posted 04-22-2005 18:11               

We're going over Labor Day week, partially for access to Chicago's Jazz Fest (and partially cuz we live in Indy and it's an easy drive).

posted 04-22-2005 23:07               

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Originally posted by lizard:
e-mail me any ?s you have ,e-mail me phone 3 iI can reach you . I live 20 miles from it.

webber97@uti.com

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Dang Lizard, you got me beat, we live 35 miles from Fox River Resort.

posted 04-22-2005 23:28               

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Originally posted by dj2:
thanks. we have the chance to stay there for a week for a great price, but i don't know the best way to research it to find out about it (quality, cleanliness, friendliness, extra fees, etc.). it didn't have any reviews on trip advisor, i guess since it's not a hotel or in a major destination city. not sure where to look for info. thanks again. dj

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I live close to Fox River resort and would also be happy to answer your questions but I also agree with Hop, you should join TUG and get access to the resort reviews.

Sorry for my belated response we were on a trip.

It is the nearest Timeshare Resort to Chicago but really is more then 1 hour away. It is nearer to all the attractions and State Parks along the Illinois River, including Starved Rock State Park.

If you want to experience downtown Chicago I would suggest that you extend your week before or after and get a hotel downtown for a couple nights. If your check-in at Fox River is Saturday plan to arrive in Chicago thursday and hotel it downtown. Explore the theaters, musuems and shopping and then go to Fox river and enjoy the peaceful quiet.

If you do plan to day trip downtown Chicago from Fox River then make a plan. Decide what it is you want to do and plan arround that. If it is a museum you want to go to see if there is a free day or a special exhibit you want to see and go that day. Chicago is big and any one of the museums alone could take up an entire day.

Getting back to the resort. The condo units are still pretty new but are beginning to show some wear. I own there and our family loves going there and using the facilities. The miniture golf course is one of the best resort mini golf courses I have seen and it is free. The 5 hole 3 par golf course is free. The indoor pool is showing some age but is still nice, the outdoor pool is like new. If you like fishing there is a small fishing pond (supposedly stocked) on premises, but if you drive through the campground and exit out the back of the resort, crossing the country road you will enter Fox River Resorts private Fox River access. It is a nice recreation and picnic area directly on the fox river. You can fish all you like. I believe the only recreational thing you will pay for on the resort premises is the horse back riding and my wife appeared to feel that was well worth the fee.

Don't expect to much and be pleasently surprised. Relax and have a great vacation week.

posted 04-23-2005 00:11               

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Originally posted by geekette:
but just an hour or so south of Chicago, right?

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Reply: It really all depends on traffic. Labor day week many people will be on vacation so traffic may be lighter, but Chicago rush-hour is something else and lasts from about 6:30AM TO 8:30 or 9 am.

But if you are looking for things to do in Chicagoland you may find them in Joliet, Aurora or Naperville and not have to drive to downtown Chicago.

We're going over Labor Day week, partially for access to Chicago's Jazz Fest (and partially cuz we live in Indy and it's an easy drive).[/QUOTE]
Reply: These fests are ussually a real good time. I haven't been to the Jazz fest but have been to the Blue's Fest and we use to make a habit of going to Taste of Chicago on July 3rd.
Be patient with the crowds, traffic and parking and you will have a good time.

I thought most of the Silverleaf's had a lot of amenities on-site, part of their "country club" strategy?[/QUOTE]

Reply: Yes, I own at Fox River and we are very pleased with the activities and amenities on-site. It is good to see our higher maintenance fees going for something good.

Let me know if you have any questions and have a great vacation. Labor day should be a great time to go to the resort. The outdoor pool should still be open and the weather should be warm enough to enjoy all the amentities.

If you boat, you can put your boat into the Illinois river at Illini state park in Marsailles, IL. If you like to hike or ride bike then head to Starved Rock State park. If you like hiking a d waterfalls and don't mind stairs and some more challenging trails then head to Matthiessen State Park, located just past Starved Rock.

Starved Rock: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/i&m/east/starve/park.htm http://www.stateparks.com/starved_rock.html

Matthiessen: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R1/mttindex.htm http://www.stateparks.com/matthiessen.html