Author: Fox Valley Magazine

There’s still time to enjoy the fun and splendor of fall at one of the Fox Valley’s glorious farms. Activities from corn mazes to apple picking continue through October. Here are some of our favorites. Abbey FarmsWelcome to your authentic farm adventure! Step away from modern life and make new memories with your friends and family at Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze! Packed with activities, our 40-acre pumpkin farm has everything you need to make your family’s day at the farm special. From our friendly petting zoo on the weekends to the ability to experience Mother Nature at your own pace…

Vargo’s Dance in Geneva will host its 7th year of Thriller on 38 on Friday, October 11. This is an all-ages, all-free Halloween event perfect for families. Watch dancers from the community perform Michael Jackson’s Thriller live, on-stage at  205 West State Street in Geneva (just behind Vargo’s Dance).   Enjoy food trucks, entertainers and Live DJ from 7-9pm. There will be two performances, one at 7:30pm and another at 8pm.

Batavia Mainstreet is bringing back its annual Halloween-themed family event, BatFest, in downtown Batavia on Saturday, October 26 from 10:00am-2:00pm. Activities at BatFest will include: To see a full list of events and activities, visit downtownbatavia.com.

Kanecountyconnects.com This is no typical graduation ceremony. For six recent graduates, the ceremony marks the completion of a two-year journey through intensive treatment, supervision, and accountability under the auspices of the Kane County Drug Rehabilitation Court (KCDRC). Drug Court provides non-violent offenders with the opportunity to enter a rigorous program monitored by substance abuse professionals, probation officials, and court personnel. The first year requires weekly court appearances and drug tests, with participants needing 12 months of sobriety and either full-time employment or enrollment in school to graduate. The latest graduates, dressed in red gowns, recently celebrated at…

Wine selections available at local wine stores and wineries in the Fox Valley area. Pizzolato, Cabernet SauvignonVeneto I.G.T., Italy – $15.99 No Sulfites Added, Vegan, Organic Wine! The main difference between a wine created with or without sulfites is the special attention that is paid in the vineyard as well as in the cellars to avoiding grape contamination. Sulfur is used in winemaking as the main antiseptic, preventing the grapes and wine from suffering the attacks of bacteria which could negatively affect or damage the wine completely. The wine making process without the use of sulfur means that the hygienic…

The Fox Valley Park District’s 55-year-old living history museum remains a popular destination throughout the year. Open May 1 through mid-August for general admission, camps and field trips, Blackberry features the Early Streets Museum, a collection of Fox Valley historical exhibits, an Adventure Playground and popular attractions, such as a replica steam engine train, carousel, pony rides, hay wagon and paddleboats. With stunning backdrops and photo ops throughout the year, Blackberry also plays host to widely popular seasonal events of Pumpkin Weekends throughout October and Holiday Express Thursdays-Sundays in December. Every fall, just about the time Mother Nature starts to…

Legendary funk band Average White Band will perform at the Arcada Theatre on Sunday, October 6, along with special guests Brass from the Past. The show begins at 5:00pm. AWB are widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Though perhaps best known for their timeless instrumental mega-hit ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ the band’s strength actually lay in their consistently accomplished song-writing. The band took the influences of their R&B heroes – people like Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Donny Hathaway and others – and developed their own ‘authentic’ sound. Notable hits include…

On Saturday, September 21, the Kane County Cougars, fresh off of winning their first American Association Championship, presented the Taco & Tequila Fest at Northerwestern Medcine Field. As the title implies, it was an incredible evening. Here, from our intrepid publisher Kevin Ketchum, are some of the sights of the evening. (Photo credits Kevin Ketchum)

Must try appetizers, entrees, desserts or cocktails available at local Fox Valley restaurants. Che Figata Brick-Roasted ChickenChe Figata’s Brick-Roast Chicken is first cooked through a process called sous vide, which ensures tenderness and juciness, before it is crisped in Che Figata’s woodfire brick oven. It’s served year-round with seasonal sides and pictured here with house-made giardiniera made from local produce, including some from the Chef’s Garden at CityGate Centre, and Jordan potatoes. Che Figata2155 CityGate Lane, Suite 103Naperville, IL 605631-630-579-3210 CityGate Grille Chilean Sea BassCityGate Grille’s Chilean Sea Bass is tenderly grilled with citrus butter and served over garlic scallion…