Ms Jana's Candy
Ms Jana's Candy, an #IllinoisMade destination in Aurora

With so many unique stops you can make in the Aurora Area – don’t you just want to take a piece of it with you? From homemade candy to pottery you can find just about anything to commemorate your time spent in our area. We want to take you through all the fabulous options to get a real grasp of not only Illinois Made items but some worthy contenders.

Discover the perfect memento of your visit to Geneva's iconic 3rd Street shopping district by exploring the city’s vibrant collection of locally-owned boutiques, each offering a unique slice of Geneva's historic charm. At Grow Geneva, you’ll find a lush selection of healthy houseplants, handmade art, and homewares, with friendly staff ready to guide both seasoned and aspiring plant parents. Step into The Little Traveler, a beloved Geneva landmark, where thirty-six themed rooms overflow with treasures from around the world, ensuring there’s something for every taste and occasion. Midwest Nice celebrates the creativity of the region, curating handmade goods, prints, apparel, and gifts from over 100 local artists—each piece a true reflection of Midwest spirit. Urban Artisan showcases artisan-crafted home décor, gifts, and apparel, all thoughtfully curated by Black Angel Designs for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. For those seeking farmhouse-inspired finds, Little Red Barn Door is your destination for beautiful home décor, florals, and accessories that add warmth to any space. Finally, The Gift Box invites you to reconnect with Scandinavian heritage through authentic gifts and imported foods from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland—a true “jewel” of the Fox Valley. Take a piece of Geneva home and let your memories bloom long after your visit.

More Polish Pottery

More Polish Pottery is the leading Midwest retailer for Boleslawiec Polish pottery stoneware. Guests can shop a vast selection of thousands of first…

Would you describe your home décor as eclectic? A collector of all beautiful things? Head over to More Polish Pottery – the hub for Polish pottery shipped from Boleslawiec, Poland brought right here to the Aurora Area. Carefully curated items selected by owner Rebecca Gengler have such a personal touch to them. Want something with a bit of history to it? Look no further than North Aurora. The Vintage Marketplace consists of over 60 vendors within their two-story space that holds various antiques and collectibles that will surprise you. The Rustic Fox nearby includes over 120 permanent boutiques within their 20,000 sq.ft. space. Any of these places will keep you wondering what’s around the corner while shopping. When guests point out your unique piece in your home, you'll know where to send them.

Esther's Place
Esther's Place Fiber Arts in Big Rock, Illinois

Calling all crafters to Esther’s Place a fiber arts business that offers classes to the community. Learn from Mother/Daughter duo Donna and Natasha. Named after their lovely pet sheep – they have crafted an open art space for all to enjoy. Offering various classes from making your own felt critter to taking a photo from home and creating it in your own vision with felt fibers. This is a great opportunity to share your passion for crafting with other like-minded individuals. Your piece of art is guaranteed to make you smile long after you leave.

Illuminate Space - Making Candles
Owner Jenni Zielke of Illuminate Space in Batavia, Illinois

Enjoy great smelling candles? Illuminate Space, located inside the Light & Pine Collective space within Batavia's Wilson Street Mercantile (as well as a new location inside Oswego's Hudson Design House) allows you to pour your own soy based non-toxic candles with amazing scent options. Make gifting a shared joy with their witty names and fun scents. Or pour your very own candles in a workshop led by owner Jenni Zielke. 

Fox Valley Winery in Oswego, Illinois
Group wine tasting at Fox Valley Winery in Oswego, Illinois

Gilted Edge winery within Kendall County is just a short stop away from Yorkville. Set on a farm off route 47 – you can transport yourself with friends to try some unique locally grown wine with a peaceful setting. Meet owners Ken & Laura Loos - husband and wife who love creating and enjoying wine that brings people together and memories that will last. You can also sample award-winning Illinois wines at Fox Valley Winery. This Illinois Made winery offers a friendly tasting room in downtown Oswego with a spacious patio and gift shop, ideal for taking a break from shopping downtown boutiques or attending an event at nearby rustic-chic venues like Arranmore Farm + Polo Club and Venue 5126

Want to get out of the city? Take a short drive over to Sugar Grove to go to Illinois Made business Rosewood Farm. Attend a cooking event with friends or family to learn from experienced chef and owner – Julie. Just want to sit in nature? Grab a seat in the garden but make sure to pet some goats or the friendly dog Georgia. With a full event schedule all year round - you're bound to find something to do on the farm. Make sure to visit the farm shop within the property and take advantage of the locally grown produce and other local food vendors.

Illinois Made | Wurst Kitchen Sausage
Illinois Office of Tourism #IllinoisMade feature on Wurst Kitchen in Aurora, Illinois (via enjoyillinois.com)

Wurst Kitchen is an Aurora staple. Since 1895, they have been making the finest all natural handmade sausages and smoked meats available anywhere. A full-service meat market with over 80 different varieties and smoked meats to take home – you might become obsessed – just know we warned you!

Atrevete Confections - Macaroons
Indulgent artisanal macarons at Atrevete Confections, with locations in Montgomery and the new Cafe 1888 in Aurora

Have a sweet tooth? You’re in for a delicious treat. Ms. Jana's Candy, named after herself, has certainly lived up to the hype of creating some of the most decadent homemade candy you can find in our region. With her being just as sweet as her candy – this delightful space paired with a great staff would make anyone feel like a kid again. Don’t believe us? Try the handmade caramels. You’re welcome.  Another great mention would be Illinois Made business Atrévete Confections in Montgomery. Chef and owner Jacqueline Mejia’s acclaimed French pastries are divine. Pick up some macaroons in various flavors to fall in love with. 

New Moon Vegan

  • 119 S Batavia Ave

We are a dedicated dairy- and egg-free facility. While we make some items free of common allergens, many of those are processed in the same onsite…

Little Loaf Bakehouse

  • 101 W. Center Street
  • (630) 381-9017

A local bakehouse with tasty treats you won't want to miss! Enjoy yummy breads, sweet cookies, mouthwatering cakes, and more.

If you’re vegan we have some fantastic bakery options for you. These sweet treats will surely make you question if it really can be vegan/gluten free if it’s this delicious. Little Loaf Bakehouse in Yorkville and New Moon Vegan in Batavia will really have your tastebuds surprised. Both offer fantastic items to munch on while also providing a space for local artists to sell their homemade items. The best of both worlds if you ask us!

Any of these options are wonderful ways to support small businesses in our area. Try with friends and share your enjoyment with us on social media. Want more suggestions? Download our newest Go Guide to see all that the Chicagoland's Fox River Valley has to offer!

All of the Chicagoland Fox River Valley Illinois Made businesses! 

What do a coffee roaster, candlemaker, confectioner, sustainable gastropub, and purveyor of encased meats have in common? If it's handmade, homemade, and locally made, it's Illinois Made. Read our guide and you can discover eight Illinois Made destinations right here in the Aurora Area of…

All of the Chicagoland Fox River Valley Illinois Made businesses!

All Chocolate Kitchen

  • 33 S. 3rd Street
  • (630) 232-2395

Located in downtown Geneva at 33 S 3rd St, All Chocolate Kitchen is a stylish…

Atrevete Confections

  • 216 N. River Street
  • (708) 253-5828

Sweet has never been so daring. Visit this one-of-a-kind confectionary for…

Bee Coco Candle

  • 308 West State Street
  • (630) 345-6045

Bee Coco Candle is a charming home goods store specializing in hand-poured, non-toxic…

Endiro Coffee

  • 29 W. New York St.
  • (331) 256-6683

Stop in for the best "tree to cup" Ugandan coffee roasted right here in Aurora…

Fox Valley Winery

  • 59 S. Main Street
  • (630) 554-0404

Experience truly unique award-winning Illinois wines at this premier boutique winery…

Foxes Den Meadery

  • 101 S. Bridge St.
  • (630) 381-9013

My love for the craft is unparalleled and I try to express that in every bottle of…

Geneva Winery Tasting Room

  • 426 S. 3rd Street
  • (630) 402-0739

Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Geneva, Geneva Winery offers tastings and…

Heritage Prairie Farm

  • 2N308 Brundige Road,
  • (630) 443-5989

Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn, Illinois is a picturesque, certified organic farm…

Illuminate Space

  • 222 E. Wilson Street
  • (630) 803-2691

Say hello to Illuminate Space. Holistic. Authentic. Illuminated. I create products…

Ms Jana's Candy

  • 1649 Montgomery Road

With the slogan ‘butter is our best friend’ you will find a warm environment that is…

New Moon Vegan

  • 119 S Batavia Ave

We are a dedicated dairy- and egg-free facility. While we make some items free of…

StringWorks

  • 327 Franklin Street
  • (630) 454-5714

StringWorks, located in downtown Geneva, Illinois, is a family-run violin shop…

Wurst Kitchen - Aurora

  • 638 2nd Ave.
  • (630) 898-9242

Since 1895, this traditional German sausage company has been crafting and selling…