Winter is here and the days will get longer. That’s hopeful for us in the Midwest. We must stay hopeful when cold, Wintry weather is upon us, but alas Spring and Summer are around the corner.
To keep hopeful, it helps to have a list of local to-do items. Luckily, there are several reasons not to hibernate in the Fox Valley area. I’m sharing my winter to-do list in case it finds any readers with a spark of energy to explore. Everything on my list is nearby, within 30 minutes of Aurora.
Try a baking or cooking class in St. Charles. The Tiny Kitchen, 107 W. Main St., in downtown St. Charles is an adorable bake shop, gathering space, and educational kitchen. They offer a variety of classes that change based on the time of year, so check their Facebook page for current offerings. For some serious cooking and to try making homemade pasta (finally), there’s Fox Den, a cooking school at 131 S. 1st St. in downtown St. Charles.
See more live music. The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, in downtown Aurora, offers an incredible, intimate space for live performance, so it’s a great place to spend a cold Winter’s night. They have shows every weekend in January, including tribute acts and original music. Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos will be there on January 19. Wednesday nights, stop by French 75 for live jazz and cocktails. Red Room on NY is a dimly lit, cozy piano bar beneath Amore Mio, the new Italian restaurant at 33 W. New York Street in downtown Aurora. Visit the downstairs velvet clad lounge for live music Thursday through Sunday, according to their social media. Arcade Theatre, a larger venue in St. Charles, features a variety of concerts, but they host movies, and Tuesday, Jan. 9, “The Cameraman” will be part of their Silent Film Series.
Do more yoga. Recently, Wyckwood House has started to host Sunday Fun Day featuring yoga at 10 a.m. on the third Sunday of the month. The instructor “Yoga Mike” welcomes all abilities. Bring a yoga mat.
Read more books. A great, new bookstore opened in the Fall in downtown Aurora. Owned by avid reader and former teacher, Karen Nicholas, Yellow Bird Books is in the historic Keystone building on Stolp Avenue. All genres of books are nicely displayed and the curated selection is not overwhelming. Nicholas and her staff will recommend books. For used books, visit The Book Shop at 15 N. River Street in downtown Batavia. Owner James Stickling’s quaint bookstore is open only on the weekends. Check the Facebook page for shop hours.
Make time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Sage Healing Collective day spa in St. Charles offers chiropractic care, massage, skin services, and much more. They take a holistic approach to beauty, medicine, and movement. In downtown Aurora, Zen Loft Wellness Center offers yoga, massage, and guitar lessons.
Learn a new skill. For me, it’s tap dancing at Paramount School of the Arts. The performance school on Stolp Avenue offers an expanded calendar with a few adult classes now.
Let me know how your list goes. Tag me on Instagram when you try something.
Here’s a list of upcoming, local events that I’m excited about:
- January 11 Paint and Sip at 7 p.m. at Wyckwood House, Aurora. Tickets available at wyckwoodhouse.com/events.
- January 13 Billy Elton, the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, at The Venue, Aurora. Tickets available at themusicvenue.org.
- January 20 All Black Extravaganza at 5 p.m. at Society 57, Aurora.
- January 21 Sunday Funday Yoga at 10 a.m. at Wyckwood House, Aurora.
Marissa Amoni is the owner of Marissa Bright, a public relations and event management company specializing in shining the light on nonprofits and small businesses. Follow her on Instagram @marissashinesbright.