Stand Up Paddleboard available at Quest Watersports

Plenty of room for extra "passengers"!

Here is a great new activity to enjoy in Starved Rock Country!  Quest Watersports is the area’s number one spot for all of your Hobie Kayaking and Paddle Sports gear.

The latest water sport trend — stand-up paddle-boarding — has moved into Starved Rock Country thanks to Quest Watersports.  Stand-up paddle-boarding is currently the fastest-growing water sport on the planet, and Quest aims to grow that popularity on the Illinois River, using the marina and resort setting at Heritage Harbor Ottawa as a launching point.

Anyone curious about SUP can test their skill at Quest. There will be live demos during the last weekend of June during Quest and Heritage Harbor Ottawa’s Dock Days.

If you want to learn more you can read the recent article in Digital Trends

Getting Away—but Not Too Far

As Vacation-Home Sales Gain Momentum, Travel Costs Keep Buyers Closer to Home

This article by Robbie Whelan was in today’s Wall Street Journal.  It really reinforces what we have been witnessing here at Heritage Harbor.  People are starting to select better values closer to home as they seek to invest wisely in their second home / vacation home / “pretirement” home.   Starved Rock Country is close to Chicago, suburban Chicago, Bloomington, Peoria, Rockford, and Champaign/Urbana but it feels like a world away.  Located in historic Starved Rock Country, Heritage Harbor offers a world class itinerary of vistas, venues, events and adventures.  Heritage Harbor offers waterfront luxury at a greater value for discerning home shoppers.

Here are a few of the highlights from the article.  The first sentence tells the whole story…

• Sales of vacation homes are picking up as low prices pull buyers off the fence. But with travel costs rising and consumers still uncertain about the economy, many buyers are snapping up properties closer to home.
• The shift in buying habits partly reflects the changing portrait of the typical vacation-home buyer. In the recent past, the vacation-home market was led by families looking for places with attractions for children as well as adults. But a growing number of buyers are older and seeking vacation homes that transition into retirement homes.
• “People want to stay within driving distance because they’re more able to maintain the homes, they have better networks in place and friends and family nearby to use and sustain the homes,” said Jon Gray, vice president of HomeAway.com, a website that lists vacation rentals. A survey in March by site operator HomeAway Inc. found that the most popular markets among vacationers this year are those that can be reached in a drive of four hours or less from home. That makes those markets good investment opportunities for the 91% of vacation-home buyers who plan to rent their properties when they aren’t using them. 
• The rising cost of gas and airfares is a huge factor for many buyers. The average cost of a gallon of gasoline was $3.83 this week. While down from the two-year peak of $3.97 reached in May 2011, gas prices have been rising steadily since mid-December, when they fell to a 10-month low of $3.23 a gallon. Airfares, meanwhile, jumped 14% between March 2010 and March 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

To read to entire article you can visit the Wall Street Journal online at

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303990604577370234158880826.html

Waterfront Dining in Starved Rock Country

There are wonderful restaurants all throughout Starved Rock Country and along the Illinois River from Morris to Peoria.  At Heritage Harbor, we love to “tell you where the locals go“.  Obviously, we do have our favorites.  Tracy’s BoatHouse is our clear #1 choice…If you are looking for a great dining experience with an unparalleled view of the Illinois River then Tracy’s BoatHouse will be the perfect venue for you.  Check out this story to learn more…

When it comes to creating a great waterfront dining experience, it’s more than just the food on the table — it’s about the ambience, the service, the location, and yes, of course, the food and drinks must be dynamite and tasty, too. And the top dining spots on the Illinois River have recently been found, with No. 1 in resort community Heritage Harbor in Ottawa, Illinois: Tracy’s Boat House.

Read more at http://www.virtual-strategy.com/2012/04/28/top-five-waterfront-dining-spots-illinois-river

Recently, resort community Heritage Harbor Ottawa was a sponsor of the design series weekend “Living Large … in a not so big house,” in Naperville, IL, which hosted architect Sarah Susanka. The well-known architect was behind the launch of the “Not So Big” movement of house design, which means making homes better, not bigger.

Susanka says the market reflects a need for smaller, better-designed houses because they return the qualities customers seek, which include a sense of home and high quality craftsmanship. It’s not more square footage and ever-expanding ceilings that give a sense of comfort or a great community.

“When someone buys a Mercedes Benz or Jaguar, they look for quality, comfort, and detail,” Susanka tells Architecture Week. “Size has nothing to do with the appeal of these cars. If you wanted nothing but space, you could buy a truck. Why is it, then, that some people feel compelled to buy huge houses with empty, cathedral-like spaces that offer few comforts of home?”

The idea of that a sense of “home” having more to do with quality than quantity is also reflective in the waterfront homes at Heritage Harbor Ottawa. The resort resides in historic Ottawa, Ill., in the center of Starved Rock Country — also a target location for a Baby Boomer generation on the hunt for an adventure lifestyle.

There are a range of waterfront properties at Heritage Harbor, which also has a full-service marina with more than 450 boat slips, restaurant on-site, in-ground pool, walking path and year-round events. At Heritage Harbor there are well-designed, beautiful houses — whether used as a vacation or primary home — to fit everyone’s lifestyle. There are single-family cottages, row homes, Cape Cod inspired town homes, coach homes and more. All are designed for a lifetime of low-maintenance, such as maintenance-free exteriors, so not only is quality chosen over quantity, there are resort amenities at your disposable and the resort is in a prime location — there’s less daily stress to deal with.

And according to 2011 data, many Boomers are avoiding possible later stress now by jumping on and seizing real estate opportunities.

MarketWatch.com reported in September 2011 that many in the Boomer generation are deciding to buy a vacation home now that will eventually become their primary residence. In 2010, the National Association of Realtors reported that 34 percent of people who purchased vacation homes planned on using it as their primary home at some point in the future.

Plus, it’s just a good investment, says George Harvey, resort and second home chairman for the National Association of Realtors.

Last month, Harvey told the Charleston Business Journal that many second-home buyers start out as repeat vacationers before venturing into the real estate market. When they do invest in a vacation home it’s not only for personal pleasure, he says, as many Boomers aren’t retiring completely, but instead transitioning to part-time work. Real estate is viewed as an investment for the future.

“We’re in a perfect place for real estate investment (in the resort market),” Harvey said. “The worst is behind us and the upside is looking good.”

Ottawa, Illinois, and Heritage Harbor is the ideal place to start the next phase of life for those looking to make life transition, while making a smart investment. The locale of Ottawa in La Salle County fills all of the needs for those living or vacationing at Heritage Harbor as it does for anyone wanting to live an adventure-type lifestyle. But a great perk is that the location still allows everyone fast and easy access to Chicagoland and its suburbs. Not to mention, the historic town and vistas hold a spectacular beauty.

Those who call Heritage Harbor home are never too far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but are far enough away to relax and enjoy life. No one has to make a choice of one or the other. At Heritage Harbor Ottawa, everyone has the flexibility to create their perfect lifestyle in the ideal waterfront home.

For more information, to schedule a tour of a Heritage Harbor waterfront home or for directions to the resort community, contact Heritage Harbor at 815-433-5000

Not every generation wants what the previous generation did. Recent studies and surveys show this is even truer when it comes to the more than 60 million Baby Boomers who will soon find themselves transitioning into retirement or already have.

While previous generations have traveled far from their families in retirement to settle elsewhere, many variables are changing the landscape of life after full-time work and past notions of what retirement life would look like.

Many Boomers are looking for a community similar to the one found in Ottawa, Illinois, at Heritage Harbor Ottawa to meet their new retirement needs — a place with the creature comforts of retirement, but plenty of recreational activities, a strong sense of community, still within reach of urban areas and yet offers strong waterfront real estate values in the Midwest.

A resort community like Heritage Harbor in Ottawa, Ill., sits on prime scenic Illinois River waterfront property and offers amenities, such as a full-service marina with more than 450 boat slips, restaurant on-site, low-maintenance homes, in-ground pool, walking path and year-round activities.

“Once we saw what Heritage Harbor had to offer, we knew we had to be here,” said Harry Hultgren, who along with his wife, Ann, owns a cottage-style home in the waterfront community. “The opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation are simply unbeatable.”

Economic changes are shifting the mindset of Boomers. While in the past many would relocate to southern states, such as Florida or Arizona, studies show the age group is deciding to stay closer to their family and friends while continuing to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities well into retirement. They are redefining retirement. And with that redefinition, according to Baby Boomer Magazine, they are looking at building a more active and diverse lifestyle as well — physically and mentally.

According to Discovery Fit and Health, one of the 10 most popular activities for those of the Boomer generation is anything to do with aquatic recreation — an easy task when cruising via boat through the Illinois River or exploring one of its many channels or islands. It’s no surprise that latest U.S. Census data available shows a rising number of Boomers living in coastal communities, such as those along rivers, lakes and oceans.

While Heritage Harbor offers a variety of scenic waterfront homes and cottages to fit everyone’s lifestyle (click here to learn more) the unique location in Ottawa and Starved Rock Country completes the package, which mirrors the slogan: “Life is an Adventure … Live it Here.” Having four state parks within 15 miles is one of the reasons Tom Heimsoth, developer of Heritage Harbor, selected the location.

“People enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, dining, shopping and want to do it in a resort-like setting so they always feel like they are on vacation,” Heimsoth said.

In addition to the state parks, the history of downtown Ottawa wasn’t overlooked. The town is rich in architecture, has great annual events such as the Two Rivers Wine and Jazz Festival, outdoor Farmer’s Market, Midwest Morel Fest, outdoor music and other events that allow Boomers to enjoy their “off” time. Not to mention running parallel to Heritage Harbor is the I&M Canal, which is 61 miles of walking, biking and snowmobiling trail. Lastly, Discovery Fit and Health includes sky diving as a Top 10 eventual “must-do” for Boomers, which is especially accessible in the Ottawa area with SkyDive Chicago, the Midwest’s major destination for sky divers, just north of town.

As with any real estate property, location is key to what attracts people to an area and can be an important factor in its value. Realtor Judy Marsales recently told Real Estate Wealth magazine that the image and community where real estate properties sit can have as much to do with interest as the property itself. Marsales says locations that get the most real estate buzz have features in the surrounding community such as “wonderful vistas, biking paths, picnic areas and many music festivals,” among other amenities. She also confirmed that one of the latest real estate trends in the Boomer generation is a renewed interest in relocating to waterfront properties.    

The locale of Ottawa, Ill., in La Salle County fills all of these needs for those living or vacationing at Heritage Harbor Ottawa. Additionally, the area allows homeowners to experience a real sense of community that can be lacking in larger suburban or urban areas. It’s a less complicated way of life. But getting back to the urban area is just a hop, jump and skip away as Chicago and its suburbs, such as Huntley, Elgin, Romeoville, Shorewood, Crest Hill and more are a mere commute away.

It’s easy to continue working or telecommute if needed, as studies show more Boomers are working later into life and are choosing to explore entrepreneurial opportunities after full-time work. You’re never too far away from the hustle and bustle, but far enough to relax and enjoy life. No one has to make a choice of one or the other as those living and vacationing at Heritage Harbor have the flexibility to create their ideal lifestyle.

No other area can offer the recreational opportunities or strong sense of community like Heritage Harbor Ottawa can.

Everyone dreams about boating, but not everyone can see themselves taking the plunge into boat ownership. With Quest Watersports’ boat club, Quest Express, members can get the best of both worlds — take boats on the water, without jumping into purchasing.

Quest Watersports, with its home port in Heritage Harbor Ottawa in Ottawa, Ill., launched the members-only Quest Express boat club in 2011. According to Linda Johnson, of Quest Watersports, the club was well-received as an alternative to boat ownership and is only expected to grow. Members enjoy the fact that they get the chance to test the waters of boat ownership with the perks of the Heritage Harbor resort community surrounding them.

“We studied membership boating-clubs in other parts of the United States to put our club together … and we’re really the only one doing anything quite like this in Illinois,” Johnson said of Quest’s uniqueness.

Once members sign up for Quest Express and pay the annual enrollment fee, there is an online reservation system where they can log in, see all the boats available and make a reservation. The fleet includes anything from pontoons to sports boats, which opens the doors to a relaxing cruise, fishing, tubing or water skiing on the Illinois River through Starved Rock Country. Near the Ottawa Pool, there are side channels to discover, islands to explore and the free city of Ottawa docks for the chance to stop and take a downtown stroll or grab a bite.

Johnson explained that the ratio of boats to members helps ease any reservation issues and the whole process is very smooth from there. Each membership group — there are three — is allowed to have two rolling reservations on the calendar at a time and they can be made from two hours to 30 days in advance. There is no limit to how many times members can use boats, as long as they are available.

Those without boating experience don’t have to be frightened away from the Quest Express boat club. While an initial boating orientation is scheduled for every member, further training is always available. When members make a reservation, all they have to do is show up in the harbor — their reserved boat will be in a Heritage Harbor slip waiting for them, along with a Quest Watersports employee to greet and assist them.

“If you’ve never driven a boat before, we’ll make sure you feel very comfortable driving that boat,” Johnson said of the orientation and training Quest provides. “We also encourage them to go right back out after they drop us off to try out their new skills.”

To add to the no-hassle philosophy of the club, members — as opposed to boat owners — don’t ever have to worry about routine maintenance or insurance. Quest Express has a club policy that covers liability. Not to mention there are no slip fees, extensive cleaning of the boats, winterizing or storage that members have to worry about. The only responsibility of members, aside from keeping the boat safe while in use, is to cover the cost of fuel when they use them.

“We find people boat more when they are in the club,” Johnson said. “It is so easy and affordable. Boating truly becomes the pleasure pastime we all dream about.”

She added that concierge services are even available if wanted. Quest employees can have a catered lunch or packed cooler ready in the boat. It just has to be requested ahead of time.

Another perk for Quest Express members is being able to take advantage of the Heritage Harbor Ottawa club amenities, such as a pool membership. After members are done with their time on the water, many continue their day or evening at the resort, Johnson said. The marina and Tracy’s Boathouse, restaurant and bar, is usually abuzz with activity.

“The port of Heritage Harbor is just phenomenal. As a member of Quest Express, they are also a guest of the Harbor.”

With packages starting as low as $300 per month, there is an affordable membership to fit everyone’s lifestyle.

Quest Express yearly membership plans include the following:

Individual/Family Membership — allows up to two members from the same household to enjoy club privileges.

Buddy Membership — allows any two people to split and enjoy club privileges.

Executive Membership — entitles 2 individuals in a company or two buddies to enjoy club privileges on weekdays (excluding holidays).

To sign up for the Quest Express club, tour the marina, see the fleet or review the membership agreement, call Quest Watersports at 815-433-2200. Boat usage is from April 15 to Oct. 31.

For a list of Quest Express boat club frequently asked questions, click here.

When development began at Heritage Harbor Ottawa in 2007, developer Tom Heimsoth had a vision of the resort community and marina being a “jewel” in the Illinois Waterway area and the best in the Midwest.

In 2011, that vision came to fruition. And it just keeps on growing.

Last year, The Official Best of Illinois List named Heritage Harbor Ottawa its 2011 Best Vacation Resort Community.

To watch a video clip of The Official Best of List featuring Heritage Harbor Ottawa, click here.

Nestled in Ottawa, Ill., Heritage Harbor Ottawa is located in Starved Rock Country sitting on the cusp of Starved Rock State Park where the Fox and Illinois rivers meet. This location has many perks, such as an abundance of natural recreational activities, both on the water and off. Not to mention the signature charm of downtown historic Ottawa and surrounding communities, such as the quaint and growing wine town Utica, Ill.

The resort community also features elegant homes on the waterfront, marina, restaurant in the harbor — the extremely popular Tracy’s Boat House — and resort amenities.

“And the location’s not only beautiful,” Heimsoth said specifically of the marina, “but it can lead to adventure every time you’re on the river. From here, you can take a day trip to Peoria or travel all the way down to New Orleans and the Gulf. But even if you’re just bobbing in the harbor and catching a few rays on deck, we think the Heritage Harbor marina leaves everything else in its wake.”

But it’s not just the marina, boating and resort lifestyle that wait at Heritage Harbor — there’s also the gorgeous waterfront properties. Heritage Harbor has homes perfect for every lifestyle and budget, whether it is a vacation home or year-round. On the edge of the beautiful Illinois River, there are single-family cottages, row homes and waterfront condominiums. Each is designed for a lifetime of low-maintenance ease and beauty at the water’s edge.

Although there may be much-publicized news regarding the slowly chugging along housing market, now is the time to take advantage of the best waterfront value in the Midwest. Low interest rates and a burgeoning buyer’s market have made vacation home ownership more affordable and accessible than ever before. Second-home properties, especially those located in sought-after waterfront communities, tend to have a more stable appreciation record and higher return on investment than traditional real estate; not to mention coming with a tempting bonus: relaxation and rejuvenation.

In addition to the larger homes in Heritage Harbor, an exciting new partnership with Homeway Homes has also made another waterfront housing opportunity available with the new Cottages at Heron’s Landing.

With all of the waterfront real estate options, top of the line marina, Official Best of Illinois Vacation Resort Community 2011 title and ideal location in Starved Rock Country, what are you waiting for?

It’s time to create family memories that will last a lifetime and see Illinois’ 2011 Best Resort Community. Discover a quality investment opportunity with exclusive waterfront living from Heritage Harbor Ottawa today.

Ottawa, Illinois (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

Resort community Heritage Harbor Ottawa and Homeway Homes have come together forming a unique and quality partnership to create The Cottages at Heron’s Landing at Heritage Harbor on the Illinois Waterway, which was recently featured at the 2012 Spring Peoria Home Show.

Nestled in Ottawa, Ill., Heritage Harbor Ottawa is located in Starved Rock Country sitting near the cusp of Starved Rock State Park where the Fox and Illinois rivers meet. The resort community features elegant homes on the waterfront, marina, restaurant and resort amenities, including its newest The Cottages at Heron’s Landing development. The cottages are a distinctive and unique addition to Heritage Harbor and include three different styles to fit the perfect customer — The Pathfinder, The Explorer and The Navigator.

The Cottages at Heron’s Landing is being developed on prime waterfront property at Heritage Harbor Ottawa as energy efficient, seaside-reminiscent, year-round cottages. The quaint site will satisfy those interested in a waterfront site, but perhaps don’t need the space of larger, full-time living homes also in the harbor.

Not only is the Homeway Homes/Heritage Harbor Ottawa partnership matchless, it’s the best waterfront home value in the Midwest.

Homeway Homes — working from three Illinois-based locations — builds every home using state-of-the-art residential construction technology. According to Homeway, from roofing shingles to the sub-floor, the building products used in homes are carefully selected to work better, last longer and provide the highest level of energy efficiency without compromising functional design or visual aesthetics.

Due to its dedication and quality, Homeway Homes was recently named to “Builder” magazine’s annual top 200 builders in the country. The magazine tracks trends in the housing and construction industry and bases its annual rankings on both the total number of closings and total revenue homebuilders reported in the previous year. Making the list, the company now ranks as one of the largest homebuilders in the country and among the Nation’s Top 200 Home Builders, making its partnership with Heritage Harbor Ottawa ideal for those looking for a vacation spot or full-time living in Starved Rock Country.

At Heritage Harbor’s The Cottages at Heron’s Landing, there will be roughly 30 cottages — with one- and two-bedroom floor plans — at the site creating a “resort within the resort” feel. The cottages will offer the opportunity to enjoy a world-class lifestyle and amenities available in a marina resort community for a fraction of the price of owning a second home in other resort destinations in areas such as southwest Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin or Missouri.

Heritage Harbor Ottawa homes and cottages are ideal for those looking for a second home, part-time or full-time retirement home — residents and vacationers run the gamut.    

For more information or to schedule a tour of one of the cottages at Heron’s Landing at Heritage Harbor Ottawa or other available waterfront homes, contact Tammy Barry, marketing and sales director, at 815-433-5000.

The Official Best of Illinois 2011 Selects Heritage Harbor Ottawa

“Official Best of” is proud to be featuring Illinois’ top attractions with their “Official Best of Illinois 2011”.  Heritage Harbor Ottawa has been selected as the Best Vacation Resort Community for 2011.   The Official Best of Illinois will be shown locally on WGN at 12:30 pm on Saturday, November 12^th.  There will be additional showings on CBS-WBBM, Discovery Channel, Fox and other networks as the program availability allows.  The program will also be available on the popular OfficialBestOf.com travel website.

“When the call came in to inform us that we had been selected, we were ecstatic,” states Tom Heimsoth, Developer of Heritage Harbor Ottawa.  “We opened our development during the worst economic times and yet we continue to show amazing progress with many memories being created our residents, boaters and guests…it’s great that someone noticed and will help share our story with the rest of the country.”

The “Official Best Of” was started in 2004 by Executive Producer, Brett Allen-a TV executive from St. Louis, Missouri.  Brett saw a need for a researched travel resource that would also provide TV features online as an additional resource for both in and out of state travelers.  As a result, “The Official Best Of” was born.  Each state production showcases outstanding “best” attractions located throughout each state in a variety of categories.  A research staff studies online travel sites, state tourism information, CVB resources and other sources to determine whether an attraction merits the “Official Best” reputability.  One distinction that sets “Official Best Of” apart from many other travel sites is that it does not accept advertising on either its television programs or its website.  The selection of attractions is entirely by merit, and lesser known but worthy attractions are given the same attention as more popular ones.

Heritage Harbor joins the company of other notable Illinois’ attractions such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, historic Hotel Baker, Key Lime Cove, Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises and many others.  The presence of water is what draws many to this tranquil haven in north central Illinois. Both homeowners and boating enthusiasts can take advantage of the state-of-the art marina, which currently offers 110 boat slips with a future capacity of up to 460 boats slips.  The recent addition of the first on-site swimming pool and a full service, year-round restaurant, Tracy’s Boat House, have added to the overall progress witnessed at the 142-acre waterfront resort.  

A new addition for Spring 2012 will be the first rental Cottages at Heron’s Landing.  The Cottages at Heron’s Landing will allow Heritage Harbor to promote overnight stays for visitors who wish to experience all that Starved Rock Country has to offer.  Heritage Harbor sold out of their first townhome building and recently completed construction on its first resort villa condo building.  Single family homes continue to rise above the streets as you drive through this marina resort community and events take place during all seasons.

A three-minute video about Heritage Harbor was created so that TV viewers and visitors to the website can see Heritage Harbor for themselves before they visit. Travelers can skip the hype and endless brochures, websites that don’t offer enough information and simply visit the “Official Best Of” website for a complete view of each attraction by state.  The “Official Best Of” offers a great resource for those planning a vacation, day trip or outing for residents within the State of Illinois as well as out-of-town visitors. 

Visit www.OfficialBestOf.com for more information or to learn more about Heritage Harbor visit www.HeritageHarborOttawa.com or call (815) 433-5000. 

Fall is the perfect time to visit Starved Rock Country. Mother Earth shows her vibrant colors in the beautiful state parks and along the banks of the Illinois River.

In addition to offering amazing scenery, the natural wonders of Starved Rock Country create a huge playground which is fantastic for a plethora of outdoor activities.

Check out the fall festivals, entertaining corn mazes, local orchards and pumpkin farms welcoming you to a charming , picture perfect, family oriented, vacation spot you will yearn to come back to time after time.

Here is just a few of the outdoor attractions:

Canoeing the Fox River:

Utica‘s Annual Burgoo Festival:

Fall Colors Weekend at Starved Rock State Park:

Haunted Camp

Ottawa‘s Pumpkinpalooza

Land of Oz Corn Maze ,Now – Oct. 30, 2011

Old Town Farmers Market

Civil War Ghosts and Legends at the Reddick Mansion

And so much more…… For more information about these fun activities and other great things to do in  Starved Rock Country log onto Heritage Harbor Ottawa to learn more about your next adventure.

“Life is an Adventure… Live it Here!”

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