The Tri-Cities Central community has spoken: Nosh has been voted the #1 breakfast in the Tri-Cities area.

Congratulations to the downtown Geneva staple for earning the title after landing the #1 seed and leading from start to finish. It certainly wasn’t a landslide; Buttermilk hung tough and kept it within about 15 votes.

I came across some photos of the Nosh breakfast burger during research — and immediately made a note to visit their patio and sample that thing ASAP (for research purposes, of course).

Lots of online reviewers also rave about their Eggs Benedict dishes, particularly the smoked salmon variation. The chilaquiles, migas de puerco, and Bloody Marys seem quite popular as well — in fact, some called out the Bloodys as "the best in town.”

(If anyone knows the folks who run Nosh, please feel free to put me in touch as I’d love to get them a framed “Best Breakfast” certificate).

📮 Need to contact me with questions, tips or suggestions? Get in touch here.

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Planning to stick around town for Independence Day?

Given that the holiday marks America’s 250th birthday this year, the celebratory activities planned across the area are even more plentiful than normal.

Events range from fireworks in Batavia, St. Charles, and North Aurora to a riverfront block party, a minor league baseball game (with fireworks), and a century-old breakfast tradition at the Batavia VFW.

Read on for the full breakdown.

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Chris Wallace isn’t just an expert in all things Tri-Cities — he’s a heck of a real estate agent, too. In fact, he was just named to RealTrends Verified, placing him in the top 1.5% of real estate professionals in the country.

It’s all based on verified sales numbers, which means you can’t buy this type of credential. You have to earn it. Check out his website for more local real estate resources.

If you've been thinking about buying or selling, the timing matters. In his latest video, Chris breaks down trends for this summer such as climbing inventory, flattening prices, and a chance for local buyers to find more leverage in the weeks ahead.

☑️ Summer bucket list: Naperville Magazine published a comprehensive list of dozens of concerts, festivals, art fairs, and other outdoor summer activities happening across the wider western suburbs through September.

☑️ Library cost crunch: The Batavia Public Library is launching a $14.4M, 12-month renovation this November, and the project is already running about $400K over budget before construction begins. Learn about the project and next steps.

☑️ Stepping down: State Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is retiring at the end of her term after 20 years in the 42nd District (which covers parts of the Tri-Cities), citing her longtime battle with Multiple Sclerosis as the reason she won't seek reelection.

☑️ All teed up: The St. Charles Park District opened a new 18-hole disc golf course at Prairieview Pointe Park on Tuesday, located on an 88-acre site off Route 38 designed by a professional architect with two basket options at every hole.

☑️ Safer situations: The North Aurora Police Department has joined the Blue Envelope Program, a free initiative that gives individuals with autism and other communication differences an easy way to signal their needs to officers during a traffic stop.

☑️ News notes:

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☑️ Local artist profile: Rosalie White stepped away from painting for nearly 40 years, but the work she's making now at Water Street Studios in Batavia reflects everything she learned during a journey that's been far from ordinary.

☑️ Sounds of summer: Geneva's free Concerts in the Park will be back for four Wednesdays in July at River Park, and the city's bike committee has organized another group "bike bus" ride for the July 8 kickoff event.

☑️ Baby bitterns: Kane County Forest Preserve wildlife staff discovered a nesting pair of Least Bitterns (which is a threatened Illinois species) hiding among some local cattails — and the eggs recently hatched. See photos of the nest and little ones.

☑️ Creative oasis: Local contributors to the Sculpture in the Park initiative at Mt. St. Mary Park in downtown St. Charles reflected on the evolution and success of the program as it celebrates its 20th season as a community outdoor art gallery.

☑️ Bazaar scholarships: Eight local high school seniors who worked at Covenant Living at the Holmstad in Batavia received scholarships of $1,400 or $1,600 each, funded by proceeds from the senior living community's annual resident-run fall bazaar.

✳️ Thrive Together returns: St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Geneva will host a special seminar on Sept. 19 exploring the challenges and benefits of Christian outreach in the Fox Valley suburbs (led by Wheaton College sociologist and local expert Brian Miller). Get details & sign up.

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The live music weekend kicks off extra early today (Thursday) with a 1PM performance by the multitalented Matt Keen at the Swedish Days Craft Beer Tent. And that’s just one of nearly 90 shows through Sunday.

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Your AC stops working on the first sweltering day of the season, and your first instinct is to call for help. That’s fair.

But there's a good chance you can fix it yourself in under 10 minutes. State Automatic, a Batavia-based HVAC company serving the Tri-Cities area, coaches customers through this stuff for free every summer.

They shared some of the most common summer AC problems and what to check before you pick up the phone — it’s worth a quick read before the next serious heat wave.

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☑️ Rare discoveries: Industrial Treasures in St. Charles is pulling its warehouse and private inventory outside for a two-weekend tent sale June 26–28 and July 3–5, including pieces that have never been available on the retail floor.

☑️ New deep dish spot: Construction is underway on a new Lou Malnati's at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles, where the legendary Chicago deep dish chain is expected to open this fall with 218 indoor seats, a full bar, and an outdoor patio.

✳️ Swedish Days 50% off sale: The Little Traveler is going HALF PRICE on dozens of items (both in their outdoor tents and in-store) through this weekend, including home goods, decor, toys, fashion, yard gear, accessories, and chandeliers (some are up to 90% off!) — stop by soon before this great stuff sells out.

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☑️ Community Friday Lunch | Fri 6/26, 11:30AM–1PM | VSW, Batavia | Free lunch and networking featuring Coco's Tacos food truck and community connections.

☑️ Passport to Summer Event | Fri 6/26, 5PM–8PM | The Pep Line, STC | Stroll the shop, enjoy seasonal sips, and complete a passport for a chance to win prizes.

🎟️ Cosmic Minigolf | Fri 6/26, 9PM–midnight | Stone Creek Mini Golf, Geneva | Glow-in-the-dark mini golf under the stars during Swedish Days weekend. 

☑️ Swindle Book Signing with J.B. Michaels | Sat 6/27, 11:30AM–3:30PM | The Little Traveler, Geneva | Bestselling author signs his Swedish Days-set cozy mystery novella. 

☑️ Doggie Ice Cream Social | Sat 6/27, 12:30PM–2:30PM | Red Hive Market, Batavia | Fun local meetup with doggie ice cream sampling.

☑️ Bluefin Tuna Cutting Extravaganza | Sat 6/27, 6PM–8PM | Wok n Fire, STC | Watch a master sushi chef cut a 250+ lb bluefin tuna and enjoy a fresh fish dinner.

☑️ Bugfest 2026 Car Show + Swap Meet | Sun 6/28, 9AM–2:30PM | Fox Valley Volkswagen, STC | Free spectator VW car show with DJ, food, and judging.

🎟️ Pride Ride: All Wheels Welcome | Sun 6/28, 10AM | Fat Sam's for Pets, Batavia | Family-friendly 5K pride skate hosted by Aurora 88s Roller Derby and Fat Sam's. 

☑️ Free Yoga in the Park | Sun 6/28, 10AM–11AM | Mount Saint Mary Park, STC | Beginner-friendly community yoga in the park, no experience needed. 

🎟️ Radler Ride | Sun 6/28, 10AM–4PM | Brother Chimp Brewing, N. Aurora | Ride from Brother Chimp to Pollyanna STC with a Radler Beer at each stop. 

🎟️ 250th Celebration Family Picnic | Sun 6/28, 1PM–4PM | Baker Church, STC | Celebrate America's 250th birthday with red, white, and blue picnic food and games.  

🎟️ Chicago's Funniest Teachers Live | Sun 6/28, 7PM | Comedy Vault, Batavia | Three comedians — all teachers turned performers — do hilarious live stand-up. 

✳️ Special Edition Puppy Yoga | 7/11 & 7/12, Various Times | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Absolutely adorable beginner yoga with adoptable puppies in support of a great cause.

🎟️ Tri-Cities Dinner Club | Wed 7/22, 6:15PM | Downtown Geneva | Get matched with like-minded locals, enjoy dinner at an amazing restaurant, then meet the full crew at the surprise afterparty nearby.

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