Shop, Wine, Dine & Unwind

A getaway guide for Chicagoland's Fox River Valley in the Aurora Area of Illinois

Discover downtown Aurora

Begin your day at Two Brothers Roundhouse Café, a local favorite for freshly brewed coffee and delicious food, perfect for fueling up before exploring the city. Stroll through downtown Aurora and discover Wyckwood House Boutique + Cocktail Bar, a lifestyle boutique featuring clothing, gifts, and home décor from local designers. Snap group photos in this beautifully curated space to capture your memories together.

Nearby, visit Nide Jardin, a Latinx and women-led boutique known for its unique houseplants, artisan décor, and gifts that celebrate local culture. This welcoming shop doubles as a community hub, where you can enjoy specialty drinks and browse products from Latina-owned businesses.

Downtown Aurora offers a vibrant shopping scene, from record stores and vintage clothing shops to crystal boutiques—ideal for finding one-of-a-kind treasures to bring home. Don’t miss the city’s colorful murals, including the popular angel wings mural behind La France Bakery, a perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos with friends.

For lunch, choose a dining destination like Altiro Latin Fusion, offering tapas-style Latin cuisine, or the creative cuisine and cocktail program at Craft Urban. A trio of new dining destinations now underscore the historic renovation at the Hobbs building at the corner of River Street & Galena Boulevard: Leilani Asian Fusion and Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria both offer delicious and affordable lunch options, while Touche French Creole opens in the early evening.  Afterward, go outdoors with a walk or bike ride along the scenic Fox River Trail, or rent kayaks for a group paddle.

In the evening, freshen up at the hotel before heading out for live entertainment at The Venue in downtown Aurora, a 200-seat listening room and concert hall featuring an eclectic lineup of touring and local artists ranging from global roots to blues and bluegrass. For a lively nightlife scene, take a trip out to The PIAZZA on Aurora's far east side by Fox Valley Mall. This lively venue features sand volleyball courts, an outdoor beer garden, gaming areas, and live performances every weekend, making it a top spot for sports fans and music lovers alike. 

Historic charm and unique experiences in Geneva and Batavia

Head west toward Geneva and explore Geneva Commons, an inviting open-air shopping destination featuring over 60 national brands and specialty stores. The center also offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation, with massage and nail spas available throughout the mall for a bit of pampering during your shopping excursion.

For lunch, gather at Preservation in downtown Geneva, where you can enjoy creative cocktails and delicious fare on the outdoor patio. With live music and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting to make lasting memories with friends. A local landmark in downtown Geneva for generations housed in a stunning 1862 Victorian mansion, The Little Traveler delights visitors with 36 themed rooms filled with unique gifts, gourmet foods, wines, apparel, and more—plus a charming Atrium Cafe for lunch or afternoon tea. Each room offers a new adventure, making it a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Geneva's downtown is a historic district home to over 100 small shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Find more highlights and a full directory at the City of Geneva's website, and view highlights in our guide to Geneva, Illinois. 

If you’re in the mood for more music, check out EvenFlow Music & Spirits. This dynamic, three-level venue boasts a spacious main bar, a loft overlooking a full-sized stage, and Capone’s Speakeasy, an intimate lounge tucked below the main floor, offering a variety of live performances in a unique setting.

Prefer some laughs? Head to Batavia Comedy Vault, a standout club located inside a historic bank vault. The venue’s hip ambiance and impressive lineup of comedians—from national headliners to local talent—promise an unforgettable night out, all just steps from the scenic Fox River. Shop unique local artisan goods at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, a destination for travelers throughout Chicagoland hosting a rotating selection of makers and startup boutiques. 

Cap off your evening with dinner at nearby dining destinations. In Geneva, try house-smoked meats and seafood at Nobel House, or treat your tastebuds to authentic tastes of Italian cuisine at Livia Italian Eatery or Ella's Italian Pub. Batavia's Sidecar Supper Club offers gourmet pub fare and live entertainment most nights of the week in its welcoming beer garden. 

Scenic escapes and small-town spirit in Oswego, Yorkville, & beyond

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Oak + Bean in downtown Oswego. This charming local café is beloved for its artisan coffees, specialty teas, and fresh breakfast options, making it the perfect spot to relax, soak in the local vibe, and plan your day.

Step back in time at the Little White School Museum nearby. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic schoolhouse, this museum invites you to explore captivating exhibits that share the stories and rich heritage of Oswego and the surrounding area. It’s an intimate, welcoming introduction to the local culture. 

Shop an eclectic collection of downtown Oswego retailers, including Hudson Design House, a curated lifestyle boutique specializing in timeless furniture, decor, and women's apparel. Sip handcrafted award-winning Illinois wines on a lively street-side patio at Fox Valley Winery, where tastings are offered daily of the many varietals produced by this #IllinoisMade designated attraction. 

Outside of downtown, plan a night out for live music at Oswego's Venue 1012, an outdoor concert venue featuring fun and affordable ticketed events and movie screenings all summer long. Seasonal venue Keller's Farmstand opens in the spring for flower, veggie, and herb planting season, then again in mid-July for produce, sweet corn, and a photogenic sunflower field. Set on 300 picturesque acres, Arranmore Farm + Polo Club is a luxury open-air venue offering concerts, polo matches, and unforgettable private events in a relaxed setting. 

You and your gal pals can enjoy a relaxing brunch or wine tasting (why not both?) at Grace Coffee + Wine, a cozy cafe and wine bar perfect for catching up with friends in Yorkville, Illinois. Nearby in Sugar Grove, Rosewood Farm is a community hub for naturally grown produce, vibrant flowers, and engaging public and private events. Options include scheduling a small-group cooking class led by owner Julie, a former executive chef for some of Chicago's hottest dining destinations, or plan your trip around an artisan market, farm dinner, or just stop by the farm market for a seasonal homemade lunch and locally roasted coffee while you enjoy the grounds.  

Back in downtown Yorkville, an outstanding selection of spots to eat & drink await, from the creative burgers and adult shakes on offer at Crusade Burger Bar to some of the region's best BBQ and a scenic patio overlooking the Fox River at Southbank Original Barbecue. Take in live entertainment most nights of the week at Southbank or plan ahead and catch a soulful set by regional and national touring artists at The Law Office Pub & Music Hall, an intimate venue and craft beer bar. Foxes Den Meadery and Fox Republic Brewing Co. offer unique libations in festive, welcoming locations along the Fox River, too, and Foxy's Ice Cream rounds out the Fox-themed highlights with gourmet ice cream creations sourced from America's dairyland. 

Want to try your hand at whitewater rafting? Sign up for instructions or rentals with Yak Shack LLC, serving the southern Fox River and the Marge Cline Whitewater Course on Yorkville's riverfront.

Enjoy your stay, and plan a return trip!

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Getting to the Aurora Area of Illinois

The Aurora Area is easily accessible via Interstate 88, US Route 30, and US Route 34, and is just 40 miles from both O’Hare and Midway airports. Metra rail connects the region directly to downtown Chicago via the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) line to Aurora at Route 59 and the Aurora Transportation Center, as well as via the Union Pacific West (UP-W) line to Geneva and Elburn.