We’ve officially (and regrettably) waved goodbye to 7PM sunsets, so let’s talk about something we can still look forward to: fall colors.

The first hints of yellow and orange are starting to pop up along the Fox River, but it looks like peak foliage will emerge a little later than usual this year — giving us more time to map out some leaf-peeping activities.

I’ve pulled together a few resources to help you plan an outing or two, whether that’s at a local park, the Morton Arboretum, or a full-day trip somewhere beyond the Chicagoland area.

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Have you checked out Mosaic Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown Geneva yet?

Not only is it a new coffee and breakfast spot, but it’ll soon be open in the evenings as a Mediterranean restaurant with a full bar. Tri-Cities real estate expert Chris Wallace popped in recently to provide a sneak peek at the new space — with more to come once the restaurant is fully operational.

☑️ Regulation refresh: St. Charles officials overhauled the city’s local bike, e-bike, and scooter rules to match state guidelines and clarify where different devices can be used around town.

☑️ Back to square one: After an anonymous text to some Geneva residents created confusion, officials confirmed that the Duke & Lee’s property zoning has expired, resetting the site to commercial zoning with no development plans currently in place.

☑️ AI investment: Batavia officials approved a five-year contract with the technology company Axon to equip police with new body and in-car cameras featuring AI tools for transcription, translation, and faster evidence sharing.

☑️ Weather worries: Drought conditions have returned to northern Illinois, raising concerns among farmers about uneven soybean harvests, field fires, and potential long-term impacts if dry conditions persist.

☑️ Council conversations: The latest episode of “Area Code: Batavia” features Ward 5 alderpersons Abby Beck and Jim Fahrenbach, who discuss everything from data centers and the dam to the art of public service.

☑️ Plan accordingly: St. Charles police announced road closures for Scarecrow Weekend that will take effect at 9AM Thursday (10/9) and last through Sunday (10/12). Get the details and detours.

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☑️ Connection + healing: Tess Bondavalli recently launched Soul Studio in Batavia, a community-focused space that blends workshops, music, dancing, and alcohol-free social events aimed at connection, curiosity, fun, and even dealing with grief.

☑️ Now on display: Locals flocked to downtown Batavia last weekend for the unveiling of the “City of Good Energy” mural, a vibrant community art project designed by Amy Decker and brought to life by more than 70 volunteers.

☑️ Substance abuse support: The Kane County Health Department awarded $300K in grants to seven local organizations to expand opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery services across the community.

☑️ Batavia traditions: Bulldog Nation Alumni & Friends celebrated former basketball coach Jim Roberts’ 25 years of hosting the Bulldog Alumni Golf Outing and the community leadership role he’s played over the years. Read the interview with the legendary coach.

☑️ Fall meetups: The Modern Domestic Woman (MDW) has planned a series of October and November events meant to bring women together for thoughtful conversation, creative expression, and personal growth.

✳️ Weekly tradition: Give your kids or grandkids a weekend morning they’ll truly look forward to with St. Mark’s Sunday School in Geneva, where children from nursery through 5th grade are always welcome for music, stories, and hands-on fun.

Anyone in the mood for some throwback boy band jams this weekend?

Well then, you’re in luck — Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys fame will be performing at the Arcada on Sunday.

And that’s just one of dozens of options at venues across the area through Sunday. Have fun out there.

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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.

💥 Autumn Almanack is out! Check out The Little Traveler’s Autumn 2025 Almanack for upcoming events and exciting new products.

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☑️ Fall plant sale: Wasco Nursery in St. Charles is running a fall sale offering up to 50% off trees and shrubs and 75% special clearance items.

☑️ Hype building: The latest episode of “What’s Up St. Charles” features updates on the in-progress Fox Haven Square development, which is bringing new restaurants, a giant pickleball facility, and more entertainment to a site near Charlestowne Mall.

🔒 Batavia’s treasure chest: The Daily Herald published a feature on Red Hive Market in downtown Batavia, showcasing the mix of artisan crafts, upcycled decor, and creative workshops that keeps locals coming back time and again.

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🎟️ Ghoulish Golf | Fri 10/10-Sun 10/12, 4-9PM | River View Mini Golf, STC | Play putt putt after sunset with spooky lights and scary sounds.

☑️ Layer Upon Layer Opening Reception | Fri 10/10, 6-9PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | Opening night for an exciting new exhibition from a local father-son duo.

☑️ Broadway Musical Night | Fri 10/10, 7-10PM | Sturdy Shelter, Batavia | Come sing yourself or just watch other performers. Food truck on site!

☑️ Kane Co. Home Show | Sat 10/11-Sun 10/12, 10AM-5PM | Kane Co. Fairgrounds, STC | Meet hundreds of experts who can help you create a dream home.

☑️ Boo Bash | Sat 10/11, 11AM-1PM | Geneva Commons | A bounce house and pumpkin painting for the kids with music, a photo booth, and raffles for all.

☑️ Thriller on 38 | Sat 10/11, 7PM | Downtown Geneva | The annual, wildly entertaining “Thriller” outdoor dance show, complete with food trucks and DJ.

☑️ Oktoberfest | Sat 10/11, 7PM | Batavia VFW | Beer, live music, German food…did we mention beer?

🎟️ Healing Gardens 20th Anniversary Event | Sun 10/12, 10:30AM-4PM | Healing Gardens, STC | A capella music, free plants and seeds, gentle yoga, and more.

☑️ National Coming Out Day | Sun 10/12, 6-9PM | Geneva Winery (Batavia Location) | An inclusive celebration of community with socializing and storytelling.

🎟️ Pints & Pumpkins | Tues 10/14, 6-8PM | Riverlands Brewing, STC | Fall fun with beers, apps, and pumpkin decorating — all supporting Rising Lights Project.

🎟️ The Office Trivia w/ Todd Packer | Thurs 10/16, 6:30PM | Comedy Vault, Batavia | Test your Office knowledge with one of the show’s stars, David Koechner (who performs Fri/Sat as well).

🎟️ Escape the Mansion | Sat 10/19, 1-9PM | Persinger Center, Geneva | An escape-room style adventure in a haunted house. Tickets going fast.

This week’s featured pets from Anderson Humane are Canelo and Jonesy — two charming pals looking for their perfect match.

Canelo is a four-year-old, adventure-loving Siberian Husky with boundless energy and a big, friendly heart. Jonesy is a sleek, solitary tuxedo cat who’s part explorer, part chatterbox, and enjoys a nice window-watching session.

If you’re ready to add a loyal new friend to your family, check out their profiles and reach out to Anderson Humane at [email protected] or 847-697-2880.

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