Guys Getaway & Vacation Guide to the Aurora Area of Illinois

Posted on 05/04/2021 by  James Cardis

Roll like the pros and party on with our guide to outdoor adventure, craft beverages, golf, gaming, and nightlife in the Aurora Area of Illinois. Get your guys together and plan a long weekend today! 

Take a cruise down the Fox River, and stop for brews 

Kick off your reunion with a brew cruise down the Fox River via bike or kayak and enjoy a highly-rated stable of signature beers at Oswego Brewing Co. in downtown Oswego, Illinois. Do lunch at Gillerson's Grubbery in downtown Aurora before heading over to the brand new Barstool Sportsbook, now open at Hollywood Casino Aurora, complete with dozens of screens and legal betting on just about any sport in season. Challenge your buddies to classic arcade games at Yetee Station, an outpost of The Yetee gaming t-shirt and design company. Top off the night with dinner at Hardware, a fully sustainable gastropub featuring an on-site hop farm and whiskey wall where over 400 different varieties of brown liquore are stored. 

Golf the highlands, then visit the Roundhouse in Aurora 

Grab your sticks and golf the highlands back nine or the full 18 at Phillips Park Golf Course, then enjoy the big, bold flavors of Two Brothers Roundhouse for lunch and a distillery tour (samples included). Stick around for live music at the Roundhouse or a concert at RiverEdge Park, or catch a game at The PIAZZA, one of Chicagoland's largest sports bars with beach volleyball, off-track betting, and a Whiskey Hill satellite brewery. Head back downtown for a night of gaming at the Hollywood Casino poker room, or test your axe-throwing skills at Chill Axe in Pacifica Square. 

Roll like the pros at Parkside Lanes

Up for another round? Enjoy a golfing experience you'll never forget at Whitetail Ridge Golf Club in Yorkville or Fox Bend Golf Course in Oswego. Both locations feature newly renovated 19th holes: The Persimmon Room at Whitetail Ridge and Pearce's Pub at Fox Bend offer mouthwatering menus along with locally sourced craft beverages from the breweries of the Aurora Area. Leave room for punk rock and metal-themed burgers and shakes at Crusade Burger Bar, then follow the music to Kiss the Sky, a record store and live entertainment venue in downtown Batavia. Dine on steaks, chops, or seafood paired with specialty beverages like the "Dean Martin-i" at The Turf Room. Round out your visit with a chance to hit 300 like the pros at Parkside Lanes, a host venue for PBA Tour events and home turf to ESPY winner and future PBA Hall of Famer, Sean Rash. 

More great ideas for a reunion with your buddies 

While we highlighted just a few of the golf courses you can play here in the Aurora Area, find a dozen great tracks in our golf listings. 

Keep an eye on our events calendar for more nightlife options, like concerts at The Venue in Aurora Downtown. 

Visiting with a large group? Find out how you can save on shopping, dining, and more with our Aurora Area Discounts. 

Learn more with a copy of our Aurora Area Go Guide, available in print and online right here at enjoyaurora.com/VisitorsGuide. 

View more travel ideas for couples, grandparents, and more at enjoyaurora.com/Trips.