Author Archives: lc_admin

Kid’s Blog – “Whirlyball by: James A.”

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If you are looking for something fun to do here in Lake County, I highly recommend you go to Whirlyball for some laser tag, rock climbing, and a game of Whirlyball.

First stop is laser tag. The arena itself is a large, two floor room complete with bases, hiding spots , and music. At the beginning of a match, they make you watch a short video on the rules. After this, an employee will escort you and your teammates to the briefing room. In this room, you get equipped with laser tag suits and laser tag guns. Then, a few minutes later, you will be let into the room, and the match will begin. Soon, the match will end and you will find out your scores.

Next up is the climbing wall. The wall is about four stories high, and can sometimes be really challenging. Also, since the only thing keeping you from falling is a rope and a harness, the whole climbing wall experience can be very scary. If you enjoy challenges, the rock wall is for you.

The main attraction is Whirlyball. The rules for this game is that you get into a bumper car and get equipped with a track ball racket. After this, a ball is released onto the court. Then, you attempt to get the ball into your track ball racket, and hurl it into your opponents’ goal which is basically a basketball backboard. Soon, the game will end and you will return to the lobby.

Whirlyball also specializes is birthday partys. The typical birthday party plan that Whirlyball offers, includes 2 extra large pizzas, 3 pitchers of pop, 1 hour of laser tag or Whirlyball, and for an extra $25, you get some time on the climbing wall. Fortunately, they only make you pay $230, which is very reasonable for birthday party. I have had my birthday at Whirlyball before, and thought it was a very memorable time.

Finally, I would like to remind you that I highly recommend Whirlyball if you are looking for something fun to do in Lake County.

By: James A.

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Tourism in Lake County Generates $1.1 Billion

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Visitor spending in Lake County set a new record in 2011 generating $1.13 billion dollars in travel expenditures – a 6.6% increase over 2010, according to figures released by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism.

“We are thrilled to reach this huge milestone of over $1 billion for the second consecutive year which signifies the important role that tourism plays in Lake County,” said Maureen Riedy, President of Visit Lake County.

Lake County continues to rank as one of the top counties in Illinois for travel spending behind Cook County and DuPage County. According the report, Lake County supports 9,970 tourism related jobs. The county and local municipalities earned $24 million in local tax receipts from visitors to the area. State tax receipts in Lake County generated $67.6 million.

Visit Lake County serves as the official destination marketing organization for Lake County, Illinois and partners with municipalities, hotels, attractions and hospitality related businesses to stimulate visitor spending throughout the county.  Visit Lake County provides travel resources for visitors through 1-800-LAKE-NOW and www.VisitLakeCounty.org.

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Weekend Watch, Visit Lake County’s tips on things to do…

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  1. Take a leisurely stroll with your dog into the quaint shops of Mainstreet Libertyville during Libertyville’s Dog Days of Summer. This event is running all weekend with Cook Park being the center of activity. There will be a K-9 demonstration by the Lake County Sheriff’s department, a doggie fashion show, bands, a treasure hunt, prizes and much more. Friday night is also Mainstreet Libertyville’s First Friday celebration.
  1. Friday night is the 8th Annual Barrington Wine Tasting held at the Metra lot – Brat tent from 6pm – 10pm. There will be live musical entertainment, over 50 wines to taste, hors d’oeuvres and more. On Saturday in Downtown Barrington next to the Metra Station from 3pm – 7pm is Barrington’s 9th Annual Brew Fest. This event will include over 50 craft beers, live music, 50/50 raffle, a bean bag tournament and much more.
  1. Swing by Park North of Village Hall in Winthrop Harbor on Saturday from 6pm – 7:30pm and enjoy the sounds of the Great Lakes Navy Band. The Great Lakes Navy Band “Horizon” will play a mixture of classic rock, country, Motown, funk and jazz music.
  1. Stop by Northern Illinois’ largest Civil War reenactment this Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday 9am – 3pm at the Lake County Discovery Museum’s 21st Annual Civil War Days. The event features infantry, cavalry and artillery reenactors, as well as musicians, sutlers, a large-scale battle renenactment, ongoing drills, kids’ activities and Civil War era shopping.
  1. View Hollywood and classic cars at the George Barris Car show at the Volo Auto Museum this Saturday from 10am – 5pm. You will see the Munsters Koach, hear live rockabilly music, a cookout and beer garden will also be available.

A weekend full of family fun adventure can be found on VisitLakeCounty.org.

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Nirvana Wine & Grillerie

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Located in Vernon Hills this eclectic wine bar and restaurant brings a hint of urban sophistication to the suburbs.  Nirvana’s strip mall entry does not do justice to the hip, intimate interior decor that awaits you.  Nirvana is the perfect place to go after work to meet friends and family, and chill out to some acoustic guitar with a Wine Flight and Artisan Cheese plate.

Live music every weekend!

Nirvana’s  menu is comprised of healthy dishes from around the world including many vegetarian and gluten free options.  Some popular menu items include: spinach, tomato & gorgonzola penne, moroccan chicken pot pie with curry crust, tilapia with pineapple mango salsa,  shrimp and cranberry chipotle cheddar quesadilla, mussels provencale, spinach stuffed portabella mushroom and much more.

Outdoor patio seating

Nirvana offers sixty wines by the glass and wine flights from around the globe represent the varietals best features.  If you are an inexperienced wine drinker like myself, I would recommend going to the complimentary wine tasting Nirvana offers on Wednesdays from 6:30- 8 pm.  One of Nirvana’s wine purveyors will host the evening and pour tastes of the wines featured on Nirvana’s menu. Nirvana offers their wines by the glass at Half-off and the bottles at even greater discounts depending on the day of the week.

Complimentary wine tasting every Wednesday from 6:30-8 pm

Nirvana’s ambiance speaks to a grown-up hippie feeling with warm colors, global decor, and the fresh, natural ingredients. The owners are local residents and seem very involved with the restaurant.  The waitstaff is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and the food was wonderful! Nirvana has an upbeat urban feel without all the hustle and bustle of the city.  With live music every weekend starting at 7pm Nirvana is the perfect place for a lively night out in Lake County.

Nirvana Wine and Grillerie

701 N Milwaukee, Vernon Hills

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Weekend Watch, Visit Lake County’s tips on things to do…

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Stop by the Great Lakes Naval Museum on Friday June 8th from 3-4:30 pm or Saturday June 9th from 1-3 pm for a “make a flag” activity for children.  This event is free and open to the public in honor of the upcoming Flag Day on June 14th.  Families will have the opportunity to learn about the history of flags.   Children will be able to design and make their own flag to bring home with them!

Spend Saturday afternoon sampling a variety of craft beers from over 20 different vendors, while enjoying great food and live music at the Tighthead Brewing Company for the first annual Mundelein Craft Beer Fest from 1- 5 pm.  Tickets are $35 and include beer tasting and souvenir beer glass. The designated driver tickets are $15.

Kick off the start of summer by heading to the Celebration of Summer at Lehman Park in Lake Villa. The weekend long celebration starts with a supervised teen night on Friday from 6-9 pm.  The fun continues Saturday with carnival rides, music and fireworks from 5-10 pm. Sunday brings Kroozers car show, carnival rides, games and cardboard boat races from 8-4 pm.

On Saturday in Downtown Waukegan from 4-6pm, bring the entire family and bikes to ride and enjoy Waukegan’s new event, Bike the Amstutz. The Amstutz will be closed down so that visitors can utilize the complete length of the highway from Greenwood to Genesee St. The event will also include live music, art projects, prizes and more.

This Sunday from 2 – 5pm at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, kids ages 4-12 can learn about nature with a nature walk, scavenger archery and camping demos. There will also be face painting, games, prizes and refreshments. The event is dedicated to improving kids’ physical and social well-being through outdoor play.

A weekend full of family fun adventure can be found on VisitLakeCounty.org.

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Ryerson Woods by Sejal K. from the Hawthorn Elementary School in Vernon Hills

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Are you looking for a place to visit in the summer and having trouble with it? Well, Ryerson Woods is the place you might want to go to in the city of Deerfield in Lake County, Illinois and here are my reasons why.

First, you should go to Ryerson Woods because you could find many rare species there. For example, the blue-spotted Salamander is an amazing rare specie. Another rare specie is the Red-Shouldered Hawk which is brilliant. Last but not least the Easter Massasauga Rattlesnake is a breathtaking rare snake to see.

Next, you should go to Ryerson Woods because you can make maple syrup. Making maple syrup is one of the oldest commodities in the United States of America. You learn that sap is made out of sugar, minerals and mainly water, which is pretty interesting to learn. Finally, you get to taste the syrup you made.

Last but not least, you should go there because there are real animal skins and you can do interesting things with them. You get to touch the animal skins, which is pretty much my favorite part of visiting Ryerson Woods. Also, you get to see the Horned Owl and pet him. Lastly, some of the animal skins are from rare animals that you can’t find commonly in your neighborhood, zoos or anywhere.

I strongly recommend for you to go to Ryerson Woods because you could find many rare species, make maple syrup, and touch real animal skins. Have fun at Ryerson Woods and do amazing  things there!

 

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