Above / The view from the Farmers Plaza near the Cliff Preston tribute at the Eagle Street entrance to the Naperville Riverwalk is a striking image of generous community support and can-do spirit that began with the arrival of Captain Joseph Naper and his family in 1831. The old limestone quarry is now a recreational attraction, enhanced by the Gregory Gazebo where fishing is a popular activity for families; and the Jaycees Marina where paddleboats, paddle boards and kayaks are available for rental during the summer.
The Riverwalk winds around Rotary Hill (aka Sled Hill when it snows) in the distance where the iconic Moser Tower with its 72-bell Millennium Carillon stands tall.
Mr. & Mrs. Naperville
Along the Riverwalk just beyond the Riverwalk Café is a Century Walk sculpture named to honor Margaret and Harold Moser.
When time permits, walk the Riverwalk from the Jefferson Avenue Bridge to the Washington Street Bridge where Fredenhagen Park is another tribute to community. Then continue to venture along the winding brick path, over the Dr. Moser Covered Bridge toward the Hillside Road Bridge, finding places all along the way to pause, reflect and recognize the generosity that built the community’s pride and joy brick by brick all along the DuPage River.
The Naperville Riverwalk was imagined as a gift to the community to commemorate the City’s sesquicentennial in 1981. The first phase of the linear park was dedicated on Labor Day, Sept. 7, 1981.
Think dinner & the show!
Looking for a special gift for Valentine’s Day or Random Acts of Kindness Day? Think dinner and the show and combine a gift certificate/card to a restaurant and theater tickets to performances on stage at North Central College.
Or perhaps give memberships to places such as Naperville Art League, Naper Settlement or DuPage Children’s Museum. The Naperville Art League also has one-of-a-kind art for sale in its Gallery located at 509 N. Center Street at Fifth Avenue.
Create a gift now and use it later.
Every season offers opportunities to give DNA gift cards or to create a future experience in 2023. Downtown Naperville Gift Cards make great gifts for teachers, coaches, graduates and anyone. With a Downtown Naperville gift card, the recipient can find a new outfit, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, take a fitness class, pick up a pair of new running shoes, discover a great new book or enjoy a wonderful meal among so many choices.
Or sponsor a donation of special gift certificates that includes for a pair of tickets or an entire table to some other charity gala or golf outing this year.
Coming up on March 4, 2023, is the annual Little Friends Benefit Auction. In April, Loaves & Fishes again will host Chef Showdown. This year’s match up on April 19 is between Stolp Island Social Steakhouse and Allegory.
Take a break! Dine Around Naperville!
From Catch 35 to Meson Sabika to Rosie’s Home Cookin’ to Paris Bistro and many other places N.E.W. and S, discover delicious destinations to dine in or take out, and find some with a heated patio at www.dinenaperville.com.
Note that 80-plus eateries and treat shops are located throughout downtown Naperville where there are plenty of shopping opportunities in between meals. Cheers to all that’s new and coming soon!
Thanks for supporting live music such as the sounds of bands at Quigley’s Irish Pub (Most Thursdays Fridays & Saturdays). No cover. And check out a new West Suburban Irish fundraising event called “Sham-Rocker,” set for Sun., Feb. 26, also at Quigley’s.
In addition to lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, Mesón Sabika provides a lovely setting for romantic date nights as well as celebrations with family, friends and neighbors. Looking forward to all seasons, the historic site is a place for outdoor weddings and other special occasions inside the beautiful mansion, outside on the patio or in the spacious Pavilion. Meson Sabika is located at 1025 Aurora Ave.
Mesón Sabika also is known for its local and global efforts to institute a positive change via various charitable organizations. Participation is often sponsored by the active donations of patrons in structured charitable events in collaboration with many local nonprofits as well as the American Red Cross, World Vision and UNICEF. Without the support of the local community during these fundraising dinners and special events, Mesón Sabika could not serve as a conduit for these contributions here and around the world. To keep apprised of special events, join the Mesón Sabika mailing list.
Hospitality shows and matters in Naperville
For a listing of all 18 lodging choices in Naperville, offering more than 2,500 rooms, visit visitnaperville.com. Whether planning a wedding, corporate or sporting event; special meeting; family reunion or an extended stay while home construction is temporarily in progress, Naperville can put guests up for a night or a month or more.
Economic development and tourism go hand in hand. Thanks for supporting the local economy by planning a “staycation” itinerary here and inviting friends and family to come discover Naperville this winter, spring, summer or next fall.
From art exhibits at North Central College to outdoor art in public places called Century Walk, from the DuPage Children’s Museum to Naper Settlement, from the Riverwalk and Central Park in downtown Naperville to more than 100 neighborhood parks throughout the city, and from Naperville Crossings at 95th Street to shopping destinations dotting the landscape here and there, check out everything this community has to offer north, east, west and south.
Everybody is welcome to enjoy the charm, culture, rich history and sporting events that are homegrown and treasured in this vibrant community every day.
