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Local Love
Fresh ideas for your next date night
By Vicki Martinka Petersen
When planning a memorable date night, there are plenty of spots close to home where you can enjoy unique experiences while spending time with your significant other. From cultural institutions to community events, here are some local places to check out on your next date night.
Tour a local museum
Designed by legendary architect Mies van der Rohe, the Edith Farnsworth House in Plano is considered one of the most important modern architectural assets in the country. Originally built as a country retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, today the house museum welcomes more than 10,000 guests annually from around the world.
When the museum reopens Thursday, March 26, after being closed for interior preservation, be sure to check out the array of programming suited for couples, including guided landscape walks, $5 First Saturdays, and the Moonlight & Mies evening tours. There are also special ticketed events such as the Trifecta House Tour and Mod & Merry, which offer a more intimate and distinctive way to experience the site.
For history buffs, check out the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum in downtown Aurora. This museum honors wartime and postwar history throughout the United States. Artifacts date back to 1861 and include Civil War medals, weapons, photographs, flags, and letters sent from the front lines home to Aurora.
Get creative
If you’re looking to create personalized artwork for your home, stop by for a group painting session at The Petite Palette in Sandwich. Choose from the upcoming selection of classes on the website, then reserve your spot. Programs last one to three hours, depending on the painting.
Recent sessions included painting capybaras, a monochromatic piece with a single tree in color and a two-piece painting of gnomes. The studio even offered a cookie-decorating class for Valentine’s Day.
Another fun place for a creative date is Arts on Fire in Plano. Choose from a variety of ceramic bisque pottery pieces to paint. After it’s painted, the studio fires it in the kiln. For a more hands-on artistic experience, try the pottery wheel workshops. Designed for beginners, these workshops include learning pottery wheel techniques and enough clay to create two pieces.
Take in a show
Skip the traffic heading to downtown Chicago and enjoy live entertainment closer to home at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. This spring, the award-winning Broadway series includes “Dear Evan Hansen,” running through Sunday, March 22, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific,” running Wednesday, April 29, through Sunday, June 14.
Other upcoming performances include Riverdance 30 from Friday to Sunday, March 27-29; Shen Yun 2026 from Thursday to Saturday, April 2-4; and a limited return engagement of “Million Dollar Quartet” from Wednesday, March 4, through Sunday, May 31.
For outdoor entertainment, head to Venue 1012 in Oswego. This amphitheater showcases local and regional bands spanning a wide range of genres, from country and rock to pop music from the 1960s through today. On Thursday evenings in the summer, bring a picnic and chairs to watch free movies in the park.
Plot your escape
For a unique date night that blends fun with bonding time, book a private escape room outing at Mind Trap Escape Rooms in Montgomery. Choose from nine different themes, including Mafia Heist, set in the 1980s with a mob looking for new recruits for a Chicago heist, and What Happened in Vegas, where you have just an hour to find your items and catch a flight home.
Head outdoors
After being cooped up indoors over the winter, take your daytime date outdoors to Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area. This state park in Yorkville features an archery range, equestrian trails, fishing and plenty of hiking trails. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon taking in views of the Fox River while enjoying a picnic lunch.
If you and your partner share a love of birdwatching, head to Pickerill-Pigott Forest Preserve in Yorkville. This quiet, naturalized area offers plenty of spots to look for birds, including the Woodland Edge Trail loop. The preserve also features a catch-and-release fishing pond and picnic pavilion.
Check out an event
Sip your way through tastings from more than 15 local wineries during the 20th annual Wine on the Fox, taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, in downtown Oswego. Set at Hudson Crossing Park along the Fox River, Wine on the Fox blends wine and beer tastings with live entertainment both days.
The following weekend, check out another fun event along the Fox River — Margaritas en Mayo on Friday, May 8, at Riverfront Park in Yorkville. Held in conjunction with the Bilingual Parents Advisory Council, this festival includes food and drinks, colorful piñatas, traditional Mexican music, and more.
Most families have documents. What they don’t have is protection from the risks that quietly erode wealth, create conflict, or force court involvement.
Gateville Law Firm focuses on risk-managed estate planning. Our design approach is to keep families out of court, protect assets from loss, and ensure the right people stay in control. Our planning strategies are designed to address real-world risks, not just to create paperwork.
Our Estate Planning & Asset Protection Services Include:
• Asset Protection & Wealth Preservation Strategies
• Planning for Incapacity, Long-Term Care, and Family Risk
• Strategic coordination of Trusts, Beneficiaries, and Asset Ownership
Our Approach: Risk-Focused Planning
That means identifying how assets can be lost, challenged, delayed or redirected and addressing those risks before something happens.
Common risks we help clients manage include:
• Probate and court involvement
• Incapacity without authority or control
• Long-term care and healthcare cost erosion
• Family conflict, divorce, or creditor exposure
• Poorly coordinated beneficiary designations
• Assets passing in ways clients never intended
• Outdated plans that no longer reflect real life or current laws
By addressing these risks proactively, families gain control, avoid court involvement, and protect what they’ve built for the next generation
A Night at the Opera
Sandwich Opera House is a different approach to date night
By Diane Krieger Spivak
Tired of the same old dinner-and-a-movie date? Defy the ordinary by heading to the Sandwich Opera House. Built in 1878, the restored performing arts venue in the small city of Sandwich, Illinois, serves up not only entertainment in the form of live performances, but also a glimpse into the past and an ambiance you just won’t find at your local multiplex.
“It’s definitely a different date night,” said Executive Director Tanzi Cairy. “We’re the oldest performing arts theatre in DeKalb County, right across the border from Kendall, and one of the few remaining opera houses in the state. Most of them have been demolished.”
The building, on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally a combined city hall, jail and theatre. City hall and the mayor’s office still operate on the first floor. The theatre, located upstairs, is a study in historical charm, with ornate pillars and brass railings around the balcony.
“As far as I know, we’re the only original city jail that was retained and turned into a women’s restroom,” said Cairy. “We encourage couples to take a peek, as long as no one’s using it. The guys really love going in and seeing it. It’s definitely a highlight for people.” And yes, the bars are still there.
The nonprofit theatre offers a variety of live performances throughout the year. “The comedians are really popular,” said Cairy. “They always make a really great date night. Comedian John Caparulo is flying in for a show for us March 7. He’s been on Comedy Central and he’s got a standing show in Las Vegas.”
The Opera House also books many tribute acts. “They make such a fun date because they sing the songs you love, whether they’re older or a more recent tribute, without having that huge expense of going to see an artist,” said Cairy.
Acts this season include an ABBA tribute in February and Toby Keith and Elton John slated for March. Also upcoming is That Girl Band, a celebration of ’70s and ’80s girl bands. “With tribute acts, you can have a great time without having to drive a lot and pay $40 for parking,” added Cairy. “All our parking is free.”
The building is handicap accessible. The theatre’s website is updated by season. “Hopefully, by May we’ll have our seasons set up for ’26/’27,” noted Cairy.
The theatre offers concessions, and a small bar area serving beer and wine is located just outside the auditorium. You can also pre-purchase drinks on the website when you order tickets.
If you and your date need to refuel before or after the show, the Opera House is near popular eateries and bars, including Santa Fe Restaurant, Bull Moose Bar & Grill, Old Tyme Inn, Sports Page Gaming Cafe, and The Roasted Rooster right down the block.
Cairy hastened to add that the venue has also hosted several weddings in the past, noting, “So if the date leads to more, we could always book your wedding!”
Love in Bloom
Local florists keep romance alive & colorful
By Pat Szpekowski
Flowers represent a true message of love. They spread joy no matter the occasion in which they are displayed or the pure intentions with which they are given. Whether flowers are spilling majestically down staircases or flowing from bouquets, their beauty and scents frame the memories of the day. Local florists are true artists who reimagine wedding couples’ ideas and bring them to remarkable life.
“As a dedicated wedding florist,” said Nicole Hiller, owner of Yorkville Flower Shop in Yorkville, “we genuinely love bringing each couple’s distinct vision to life, no matter the style or theme. We’ve had the joy of crafting floral arrangements for hundreds of couples over the years and have had the pleasure of working at numerous beautiful venues, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere.”
Yorkville Flower Shop was founded in 2003 by Susan Parker, and Nicole recently took over the business in October 2025 when her mother retired. “We love what we do,” added Nicole. “Witnessing couples of all ages exchange vows and celebrate their love is incredibly heartwarming and seeing their wedding photos resurface over the years fills us with pride and gratitude.”
Telling love stories through flowers can be a challenge, but florists like Megan Dell’Aringa of Floral Expressions in Oswego embrace the opportunities. Founded in 2001 by her mother, Terri Platt, the business is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is set to continue expressing personality, purpose and self-expression through colorful, fresh blooms.
“We love getting a spark of an idea and creating something special to make it realistic,” said Megan. “We’ve been challenged to create a balloon sculpture on silo frames that depicts a huge, gorgeous display of flowers to make a special statement. It was awesome.”
For Floral Expressions, spreading the love extends to more than just weddings, too. “We once honored a request and created a huge bouquet of 250 roses for a Valentine’s Day surprise,” added Megan. “Recently, we hand-delivered 387 bud vases of fresh flowers to nursing homes across the area in Oswego, Yorkville and Aurora. We call it Sunshine and Love and receive generous support from community members to make it happen.”
Wedding florals have also gone through transformations, and Sabrina Kettley of Forget Me Not by Bri, located at the Main Street Merchants in Plano, creates floral bouquets and centerpieces that defy the usual norm.
“I create wood flowers, which come from the sola plant in Asia,” said Sabrina. “They are eco-friendly, sustainable and reusable. It touches my heart to create such keepsakes that will last and make someone happy.” She dyes the individual wood flowers and forms unique arrangements so realistic you have to take a second look.
How did Sabrina get into this creative venture? “I’ve always been crafting and when 2020 hit, I was really bored. I came upon a DIY project with wood flowers and thought it was really cool. After a year, I started my business and focused on making and offering the highest quality of wood flower arrangements.”
Sabrina purchases her wood flowers from several womenowned businesses. The craft is popular nationwide, and she has attended the annual Wood Flower Florists Conference & Retreat to mingle with like-minded creatives for networking and inspiration.
Flowers aren’t just an event accessory anymore. They are taking the main stage to spark love and shape the mood for a spectacular and memorable day.
ForgetMeNot
Comfort That Grows with Your Story
Yorkville Flower Shop
From Fairgrounds to First Dance
Yorkville location grows as a popular wedding venue
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
TFairgrounds
winkling lights glow next to exposed wooden beams above the heads of the bride and groom as they make their way across the dance floor. This romantic setting isn’t just another banquet hall; it’s the Kendall County Fairgrounds in Yorkville.
Also known for its Sunday morning artisan market and as the home of the county fair, the Kendall County Fairgrounds are no longer just for tractor pulls and horse shows; it’s time to take another look, as the locale is growing into a popular wedding reception destination.
The Venue at KCF serves as the fairgrounds wedding and event planning site for The Hall, The Gallery, and The Pavilion locations at the fairgrounds. In 2025, Jen Gomoll joined as the event coordinator, taking the lead in the small staff that manages rentals for weddings as well as birthdays, showers, and other celebrations. For Gomoll, a former small business owner, the opportunity to use her customer service skills to help people plan their special occasions is a perfect fit.
Photos provided by Kendall County
Sewing on a button or greeting the cake delivery person, Gomoll has embraced her role in helping couples celebrate their special day at The Venue. “My clients mean a lot to me,” she said. “Our team is on site the day of their event, checking up throughout.”
There are just a handful of open dates still available from May through October 2026, and people are already booking dates in 2027. For The Venue, guests can reserve a building at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds provide bar service packages, and couples are able to personalize the space, from selecting tables and chairs to table decor and catering.
“It’s really nice to see how couples can be really creative,” Gomoll said.
And the creativity isn’t just the decor. With the ability to bring in their own catering and food, couples are having fun going beyond traditional fare, whether it’s utilizing food trucks, having a pig roast or serving guests pizza delivered for a late-night nosh at a wedding reception.
“We have a list of preferred vendors and local vendors. Most have sit-down dinners, but I’ve seen couples have fun with creative food options,” Gomoll said.
In the smaller building, The Gallery can accommodate 100 guests for hosting wedding and baby showers, or birthday celebrations. There is access to a small kitchen with prep tables for those who choose to bring in their own catering.
The Hall, which can accommodate 450 guests, offers the comforts of an indoor venue and the option to open large doors to enjoy a cool summer breeze. In the cooler months, The Hall does have heat. There is an air-conditioned space that many couples use for the bride and her bridesmaids as they prepare, known as The Parlor.
The Pavilion on the fairgrounds is a covered open-air area that can also be incorporated into a wedding reception and host other celebrations in the warmer weather months. Gomoll said some couples even choose to have their wedding ceremony on the fairgrounds, whether utilizing a portion of The Hall for the service or saying their vows in a grove of trees or next to the rose garden and The Steps. These locations make great places for photographs, too, or couples can make their way to a beautiful bridge or the historic Grandstands.
Making Your Moment
Where the proposals of today are trending
By Grace Rosati
Popping the question is a pivotal moment in every person’s life. A proposal not only signals a new chapter, but it sheds light on who you are as a couple.
Jessica Pereira, lead wedding planner at Events By J. Design in Oswego, has been in the wedding business for 20 years, and she has seen it all. Recently, she has seen a large shift in proposals. “I typically don’t plan a lot of engagements anymore,” Pereira said. “Proposals are moving away from being overly staged into more intimate, sentimental moments.”
That being said, proposal trends are still alive and well. For example, the most common time of year for a proposal is what the wedding industry dubs “Bridal Christmas.” This aligns with the holiday season, so couples are able to celebrate with their families. Another common aspect of a proposal is hiring a photographer to capture the special moment.
Storytelling has become a huge part of proposals as well. Whether you’re revisiting your first date or creating a video montage of your favorite times together, finding the core of who you are as a couple is key to crafting the perfect moment. Pereira’s advice is to think of what comes easiest to you both.
“I had a groom share that when he proposed, he did a helicopter proposal… and he’s afraid of heights, so you can imagine how that proposal went,” she laughs. “He could barely get his words out, but she was over the moon when the ring came out.
At the end of the day, it’s still special. Just don’t overthink it.”
That might be easier said than done, since one of the more difficult aspects of proposing is the element of surprise. This is especially true if you stick with more casual dates as a couple. To help ensure your fiancée-to-be is picture-perfect more often, schedule larger, fancier dates leading up to the big question. Plus, this way they’ll never know when it’s coming.
While a surprise is always special, Pereira does suggest visiting a jewelry store together to keep you both in the conversation. This also signals to your partner to stay up to date on their manicure appointments.
In fact, this was the method Pereira’s husband used to surprise her. “When we picked out my ring, what I didn’t know was that he had previously visited the jewelry store already. When I picked the one I liked, he secretly cued the saleswoman, she charged him for the ring, and she snuck him the box. He walked out with the ring that day, and I had absolutely no clue!”
Fun stories like these are what make your proposal unique, so get creative. You know your partner best: What do they like? What is your favorite thing to do together? What feels natural? And once you receive a “Yes,” make sure to enlist the help of Events By J. Design for all your wedding planning needs, because they will make your special day as special as you are.
Downtown Dental & Implants of Oswego
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
& Implants of Oswego
For Dr. Shalini Mohan, dentistry is about more than treating teeth—it’s about building relationships and giving back to the community she calls home.
“I like to look for ways we can locally support the community,” Mohan said. That philosophy has guided her and her team at Downtown Dental & Implants of Oswego for nearly 22 years.
After earning her second degree in dentistry from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Mohan and her husband relocated to Kendall County, where she opened her practice in downtown Oswego. From the beginning, she was drawn to the close-knit feel of the town and the opportunity to create a practice rooted in long-term patient care.
Over the years, Mohan has cared for multiple generations of families, often seeing patients return twice a year and watching children grow up and bring in families of their own. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of so many lives for such a long time,” she said.
Downtown Dental & Implants of Oswego is an all-women practice, including associate dentist Dr. Caroline Cwiek. Together, the team has made community service a central part of their mission.
In 2019, the practice launched its first Give a Veteran a Smile Program, offering complimentary dental care to local veterans. The program has continued to grow each year, and in 2025, during its sixth annual event, the team provided more than $20,000 worth of dental treatment to veterans ranging in age from their 20s to their 90s.
“We did cleanings, fillings, crowns, and even helped one patient with dentures,” Mohan said. “We try to help as many people as possible.”
Some veterans have shared that they would not have been able to access dental care without this annual event.
In addition to serving veterans, the office recently revived its holiday food drive in support of the Kendall County Food Pantry. Patients were offered a 10% discount on treatment when they donated nonperishable food items. The result was over 1,010 pounds of food collected for local families in need.
While delivering the donations, Mohan noticed the pantry lacked basic dental supplies. She immediately committed to providing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to support the pantry’s clients and promote good oral hygiene.
The team also volunteers their time to sort and deliver food, and they plan to expand their community involvement this year with additional service projects, including volunteering with Feed My Starving Children and speaking engagements focused on dental health education at the Yorkville Senior Center.
“I’m passionate about education,” Mohan said. “Dental health becomes increasingly important as we age. Keeping your teeth healthy allows you to eat nutritious foods and maintain your overall well-being.”
Along with community outreach, Mohan emphasizes advanced technology as a way to improve patient care. The practice offers same-day crowns using in-office digital scanning and 3D printing technology.
“Instead of multiple visits, we can design and create the crown right here,” Mohan said. “Patients walk out the same day with their permanent crown.”
For Dr. Mohan and her team, the goal has always been simple: deliver excellent dentistry while making a meaningful difference in the community.
“We’re here to serve,” Mohan said. “That’s what truly matters.”
Photos provided by Downtown Dental
WLove Bites
Date night destinations & more
By Cayden Wells
hen was the last time a dinner date felt like a true escape? Step away from the standard routine of cheeseburgers and beer. Picture the soft glow of Edison bulbs reflecting off the Fox River. In Kendall County, romance isn’t just a grand gesture. It’s found in the flickering candlelight of local dining rooms and the shared plates that bring us closer together.
In Yorkville, romance is sparking under a 20-foot olive tree. Michael LaPidus, owner of Italian Soda House (1300 N. Bridge St.), spent eight years cultivating a concept he calls “affordable luxury.” Housed in a building with copper awnings and amber flame lights, the restaurant offers an urban, fine-dining aesthetic without the downtown city price tag.
“We wanted the outside to be dimly lit,” LaPidus said. “When you look over here, it’s this very old school, one-off Italian restaurant.”
Inside, the dining rooms are separated by lush foliage and anchored by an Italian Vespa. It is immersive.
For the ultimate date night, LaPidus recommends sharing the “Venice Vibes,” a passion fruit and coconut Italian soda, at one of the tables tucked directly beneath the center tree. For Feb. 14, the restaurant is curating a special menu where every dish is paired with a choice of wine, beer, cocktails or a signature soda.
For couples seeking a “hidden gem” feel, Neat Kitchen + Bar in Oswego (6 W. Washington St.) provides a cozy, communityfocused alternative. Manager Anthony Bonamo describes the space as having a “Cheers” vibe, a neighborhood spot where people walk in and know one another.
“People come in, they dine, they drink, and they have a good time,” Bonamo said. “It is a nice little hidden gem and a neighborhood spot.”
While the atmosphere is relaxed, the menu is elevated. The standout date-night order is the short rib grilled cheese. It features sweet onion marmalade and white cheddar on sourdough. “It’s unique, not too many places have that sandwich,” Bonamo said.
Because the location operates on a first-come, first-served basis, he suggests arriving early to grab a cocktail at the bar while waiting for a table.
The romance doesn’t stop at the Yorkville and Oswego borders. For those who crave history, Gray’s Mill Estate in Montgomery (211 N. River St.) offers limestone walls and a speakeasy atmosphere that feels frozen in time. It is a sensory experience. In downtown Oswego, 113 Main (113 Main St.) provides an industrial-chic backdrop perfect for a modern anniversary, specializing in eclectic small plates designed for sharing.
Yorkville serves as a romantic hub with additional distinct options. Lakeview Grille (604 W. Veterans Pkwy.) provides the quintessential “scenic view” date, where the atmosphere is as refined as the steak and seafood menu. If creative, upscale pizza is more your style, Parma Pizza Bar (107 W. Van Emmon St.) offers a vibrant, social environment for a low-pressure date night. The martini list encourages staying long after the last slice is gone.
Ultimately, romance is found in lingering looks across a shared plate and the quiet conversations that stretch late into the evening. It’s the warmth of a candlelit corner and the magic of a meal prepared with care. Whether you are celebrating a new spark or a decades-long flame, the perfect table is waiting, tucked away in local neighborhoods, ready to turn a simple dinner into a lasting memory.
