Fall colors on the Fox River, fall flavors at local breweries
Whether you’re an early riser or choose to sleep in, wake up with a delicious cup of specialty roasted coffee at cafes like Endiro Coffee, Tredwell Coffee, or Society 57 in downtown Aurora. Do brunch bites your way, with a good old-fashioned homestyle breakfast at Harner’s Restaurant & Bakery, or at SYRUP, an upscale new brunch destination on Aurora’s west side.
Take to the trails with the Fox Valley Bike Share, a reliable network of bike rentals available in downtown Aurora, downtown Oswego, Montgomery, and Batavia, offering some of the best views of fall foliage along the Fox River and excellent opportunities for shopping & dining in these historic towns.
In Oswego, shop contemporary women’s boutiques like Bella-gia Boutique and Melissa Jean Boutique, then browse rare finds at home decor curators Hudson Design House and Stonehouse Market. View a full list of retailers at Go Oswego and the Oswego Downtown Association. Sip award winning Illinois wines at Fox Valley Winery, or sample a flight of outstanding craft beverages at Oswego Brewing Co., located in an historic firehouse in the heart of downtown Oswego. Do lunch at new restaurants 113 Main or La Marimba, and top it off with a signature “cheesecake-in-a-glass” at Steve Buresh’s Cheesecake Store & Sandwich Shop.
Montgomery is home to the new Grays Mill Estate, a luxe event venue and restaurant with an outdoor beer garden where it’s Oktoberfest year round. Across the street, enjoy French inspired croissants, pastries, chocolates, and cheesecakes (with coffee, of course) at Atrevete Confections.
For an added dose of fall foliage, plan to visit Red Oak Nature Center. Fox River Trails wind through this outdoor education center, hugging the eastern banks of the Fox River, with outstanding sunset views that often include bald eagle sightings. Enjoy a dinner of sustainable fare at Hardware, home to BBGB Brewery and its on-site hop farm — try the deconstructed Chicago Hot Dog, a local favorite, or a charcuterie board packed end to end with house-cured meats. Nearby, Brother Chimp Brewing (opened in March 2020) offers expertly crafted traditional styles of lager & ale. Find out more about Aurora Area craft breweries with our self-guided craft beer tour.
