Batavia

 

 

Seamed by the Fox River, Batavia is a town suspended in an era where people walked to town, slow living was a priority, and neighbors knew each other's names. There is a reason why the Saturday Evening Post decided to feature an illustration based on Batavia on the winter cover issue in 1958. The town has maintained its old-world style through friendly residents and community spirit.

Batavia’s small-town charm has not slowed down the flow of innovation. This town is home to the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, one of the top-rated laboratories for high-energy physics research across the globe. Their history of research, industry, and manufacturing lives on in the 300 firms based out of Batavia. The Moose Lodge is a social organization that has had a major impact on the community for decades. Most notable is Mooseheart, an institution dedicated to providing quality education to children in need. This decidedly “Americana” balance between industry and community investment is what makes Batavia an exceptional place to live.

 

Those who call Batavia home value the prioritization of unity found within their neighborhoods and community. Residents are a friendly bunch, ready to come together and create spaces where all can feel welcome.

Due to its small-town feel, Batavia has an easy-going atmosphere, drawing in young families, couples in their autumn years, newlyweds ready to start a family, and working professionals in creative and scientific fields. Within such a supportive environment, local businesses find fertile soil for growth, and the school districts have a residential investment in their future development.

 

Pal Joey's Restaurant and Bar is a favorite of Batavia residents for its reputation as a gathering space for the community to have a good time and enjoy award-winning pizza. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune and food critics as one of the best pizzerias in Chicago, they also satisfy regulars with their specialty pasta, such as the linguine with spinach and artichoke hearts.

Riverside Pizza and Pub is another spot known for its house-made pizzas with exceptional ingredients. Beloved for its amazing bar, this pub has multiple brews on tap and a vast wine selection to elevate the dining experience. Their garlic cheese bread has made residents come back, again and again, eager to try new beers and seasonal beverages. Keeping with the heart of Batavia, Riverside Pizza and Pub is more than a restaurant, but a community space for sports enthusiasts to gather and enjoy the game over drink specials, a house-made pizza, or their renowned buffalo wings.
 
Whether it is for lunch or dinner, Aquaviva Ristorante has exceptional dishes to please the palate. The carciofini al forno — sauteed artichoke hearts in garlic and herbs — is a delicious antipasto earning rave reviews from diners. Their pasta and entrees feature fresh seafood, such as pan-seared whitefish under a blanket of delicate lemon sauce or the Zuppa di mare with snow crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams in a flavorful tomato sauce served over pasta. As the perfect accompaniment, wines from the restaurant winery in Maple Park, Illinois, are a crisp and refreshing pairing for each dish.

The Batavia Fine Arts Centre features plays, concerts, and comedy performances. Locals are in love with this neighborhood theater that has committed to showcasing high-quality productions. Professional musicians and bands have toured through Batavia Fine Arts Theater, such as the Brass Transit, a band showcasing the musical legacy of Chicago, and Naturally 7, an acapella group that has toured across the globe with musical legends such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Lionel Richie.

 

Batavia is home to many historic houses that have been transformed into public museums for residents to enjoy, one of which is the Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden. Nestled within the Fabyan Forest Preserve is the Fabyan Villa Museum. Once home to Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan, it is now a public museum housing various artifacts collected by the couple during their travels. Their pride and joy was the Japanese Garden. The inception of the design began during Chicago’s 1893 Columbian Exhibition when they fell in love with the Japanese pavilion. Then, 17 years later, they hired the acclaimed landscape designer Taro Otsuka to create their own Japanese-style oasis on their property. Now, the grounds are open to the public for a stroll in the majestic gardens or used as the location for weddings and events.

 

Harold Hall Quarry Beach is a hot spot during the summer for residents who want to enjoy the sunshine and cool off in the pool, as it is designed to look like a natural body of water. The lake design of the pool merges flawlessly with the park, creating an organic feel perfect for nature enthusiasts and young families.

Built to resemble the quaint shops found in beachside towns, Batavia Boardwalk Shops house local businesses like Arlo Hendrix baby outfitters, Charcuterie Studio, Dirty Clay & Co., and other artisanal shops. This shopping district also hosts a weekly farmers’ market, biannual art festivals, and block parties, bringing a collective of artists, foodies, wine connoisseurs, or just friendly neighbors in one place to mix and mingle.

Continuing the legacy of community traditions is the Windmill Festival, a beloved event hosted every summer. Over a dozen live bands perform for eager festival goers, as good food is offered from local establishments, small businesses sell products to residents, and fun games like the fire hose challenge, golf challenge, and massive water fight to enchant Batavians of every age.

 

The highly-rated Batavia Public School District 101 boasts some of the area’s best schools, including: