 10-5, Thur 12-7, Sat 9-4, Sun 9-3, Closed Mon & Tues

Shoppers will delight in our area’s widest selection of barnwood furniture, vintage, primitive & modern boutique rolled into one. Farmhouse furniture and decor, boutique style clothing, jewelry, man-cave, boho, MCM, antiques, gourmet goods and gifts.

475 W. Army Trail Rd • Bartlet IL 60103 630-326-8858 • info@prestigecreativemarkets.com

SADIE’S ON MAIN

¢ PIXIES ON MAIN 227 S. 3rd St., Ste. 101, Geneva 630-457-5587

Facebook: Pixies on Main

¢ PRESTIGE CREATIVE MARKETS 475 W. Army Trail Rd., Bartlett 630-326-8858

www.prestigecreativemarkets.com

¢ RED HIVE MARKET 6 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9016

Facebook: Red Hive Market

¢ SADIE'S ON MAIN 303 N. Main St., Elburn 630-849-8641

www.sadiesonmain.com

303 N. MAIN ST., ELBURN 630.849.8641

HOURS: SUN: 11 - 3

WED - SAT: 10 -5

SM-CL2100193D

¢ TREND + RELIC 1501 Indiana Ave., St. Charles 630-803-5253

www.trendandrelic.com

It’s Hunger Action Month.

It’s time to come together to end hunger.

At Northern Illinois Food Bank, we believe action matters most. Because everyone can make a stand and take action. Together we can ensure all our neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive.

Join us this September and take action.

To get groceries, become a volunteer, or to donate go to SolveHungerToday.org/Action