After I shared in one of last week’s newsletters that Flyleaf Bakery Cafe at the Batavia Public Library would be closing at the end of the month, a reader pointed out something interesting: a sign in the window of Limestone Coffee & Tea indicated that they’d be taking over the space.

That reader proved correct.

Limestone did indeed announce plans for a second location in the library café space, where they’ll open in early January. They’ll offer their full drink menu and partner with North Aurora's Breads & Bakes Co. for baked good offerings at the shop.

Judging by the early online reactions, Batavians are excited. And also really enjoy their caffeine.

Following the closure of Graham’s 318 Coffeehouse last year, many locals lamented what appeared to be a dwindling number of coffee shops in town.

What a difference a year can make.

Since then, we’ve seen a wave of new openings in Geneva — including one that slipped past me in November. Geneva Winery on 3rd Street announced the opening of Geneva Winery Coffeehouse in their space, where they now open at 5AM and serve a wide variety of coffee beverages (including a Nitro Cold Brew that seems popular).

Some of the other recent openings:

That’s not to mention an in-progress redevelopment project at 3187 Anderson Blvd., which will become a mixed-use space featuring a ground-floor bike shop and café.

Geneva is also home to Starbucks (229 W. State), Gun Barrel Coffee (411 Stevens Street), Gather Bakery (315 W. State Street), and Cocoa Bean (11 S. 7th Street).

Which reminds me — have I mentioned that Cocoa Bean’s baked goods are incredible? Highly recommend if you haven’t stopped in.

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You know him from his informative, entertaining videos spotlighting local businesses and iconic Tri-Cities spots.

Now you can enjoy a drink with him!

Local real estate expert Chris Wallace will be guest bartending at Chi-cuterie in downtown Geneva this Saturday (12/13) from 5-7PM — with all tips benefitting Rising Lights Project, where he sits on the board.

So come on out and enjoy some laughs and community fun at a popular local business, all in support of a great cause.

☑️ East-side makeover: St. Charles officials reviewed an early concept for redeveloping nearly 34 acres of the former Pheasant Run site, leading to a thoughtful discussion about potential uses, traffic flow, and a possible TIF agreement.

☑️ Bike & pedestrian plans: As part of its long-term transportation plan, Batavia is preparing a wave of bike and pedestrian upgrades — including sidewalks, downtown safety improvements, and a possible Randall Road crossing near Main Street.

☑️ Buffalo are back: American bison have returned to a Kane County prairie preserve for the first time in 200+ years as part of a new partnership focused on habitat restoration and connecting the community to the land and its heritage.

☑️ Find your fir: Still not sure where you’re going to get your holiday tree this season? Here’s a list of spots you can pick up pre-cut, locally grown Christmas trees across Kane County.

☑️ Public safety funding: Geneva officials approved placing a $59.4 million referendum on the March 2026 ballot asking voters to fund a new police station to replace the city’s aging, deteriorating facility on Police Plaza.

☑️ Blacksmith shop hearing: Geneva’s Historic Preservation Commission will conduct a public hearing at 7PM on Tuesday (12/16) at Geneva City Hall regarding the potential demolition of the historic blacksmith shop at 4 E. State Street.

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☑️ Century mark: As a mother of five, St. Charles resident Irene Helen Schneider Koch has enjoyed a lifetime of music and creativity. Mayor Clint Hull recently celebrated with her on her 100th birthday (photo above).

☑️ A true community effort: A new “Area Code: Batavia” episode spotlights how the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry’s client-choice model reflects the community’s values — and the unexpected path that brought the organization to its new home.

☑️ Country Store shines: The Illinois Farm Bureau recognized the Kane County Farm Bureau (based in St. Charles) with an award for Membership Value, citing the local organization’s "Country Store" and innovative, community-focused programs.

☑️ Stay warm out there: It’s forecasted to get cold again this weekend — here’s a useful resource that makes it easy to find warming centers across Kane County for those in need.

☑️ Seasonal swings: Did you know that Pottawatomie Golf Course in St. Charles offers hourly rentals for its indoor golf simulator? It’s a convenient way to get in some swings while the cold and snow prevents you from hitting the actual links.

☑️ Round two: Geneva businesses are extending evening shopping hours and hosting a “second chance” Small Business Saturday this weekend (12/13) to help shoppers finish their holiday lists after a snowstorm put a damper on the original event.

✳️ Christmas magic: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva invites the community to celebrate Christmas with a full lineup of services and festive events on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including a children’s pageant, caroling, candlelight service, and Christmas morning chapel gathering.

There are plenty of great performances lined up Thursday through Saturday as usual, but if you’re into carols and Christmas-themed shows, make sure to read all the way down through Sunday — there are a few events you may want to check out.

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Kurt B wasn’t kidding around when he left a review for Dragon Fire Coffee’s Black Dragon Blend:

That pretty much says it all. And remember, it’s roasted daily in Warrenville and they offer free local delivery in the Tri-Cities.

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✳️ Holiday fun hub: Downtown Batavia is getting its own little slice of the North Pole this December as Zen Loft Collective transforms into a festive holiday pop-up with a mini market, twinkling lights, creative photo ops, live music, treats, and more.

☑️ Kris Kringle Market | Fri 12/12 - Sun 12/14 | The Rustic Fox, N. Aurora | Pop-up vendors, artisan gifts, live music, food trucks, and kids activities.

☑️ Second Friday + Opening Reception | Fri 12/12, 6PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | A new gallery opens plus live music, drinks, pop-up sales, and more.

☑️ BeSMART Gun Safety Event | Fri 12/12, 7–8PM | Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva | Learn secure gun storage for families through adult and youth sessions.

☑️ Down Low Comedy | Fri 12/12, 8PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | Free stand-up show with rising Chicagoland comics and tasty craft beverages.

🎟️ Lights & Flights Craft Beer Fest | Sat 12/13, 2-6PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | Holiday lights, craft beer tastings, food vendors, and more.

☑️ Santa Shuffle Bar Crawl | Sat 12/13, 7PM | Elburn | Hit up local establishments while completing festive challenges and scavenger hunts.

☑️ Mistletoe & Mimosas | Sun 12/14, 10AM–12PM | Scout & Gem, Geneva | Holiday shopping, mimosas, mini bites, florals, gifts, and exclusive promos.

🎟️ Chocolate Drop Drag Brunch | Sun 12/14, 11AM–3PM | Revelry 675, Batavia | Drag brunch fundraiser with performances in support of Open Door Health Center.

🎟️ Santa Paws | Sun 12/14, 11AM–2PM | Red Hive Market, Batavia | Photos with Santa for pets with proceeds supporting Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry.

🎟️ Sip & Sprinkle | Wed 12/17, 6PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | Decorate gingerbread houses with cocktails and friends — 21+ event.

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