It might not seem that French toast, flower bouquets, and antique settees could bring hope to downtown in Aurora, but these are not usual times. In these very unusual times, those three things are refreshing and much needed. Let’s start with French toast. Once upon a time, I would chat...
Shops in downtown Aurora are reopened, so it’s time to grab a face mask and spend an afternoon visiting these one-of-a-kind gems. Walk inside Branch Gardens, 77 S. Lake Street, and it’s a paradise of overflowing greenery that will delight the senses or perk up any staycation. Owners Kori and...
In the past few weeks, the Aurora community has once again come together, and Aurora Strong has become a meaningful and appropriate tagline for our city. Downtown business owners have bonded because they swept up glass and boarded up windows in unison. They struggled through the COVID-19 shutdown, and then...
As Aurora and the entire state prepare to move into Phase 3 under the Restore Illinois framework, several businesses will start to reopen in downtown. Salons are starting to accept appointments again, and outdoor dining at restaurants will begin. Retail shops will reopen with social distancing, with no more than...
Shortly after the mid-March COVID-19 shutdown and stay-at-home orders, my friend reminded me of what Mister Rogers’ mother said to him during scary times, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” The friend is Sheli Massie, executive director of The Goldfinch Cafe, a pay-what-you-can restaurant...
March 15 all bars and restaurants in the State were ordered to close the following day with the exception of carry-out and delivery. That same week was filled with lines of cars outside of downtown restaurants waiting for carry-out orders, and hefty tips for restaurant staff members. March 21 a...
Woman Up! is the theme for First Fridays, Friday, March 6 in downtown Aurora. The Aurora Downtown event will celebrate Women’s History Month, along with the 100th anniversary of the woman’s suffrage movement. As part of the upcoming celebration of women, Aurora Downtown invited women to be part of a...
First Fridays in Aurora gets ready to celebrate its eighth year and it’s exhilarating to see how much downtown Aurora has grown. I recently sat down at the Stolp Island Social bar with management team Fred Gore and Tara Ramos to chat about their upcoming involvement with the popular monthly...
We had quite a booming year in downtown Aurora this year. We saw tremendous growth when our downtown continued its ascension. Looking back on the year, highlights are numerous, but none so many as the 16 grand openings within downtown Aurora. In April, Aurora resident Teresa Fiehn Millies opened Arcana,...
Vintage markets are popping up in downtown Aurora. In September, three shops featuring multiple artisan vendors opened to join the already popular Wyckwood House and Branch Gardens. The three shops are The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, L & L Vintage, and Warehouse 55. The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, 8 N....
