2011 READER'S CHOICE AWARD WINNERS
The results are in! After just a few months of online polling since we launched your community living magazine in May, Glancer Magazine’s 2011 Reader's Choice Award Winners have been selected for the Fox River Valley Area. These wonderful local area establishments were chosen based on votes from area residents who support our magazine – our faithful readers! Congratulations to the elite list of winners. This is a great honor of community distinction, as this is our third consecutive year and we are very proud to bring this unqiue program to Fox River Valley in 2011. These winning establishments and the people behind them are what make our community so truly enjoyable to live in. Their hard work and passion to succeed doing what they love makes all the difference. Here are the 2011 Reader's Choice Award winners for the Fox River Valley area....
FAVORITE CHARITY Fox River Valley
Marklund at Mill Creek, Geneva
Enriching the lives of those with special needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual, allowing them to enjoy a meaningful life supported by a compassionate, nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund is there for families faced with the difficult decision of finding quality care for their loved ones who have severe disabilities. 1 South 450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva, (630) 593-5500, www.marklund.org
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FAVORITE ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT Fox River Valley
Pride of the Fox Riverfest, St. Charles
Last month residents celebrated 29 years of RiverFest fun in downtown St. Charles. With free events and activities throughout the downtown, there truly is "Something for Everyone" each year the event takes place. Carnival rides, music, food vendors & more. The fest attracts over 50,000 residents and visitors to downtown St. Charles every June. www.prideofthefox.com
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FAVORITE CITY PARK Fox River Valley
Braeburn Park and Preserve, Batavia
A joint ownership project between the Batavia Park District, Geneva Park District and the Kane County Forest Preserve District, the 5.5 acres of open space has been developed with a basketball court, playground, mini-shelter, and pick up baseball field. The remaining 44.5 acres are marsh and wet land. 507 Western Ave. Batavia, www.bataviaparks.org/park02.htm
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FAVORITE BOUTIQUE, JEWELRY Fox River Valley
State Street Jewelry, Geneva
Providing the best in service, quality, and craftsmanship for over 25 years. Carrying a wide variety of watches and fine jewelry, specializing in loose diamonds and diamond jewelry. Customizing unique, hand-crafted works of art also available. Brands such as Hearts On Fire, Simon G., Tacori, Hidalgo, Baume & Mercier, Maurice Lacroix, and Tissot are available. 214 West State Street, Geneva, (630) 232-2085, www.statestreetjewelers.com
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FAVORITE BOUTIQUE, APPAREL Fox River Valley
Jeans & a Cute Top Shop, St. Charles
The place to shop when looking for the perfect fit. They specialize in finding the perfect pair of jeans for all ages, body shapes and budgets. Onsite alterations are available. Jeans and a Cute Top Shop carries Fidelity, 1921 Worn, It, Silver, Beija Flor, Kut and more. The Plaza Building, 161 1st street
St. Charles, (630) 444-0999. Also open in downtown Wheaton.
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FAVORITE BOUTIQUE, HOME Fox River Valley
610 Home, Geneva
The latest edition to South First Street’s trendy Geneva design district (Pariscope Design, State Street Salvage and Les Tissus Colbert). The 2,500 square foot warehouse is the perfect backdrop to an eclectic mix of new and vintage home furnishings and accessories. 610 South First Street,
Geneva, (630) 262-3770, www.610homegeneva.com
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FAVORITE BOUTIQUE, FOOD & WINE Fox River Valley
Galena Cellars, Geneva
Acres of rolling farmland hosting 22 different specialty grapes, 60,000 gallons of wine per year, 40 wine varieties, three tasting rooms and thirty plus years later and many cherished friendships, the Lawlors are proud to have created a family legacy that now spans three generations. Visit their Geneva tasting room. Dodson Place, 477 S 3rd Ave., Geneva, (630) 232-9463, www.galenacellars.com
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FAVORITE RESTAURANT, BREAKFAST Fox River Valley
Lumes Pancake House, Batavia
A local favorite for breakfast. The impressive menu also features lunch and dinner options on the weekends. Lumes serves generous breakfast portions and has fresh menu choices weekly. The kids leave with a free balloon. 1902 W Fabyan Pkwy, Batavia, (630) 761-9676.
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FAVORITE RESTAURANT, LUNCH Fox River Valley
Nosh, Geneva
Enjoy breakfast or lunch in the heart of downtown Geneva with an innovative and eclectic approach to old favorites and fun twists on international fare! From eggs Benedict to flatbreads, flavorful salads to a broad spectrum of omelets it's family-friendly with fresh-squeezed orange juice and an enticing array of adult beverages. 211 James Street, Geneva, (630)845-1570,
www.experiencenosh.com
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FAVORITE RESTAURANT, DINNER Fox River Valley
Francesca's by the River, St. Charles
Zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome, Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. Contemporary, casually sophisticated ambiance, good, simple cooking, friendly service. 200 S. 2nd Street, St. Charles, (630) 587-8221, www.miafrancesca.com
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FAVORITE DESSERT PLACE Fox River Valley
Graham's Fine Chocolates, Geneva
This is the main store where all the magic happens. It was first opened in December of 1987 kiddie-corner from here in the Berry Shops. You can come by and watch all the candy being made in our big picture windows in the front of the store. Everything is made fresh at this location, which
features homemade chocolates and candies, homemade ice cream and even refreshing Italian sodas. 302 S Third Street, Geneva, (630) 232-6655. Also located in downtown Wheaton.
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FAVORITE SALON Fox River Valley
Mystique Salon & Spa
This full service salon & spa provides an environment that supports caring for the body, mind, and spirit. Offering massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, microdermabrasion, body wraps, waxing & permanent hair removal.
113 E. Main Street, St. Charles, (630) 444-140, www.mystiquesalonandspa.com
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FAVORITE SPA Fox River Valley
Zano’s Salon & Spa, Batavia
Step into the quiet sanctuary, and step away from your hectic, everyday life. Wash away your worries. Relax. Indulge. Enjoy. Give yourself an afternoon, and Zanos will give you simply the best in luxury day spa treatments. The world can wait. 2016 W. Wilson Street, Batavia, (630) 406-9555, www.zanosalons.com
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FAVORITE MEDI-SPA Fox River Valley
Aviva Med Spa, St. Charles
Enhance your looks and combat aging at this beautiful medical spa. Aviva provides clinically proven skin and body treatments in a welcoming, luxurious environment. They specialize in treating their clients with transformative procedures that are safe, non-invasive, non-surgical, and don’t interrupt busy lifestyles with downtime and recovery—without surgery. 3310 West Main Street, St.. Charles, (630) 940-0192, www.avivamedspa.com
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FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHER Fox River Valley
Roper Photo, Western Suburbs
Capturing your memories as you make them with a consummate blend of decisive moments, fashionable portraits and incredible details.This is photojournalism, not just candid photography, but the ability to capture images that documents the story of your wedding, without words. www.roperphoto.com
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FAVORITE THEATER Fox River Valley
Charlestown 18, Batavia
Classic Cinemas is a family-owned business, run by Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson. It was started in 1978 with the operation of the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove. Charlestown 18 is one of 13 Classic Cinema-owened theaters. Visit today for special events & the latest movies.
3740 East Main Street, St. Charles, (630) 587-3300
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FAVORITE GROCERY STORE Fox River Valley
Soup to Nuts, Geneva
Providing everything from high-quality foods, vitamins, supplements and herbs to homeopathic remedies, aromatherapy and holistic services for those looking to maintain or achieve wellness. And, unlike many chain stores, it is their goal to assist their customers in educating themselves to make food choices in maintaining their bodies. Also carrying for chemical-free sunscreens and bug sprays. Soup To Nuts, 716 W State Street,
Geneva, (630) 232-6646, www.souptonutsgeneva.com
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FAVORITE MUSEUM Fox River Valley
St. Charles Heritage Center
The goal of this facility is to collect, preserve and present St. Charles history and also history of the Kane County area. You will be amazed at all you will learn about your community. 215 E. Main Street, St. Charles, (630) 584-6967, www.stcmuseum.org
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FAVORITE GOLF COURSE Fox River Valley
Bliss Creek Golf Course, Sugar Grove
The beautiful tree-lined fairways and well-placed water hazards and bunkers offer a sporty, yet challenging test for all skill levels. Outing packages are comprehensive, affordable, and completely customizable. 1 Golfview Road, Sugar Grove, (630) 466-4177
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FAVORITE ANTIQUE STORE Fox River Valley
Geneva Antique Market, Geneva
Geneva Antique Market was established 18 years ago. It is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Geneva, on the corner of 3rd Street and Franklin. The shop occupies the entire lower level of the Berry House with three separate rooms of antiques and collectibles. They sell a vast array of items with nothing less than 25 years old. 227 South 3rd Street, Geneva, 630-208-1150, www.genevaantiquemarket.com
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FAVORITE DENTAL OFFICE Fox River Valley
John C. Koechley, DDS, Batavia
By caring for each patient individually, Dr. Koechley makes the need for healthy teeth and gums a paramount concern. He blends artistry with an advanced approach using his extensive background in dentistry combined with state-of-the-art technology. Offering cosmetic dentistry and beyond, call today to schedule an appointment. 420 South Batavia Avenue, Batavia, (630) 406-9441, www.bataviasmiles.com
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FAVORITE HEALTH FACILITY Fox River Valley
Delnor Health & Wellness Center
You’ll find everything you need to stay active and motivated — whether you're developing a personalized fitness and nutritional program, training for a competitive athletic event, or simply wanting to unwind after a hectic day. 296 Randall Road, Geneva, (630) 208-3933, www.delnorwellness.com
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FAVORITE FITNESS SHOP Fox River Valley
Play it Again Sports
Known as the best place to buy new and used sporting equipment in the Chicagoland area, they have unbeatable prices on all the top brands. The store has offered the community a wonderful opportunity to buy, sell or trade new and used sporting goods. 1501 W Main Street, St. Charles, (630) 584-7334, www.playitagainsports.com
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FAVORITE HOME REPAIR BUSINESS Fox River Valley
Perfect Home Services
When you are in need of common home services such as electrical, heating & air and plumbing, Perfect Home Services can help you with friendly advice, professional service, energy efficiency savings and a FREE in-home estimate. Serving Kane County,(630) 405-6546.
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FAVORITE LANDSCAPER Fox River Valley
Bruss Landscaping -- 2nd Year Winner!
An award winning, third generation family business, Bruss Landscaping specializes in creating beautiful, custom designed residential landscapes. With offices located in Wheaton, and a 10 acre nursery and production facility in West Chicago, Bruss Landscaping serves DuPage and eastern Kane counties. (630) 665-1600, www.brusslandscaping.com
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FAVORITE BUILDER Fox River Valley
John Hall Homes, St. Charles
John Hall Homes offers the most advanced new home designs, highest levels of standard features, home automation, and outstanding value. With over 40 years of service and decades of satisfied customers, John Hall Homes is the overall best builder for your new home. Featured on Fox News and is the Associated Press for the past 3 years. 2020 Dean Street, Suite A, St. Charles, (630) 377-1515, www.johnhallhomes.com
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FAVORITE REALTOR Fox River Valley
Realty Executives Fox Valley, Geneva
Whether you are buying a new home or selling your current home, this team of experts is ready to help you with current listings with a free current market analysis, information about the beautiful Fox Valley area and much more. Serving Kane County, Illinois, including Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, Elburn, North Aurora, South Elgin and Wayne. 302 E. State Street Geneva, (630) 232-3900, www.realtyexecutivesfoxvalley.com
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FAVORITE KID'S STORE Fox River Valley
Learning Express, Geneva
Referred to as “Your Neighborhood Toy Store” this local shop is a hub of activity, a meeting spot for kids and families, a place where they get to know you by name and where going the extra mile just for you is the norm. They do their best to seek out unique toys that catch their eye with lots of play value – because learning can be fun! Geneva Commons Center,
610 Commons Drive (Randall Rd), Geneva, (630) 232-TOYS
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FAVORITE AUTO DEALERSHIP Fox River Valley
St. Charles Toyota, St. Charles
The leader in new & used cars sales amongst Chicago Toyota dealers in Illinois. Visit today to test drive the latest Toyota models. 2651 East Main Street, St.. Charles, (630) 584-6655, www.stcharlestoyota.net
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FAVORITE PLASTIC SURGEON Fox River Valley
John Bull Center for Plastic Surgery
Dr. John Bull is a highly accomplished Chicago plastic surgeon who is dedicated to helping all of his patients realize their aesthetic dreams. Recognizing that undergoing cosmetic surgery can be a complex decision, he strives to create a soothing office environment where patients can feel completely cared for. Dr. Bull takes the time to conduct unhurried consultations, during which time he carefully listens to his patients describe their desires, needs and concerns. (630) 717-6000, 1307 Macom Drive,
Naperville, www.dupageplastics.com
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SPECIAL THANKS!
Special Thanks to the residents who voted online for their local favorites. The above FAVORITE establishments and the people behind them are what make our community so truly enjoyable to live in. Until next year's Reader's Choice Awards....
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