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.
