Naperville

See

• In Downtown Naperville you'll find new high-end chain stores, specialty shops and restaurants inhabiting quaint old buildings which are still a reminder of when Naperville was a sleepy burg.
• The Riverwalk is a 3.5-mile brick path that runs along the shore of the DuPage River and was originally inspired by the more famous Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. It passes the 160 foot Moser Tower Millennium Carillon. With 72 bronze-cast bells, the Millennium Carillon is one of only four grand carillons in the world.
• Public Art can be found throughout downtown and the Riverwalk. They include "River of Life," a four-part ceramic mural just off West Jefferson; "Man's Search For Knowledge Through The Ages," a bas-relief in front of Nichols Library; and The Dandelion Fountain near the Riverwalk, among others. To see more, follow the "Century Walk" public arts walk.

• Art Galleries abound in Naperville. Check out Art & Frame Naperville, the Naperville Art League, the Anamart Gallery, Hozhoni Native American Art, North Central College and the Naperville Cultural Center.

Do

• Ribfest is Naperville's biggest yearly event. The four-day festival takes place in Knoch Park and usually features 15-20 rib vendors from around the country as well as bands like REO Speedwagon and Heart.
• Naper Days, held annually at the Naper Settlement, is a much more manageable event with games, bands and the Taste of Naperville.
• Haunted Naperville Tours are a unique way to see the city. The stories are hit-or-miss, but the fact that they're all based on first-hand encounters makes Naperville at least a little bit creepier.

Buy

Stop by the bustling downtown area to do some serious power shopping. There's nothing that can't be found anywhere else other than foods indigenous to the area, such as Chicago pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, etc.

Eat

• And you really should go to El Famous (both on Ogden Avenue) to wolf down a giant burrito.
• If you want some really fresh, delicious seafood during lunchtime, head over to Succulent Seafood at Gartner Plaza (corner of Gartner Road and Washington Street) and order a pasta dish or a fish sandwich with any of a number of freshly prepared sauces as you wait.

Drink

Several of the more well known and long lasting bars are in downtown Naperville. For those of you seeking a less glamorous but just as interesting (if not more so) time in the company of hardworking blue-collar types, head to White Tavern on Ogden Avenue.

Sleep

There are all manner of hotels available, none of them truly exceptional but all more than passable. If it's good location you are more interested in, try the mammoth Marriott on Diehl road just off the I-88 tollway exit.