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We’re on a quest to find who has the best drinks in Aurora! 🏆 Whether it’s a craft coffee, a signature cocktail, or a refreshing tea, we want to hear from YOU! Check out the poll and let us know your favorites. 🗳️Here’s who’s in the running:• Two Brothers Roundhouse 🍺• Vannie’s House 🍸• Endiro Coffee ☕• French 75 Gallery and Lounge 🥂• Kathryn’s Place 🥤• Calla Lily Victorian Tea Room & Gifts 🍵Know a spot we missed? Tag your recommendations in the comment section below and I will add them to the poll! Let’s see who really has the best sips in town. 👇#AuroraBuzz #BestDrinksInAurora #DrinkLocal #AuroraIL #PollTime

The Arthouse restaurant, set to open soon in the Aurora Arts Center suite previously occupied by Stolp Island Social, aims to embody the philosophy of “learning from experience.”Jonathan Hylton, chairman of the Aurora Civic Center Authority Board, which manages the suite, shared that the board sought a fresh approach when deciding how to fill the vacancy left by the previous tenant.In response to feedback from patrons, the Civic Center Authority asked what kind of restaurant they would prefer. According to Hylton, the majority expressed a desire for something different from the high-end steakhouse model that defined Stolp Island Social.“We really tried to listen to our patrons,” Hylton said. “We believe this new concept offers something fresh and fitting for the community.”A New Direction with Proven LeadershipThe board also prioritized finding a full-time operator with a proven track record of success, ensuring the business would thrive independently of Paramount Theatre events.Chad Gravenites, the owner and operator of Arthouse, said the new restaurant will embrace the arts, drawing inspiration from the Paramount Theatre, located next door. “We’re incorporating elements of music, film, and art into the experience,” Gravenites said.Guests entering Arthouse will be greeted by records displayed on the walls, leading into a main dining area where silent films will play via a projector.Although Arthouse’s opening coincides with the Paramount Theatre's “Frozen” premiere on October 30, Gravenites emphasized that the restaurant is designed to operate beyond show nights.Creating a Destination, Not Just a Show-StopA key criticism of Stolp Island Social was its limited hours, often only opening on show nights, a situation worsened by the pandemic. Arthouse will be open seven days a week—from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until midnight on weekends—providing a consistent space for patrons before and after shows, as well as throughout the day.Gravenites aligns with other restaurateurs in downtown Aurora who envision a vibrant future for the area, regardless of show schedules. “Our goal is to create a destination where people want to be, show or no show,” he said.This perspective echoes the philosophy of other local business owners, such as Roberto Avila, who owns Altiro and Amore Mio, and Bernie Laskowski, owner of Craft Urban.“You won’t recognize this downtown in two years,” Gravenites added optimistically.Upscale Casual Dining with AffordabilityDescribed as “upscale casual,” Arthouse’s menu will feature six burgers, five entrees, and an assortment of sandwiches—reflecting a varied yet approachable dining experience. This model builds on the success Gravenites has seen at his other venture, The Goat, located in downtown Batavia.Hylton noted that the board sought a concept that could offer upscale flavors without being pretentious. “We found someone who knows how to make upscale casual work,” he said.Gravenites told city officials that burger prices will range between $14 and $16, aiming to keep the menu accessible to a broad audience.“We want to keep it affordable and welcoming to anyone who walks through the door,” he said.The Aurora City Council unanimously approved a Class D Downtown Core liquor license for Arthouse, further solidifying its role in the community.While Gravenites envisions a comfortable, arts-focused atmosphere, council members emphasized the importance of creating a family-friendly environment—particularly with “Frozen” set to attract younger audiences.Arthouse will cater to families with a unique kids’ menu, including an innovative children’s charcuterie board, a concept that has proven popular at his other restaurant locations.“We’re excited to offer a place where everyone feels at home, whether they’re here for a meal, a drink, or just to hang out,” Gravenites said.*Source Chicago Tribune

Aurora, Illinois, and its surrounding areas offer some of the best haunted house experiences in the state. If you’re looking to add a little fright to your fall season, here are five of the top-rated haunted houses nearby, each with unique features, themes, and scares. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a night of fun, this list has something for everyone.1. Basement of the Dead (Aurora, IL)Located in the heart of Aurora, Basement of the Dead Haunted House Chicago is an award-winning haunted house with a reputation for intense and terrifying scenes. Situated underground, it uses special effects, animatronics, and actors to create a chilling experience. With its dark, claustrophobic spaces and eerie atmosphere, it’s no wonder Basement of the Dead has been consistently ranked as one of the scariest haunted attractions in Illinois. This haunt focuses on creating a high-energy experience that leaves guests with lasting memories of fear and excitement.• Key Features: Dark underground setting, animatronics, intense special effects• Location: Aurora, IL• Best For: Those seeking an immersive, high-energy fright night .2. Massacre Haunted House (Montgomery, IL)With over 30,000 square feet of horror, Massacre Haunted House  is one of the largest haunts in the area and is often ranked among the best in Illinois. This haunted attraction features three distinct themes, including the Freak Show 3D with clowns and The Underground Basement, known for intense jump scares. Massacre uses cutting-edge effects and realistic sets to create a thrilling, interactive experience that keeps visitors on edge from start to finish.• Key Features: Large scale, varied themed rooms, and elaborate set designs• Location: Montgomery, IL• Best For: Haunted house enthusiasts who want variety and a full night of scares .3. Evil Intentions Haunted House (Elgin, IL)Set in an abandoned casket factory, Evil Intentions Haunted House offers a unique haunt experience with an authentic horror-filled atmosphere. Known for its story-driven elements and interactive rooms, this haunted house builds on its creepy, industrial setting to create something truly terrifying. Visitors appreciate the attention to detail and the backstory, which adds an extra layer of fear, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into a real horror film.• Key Features: Abandoned factory setting, immersive storytelling, industrial feel• Location: Elgin, IL• Best For: Those who love backstory-driven scares in a creepy, abandoned setting .4. Disturbia Haunted House (Downers Grove, IL)New to the scene but quickly gaining attention, Disturbia Haunted House Chicago  stands out for its elaborate and disorienting sets, which make guests feel lost in a maze of horror. With various themed rooms and scenes, this haunted house offers a visual feast of eerie sights and horrifying surprises. Disturbia utilizes special effects to create an unsettling experience, perfect for visitors who enjoy more of a psychological thrill.• Key Features: Detailed set design, maze-like experience, disorienting scares• Location: Downers Grove, IL• Best For: Fans of psychological scares and immersive, detailed environments .5. HellsGate Haunted House (Lockport, IL)Located deep in the woods, HellsGate Haunted House  offers a unique twist on the haunted house experience by including an outdoor component and hidden passageways. The journey begins with a walk through the woods, setting the tone before you enter the mansion. Inside, you’ll find interactive elements, such as secret doors and creepy characters that engage with guests. This haunt is known for its engaging storyline, interactive rooms, and multi-layered scares that make for a memorable experience.• Key Features: Outdoor component, interactive elements, secret passages• Location: Lockport, IL• Best For: Adventurers seeking a haunted house with both indoor and outdoor scares .How to Choose the Best Haunted House for YouEach of these haunted houses brings something different to the table. If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, Basement of the Dead and Evil Intentions offer highly detailed, story-driven scares. For those interested in a sprawling and varied haunted attraction, Massacre Haunted House provides a range of themed rooms and areas, ensuring something new at every corner. Disturbia’s intricate set designs are perfect for those who enjoy psychological thrills, while HellsGate’s outdoor component and secret passages make it an ideal choice for those seeking an interactive adventure.These haunted houses are only open for a limited time in the fall, so plan your visit soon to experience the best in frights and scares this Halloween season!For more information on hours, ticket prices, and special events, visit our 'Local Places' section of our website for each attraction.

A Community-Centered DevelopmentThe John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center is a carefully designed mixed-use, mixed-income development, which brings significant cultural and economic revitalization to downtown Aurora. This project, made possible through collaboration between The Community Builders, the City of Aurora, and the Paramount Theatre, is housed in two National Register historic buildings, creating a vibrant space for the arts and the community.Key Features of the DevelopmentThe 80,000 square foot Aurora Arts Center features several important components:• Artesan Lofts: 38 affordable, artist-preference apartments.• Paramount School of the Arts: Offering high-quality arts education.• Paramount Theatre Rehearsal Spaces: Supporting the creative needs of the Paramount Theatre.• Stolp Island Social House: Aurora’s only steakhouse, which unfortunately closed in 2023.Challenges of Stolp Island Social House and Supporting Local BusinessesStolp Island Social House, led by Amy Morton of the Morton Steakhouse family, faced challenges due to the pandemic and insufficient patronage. This unfortunate closure underscores the importance of community support for local businesses. Despite being a highly anticipated establishment, the restaurant struggled because many in Aurora were unaware of its existence until it was too late. Supporting local businesses, especially in hard times, is crucial to sustaining the local economy and maintaining the vibrancy of downtown Aurora.Awards and RecognitionThe Aurora Arts Center has garnered several prestigious awards, including:• Landmarks Illinois Driehaus Preservation Award• 2020 Multifamily Executive AwardThese honors reflect the development’s success in blending historic preservation with modern community needs.A Bright Future for AuroraThe John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center has breathed new life into downtown Aurora, providing affordable housing for artists, enriching the local culture, and creating economic opportunities. It is a vital hub that continues to support the arts and the broader Aurora community, but its future success depends on sustained local engagement and support. We have several parties interested in taking over this space, I cannot wait to see whats in store!

👀Craving bold flavors? Look no further than Patelli’s Gyro in Naperville! With 25 years of experience, they’re known for unique twists on classics, like their famous Crispy Beef Roll. Imagine an Italian beef wrapped in a tortilla, perfectly balanced with less bread and paired with their house-made, herb-infused Au jus—it’s a game-changer! 🌯🔥But that’s not all! From the Fiesta Gyro to other inventive menu items, Patelli’s never stops surprising their guests. Plus, they’re dedicated to giving back, providing hundreds of meals to local families in need each year.

I had no idea this incredible resource was available to the public, but I’m excited to share my visit to the Schingoethe Center of Aurora University Museum’s latest “Waterways” exhibit. 🌊✨Curated by Zach Bishop, this interdisciplinary collection showcases over 150 years of artistry across various media, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, textiles, and more — all inspired by water’s impact on our lives. With pieces from more than 40 artists, it’s an amazing look at how waterways shape our past, present, and future. 🌍Perfect for a weekday trip! 🖼️✨📍 Check it out during the week and support local art and education!Aurora University Aurora University Athletics Aurora University Football Aurora University Office of Alumni Relations and Engagement Aurora University Bookstore#AuroraBuzz #AuroraUniversity #WaterwaysExhibit #SupportLocalArt #AuroraIL

It was our first ever comic con experience, and my niece and I had the best time! From superhero story time, intro to cosplay, Pokémon meetups, to learning game development—it was packed with fun! 🎮🦸‍♀️One of the coolest moments? Meeting Makerfishmeal, who makes her amazing cosplay outfits from scratch and teaches others how to do it too. My niece was totally inspired and can’t wait to create her own Halloween costume this year! 🎃✨Oh, and she even got to dive into a Dungeons & Dragons adventure! 🐉🎲 Cape Con really brought imagination to life! 💫🎥 Check out our video below and see all the action for yourself! #CapeCon #SantoriLibrary #CosplayMagic #ComicConFun #FamilyTime #AuroraBuzz

We had everything from a volleyball tournament to a beatbox performer, live art, and even a dunk tank! It was all to celebrate his awesome 'Assman Hot Sauce,' and the vibe was unreal!Check out the highlights and make sure to grab some hot sauce for yourself! Watch the clip and see how we wrapped up summer in style! https://www.assmansauce.com/Philippe FB page - https://www.facebook.com/Mixologist312Assman Hot sauce FB page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556573727378#EndOfSummer #AssmanHotSauce #VolleyballVibes #BeatBoxing #LiveArt #SummerFun