Matthiesen – Heritage Harbor Ottawa Blog

As new shoots emerge and trees deck themselves out in a canopy of green, you’ll be more likely to see your neighbors and friends out and about being active. Why the trend? May is the month for wellness. It doesn’t need to be on any calendar as it is a natural change that happens with the warming temperatures and inviting natural foliage. How can you take advantage of this magical month? Heritage Harbor has a few suggestions for getting outdoors and sampling the best May has to offer.
Need a Few Suggestions?
Dr. Oz recently mentioned that May is a great month to work on fitness and wellness goals and just enjoying being outdoors in nature. Nicer weather and longer days allow one and all to head outside for a stroll, run or game of tennis. In addition, spring produce kicks in with freshly-grown seasonal produce, such as chives, ramps and other zesty herbs for additional color, flavor and nutrient boost to dishes. Can you hear the call? The Great Outdoors beckons.
90 minutes from Chicago, the Illinois River awaits, cresting along Heritage Harbor and Starved Rock Country. For visitors and residents of Heritage Harbor, take part in a range of activities, all at your own pace.

• Take a stroll or run along the Harbor Walk. Spy the arrival and activity of a number of seasonal birds including the American White Pelican. Conservation Cove is home to a diverse array of Ottawa’s wildlife.
• Get an early start on your day and enjoy a full day of water activities. Quest, located at the marina, offers kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals. Grab a quick bite at the Marina store and head out for a day of fun in the sun.
• Explore the I&M Canal Trail, a part of American History, connecting parks, historic sites and museums in a 61-mile attraction.
• Get your group together for a playful game of sand volleyball and enjoy the view, a satisfying meal and your favorite brew down at bar and grill, The Red Dog Grill. Loser buys.
Heritage Harbor and the Ottawa area offers activities to promote an active lifestyle. The choice is yours. Gear up for these local area happenings this May: the Starved Rock Marathon and the Virtual Marathon. Take part in hiking, photography activities and more at Starved Rock State Park and Matthiesen State Park. Book a stay at Heritage Harbor to indulge in all of the May action. A range of comfortable residences restore and rejuvenate after a day of doing and exploring the Ottawa area.

Though Heritage Harbor will always be our focus, we hope your experience goes far beyond our entrance. The Ottawa area is bursting with special events, from children’s programs to eagle watching. We’ve tried to alert you to some of the best, so if you need directions or more information give us a call…

Art in the Park Any day @ Starved Rock State Park
Looking for a fall hike—from sunrise to sunset you can seek out the awesome wood carvings on the Lodge grounds and in the Park. Grab a map at the Lodge reception desk and start your hunt: from Indian carvings and Animal carvings to totems and functional carved art–you’ll have fun finding all the art the park has to offer!

Reddick Mansion Tours Saturdays from Noon-3 pm or by appointment
The Reddick Mansion stands facing historic Washington Square and was built in 1858 for the then-costly sum of $25,000. Mr. Reddick served as a state senator. Mr. Stephen A. Douglas was one of the many politicians entertained at the Reddicks’ home. This mansion has been restored to its original splendor and is open for tours on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. or by request by calling the Reddick Mansion Association at 815-433-6100.

Bluegrass Jam Sessions First Friday of every month @ 7:00 p.m.
Come out and join for an evening of Bluegrass music performed by Ottawa area musicians. Jam Session located at Christ Episcopal Church, 113 E Lafayette Street in Ottawa. For more information call (815) 257-6868.

Book Mouse Toddler Time Every third Saturday of the month 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Led by Mrs. B and Ms. Rachel, it’s a half hour of story-telling, wiggle-around-time, and poetry. Toddlers 2-5 and parents are welcome to join the fun. The Book Mouse, 820 LaSalle Street in Ottawa. For more information call (815) 433-7323

Festival of Lights Parade Friday, November 27th 6-9:00 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season in Ottawa with the lighting up of Washington Square and a Christmas Parade. Meet on LaSalle Street for the parade and follow Santa to the Square.

Victorian Christmas Weekend of November 27th-29th
The Reddick Mansion will be decked out in its Victorian Christmas Decor. The Reddick Mansion stands facing historic Washington Square and was built in 1858 for the then-costly sum of $25,000. Mr. Reddick served as a state senator. Mr. Stephen A. Douglas was one of the many politicians entertained at the Reddicks’ home. This mansion has been restored to its original splendor and is open for tours everyday except for Tuesdays for more information contact the Reddick Mansion. On Saturday, November 28th from 10-3:00 p.m. by appointment you can have your family portrait taken in front of the beautifully decorated Victorian Christmas tree inside the Reddick Mansion. For more information or to make a portrait appointment, call (815) 433-6100.

Christmas at the Lodge with Prairie Singers Friday, December 4th 7-9:00 p.m.
Presented by the Prairie Singers 7:00-9:00p.m. The Prairie Singers are a chamber ensemble that will perform music from a broad range of historical periods, along with a wide variety of show tunes, popular, and classical favorites. We will start the evening with a few seasonal songs before enjoying a delicious dinner served in the historic Starved Rock Lodge. After dinner the Prairie Singers will deliver a musical delight to warm the heart. Tickets are $37.00 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets call 815-220-7386.

Christmas Farmer’s Market Saturday, December 12th 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m
The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce invites you to this special Holiday inspired edition to Ottawa’s Farmers Market. The vendors will be offering a wide variety of goods, greenery, dog biscuits, jams & jellies, candy, gifts…and much, much more!! With the motto of we BAKE it, we GROW it, and we SELL it FRESH, you’re sure to find something fantastic at the Ottawa Christmas Farmers Market. The Farmer’s Market will be set up at Jeremiah Joes’ Coffee at 807 LaSalle Street.

Ottawa‘s Ice Odyssey Saturday, December 12th 10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
The Ottawa Downtown Merchants are proud to present the First Ice Odyssey. Come downtown Ottawa and enjoy vendors, snowmen, elves, greenery for sale and amazing art of Ice Sculptures. Fun for the entire family. Contact ottawadowntownmerchants@gmail.com.

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 19th @ Starved Rock Lodge 8:30-11:30 a.m
Join the jolliest man himself, as well as the Mrs., for a breakfast buffet right at Starved Rock Lodge. Following breakfast, you’ll be treated to Christmas stories told by Mrs. Claus. Children may take turns sitting on Santa’s lap to tell him their Christmas wishes and receive a chocolate treat. Adults $11.95 Under 10 $8.95. Early reservations a must. 800-868-7625 ext. 386

Let’s go to the Movies at the Roxy! Wednesday, Dec. 30th @ 10 a.m.
Calling all grade school students – come to the Roxy for a free movie which includes free soft drinks and popcorn! Movie has not yet been announced. Roxy Cinemas is located at 820 LaSalle Street in Ottawa, (815) 433-8303.

CALL US: 815-433-5000

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Live Better This May in Ottawa

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