Rockford Art Museum: From Sketch Club to Esteemed Gallery

The Rockford Art Museum began as a local sketch club over a hundred years ago. Today, with 17,000 square feet of exhibition space and 1700 works of art in its permanent collection, it’s one of the largest art museums in Illinois. The museum features 19^th and 20^th century art. A big focus is on modern and contemporary works of art, but also includes American Masters, photography, contemporary glass and outsider art collections.

The museum’s three galleries are spread over two floors. The lower level exhibitions are from the permanent collections, including a couple of sculptures by famed Illinois artist Lorado Taft. We had seen several of Taft’s sculptures at the Krannert Art Museum at the University of Illinois, so seeing these additional sculptures was a nice tie-in.

Some of my favorite pieces, because they were really funky, were part of last summer’s Oddities and Curiosities exhibition. I was particularly fascinated by Scott Roberts’ video installation, Viola, a mirror in which you see an image of the artist’s grandmother instead of yourself when you look into it. However, it isn’t a still image; rather, you see her blink and move her eyes.

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One of the museum’s prized collections was a donation from Francis and June Spiezer, that includes pieces from Chicago artists, many considered to be the most important in the art world.

The main floor of the museum is designated for temporary exhibitions that change three times a year. Our visit happened to fall during the Rockford Midwestern Biennial. Every other year artists from across the Midwest submit pieces to this juried show, the jurors brought in from the outside. All pieces submitted are required to have been created within two years prior to the show. Besides monetary awards, one piece is awarded the Dean Alan Olson Purchase Award. That piece goes into the Rockford Art Museum’s permanent collection.

The main floor also is where you’ll find the museum store, a great places to purchase unique gift items.

The Rockford Art Museum, located in the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 N Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois, is open daily from 10 to 5. Check the web site for directions and admission rates.

The museum campus, a Rockford Park District property, is also home to the Discovery Center Museum, Rockford Dance Company, Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Northern Public Radio. I’m no art critic, but I thought this staircase in the entryway of the museum campus was a work of art itself.

Disclosure: Our visit to the Rockford Art Museum was hosted by the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Rockford Art Museum. However, opinions expressed in this post are my own.

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Isle a la Cache Museum: Discover the Fur Trade on the Island of the Hiding Place

Connie Attractions & Events, Illinois February 4, 2015February 5, 2015Illinois museums, Isle a La Cache, Romeoville Illinois, Route 66 0 Comment

“Island of the hiding place” is the literal translation of Isle a la Cache, a tiny island in the DesPlaines River in Chicago’s suburban Romeoville. The fur trade was a huge industry in the 1600s and 1700s, and Illinois’ abundant interconnected web of waterways made the area a focal point for trade. Isle a la Cache was a middle ground for trading. It was here that voyageurs often camped, stored goods and traded with the native Potawatomi. A rendezvous took place annually at Isle a la Cache, a big event in which traders met with Native Americans for trading.

The museum begins with the voyageurs, whose trips would often last about eight months. They plied the waterways from Canada down into Illinois in canoes. They carried all the provisions they’d need for the entire trip, plus items for trade. Their loads could weigh a few thousand pounds. They’d often bury some of their provisions in caches and come back for them to be used on the return trip.

Voyageurs brought with them steel tools, firearms and other items Native Americans didn’t have the means to produce themselves. They traded for some food but mostly for fur, specifically beaver pelts. The beaver population was abundant in the 1600s to 1700s, and their water repellant fur was ideal for hats. The Potawatami could predict when the beavers would be in their lodges, so they were easy to trap. The voyageurs sent the pelts to Europe where milliners transformed them into hats. By the early 1800s the beaver population had declined to near extinction.

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The museum segues to the life of the Potawatami. A Potawatami wigwam is on display, as well as tools, clothing and other day-to-day items.

Often French traders would marry Potawatami women, giving them easier access to trade items. Their children were referred to as Metis. Although Metis had insight to both cultures, neither culture fully accepted them.

The museum exhibits ends with a recreated French hat shop with samples of hats and muffs that may have been made of beaver fur. You can learn more about the area’s past in the museum’s library.

The Isle a la Cache Museum is located at 501 E Romeo Road (135^th Street) in Romeoville, just east of Route 53 (the Historic Route 66). The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Check the web site for hours.

While you’re there, drive an eight of a mile farther east to the Centennial Trail. On the north side of 135^th Street, check out the old swing bridge, built in 1899. The bridge spanned the I&M Canal until 1996 when a stationary bridge replaced the swing bridge, and the swing bridge was relocated to the trail.

Other articles you may enjoy:

White Fence Farm, Romeoville IL: Popular Chicken Restaurant on Route 66

Hiking Starved Rock State Park in the Winter

Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket: A Route 66 Icon

Choose Wisely: Yolks and Berries, Bradley Illinois

Connie Food & Drink, Illinois January 29, 2015April 17, 2016Bradley IL Restaurants, Bradley Illinois restaurants, Restaurants in Bradley IL, Yolks & Berries, Yolks and Berries 0 Comment

What first drew my attention to this Bradley, Illinois, restaurant was the name: Yolks & Berries. Especially the “Berries” part. I love berries. Any restaurant with “Berries” in its name must live up to it and really serve fresh berries, right? Yolks & Berries does.

It’s amazing how often I go into a small town diner for breakfast, and there is no fresh fruit on the menu. If I don’t have fresh fruit or veggies with my meal, I feel like I’ve eaten a completely unhealthy meal, and often, I have. So I was pleasantly surprised to find Yolks & Berries. Fresh berries is their specialty. They never serve gelled fruit topping.

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I ordered the Berry ‘Ola Crepes from the extensive breakfast menu, two large crepes topped with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries. I looked up the calorie count for crepes, and the highest count I could find for a ten-inch crepe was 228 on FatSecret. Other sources documented as little as half that amount. A full cup of berries has only about 60 calories.

I skipped the syrup; the crepes are sweet enough for me. However, I couldn’t pass up the dollops of whipped cream. After all, I needed the dish to look as pretty as possible for the photograph. I was satisfied after eating only half my meal, so I brought the rest home to finish the next morning. I felt like I cheated on my diet and indulged in a real treat for breakfast, but it really was healthy (at least the berries) and within my calorie range.

I admit I did cheat a bit. Before our meal they brought us each a small carrot muffin. I couldn’t be rude and not eat it. Can I count that as a vegetable?

If you prefer a savory breakfast, Yolks & Berries offers plenty of healthy choices, like the Fitness Omelette, made with egg whites, broccoli, mushroom and tomatoes, served with sliced tomato, or the South Beach, half a pineapple filled with yogurt, diced pineapple, fresh strawberries, granola and walnuts.

Those not concerned with diet can order everything from stuffed French toast to stuffed biscuits smothered in sausage gravy.

My husband is a Benedict fan. He had the Irish Benny, made with corned beef hash and served with hash browns.

One more fun thing about Yolks & Berries: the booth backs are shaped like toast. Apparently that wasn’t on purpose. They ordered the booths without noticing the shape and realized when they were delivered that they resemble toast.

Yolks & Berries, located at 505 N Kinzie Avenue, Bradley, Illinois, is open for breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lunch menu includes a large assortment of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Check the web site for the full menu.

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Fashion Outlets Chicago, Rosemont: Outlet Mall Experience Taken to a New Level

Connie Attractions & Events, Illinois, Shopping January 26, 2015February 5, 2015chicago fashion outlet, Fashion Outlets Chicago, fashion outlets rosemont, outlet chicago, outlets in Chicago, premium outlets chicago, rosemont outlets 0 Comment

Last week I was introduced to the Fashion Outlets Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois. It’s surprising I hadn’t been there before because I am drawn to outlet malls, and this one is less than 90 minutes from home. There is something about an outlet mall that lures me in. Could be signs like this:

Fashion Outlets Chicago has taken the outlet mall experience to a new level with both shops and service. With over 130 stores from Gucci to Gap, Coach to Claire’s and dining options from Villagio to Sbarro, Fashion Outlets Chicago has something for everyone. Whether you’re on an extended layover at O’Hare, just a few minutes away; attending a convention across the street at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; or driving in specifically to shop, the indoor mall is easy to access.

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My trip to Fashion Outlets Chicago was part of a Rosemont tour prior to attending the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show. The visit started with what was described as “light bites” at Villagio, one of two full service restaurants in the mall. The food was plenty to fill up on: meatballs, breaded calamari and zucchini, and several specialty pizzas, including one with prosciutto.

During an orientation to the mall we learned the shops are strategically located, so that similar stores are close together, with convenient entrances to each area. Upscale shops are clustered at one end of the upper level, fragrance shops at another end, and children’s shops near each other on the lower level.

We also learned about the convenient guest services that the mall offers, including shuttles from nearby O’Hare Airport terminals and the Chicago CTA blue line Rosemont station. Travel concierge service, operated by BAGS Inc. at the guest services counter includes airport baggage check-in and boarding pass printing. They also offer packaging and shipping, as well as delivery service within a specified a zip code range.

After the orientation we had about 45 minutes to shop. My husband and I browsed a couple of the shoe stores (38 stores sell shoes) and then found the chocolate. We spent the rest of our shopping time in the Lindt and Godiva Chocolatier shops.

Dark chocolate bars, buy four get one free. How could I resist?

In the Godiva Chocolatier shop I noticed an entire box of only dark chocolates.

I was tempted, but I resisted. Instead, we watched as macaroons were dipped into white chocolate. The shop offers chocolate-dipped strawberries, Oreos® and other delectable treats daily.Wandering back to our meeting place, we noticed large colorful art pieces throughout the mall. Fashion Outlets of Chicago partnered with The Arts Initiative, a newly formed organization dedicated to placing visual art in public spaces.

Forty-five minutes isn’t nearly enough time to even browse a mall as large as Fashion Outlets Chicago. I vowed to go back that weekend but couldn’t squeeze it into the schedule. That means I’ll have to make a return trip, specifically to do nothing but shop.

Fashion Outlets Chicago, located at 5220 Fashion Outlets Way with convenient access off of I-294, is open seven days a week and offers free covered parking. Check the web site for directions, transportation options and hours.

Disclosure: My visit to the Fashion Outlets Chicago was hosted by the Village of Rosemont, Villagio and Fashion Outlets Chicago. However, all opinions are my own. Photos taken by Skip Reed and Connie Reed.

Eating Breakfast with the Chickens at Egg Harbor Cafe

Connie Food & Drink, Illinois January 22, 2015February 17, 2015Egg Harbor Cafe, Egg Harbor Cafe Rockford, Restaurants in Rockford, Rockford, Rockford Illinois restaurants 0 Comment

Lobster for breakfast? Yep. Lobster Scrambler is on the menu at Egg Harbor Café. So is Joe’s Healthy Scrambler with fresh veggies, no-cholesterol eggs and low-fat cheese, served with fresh fruit and a wheat English muffin. Egg Harbor offers lots of other healthy options, too. What did I order? Meat, meat and more meat—Matt’s Meaty Skillet, loaded with bacon, ham and sausage and topped with melted jack and cheddar cheese. That’s besides the two eggs, potatoes and an English muffin. Sheesh! I’m almost embarrassed to admit it. That was before I went on my much needed calorie-counting kick. I didn’t eat the whole thing, but I’ll tell you what. It sure was yummy.

I’d seen Egg Harbor restaurants scattered around the Chicago area for some time but had never eaten at one until I was in Rockford. I had assumed they were a national chain. Not so. There are only 18 Egg Harbor Cafes: fourteen in Chicago’s west and north suburbs, one in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and three in the Bucktown area of Atlanta.

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The Rockford restaurant is located in a non-descript strip mall, but the inside is decorated in rustic country a la chicken. Decorative chicken statuary is everywhere in the restaurant. I could almost feel chicken eyes on me as I ate their unborn.

The company is family owned, and talking with the managers of the Rockford restaurant, I found out that turnover in management is almost non-existent; the company is that good to work for. The company’s mission statement, “Improving service in every sense,” is based on food, service and atmosphere. Judging from my visit, they live their mission statement. The atmosphere is casual fun, our service was top-notch and the food tasty and plentiful with a range of breakfast options from sweet pancakes to savory Benedicts. Soups, salads and sandwiches are available at lunch.

I’m looking at the Egg Harbor Café menu as I’m writing this, and I see lots of choices that would fit my new eating plan, like a fruit cup and whole wheat pancakes. And then my eyes rest on a new item: Boston Cream Pancakes, layered with vanilla custard and thick dark chocolate sauce. Dark chocolate. If I were eating there right now, I don’t know if my will power would be strong enough to stay away from such a temptation. I do know, however, that the next time I’m in an area of an Egg Harbor Café at breakfast time, I’m going in.

Egg Harbor Café, located at 1603 North Alpine Road in Rockford, Illinois, is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Check the web site for the menu and additional locations.

Disclosure: My visit to Egg Harbor Cafe was hosted by the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Egg Harbor Cafe. However, opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Unbelievable Customer Service at My Local Culver’s

Connie Food & Drink, Illinois January 16, 2015Bourbonnais Illinois, Culver's, Restaurants in Bourbonnais 1 Comment

I have never before written about a national chain fast food restaurant.* Culver’s, a mostly Midwest chain but popping up in pockets across the nation, falls into that category. However, after our latest visit to our local Culver’s, I can’t keep quiet any longer. I have to tell you about the most exemplary customer service I have ever had in any restaurant of any type, anywhere, and I’ve eaten in some high-end restaurants. I’m not talking about great customer service on one occasion; I mean wow treatment on every visit, from every staff member, at the Bourbonnais, Illinois, Culver’s.

If they aren’t swamped with customers, a staff member opens the door for you and greets you with a, “Welcome to Culver’s.” Behind the counter, no matter how busy, you get another “Welcome to Culver’s.” Service is always with a smile. Tell them thank you, and they don’t mumble “No problem” or even say “You’re welcome.” They reply with, “My pleasure.”

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Culver’s is one of those fast-food restaurants where you place your order at the counter, and if you’re dining in, they give you a numbered table tent to take to your seat. They bring your food to you. On our visit this week, the young woman who delivered our food not only confirmed which sandwiches we ordered, but read the entire list of condiments to ensure it was correct.

Staff members walk table to table asking if everything is okay and clearing trays if you’re finished eating, a rare occurrence in a fast food restaurant. I’ve even had them offer to refill a soft drink cup. They sometimes offer a sample of Culver’s flavor of the day frozen custard.

I’ve eaten at the Bourbonnais Culver’s approximately once a month over the few years they’ve been open. In all that time, there was only one error in my order. I had ordered grilled onions on my Butterburger, but the onions were raw instead. They not only fixed the error, but they insisted on giving me a pint of frozen custard to take home. I felt guilty accepting it for such a trivial error, but I appreciated it.

When you’re leaving Culver’s, more often than not, someone opens the door for you once again and thanks you for visiting. Even if there is no one at the door, someone yells “Thank you” and wishes you a nice day.

I applaud every staff member at the Bourbonnais, Illinois, Culver’s location, as well as whoever trains them. The consistent extraordinary customer service, a rarity in most fast food restaurants, doesn’t go unnoticed, and it is my pleasure to spread the word.

Culver’s Bourbonnais location is 983 Convent Street. Culver’s is known for their Butterburgers and Fresh Frozen Custard, but offers many more menu options, as well.

Do you have a local restaurant that consistently delivers wow customer service? Share your experience in the Comments below.

*As part of my Wise Choices series, I will occasionally highlight lighter menu options in various regional or national chains, since most of us dine at them now and then while traveling.