Yes, this weekend is Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end to summer. But have no fear! That does not mean the outdoor fun is over! Quite the contrary, it just means that the festivals are shifting to more of a fall theme...
Here's a small selection of suburban fests. Got more? Post them in the comments or shoot me an e-mail at suburbanawesome [at] gmail.com
Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 5-7)
Buffalo Grove Days
50 Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove
Free
Long Grove Irish Days
Downtown Long Grove
Free
Naperville's Last Fling
Riverwalk, Naperville
Free
Sept. 6-7
Folk Music & Storytelling Festival
Island Park in Geneva
$15 per day for adults, $10 for teens and elders, free for 12 and younger
Sept. 11-13
Festival of the Vine
Downtown Geneva
Free; some samplings cost money
Itasca Oktoberfest
Downtown Itasca
Free
Sept. 13
Scandinavian Day Festival
Vasa Park, Route 31, South Elgin
Traditional food, crafts, games, gifts and entertainment.
$10 adults. Children 12 and younger admitted free. Free parking. Rain or shine.
Sept. 18-19
Naperville Wine Festival
523 S. Webster St., Naperville
$20 in advance, $25 at the door for adults, $10 in advance, $15 at the door Designated Driver; under 21 admitted free when accompanied by an adult
Sept. 25-27
Fall Fest Des Plaines
Lake Park, Des Plaines
Free
Itasca Art & Wine Festival
Downtown Itasca
Free
Oct. 2-4
Long Grove Apple Festival
Downtown Long Grove
Free
Oct. 9-11
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Lincoln Park, Main and Fourth streets, St. Charles
Free
Oct. 16-18
Long Grove OktoberFest
Downtown Long Grove
Free
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Emmett's Ale House, from Cook to Kane County
One thing must be said -- I love, love, love breweries.
That also means I hold them to a higher standard than your average pub or bar.
Luckily, a locally owned option called Emmett's Ale House exists. Also referred to as Emmett's Tavern and Brewing Co. in West Dundee, the ale house has locations in both Downers Grove and Palatine. And soon, they'll be expanding to Oswego in Kendall County.
(Special thanks to That Girl, for letting me know after a recent trip to the Downers Grove spot that there was another one closer to where I live in McHenry County.)
A couple weeks ago, my boyfriend and I met a friend for a few drinks at Emmett's. My friend had raved about Emmett's homemade microbrews, and I was eager to give them a try.
Three beers later, I walked away completely happy and ready to come back again.
I tried the Double Barrel Oatmeal Stout, the 1 a.m. Ale, and the Munich Light. All three were delicious and distinct in flavor, though the best was probably the Double Barrel. It tasted close to a Guinness, but better. The 1 a.m. Ale was probably my second favorite because of its sharp bite. The Munich Light mostly resembled somewhat of a cross between a good light beer and a Belgian lager, like Stella. A refreshing tang coupled with a smooth body.
My boyfriend and friend tried the two remaining beers on their handcrafted list, the McCarthy Red Ale and the Victory Pale Ale. I had a sip of the Victory and it was a little bitter for my taste, and I'm usually not a fan of red beers so I didn't try the other one.
As for the food, we ordered a couple appetizers that were just OK: the potato skins and the nachos without meat. But, my visit wasn't food-oriented, anyway.
In any case, I'm sure I'll be back at one of these locations again, as it's becoming that time of year to bring out the seasonal brews. I look forward to Emmett's new creations.
That also means I hold them to a higher standard than your average pub or bar.
Luckily, a locally owned option called Emmett's Ale House exists. Also referred to as Emmett's Tavern and Brewing Co. in West Dundee, the ale house has locations in both Downers Grove and Palatine. And soon, they'll be expanding to Oswego in Kendall County.
(Special thanks to That Girl, for letting me know after a recent trip to the Downers Grove spot that there was another one closer to where I live in McHenry County.)
A couple weeks ago, my boyfriend and I met a friend for a few drinks at Emmett's. My friend had raved about Emmett's homemade microbrews, and I was eager to give them a try.
Three beers later, I walked away completely happy and ready to come back again.
I tried the Double Barrel Oatmeal Stout, the 1 a.m. Ale, and the Munich Light. All three were delicious and distinct in flavor, though the best was probably the Double Barrel. It tasted close to a Guinness, but better. The 1 a.m. Ale was probably my second favorite because of its sharp bite. The Munich Light mostly resembled somewhat of a cross between a good light beer and a Belgian lager, like Stella. A refreshing tang coupled with a smooth body.
My boyfriend and friend tried the two remaining beers on their handcrafted list, the McCarthy Red Ale and the Victory Pale Ale. I had a sip of the Victory and it was a little bitter for my taste, and I'm usually not a fan of red beers so I didn't try the other one.
As for the food, we ordered a couple appetizers that were just OK: the potato skins and the nachos without meat. But, my visit wasn't food-oriented, anyway.
In any case, I'm sure I'll be back at one of these locations again, as it's becoming that time of year to bring out the seasonal brews. I look forward to Emmett's new creations.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Love your hair - Effigy Salon, Elmhurst
Back in March, I visited Flight 112 Wine Bar in Elmhurst for my birthday.
As I mentioned in that post, the wine bar shares the building with three other businesses. This past Saturday, after giving up on my chain-salon stylist who was good with the hair but wildly inconsistent in her hours, I visited the salon in that building for the first time. Effigy Salon is at 110 W. Park Ave., with the door between Flight 112 and an ice cream shop.
Like I said, I was fed up with the chain I'd been going to, but I didn't want to break the bank -- after all, it's just hair, and mine is fairly short so I need a more frequent cut than some. Effigy's website handily lists the price points for all of their stylists, so you can pick out a range that's comfortable for you. I had gotten one suggestion on Yelp, and asked for her, but when it was discovered that she wasn't available this past weekend, the receptionist offered to find me someone else who cost about the same.
So I ended up in Kourtney's very capable hands. And it was a great salon experience. I was offered a refreshing drink (I went for the lemonade) and waited only a few minutes (and I WAS early...) for Kourtney to come greet me. She led me up to the second floor, a bright and sunny space, and after we went over my hair, she gave me a great wash and cut, all the while chatting pleasantly about life in the suburbs.
I was thrilled with the haircut and the service, and I will absolutely be going back to Effigy. And it's awesome to know that I could get a quick bite or a glass of wine while I'm there, too. :)
As I mentioned in that post, the wine bar shares the building with three other businesses. This past Saturday, after giving up on my chain-salon stylist who was good with the hair but wildly inconsistent in her hours, I visited the salon in that building for the first time. Effigy Salon is at 110 W. Park Ave., with the door between Flight 112 and an ice cream shop.
Like I said, I was fed up with the chain I'd been going to, but I didn't want to break the bank -- after all, it's just hair, and mine is fairly short so I need a more frequent cut than some. Effigy's website handily lists the price points for all of their stylists, so you can pick out a range that's comfortable for you. I had gotten one suggestion on Yelp, and asked for her, but when it was discovered that she wasn't available this past weekend, the receptionist offered to find me someone else who cost about the same.
So I ended up in Kourtney's very capable hands. And it was a great salon experience. I was offered a refreshing drink (I went for the lemonade) and waited only a few minutes (and I WAS early...) for Kourtney to come greet me. She led me up to the second floor, a bright and sunny space, and after we went over my hair, she gave me a great wash and cut, all the while chatting pleasantly about life in the suburbs.
I was thrilled with the haircut and the service, and I will absolutely be going back to Effigy. And it's awesome to know that I could get a quick bite or a glass of wine while I'm there, too. :)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Yep, still alive
Dear blog readers,
Yes, I am alive! As far as I know, so are my co-authors, though I have not heard from them recently.
Work has been busy, family stuff has gotten in the way, and I have been remiss in blogging. Which is a shame, since there is still so much going on in the warm weather!
I would like to highlight an event next weekend: The Wood Dale Prairie Fest. They've rebranded their "Family Fun Days" as a more traditional summer festival. It runs next weekend, Aug. 14-16, at the "town square" area next to the police department and the town pool.
We went to this event last year, and honestly weren't that impressed, but it promises to be bigger and better last year, with a decent array of food vendors, music, fireworks and other entertainment. So if you're looking for a smallish, family-friendly festival, the Prairie Fest should fit the bill.
Yes, I am alive! As far as I know, so are my co-authors, though I have not heard from them recently.
Work has been busy, family stuff has gotten in the way, and I have been remiss in blogging. Which is a shame, since there is still so much going on in the warm weather!
I would like to highlight an event next weekend: The Wood Dale Prairie Fest. They've rebranded their "Family Fun Days" as a more traditional summer festival. It runs next weekend, Aug. 14-16, at the "town square" area next to the police department and the town pool.
We went to this event last year, and honestly weren't that impressed, but it promises to be bigger and better last year, with a decent array of food vendors, music, fireworks and other entertainment. So if you're looking for a smallish, family-friendly festival, the Prairie Fest should fit the bill.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Small pub, great grub -- Stockholm's, Geneva
I'm going to repeat what people in Geneva and the tri-cities already knew, I'm sure: Stockholm's, 306 W. State St., Geneva, is a great little pub.
It's small -- some of those restaurants on State St are bigger than they look, but not Stockholm's, but we found a seat table pretty easily -- good timing. It's got a lot of dark wood and a local bar sort of feel, even though it's actually not that old. And while it looks more like a bar, they have a decent amount of tables and some darn good food, much better than your average bar food.
Shared the Papas Italiano as an appetizer which are totally delicious and seriously fattening, I'm sure -- they are homemade chips with a load of cheese sauce, bacon and scallions. Yum.
I had the buffalo chicken wrap, which was tasty and cheesy and large, though not quite as spicy as I might have liked. The husband had a burger, which he said was quite good and nicely medium. And our friend with us had a Reuben he declared adequate (he is a Reuben connoisseur) and tried the Aiger Ale, which he very much enjoyed.
My husband and I aren't really beer drinkers, though we did both try his, and it was pretty good. So maybe next time I'll have to try the LoRazz.
It being Swedish Days, it was pretty busy; we got good service and a lot of checking in, though it wasn't effusive. We didn't linger because there were people waiting for tables.
But the next time we venture out to Geneva, I'll say we'd definitely hit up Stockholm's again. Good stuff.
It's small -- some of those restaurants on State St are bigger than they look, but not Stockholm's, but we found a seat table pretty easily -- good timing. It's got a lot of dark wood and a local bar sort of feel, even though it's actually not that old. And while it looks more like a bar, they have a decent amount of tables and some darn good food, much better than your average bar food.
Shared the Papas Italiano as an appetizer which are totally delicious and seriously fattening, I'm sure -- they are homemade chips with a load of cheese sauce, bacon and scallions. Yum.
I had the buffalo chicken wrap, which was tasty and cheesy and large, though not quite as spicy as I might have liked. The husband had a burger, which he said was quite good and nicely medium. And our friend with us had a Reuben he declared adequate (he is a Reuben connoisseur) and tried the Aiger Ale, which he very much enjoyed.
My husband and I aren't really beer drinkers, though we did both try his, and it was pretty good. So maybe next time I'll have to try the LoRazz.
It being Swedish Days, it was pretty busy; we got good service and a lot of checking in, though it wasn't effusive. We didn't linger because there were people waiting for tables.
But the next time we venture out to Geneva, I'll say we'd definitely hit up Stockholm's again. Good stuff.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Rockin' the Farmers Markets
It's mid-summer already (how did that happen?!) and so all around the suburbs, farmers markets are in full swing. I love me some good farmers markets. The whole idea delights me -- fresh, local produce that wasn't trucked in from California or Mexico. That recently touched dirt or was on the vine. Sold by people who know what they're talking about. Usually at good prices.
Last year we went a few times up to Mt Prospect's farmers market; it's pretty nice, not huge but with a decent variety and selection. We went a bit later in the season, so I think what we got wasn't quite as peak as it might have been.
This year we were hoping Addison would be up and running again, since that's very close to us, but there are no signs of life there. So we ventured a bit farther west, and ended up at the Wheaton French Market.
It is a delight. Tightly packed into a Metra parking lot are two-plus rows of garden-fresh vegetables, tempting fruits, plus cheeses, fresh-baked breads and pastries, farm-raised meat, gourmet goodies, artsy stuff, clothes, and more.
I noticed that some vendors did take credit cards, but I think it's nice to have cash on hand at places like these, especially smaller bills. Many of the tables offered samples, from bread bites to pickles, and when I was eyeing some cherries I was invited to take a taste.
We ended up with a pint each of blueberries and cherries, plus a package of Wisconsin cheese curds (mmmmm) and big plans to go back on a regular basis.
Wheaton French Market, corner of Main St. & Liberty Drive. Saturdays, 8 am to 2 pm. April to October. Plenty of parking in the area including a garage 2 blocks away. Kettle corn, Thai food, coffee and more offered for eating while browsing.
Last year we went a few times up to Mt Prospect's farmers market; it's pretty nice, not huge but with a decent variety and selection. We went a bit later in the season, so I think what we got wasn't quite as peak as it might have been.
This year we were hoping Addison would be up and running again, since that's very close to us, but there are no signs of life there. So we ventured a bit farther west, and ended up at the Wheaton French Market.
It is a delight. Tightly packed into a Metra parking lot are two-plus rows of garden-fresh vegetables, tempting fruits, plus cheeses, fresh-baked breads and pastries, farm-raised meat, gourmet goodies, artsy stuff, clothes, and more.
I noticed that some vendors did take credit cards, but I think it's nice to have cash on hand at places like these, especially smaller bills. Many of the tables offered samples, from bread bites to pickles, and when I was eyeing some cherries I was invited to take a taste.
We ended up with a pint each of blueberries and cherries, plus a package of Wisconsin cheese curds (mmmmm) and big plans to go back on a regular basis.
Wheaton French Market, corner of Main St. & Liberty Drive. Saturdays, 8 am to 2 pm. April to October. Plenty of parking in the area including a garage 2 blocks away. Kettle corn, Thai food, coffee and more offered for eating while browsing.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Itasca Fest, bigger than you might think
Well, we checked out the Itasca Fest, and I'm pleased to say it's a pretty good-sized festival. Parking was a little difficult to figure out, but there were plenty of spaces; the carnival was a lot bigger than you would expect for such a small town. Tons of rides and games, plus traditional carnival food and offerings from local eateries. It was a lovely day outside, too. The 4-year-old with us had a great time on the multiple kid-friendly rides, and there were fun ones for adults, too.
The NASA exhibit was neat. It was basically just a trailer, but had multiple interactive computer exhibits, trying out dexterity with big gloves on, and a scale to tell you how much you would weigh on the moon, Venus or Mars. Plus a genuine moon rock to stare at for awhile. :)
For good old-fashioned carnival rides, local eats and something to do on a summer day, Itasca Fest fit the bill.
The NASA exhibit was neat. It was basically just a trailer, but had multiple interactive computer exhibits, trying out dexterity with big gloves on, and a scale to tell you how much you would weigh on the moon, Venus or Mars. Plus a genuine moon rock to stare at for awhile. :)
For good old-fashioned carnival rides, local eats and something to do on a summer day, Itasca Fest fit the bill.
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