The Festival of Arts in St. Charles, Illinois

The two-day St. Charles Festival of Fine Arts combines artistic excellence, a beautiful river setting and live music. St. Charles is located 40 miles west of Chicago within the Fox River Valley. For more than 15 years, the Illinois town has hosted the May event celebrating the creative spirit. Its juried show is one of the town's signature events and is enjoyed by thousands of art lovers each year.

Behind the Scenes

• The St. Charles Fine Art Show organizers' commitment to and reputation for displaying quality works of art begins with a panel of three judges, each a professional from the world of art and design. The balance of fine art exhibited and available for sale is achieved through careful selection from the various media submitted. More than 100 artists exhibit and compete for cash prizes. The show is presented by the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, Inc., along with other local organizations, and is managed by volunteers.

The Art

• As many as 10,000 people attend the fine art show each year. Exhibited works represent diverse categories, including clay/ceramics, fiber, fine art jewelry, fine art photography, glass, mixed media, painting, printmaking, sculpture and wood. Awards and cash prizes are presented to artists for outstanding works. Honors include a single Best of Show award, three Judges Awards and six Merit Awards. During the event, artists offer live demonstrations, lectures on the artistic process and panel discussions on topics pertaining to arts and crafts.

Purchase Award Program

• Art show patrons enjoy the opportunity to participate in the event's Purchase Award Program by pledging to spend a designated dollar amount on show purchases. For their commitment and support of the arts, they receive the privilege of attending a pre-show reception with exhibiting artists along with the opportunity to preview selected works. Contributors also enjoy the benefit of admission to the sponsor tent during show hours for a break from the bustle.

Beyond the Show

• With the show site situated in the heart of downtown St. Charles, attendees are strategically located to enjoy community amenities. The downtown district contains a host of appealing restaurants and shops housed in historically significant buildings. Of special interest is Hotel Baker. Dating back to 1928, the hotel is on the nation's Register of Historic Places. Another "must-see" downtown building is the landmark Arcada Theater. Once a stop on the vaudeville circuit, the restored theater is known as the "Gem of Fox Valley." The city's natural assets are experienced with a stroll along the riverwalk. This pathway follows the Fox River providing lovely views of the mature business district.

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Newton Lake Mountain Bike Trail

Spanning 1,775 acres in southeast Illinois, Newton Lake is a prime destination for outdoor recreation of all kinds. The lake is home to some of the state's finest bass fishing, and 540 acres of land around the shoreline are set aside as a protected conservation area. The Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area features a picnic area and more than 20 miles of trails, including a trail set aside specifically for mountain bikers.

About the Trail

• Constructed in 1996, the Newton Lake mountain bike trail winds through shady woodlands and scenic meadows on the west side of the lake for 4.6 miles -- a little more than 9 miles for the full route. The trail surface is mostly packed dirt with a few grassy sections, and the terrain varies from easy to strenuous. A fork in the trail offers cyclists the opportunity to take two paths, and you can choose between the relatively flat inland route or the more challenging lakeside route. The lakeside route includes quick turns, steep ascents and a few rocky creek crossings but rewards cyclists with numerous views of the lake and a chance to see a family of rare river otters, which were reintroduced to the area in 1994.

Getting There

• Newton Lake Conservation Area is located 10 miles south of the town of Newton on E. 500th Avenue, south of state Route 33. A sign marks the entrance to the park. The mountain bike trail begins at the day-use area in the Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area's north access area, and you can spot the trailhead alongside the road between the park entrance and the parking area.

Keep in Mind

• The mountain bike trail is open year-round, along with all other trails in Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary. Hunting is permitted in the area during Illinois hunting seasons, so be sure to wear blaze orange and avoid bringing pets into the park if you plan to visit in fall. The mountain bike trail is also open to hikers, but horses and all-terrain vehicles are not allowed. Bicycles are not permitted on the rest of the park's trails. Newton Lake is open until 10 p.m. every day except Christmas and New Year's Day.

Other Attractions

• The park's entire 22-mile trail system is open to hiking and cross-country skiing, and you can access a variety of trails from the north access area. Boating is permitted on the lake, and with a current Illinois fishing license you can fish for largemouth bass, bluegill and several other species. In addition to trail access, the north access area also has a picnic pavilion, available on a first-come, first served basis. The south access area, located on E. 300th Avenue, has parking, boat launch facilities, playground equipment and picnic tables and shelters.

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Kayaking in Morris, Illinois

Just an hour's drive northwest of Chicago, the city of Morris lies at the confluence of the Illinois and Mazon Rivers. While the area's waterways are characteristically slow, the calm waters give you time to view and photograph the picturesque scenery and abundant wildlife from your kayak.

Along a Lazy River

• The Illinois River flows unimpeded alongside Morris, with 24 miles open to slow-water kayaking. The river's lazy flow usually runs at less than a mile per hour, allowing you to paddle upstream or downstream and return to your point of origin, eliminating the need for a shuttle vehicle. Four public boat ramps at William G. Stratton State Park provide an ideal site to begin and end your journey, with restrooms and drinking water near the launch.

Up the Creek

• Across the Illinois River from William G. Stratton State Park, Mazon Creek flows into the Illinois River. Paddle upstream to see three rookeries inhabited during spring and summer months by great blue heron. Much of the land upstream is private property, but the slow flow of the river makes it easy to explore. Look for bald eagles, wild turkey, white pelicans, loons, egrets and other birds as well as coyotes, deer and soft-shelled turtles. Use caution when crossing the Illinois River as motorized watercraft also use the waterway.

In the Canal

• Paddle 15 miles of the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal between Gebhard Woods State Park and Channahon State Park. Restrooms, water and parking are found halfway between the two at the Aux Sable access area which commemorates Lock No. 8 along the canal. The lock-keeper's house and an aqueduct remain at the site. Bring your camera to snap pictures of plentiful wildlife and a fishing pole and license to angle for bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and bullhead. Camp at a primitive walk-in tent sites at each of the three parks and stretch your trip into a leisurely weekend along the canal.

Get Your Feet Wet

• If you've never kayaked before, you don't need to miss out on the fun. Kayak Morris provides kayak rentals, instruction and fully guided tours especially tailored for the beginning kayaker. Choose from eco-tours that run along the Illinois River, up the Mazon or along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The company provides drive-up beach camping adjacent to William G. Stratton State Park. The tent-only campsites nestle in tall trees along the sandy shoreline with sites for families as well as large groups.

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Things to Do in Logan Square, Chicago

Logan Square has undergone a dramatic transformation since the turn of the 21st century, revitalizing itself after years of neglect. In fact, the city was named one of 2013’s Ten Hottest Cities by AOL Real Estate. With a unique artistic vibe and easy access via the city’s Blue Line “L” train, the neighborhood offers a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities.

Outdoor Activities

• The Logan Square Farmer’s Market is held every Sunday from late spring until late summer and offers up locally grown produce and meats. Booths also include delicacies from local bakers and restaurants, and the boulevard setting of the market makes for a peaceful Sunday picnic atmosphere. The Comfort Station, just east of the actual Logan Square, holds a free International Film Series in its small park every Wednesday night at dusk through the warmer months.

Nightlife

• Logan Square has a very active nightlife scene. Enjoy free live music and specialty cocktails at the Whistler, which has a small back patio for those who want a quieter evening. Revolution Brewery has become a local staple, known for its own craft beers and large bar and restaurant space on Milwaukee Avenue. The brewery also has a tasting room at its Kedzie Brewery facility. For a true Chicago musical experience, visit Rosa’s Lounge in southwestern Logan Square. Opened in 1982, the bar showcases local blues talent that will transport you to another era of the city.

Landmarks

• The Illinois Centennial Monument is a columnar monument celebrating Illinois’ centennial and was designed by Henry Bacon, designer of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Dominating the neighborhood, it sits in the center of the grassy Logan Square, which is itself part of a National Historic District and the Park Boulevard System, which includes the large, open boulevards of nearby Palmer’s Square. Margie’s Candies, at the corner of Western and Armitage, has been in operation since 1921. The Hairpin Lofts are in a renovated flat-iron building built in 1930 that overlooks the six-corner intersection of Milwaukee, Diversey and Kimball.

The Arts

• In addition to the historic Congress Theater, showcasing live music, and the Logan Theater, which offers second-run movies, Logan Square is also home to a very local arts scene. The Elastic Arts Foundation helps local artists develop and display their creations at its Logan Square facility. Works include art exhibitions, theater pieces, literary readings and film screenings. Galerie F is an open-door gallery space showcasing print and street art, including gig and art posters, promoting the work of local artists. The Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival features live music, visual artists, pop-up galleries and local food vendors on Milwaukee Avenue.

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List of Beaches in Illinois

The Land of Lincoln is certainly not going to show up on many lists of the country’s pre-eminent beach getaway spots, but that isn’t to say the state isn’t home to many sandy destinations where people can get their bronze on. With 63 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and seemingly limitless beach options inland, Illinois is home to several lakeside locales that are ideal for constructing a sand castle.

Summer in the City

• It should be a breeze for Chicagoans and tourists to the Windy City to find a place to set up shop on their next beach excursion, with the Chicago Park District maintaining 26 miles of public beaches along the Lake Michigan coast from Loyola Beach in the city’s far north side to South Shore Beach on the south side. North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach, located just steps from downtown and the famous Navy Pier, are the city’s most visited sandy shores. The pair of Chicago destinations host numerous summer parties and festivals, as well as professional and amateur beach volleyball tournaments. It isn’t difficult to find a spot to rent a kayak, personal watercraft, paddleboard or sailboat; and street vendors are no stranger to the sands of North Avenue and Oak Street. North Avenue beach-goers can even grab a bite to eat or tropical drink at Castaways Bar and Grill, which is located in a 22,000-square-foot replica ocean liner.

Summer in Evanston

• Evanston, Chicago’s neighbor to the north, provides the perfect balance of big city living while offering a sense of small town suburbia. Evanston’s five public beaches -- six if you include the Dog Beach -- from north to south, are: Lighthouse Beach, Clark Street Beach, Greenwood Street Beach, Lee Street Beach, and South Boulevard Beach. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Evanston’s beaches offer boat launches, kayak and sailboat rentals and lessons, and kayaking fishing trips. Because of its close proximity to campus, Clark Street Beach attracts Northwestern University coeds, and all of Evanston’s beaches are ideal for Chicagoans looking to escape the crowded beaches of the city because they are just a short train ride away.

Summer on the North Shore

• To completely get away from it all, however; city folk need to head to Illinois’ North Shore. Several of the beaches that line the Lake Michigan shoreline offer miles of groomed sand, picnic areas, restrooms, showers, playgrounds, concessions, fishing piers, boat launches, volleyball courts, and in some cases even lifeguard stations. Forest Park Beach outside of Lake Forest is the setting for some of the best views on the Lake Michigan shore. The Waukegan Municipal Beach is one of the state’s nicest free, public beaches. Other North Shore lakefront beach options include Glencoe Beach, Tower Beach in Winnetka, and Gillson Beach in Wilmette.

Summer in Illinois Beach State Park

• The crown jewel of the North Shore coast is Illinois Beach State Park. Nestled adjacent to the Wisconsin border and stretching 6.5 miles along the Lake County coast outside of Zion, Illinois Beach is one of the state’s premier tourist destinations outside of Chicago. The 4,160-acre park is home to nearly 10 miles of walking and bike trails, as well as 241 luxury campsites with picnic areas, electricity, restrooms and showers. The beach itself is the only beach ridge shoreline remaining in the state; and the oak forests, dunes, and fields of wildflowers provide a picturesque backdrop to the park.

  For those who do not wish to completely rough it, the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center manages 96 rooms with access to a restaurant and lounge, game room, indoor pool, health club, sauna and a 500-person conference center. The park is easily accessible by water via North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor.

Summer Inland

• Certainly there is more to the Illinois beach scene away from the shores of Lake Michigan. In Chicago's western suburb of Naperville, the aquatic park at Centennial Beach entertains more than 135,000 water enthusiasts every year. Sunbathers should also check out the white sands at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, as well as any of the four beaches the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates at Lake Shelbyville in Central Illinois. Other inland locales to soak up the sun include Lake Le-Aqua-Na in Northwest Illinois, Moraine View State Recreation Area outside of Bloomington, and Sam Dale Lake in Southern Illinois.

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