St. Charles is about to welcome three new spots that should add some variety to the city’s dining, entertainment, and nightlife scene.

During Monday’s Government Operations Committee meeting, officials approved liquor licenses for all three, paving the way for fall and winter openings.

✔️ The Idle Hour (11 S. 2nd Ave.): A new cigar lounge and retail shop that will allow folks to bring their own beverages to enjoy (no alcohol will be stored or served on site) while they smoke stogies and socialize. The lounge is is expected to open in late October or early November.

✔️ The Rec Haus (12 N. Third St.): The former Alibi Bar & Grill space is currently transforming into a venue that will feature arcade games, casual food, and a self-pour wall where guests can tap their own beer, wine, cider, or seltzer. Rec Haus will be the first self-service establishment in St. Charles, with plans to open by October 3. Check out their website to see menus, games, and more.

✔️ Simple EJ’s Kitchen and Tap (300 N. Kirk Rd.): Slated for a January 2026 debut in the Fox Haven Square development near Charlestowne Mall, this modern sports bar will serve a full menu alongside traditional tavern offerings, with space for outdoor dining. The owner already operates several restaurants in the Chicago area. Their website offers renderings of what the space will look like.

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Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition — and you won’t find a better value in the Tri-Cities than at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Café. In fact, it was named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living’s 2024 Best of the West.

For just $12.95, enjoy a full spread of fresh, house-made favorites, from fluffy omelets with crispy bacon to Swedish pancakes and Crab Cakes Benedict. Trust me, there’s a reason so many local folks have been coming back for decades.

💥 Beyond brunch: Check out The Little Traveler’s Summer 2025 Almanack for upcoming events and exciting new products.

☑️ Pavilion project: Geneva is seeking architects to design a downtown market pavilion (similar to Wheaton’s) near the Metra station that would serve commuters during the week and host the seasonal French Market and events on weekends.

☑️ Flag forum: Batavia officials recently voted against proposals to fly suicide prevention and cancer awareness flags at City Hall, but approved proclamations recognizing both causes instead.

☑️ Fatal incident: A freight train struck and killed a pedestrian near the Elburn Metra station on Monday morning, shutting down nearby roads and railways as authorities investigated.

☑️ Demo approved: Batavia officials green lit a contract for the demolition of the historic downtown Tin Shop building at its Monday meeting, paving the way for the 135-year-old structure to be razed this fall.

☑️ Report reveals crisis: Kane County’s 2025 Homelessness Report shows just how challenging the housing crisis has become locally — especially for families, seniors, shelters, and people with disabilities. Get the details.

☑️ Geneva road closures: On Thursday (8/21), water service replacement work will require closing a stretch of West State Street (Route 38). Downtown Geneva streets will temporarily close and parking will be restricted on Sunday (8/24) to accommodate the Concours d’Elegance car show.

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☑️ New community hub: More than 300 people came out August 9 for the grand opening of Batavia’s new Patrick J. Callahan Community Center, which will offer kids’ programs, community events, and museum space starting September 2. See photos and get details.

☑️ Storm aftermath: Severe storms earlier this week dumped flood-inducing rain and knocked down trees and power lines in communities across Kane County, prompting officials to consider whether a disaster declaration was necessary.

☑️ The back nine: As she enters retirement, the St. Charles Park Board recently recognized Golf Course Superintendent Denise Gillett-Parchert with an honorary resolution for 26 years of service to the Pottawatomie Golf Course.

☑️ Financial leadership: The Geneva City Council approved the appointment of Geneva native and accountant Emily Rosen as city treasurer after no one ran for the seat in April.

☑️ Educator steps up: Batavia native and longtime Rotolo Middle School teacher Dr. Marisa Christoffel (who also taught in Aurora) has been named the new principal of the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center.

✳️ Make family memories: Zen Loft in Batavia is hosting Superheroes & Sidekicks on Saturday evening (8/23) — an action-packed night of family fun with obstacle courses, bounce houses, cape-making, games and more. Costumes welcome, laughter guaranteed!

We finally made it to “Acoustic Jams in the Park” on Tuesday to see Jake Mack at Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles. The last show of the season is next Tuesday (8/26) — definitely recommend if you haven’t yet checked it out.

Plenty of great performances lined up for this weekend as well, including two at the Geneva Commons stage (FYI: they’re hosting weekly weekend live music there through October 11).

☑️ Geneva debut: Mandala Aesthetics & Wellness — which just opened on 3rd Street in the Geneva Winery building — offers facials, injectables, skin rejuvenation treatments, and other wellness services. See coverage of the grand opening.

☑️ Art with heart: Fueled by a passion for art and the memory of his late son, St. Charles veteran Rob Anderson’s journey began with taking photos overseas, evolved to include abstract painting, and culminated in Views Creative, an online art shop that supports local causes. Read his story.

🎯 Run a local business? A whopping 98% of Tri-Cities Central subscribers in our 2025 Reader Survey said “buying local is important to me.” Check out our sponsorship options and give me a shout if you want to talk marketing.

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☑️ Kaneville Fest | Fri 8/22 - Sun 8/24 | Kaneville | A three-day community garage sale, plus an all-day Saturday fest with music, food, a car show, and more.

☑️ Artoberfest Celebration | Fri 8/22, 12-10PM | Art History Brewing, Geneva | Artoberfest beer tapping plus live music, food, and a stein holding competition.

🎟️ Learn from the Experts: I&M Canal | Sat 8/23, 9:30AM | Barbara Belding Lodge, STC | Get an in-depth historical look at the nation’s first National Heritage Area.

☑️ Wild West Back To School Bash | Sat 8/23, 11AM-1PM | Geneva Commons | Live music, a mechanical bull, a petting zoo, kids activities, shopping and more. Yee haw.

☑️ Moose-a-Palooza | Sat 8/23, 1-9PM | Batavia Moose | A free all-day music fest with four great bands supporting a wonderful cause.

☑️ Lantern Fest | Sat 8/23, 6PM & Sun 8/24, 5:30PM | Fabyan Japanese Garden | Explore the garden, plus decorate water lanterns and see them lit up.

☑️ Concours d'Elegance | Sun 8/24, 10AM-4PM | Downtown Geneva | Head to 3rd Street to check out a beautiful collection of antique, classic, and modern cars.

☑️ Sunflowers & Snouts | Sun 8/24, 10AM-6PM | Kuiper’s Farm, Maple Park | Bring your canine friends as Kuiper’s kicks off its Bloom Season.

🎟️ Heirloom Garden Show | Sun 8/24, 11AM-4PM | Garfield Farm, Campton Hills | Explore rare produce, hot sauces, and gardens through tours and exhibits.

☑️ PJP Relax & Unwind | Sun 9/7, 9:30AM-4:30PM | The Herrington, Geneva | A free day of relaxation, fun, food, and music for families affected by Parkinson’s Disease.

🎟️ Fall Pickleball Tournament | Sat 9/27 | West Main Park, Batavia | Pickleballer? Register for the local tourney or enroll in a fall league.

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