Visit downtown Geneva

Charming Downtown businesses

Get to the chicken shack

Our day started with lunch at Atlas Chicken Shack in downtown Geneva. I was smitten the last time we were here for our super fun progressive date night.  Oh my, the food is just amazing. Their chicken sandwich on a brioche bun is large, the crispy tenders were gobbled up by the kids, and they even offer healthy chicken options like a brocolli kale bowl with the option of grilled or fried chicken. If you aren’t worried about calories, then you must try a rice ball. While everything we tried was so tasty, the addition of the homemade sauces knocks it out of the park.

On our visit only the outdoor area was open with a few picnic tables and seats. We really appreciated the fact that it was covered since it started pouring while we were eating.

Indulge in homemade ice cream

If you love ice cream a walk down 3rd Street will give you plenty of choices such as soft serve at Hey Sugar or gelato at All Chocolate Kitchen. This time around we decided to try the highly acclaimed Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream.  Take your pick of chocolates and candies as well as homemade ice cream. Take your ice cream outside to enjoy on their adorable Adirondack chairs. 

 A pick me up

As you know, I adore coffee shops. Whenever we visit a new town, I can’t wait to check out their coffee/tea shops. I was super excited to find that Graham’s 318 Coffee was now open.  I only snuck a peek of the indoors but everything was downright adorable! Plus, they have a fantastic seating area outside.

Fun tip: Looking for a fun date night idea or a unique way to celebrate a birthday? They have chocolate fondue too!

Fabyan Forest Preserve

Scope out the windmill

On the east side of Rt. 25 you’ll find Fabyan Windmill. (Yes, a windmill!) Originally built in the 1800s, the 68-foot, 5-story windmill is quite a sight to see!

Pro tip: The best place to park is at 1500 Crissey Avenue in Batavia so you can have easy acces to the windmill and the “secret garden.” 

Explore the “Secret Garden”

After we saw the windmill, we walked across the bridge over the Fox River to the Fabyan Forest Preserve. 

I felt like I stepped into the Secret Garden once we stepped onto once was the home of Col. George Fabyan. One can easily imagine how the millionaires lived as you walk among the grounds.  Make sure you have your camera ready. You’ll find tons of photos ops like a vine archway, cool looking trees, stone wall.

Walk into a bear cage

One of the more surprising things you can find is a former bear cage, now a shelter at Fabyan Forest Preserve.

Other things to do

Both the Japanese Gardens and Fabyan Villa were closed during our visit. We visited the Japanese Gardens a couple years ago and fell in love with it. So serene and beautiful. 

Enjoy nature at Peck Farm

The 385-acre Peck Farm Park in Geneva is perfect for nature loveres. The former sheep farm allows you the opportunity to enjoy nature. It’s also immaculately well-kept. Love it here!

A nature playground

Kids will adore the nature-themed playground, Hawks Hollow Nature Playground. Leap from trunk to trunk, play chess, splash around in their small splash pad or walk in the creek. My kids had a blast climbing the nets and going through the play area.

Play chess or checkers

Watch butterflies flutter

We had a fun time going to the butterfly house.  Note: They are only allowing a certain number of people in there at a time. 

Walk the trails

Nature lovin’ families will also enjoy the nature trails. Our walk along the trail brought us to the small pond.

Bucket List

We would definitely come back to charming Geneva. Some things we would like to do.

• Geneva Grotto
• Moore Sprayground
• Tour and have a brew at Penrose Brewery
• Afternoon Tea at The Little Traveler
• Check out a real viking ship
• Geneva Surplus

Have you been to Geneva before? What would you add?