If you’ve lived in the Tri-Cities area long enough, you know about some of our towns’ quirky claims to fame (historic windmills, world-renowned science institutions, Lincoln lore, etc.).

But are you aware of St. Charles’ affiliation with pickles? Long before it was known for a scenic riverfront and vibrant downtown, St. Charles was officially recognized as the “Pickle Capital of the World,” thanks to a nonprofit with a knack for marketing and a local champion who turned cucumbers into cultural currency.

Interestingly, pickles were never produced here. But the story behind the moniker (provided by the St. Charles History Museum) gives some whimsical context to the city’s historical character, including a shout out on a past episode of “Jeopardy.”

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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.

☑️ Row home ruling: St. Charles officials narrowly approved the River 504 townhomes project in a 5–4 vote (with conditions) after debate over the preservation of mature trees along Prairie Street.

☑️ Downtown investment: The Geneva City Council approved two grants to support a new downtown retail space and to help launch an arts-focused event called the Artist Sunday Road Rally on November 30. Get more details.

☑️ Smoke shop burglary: Batavia police are investigating a Monday night burglary at All Da Smokes on Wilson Street after officers found evidence of forced entry but nobody at the scene.

☑️ Enforcement clarification: In response to ICE activity in nearby towns, Batavia issued a statement reminding residents that local officers don’t engage in immigration enforcement and encouraged community members to know their rights.

☑️ Crisis response ready: Kane County unveiled a new $1.5M Emergency Mobile Command Post, a cutting-edge vehicle that will help coordinate responses and strengthen emergency management during large-scale events and crises.

☑️ Marathon day: The Fox Valley Marathon on Sunday (9/21) will start and finish in St. Charles, requiring several morning and midday road closures throughout the city. Get the details.

☑️ Work zone ahead: A project to replace a water main on Division Street in Geneva will begin next week, affecting the road from Route 25 to East Side Drive. Work is expected to be completed by late November.

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☑️ Monarchs on the move: Monarch butterflies in midst of their fall migration through the Fox Valley are showing greater numbers this season, which local observers say is a hopeful sign of recovery as they begin their long journey south.

☑️ Celebrating community: The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will honor Richard Clark — host of the “Area Code: Batavia” podcast — with the 2025 Donna Dallesasse Award at a special event on October 2 at Grainology Brewstillery.

☑️ Riverfront rhythms: See photos from St. Charles Jazz Weekend, where a combination of beautiful weather and dozens of performances at local venues brought crowds downtown over four days.

☑️ Senior sessions: The Adult Activity Center at the St. Charles Park District has drawn an enthusiastic following as they prep for a variety of fall lunches, trips, and educational programs, such as senior living planning and memory care guidance.

☑️ Local school support: The PTO of Grace McWayne school in Batavia has launched a new corporate sponsorship program to raise funds for student enrichment, classroom resources, and technology upgrades.

✳️ Thrive together: Join St. Mark’s Church in Geneva on Sunday (9/28) for an evening with geologist Stephen Moshier, who will lead a thoughtful community discussion on faith and science — ideal for anyone curious about how belief and the natural world intersect.

A reminder that the Tacos and Tequila Festival is taking over Northwestern Medicine Field (Cougars stadium) in Geneva on Saturday (9/20). Performers include Ludacris, Timbaland, Paul Wall, and several other high-profile names.

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Dragon Fire Coffee Roasters in Warrenville isn’t a fancy café or a big-box brand — it’s just Joe Kotvan and his daughter, roasting small batches of beans and delivering them fresh to neighbors around the Tri-Cities area.

One of their secrets? They cut out the middlemen. This keeps it from getting stale in warehouses or on store shelves, so you know the coffee will taste like it actually should.

From bold dark blends to smooth single origins, there’s something for every preference. And with free local delivery, it’s super easy to keep the good stuff stocked at home.

☑️ Bucolic moments: Majestic Highlands Homestead, a farm in Batavia that will offer meet ‘n greets and photo sessions with their cows Maggie and Mabel, will celebrate its opening with a September 25 ribbon cutting.

☑️ A gem of a gathering: Scout & Gem is celebrating the opening of its new downtown Geneva location on Saturday (9/20) with a morning of shopping, refreshments, and a first glimpse at its latest selection of jewelry, home décor, and gifts.

☑️ Introducing Ignite: The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Ignite Medical Resort at 2349 Main Street in Batavia is happening Thursday afternoon (9/18). Learn more about the new facility.

🎯 Seeking new customers? 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 reach out if you want to talk advertising.

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☑️ Fall family fun: Primrose Farm in St. Charles is gearing up for a full lineup of fall activities, mixing returning favorites like Pumpkin Patch Creations with new programs like Barnyard Books.

☑️ Oktoberfest | Fri 9/19 - Sun 9/21 | 93 Octane Brewery, STC | Celebrate with the new release of a fest bier, plus good food and live music.

☑️ Annual Artisan Bazaar | Sat 9/20, 9AM-3PM | The Holmstad, Batavia | Shop handcrafted goods like jewelry, furniture, baked treats, and more.

☑️ Softball Fundraiser | Sat 9/20, 11AM | Memorial Park, Batavia | Batavia police will take on Batavia firefighters — with food trucks and fun activities to boot.

☑️ Autumn Fair | Sat 9/20, 11AM-3PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | Fun stuff like a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids, plus pumpkins, raffles, food, and drink.

🎟️ Pints by the Pond | Sat 9/20, 2-5PM | Downtown Batavia | Sample brews from more than a dozen local breweries, plus food trucks and live music.

🎟️ Shakedown Street: Grateful Dead Night | Sat 9/20, 8PM | Soul Studio, Batavia | A Dead-themed night of music, dancing, connection, and grilled cheese.

🎟️ Kane County Doll & Dollhouse Show | Sun 9/21, 8AM-3PM | Kane Co. Fairgrounds, STC | Over 15K square feet of dolls, mini houses, collectibles, and more.

🎟️ Radler Ride | Sun 9/21, 10AM-5PM | Brother Chimp Brewing, N. Aurora | A group bike ride (with beers!) from Brother Chimp to Pollyanna in St. Charles and back.

☑️ Foreign Film Sunday | Sun 9/21, 1-3:30PM | Geneva Library | See a showing of “I’m Still Here” (Brazil) at this monthly film event.

☑️ Heirloom Apple Fest | Sun 9/21, 1-4PM | LeRoy Oakes, STC | Enjoy special varieties of apple and learn about the history of the fruit.

✳️ Pilates & Pints | Sun 9/28, 11AM-12PM | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | After an invigorating session of stretching and strengthening, reward yourself with a refreshing local brew.

🎟️ Exchange Club Pasta & Meatball Dinner | Tues 10/7, 4:30-7:45PM | Rock ‘N Ravioli, STC | An entertaining fundraiser dinner benefitting local charities.

🎟️ Hops for Hope 5K & Brew Fest | Sat 10/18, 10AM-4PM | Mt. St. Mary Park, STC | Run and enjoy local beer during an outdoor festival, all to support Project Mobility.

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