Weekend Windup {Fourth of July Fun and More in the Chicago Suburbs}

 

Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs June 30 - July 4, 2022

Happy 4th! There are a lot of fun things going on this weekend! Here are my picks --- have a great holiday weekend!

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Beyond the Railroad: Learning Batavia, Illinois History Inside the Batavia Depot Museum

 

Batavia Depot Museum is quite the treasure tucked away near the Fox River in Batavia. On a recent day off, we found ourselves looking for something a little different to do. We love walking along the riverwalk in Batavia. We noticed that the Batavia Depot Museum was nearby, so a perfect little afternoon formed.

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Admiring the Wetlands and Woodlands of Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park in Madison, Wisconsin

 

Cherokee Marsh In Madison, Wisconsin Offers A Pleasant Hike With Great Birding

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park in Madison, Wisconsin welcomed us on a recent late spring afternoon. We savored a hike through Dane County's largest wetland, admiring various birds including great blue heron and sandhill cranes.

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A Morning of Small Business Shopping in Elgin, Illinois

 

Supporting Local By Discovering Elgin Small Businesses 

Disclosure: Thank you to Explore Elgin Area for hosting our visit.

Elgin, Illinois is the home to an interesting mix of small businesses beckoning for exploration. On one morning of our visit, we meandered through a few and found new favorites!

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Weekend Windup {Chicago Suburbs Family Fun June 16-19, 2022}

 

Chicago Suburbs Family Fun June 16-19, 2022

Happy Father's Day! There is a lot of fun going on in the Chicago suburbs this weekend. Check out my picks:

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Summer Local Art Installation at Izaak Walton Park in Prospect Heights, Illinois

 

"The Art of the Magic Mushrooms" Pop Up Art Installation Enchants at Izaak Walton Park in Prospect Heights, IL

A local art pop-up once again adds a little whimsy and imagination to the beautiful natural scenery at Izaak Walton Park in Prospect Heights. Izaak Walton has become a haven for little adventures for my family since we discovered it last year. My husband and I recently wandered over to scout for birds in the preserve and lit up with delight when we spotted a new art pop-up!

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Joey's Food Fight: Owner of Max's Deli Joey Morelli Launches Nonprofit to Teach Children in Orphanages to Cook

 
Joey Morelli Launches Mission to Travel the World Teaching Children at Orphanages How to Set Up a Kitchen and Cook

**No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

As I sat down to talk to Joey Morelli, owner of Max's Deli in Highland Park, about his new nonprofit Joey's Food Fight, I observed his passion and care for others while he made sure customers were well taken care of before we began our conversation. I immediately knew that I would be learning about a remarkable person with a huge heart.

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Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs June 9-12, 2022}

 

Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs June 9-12, 2022

Here comes the weekend! Enjoy my picks for family fun this weekend:

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Wandering Elgin's Walton Island

 

Exploring a Manmade Island in the Middle of the Fox River in Elgin, Illinois

Disclosure: Thank you to Explore Elgin Area for hosting our visit.

Walton Island in Elgin may be small but the island provides for a nice little nature adventure right in the city. Once just a muddy patch, the local Isaac Walton League launched an effort to enlarge and stabilize the island in the 1930s. Today, the island offers a lovely little spot for a nature wander.

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A Morning of Introspection and Peace at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Illinois

 

Breathtaking Architecture Inspires Introspection at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Illinois

Disclosure: Thank you to Explore Elgin Area for hosting our visit.

The breathtaking hand-carved marble and limestone BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir immediately captivates starting the minute you gaze upon the structure until the moment you feel the call to depart. Tucked a bit away in Bartlett, a visit to the Mandir should be soon on your list.

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New Outdoor Entertainment Venue The Lot Launches with Taste of Highland Park June 24-25

 

Highland Park's The Lot joins the Community with Taste of Highland Park June 24-25

**No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Food festivals and live music are truly the hallmarks of summer here in the Chicago suburbs. The Lot in Highland Park, a new alfresco dining location at the corner of Central and St. Johns, promises to provide quite the festive community venue for summer events. Additionally, The Lot is set to be a dynamic outdoor event location with events set through December. 

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Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs June 3-5, 2022}

 

Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs June 3-5, 2022

Another fun weekend ahead here in the Chicago suburbs! Here are my picks:

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