Oswego is located on the Fox River in Kendall County, Illinois. Some people may remember Oswego as having a town drag-strip from 1955-1979 that attracted muscle car racers from all over the Midwest. The drag-strip is now closed, but Oswego still races ahead with a boost in population growth and jobs. Oswego has a variety of festivals like Drag Strip Days, Wine on the Fox, Christmas Walk, and others. Oswego is an all-American city, with a lot of potential to give a lasting impression on any visitor. Oswego is a hidden gem in Kendall County. With beautiful parks, a welcoming atmosphere, and family-friendly activities everyone can enjoy what Oswego has to offer.

1. Fox Valley Winery

Fox Valley Winery creates handcrafted, award-winning wines. They’re made in small batches made from a small vineyard of Illinois grapes. Vines were first planted in 2000 by the Faltz Family in a vineyard near Sheridan, Illinois. The Faltz family carefully tends to their grapes and harvest them at the right moment to make the most delicious wines. Fox Valley Winery has a tasting room decorated with artwork from local artists and where visitors can taste dessert wines, dry wines, and sweet wines. Wines can also be purchased online. 

The Tasting Room is open Monday-Thursday from 12 pm-6 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am-7 pm, and Sunday from 11 am-5 pm. Tours of the winery are by appointment only. An event room can be rented for a private party. 

Address: 5600 US-34, Oswego, IL 60543

Website: Fox Valley Winery

2. Emerson Creek Pottery and Tearoom

Located inside a 100-year-old house the shop sells more than just pottery. The shop does sell exclusive, hand-crafted pottery pieces, but it also sells handmade candles, artisan spreads and preserves, home decor, fashion accessories, and more. There is also a tearoom that serves a weekly lunch menu made with fresh ingredients. The tearoom takes reservations, and the property can be rented out for special events. The shop is open from 10 am-3 pm. The tearoom is open from 10:45 am-2 pm. An event calendar can be found online.

Address: 5126 Stephens Rd, Oswego, IL 60543

Website: Emerson Creek Pottery and Tearoom

3. Little White School Museum

The Little White School Museum is located in downtown Oswego. It is owned by the Oswegoland Park District. The museum includes a research and records area that is open to anyone interested in Oswego history. The museum has changing exhibits and a calendar of presentations online. Group tours can be arranged by emailing the staff through its website. Research hours are Thursdays 10 am-5 pm, Saturdays 10 am-12 pm, or by appointment. The museum can also be rented for events.

Address: 72 Polk St, Oswego, IL 60543

Website: Little White School Museum

4. Downtown Oswego

Downtown Oswego started a project to boost the downtown area. The project included street improvements, sidewalks, landscaping improvements, and decorative lights and benches. The downtown area has dining, shopping, and historic buildings and homes.

Address: Main Street, Oswego, IL 60543

Website: Downtown Oswego

5. Fox Bend Golf Course

Fox Bend Golf Course is a demanding par 72 golf course with 34 bunkers and water on 11 holes. It was voted a 5-star golf course by Chicagoland Golf Magazine. Fox Bend Golf Course has a pro-shop and restaurant, Pearce’s. Fox Bend has league play for men and women, as well as junior golf programs. Lessons are offered for individuals and groups. Tee times can be booked online and Fox Bend can be reserved for a wedding or banquet. Rates for golf can be found online as well.

Address: 3516 US-34, Oswego, IL 60543

Website: Fox Bend Golf Course

The post Let’s Go: 5 Fun Activities in Oswego, Illinois appeared first on Farmington Lakes Apartments Blog.

OSWEGO COUNTRY MARKET

SUNDAYS | JUNE 5-SEPTEMBER 25, 2022 | 9:00AM-1:00PM

In this outdoor, open-air market, there are many local products to choose from, including fresh fruit, meats, eggs, artisan cheeses, specialty delicacies like baked goods & honey, and handmade things.

Shop this outdoor market every Sunday from June through September for fresh cut flowers, farm-fresh eggs, locally produced veggies, organically reared meats, great Wisconsin cheese, and a variety of delectable specialty foods. Selected craftsmen provide a variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, candles, lotions, and soaps. Groups from the community are welcome to take part. To book a Sunday to publicize your fundraising or special event, please contact.

2022 SEASON VENDORS

Produce

AZ Farm & Wellness

Blue Freedom

Garlic Breath Farm

Six Generations Farmin Local

Vital Superfoods of Woolley Farm

Plants

Garden Joy

Sunset Growers

Specialty Foods

Carmelita’s Creations

Chef Heatley’s Hot Pepper Farm

Gindo’s Spice of Life

Marek’s Authentic Polish Food

Nuts to Go

Papa’s Honey

The Olive Gallery

Meat, Cheese & Eggs

E & S Fish Co.

Gravity Farms LLC

Hufendick Farm

Stamper Cheese Co.

Breads & Sweets

Brit’s Sweet Treats

Hahn’s Bakery

Krispology Gourmet Treats

Lang’s Cookies

Sweet P’s Homemade Cookies

Concessions

Gandi the Juice Guru

Grumpy Gaucho

The Hot Dog Guy

Magic Crepes

Turn Lemons

Handcrafted Items

Albo Acres

Amy Boutique

Gallery’s Choice/GC Lavender

Hemp Club Jewelry/Boho Earth Headbands

Olive Bath and Body Company

Tabletop Beanbag Games

Tranquility Base Candles & Diffusers

Virtually Em Designs

White Blossom Soaps

Handcrafted Items

Parchment & Pawprint

Services

Cutting Edge by the Blacksmith

BE A VENDOR

Do you want to participate as a vendor in the 2022 season? Please review the details below:
For more information, see our FAQ page. If you are interested and eligible to participate, read the complete Rules & Regulations.
Fill out the vendor application completely and submit it together with the required paperwork and payment.

Questions? Contact Cori Veverka at 630.554.4433 or email [email protected].

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Go Outdoors

Places to Roam
In Oswego, the Fox Valley and up and down the river are connected by more than 40 miles of trails that are maintained by the Oswegoland Park District. Mountain bikers should check out Saw Wee Kee Park, where they can outfit themselves at the independent Oswego Cyclery. Ride more leisurely by following the Fox River Trail, which hugs the Fox River for more than 40 miles from Oswego north to Algonquin.

The greatest time to see bald eagles and other native birds breeding along the river is in the months of January through March when the trees are bare. Or you may go fishing with the eagles in the Fox, which has a wide variety of sport fish like bass, walleye, and muskie.

With parking and convenient put-ins at Violet Patch and Saw Wee Kee Parks, bring your boat and kayak or canoe down the Fox River. Start further upstream and arrange to exit at Hudson Crossing Park in Downtown Oswego, where you may cool off with a beverage from the Tap House Grill or Oswego Brewing Company, which offers Detox/Retox yoga every Sunday in the taproom.

Go as a Group.

Run, cycle, or kayak on the paths. then go get a meal.
Playgrounds and open areas to run around in can be found at more than 40 parks. Stay near to the city center and explore the river banks at Hudson Crossing Park, or get wet at the splash pad at Prairie Point where the older kids may also skateboard.

Gloomy days? At Bounce Town or Altitude Trampoline Park, let them bounce off the walls. The Potter's Place team will bring Mexican cuisine and live music to Main Street in the early 2020s, which older children and teenagers will enjoy.

Visit Keller's Farmstand in the late summer or early fall for fresh food, a cornstalk maze, apple picking, and a pumpkin patch. Additionally, mark your calendars for a number of family-friendly occasions occurring in downtown Oswego over the summer, such as Main Street celebrations and Movies in the Park. Most are no cost.

Go with your Friends.

Imaginative excursions for your upcoming girls' night out.
Start the day with a discussion at The Village Grind in the quaint downtown Oswego neighborhood while enjoying hand-crafted coffee, tasty food, and treats.
Shop at the beautiful and trendy Hudson Design House, Stonehouse Market, Aroma Roots, and Velvet Grace for one-of-a-kind discoveries. Or, if you're feeling handy, join one of the make-and-take furniture lessons at A Lady and Her Tools, the pottery and painting programs at Studio 60, or the wood sign workshops at Board & Brush to build it yourself. Or spend the summer browsing a variety of fresh-air farmer's, handcrafted, and vintage markets.

Enjoy a lunchtime Flower Pot Salad at the Emerson Creek Shop & Tea Room, which is open from May to October. Or visit Sarabella for a spa pedicure and a glass of champagne.

Learn more or check out other outdoor activities

The post How to Enjoy the Summer Without Overheating: Fun Things to Do In Oswego appeared first on Farmington Lakes Apartments Blog.

Halloween House Decorating Contest

Oct 21, 2021

Description

Whether you like tricks or treats, we want to see your best Halloween House Decorating this fall. Register by 10/20 for your house to be included in the contest. Oswegoland Park District staff will visit each home between 6-9pm on 10/21 to evaluate and take pictures of the decor that will be posted on Facebook. The two Hallo-winners will be the Most Spooktacular (as evaluated on by staff) and the People’s Choice (voted for via Facebook until 10/27). Winners will be announced on 10/28 and will receive a yard sign and gift card. Maps to all participating homes will be provided online for families to take a drive to see them in person. This contest is open to residents only. 

SAW WEE KEE FALL TRAIL RUN

The soft path, with its twists and turns, ups and downs, makes for a great natural run whether the weather makes it a muddy mess or a fragrant wildflower-filled dash. Runners are bib-timed and sent in every few minutes Each race features a different course and different pieces of the medal. Attend each of the four runs in the series and complete the 2021 medal! Each run features different seasonal swag. There are no refunds for athletic events.
Register

Contact information 

Event contact  Zack Donati

Email  [email protected]

Phone  630-554-4482

Monster Mash Bash

Oct 30, 2021

OHS – Fieldhouse

Description

There's a frightening amount of things to do at this year's Bash! Crafts, candy games and more wear your Halloween costume, and join the fun at Oswego High School. New this year, pre-register for $5 or pay $8 at the door. Registration is per child. Adults are free. Registration closes Thursday, October 28. 

Date

Oct 30, 2021

Sat 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Oswegoland Barrel Nights

Nov 4, 2021

Description

Barrel Nights is back on the greens of the Fox Bend Golf Course. This autumn's line up features Whiskey and small plates. Savor five unique whiskeys paired with amuse-bouche bites, all that can be enjoyed locally. Enjoy a beautiful night in the outdoor pavilion. Sip something that warms you matched with flavors that will fill you. Reserve your spot today.

Date
Nov 4, 2021

Thu 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The post 4 of the Best Fall Events Happening in Oswego appeared first on Farmington Lakes Apartments Blog.

Farmers Markets and summertime tend to go hand in hand, with many markets running through the fall. There’s something wonderful about fresh, local produce and handcrafted goods. Small businesses and farmers can showcase their products and services to the community, and it feels good to the consumer to know where their food came from.

We wanted to highlight these farmers and crafters and inform our residents at Farmington Lakes about farmers markets happening right here in and around Oswego. From fruits and veggies to craft goods, honey, and baked goods, these are the best local markets to enjoy!

Oswego Country Market

Downtown Oswego 15 N Main St

Cori Veverka: 630-554-4433 or [email protected]

Sundays June 6 – September 26, 9 AM – 1 PM

Shop local with an array of local farmers, local businesses, craft vendors, artists and more! Farm-to-table is one of the best ways to enjoy healthy, fresh meals sourced right here in our community, so you can be confident knowing where everything you buy at the Oswego Country Market comes from. For a list of vendors and the different products sold, click the link above. With items including produce, plants, handcrafted items, baked goods, desserts, and more, you can’t go wrong. 

We have a map with parking and biking/walking routes if you are close enough!

Aurora Farmers Market

Water Street Square (65 Water Street, Aurora – directly across from City Hall and the Water Street Mall)

Saturdays, June 12 – October 16, 8 am – 12 pm (weather permitting)

Contact: City of Aurora Special Events Division:

(630) 256-3370 | [email protected] 

Our neighbors in Aurora feature a Saturday farmers market, now in its 109th season. Food trucks such as Dick’s Mini Donuts as well as delicious baked goods, local fruits and vegetables, organic produce, and more. 

Besides these two fantastic markets, there are many others throughout the Chicago metro area. So if Oswego’s Sunday Market or Saturday in Aurora do not work for you, be sure to check out the others!

A more comprehensive list of farmer’s markets in the area can be found here.

The Chicago Tribune also put together a searchable map of farmer’s markets in the Chicago area.

The post Farmers Markets Near Oswego for the Best Local Produce and Goods appeared first on Farmington Lakes Apartments Blog.

Getting outside during summer is one of the greatest joys of the warm season here in Illinois, and here at Farmington Lakes, we want to share with you just how much we love the outdoors. While Lake Michigan may be close enough for a day trip, there is plenty of outdoor fun right here in Oswego. Local parks abound, and the Fox River offers fun on the water for everyone.

Oswego offers an array of outdoor activities for those looking to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Part of that is the abundance of local trails that run along the Fox River and up and down the Fox Valley. With over 40 miles of trails to offer, including a portion of the 43-mile Fox River Trail the Oswego parks district has you covered for hiking and biking in the area.

Mountain Biking Heaven

The local Saw Wee Kee Park is a haven for mountain bikers, offering 134 acres of extensive nature trails with wildlife viewing such as deer and bald eagles. The trails offer horseback riding, hiking, BMX biking, mountain biking, and cross country skiing in the winter.

• This is a great spot to launch your canoe and kayak for a day on the water.

• You can fish in Saw Wee Kee as well, and it is catch and release only. 

• The park runs along the southern shore of the Fox River on Sundown Lane off of Orchard Road.

The Fox River

Biking and hiking along the Fox River are beautiful, with the opportunity to see bald eagles and native birds nesting in the trees. Bare branches offer the best viewing opportunities from January through March. 

Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities along the river, especially at Violet Patch Park where you can put in as well as reserve picnic shelters, cook on the grills, and connect to the Fox River Trail. 

Further upstream you can start your adventure from Hudson Crossing Park in the heart of Downtown Oswego.

A Community Park

If you prefer more of a day at the park with sports fields or cooling off from the hot weather, Prairie Point Community Park offers 66 acres of fun. There’s a Splash Pad for romping around in the water, and a skate park big enough for everyone to ride. The park features soccer and football fields, sand volleyball, baseball/softball, and reservable tables. 

In winter, Prairie Point also has an ice skating rink and sledding hill.

With so much opportunity for outdoor activities in Oswego, it’s easy to see why we love living here at Farmington Lakes apartments!

How do you enjoy getting outside here in Oswego? Tell us about it in the comments.

The post An Abundance of Outdoor Activities in Oswego Parks and the Fox River appeared first on Farmington Lakes Apartments Blog.