Morton Arboretum is a great place to see birds, like this beautiful tree swallow. Photo by L. Michael Whited.
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Photo Courtesy of DuPage CVB.
1-acre maze. For kids of all ages, a visit to the Cosley Zoo is a must. Get close to nature right in the heart of the suburbs. The zoo is home to farm animals and native Illinois wildlife. Visitors will be immersed in natural habitats for white-tailed deer, red fox, Blanding’s turtles, a bobcat, a coyote, and more. The zoo is instrumental in helping to increase the population of the endangered Blanding’s turtle. Eggs are hatched at Willowbrook Wildlife Center where the baby turtles spend their first year of life. Cosley hosts them for the second year and then they are released into the wild. The program has helped to release 2,100 turtles since 1996. For something a little more adult, check out Tasting deVine in Wheaton, which specializes in wine tasting, gourmet food items, Lynfred wines, chocolate covered wine, and a wine club. Established in 1999, Lynfred Winery is the oldest and largest, continuously operating, family winery in Illinois, producing more than 80 varietals. Wheaton has a thriving downtown with a large variety of restaurants and shopping. The Little Popcorn Shop is perhaps one of the most loved and narrowest stores in Wheaton measuring 4 feet wide by 64 feet long. In
1921, Wheaton resident E. Claire Brown placed a roof over an alleyway at 109 ¼ Front Street. Wedged between a barber shop and livery stand, Brown set up his first shop. Although it has since moved, it’s still little and still an iconic stop for any popcorn or candy lover. Today, stepping into the store’s small, quaint space is like stepping back in time. Popcorn is still freshly popped, candy lines the wall, and locals greet each other warmly while welcoming newcomers to this very special place. For more extensive shopping, drive to nearby Oak Brook and shop at Oakbrook Center, which is a spectacular outdoor mall. There’s an expansive selection of department stores, specialty stores, and an abundance of one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment experiences. Also in nearby Oak Brook you may visit a museum at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. The founder, Joseph Lizzardro, gained appreciation for the unique characteristics of themineral world as a lapidary hobbyist and collector in the 1930s. He especially loved to cut and polish jade. In addition to jade, Joseph added other carvings to his collection and also items of amber, ivory, coral, agate, and gemstones. As his collection grew, his dream was to display the beauty of stone and share it with others. The museum’s collection includes mosaics,
WONDERFUL WHEATON
COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2021
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