Here's 5 Places to Enjoy a Picnic in Batavia

With summer in full swing, a relaxing day in the park with family and friends is sure to put you in a good mood.

Looking for a place to unpack your picnic basket? Here's our top picks in town: 1. Batavia’s Riverwalk has beautiful views of the Fox River and many family activities. Amenities here include a playground, picnic areas and a natural woodlands garden.   2. Constructed as an athletic park, Prairie Path Park combines a baseball diamond, soccer field and a running path into a great space for picnics and other events. A bike path and playground complete this area's charm for a fun group outing. 3. Fox Trail Park is a great place to take the little ones because of their tot-sized playground area. There is a designated picnic area, as well as a bicycle and walking path. 4. As one of two parks in Batavia co-owned with the Geneva Park District, …

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Patch Picks: 5 Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a way to celebrate a culture that refused to give up an important battle in its history.

Batavia Patch found 5 ways to experience the celebration of the Mexican battle that kept French forces at bay in the 1860's. What better way to take part in the festivities than to enjoy some fine Mexican inspired cuisine?  1. El Taco Grande has some of the finest Mexican food in the area. Their basement dining room in downtown Batavia, is a local favorite for delicious pork carnitas and massive burritos.  2. While Lew's Drive In might not sound like they're a Mexican feast, their menu showcases many cultural favorites. Mexican foods are served all day, but their breakfast options are not to be missed.  3. El Molcajete means mortar and pestle in Spanish and signifies the cooking tools used to grind fragrant spices and salsas. This little …

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Patch Picks: 5 Restaurants for Easter Brunch

Patch found five great local places to enjoy Sunday Easter brunch, or dinner, with family and friends.

1. Tribella Bar and Grill is serving a special Easter menu from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entree's include honey baked ham, lamb shanks, and lobster tail; reservations are suggested.  2. Enjoy Easter Brunch with a local B&B at the Oscar Swan Country Inn. Guests will find omelets, blintzes, fresh fruit, pastries, and other home cooked items. There are three seatings; 10 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 pm.  3. The Pheasant Run Inn, located in St. Charles, has over 100 items on their Easter Brunch menu; inlcuding many specialty dishes. Reservations are reccomended.  4. Join Big Fish Grille for a Champagne Easter Brunch with seatings at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. The cost is $36 for adults and $13 for ages 12 and under. Reservations are required.  5. Mill …

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5 Things You Can Do in Batavia to Help The Environment

Batavia has many programs for residents to do their part in conserving resources. These 5 easy tips will save you money and care for the environment.

In honor of Earth Day, this week's Patch Picks found five ways to help the environment and make an impact close to home.  1. Reduce local landfill waste by attending the city-wide garage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Apr. 29 & 30, in Batavia.  With all sale proceeds being donated to Batavia's 4th of July Fireworks Fund, you're preserving Mother Earth and an important local tradition. 2. Recycle run-off water by purchasing a Rain Barrel from The Conservation Foundation through Neighbors of Batavia. Barrels catch water from the end of downspouts and can be used in lieu of municipal water supply, meaning lower water bills for residents and preservation of water quality in local rivers and streams.  3. The city of Batavia will give residents a $…

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Five Favorite Passover Recipes For Patch Picks

Celebrate freedom and tradition this Passover with these five recipes.

Celebrating the end of Egypt's hold over Israelite slaves with a Passover Seder is an important part of Jewish tradition. Food is one of the most integral components used during this Holy Day, and these recipes will help complete any Passover table.    1. Charoset is a fruit and nut chutney normally used during the Passover Seder to symbolize the mortar ancient Israelite's used during their enslavement in Egypt.    2. Noodle Kugel could possibly be one of the greatest debates in Passover dishes; everyone thinks their Bubbeh's is the best. It's a sweet, and somewhat savory Kosher casserole, which can be prepared in advance.     3. Brisket is the main course on most Passover tables. Delicious and easy to prepare, it is a staple Seder dish…

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Patch Picks: More Staycation Ideas

Patch found more things to do in our area to make the most out of the spring season.

—See a free movie this weekend at the Randall 15 IMAX theatre. Cats vs. Dogs will be shown at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m, Apr. 3. All ages are welcome.  —The newly remodeled pool at the Norris Recreation Center, located in St. Charles, is open for business. Adults can enjoy a dip in the whirlpool or sit in the sauna, and all ages can take advantage of open swim hours.  —Try a family hike in Batavia's Red Oak Nature Center and learn the local lore of Devil's Cave; explore nature in 40 acres of woodland forest along the banks of the Fox River, while visiting a Valley landmark. This is a fun and healthy outdoor activity for all. 

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Relax the Body and Soul With Pampering Spa Treatments

Patch found five area spas ready to roll out the red carpet for their clientele.

Welcome! Here's some places in town and nearby to enjoy a little R & R:  Urban Style Salon & Spa follows an organic concept that is devoted to bringing clients the finest hair and skin treatments through natural products. They offer unique facial treatments and massage therapy, as well as nail and waxing services.  Zano Salon and Day Spa offers the newest treatments in hair care and color. Their spa performs custom facials, massage therapy and natural nail care services. Zano also features spa packages for an indulgent day trip alone or they will host spa parties for groups.  Katrina Salon & Spa is an Aveda concept salon specializing in hair design and skin care treatment. Their expert staff is devoted to bringing clients a relaxing …

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Patch Picks: 5 Spots to Find The Luck of the Irish

Patch found 5 great places to find the luck o' the Irish this Thursday.

O'Briens Pub and Grill has events and specials lined up all St. Patrick's Day. See traditional Irish dancers and a pipe band, while enjoying a 16 oz. green Budweiser for $3.50. The RendezVu will be serving Corned Beef and Cabbage this Thursday while hosting their Dine & Donate event. A percentage of the day's sales will go to the Batavia RSVP program. Flagstone Pub of Geneva, is offering plenty of food and drink specials this St. Patrick's Day. Corned Beef and Cabbage ($8.95), Genuine Irish Stew ($8.95), and Loaded Baked Potato Soup, will be three of Flagstone's festive menu additions. Drink specials include: Irish Car Bombs and Guinness Pints ($5), Harp Lager bottles ($3.75) and Killian's Irish Red bottles ($3). Tap House Grill in St. …

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Patch Picks: Summer Camps

Batavia kids can spend their free time doing something fun with many summer camp options this year; keeping them active, busy, and out of the house.

Patch found five camps to erase boredom, and make sure there's nothing lazy about summer vacation this year. Camps tend to fill up fast so please make sure to get applications filled out, and payments in on time, in order to ensure there are spaces still available.

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Patch Picks: 5 Books For Children And Adults

This week's Patch Pick's features five reading selections to enjoy during National Read Across America Day.

In a celebration of literacy, the National Education Association's Read Across America Day encourages all to spend some time with a good book. Patch spoke with local librarians this week to get recommendation's on titles for children and adults.

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