It can be fun to be a tourist in your own town. With Spring Break coming up, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore Fox Valley towns and enjoy the area as a visitor might. There are so many things to do right in our own backyard. Maybe you didn’t notice it, but I just mentioned two of my favorite things to do: have fun and explore. If you’re up for both, I invite you to read on and check out my suggestions for a staycation in the Aurora area.
•Fox Valley Mall, Pacifica Square and Block 59
These three stops make up the triangle of New York Street at Route 59, and there is a whole day to be spent eating, but here’s what I recommend: Pop into Fox Valley Mall for a ride on the carousel and then go upstairs for Noelli’s Cheesecake. I also like to peek into FYE near the food court for pop culture fun and visit Noriteo, the new Korean convenience store where you can make your own ramen. Pacifica Square is great for lunch or dinner. My family and I like to eat at the kiosks in Park to Shop, but there’s also great sushi (Sushi Plus Rotary Sushi), and lots of other options. Block 59 has some new dining options that are mouth-watering, but I really enjoy the thoughtful design of the corner – it really does make me feel like I’m on vacation in another place. I went ice skating there before Christmas, and it’s just, well, it’s fun. We also like to catch a movie at Hollywood Palms and go kind-of-rock-climbing at Funtopia. If you’re interested in hitting the fourth corner, then stop by Disc Replay and search through their large selection of used DVDs and CDs.
•Fox Valley Stages
Dear Evan Hansen just ended at Paramount Theatre, but their Movie Mondays series runs on March 30 with The Blues Brothers and April 6 with Who Framed Roger Rabbit – both start at 7 p.m. and cost only $1. I recently bought tickets to The Bit Theater’s Women’s Series, and I’m looking forward to visiting the intimate theater more often. They have a great setup with two theaters and a bar. Check out their improv shows and more. Friday, April 3, they are hosting Glitz and Glam Revue, a drag show at 8 p.m.. Other theaters to visit include Riverfront Playhouse in Aurora and Moonlight Theatre in St. Charles. For live music, The Venue in Aurora is a welcoming listening room that features a small bar with snacks, and Evenflow is in downtown Geneva with a listening loft and food.
•Destination Shops
Warehouse 55, now in downtown Batavia, is a magical antique and resale space featuring dozens of curated booths that are perfect for an afternoon escape. Superjumbo Records and Offbeat Vintage Collective in downtown Aurora make you feel like you hopped over to Wicker Park in Chicago. Nide Jardin on the River Street gateway in downtown Aurora will transport you to a lush and colorful paradise, then in the next block, pick one of about 85 loose teas to sip at Assamica Teas inside the recently opened SAAGE Culinary Studio. If you vacation like I do, a stop inside an independent bookstore is a must. In Aurora, we’re lucky to have Yellow Bird Books at 34 S. Stolp Ave..
•Dessert worth the drive
On vacation, treating yourself is a must. I enjoy stopping by Duck Donuts for a custom assortment of warm and tasty donuts, and Dear Donuts in St. Charles is one of our favorite places for a sweet treat. In the Fox Valley, we also have the best ice cream places, so if you haven’t visited Oberweis or Banana Split lately, then you’re in for a treat as both are thriving under new ownership. If you want to bicycle off the calories, then ride the trail to downtown Batavia and get a cone at Batavia Creamery.
•Art and history
It’s not a vacation without local culture, and we have the best local art and history in the Fox Valley. Aurora is imbued with beautiful history, and some of that is on display at The DLP Art and History Center in downtown Aurora. Geneva History Museum on Third Street is worth a visit for nicely curated exhibits, currently on display: Through the Eyes of Geneva, a local perspective on 250 of America. The museum is free on Tuesdays. Batavia Depot Museum and St. Charles History Museum are great stops, and a little further north, Elgin History Museum offers special programming, like Abigail Adams, from Colony to Constitution Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m.. I like to visit Peck Farm’s historical house to see taxidermied wildlife and a few living reptiles and amphibians in aquariums. For more art, visit Water Street Studios in Batavia, Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, and The ARC, 121 N. 2nd St. in St. Charles, for Spring: Color, Movement, Growth through April 26.
If those suggestions don’t keep you busy all week, then try to fit in some walks at the many Kane County Forest Preserves. Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is currently showing A Day with the Birds Exhibit through May 17 during Nature Center hours.
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. She coordinates Alley Art Festival and Geneva Arts Fair. Follow her on Instagram @marissashinesbright. Visit a full calendar of art events on alleyartaurora.com/artscene.