3 Illinois River-Town Retreats

The cocoa-color awning and mocha-painted bricks outside downtown Geneva's All Chocolate Kitchen hint at some of the delicacies inside: dense truffles rolled in smoky ancho chili powder and thick slices of cake ribboned with chocolate frosting. Despite the name, All Chocolate Kitchen sells more than the dark stuff, including a mellow cup of coffee brewed in a Victorian-esque beaker.

That variety of riches serves as a snapshot of the pleasures infusing the Fox River Valley, a laid-back retreat for urbanites. Three towns along the winding Fox River offer restful diversions with a nod to history: Catch a household name playing at St. Charles' historical Arcada Theater, or just 3 miles south, explore Geneva's shopping district, where boutiques fill preserved storefronts. And just minutes from Oswego's charming Main Street-with brick-paved sidewalks-is a family-run winery. Whether you have only a few hours or time enough to carve out a getaway, read on for some of these towns' best stops.

What to do

Arcada Theater It still feels like 1926 in this restored vaudeville palace with a vintage pipe organ, but live performances feature today's headliners. In St. Charles. (630) 962-7000; arcadalive.com

Fine Line Creative Arts Center A renovated dairy barn in St. Charles houses a nonprofit arts school for weaving, knitting, pottery making and more. (630) 584-9443; fineline.org

Fox River Trail A paved path for biking, walking and jogging runs along the river through the valley. Find bike rentals in all the valley's communities; Sammy's Bikes is right on the trail in St. Charles. (630) 444-0690; sammysbikes.com

Fox Valley Winery Enjoy daily tastings of sweet Niagara and dry Petit Syrah, and shop for works by local artists. This Oswego winery also holds tours on Saturdays. (630) 554-0404; foxvalleywinery.com

Otter Cove Aquatic Park Float your way down a lazy river or scream down a water slide in St. Charles. (630) 513-4377; ottercove.org

Pottawatomie Park From May through mid-October, you can ride a 90-passenger paddle-wheeler excursion boat or rent a canoe or pedal boat. This St. Charles park also has picnic shelters, seasonal miniature golf and a swimming pool. (630) 513-6200; stcparks.org

Where to eat

Fiora's In Geneva's shopping district, patrons enjoy artisanal cheese plates and pan-seared duck breast inside a charming yellow house turned restaurant. (630) 262-1317; fioras.com

The Village Grind Mix with locals in the warren of cozy rooms inside this Oswego spot that serves coffee, pastries and, in summer, gelato. (630) 554-6678

Where to shop

All Chocolate Kitchen Quality chocolates, gelato and sorbetto shine in a Geneva shop. Check out the life-size statues and sculptures (including one of Neil Armstrong)-all made from chocolate. (630) 232-2395; allchocolatekitchen.com

Little Traveler Search 36 rooms packed with apparel, antiques, toys, gourmet items and Vera Bradley bags in this Victorian mansion. A cafe serves breakfast and lunch. (630) 232-4200; littletraveler.com

The Olive Mill Sample 35 olive oils and 25 balsamic vinegars, then take a bottle with you. Also: olive tapenades and olive soaps. In Geneva. (630) 262-0210; olivemillgeneva.com

Prairie Stitches Quilt Shoppe Browse a large selection of quilting fabrics, sewing notions and patterns in Oswego. (630) 554-9701; prairiestitchesquiltshop.com

Town House Books and Cafe This independent store in St. Charles sells a variety of books. The attached cafe serves breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch. (630) 584-8600; townhousebooks.com

Where to stay

Herrington Inn and Spa A former creamery along the Fox River in Geneva now houses a luxurious inn. Rooms have fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and wet bars. Turndown service includes milk and cookies. (630) 208-7433; herringtoninn.com

Hotel Baker The riverside hotel in St. Charles opened in 1928 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. (630) 584-2100; hotelbaker.com

For more information:

(A version of this story appeared in Midwest Living® May/June 2013. Prices, dates and other details are subject to change, so please check specifics before making travel plans.)