It’s nice to have a place where everyone knows your name. When I first moved back to Aurora after living in Tucson, Ariz. for a decade, that place for me became River’s Edge Cafe. I would often visit the friendly cafe on Downer Place with my toddler in hand, and it became a place for me to be part of the community.
My children are now teenagers, and I’m often left to my own devices, so visiting local shops has become much more favorable. Shopping solo is the only way to do it, and I love stopping in Warehouse 55, The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, and Wyckwood House, in downtown Aurora. I found a great, welcoming, shop on Third Street in Geneva, so if you are up north, make sure to stop in to Jade.
I must admit that Wyckwood House has the secret sauce since adding a cocktail bar to its larger, renovated, space at 80 S. River Street. It’s a nice place to visit and unwind, and to work remotely, and to just chat it up a bit.
Alysia Shahady, the Aurora location manager, is always welcoming and doesn’t mind my window shopping; she’s always excited to show me their new collections of the season. I’ve known Rosa Gloria, the cocktail manager, for years because she’s a family friend, and her older sister used to babysit my children. Gloria, trained by her father, Bret, is a pro at crafting specialty cocktails.
Gloria recently unveiled a fall cocktail menu, and we got a sneak peek at Boss Babes this month. We were all raving about the tasty drinks. They offer mocktails, too.
This Fall, The Cocktail Bar at Wyckwood House will offer daily specials. Start the week Tuesday with $10 margaritas, enjoy $8 glasses of wine Wednesday, $10 cocktails Thursday, $6 cans Friday, and $10 mimosas ($20 bottomless) on the weekend.
If you’re not a solo shopper or socializer like I am, then you’re welcome to be my guest at Boss Babes from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at Wyckwood House.
Or, join me at Witches Night Out on Saturday, Oct. 28 with Crystal Ship Jewelry, tarot card reading from Hoof and Horn, cupcakes by Gina, and more. Wear your pointiest hat.
I love Fall events, and I’m thankful to another welcoming person, Nina Arme Rosa, who is a boss babe that I recently met through Shannon Gutierrez, owner of Wyckwood House. Arme Rosa recently was host to the All White Event at Loft 28, which was sponsored by Wyckwood House. It was a Sunday day party for the ages.
I’m excited to be involved in organizing two upcoming fundraisers this Fall. An ‘80s gala at The Venue will benefit The Neighbor Project and will be a fun and colorful evening of nostalgia. Fill the Bowls will benefit Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry and will feature several local restaurants.
Happy Fall, and cheers to friendly faces, a welcoming community, and a full, Fall calendar.
Here’s a list of upcoming, local events that offers excitement:
- October 6 First Fridays throughout downtown Aurora.
- October 15 Sugar Skull City begins in downtown Aurora.
- October 21 The Neighbor Project Gala from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Venue, Aurora.
- October 28 Witches Night Out from 5 .m. to 8 p.m. at Wyckwood House, Aurora.
- November 11 Art and Market Aurora from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Society 57, Aurora.
- November 22 Fill the Bowls from noon to 3 p.m. at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 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.