Naperville On A Budget
When exploring Naperville, lots of activity choices abound. The great news is, though fabulous shopping can be a big part of the experience (Naperville is home to some wonderful shops, both chain- and mom and pop-varieties), spending large sums of money doesn't have to play a part in the visit. Some of Naperville's best features are completely--or nearly--free.
The Riverwalk is the centerpiece of downtown Naperville. You can stroll down the brick paths adjacent to the DuPage River, enjoying a plethora of sculptures (like the relatively new "Dick Tracy" statue) and fountains (like the iconic Dandelion fountain, pictured). Depending on which way you go, you can end up in Fredenhagen Park for a ... More >
The Riverwalk is the centerpiece of downtown Naperville. You can stroll down the brick paths adjacent to the DuPage River, enjoying a plethora of sculptures (like the relatively new "Dick Tracy" statue) and fountains (like the iconic Dandelion fountain, pictured). Depending on which way you go, you can end up in Fredenhagen Park for a picnic, or on Rotary Hill in the shadow of the Millennium Carillon. The Paddleboat Quarry, adjacent to Rotary Hill, is a great way to spend some time with a sweetie or with the kids, and the famous bridges make for great photo ops!
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Ogden 6, which is owned by Classic Cinemas, is the remaining "old-style" theater in town. The movies aren't first-run, but they aren't too far off: Ogden 6 is a first-run movie's next stop before hitting DVD release. The facility is small, with very few employees working at once, there is no stadium seating, and the theaters themselves haven't been updated, perhaps ever. The good news? The price is stuck in the past, too: Ogden 6 is a "budget theater", with admission costing $3 for all ages and all showtimes. The snack bar is just fine, offering standard movie fare, along with free refills on all sizes of popcorn and drinks. This place is charming in a retro sort of way; one of the little things I love is how the staff offers mints (to c... More >
Ogden 6, which is owned by Classic Cinemas, is the remaining "old-style" theater in town. The movies aren't first-run, but they aren't too far off: Ogden 6 is a first-run movie's next stop before hitting DVD release. The facility is small, with very few employees working at once, there is no stadium seating, and the theaters themselves haven't been updated, perhaps ever. The good news? The price is stuck in the past, too: Ogden 6 is a "budget theater", with admission costing $3 for all ages and all showtimes. The snack bar is just fine, offering standard movie fare, along with free refills on all sizes of popcorn and drinks. This place is charming in a retro sort of way; one of the little things I love is how the staff offers mints (to combat popcorn breath!) to the patrons as they leave the theater.
Conveniently located right off I-88 adjacent to Freedom Commons (an area loaded with restaurants and shops), Fairfield Inn is perfect for business travelers and families.
A great beach, in the Midwest? Absolutely! Centennial Beach, smack-dab in the middle of Naperville, was, in its former life, a quarry that was completely renovated into one of the top area attractions during the summer. Centennial Beach--which has a large sandy area perfect for building sand castles or burying friends up to their necks... More >
A great beach, in the Midwest? Absolutely! Centennial Beach, smack-dab in the middle of Naperville, was, in its former life, a quarry that was completely renovated into one of the top area attractions during the summer. Centennial Beach--which has a large sandy area perfect for building sand castles or burying friends up to their necks--has a zero-depth area, lap lanes, and deep end (complete with diving boards), and is staffed by experienced lifeguards who keep an ever-watchful eye on the crowds to make sure everyone stays safe. The Beach is open to residents of Naperville as well as visitors, and has full locker room facilities and snack stands, making it possible to truly "make a day of it". Centennial Beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Potter's Place, a Mexican restaurant which is an institution on Jefferson, is a fun place to hang out with a group of friends or just with the family. The reasonably-priced menu includes the Christmas Tree Burrito, which is Potter's Signature Dish, as well as a plethora of delicious margaritas. Whether you seat yourself inside, in the ... More >
Potter's Place, a Mexican restaurant which is an institution on Jefferson, is a fun place to hang out with a group of friends or just with the family. The reasonably-priced menu includes the Christmas Tree Burrito, which is Potter's Signature Dish, as well as a plethora of delicious margaritas. Whether you seat yourself inside, in the small dining room, or out back in the huge "beer garden", the Potter's experience is a cozy one, not soon forgotten.
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Conveniently located right off I-88 adjacent to Freedom Commons (an area loaded with restaurants and shops), Fairfield Inn is perfect for business travelers and families. Guests enjoy free WIFI, complimentary high speed internet in all rooms, deluxe bedding, and complimentary breakfast each morning. The rates are very low for the area, and guests can choose from 22 Executive Suites and 83 standard rooms in which to rest for the night. Check out their website for ongoing specials and packages, which can add that extra special something to your stay!
| You can stroll down the brick paths adjacent to the DuPage River, enjoying a plethora of sculptures (like the relatively new "Dick Tracy" statue) and fountains (like the iconic Dandelion fountain, pictured). |
The Millennium Carillon, which gives Naperville a skyline of sorts, is a lovely feature of town which is also a destination: tours to the top are given daily. If getting a carillon view of the city isn't up your alley, no worries; the Millennium Carillon is enjoyable at ground level, too. The largest bell chimes every hour, and you can hear different songs being played--which are automatically programmed--daily at noon, 4:0... More
The Millennium Carillon, which gives Naperville a skyline of sorts, is a lovely feature of town which is also a destination: tours to the top are given daily. If getting a carillon view of the city isn't up your alley, no worries; the Millennium Carillon is enjoyable at ground level, too. The largest bell chimes every hour, and you can hear different songs being played--which are automatically programmed--daily at noon, 4:00 and 7:00. During the summer, bring a picnic on Tuesday nights (check the website for details) and enjoy the music as world-class guest musicians entertain with the beauty of their skill.
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