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Happy weekend, Naperville! In today’s edition: World War II veterans reunite, tapas in a historic mansion at Mesón Sabika, Glow in the Snow stargazing, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Local developments and changes: Naperville City Council approved a drive-thru restaurant at a BP To Go, with staff reviewing final details and traffic stacking possibly sending it back to the Planning and Zoning Commission — get all the details.

An enchanting contrast awaits: Naperville’s Mesón Sabika serves Spanish small plates inside an 1847 Georgian-style mansion, blending preserved local history with Iberian flair, cozy rooms, and memorable alfresco dining — read the full story.

Former teachers discover shared history: Two World War II veterans who fought at the Battle of Luzon recently moved into Tabor Hills in Naperville, realizing their paths crossed 82 years ago and quickly becoming friends — read the full story.

An evening of frosty fun: Naperville Park District will host its first-ever Glow in the Snow on Feb. 21, with illuminated paths, a scavenger hunt, and free hot chocolate. The Naperville Astronomical Society will bring telescopes so you can view Jupiter, weather permitting. Get all the details.

Local sponsors fuel outdoor fun: Will County Forest Preserve District’s Be a Trailblazer campaign invites Naperville residents to explore preserves with nature challenges. About 1,000 participants can earn prizes like t-shirts or binoculars — get all the details.

Graduate pathway for career changers: Naperville’s North Central College will launch a Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice program in fall 2026, with 700 clinical and simulation hours and a lifestyle medicine focus. Applications are open — see eligibility and application details.

Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. GoldCo has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to 10% free gold & silver – check it out here.

One emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ but pet insurance helps. I sure wished I’d had it after a $10k last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:

• Not all financial advisors are created equal. Find the best for you
• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver
• Save $ on vet bills with Lemonade pet insurance
• This home warranty is 50% off right now
• Fellow ladies with thinning hair: Try Hers

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

❤ Mini & Me Valentine’s Breakfast @ Tasty Biscuit | Monday (2/16) at 8:00 AM – Who says Valentine’s is just for couples? Treat your mini to a themed breakfast date with a set menu, coffee, and kid-friendly mocktails, plus games and prizes. $45 covers one adult and one child, extras welcome, so reserve ahead and skip the hangry.

🌈 RainBrew Rendezvous @ Foreign Exchange Brewing Co. | Monday (2/16) at 6:00 PM – Third Mondays are for RainBrew at Foreign Exchange, a queer-safe hangout with good bites, better beers, and the kind of conversation that actually beats scrolling. Come as you are, meet some new faces, and let Aurora feel a little smaller, in the best way.

🌹 Van Gogh’s Roses and Peonies @ Pinot’s Palette | Monday (2/16) at 7:00 PM – Think your inner Van Gogh can behave with a glass of cab? Paint roses and peonies at a Naperville studio, sip something decent, and pretend the brushstrokes are intentional. It is low pressure, high laughs, and way more fun than reorganizing the garage.

🔭 Astronomy Fundamentals @ Grace United Methodist Church | Tuesday (2/17) at 7:30 PM – Clear skies call for smarter stargazing, not another wobbly tripod. New or upgrading, this intro to telescope and binocular mounts covers what to buy, what to skip, and a peek at exotic rigs, with advice from an NAA regular. Save your neck and your wallet.

🀄 Beginner American Mahjong Workshop, Paint and Sip @ Pinot’s Palette | Wednesday (2/18) at 6:30 PM – Kick off with a quick cherry blossom paint and sip, then learn American Mahjong from a patient pro, and jump into a guided game. Beginner friendly, all supplies included, drinks at the bar, and zero pressure to already know your jokers from your dragons.

🎭 Shakespeare and Stardust: The Romance of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier @ Naperville Public Library – 95th Street Library | Thursday (2/19) at 1:00 PM – Whether you can quote Hamlet or just know Scarlett O’Hara, this talk dives into Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier’s dazzling work, messy love, and lasting myth. Film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek brings photos, clips, and captivating stories. Consider it cultured gossip, with proof.

🧩 Puzzle Swap @ Naperville Public Library – Naper Blvd. Library | Friday (2/20) at 2:30 PM – Finally admit that 2,000-piece photomosaic is not happening, and trade it for something friendlier at a neighborhood puzzle swap. Bring new or gently used puzzles in good condition, leave with a new-to-you challenge, and reclaim your coffee table, maybe your sanity.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Naperville report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 51°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 1%

Partly sunny. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 47 in the afternoon. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 56°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 2%

Sunny, with a high near 56. West northwest wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Most popular house this week

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