Aurora is a metropolitan area in Chicago. Some people know it as the city of lights because it was one of the first cities to implement fully electric street lights. As you might imagine, the city has come a long way since this change. Let’s take a closer look.
Some of this change can be found in the Paramount Theatre, a historic location with modern productions. The Paramount has eight “Jeff” award nominations and is known for its great Broadway productions. These productions are completely built out of Aurara, making it an excellent place of culture.
Aurora’s culture is exemplified through First Friday’s, a celebration of art, music, and local business. It’s a city-wide celebration of what makes Aurora great. Typically, this event happens around March or April (depending on the year). This is such a good cause and in an amazing event. Local businesses, after all, are the lifeblood of our communities.
Aurora has a strong live music history outside of festivals supported by RiverEdge Park and Two Brother Roundhouse. The open-air atmosphere of RiverEdge and the brewery atmosphere of Roundhouse make for two different music experiences. This can be perfect for people who prefer a wide range of entertainment.
But ultimately, what brings people to Aurora is its integration with what’s natural. Aurora is found on the Fox River (Stolp Island, to be specific), divided in the middle by the river. The riverfront property emphasis makes Aurora a unique place to visit or live. Just don’t forget your watercraft and homeowner’s insurance.
There’s also plenty to do outside of live music.
If you want to support small farmers, consider Aurora’s Farmer’s Market, Illinois's longest-running market. Here, you can directly support regional farmers by shopping for fresh produce from the garden. There’s something beautiful about doing this within the natural view of the Fox River.
Another family-friendly destination can be found through Blackberry Farms. This destination is a great place for weddings, rides on a hay wagon, and pedal tractors or boats. The natural sights make it a great place to visit. You can also leave the kids home and enjoy one of the local wine-tasting events.
While Aurora is a Metropolitan area within Chicago, it feels like a small town within a huge city. Not too far down the road, you can find the chaos of the city. But in Aurora, you’ll find a little diamond in the rough, offering something special that few bigger cities can offer.