Harbor Stories: Electric

I am proud to be a member of the Starved Rock Living Team and HomeSmart Realty Group. One of my specialties is vacation living at Heritage Harbor Ottawa a Marina resort community along the Illinois River. I am a people person and am passionate about helping you reach your dreams. I love our area and believe in promoting positive community and economic growth. I enjoy experiencing the amazing activities available in our community such as kayaking, music, and festivals. My family has always been self-employed in customer oriented businesses and I have spent much of my life in the same. This life experience has helped me to develop friendly customer service, understand the need for consistent communication, and the importance of attention to detail. All of these qualities aid me in exceeding expectations and ensuring a positive experience for all parties in a transaction. I am an honest and hardworking Realtor that you can trust to put you and your needs first. This is an important investment…this is your life. I promise to work tenaciously to make the selling or buying experience enjoyable from beginning to end. I am your Realtor

There’s no place else on earth quite like Starved Rock Country and owning property here is one of the great privileges of life. I love this area and once I show you around, I’m convinced you will love it too! Whether you are looking for that perfect vacation home or full-time low maintenance living you will find the charm and beauty of Starved Rock Country will fit all your needs. I believe that you deserve the best service and buying experience, so I am always available to take your calls at 815-252-3113.

I have had the opportunity to share my love of the area with many residents as the VP of Sales and Marketing at Heritage Harbor Ottawa, a marina resort community since 2006. As an Elite Homesmart Licensed Broker I can list and sell the beautiful properties Heritage Harbor and Starved Rock Country has to offer from condos and townhomes to villas and cottages. As a certified Resort and Second Home Specialist I recognize the desires and concerns people have in owning a second home and can help educate you on making the best possible decision.

Cedar Key Development joined the Builder’s Guild in 2018 and is currently building on 14 lots on the Port Place block.  With over 15 years of experience in architecture and construction, Cedar Key creates superior homes with standards far above most builders.  Focused on crafting a strong and energy efficient home, every detail is carefully handled from design through construction.  By utilizing efficient design and building technology, Cedar Key is able to keep costs low and provide tremendous value.  With design-build capabilities, Cedar Key has great flexibility to create the perfect home.

From charming cottages to stately homes on the water, the architecture at Heritage Harbor is inspired by traditional neighborhood design and a love of the water.
The Heritage Harbor Builders Guild was established to ensure that the process of building a home in the community would be as seamless as possible.
Builders have been selected based on their overall knowledge of high-quality building materials and construction, familiarity with Heritage Harbor’s architectural styles and guidelines, excellence in customer service and high levels of customer satisfaction.

Ottawa Visitors Center

The Ottawa Visitors Center is located in downtown Ottawa where you can find information on lodging, attractions, events and tourism amenities. Stop in to the Ottawa Visitor Center for all the information to what to do around Starved Rock Country.

Heritage Corridor

The Heritage Corridor encompasses the communities along the historic 97-mile Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. Spanning from the Chicago area to LaSalle-Peru this region is located along I-55 from Chicago to Joliet and along I-80 west of LaSalle- Peru.

Starved Rock Country

Starved Rock Country is home to many fun activities, small towns and friendly faces. With indoor and outdoor activities there’s something for everyone. There’s great food, fun and atmosphere throughout Starved Rock Country.

Buffalo Rock State Park

Buffalo Rock is located on the bluffs of the Illinois River. This small but charming park is home to an enormous outdoor sculpture. There are five sculptures molded of Illinois clay that are fun to explore. These sculptures include a snake, turtle, catfish, frog and insect, all native to the Illinois River area. Perfect for beginner hikers, this park offers many views and is also home to bison that you can enjoy.

Matthiessen State Park

Matthiessen State Park is centrally located between Utica and Oglesby Illinois in Starved Rock Country. Take in the sights of beautiful rock formations, vegetation and wildlife. With picnic areas, this is a great location to bring the whole family for some outdoor fun. Hike the trails and take in the sights at Matthiessen.

Starved Rock State Park

Adorned with season waterfalls, Starved Rock State Park is full of history and beauty. Take a hike along the trail and check out the scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. Offering many outdoor activities from canoeing, trolley rides, fishing and picnicking, Starved Rock is fun for all. 

Illini State Park

Illini State Park is home to rustic Civilian Conservation Corps buildings as well as riverside picnic areas. Situated between Marseilles and U.S Route 8, this 510–acre park has roaring rapids, beautiful views and a sense of history.

Dayton Bluff Preserve

Dayton Bluff Preserve is located off Route 71 in Ottawa, Illinois. It’s a one-of-a-kind place with beauty of the wilderness. With a mystery of leafy ravines, Dayton Bluff is part of Starved Rock Country. 

Red Dog Grill

Red Dog Grill located in Heritage Harbor offers dining for the whole family. Enjoy our American and Seafood Cuisine in our dining room or on the patio overlooking a world-class marina.

B.A.S.H

Burger and Sushi House was established with the idea of bringing everyone to the table. With its unique menu, quality food, service and ambience they provide the perfect dining experience located in downtown Ottawa.

Pink Chihuahua

Offering an array of options, The Pink Chihuahua provides a mixture of American, Spanish, European and Oriental cuisine. From tapas, small bites to dinners enjoy an experience you’ll surely remember.

Lone Buffalo

The Lone Buffalo was created under the same roof as their brewery, Tangled Roots, with the thought to bring good food and beer together. With the idea of “slow food” they work to bring you an experience to savor. Their food has been crafted with fresh products from local farmers and producers.

Uptown Grill

Uptown Grill, located in downtown LaSalle, offers casual American cuisine for lunch and dinner. They have a full-service bar with 100 wines, 12 craft beers and an extensive list of spirits.

Gunsmoke Grill

Gunsmoke Grill is located just outside of Cedar Point. Sitting on Cedar Creek Ranch – 60+ acres of horse trails and public trail rides – this family owned and operated restaurant serves smoked pork, chicken and beef.

Reddick Mansion

Built in 1855, this 22 room Italianate mansion steps you back in time to the 19th century. An anchor to Ottawa’s Washington Square, the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate, this home has several restored rooms with the option for guided tours. 

Hegeler Carus Mansion

The Hegeler Carus Mansion was completed in 1876, this mansion is a National Landmark. The home was the site of many historic accomplishments within industry, philosophy, publishing and religion. Visitors have the chance to tour this beautiful mansion and learn about the history of this family that is tightly woven to Illinois Valley and the United States.

Boy Scouts Museum

This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of boy scouts and girl scouts. Ottawa, Illinois is the home and resting place of one of the Boy Scouts of America, W.D. Boyce. The museum also features hiking trails that are suitable for both youth and adults. Featuring collections of memorabilia related to Ottawa’s historic past, it gives you a step back into not only Boy Scouts of America, but also Ottawa, Illinois.

Sky Dive Chicago

Experience an adrenaline rush of freefalling up to 120 MPH with Skydive Chicago. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or it’s your first jump, Skydive Chicago is dedicated to providing you with the best experience possible.  They’re goal is to get your heart-racing for every single jump.

Zip Chicago

Zip Chicago offers one of the highest, longest tours in Illinois and Wisconsin for adventure seekers from all over. Located in Marseilles, Illinois they offer numerous tour options for whatever you desire.

August Hill

August Hill Winery, located in historic downtown Utica, shows you the passion from the August Hill family through their handcrafted wines and relaxing tasting room. Just minutes from Starved Rock State Park, enjoy a glass of wine and some cheese on their three-season patio.

Tangled Roots

Tangled Roots Brewing Company set out to create America’s finest total craft beer experience. They focus not only on created a multitude of craft beers, but also offer a unique ‘farm-to-foam’ craft beer experience. Visitors who share this passion can come and view how the beer is made from start to finish.

Red Dog Grill

Red Dog Grill offers tasting experiences throughout the year. From craft beer to bourbon, there’s a tasting event for ideal for everyone. Make sure to check out our event’s calendar to see when they next tasting event will take place.

Wall Murals

Throughout the small town of Ottawa murals are located on many walls. These 9 murals tell the story and history of this small, quaint town;
The Day of the Great Debate, The Life of General W.H.L. Wallace, Ottawa’s Earliest Residents, Peltier Glass Factory, Open for Business,
Streetscape Reflections, Ottawa as a Canal Town, Image and Learn with Bob McGrath and the History of Communication

W.D. Boyce & Boy Scout Memorial

William D. Boyce, Ottawa resident and founder of Boy Scouts of America has a life-sized bronze statue watching over his family gravesite.
This monument was funded by Boy Scouts themselves, with many of them visiting his gravesite annually to pay their respects to the founder.

Washington Square

Washington Square is home of the first Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas debate. In the middle of the park stands bronze statues of
Lincoln and Douglas. Located within the area are monuments of those who lost their lives in the Civil and Spanish American
War, World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. There are many benches and greenery throughout
making it a great place to relax and enjoy the history of the small town.

Deja Vu

Located in downtown Ottawa, Deja vu offers unique gifts, florals, and crafts.

Laurilea’s Unique Junk Boutique

Laurilea’s Unique Junk Boutique finds the beauty in every piece of furniture. Taking someone else junk, revamping and repurposing, giving it a new life.

Iconic Boutique

Offering the best collections from fashion designers across the United States. Iconic Boutique has a wide range of clothing, accessories,
handbags and shoes conveniently located in downtown Ottawa.

Chic & Unique

Chic & Unique carries woman and junior clothing from many LA, New York and Chicago. It brings stylist, trendy clothing to Ottawa. 

A Mess of Things

A Mess of Things is home to many great finds. From repurposed, shabby home décor to clothing
and accessories, they have something for everyone.

Red Dog Grill

Red Dog Grill located in Heritage Harbor offers dining for the whole family. Enjoy our American and
Seafood Cuisine in our dining room or on the patio overlooking a world-class marina.

B.A.S.H

Burger and Sushi House was established with the idea of bringing everyone to the table. With its unique menu, quality food, service
and ambience they provide the perfect dining experience located in downtown Ottawa.

Pink Chihuahua

Offering an array of options, The Pink Chihuahua provides a mixture of American, Spanish, European
and Oriental cuisine. From tapas, small bites to dinners enjoy an experience you’ll surely remember.

Lone Buffalo

The Lone Buffalo was created under the same roof as their brewery, Tangled Roots, with the thought to bring
good food and beer together. With the idea of “slow food” they work to bring you an experience to savor.
Their food has been crafted with fresh products from local farmers and producers.

A’Lure Aquarium Bar

A’Lure strives to provide an unforgettable dining experience. With its social atmosphere, featuring a one-of-a-kind fish tank bar.
Grab a drink or stay for dinner, A’Lure offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

C230

Corner 230 is located in downtown Ottawa serving a variety of cuisines. They offer an array of tapas, lunch and dinner
as well as a full stocked bar. Its casual dining offers a unique indoor and outdoor environment.