GENEVA, IL—The Midwest's premiere artisan fair, Cottages In The Woods Festival, kicks off Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at historic Good Templar Park, 528 East Side Drive, Geneva.
Enter a fairyland of century-old Swedish stugas (cottages) and towering oak trees nestled in the Fox River Valley, with surprises around every corner.
Over 30 artisans and vendors will be selling their unique art creations, books, holiday decor and collectibles. Twenty charming Swedish cottages from the early 20th century will open their doors, showcasing some of the Midwest's most talented artists and crafters, including:
Woodland fairies and Tomte (Swedish Santa) will roam the grounds greeting guests. Pick up some Swedish baked goods at the Lingonberry Bakery and Cafe to bring home. Food trucks will be selling concessions. There is also a kids' craft station and scavenger hunt.
Located in the picturesque Fox River Valley, Good Templar Park is a private park, established in the 1920s as a summer settlement for Chicago's Swedish immigrants. The park only opens the historic cottages to the public a few times a year. Fall is the most beautiful time of all, with leaves of red and gold falling from towering oaks, and offers the perfect fall day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
"Cottages In The Woods" is a family friendly event. Kids are encouraged to wear fairy wings. Admission to the artisan sale is $10, and can be paid at the gate. Kids under 12 are free. Good Templar Park is located at 628 East Drive, Geneva. For more info, visit Good Templar Park.
Friends of the Viking Ship will also be offering docent-led tours for a separate admission, leaving every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days, of the replica Gokstad viking ship that sailed across the Atlantic and up the St. Lawrence Seaway into Jackson Park during the 1893 Columbian Exposition.
Manned by Norwegian sailors and unattended by any other craft, Norway wanted to prove the feasibility of Leif Erikson's alleged expedition from Norway to the New England coast in 1000 AD. Good Templar Park is the fifth home of this Illinois Landmark. This is your last chance to see the Viking Ship before it's packed away for winter storage. Viking tours are $7 for adults and $4 for teens 13 to 17; children 12 and under are free.
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