🍕 What’s your go-to local pizza spot?

It’s been too long since we ran a “best of the Tri-Cities” type of competition. Let’s have some fun.

Plenty of quality pizza places are scattered across Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles. And honestly — I don’t have a favorite. We tend to rotate based on what we’re in the mood for (thin crust, Neapolitan, pan crust, Detroit-style, etc.).

But in this friendly neighborhood competition, only one can emerge victorious.

Click the button below to nominate up to three of your favorite pizza spots, and we’ll create a bracket with seedings based on the number of mentions for each.

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✨ Award-winning brunch at an unbeatable price

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.

📰 News to use

☑️ Megawatt moves: Batavia officials approved a $500M data center project that could double the city’s power usage and bring in millions in new revenue, though the proposal raised long-term infrastructure and planning questions.

☑️ Power priorities: St. Charles officials are weighing a 20-year energy contract extension with IMEA, a major decision for the city's energy future and a point of debate for residents concerned about the agency's use of coal power.

☑️ Fatal crash: A 19-year-old St. Charles man died early Tuesday after his motorcycle collided with an SUV in St. Charles Township. An investigation into the crash is pending.

☑️ Air quality concerns: Kane County is now monitoring air quality in real time at its Geneva government center to help protect public health and raise awareness about pollution risks from wildfire smoke and other harmful particles.

☑️ Modernization effort: Geneva officials approved a $130M+ long-term facilities master plan to guide future upgrades, replacements, and renovations of several aging municipal buildings (like City Hall and police and fire stations) over the next decade.

☑️ Downtown detour: South Third Street in downtown Geneva will close Friday evening through Sunday (7/25 - 7/27) to make way for the annual Geneva Arts Fair.

☑️ Corn sweat: What is “corn sweat” and how is it potentially worsening the heat wave rolling through the Tri-Cities right now?

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Back on the farm: The owner of Rustic Road Farm in Elburn shared an emotional account of how over 30 cattle recently escaped their pasture — and how neighbors, wranglers, and drone pilots rallied for days (and nights) to help bring them back and save the business.

☑️ Purposeful tradition: Volunteers at the United Methodist Church of Geneva raised over $20K through their spring rummage sale while also promoting reuse and sustainability across the community. Many of the funds went to local charities.

☑️ Words of wisdom: A grant from the Geneva Academic Foundation brought author and poet Allan Wolf to Heartland and Fabyan Elementary Schools, where his presentations sparked students’ interest in poetry and creative writing. Learn more and see photos.

☑️ Local catch: Looking for hotspot tips or a new fishing buddy? Fox Valley Anglers is a St. Charles–based fishing club that hosts monthly meetings, local tournaments, and friendly outings for anglers of all skill levels across the area.

🔒 Raising awareness: Hundreds of motorcycle riders will travel from St. Charles to Carol Stream on August 2 for the annual Ride for John, a fentanyl awareness event honoring lives lost and supporting grieving families.

☑️ Crafty creations: Covenant Living at the Holmstad will host its 47th Annual Bazaar on September 20, offering hand-crafted goods, baked treats, secondhand finds, and more — all made or curated by residents.

🎸 Live music

Another busy mid-summer weekend!

On top of the normal spots, we get a pair of performances at Chi-Cuterie in Geneva, another couple of shows at Hunt House Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, and a trio of performances at Art History Brewing in Geneva for Pilsner Fest.

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🌸 Your simple guide to gorgeous hydrangeas

Always imagined stunning hydrangeas in your yard, but not sure where to start? The experts at Wasco Nursery make it easy.

Many varieties thrive in Midwest gardens, which is why they’re a fan favorite here in the Tri-Cities. From bold blues and classic pinks to the iconic globe-shaped white blooms, Wasco Nursery offers a beautiful selection — including the comprehensive care guide you need to help them flourish.

💥 VIDEO: Watch owner Matt Zerby share his top hydrangea care advice.

🤝 Local biz

☑️ Farmers market: The “What’s Up St. Charles” podcast recently had a conversation with Rob Murphy (who runs the Friday STC Farmers Market) about the history behind the market, the event’s new location, and other interesting local stories.

☑️ Another farmers market: Did you know that every second and fourth Saturday in North Aurora, The Rustic Fox brings together more than 200 indoor/outdoor vendors for a lively artisan market with shopping, food trucks, drinks, and live music?

🎯 Got an event to promote? Make sure thousands of locals hear about it with a “Featured Event” listing in upcoming issues of Tri-Cities Central. Learn more here.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ Pilsner Fest | Fri 7/25 - Sun 7/27 | Art History Brewing, Geneva | So many delicious German beers — plus daily live music and food trucks.

🎟️ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time | Fri 7/25 - Sat 8/9 | Albright Theatre, Batavia | The gripping story of a math genius turned detective.

☑️ Passport to Downtown Batavia | Sat, 7/26, 10AM - 3:30PM | Batavia | Great shopping deals, special treats, and a chance to help neighbors in need.

🎟️ Pirates & Princesses | Sat, 7/26, 11AM | Pottawatomie Park, STC  | A family-friendly, swashbuckling paddlewheel ride followed by mini golf.

🎟️ Fabyan Treasure Hunt | Sat, 7/26, 12-3PM | Fabyan Villa Museum, Geneva | Solve the clues and discover treasures on a beautiful day at the forest preserve.

☑️ Frida Festival | Sat, 7/26, 5-9PM | Enigma, Geneva | A celebration of Frida Kahlo with art, margaritas, music, dancing, body painting, and more.

🎟️ Cocktails in the Park | Sat, 7/26, 7-10PM | Appleton Park, Batavia | Unique cocktails, delicious local food, live music, and much more.

✳️ Pilates & Pints | Sun 7/27, 11AM-12PM | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | After an invigorating session of stretching and strengthening, reward yourself with a refreshing local brew.

☑️ Buzzed in the Burbs | Sun, 7/27, 12:30-5PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | Sip and shop handcrafted goods from a variety of vendors — plus a food truck.

🎟️ Stone Creek Mini Golf Tournament | Sun, 7/27, 2-5PM | Wheeler Park, Geneva | Get your putt-putt on, win prizes, and enjoy some good food.

🎟️ TCFS Trivia Night | Wed, 7/30, 6:30PM | Rock N Ravioli, STC | Try your luck at musical trivia while supporting a wonderful cause.

📖 Thanks for reading

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