Naperville is an anchor of the western Chicago suburbs, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and small-town charm coupled with the convenience and opportunities of the larger metropolis.

The Naperville Park District offers many senior events and activities as well, including the Naperville Senior Center, Singing for Seniors at the Compass Church, and Senior Suburban Orchestra.  The Naperville Public Library offers delivery to seniors too.

Wentz Concert Hall hosts performers, authors, dancers, and musicians at North Central College’s Fine Arts Center.  The Naperville Community Concert Center is home to the Naperville Municipal Band and other community-based performing arts groups.  Festivals abound – St Patrick’s Day Parade, the Naperville Fine Art & Artisan Fair in June, and Last Fling to celebrate summer’s end and the start of autumn.

Riverwalk Park along the banks of the DuPage River. Enjoy the attractions on Water Street including the Elements venue and Hotel Indigo Naperville.  Centennial Beach has a swimming pool and water slide.  DuPage Children’s Museum is very popular with locals and visitors alike.

Locals love Downtown Naperville for its local boutiques and eclectic restaurants.  Don’t miss the perennial Egg Harbor Café for great lemon poppyseed pancakes and its vegetarian-friendly menu.  Looking for a wine club and late evening fine dining?  It’s Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, or look to Allegory for Farm To Table food made from scratch, one block from Riverwalk. Solemn Oath Brewery serves up local brews directly from the brewers. Beer snobs are welcome!” Meson Sabika is a favorite for Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine in a magnificent historic mansion. And of course, La Sorella di Francesca is a longtime tradition for its amazing Italian fare in a welcoming atmosphere.

Naper Settlement is considered an outdoor history museum on 13 acres of manicured museum grounds, historic buildings, and costumed reenactors.  In the winter, it’s the home of the popular Chicago Christmas Market.

Access to healthcare is a big plus for retirees in Naperville.  Elmhurst Hospital ranked No. 1 and Edward Hospital ranked No. 7 in the annual IBM Watson Health survey of Large Community Hospitals.

St. Charles – Geneva

St. Charles is a wonderful small town with tons of character. Arcadia Theatre is the premiere live music and dinner venue in the Midwest with 200+ shows annually. It’s Niche for date night; top your evening off with cotton candy!  Looking for a great breakfast place or home-smoked meats and BBQ — go to Noble House.

Fabyan Villa and Japanese Garden has a forest preserve on both sides of the Fox River, a picturesque windmill, a Frank Lloyd Wright home open for tours, and quiet garden strolls. For shopping, try The Collector’s Kid – a family-owned hidden gem where you find everything memorabilia – sports cards, Pokemon, toys, and coins for your inner child or collector. For seniors, the St. Charles Park District offers an adult activity center, and the St. Charles Senior Center is a year-round resource for older folks.

Wheaton

The Wheaton Park District is a favorite of locals – Ride DuPage Transportation Program offers curb to curb rides for seniors 65 and older. A day in the park may be spent at Sensory Garden Playground, geared for little kids playing with musical instruments and percussion and climbing; it will soon be the favorite park of your wee ones.  Willowbrook Wildlife Center is a rehabilitation facility for native injured and orphaned wildlife; stay for the bobcat feeding at 4:30.

Pa Lian Burmese Restaurant features Tea Leaf salad, spicy curries, and menu suggestions from the attentive owner.  Cozy fireplaces and bistro fare at Adelle’s, the perfect spot for pre- and after-theater dining.   Let The Hen House of Wheaton help you wake up early (or late) for Sunday brunch with biscuits and sausage gravy.

Village of Arlington Heights

Once best known for its Thoroughbred Racecourse, Arlington Heights residents enjoy the benefits of tranquil Lake Arlington and the intimate and excellent live theater at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center.  For the latest releases, locals love the comfy recliners at the Paragon Arlington Heights.  Favorite restaurants in town include Meat and Potato Urban Kitchen, Johnny’s Beef and Santouka Japanese.  Love to travel? Retirees and empty nesters love the quick trip from Arlington Heights to O’Hare National Airport.

Downers Grove

Locals love the cozy ambiance at Pierce Tavern for dinner and The Foxtail is perfect for breakfast and brunch. Try their grilled octopus specialty as you dine outside.  Positano Ristorante is the premier Italian restaurant in the western suburbs.  Baked Apple Breakfast Company – the name says it all, family-owned and operated and near hospital and shopping.  

The Downers Grove Park District offers adult center offers many senior activities, as does the Indian Boundary YMCA.  Escape rooms abound at Fuzzy Logic Escape Room – you may love these fun and interactive games ideal for families.  Tivoli Theatre Downers Grove for date night; beautiful restoration, enjoy the vintage 1928 Wurlitzer organ music before movies start.  Another fun activity in Downers Grove is looking for the 200 Sears catalog build-it-yourself homes built from 1910 to the 1940s.

Plainfield

Downtown Plainfield is on the National Register of Historic Places and its development started in the 1840s.  Some 50 buildings range from Greek Revival to International architectural style.  

DuPage River Trail has long-term plans for a 40 mile continuous trail, with many sections open already! Launch your kayak or canoe from Riverview Park to paddle on the slow-moving DuPage River for a serene afternoon.  Be dazzled at Lake Renwick Preserve and Heron Rookery Nature Preserve by the nesting herons, egrets, cormorants and bald eagles, American white pelicans and winter waterfowl. The Plainfield Park District offers adult programs, and the CV Avery family YMCA offers a  “Monitor my Health” Senior program.

Darien

Waterfall Glen is a forest preserve featuring a variety of nature-centric attractions including prairies, forests, and waterfalls, of course! With over 10 miles of trails, this is a perfect place to spend a day if you’re keen on hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

Those with a sweet tooth can step back in time by visiting Old Fashioned Sweets. Their wide variety of treats complete with a pinch of nostalgia will have you feeling like a kid in a candy store! For down-home cooking served with smile, try Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe. Their menu full of barbecue and southern foods will delight the entire family! For a selection of Russian, Polish, and Lithuanian delicacies, be sure to stop in to Old Vilnius Cafe Deli. Their offerings don’t stop at food: be sure to check out their herbal remedies and crafts, as well!