Welcome Matthew.our Spring Plant Swap gathering is in NJ this year so maybe you will come and meet many of our gardening addicted group!
Want to second the suggestion of Aronia above. Recently met an Eastern Sore Md farmer who grows and makes Aronia wine. Also good for wildlife. Pawpaw want to form groves and are really lovely trees with large deep green leaves. I think you have to have two to get fruit. Host plant for Swallowtail butterfly, many critters love the fruit including deer and raccoons. As Shy_gardener says, figs would be an excellent choice for 'micro-climate' gardening! Hopewell Growers out of NJ supply all of the trees and shrubs to our local Home Depots...Currently all on sale 50% off...they have Brown Turkey and Black Mission Figs very large size.
@Shy_gardener, Donna, I'm sure a number of us would be happy to have a fig cutting from you this Spring if you are so inclined! (Hint hint)
I grew up (No Illinois) with wild plums and crabapples which became great jellies/jams and I like my Elderberry and Mulberry trees
Matthew are you thinking 'tropical' like papaya, mango, guava, avocado?
