Happy Friday!

Flags flew and hearts swelled on Rotary Hill as Naperville honored Veterans Day with music, reflection, and the return of the Healing Field of Honor. Hundreds of flags and a replica of the Vietnam Wall stood as powerful reminders of service and sacrifice, and of how this community shows up to remember. 🫡

☀️ Today’s weather:

Sunny and warm with a high of 16°C (60°F). Zero chance of rain, 71% humidity, and light 11 km/h winds (perfect fall weather for getting outdoors!)

📺 Why Naperville Is the Opposite of Most Chicago Suburbs: In this week’s video, I dive into what makes Naperville different—and why so many people are making the move.

🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup. 

Let’s dive in!

 —Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties

Events

💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? 

This Weekend Events…

 🦆 November Birding Hike

📍Location: Whalon Lake, 1480 Royce Rd, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 15 | 9 a.m.
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

🚀 Blast Off with DCM

📍Location: DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 15 | from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $15 - $28
🔗 More Info

🪖 First Division Museum Guided Tour

📍Location: Cantigny Park, Wheaton
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 15 | from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: Free with Paid Parking
🔗 More Info

🎻 Echoes of the Past

📍Location: DuPage Symphony Orchestra at Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Sunday, Nov 16 | at 3:30 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $12.00 - $47.00
🔗 More Info

🌺 Illumination: Tree Lights

📍Location: The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
🗓️ Date & Time: Nov 15 to Jan 3 | Times may vary
🎟️ Tickets: From $24
🔗 More Info

Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored

News

🫡 Naperville Honors Service and Sacrifice at Veterans Day Ceremony

Driving the news: Naperville gathered at Rotary Hill on Nov. 11 for its annual Veterans Day ceremony, hosted by American Legion Post 43 and Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873. The event was marked by reverence, remembrance, and a powerful tribute to those who served.

Details:

• The Healing Field of Honor returned, with hundreds of flags lining Rotary Hill in tribute to past and present service members.

• The Vietnam Wall of Remembrance, a traveling replica with over 58,000 names, offered a solemn reminder of those lost in the Vietnam War.

• The program included remarks from local leaders, a rifle salute, the “Armed Forces Medley” performed by the Naperville Municipal Band, and a wreath-laying ceremony led by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

• Local partners included Operation Support Our Troops – America, the Naperville Park District, Naperville Responds for Veterans, and others.

Why it matters: This annual tradition anchors Naperville’s deep appreciation for those who served. Events like these remind the community of the real cost of freedom, while also creating shared spaces to honor veterans through music, stories, and symbolic acts of gratitude.

The big picture: What began as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I has become a day for all U.S. veterans. The ceremony's turnout and tone reflected how Naperville continues to elevate civic remembrance, especially through multi-generational and community-wide participation.

By the numbers:

• 1,000+ flags line Rotary Hill each year as part of the Healing Field

• 58,000+ names etched on the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance

• 1 community united in reflection and respect

Between the lines: The messages shared—especially from veterans themselves—underscored themes of service above self, and the ongoing importance of remembrance. Naperville’s leaders emphasized that freedom isn’t free, and that each veteran’s story adds to the strength of the community.

What’s next: The Healing Field remains up for public viewing for several days following the ceremony. Local veterans organizations continue year-round work supporting those who served.

The bottom line: In Naperville, Veterans Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a community promise to never forget the courage and sacrifice that safeguard everyday life.

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🍔 The Foodie's Guide

BREAKFAST

🫐 Blackberry Market (Glen Ellyn)
We believe in thoughtful food that nourishes, satisfies, invites a smile, and gives us an excuse to connect with friends, family, and strangers alike.
CHECK IT OUT

LUNCH
🍕 Billy Bricks Wood Fired Pizza (Wheaton)
Serving Neapolitan & New Haven inspired pizza in a premiere casual environment, baked in an authentic brick oven in Wheaton since 2013.
CHECK IT OUT

DINNER
🍖 Sullivan's Steakhouse (Naperville)
Every plate is carefully cooked and thoughtfully served, creating an experience worth sharing. We’re always preparing something special, and live music performances only add to the unbeatable and welcoming dining experience.
CHECK IT OUT

Watch This

🎥 Why Naperville Is the Opposite of Most Chicago Suburbs

📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
We’d love to help!

Market

📊 Real Estate Insights

The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.

Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.

Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.

🗞️ In Other News…

• Look up! You have 2 more chances to see the Northern Lights across Chicago

• The Healing Field of Honor opens in Naperville

• DuPage County Trade Apprenticeship Expo sees record attendance

Until next Friday, take care and stay curious! 
—Brandon

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