Fabyan Forest Preserve on the Fox River. For more photos, check out the gallery »
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DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO: 40 MILES
A fall getaway can be an extended weekend—or a quiet day in the country on the western reaches of metropolitan Chicago. Head for Geneva on the Fox River, either by car or via Metra’s Union Pacific west line. This pretty, almost pastoral town lends itself to a leisurely stroll: Check out its home design stores—including State Street Salvage, Scentimental Gardens, and 610 Home—take an audio walking tour of the historic downtown, or find the perfect picnic spot on Island Park (accessed by the bridge at State Street and River Lane).
Allow some time to bask in the fall colors along the river, traveling by car (on Highway 25 or 31), bike, or kayak. The Fox River Trail, which passes through Geneva, takes cyclists north to Algonquin and south—past the Fabyan Forest Preserve, with its Japanese garden, Dutch windmill, and a farmhouse remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright—to Aurora; the Geneva Kayak Center offers rentals and tours. Explore the art galleries on the first Friday of each month, or partake in the annual Festival of the Vine (September 10th to 12th). Finally, conclude your day with a sumptuous dinner at Niche, where Jeremy Lycan’s culinary sleight of hand conjures up the perfect seasonal complement to a fall day in the country.
DETAILS
SHOPPING & DINING
Festival of the Vine genevachamber.com/festivalofthevine.html
Niche 14 S. Third St.; 630-262-1000, nichegeneva.com
Scentimental Gardens 428 W. State St.; 630-232-1303, scentimentalgardens.com
610 Home 610 S. First St.; 630-262-3770, 610homegeneva.com
State Street Salvage 600 S. First St.; 630-232-9940, statestreetsalvage.com
SIGHTSEEING
Art galleries artgalleriesgeneva.com
Audio tours geneva.il.us/audio/walkingtour.htm
Fabyan Forest Preserve 630-232-5980, kaneforest.com/fp/fabyan.aspx
Fox River Trail 630-232-5980, kaneforest.com/recreation/trails/foxriver.aspx
Geneva Kayak Center 34 N. Bennett St.; 630-232-0320, genevakayak.com
Metra Union Pacific 312-836-7000, metrarail.com
Mill Race Cyclery (bike rentals) 11 E. State St.; 630-232-2833, millrace.com
Photograph: Stevegeer/istockphoto.com