you won’t want to miss page 4
Behind the Best
The Best of the Fox Award Winners page 18-23
Kendall County Area’s Ghostly Side page 12
Land of Fire & Ice
Discover this amazing land of fire and ice and an included visit to the Blue Lagoon. Northern Lights departure, weather permitting.
7 days, Sept. 12-18, 2026, $3919 per person double includes airfare & home pickup/drop off.
Tulip Festival & Mackinac Island, MI
5 day tour includes 2 nts at the Tulip Festival & 2 nts in Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel
Enjoy springtime in the Midwest & the vibrant blooms of Holland, Michigan’s renowned Tulip Festival. Explore historic Dutch architecture and traditions at Windmill Island. Relax in the luxurious surroundings of Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, a car-free paradise known for its Victorian charm and horse-drawn carriages.
Tour Greenfield Village & the Ford River Rouge Factory.
May 8-14, 2026 Motorcoach tour, $2799 per person double occupancy includes home pickup/drop off.
Highlights of Norway
From Bergen, heart of the Fjords, to Oslo, you will be awestruck by the grandeur of Norway.
Includes the famous Flam Railway. 9 days, May 17-25, 2026, $5499 per person includes airfare.
New England Rails & Sails
Tour New England by rail & sail during Autumn’s splendor by taking three exciting rail excursions & three fun-filled New England cruises.
9 days, Sept. 30-Oct 8, 2026, $4249 per person double includes airfare & home pickup/drop off.
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From Yorktoberfest to Fraidycat 5K
Autumn Events You Won’t Want to Miss
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
Crisp autumn days are perfect for exploring and family fun, whether you’re strolling through the park, racing with friends, or stepping into local history. Raise a glass at Yorktoberfest, or learn something new at the Little White School Museum and the Edith Farnsworth House Historic Site.
Taste Of Sandwich
5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24
Downtown Sandwich
Come enjoy an evening of “Tastes” in downtown Sandwich Cost per ticket is $10.00. (cash only)
Yorktoberfest
Sept. 26-27
Riverfront Park East, 301 E. Hydraulic St., Yorkville kiwanisyorktoberfest.org
Celebrate with craft beer, live music, food and fun. Performances include Groupies Wanted, Bad Medicine, A Taylor Experience and Tennessee Whiskey. Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Yorkville in partnership with Yorkville Parks & Recreation. Admission is free.
Scarecrow Walk
Sept. 26-Oct. 31
Riverfront Park (eastern end), 131 E. Hydraulic Ave., Yorkville Stroll among community-decorated scarecrows and vote for your favorites by scanning the park’s QR code.
Green Connect: Community Cleanup Program
8-9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 25 Riverfront Park, 301 E. Hydraulic Ave., Yorkville yorkvillechamber.org
Spend an hour making the community cleaner. Gloves are recommended; trash bags are provided. Sponsored by The Conservation Foundation and Yorkville Green Connect.
Oswego History Tour
12-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
Little White School Museum, 72 Polk St., Oswego oswegolandparkdistrict.org
Step into history and learn about early schools and their roles in the community. Advance registration is available online. Fee: $5 per person.
Oswego Country Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 28
Downtown Oswego oswegolandparkdistrict.org
Shop local produce, baked goods and fall favorites at the weekly market.
Kids Triathlon
9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28
Oswego East High School oswegolandparkdistrict.org
Cheer on young athletes from third through eighth grade as they compete in a 100-meter swim, three-mile bike ride and half- or 1-mile run.
Oswego Cemetery Walk
5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2
Oswego Township Cemetery oswegolandparkdistrict.org
Guided tours highlight the lives of early residents and pioneers. Advance registration required. Fees: $7 for residents, $10 for nonresidents.
Moonlight & Mies Tours
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4
Edith Farnsworth House Historic Site, 14520 River Road, Plano edithfarnsworthhouse.org
Enjoy the historic home, seasonal art and the grounds under the full moon. Advance registration required. Tickets: $40.
Waa Kee Sha History Hike
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11
Waa Kee Sha Park, Oswego oswegolandparkdistrict.org
Explore the history of the park and its trails. Ages 15 and older. Advance registration required. Fees: $5 for residents, $7 for nonresidents.
Farnsworth Fall Festival
12-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12
Edith Farnsworth House Historic Site, 14520 River Road, Plano edithfarnsworthhouse.org
Celebrate art, nature and history with lawn games, en plein air painting and self-guided house tours. Artisan vendors, food and drinks available. Tickets: $10 for adults 16 and older, $5 for youth, free for children 2 and younger.
Halloween Egg Hunt & Costume Contest
6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17
Town Square, 301 N. Bridge St., Yorkville yorkville.il.us
Celebrate Halloween with a community egg hunt and costume contest.
Saw Wee Kee Fall Trail Run
3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18
Saw Wee Kee Park, Oswego oswegolandparkdistrict.org
The Oswegoland Park District’s annual run invites participants to tackle twisting trails surrounded by wildflowers. Advance registration required; fees apply.
Yorkville Chamber Biz Boo Trick-or-Treat Saturday, Oct. 18
Yorkville Trick-or-treat at participating Yorkville businesses. Visit the Chamber website for locations.
Fall Fest at the Kendall County Fairgrounds
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 kendallcountyfairgrounds.org/2025-fall-fest
Enjoy an auto show, vendor market, live music, food and more. Free admission.
Treats on the Streets
4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23
Downtown Main Street, Plano
Got your costume picked out yet? Downtown Plano’s Main Street is transforming into Treats on the Streets – two hours of costumefilled fun, community, and, of course, all the sweets. Don’t miss out on this spooky fun fall festivity!
Fraidycat 5K, 8K and Meow Mile
9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 Downtown Oswego fraidycat5k.com
This annual family-friendly run features events for all ages, including the Meow Mile for younger runners. Awards given by age group.
Fall into Christmas
Pumpkins, apples & autumn adventures
By Vicki Martinka Petersen
Autumn means the return of sweater weather and football games. It’s also the season of searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve into a jack-o’-lantern and picking apples for all those Pinterest-worthy recipes. Fortunately, there are plenty of nearby pumpkin patches and orchards to visit this fall.
Bronkberry Farms
From scenic hayrides on weekends to apple and pumpkin picking, there’s plenty to enjoy at Bronkberry Farms before the season ends Oct. 31. Apple varieties include Zestar, Ruby Mac, Honeycrisp and Gala. Entry to the orchard is $5 per person plus one bag per group, ranging from $10 for a quarter-peck bag to $40 for a 1-peck bag. Check Facebook or text 815-436-6967 for availability.
Admission is free to the U-pick pumpkin patch, or visitors can choose from pre-picked pumpkins. Don’t miss the Fall Fest Craft & Vendor Fair Oct. 11-12, or the Last Hurrah Craft Fair and Chili Cookoff on Oct. 26.
Bronkberry Farms is at 18061 S. Bronk Road in Plainfield. For more information, visit www.bronkberryfarms.com.
Keller’s Farmstand
The 40-acre apple orchard at Keller’s features about three dozen varieties available for picking. New apple varieties this year include ambrosia, crimson crisp, jonaprince, triumph and snowsweet. You can even sign up to get Apple text alerts when your favorites are ready.
To enter the orchard, you must purchase an apple bag, which ranges from $10 for a quarter-peck bag to $40 for a 1-peck bag. Kids under age 5 are free.
The 16-acre U-pick pumpkin patch opens in mid-September and features pumpkins in various sizes, colors, shapes and textures. There’s no fee to enter the patch, and for those who prefer not to venture into the field, a variety of pre-picked pumpkins are available.
In between picking pumpkins and apples, check out Keller’s fall festivities every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 26, plus Monday, Oct. 13. Attractions include a 12-acre corn maze, kids’ play area and farm animals.
Keller’s Farmstand is at 2500 Johnson Road in Oswego. Learn more at www.kellersfarmstand.com.
Woody’s Orchard
More than 20 types of apples are available for picking throughout the fall at Woody’s. Follow Woody’s on social media for weekly updates on which varieties are ripe. An apple pass is $14.95 and includes entry into the orchard and a quarter-peck bag. Kids 5 and under are free.
After apple picking, enjoy fall attractions such as Pumpkintown, a corn maze and farm animals. Kids can also try activities like apple cannons, a zip line, corn jump and obstacle course.
Woody’s Orchard, 3223 Creek Road in Plano, is open Thursdays through Sundays until Oct. 26. For details, visit www.woodysorchard.com.
FALL FESTIVAL
Bring the whole family for a day of art activities, artisan vendors, seasonal bites, and the stunning backdrop of fall at the Edith Farnsworth House historic site.
Sunday, October 12 12 PM to 5 PM
SCAN FOR TICKETS
Edith Farnsworth House
14520 River Road | Plano, IL 60545
Tel: 630.552.0052
Hours: WED - SUN | 9:30am - 3:30pm
Tickets: www.edithfarnsworthhouse.org
ARTS & CRAFTS FAIRS
By Lara Jackson
30th Annual Sandwich Craft Fair
September 25
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Sandwich Craft Fair, Under the Big Top, returns to downtown Sandwich for a day filled with handmade goods, local talent, and community spirit. This year’s fair is held in honor of Betty Erickson, whose dedication helped shape this beloved event over the years. Following her passing in May, her legacy continues through the Betty Erickson-Carey Foundation, which now supports scholarships and community service projects. tion, and connection in the heart of Sandwich.
Fall Fest
October 19
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free Kendall County Fairgrounds 10826 IL-71, Yorkville, IL 60560 www.kendallcountyfairgrounds.org/2025-fall-fest
This fest offers something for everyone, from an auto show to music to arts and crafts. It also offers a wide array of items to choose from, including handmade crafts and artisan goods to sweet treats, and local specialties. A special treat will be music by Carousel Sound, food, and other vendors, offering a fun time for the whole family.
November 9
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Adults: $5; Seniors and Children 5-12: $3; Children under 5 free Yorkville High School Main Campus
797 Game Farm Rd., Yorkville
The YEF Fall Craft Fair, hosted by the Yorkville Educational Foundation, offers a delightful showcase of handmade crafts, seasonal décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by local artisans. The fair is coordinated entirely by dedicated volunteers and student helpers, creating a warm, community driven atmosphere. Attendees can browse creative creations while savoring tasty concessions and festive fall vibes. Proceeds from the event support vital educational programs, grants, and essential needs across the Yorkville school district.
Oswego High School Annual Holiday Market
November 2
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Oswego High School 4250 Route 71, Oswego
The Oswego High School Holiday Craft Fair offers a wide selection of handmade items, holiday décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts from over 140 local artisans. Organized with support from students and volunteers, the event provides a communityfocused shopping experience in a festive setting. It’s an opportunity to find unique holiday items while supporting local makers. Proceeds benefit student programs and activities at Oswego High School.
Fabric to woodwork,
shops help ‘get creative’ for fall
By Grace Rosati | Photos provided by Board & Brush
As the air turns crisp, many are looking for indoor activities. And what better way to get inspired than by visiting a local crafting store or studio?
Board & Brush
Personalization doesn’t stop at ceramics. Woodworking is also a popular pastime, and Board & Brush in Oswego specializes in do-it-yourself stenciled wooden signs. Owner Katie Ilic has worked hard to create a unique experience.
“What makes us a little different from your typical sip-and-paint studio is you get to choose what you’re making,” Ilic said. “We have door hangers, porch signs, boxes, trays, pedestals—you name it, we have it. When you get to the studio, you have the raw piece of wood and your personalized stencil in front of you, and it’s up to you to sand, distress, stain and paint. You’re the one completing the whole process, and that’s where you really get to be creative.”
With more than 70 paint colors and seven stains to choose from, every creation at Board & Brush can be one of a kind.
We may be indoors more often this fall, but that doesn’t mean we have to be bored. Local crafting studios are ready to help you tap into your creative side.
Sewing Etc.
For those interested in textiles, Sewing Etc. in Yorkville has you covered. Owner Kelly Brisbin has been active in Kendall County for 14 years, and she’s seen a positive uptick in business with a recent economic shift.
“We get a little bit of everybody, especially now that Joann’s closed,” Brisbin said. “I have since branched out into clothing fabrics because a lot more people are Googling fabric stores looking for them.”
Sewing Etc. also provides quilting classes for beginners. With more than 8,000 bolts of fabric and thousands of patterns available, there’s plenty of inspiration—maybe even for a quilt to wrap up by Christmas.
“My favorite thing is sharing my knowledge,” Brisbin said. “I’ve been sewing my whole life and because quilting is coming back in style, I just feel like I’m meant to be here.”
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and start something new at Sewing Etc. It can be daunting to begin a project from scratch, but at Arts On Fire in Plano, guests are guided through the ceramics experience. Browse their collection of housemade pieces, from functional dishware to decorative personalized pumpkins. Or, if you’d rather make your own, sign up for one of their pottery wheel workshops. Once you’ve made your choice, it’s up to you to bring it to life with glaze painting.
The studio has been a labor of love since its beginning, with owner Kelly Browning drawing inspiration from her mother’s crafting show days in the 1980s. “I don’t work. It’s been almost 11 years, and I don’t feel like I work,” Browning said. “And the most rewarding thing is seeing the faces of people when they pick up the final piece that they made.”
Comfort, Quality & Style
Kendall County’s ghostly Kendall County’s ghostly
By Kevin Druley
Three-fingered Jack, urban
Kendall County citizens ain’t afraid of no ghosts. They’d prove it—if they could find any.
Well, there is that old scoundrel, John “Three-Fingered Jack” Hamilton of the John Dillinger gang, and the tricks his spirit may or may not pull from an unmarked grave at Oswego Township Cemetery on South Main Street.
Outside of that, though, folks in these parts are often left to haunt themselves with family lore each fall. ‘Kendall County, it seems, is not exactly a paranormal hotbed,’ county historian Roger Matile once wrote.
Boo. And boo hoo, too, for fans of the spooky season.
Those who suspect apparitions or supernatural shenanigans still have outlets, including the Plano-based Midwest Ghost Society. Candy Gocken, a lead investigator with the paranormal research and investigation group, said she’s “heard of a few urban legends and haunted locations, but we haven’t been able to investigate them.”
If someone called with more contemporary activity, the Society wouldn’t divulge information out of privacy and respect. Asked what an investigation entails, Gocken explained it’s “comprised of sessions done in different locations in the building.”
She added: “We walk through before starting any sessions if it is a new location. We have different pieces of equipment to try different avenues for interaction.”
Gocken mentioned “urban legends,” which are essentially hearsay come to life—alligators in sewers, strange noises in abandoned structures, mysterious lights flickering in the dark. Did any such tales influence Winston Gambro, Yorkville-bred author of the graphic novel Haunted House: A Love Story?
Uh, um.
“The spooky parts of Haunted House: A Love Story weren’t really tied to anything from my life, sadly, mostly standard tropes or my own imagination,” said Gambro, who thinks he recalls something about a janitor dying in an elevator at what is now Yorkville High School’s Freshman Academy. “I want to say that was a common urban legend in many schools.”
ghostly side ghostly side
legends & a spooky opera house
The annual Oswego Cemetery Walk, set for 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2, frequently features Hamilton’s tale. Also nicknamed “Red,” the gangster apparently saw plenty of it—finally, some blood!— upon losing various digits in gun battles.
The story goes that Hamilton was wounded in Minnesota in spring 1934 during an FBI raid on a gang hideout in Spider Lake, Wis. Dillinger drove “Three-Fingered Jack” to Aurora, where Hamilton later died in a cohort’s apartment.
Dillinger chose to bury Hamilton in a remote area near Oswego. Acting on a tip, the FBI exhumed Hamilton’s body a year later and identified it through dental records. He was reburied on South Main Street.
Those too sheepish to traipse through the cemetery on Halloween night might cross the Fox River and head roughly
13 miles west on Route 34 to the Sandwich Opera House. At 7 p.m. Oct. 31, paranormal research group Haunted US will lead a public investigation of the 1870s site, which is tied to a glut of spectral suspicions.
“Not only will they get a new perspective on the history and ghost stories of the building, but they’ll get to experience and participate in an actual paranormal investigation on the grounds,” Haunted US founder Brandon Rugzie said. “The event will be the perfect way to spend Halloween night.”
The opera house lies in DeKalb County, but parts of Sandwich fall within Kendall. Wouldn’t it be something to shout about if a spirit tepid toward the looming limelight crossed county lines?
Thank goodness there’s someone to call.
Fall is the perfect time to prepare your furnace before the first frost hits. From $49 service calls to free estimates and seasonal tune-ups, we’re here to keep your home warm and worry-free.
close to home
By Chris Walker
There’s no doubt you don’t have to go far to find a beer these days. You can snag a 12-pack while you fuel up your gas tank and then restock your fridge when you get home. You can grab a sixer while you’re picking up a prescription at a pharmacy chain. And you can swing into any liquor store or supermarket and have countless choices of beer and other alcoholic beverages.
What about those looking for more from the water, hops, grains and yeast that produce the deliciousness they crave? Where can you go when you’re jonesin’ for the freshest and tastiest cold ones?
Fox Republic Brewing
The answer can be found in breweries like Fox Republic Brewing, which is also Yorkville’s only craft brewery. For more than two years, Fox Republic Brewing has been serving a wide selection of craft beers, along with wine, liquor, nonalcoholic drinks, and more at its taproom in historic downtown Yorkville.
Situated along the Fox River at 101 W. Hydraulic Ave., Fox Republic Brewing understands that its thirsty patrons often use its pale ales, IPAs, lagers, ciders, and seltzers to wash down food.
While food trucks make frequent appearances as part of an active social calendar at the taproom, hot-stuffed pretzels, pizza, and other snacks are regularly available. With live music, trivia, Singo!, and other fun events, Fox Republic Brewing has become an area go-to for craft brews and good times with friends and neighbors.
Visit: www.foxrepublicbrewing.com
Flight Tasting Room & Bottle Shoppe
You’ll find more than 200 craft beers, ciders, meads, wine and craft sodas at the Flight Tasting Room & Bottle Shoppe, 508 Center Parkway, Suite C, Yorkville, which is celebrating its sixth anniversary this September.
Flight’s most recent beer menu features 16 taps, including several local options such as Riverlands Brewing Company’s Primordial Alchemy and White Pointer (St. Charles), Foreign Exchange Brewing’s Peel Party (Aurora) and Brother Chimp Brewing’s Schimpansenfest (North Aurora).
Enjoy a drink or two at Flight and don’t forget to check out its social event calendar, which includes the Silent Book Club, where you can bring in a book and read in peace and quiet while sipping a craft beer or enjoying a flight. After all, you are at Flight. And don’t forget to purchase some craft cans and bottles to tuck away in your fridge for later consumption.
Visit: www.flightbottleshoppe.com
Foreign Exchange Brewing
Since it’s nearby in downtown Aurora, Kendall County residents may want to check out Foreign Exchange Brewing at 110 Cross St., Suite 100. This microbrewery, which specializes in innovative small-batch and oak-aged ales, also features a menu of appetizers, tacos and sandwiches that complement its brews.
Visit: www.foreignexchangebrewing.com
Other Options
Can’t make it to a microbrewery but craving craft brews?
Make the drive to Binny’s Beverage Depot, 1150 W. Ogden Ave., Montgomery (www.binnys.com) and check out the wide selection of area brews.
For other regional options, you can find 93 Octane Brewing (St. Charles), Crystal Lake Brewing (Crystal Lake), Energy City Brewing (Batavia), Obscurity Brewing & Craft Mead (Elburn), Penrose Brewing Company (Geneva), Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling Company (St. Charles), Two Brothers Brewing (Aurora) and Werk Force Brewing Company (Plainfield) down its aisles, as well as Go Brewing (Naperville), whose mission is to craft the best nonalcoholic beer on the planet.
Oswego is sweet on Candy Cloud
By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos provided by Candy Cloud
Buying a drink is no longer just buying a drink. It’s an experience of endless choices, and one to be shared on social media. Gone is the familiar paper cup. Picture, instead, transparent cans filled with layers of colorful goodness, and bearing names like Guava Cream Revibe, Banana Bread Latte, and Strawberry Crunch Cake Shake.
You have entered the world of Candy Cloud, a specialty drink store that opened its doors to a more than welcoming crowd in July. AmyCarol Bedows co-owns the Oswego franchise and two others with her husband Scott, and brother-in-law Kevin.
“It’s an unusual drink shop,” says Bedows. “Our drinks come in a sealed can with a lid. It’s a unique vessel. They’re really visually appealing in addition to tasting really great.”
Each drink is layered, whether it’s cold foam on top of coffee, or lemonade that has a boba in the bottom, then a topper to it. “You’ll have different colorful layers, being that they’re in a clear can, you’ll see all of those different layers when you get it,” says Bedows. “It’s really fun to snap a picture before you drink it because you can see what all the different layers look like. And, of course, I love to shake it all up before I drink it.”
There are coffees, frappes, lemonades, plant-based caffeine revibes, tea, and shakes to be had, all of which are customizable. “There’s pretty much an option for everybody,” says General Manager Miranda Krandenborg. “We do a lot of lemonades, different teas, and coffee, and we have a soft serve section, and a little food.”
The in-house lemonade is fresh-squeezed daily, and the strawberry lemonade is a customer favorite, as are the Goldenhour Breve coffee and the Birthday Cake Shake, notes Krandenborg. If you need even more choices, there are three rotating specialty drinks offered each month.
“It’s fun because it’s like a special menu,” says Bedows, pointing out the recent back-to-school special, limited-time offering, the Cotton Candy Frappe. “It literally tastes like cotton candy. It’s got a pink layer, a blue layer. It’s really pretty. The kids love it,” says Bedows. So, if you missed out, come back in for a future rotation.
In addition to its extensive menu, Candy Cloud uses fresh ingredients and everything is made in-house, says Bedows. “We try to go beyond the justorder-a-drink experience.”
Gluten-free cake pops come in various flavors. Food choices include a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich with hash browns inside, a jalapeno popper melt with jalapeno cream cheese, mozzarella, and bacon, and classic grilled cheeses. Pretzel bites are available in salted, cinnamon sugar, or garlic parmesan.
“Whether you’re just hanging out or just coming in to grab a drink, we’re set up to be super customizable for you, but also just to be a relaxing place where you can sit and enjoy it,” says Bedows. “It’s a place to pop in for a sweet treat and a fun time. People love how it looks. Social media is quite abuzz with comments and pictures from people who post them. It’s Instagram-worthy. Getting a drink is not just getting a drink. It’s a social experience.”
By Jonathan Bilyk
Crafting Smiles
Photos provided by The Chocolate Shoppe
Chocolate may not be the secret to happiness. But, as master chocolatier Andie Groff can attest, it’s still difficult for someone not to smile when they walk through the doors of her Plano store, The Chocolate Shoppe.
“It’s the best part of what I do,” said Groff, who for the past three years has operated The Chocolate Shoppe from its storefront on U.S. Route 34 in Plano. “Every day, I get to put a smile on someone’s face, because everyone knows you can’t stay sad or mad when you walk into a chocolate shop.”
But the story of The Chocolate Shoppe and its impact extends much farther, as the shop continues to build and broaden both its fan base of chocolate lovers and the reach of the business.
Add in countless delicious creations, and you have a recipe for making The Best Specialty Shop in the Kendall County area, as voted by readers in the 2025 Shaw Media Best of the Fox Readers’ Choice contest.
As Groff tells it, she’s always enjoyed chocolate. But she said she fell in love with it years ago, as she initially trained to be a pastry chef. “There’s nothing wrong with pastries,” she said. “But there are so many more things you can do with chocolate, so many different things you can make it into.”
As the years went by and her skill grew, Groff said she and many people who loved her chocolate knew it was time for her to open her own store.
In 2009, Groff launched the first version of The Chocolate Shoppe in Utica, near Starved Rock State Park. About five years later, the store relocated northeast to Yorkville. Eventually, the business shifted again, closing the storefront and taking chocolates on the road to farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and other events.
The Chocolate Shoppe grows
brand, business, one sweet treat at a time
However, in 2020, everything changed. Amid the restrictions and upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, Groff said people began ordering chocolates online in large numbers for the first time.
With business centered in the five-county area around Yorkville and Plano, the demand quickly turned into a clamor for The Chocolate Shoppe to reopen its doors. “People would say, ‘We love buying online, but when are you going to have a storefront again?’” Groff said.
In December 2020, Groff answered by reopening The Chocolate Shoppe. Two years later, she relocated to the current Plano site. The past five years, in particular, have brought “nothing but rapid growth,” Groff said. “It’s just taken off.”
All of their own recipes are made fresh in the Plano kitchen. The secret, she said, isn’t really a secret at all—it’s the chocolate.
The Chocolate Shoppe’s runaway best seller, Groff said, is the award-winning English toffee. Another top seller is the shop’s version of the confection best known as “turtles”—which she calls caramel pecan patties. “We legally can’t call them turtles,” she said with a laugh. “But they are so much better.”
Other favorites include salted caramels and the shop’s Chocoluxe Truffles. The Chocolate Shoppe also sells vegan and dairy-free chocolates. All products are made in a gluten-free and peanut-free kitchen. While the store does sell some items with peanut butter, those are made off-site, Groff said.
The shop regularly offers seasonal specials, such as the caramel apple pop-up set for October 18.
In addition to its Plano store and online sales, The Chocolate Shoppe operates kiosk locations in
Algonquin, North Aurora, and Highland, IN, where “almost nothing gets left past its expiration date.” The company also distributes through 32 wholesale partners across the U.S.
In recent years, Groff said, The Chocolate Shoppe has diversified further by selling products to other chocolate shops in a business-to-business model. “It’s yet another new avenue of growth for us,” she said.
Additionally, the store recently expanded with items from its Valley Fresh Kitchen line, including glutenfree and dairy-free sauces, seasonings, dressings, crockpot starters, soup mixes, muffins, breads, grass-fed beef sticks, Amish popcorn, cookies, cheesecakes, ice creams, and more. Still, the core of the business will always remain the chocolate shop, Groff said.
The Chocolate Shoppe also helps local youth and community organizations by offering fundraisers featuring its products. “Giving back to the community is a big part of what we do,” Groff said. “We get tremendous enjoyment from it.”
For Groff, it comes down to connection. “These are our friends, our family, our neighbors,” she said. “We go to church together, send our kids to school together. We’re in this together.”
Groff said the best part of running The Chocolate Shoppe remains the chance to share sweet treats and conversation with customers every day. Whether it’s filling an order for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day—or just helping someone stop in for a midweek pick-me-up—Groff said she loves being part of her customers’ lives.
“Because ... who doesn’t love chocolate?” she said.
Wonders and Wares
Main Street Merchants offers unique finds
By Patricia Szpekowski | Photos provided by Andie Groff
Step into Main Street Merchants in the heart of Plano, and you’ll discover a pleasant array of unique one-of-a-kind treasures, where each holds its own story crafted with love and creative passion.
“Our store is very different,” says owner Andie Groff, who is also the founder and proprietor of The Chocolate Shoppe right next door. “Main Street Merchants is a collective boutique featuring 42 talented local artisans, crafters, curators and makers. It’s a place where creativity meets community in a vibrant shopping experience like no other.”
These skilled local artisans offer shoppers a wide range of hand-crafted items that you’ll find nowhere else. The shop is filled with beautifully displayed items such as clothing and accessories; stunning jewelry; vibrant vintage items; baby items; home decor; candles; fresh local honey, gourmet foods, floral bouquets and wreaths; hand-painted artwork; intricate wood works; and non-toxic health items and soaps. That’s only the beginning of the heartfelt gifts you’ll find.
Each creator brings their own flair, ensuring that every visit offers something exciting and new. It’s no surprise that Main Street Merchants has been voted as the 2025 Record Newspapers Best of the Fox Readers’ Choice Awards in the Home Decor & Gift Shop category. It’s a place where shoppers can wander and discover, knowing no two visits will be the same.
“Our talented vendors are all independent small businesses,” adds Groff. “While many have sold their
A New Purpose
Abranda Icle Art
Andie’s Attic
Angie’s Creative Crafts
Arbor Tree Pottery
B Happy Art
Bella Baby Boutique
Christine Chalks A Lot
Cindy Ray Art
Country Kitchen Candle Company
CreaTiffity Sewing
Double Dog Woodworks
Forget Me Not By Bri
Ginger’s Boujee Bakery
one-of-a-kind products at craft shows and farmers’ markets, Main Street Merchants is a cooperative place to give them exposure and serve as a home base to gather together and sell their products. All of the owners are in-store to give you the opportunity to personally meet them.”
Groff gushes about the incredible creativity and care shown with every product that is available at Main Street Merchants. “You’ll find intricately designed and repurposed vintage jewelry; colorful flowers that look so real, yet they’re delicately crafted from wood; and beautifully framed pieces of artwork.”
Main Street Merchants is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a 1500 square foot hub of creativity and connection. Join them during their upcoming special events during the Vintage Hop Shop on October 3 and 4; Holiday Open House on November 8; and Christmas Open House on December 6. You’ll enjoy refreshments, snacks, and be the first to take a peek at many new gifts that will both make memories and your recipients very happy.
Groff is excited about what’s new, too. “We invite you to stop in our Art Gallery featuring works of art in acrylic, oil, and watercolor, plus sketches, pressed wood flowers, and more.”
Your next favorite treasure awaits at Main Street Merchants. Find out the latest news on their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/mainstreetmerchantsIL
Creative Businesses at Main Street Merchants
J&R Printing
K Voss Fine Art
Ker About Art
Kott Shot Krafts & Kreations
Life Is Meshy
Lil Bird Kitchens
Marlaine’s Market
My Boys & Me
Ol’ Made Quilts
Puppables Treats
Range Romas
Redeemed: Art by Kathryn
Redtail Reprieve
Root to Radiance
Rowe Casa Organics
ShyNox Décor
Starkie Production
Stitches in Bloom
Super Awesome Puzzles
Susie’s Seasons
Sweet Stitches
Sweetpea Pines
T&J Woodworking & Custom Designs
The Chocolate Shoppe
The Vibrant Petal
Two Chicks on a Journey
Watgen Warrior Family Farm
Zion & Co.
By Diane Krieger Spivak
Keller’s Farmstand:
Growing on 6Generations
provided by Keller’s Farmstand
After four generations, the Keller family has farming down to a science. Homesteading in 1852 in what would become DuPage County, the Kellers started their first roadside vegetable stand during the Great Depression. The stand grew, and today a second Keller’s Farmstand in Oswego is an award-winning operation.
“We’re very rare in that area. In so many farm families, the members grow older, and the young kids don’t want to take over,” says General Manager Martha Keller Abel, whose nephew Frank G. Keller V is studying agriculture at Purdue University with the intent of becoming the sixth generation to join the family business after graduation.
So, what makes Keller’s a favorite among customers? “People love our produce,” says Keller Abel, noting sweet corn in summer and apples in fall as standouts. Apple season offers varieties that ripen at different times, and customers can pick their own or purchase a prebagged quarter peck. “We have more than 20,000 apple trees and nearly 40 varieties that are available for picking, all the way till the end of October,” Keller Abel says. She suggests that apple aficionados check out the farmstand’s website.
“Not only do we have photos and descriptions of all the different varieties with an approximate ready time—weather dependent, of course—but there’s a feature that if there’s one you have to have, like, say Honeycrisp, you can click on Honeycrisp and enter your phone number and you’ll get one single text when we open that section of the orchard, so you’ll know when it’s time.”
Events are also a big draw at Keller’s. Saturday & Sunday Fall Festivities in September and October take place in a special section called Farmland,
featuring a 12-acre corn maze, photo ops, an animal barn, games and activities, playhouses, tractors, and pedal bikes.
“We have all kinds of things to keep a family busy for a couple of hours,” Keller Abel says. Those weekends also include concession stands, such as a hot dog stand and a new bakery stand selling coffee and soft-serve ice cream. “We do free wagon rides on the weekends, and during the week the orchard is open every day through the end of October. Pumpkin picking starts in mid-to-late September.”
Specialty items include candles, tea blends and hot sauces made in collaboration with Gindo’s in St. Charles, featuring sweet corn, apple and pumpkin flavors. Weekends also bring apple cider donuts and homemade fudge.
“I like to think we create relationships with our customers,” Keller Abel says, noting that some longtime customers keep in touch about life milestones. “We really try to show that we have a working farm experience that’s authentic and family-oriented. We also get a lot of people who send us messages through social media. My favorite is when they come in spring and get their flowers and vegetable plants and herbs and we see them again in the summer and they tell us how many tomatoes they picked, or, ‘Here’s the recipe for the bruschetta I just made with your tomatoes and your onions and your herbs.’ I love that stuff. We try to put a lot of tried-andtrue recipes on our website.”
The best feedback, though, comes in the form of photos customers send of their planters, Keller Abel says. “I remind them, we work hard to give you the best product, but you did a great job taking care of it.”
Photos
Building a Legacy
Virtues in Motion opens doors for the next generation of dancers
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos provided by Christy Schultz
For the last 10 years, Christy Schultz has welcomed dancers to her studio with classes designed to further their love of the art. As she launches the 10th season at Virtues in Motion Dance Studio in Yorkville, she has one goal in mind: making room for more dancers with dreams.
“The next phase is making this a legacy for my team and staff,” Schultz said. “I want to grow our recreation program as best I can to train the next round of dancers.”
The family-owned studio was honored to be named Best of the Fox. Schultz and her team of professional dance instructors have worked hard to build a reputation as a strong, competitive dance company, providing opportunities for dancers to pursue their passion and train at a high level.
As Schultz eyes the future, she said it’s about opening the doors for more beginner and intermediate dancers to join the studio through its recreational programming. That means adding more classes for dancers ages 4 to 12.
From the start, Schultz and her family wanted Virtues in Motion Dance Studio to follow the beat of its own drum. There are no contracts and no restrictions on dancers taking classes off-site. She invites students to take a free trial class to find the level and style they enjoy best, and the studio offers drop-in opportunities for almost every class.
Schultz knows firsthand that every child’s pursuit and path can look different. She is the mother of four children, all of whom love dance and carved individual journeys. One of her children is working toward a professional dance career, another is studying dance in college, and a high schooler loves to both dance and teach. Her son has a passion for hip-hop, music and making friends at the studio.
“Each of my children has taken a completely different dance path,” Schultz said. “My kids have had a huge role in what we’ve done at the dance studio.”
She and her team do their best to support students’ dance dreams, whether that means training to earn a spot on the high school dance team or preparing for a professional career. Through their network, the studio has welcomed some of the country’s best choreographers and dance professionals to lead pop-up classes. Many of these professionals, visiting Chicago for events and programs, make a detour to Yorkville to teach.
This fall, Virtues in Motion Dance Studio has partnered with the Plainfield Dance Academy to host a production of The Nutcracker in December at the Rosemont Theatre. Additionally, instructors from the Plainfield Dance Academy will be teaching some pre-pointe and pointe classes at Virtues in Motion, Schultz said.
From ballet to jazz and even a boys-only hip-hop and breakdancing class, Schultz and her team of instructors bring their passion for the art to the studio. This fall, there are also plans to add a new ballroom dance class, she said.
As she welcomes more students, Schultz said she sees the future of dance rooted in the art, beauty and camaraderie it inspires.
Small-Town Dentistry,
Big-Hearted Care
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
provided by Downtown Dental & Implants
When Dr. Shalini Mohan first joined a dental practice in downtown Oswego, what stood out immediately was the warmth of the community and the smalltown feel. Years later, she is proud to be a trusted part of that very community—caring for generations of families with both routine and specialty dental care.
Voted Best Dentist in Kendall County by Best of the Fox two years in a row, Dr. Mohan is honored every time patients choose Downtown Dental & Implants of Oswego. “I love the smalltown charm of Oswego. It feels like everyone knows their neighbors,” she said. “Even though we’re close to Chicago, Oswego has its own heartbeat—and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
Originally from India, Mohan moved to the U.S. more than 30 years ago with her husband. Although she had already completed a dental degree in India, she pursued a second degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, graduating magna cum laude.
After earning her degree, she and her husband settled in Kendall County, where she began practicing dentistry. In 2007, she became a partner in the Oswego practice she now leads. As neighboring dental offices consolidated,
Mohan purchased the practice, and over time she expanded her team. Today, Downtown Dental & Implants is an all-women practice with long-time staff members who emphasize compassion and personalized care.
“We see five generations of patients in our office. That continuity is something I treasure,” Mohan said.
The practice provides both routine and advanced care, including implants, cosmetic dentistry, and sleep apnea treatment. Mohan also makes continuing education a priority, ensuring her patients always benefit from the latest procedures and technology.
Technology plays a central role in her office. Same-day crowns, digital scanners, and advanced imaging allow her team to provide faster, more comfortable care. “A crown is about a two hour appointment instead of multiple visits. There are no messy molds or temporary crowns that can come off. You walk out with a beautiful crown the same day,” Mohan explained. “Patients appreciate that efficiency without sacrificing quality.”
Her commitment goes beyond the technical side of dentistry—it’s also about being there
when patients need her most. She recalls a recent Saturday when a bride came in with a broken front tooth. Mohan and her staff worked quickly so the bride could walk down the aisle later that day with confidence. “Being able to do that because of technology—it means everything to me,” Mohan said.
For Mohan and her team, the practice is about more than dentistry; it’s about community. They support local events such as the annual Cookie Walk and are active members of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce.
Mohan also gives back through initiatives such as Give a Veteran a Smile, an annual event now in its sixth year, where her office provides free dental care to veterans on Veterans Day. “They never ask for it, but I feel very blessed that I can offer this service. It’s incredibly rewarding,” she said.
With a focus on compassionate care, stateof-the-art dentistry, and deep community ties, Dr. Mohan and her team at Downtown Dental & Implants of Oswego continue to embody what small-town dentistry is all about: big-hearted care.
Photos
Gateville Law Firm is here to stay
By Chris Walker
Estate planning can be complex. It doesn’t have to be when you hire a professional partner who has spent their career removing the conflict and confusion involved in the process of transferring and managing your assets.
The Gateville Law Firm has proven to be an ideal partner for many satisfied clients. Their collective voices have been heard loud and clear as the firm received the 2025 Best of the Fox Readers’ Choice Award for Best Lawyer/ Law Firm in Kendall County.
“It shows that our hard work and commitment to our clients are paying off,” said Sean Robertson, attorney and founding partner of Gateville Law Firm. “My team and I are grateful that our hard work has paid off and has been acknowledged. It’s a great honor for me and my staff, and it also shows the depth of our involvement in the community, which is nice.”
Gateville Law Firm focuses on complex real estate planning and asset protection with an emphasis on clients with assets over $1.5 million. The firm also assists those with simple estate planning needs that are under $1.5 million.
“Just over $1.5 million requires a lot of tax planning and creative planning that also protects against the rising liability concerns of long-term care issues with seniors and the elderly,” Robertson said. “Our estate planning practice is mostly concentrated on those 50 years and older.”
As a major advocate for the senior population, Robertson is deeply committed to representing them and their families. His practice area for estate planning and asset protection is vast and includes, but is not limited to, living trusts, last wills and testaments, joint trust vs. individual trust, blended family estate planning, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, special needs estate planning, asset protection and wealth preservation, small business estate planning, legacy planning and real estate legacy planning.
“We take the time to get to know our clients and explain their options,” Robertson said. “We craft customized estate plans to ensure their wishes will be carried out according to their desires. With our guidance and assistance, families can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their hard-earned assets will be protected and distributed correctly.”
Gateville Law Firm also has satisfied countless home buyers and sellers as their real estate transaction lawyer. Laws and regulations in the real estate industry can be just as complex as estate planning so having an experienced and empathetic firm like Gateville can be a Godsend.
“We have one of the strongest real estate teams in the legal industry,” Robertson said. “Our real estate team developed its skills by working at reputable title insurance companies, and this is coupled with the wisdom derived from managing hundreds of thousands of real estate transactions over decades.”
Gateville Law Firm also serves as a commercial real estate lawyer, sharing its knowledge and expertise with those facing complex laws and legal requirements regarding purchasing or selling commercial property, planning development projects, determining how to best utilize tax laws, and taking steps to protect assets while planning for future financial success.
Good neighbors make the difference
60546-9040 Bus: 630-554-1540 www.jannamisek.com
