The Idle Hour in Mount Morris wasn’t always a hotspot, but new owners Megan and Britton Brooks are changing that. Since buying the place in early 2024, they’ve given the back patio a glow-up, upgraded the stage for live music, and added more fun events like themed bingo nights and adult prom. But th
A long-running Williamsburg restaurant has shut its doors after four decades, but new businesses are stepping in to fill the space. The Whaling Co. , a fixture in the area since the 1980s, closed for good in August, leaving a vacant building on McLaws Circle. Now, two big-name chains are vying for t
A new tribute will open its doors to the public on May 18th in Yorkville’s Kendall County Office Building. The exhibit, called the Illinois Fallen Wall, showcases photographs of every soldier from the state who lost their lives in combat since September 11th. The display will stay on the first‑floor
St. Charles is pushing for more people to ditch their cars this summer. Instead of driving everywhere, the city wants residents and visitors to use bikes or walking. A new online guide makes it simple to plan trips. It shows bike trails, explains local riding rules, and lists summer events. No more
Aurora’s 32nd Sports Festival kicked off with a burst of energy at Phillips Park, where middle schoolers from 14 local schools gathered to compete in a wide array of games. The event, organized by the city’s Youth Services Division, draws more than a thousand students and a similar number of volunte
Every year, food lovers in Louisiana look forward to a special day when wings take center stage. On May 16, downtown Lafayette will host Wing Wars of Acadiana, a lively festival where local restaurants, chefs, and even amateur cooks go head-to-head for the best wing title in the state. The event isn
Kids laugh more than adults, but keeping them focused for an hour isn’t child’s play. At the Chocolate Church Arts Center, professional performer Jack Golden turned that challenge into a masterclass for elementary students. Instead of another forgettable school trip, the kids got a high-energy show
Duluth’s downtown just got a fresh spot for people looking to unwind. The Lighthouse Spa & Boutique opened its doors in Canal Park, offering a full day spa experience where locals can relax and recharge. Two of the co-owners previously worked at another spa in the area but wanted to create something
Vermont’s heart disease numbers tell a quiet story. Every year, strokes and high blood pressure quietly claim more lives than almost any other health issue. Last year, one out of three adults across the state walked around with high blood pressure they might not even feel. The problem doesn’t announ
This weekend, St. Paul’s West Side neighborhood will host its Cinco de Mayo festival, but with a smaller crowd and more local flavor than in past years. Instead of spreading across long blocks, the event is now concentrated on Cesar Chavez Street between Robert and Ada streets, including Parque Cast
