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Downtown Geneva

Friday, May 10, 2013

News Nearby: Geneva Downtown Alive and Well

More than a year after the death knell was sounded by a certain former Patch columnist, downtown Geneva is showing resurgence, tenacity and good health.

  Geneva developer and landlord Joe Stanton says the death of downtown Geneva was greatly exaggerated. Former Geneva Patch columnist Jeff Ward started sounding the death knell of the downtown in a column that ran in October 2011 headlined, "Why I Think Our Downtown Will Disappear." As late as mid 2012, three of the four corners of Third Street and State Street were vacant—the State Bank building on the southwest corner, the Merra-Lee building on the southeast corner and the Erday building on the northwest corner, which was vacated by Kiss the Sky on June 30, 2012. Only Starbucks remained on the corner that defines Geneva's two major downtown business thoroughfares. Then came news that Grunwald Jewelers was leaving, due to retirement, and …

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Stanton Makes a Bid for the Mill Race Inn Property

First in a Series: Geneva businessman and development Joe Stanton says he'd love to see a restaurant return to the iconic riverfront property, but a more likely scenario would be high-density riverfront living.

  News Flash: Joe Stanton has made a bid on the Mill Race Inn property. And he's not alone. "I actually have an offer in on the Mill Race property, as do a few other people," Stanton said during an interview after Monday's City Council meeting. The property has gone into foreclosure, so the price has dropped by more than $1.3 million from its listing a year ago. "I think the bank has been realistic on what they want on it, so I would assume a deal would be forthcoming pretty soon," Stanton said. Stanton has no illusions about the challenges of developing the site, which very likely suffered some additional damage in the Great Flood of 2013. "You have a building next to the river that’s been vacant, and without air conditioners or heaters …

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Cassandra Lakeland

6:38 pm on Friday, May 10, 2013

It would be wonderful if the Mill Race could be restored to the beautiful landmark it once was. I have fond memories of a rehearsal dinner there almost 40 years ago. I attended many a baby and bridal shower in that restaurant. It was a great place to meet with out of town relatives for Christmas and dining with friends ringing in the New Year and it brought tourists to the town. The food used to …   more ›

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Fall in Love With Downtown Geneva—and Win $50 Gift Certificates, Dinners for 2

More than 60 shops and restaurants are offering dinner or lunch for two, or a $50 gift certificate as prizes.

During February, the city of Geneva hosts the fifth annual “Fall in Love with Downtown Geneva” promotion. Residents and visitors are encouraged to get out and shop and dine in downtown and earn chances to win valuable gift certificates. More than 60 shops and restaurants are offering dinner or lunch for two, or a $50 gift certificate as prizes. Winners are drawn every other week so there are multiple chances to win. To register, simply visit a participating business and complete a registration form.      SOURCE: Geneva Economic Development Department

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Sweet, Delicious, Glittering and Therapeutic Grand Openings Coming Up in Geneva

OK, take the Sugar Path to Perlman Fine Jewelry, have a Moveable Feast and scale the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory on your way to a Therapeutic Massage.

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce announces a sweet lineup of grand openings in the coming weeks: Tuesday, Feb. 5, (4:30 p.m. ribbon cutting) — Sugar Path, 315 W. State St. in Geneva. For more information contact Michelle Adams at 630-624-2344. Thursday, Feb. 7, (noon ribbon cutting) — Perlman Fine Jewelry, 301 State St. in Geneva.  For more information contact Corey Perlman at 630-262-9090. Thursday, Feb. 14, (2 p.m. ribbon cutting) — Moveable Feast, 321 Franklin St. in Geneva.  For more information contact Monique Wallace at 630-845-3287.  Thursday, Feb. 28, (5 p.m. ribbon cutting) — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 1308 Commons Drive in Geneva. For more information contact Lisa Cruse at 630-208-1484. Wednesday, March 6, (4:30 p.m. ribbon …

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Erday's to Close After 87 Years in Geneva

The Beacon-News reports that Erday's, founded in 1925, starts a liquidation sale Thursday.

Erday's men's clothing store, a fixture in Geneva since 1925, will begin a liquidation sale Thursday, The Beacon-News reports. It is a sad day for Geneva and for anyone in the area who appreciates quality brand names, quality tailoring and top-notch service. The business was founded in Geneva in 1925, according to Erday's website. Three generations of family members have run the business since Victor Erday Sr. began it more than eight decades ago. It has been a mainstay at the corner of Third Street and State Street, and many generations of Genevans have fond memories of shopping there.  “We knew the time was coming,” owner Victor Erday told The Beacon. "Erday's is now using 10 N. Third St. which encompasses 5,600 square feet," Erday's …

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Geneva's The Little Traveler Worth the Trip

For nearly nine decades, the store, located in a sprawling 36 room Victorian mansion at 404 S. Third St., has been a cornerstone of Geneva's historic Third Street.

  Planning on doing some shopping in the Geneva area? Don't forget a stop into The Little Traveler. For nearly nine decades, the store, located in a sprawling 36-room Victorian mansion at 404 S. Third St., has been a cornerstone of the city's downtown shopping district. Some of the treasures one can find in the historic store includes women's apparel, jewelry and fashion accessories, housewares, gourmet foods and wines, a year-round Christmas shop, stationery and toys. The Little Traveler also has the Midwest's largest selection of Naot shoes. The store is filled with treasures, including one-of-a-kind pieces from Europe and the Far East. The collections are continuously changing. The Little Traveler’s legendary Atrium Cafe tearoom serves …

Bev Nickelson

12:22 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013

Thanks for this wonderful article! One thing to note is that the store only opens on Sundays during the Christmas season, from January through Thanksgiving, the store is closed on Sundays.   more ›

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Geneva's Spectacular Christmas Walk Weekend Friday Through Sunday!

If you've never attended a Christmas Walk in downtown Geneva, you've got to go. It is the best way to get into the holiday spirit—from chestnuts roasting on an open fire to crazy deals to wonderful friends. Here's the schedule!

It's a cliche, yes, but Christmas Walk in Geneva has never been better, and it tips off a 6 p.m. Friday in downtown Geneva. This truly is the must-see holiday event of the season. Great deals, stores full of clever, unique gifts, there are literally chestnuts roasting on open fires, the lighting of the Christmas tree, crowning of Santa Lucia, an attempt at the world's largest candy cane, carolers galore, actual live mannequins in the store window, carriage rides—wow. It's awesome. Then there's the House Tour and Steeple Walk on top of all that. We live in the town that is right out of a storybook. Historic buildings and architecture, a scenic river, stores you just don't see anywhere else because they're one-of-a-kind, from the All …

Jon Azavedo

11:27 am on Saturday, December 8, 2012

Is Tubby Burns playing Santa or Scrooge?   more ›

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Live Windows Return to Downtown Geneva

A unique display returns to Geneva just in time for the Christmas Walk on Dec. 7, 2012!

For the fourth year, many retail storefront windows in downtown Geneva will truly be “alive” with the spirit of the holiday. Joining in the fun will be mannequin brides at Crystal Bride, State Street Dance Studio ballerinas at Ella’s Pink Bowtique, artisans working in the window at State Street Jewelers and Proud Fox Galleries. The traditional Christmas Walk begins with the Geneva Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Walk and House Walk on Dec. 7. At 6 p.m. Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, and her attendants arrive by horse-drawn carriage to offer Swedish cookies to visitors. Santa makes his appearance to light the Great Tree on the courthouse lawn and officially opens his Gingerbread House at 6:30 p.m. You are then invited to …

patchedin

1:34 pm on Sunday, November 25, 2012

Yes!!!! Especially for families. One of the reasons Geneva is such a great place to live.   more ›

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Geneva's First Annual Trick or Trot 10k Is Another Step to Combat Childhood Disease

A run through Geneva is the perfect to burn calories prior to the Harvest Taste coming Saturday in downtown Geneva.

Start celebrating Halloween early by burning some calories Saturday morning in the first-ever Trick or Trot 10k through downtown Geneva. What could be better than a healthy jog through the historic streets on a cool, fall morning? Maybe the post-race party and breakfast or the knowledge that you've got enough room to sample the desserts and appetisers of the best chefs in the area in the 2nd annual "Harvest Taste" that starts at 1:30 p.m. at The Little Traveler. Oh, and then there's the good feeling you get knowing that the procedes from the race help chronically ill kids live better lives. The race is one of the Pumpkins for a Cure benefit hosted by the Zellmer Childhood Disease Foundation. On race day, the registration desk opens at 6 a.…

Sunday, August 5, 2012

All Chocolate Kitchen Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Geneva's All-Chocolate Kitchen is becoming a destination store in downtown Geneva.

Pastry guru Chef Alain Roby, holder of two Guinness World Records, guest on The Martha Stewart Show and contestant and judge of numerous Food Network challenges celebrates the one year anniversary of his popular All Chocolate Kitchen (ACK), 33 South Third St. in Geneva. Crowds have flocked to this unique dessert destination, allowing ACK to open a second, patio location, offering authentic Italian Gelato and Sorbetto.  A Certified Master Chef of Pastry and Sugar Artistry and Hall of Fame member in both Pastry Art & Design and Chocolatier magazines, Chef Roby is internationally known for his talent in creating sugar and chocolate masterpieces. ACK offers guests the opportunity to indulge in exquisite desserts and truffles from the finest …

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