Water Play
5 Places to Rent a Boat in Lake County
If you are like the vast majority, you don’t own a boat. But what do you do when you want to hit the open waters during the summer? Besides suck up to your neighbor/family member/minister […]
Independence Grove
Spring
Native Plant Sales in Lake County
Spring plant sales offer a wide selection of beautiful and cost-effective planting options for your garden and landscape, and most offer native plants that are naturally perfect for our local weather and soil conditions. Another […]
Winter
Cross-Country Skiing in Lake County
Are you seeking your inner winter Olympian? Are you wondering if you can get your kids involved in cross-country skiing? You sure can. Cross country skiing is not just for the adults but a fun […]
Outdoor Play
Mud-Free Playgrounds in Lake County
It’s the time of year when Mother Nature can’t decide what to do. Whether it’s snowing or raining, the end result is always the same in the early spring. MUD. And lots of it! But […]
Outdoor Play
Paddle Sporting in Lake County
It sounds completely dreamy to me: a beautiful warm day, a slight breeze in my hair, nature surrounding me with its sounds and sights, paddle in hand, and water beneath me. If it sounds just […]
Concerts
Little Reviews: Independence Grove Summer Concert Series
Originally published in 2017, updated to reflect current information. My family loves going to Ravinia. However, with the cost of tickets rising, the long-distance walk to and from parking, and the crowds, it is just not something […]
Outdoor Play
6 Places to Watch a Sunset in Lake County
For many people, summer is their favorite season, especially here in the Winter-Never-Seems-to-End-Midwest. The first day of summer looms out there starting in about February, and some days it’s hard to believe that it will ever arrive (like on those days in May […]
Date Nights
10 Lake County Date Night Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
Date night, that sounds so familiar….what is that again? Oh yes! It’s when you pay someone else to watch your children so you can spend several hours checking your phone, talking about your kids over […]
Beaches
More Than Swimming: Lake Fun in Lake County
In Lake County we are lucky to have 75 lakes and 25 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, in addition to countless ponds, streams, and the Fox River. Born and raised in Lake County, I spent […]
Hiking & Trails
Where To See Wildflowers in Lake County
Spring is here, the tulips and daffodils have popped, and the wildflower splendor is just around the corner! Early spring wildflowers have peeked through, but they’re tough to spot to the untrained eye. Pack up […]