Openings | September 2017

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September 2017 View more

Destination DuPage
The DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) has unveiled new branding, aimed at promoting DuPage as a stand-alone destination for both leisure and business visitors: DuMore in DuPage. The county is home to the second-largest tourism industry in the state, worth $2.5 billion. Executive Director Beth Marchetti says the initiative will include point-of-view stories about the county’s thirty-eight communities. “We need to think like a visitor,” says Marchetti. “We saw this shift in the industry that people really wanted an experience when they come to town for a meeting.”

The county’s largest land owner, the DuPage County Forest Preserve, will play a key role. “We partnered with the forest preserve district so we can really talk about outdoor recreation opportunities. We felt that urban escape was a differential.”

Area experiential opportunities will be promoted for visitors attending both corporate meetings and youth sports events. “We have 16,000 hotel rooms in 100 hotels and resorts, which puts us on the map like Indianapolis,” shares Marchetti.

OPENINGS

Homewood Suites by Hilton Aurora
Studio, one- and two-bedroom suites include fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas.
4320 Meridian Parkway, Aurora
630.978.2222, homewoodsuites.com

Kendra Scott
The newest of sixty national stores will feature signature and seasonal jewelry and home collections, including a Color Bar where shoppers can create customized jewelry.
167 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
630.686.9110, kendrascott.com

Velvetblu Jewelry and Accessories
Unique jewelry and handbag designs, including Italian and Argentinian leather bags, are sold online and by showroom appointment.
50 South Main Street, #200, Naperville
630.352.2282, velvetblu.com

Shinola
This luxury watch outlet will open a 3,000-square-foot store at Chicago Premium Outlets this month, filled with luxe watches, leather goods and accessories for men and women, including on-site monogramming.
1650 Premium Outlet Boulevard, Aurora
630.585.2200, shinola.com

Board & Barrel
Downtown Naperville’s first country and folk bar/restaurant with an extensive selection of whiskey and bourbon, craft beers and unique menu offerings.
218 South Washington Street
630.946.6823, boardandbarrel.net

Denim & Soul
This high-end denim retailer offers the latest trends from innovative designers from around the globe. Brands include Joe’s Jeans, AG and James Jeans.
26 West Jefferson, denimandsoul.com

Aloha Poke Co.
Where quality fish and good vibes meet, serving quick and healthy pack-and-go bowls with lean proteins, fresh vegetables and sauces. Little ($7.50), big ($9.50) and Kahuna ($14.50) make-your-own bowls are available with choices of rice and protein.
215 South Washington Street
alohapokeco.com

ANNIVERSARIES

Wilson Travel & Cruise
This Fox Valley travel agency is celebrating its fifty-fifth year in business. Owner Janet Foster and her staff members each have twenty to thirty years of experience planning vacations and have collectively traveled to seven continents and 100 countries.
203 Illinois Avenue, St. Charles
630.377.3700, wilsontravelandcruise.com