Photos of Me...

Life is this funny thing that we plan for. We have dreams, hopes and goals, but when it comes down to it . Life is what you make of it!





If you try  remember that at the end of it all . .. the important things are the people in your life, the memories that you have shared, and the love of friends and family.  You will come to understand and strive to live a life that gives you all the things that are really important.



Ask yourself..."When I wake up in the morning, am I happy with my memories, do I spend time doing the things I like with the people who are important to me?"... What is missing?"

If you decide that life is worth living to its fullest, not matter what, maybe you should live it where those goals can be accomplished.
 

 Because at the end of the day... we have  photos in an album , and stories that we share !!



 Do you have enough???









"Life is and Adventure... Live it Here!"

Food... Is it wrong to love it?

There is a local restaurant in  Starved Rock Country  that serves food that is very different from the regular Midwestern food that we are used to.

Cajun food is not what one thinks about when you are in Illinois. You think hamburgers,  pizza, ...yeah defiantly  Pizza , but Cajun...nope that is not what pops into my head when you are thinking about what to eat for dinner.



However, Cajun Connection just outside Utica, IL, is this little place that when you drive past doesn't look like much , but the food is AMAZING! Alligator, jambalaya, etouffee’, or jumbo shrimp,  fried corn, and so much more.

 Some of the dishes are served with Vodoo sauce... first off I want to know what it is and what can it do???
Because that just sounds awesome.

Getting a drink with dinner is just a part of life so  make sure to order a Turbo Dog  then stick around for desert because any restaurant that serves AMAZING bread pudding with sauce deserved a stop regardless of whether you eat anything else... but you will .. PROMISE

The local reviewer / concierge  service  called "Honey Let's Eat" gives this place great reviews.

So the next time you are in Starved Rock Country. Stop by the little pink house outside Utica, Illinois and get yourself some gator... you will be glad you did. 

"Life is an Adventure ... Live it Here!"

Wii that was FUN!

Who would have ever thought that combining a large group of strangers in a pub with a Wii bowling game could be so much fun!


Last Saturday night (August 21, 2010) Crawdad's Bar & Grill in combination with Heritage Harbor Ottawa hosted their second annual Wii bowling tournament.

With a blind draw for teams it encouraged the 36 adults who participated to mingle and get to know new people.

Their were prizes and one's pride on the line! Somehow cash and bragging rights apparently brings out one's competitive spirit... who knew!

Being a family friendly resort Heritage Harbor also has a Wii tournament for the kids who wanted to participate as well; however their beer frame consisted of soda.

The whole event was so much fun that maybe the next time Crawdad's can "Rock Out" with a Guitar Hero night... Now that would be a blast!


Life is an Adventure.... Live it Here!

What is the Adventure Lifestyle ?

An Adventure Lifestyle is an active lifestyle.

When you think about being adventurous what comes to mind? Is it simply trying new activities or going new places. How about trying different things to eat or getting to meet new people. Life is full of possibilities but unless you take a chance and dare to try new things you will not be able to enjoy life to its fullest.

So what defines your adventure lifestyle?
Do you look forward to trying an exciting or an unusual experience, or do you what to participate in an exciting undertaking.

Skydiving, boating, hiking, wakeboarding, glassblowing, taking a class or two, shopping, or enjoy all the gifts that Mother Nature has provided in Starved Rock Country.

When you think about living life to the fullest, do you have a plan?

Make a list of all the adventures you want to take and the memories you want to make, then come to a place where you are close enough to enjoy the benefits of the city but far enough away to enjoy a different type of life.

Take an adventure... But make it your adventure!

The Adventure Lifestyle awaits in the heart of Starved Rock Country at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

This Weekend!

Heritage Harbor Ottawa and Crawdad's Bar & Grill are hosting a fun filled Saturday.




Sand volleyball starting at 1 pm and a Wii Bowling Tournament in Crawdad's begins at 8:30pm.


Come spend some time at the marina and bring your friends.
There will be Drink & Food Specials.

The Adventure Lifestyle awaits you at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

Take a Dip

Heritage Harbor Ottawa opened its members only pool earlier this summer. The private membership fee not only grants you the privilege of using the resort community's latest amenity, you can enjoy a swim while enjoying an amazing view like no other. Private membership means less crowds and a cleaner facility.


The pool is located directly above the harbor and has a private shower and changing area.
Food delivery service is available from Crawdad's during the restaurant's usually hours of operation.

Family memberships are still available for the 2010 season. Come enjoy the remaining warm days of summer at Heritage Harbor Marina.

The Adventure Lifestyle awaits you in the heart of Starved Rock Country at Heritage Harbor Ottawa

Premier Resort Community

Take a deep breath and feel the stress of the day slip away: this picturesque, marina resort community offers an adventure lifestyle that lets you reconnect with your family, your friends, your community, and the natural beauty that is Starved Rock Country.



Leisurely cruise along the majestic Illinois River, where the breathtaking backdrop of the tree-covered, sandstone bluffs allow you to enjoy the natural beauty as it changes from season to season. Our impeccably designed neighborhood with a prime riverfront location directly along the Illinois River is the perfect location to begin your next great adventure.

Nestled in the heart of Starved Rock Country, Heritage Harbor Ottawa is the premier marina resort community in the Midwest and unlike any other. Enjoy year round outdoor activities and discover the unique world of resort–style living with all that it has to offer.

This extraordinary resort community can appeal to a wide variety of tastes; be it waterfront property, year round residence, a vacation home, boaters lifestyle, a hikers dream, or nature buff, no matter what type of adventure lifestyle you wish to enjoy, it can all be found within our premier resort community at Heritage Harbor Ottawa. We even offer an Adventure Lifestyle director who plans events at the marina year round.


The tranquility of Starved Rock Country’s vast natural beauty and the small town charm of the local communities allow you to get away from it all while still being just a short drive from larger urban destinations and activities. When you are a part of Heritage Harbor Ottawa you are never far away from your ideal adventure!

Helping you experience the best of Starved Rock Country is just one more example of the type of personal service you can expect when you are a part of Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

The Adventure Lifestyle awaits at Heritage Harbor Ottawa in the heart of Starved Rock Country.

Country Music comes to Starved Rock Country

Concerts in Starved Rock Country are held in venues that allow you an opportunity truly enjoy the entertainment. From the annual charity event “Concerts for a Cause” to local county fairs that are just a short car ride away, you can see chart topping artists in outdoor venues that give you that up close and personal experience unlike any other.

Spend the evening with family and friends and enjoy chart topping live entertainment in a family friendly environment. When you are a part Heritage Harbor Ottawa your Adventure Lifestyle is our priority!

Starved Rock Country has more to offer than you ever imagined!

Lady Antebellum
Saturday August 14, 2010 “Concerts for a Cause” benefit, Cedar Point Sportsman Club, LaSalle
This annual event has grown over the years, bringing some of country’s top acts to the area. Country superstars such as Willie Nelson, Blues Traveler, The BoDeans, Jason Aldean, Chris Cagle, Montgomery Gentry and Sugarland and the proceeds from the concert go to benefit a local school or some other worthy cause.
This amazing charity event has raised over $162,000 for local causes.

Craig Morgan
Friday Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bureau County Fair, Princeton, IL

Jake Owen & Jason Michael Carroll
Friday September 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the 123rd Sandwich Fair, Sandwich IL


Just one more reason why Starved Rock Country is such a great place to live and play!


The Adventure Lifestyle awaits at Heritage Harbor Ottawa in the heart of Starved Rock Country.

A Boater's Dream

At Heritage Harbor the full-service marina offers over 460 slips, a full service fuel dock with gas and diesel, pump-out services, and concierge services.

Just call the staff and let them know when you expect to arrive, and your boat will be stocked and ready to go.

Heritage Harbor Marina boaters enjoy a great partnership with Quest Watersports, a full-service boat dealership with an on-call mechanical staff; and at Quest the philosophy is simple: “boating should be fun and hassle-free.”

Living life aboard your own boat is a dream comes true for many people; however, if you didn’t grow up on the water, the boating language can be a bit confusing. The knowledgeable, professional staff at Quest Watersports is available to make you feel at ease, even when the only thing you know about a boat is that you really want one.

Quest offers a premium lineup of upscale vessels, along with a complete set of boating services, and wants to be your boating partner.

Besides offering both new and used boats, services and accessories, Quest Watersports now offers the boating lifestyle without the commitment of owning a boat. Quest Express is a new member’s only boat club that allows you to try the boating lifestyle without the commitment or expense of boat ownership. An annual membership gives you a fleet of boats to choose from. So whether you are looking to take out a large group on a pontoon boat, or just looking to do some tubing with a few friends, Quest Express has the perfect boat for you.

Membership has its advantages… boat orientation, safety training, unlimited use of a fleet of boats, whenever and as often as you like. At Heritage Harbor Marina complimentary concierge services are available… when you arrive your boat is clean, fueled, and ready for you. Just turn the key and enjoy a day on the water and when you are ready to return simply dock and walk away.

So whether you own your own boat or are a member of Quest Express, Heritage Harbor Ottawa and Quest Watersports can provide the Adventure Lifestyle you have always dreamed of.

The Quest Watersports showroom is conveniently located just down the road from Heritage Harbor Ottawa, the most exciting marina resort community in the Midwest.

The Adventure Lifestyle in the heart of Starved Rock Country awaits you at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

Life on the Illinois River

The Illinois River is not only a working river, but a wonderful place to play, offering more than you might think.




The waterway is heavily used by barges' transporting bulk goods, but it is also a wonderful recreation area. The beautiful shoreline, sand beaches, rock cliffs (including Starved Rock and Buffalo Rock State Parks), hideaways and multiple food & beverage destinations.

This historic river defines our community and at Heritage Harbor Ottawa we take pride in the opportunities the Illinois River has to offer. It has served as the main artery for life in this part of Illinois. As one of the hottest fishing destinations in the Midwest the Illinois River has numerous species abound, especially bass, walleye, sauger & catfish.
Several species of migrating waterfowl and other wildlife make their home in the wetland and forest habitats along its banks.


The waters of the Illinois River are a great place to watch the changing seasons and enjoy the brilliant autumn colors, and it forms part of a modern waterway that connects the Great Lakes at Chicago to the Mississippi River


Heritage Harbor Marina is the perfect place to access the Illinois River and start your next great adventure. Whether it is a day trip along our local waters or cruising the Great Loop , life on the water can offer an adventure like no other.

The Adventure Lifestyle awaits you in the heart of Starved Rock Country at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

The Dog Days of Summer

Heritage Harbor Ottawa welcomes you and your family to a resort that is truly pet friendly.

Many of our boaters bring the entire family including the dog along for a day on the water.

We understand that pets can and usually are more like a member of the family.
Therefore, Heritage Harbor Marina has set pet friendly policies that allow for everyone’s enjoyment.

So bring Rover and the rest of the family to Heritage Harbor Marina and enjoy the dog days of summer before they pass you by.

Your Adventure Lifestyle in the Heart of Starved Rock Country awaits at Heritage Harbor Ottawa

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Ever think of your life as if it were homework?

We all have checklists of things that need to or that should be accomplished before the end of the day, the week, the month, the summer.

Remember being asked about what you did on your summer vacation? It was a time to recall the adventures you had dared to explore, and the time you spent with family and friends. Retelling the story allowed you to relive the glory and the fun.
Ahhh… the good old days when adventure was expected and doing things because it was fun was what filled your days.

Who say’s that the adventure has to end! Your life is what you make it and if you want to put adventure back into it then Heritage Harbor Ottawa can help you find your bliss.

Our location in the heart of Starved Rock Country can give you access to a multitude of things to do that will ignite a spark within you and allow you and your family to make great memories.Just think of all the new stories you will have to share if you started living the life you always wanted!

Your Adventure Lifestyle awaits at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.