Northwest Quarterly Magazine (Northwest Chicagoland Edition)

02/08/2025

A little care now — raking out thatch, aerating the soil and tackling weeds — can set your lawn up for its greenest spring yet.

As winter enters its last hoorahs, you may ponder how soon your brown lawn will become a lush, green carpet once more. With the right steps, it’ll happen sooner than you think. First, you need to know a few things about the condition of your lawn. Start by looking at the thatch, that loose lay

02/06/2025

Looking to spice up your family dinners? Check out these four kitchen must-haves, from the speedy Zavor pressure cooker to colorful taco accessories, that will elevate your meals and bring fun to your kitchen.

Is there anything quite so rewarding as a steaming pot of soup to warm up a cold winter’s day? It’s just one of many joys to be found in the kitchen this time of year. If you’re looking for a way to spice up family dinners, perhaps a new piece of cooking equipment is what you need to kickstart...

02/04/2025

Woodstock Willie called for an early spring Sunday morning in Woodstock Square, 32 years after 'Groundhog Day' turned this charming town into a Hollywood legend.

It was a cold, but not very snowy winter when a Hollywood crew converged on Woodstock to produce what became a cult classic in cinema. Thirty years later, Groundhog Day is far more than a beloved film. It’s the heart of a family-friendly winter festival, the inspiration for a stage play and a chan...

02/01/2025

Even in the dead of winter, local farmers are hard at work. Step inside these winter farmers markets and discover fresh produce, homemade goods and a true taste of community.

Just because the fields are bare in winter doesn’t mean our local farmers have nothing to do. Step inside any of our region’s top indoors markets and you’ll be tempted by a wide array of fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, and much, much more – all of it offered by local businesses that...

01/30/2025

A fireplace can add warmth and charm to your home, but should you go with wood, gas or electric? Here’s how to find the perfect fit for your space.

While the crackle and aroma of a wood-burning fireplace creates a relaxing environment, lighting fires and cleaning up ashes can be exhausting. Luckily, the traditional wood-burning unit is just one of many styles available for today’s homeowner. “The majority of people want gas,” says Kevin O...

01/28/2025

With its ever-changing menu, cozy atmosphere and dedication to both diners and staff, FoxFire Restaurant in Geneva has remained a cherished escape, even through the toughest times.

Through the past couple of years, diners have seen FoxFire Restaurant in Geneva as more than just a place to eat. When other restaurants were temporarily shuttered, FoxFire remained a destination for all. “We have regulars come in here once a month or even twice a week, and I think they’re comin...

01/25/2025

This season is full of adventures, even if it means bundling up in a jacket, hat and gloves. We've discovered some great ways to embrace the cold, from playing indoor golf and dining with a lake view to immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.

There are plenty of adventures to enjoy this season, even if we still have to grab a jacket, hat and gloves. We’ve found some excellent ways to embrace the cold weather and make the most of these days, whether it’s playing golf indoors, eating a meal overlooking the lake, or immersing yourself i...

01/23/2025

Shake off the winter blues and bring spring into your home with these tips for fresh furniture, vibrant exteriors and creative renovations.

Looking to refresh your home with a touch of something new? You're in luck. These easy steps can make a big difference in how you use your home.

01/21/2025

Transform your kitchen into a showpiece with the beauty and precision of custom stone countertops.

Dave Hammerl has discovered many paths to success as president of Stonecrafters, in Lakemoor. But there’s one thing above all others that has helped this specialist in custom marble, granite and hard surfaces to stay in business for more than 25 years. “You must take care of your customers,” h...

01/18/2025

Escape the ordinary at Geneva's Oscar Swan Country Inn, a historic bed-and-breakfast offering rustic charm, modern comforts and a touch of "good old-fashioned humanness.

The good old-fashioned bed-and-breakfast offers an intimate lodging experience where you can find charming accommodations and a true retreat from the ordinary. These are one-of-a-kind inns where every room and every stay is special, in part because they come with so many extras, from homemade breakf

01/16/2025

From ice fishing on Delavan Lake to dining in cozy igloos, this small Wisconsin town turns winter into a season of adventure and charm.

Known for its pristine lakes, parks, circus history and historic downtown, Delavan, Wis., is a popular destination for events and activities of all kinds, especially during the winter. “Delavan is definitely Main Street USA, a small town with a big impact,” says Belle Carbonara, public relations

01/14/2025

Check out these amazing images captured by our local photographers.

01/11/2025

Ready to rethink how you heat your home? Modern heat pumps are more efficient than ever, with eco-friendly alternatives that keep even Midwest winters at bay.

Generations of homeowners have turned to gas-powered furnaces to heat their homes, but with a growing trend toward electrical appliances and alternative power sources, there’s a new player in town. Heat pumps are emerging as an alternative – and energy-efficient – way to warm up a cold home. ....

01/09/2025

There’s something captivating about landscapes in shades of white, black and gray. Join photographer Bradley Nordlof on a tour through some of his favorite images.

There’s something alluring about a landscape portrayed in tones of white, black and gray. Join photographer Bradley Nordlof for a tour through some of his favorite recent images.

01/07/2025

Planning a destination wedding is no small feat, but what about a destination that's closer to home? Some of northern Illinois’ top wedding venues might be right in your own backyard.

Planning a destination wedding is lots of work, but planning a destination that’s closer to home? There’s a reason why some of northern Illinois’ top venues are right in our backyard.

01/04/2025

Built in 1896, Library Hall in Carpentersville, with its Romanesque architecture, once served as a vibrant community hub. Today, it retains its charm and continues to support the community through organizations like the D300 Food Pantry and Washington Street Preschool.

https://northwestchicagoland.northwestquarterly.com/2024/01/25/genuine-northwest-winter-2024/

01/01/2025

Wishing everyone a joyful New Year filled with new beginnings, laughter and success! Here's to fresh adventures and cherished moments ahead.

12/30/2024

Bring the outdoors in, year-round, with plants that are not only fragrant but delicious. Here’s what you need to know to get started.