Discover | Geneva

By
June 2018 View more

EXPLORE

Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden
Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan’s 1905 villa was remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a guided tour of the villa and stroll through the stunning Japanese gardens, where photo ops include an arched bridge, pagoda and waterfall. The museum and grounds are open for the season now through October 15.
1925 South Batavia Avenue 
630.377.6424, ppfv.org

Geneva Commons
This chic strip mall features trendy shops like Crate & Barrel, Soma, The Walking Company and Wet Nose, plus a handful of salons, such as Amazing Lash Studio, Massage Envy and Ravenna. VIP Club members receive notices of special promotions.
602 Commons Drive, 630.262.0044
shopgenevacommons.com

Geneva History Museum
Browse the permanent exhibit “Geneva’s Story,” featured exhibit “In Other Words … A History of Communication in Geneva” and math and literacy activities for children in “Go Figure!” (June 16 to August 11). $3/person, $2/child ages 3–10, free for museum members.
113 South Third Street 630.232.4951
genevahistorymuseum.com

Herrington Inn & Spa
This riverside inn beckons for a staycation or all-day retreat. Suites have four-poster beds, fireplaces and cookies-and-milk turndown service; the spa offers facials, massages and indulgent body polishes. On-site restaurant Atwater’s serves decadent dishes, wine and cocktails.
15 South River Lane
630.208.7433, herringtoninn.com

Mill Race Cyclery
Rent a bike—choose from mountain, tandem, electric, fat tire, you name it—and take a spin down the Fox River Trail, or get on the river with a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard.
11 East State Street
630.232.2833, millrace.com

Playhouse 38 Theatre
Geneva Park District operates this stage for youth and adult theater productions. On the summer stage: a youth production of High School Musical Jr. (August 3–12).
321 Stevens Street, Suite P
630.232.4542, genevaparks.org

Peck Farm Park
This 385-acre park features bike and walking trails, a picnic area, wetlands, an ADA-accessible amphitheater and nature-oriented educational playground.
4038 Kaneville Road
630.262.8244, genevaparks.org

Stone Creek Mini Golf
This river-themed 18-hole miniature golf course, featuring a windmill and wishing well, is open through October 8.
101 North Street
630.232.4542, genevaparks.org

Viking Ship
See the historic viking ship that sailed from Norway to Chicago for the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 at Good Templar Park. The viewing area is typically open first Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and June 17 is the 125th Anniversary Viking Ship Festival; see website for details.
528 East Side Drive
815.315.8112, vikingship.us

DINE & DRINK

Buttermilk

Fare Quirky coffee drinks and savory or sweet eats in a farmhouse-chic setting

Good for A stuff-yourself-silly weekend brunch with the fam (Tip: Use the NoWait app to avoid the often-epic line.)

Must try Bacon, egg and sausage gravy-stuffed biscuit; blackberry brie French toast, cookie butter latte

7 West State Street, 630.845.0820
buttermilkrestaurants.com

Penrose Brewing

Drinks Belgian-inspired brews poured in an off-the-beaten-path taproom

Good for Whiling away an afternoon

Must try Session Sour, Taproom IPA or any limited-release wild ale on draft

509 Stevens Street, 630.232.2115
penrosebrewing.com

Craft Urban

Fare Trendy, seasonal shareable plates served in an eye-catching, mural-covered building

Good for Splitting bar snacks and a round of craft cocktails or brews with buddies

Must try French onion dip, tempura cheese curds, brick-roasted chicken with potato dumplings

211 James Street, 331.248.8161, crafturban.com

Nosh

Fare Breakfast and lunch dishes spanning from traditional to funky served all day, plus a coming-soon dinner menu changing quarterly

Good for A casual catch-up meal with friends or solo breakfast at the bar

Must try Red Eye Benedict with coffee-crusted steak, lemon ricotta-topped polenta with orange honey, dulce de leche waffle

22 North Third Street, 630.845.1570
experiencenosh.com

Bien Trucha

Fare Fresh and funky Mexican small plates served up in two tiny buildings with a stylish courtyard patio in between

Good for A Taco Tuesday dinner any night of the week

Must try Fruit-studded guacamole, skirt steak and chorizo tacos, Flor de Jamaica hibiscus cocktail

410 West State Street
630.232.2665, bientrucha.com

Niche

Fare Contemporary American plates in an intimate dining room

Good for A special occasion dinner

Must try Artisan cheese plate, half Amish chicken, freshly spun cotton candy (ask about the flavor du jour).

14 South Third Street
630.262.1000, nichegeneva.com

Atlas Chicken Shack

Fare Chicken—fried and served on a brioche bun, or grilled and tossed in a veggie slaw-laden bowl—with myriad tasty housemade sauces

Good for A picnic-style meal on the side alley patio

Must try Fried chicken sandwich with pickles and creamy chipotle sauce, buttermilk biscuit with honey butter, fresh fruit slushie of the day

511 South Third Street
331.248.0592
atlastchickenshack.com

Osteria Bigolaro

Fare Italian trattoria classics with a twist in a simple, homey space

Good for Taking over a communal table with a large, lively group

Must try Pork jowl carbonara, herb-laced panzanella, braised short rib Italian beef

317 West State Street, 630.402.0597
osteriabigalarorestaurant.com

SHOP

For families
The Little Traveler
Every room in this labyrinthine mansion is a different themed shop; the toy room, candy room and Christmas room are must-visits for kiddos.
404 South Third Street
630.232.4200, littletraveler.com

For gifters
Cocoon
Browse giftable wares of all kinds, from delectable candles to tasteful baby gear to funky jewelry. The home goods—succulent holders, vases, artwork—are surprisingly affordable. P.S. Unenthusiastic shopping companions can relax at a bistro table in the cute courtyard out front while you explore.
212 South Third Street, #2
630.232.8340, cocoononline.com

For pen pals
The Paper Merchant
Keep up on your correspondence with a plentiful assortment of cards, stationery, stickers, decor items and other sweet trinkets.
328 South Third Street, 630.232.1880
papermerchantgeneva.com

For artsy folk
Artemisia
This hybrid shop and gallery is a feast for the senses, showcasing earthy jewelry, carefree clothing, funky furniture and objets d’art. Adjoining beauty boutique Odalisque stocks natural cosmetics, including Glo Skin Beauty and Illuminaré.
101 South Third Street
630.262.0249, artemisiastyle.com

For trendy ladies
Jori & June
Browse crossbody bags, flowy blouses and trendy hats worthy of a music fest or a summer night on the town. Ask about free styling sessions and Behova, a line of screenprinted tees by one of the owners.
25 South Third Street
630.457.5505, joriandjune.com

For world travelers
The Gift Box
This 70-year-old Swedish-owned shop stocks Nordic imports—from glogg and lingonberries to leather clogs and Marimekko textiles—from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.
310 West State Street
630.232.4151, genevagiftbox.com

For foodies
The Royal Wren
Attend a tasting party at this gourmet food emporium, or just browse the thoughtfully curated selection of wine, snacks, stoneware, tea, utensils, kitchen gifts and more.
11 South Third Street
331.248.0344

For new-age types
Crystal Life Technology
Shop stones, pendants, crystals, Himalayan salt lamps, prayer beads, nature photography and other spiritual and metaphysical accoutrements to keep your chakras in check.
121 South Third Street
630.208.6001, crystal-life.com