Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Nestled in the heart of Streeterville in downtown Chicago, Hotel EMC2 stands as a beacon of luxury and innovation, where sophistication meets creativity. The boutique property invites guests to explore a unique fusion of art and science, making every stay a memorable experience. Visitors will appreciate a stunning array of commissioned artworks by renowned artists, each piece reflecting the hotel’s commitment to a vibrant artistic vision. This focus on creativity extends to 193 extraordinary guest rooms, which are designed to engage and inspire. Guests can enjoy unique amenities such as the innovative 360º wet lab showers and vintage brass gramophones,…

Kick off your holiday shopping at this three-day market, featuring hand crafted art and goods created by 35+ local artists and makers, brought to you by two local non-profit organizations: Batavia MainStreet and Water Street Studios. This year, the event will span the entire northwest corner of the First Street building, including the Dock (150 First Street), Hearth & Hammer (160 First Street), Kiss the Sky (180 First Street), and Water Street Studios (160 S Water Street). Event Hours are Friday, November 8 from 6-9pm, Saturday, November 9 from 10am- 5pm, and Sunday, November 10 from 10am- 2pm. The event…

Aurora Downtown will be hosting a special Día de los Muertos celebration on Friday, November 1, 2024, as part of its popular First Fridays event series. The event will involve a festive evening that embraces the spirit of Día de los Muertos through cultural activities, traditional food, live music, and vibrant performances, including iconic live Catrinas and beautifully decorated windows, all located in the heart of downtown Aurora. The Día de los Muertos tradition, centered on remembrance and connection, brings families together to honor and celebrate the lives of those who have passed. Its customs transform mourning into a joyful celebration of life,…

Kanecountyconnects.com The identity of a partial skull found behind a wall in a Batavia home in 1978 has finally been confirmed as Esther Granger, a 17-year-old woman who died in 1866 in Merriville, Indiana, likely from childbirth complications.  The remains were first found in November 1978, when a couple remodeling a Wilson Street home uncovered a bone, initially thought to be a lower jaw, inside a wall. Further investigation revealed a partial skull, which was then sent to Northern Illinois University’s Anthropology Department, where it was confirmed to be human. Early testing suggested the woman was in her mid-20s at…

Over 35 participating businesses in Batavia will be open late on Thursday, November 7th from 5-8pm and have their stores decorated and stocked to get you in the holiday spirit. “This event is the perfect opportunity to start on your shopping or make a note of your favorite items for everyone on your list,” says Batavia MainStreet Assistant Director, Kristen Desler. Live music, complimentary sweet and savory treats, delicious drinks, and make & take gifts are available as you shop from store to store including the Illuminate Space Mobile Candle Bar at the Wilson Street Mercantile, Batavia High School Chamber…

Batavia’s Indoor Market kicks off on Saturday, November 2 from 9:00am until noon at Grainology BrewStillery (131 Flinn Street; Suite C, Batavia) and will continue through mid-May every Saturday. The Indoor Market will feature more than 20 vendors weekly. Local farmers, bakers, and makers will be bringing a wide variety of products including locally grown produce, farm raised meats, eggs, fresh baked goods, hot sauces, gourmet mushrooms, pickles, CBD products for humans and pets, jams and preserves, sourdough bread, potted holiday bulbs, evergreen wreaths and swags, kombucha tea, and more. All vendors must grow, harvest and/or produce at least 75%…

At a press conference held earlier today, the North Aurora Police Department (NAPD) announced the resolution of the 1979 cold case murder of Kathy Halle. After more than four decades, investigators have identified serial killer Bruce Lindahl as the individual responsible for her death, thanks to advanced DNA technology and the persistence of dedicated detectives. On March 29, 1979, Kathy Halle, 19, left her home on Volks Court in North Aurora to pick up her sister at Northgate Shopping Center in Aurora. She never arrived. Weeks later, on April 24, 1979, Halle’s body was discovered in the Fox River. Despite…

Experience thrilling performances, activities, and live music from nationally recognized musicians at Naper Settlement’s Howlin’ at the Moon, a Halloween bash for adults (21+), on October 25-26 from 5-10pm. Guests will feast their fangs into delicious food and drinks at the Food Truck Graveyard and BOOze Bar, as well as experience one-of-a-kind Halloween-themed activities including spine-chilling art displays and photo experiences, fire dance performances, and more. There will also be a costume contest with the chance to win $500.  Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, a four-piece musical powerhouse known for their head-turning high-energy psychedelic funk and rock shows, will headline Friday…

An appellate court has affirmed the sentence of 50 years in prison for Juan Calderon, who was convicted in September 2022 in the gang-related execution of twenty-six-year-old Alexander Nicolas of West Chicago West Chicago man. In his appeal of his conviction for first degree murder, Calderon claimed that his attorney was ineffective for failing to object to accountability jury instructions. Calderon also claimed that the Trial Court erred in admitting statements from his co-defendant and erred in imposing a fifty-year sentence. In its decision, the Appellate Court rejected Calderon’s claims and found that at trial, “all the relevant factors favored…

Work up your nerves and step in to the #1 Scariest Haunted House in Illinois, The Massacre Haunted House. Newly renovated every year and ready to deliver the scares, The Massacre offers over 30,000+ sq. ft. of sheer nightmares for your enjoyment, featuring 3 haunted attractions under 1 roof.  First you will enter The Massacre Haunted House featuring over 40 rooms of various themes to make anyone cringe.  This is followed by the most intense clown themed attraction “Freak Show”.  And if that was not enough, prepare yourself to take the elevator downstairs into the basement and complete your experience…