Fall decor in the Harms Farm tent.
By Brian R. Brown
Know what's always in season in McHenry County? Farmers' markets! Check out our complete McHenry County Farmers Market Guide for information on local farmer markets. We provide dates, times, locations, as well as additional information and links for the individual farmer markets.
Skeleton trick-or-treaters.
By Brian R. Brown
Grab your costume and your treat bag! Before you head out though, be sure to check our annual McHenry County Trick-or-Treating hours list for your local treating times and events.
Trunk or treat event with people in costumes.
By Brian R. Brown
Looking for Trunk-or-Treat fun in McHenry County? Look no further as our guide details trunk or treat, as well as other treating fun events all across the county.
Crystal Lake Police SUV on display.
By Brian R. Brown
Join your community in meeting and thanking local law enforcement during National Night Out. Check our guide for NNO events taking place across McHenry County.
Heartache Tonight playing at the Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival.
By Brian R. Brown
Concerts in the Park season is upon us. From summer to fall, McHenry County is full of outdoor live music options. And if you're looking for your next concert, our Concerts in the Park guide is ready.
American flag flagpole waving in the wind against clouds and blue sky.
By Brian R. Brown
Take some time this Memorial Day to remember and honor those who gave their life serving in our Armed Forces. Check our guide for special Memorial Day ceremonies and parades around McHenry County.
Special section for Windy City BMW Car Club members.
By Brian R. Brown
It was a Windy City BMW kind of day at Crystal Lake BMW when they teamed up to for a Cars & Coffee car show. While they clouds were foreboding, the only rumbling was the engines.
Beautiful bouquet of alstroemeria in a vase with water, white cup of tea, greeting card with the inscription happy mother's day.
By Brian R. Brown
Looking for Mother's Day brunches and other ideas for Mother's Day? Be sure to check out our special McHenry County Mother's Day Guide for ways to celebrate that special someone called mom.
Man fishing along the bank.
By Brian R. Brown
If your favorite question is "how are they biting today," then we think you'll enjoy our new McHenry County Fishing Guide. Whether you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground or sitting in a boat, our guide has a fishing spot for you to try.
Spectators taking in the cars at the car show.
By Brian R. Brown
Get your engine running with our guide to car shows & cruise nights all around McHenry County! From one-off events to recurring shows, we've pulled together a collection car events that will satisfy your inner car enthusiast.
Disc golf player.
By Brian R. Brown
Hey disc golfers, check the weather, grab your discs, and before heading out, check our guide and consider trying a course your haven't been to yet. Our guide covers all of the disc golf courses across McHenry County!
Border collie running with frisbee.
By Brian R. Brown
Looking for a place for Fido or Fifi to play? Our McHenry County Dog Parks Guide has the scoop on the local dog parks, including addresses, maps, contact details, and links to more details on the host websites.
Person holding pickleball paddle and ball.
By Brian R. Brown
Ready to get pickled?! Calling all picklers and pickleball curious. Looking for a pickleball court near you? We've got you covered in our newest guide.
Plastic Easter eggs on lawn.
By Brian R. Brown
Grab your Easter baskets and get ready to hunt Easter eggs, snap a photo with the Easter Bunny, or even have breakfast with the Bunny! And we're here to help you find those eggs with our Easter Egg Hunt Guide for McHenry County!
Hiking teens.
By Brian R. Brown
Turn off the TV and game system, put away the phone! Summer is for fun and adventure, and our Summer Camps Guide for McHenry County is your map for summer memories.
Man on a snowmobile.
By Brian R. Brown
Grab your sled and get ready to hit the trails! No, not that sled...the big one! If you are itching to hit those white trails, be sure to check our guide for snowmobiling trails in McHenry County.
Cross country skier.
By Brian R. Brown
If you are itching to get out and enjoy nature and to experience McHenry County in the winter, then our Cross Country Ski Trails Guide will give you lots of opportunities to explore.
Kids and adults sledding on the hill at Veteran Acres Park.
By Brian R. Brown
If the thought of packed snow and big hills brings out the kid in you, or makes you want to bring your kids outside, then you'll love our Sledding Hills Guide... as much as the thought of how tuckered out those kids will be after a few hours sledding!
Group of people ice skating.
By Brian R. Brown
If you've been itching to lace up those skates and get out on the ice, then you're in luck. Before you head out, be sure to check our guide for local McHenry County ice skating rinks.
Woman handling packaged food in a cardboard box.
By Brian R. Brown
We've compiled a guide for McHenry County food pantries, broken out by city. No one in our community should have to battle hunger. We hope this guide will prove helpful if you yourself or someone you know needs to utilize these services, or if you would like to help out
Antique fire engine.
By Brian R. Brown
Bundle up the little ones and head for your closest parade route to welcome in the Christmas season! Here's our guide to the local Christmas parades happening around McHenry County.
Crystal Lake Christmas tree.
By Brian R. Brown
Looking for Christmas Tree Lighting near you? Craving a holiday light display or show? We've got you covered...at least if you're in McHenry County. Check out our guide to the Christmas tree lighting events & holiday light displays around McHenry County.
Santa taking a selfie
By Brian R. Brown
He knows whether you've been naughty or nice, but here's a last chance to put in a good word! Grab the kids and check our guide for snapping some pictures with Santa.
Trick-or-treaters.
By Brian R. Brown
A whole lot of fun was happening at Crystal Lake Plaza's annual Halloween Family Fun Event. Did you make it into any of the photos? Check and see!
Trick or treater running to the next stop.
By Brian R. Brown
Another successful Truck or Treat with the Crystal Lake Park District on a glorious, if not chilly, fall day at Main Beach.
1955 Studebaker President Speedster.
By Brian R. Brown
What better way to spend a beautiful Sunday than strolling around the grounds at The Dole, enjoying a charity car show combined with the weekly Farmers Market+?
Enjoying some food sitting in Depot Park.
By Brian R. Brown
Downtown Crystal Lake Farmers Market wrapped up the 2023 season with amazing weather and lots of people enjoying the day. Can't ask for much more than that.
Kids and parents riding in the pumpkin barrels.
By Brian R. Brown
Perfect weather marked the 30th annual Johnny Appleseed Festival, and what may have been the one of the biggest ones yet.
Tiny tomatoes.
By Brian R. Brown
Celebrate this year's National Farmers Market Week by visiting the amazing local farmers markets that we have here in McHenry County.
Pivot steer loader on top of the hill.
By Brian R. Brown
Did you make out to play on the big hill at the Nunda Township Road District's annual Touch-A-Truck? Hope so, but if not, we've captured some of the fun.
Young girl playing a mini-golf game in the library.
By Brian R. Brown
Explore the Crystal Lake Public Library and learn about the origins of the popular Library Lovers Expedition, as well as discover materials, programs, and services you had no idea the library offered.
Library Lovers Expedition 2023 banner.
By Brian R. Brown
Join the Library Lovers Expedition by taking a tour of 13 local libraries and get enter into a drawing for one of several amazing gift baskets.
View of walking bridge on the other side of the pond at Veteran Acres Park.
By Brian R. Brown
While it's cold and wet outside, venture with us back to October when we took a walk around Veteran Acres Park to enjoy, what was then, the transitioning season.
Antique fire engine.
By Brian R. Brown
Get your dose of Christmas spirit with these photos from downtown Crystal Lake for the Festival of Lights Parade, tree lighting, arrival of Santa, and a stroll down Christmas Tree Lane.
Trick-or-treaters at Crystal Lake Plaza.
By Brian R. Brown
Crystal Lake Plaza was once again home to a party of zombies, princesses, fighter pilots, an array of video game characters, and much more on Saturday as their annual trick-or-treating event returned.
Kids checking out the big and small trucks from Sunset Logistics.
By Brian R. Brown
Amazing weather, two weekends in a row for events at Main Beach in October?! I don't know what the odds are for that, but I do know that it was great to enjoy another fall day where a coat was optional. And these trick-or-treaters definitely enjoyed showing off their costumes!
Logrolling competition.
By Brian R. Brown
Crystal Lake Park District brought the Northwoods of Wisconsin to Main Beach for a day with lumberjacks, family fun, food trucks and a beer garden. Thanks to the unseasonably warm, weather, flannel shorts may have been preferred over flannel shirts. Needless to say, from the countless photos taken, no one
Brilliant orange and yellow leaves against green and blue.
By Brian R. Brown
While I hope you make it out to enjoy the colors and sights of the changing season, here are some photos from around our neighborhood to serve as encouragement or at least consolation.
Stilts juggler posing for photos.
By Brian R. Brown
Johnny Appleseed made his appearance again in downtown Crystal Lake for the Johnny Appleseed Festival, and brought some amazing weather with him. Until next year, here are some photos to tide you over!
Wide trail through Sterne's Woods.
By Brian R. Brown
An amazing and immersive nature experience awaits you, and it may be closer than you think. Crystal Lake has a wonderful array of parks for recreation, but it's also home to Sterne's Woods & Fen, which is wonderful preservation area as well.
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge tent.
By Brian R. Brown
Crystal Lake Main Beach provided the backdrop to this year's Monarchs and Music, a fun and unique collaborative educational monarch butterfly fair and community concert.
Farmers market vendors and patrons.
By Brian R. Brown
It takes more than a little rain to keep us away. But you can enjoy these photos from the Open Air Farmers Market+ At The Dole from the comfort of your own home, regardless of the weather.
Passengers getting off the train in Crystal Lake.
By Brian R. Brown
Got a train to catch? Head to Crystal Lake's downtown Metra station and you can catch more than just the train, with easy access to downtown Crystal Lake restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and more. Check out what makes the Metra "stations" unique in Crystal Lake.
The Zipper ride.
By Brian R. Brown
While you wait...take a walk around the Lakeside Festival. At least that's what I did ahead of Crystal Lake's annual Independence Day Parade, and here are some photos to prove it!
Tebala Shriners Air Squadron.
By Brian R. Brown
It was a near-perfect day for a parade. If you missed this year's Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade, then we've got over 100 photos that will show you some of what you missed, or relive what you experienced if you were there.
Medical aesthetics room.
By Brian R. Brown
Sit down with us as I chat with Chelsey and Jami from Pure Family Healthcare in Crystal Lake. They shared their stories and how they are trying to offer an alternative to big box medicine.
Art on the walls to view and at the tables to create.
By Brian R. Brown
A wonderful return to art, The Dole, and life in general. Come along as we enjoy the return of art exhibits at The Dole with the "New Beginnings" show by Creative Arts Inc. students and instructors.
House with Christmas lights and outdoor decorations.
By Brian R. Brown
Are you looking for holiday and Christmas light displays? We've pulled together a list spanning McHenry County to help you get started on your journey! And we welcome any that you think should be on our list too!
Peppermint Park Christmas Trees for annual Christmas Tree Lane.
By Brian R. Brown
Get in the holiday spirit with a stroll through downtown Crystal Lake, with a walk down Christmas Tree Lane to Peppermint Park, get in some last minute shopping, and meet up with the jolly man in the red suit.
Luminarias leading past the last campfire.
By Brian R. Brown
The Crystal Lake Park District's Luminaria Walk is truly a wonderful way to experience Veteran Acres Park. It's also a great way to transition into the holiday season.
Array of flowers outside the Crystal Lake Park District administration building.
By Brian R. Brown
Whatever you think you know about the Crystal Lake Park District, there is most likely so much more that you are missing. Come along and let's see if we can uncover a few new things.
Hood and chrome bumper of Lamborghini.
By Brian R. Brown
Come along as we walk around a parking lot. While it was an ordinary parking lot, it was not an everyday experience. Take a peek at some cool and classic cars that recently met up in Crystal Lake.
ComEd skeleton crew.
By Brian R. Brown
Main Beach park was a buzz with all sorts of goblins, ghouls, and superheroes at this year's Crystal Lake Park District's Truck or Treat.
One and only Steve McPhail, portraying Johnny Appleseed.
By Brian R. Brown
Downtown Crystal Lake always knows how to signal the return of fall with the annual Johnny Appleseed Festival; this year celebrating 28 years! If you missed it, we've got a taste for you here!
CHILLnTUB hot tub with jets.
By Brian R. Brown
If you've ever wanted to enjoy all the benefits of a hot tub without the hassle, then you'll love our next Spotlight Story. CHILLnTUB is here to bring hot tub rental to you!
Heisler's Bootery's $40 shoes rack.
By Brian R. Brown
Okay bargain hunters, don't miss the Downtown Crystal Lake Summer Sidewalk Sale!
More open space in the main area at the Crystal Lake Public Library.
By Brian R. Brown
The Crystal Lake Public Library is reopened after COVID restrictions are lowered and their repair project nears completion. Join me as a take stroll around, both inside and out, to checkout what's new!
People shopping at the Downtown Crystal Lake Farmers Market.
By Brian R. Brown
Take a walk with us as we tour the Downtown Crystal Lake Farmers Market for the first time this summer. And of course, this wouldn't be complete without a stroll down North Williams Street.
Wooden bridge over marsh at ponds edge at Veteran Acres Park.
By Brian R. Brown
Nothing could have prepared me for this trip to Veteran Acres Park and my journey around the pond. What was meant to be our first photolog ended up with about an equal amount of text as I share information on the tree removal around the pond at Veteran Acres Park.
Entrance to CD One Price Cleaners, Crystal Lake, IL
By Brian R. Brown
Regardless of your fashion style or budget, the great equalizer is that sooner or later, most if not all of us will need to take something to the cleaners. Let me share my simple criteria for cleaners as well as my personal experiences with CD One Price Cleaners here in
Pingree Road Metra Station platform sign
By Jill Kocher Brown
Crystal Lake's Metra station catering to commuters, Pingree Road, has limited services onsite, but it gets the job done. On the upside, it has tons of parking, a long platform so that commuters don't have to crowd around just a few cars, and a friendly little cafe inside the waiting
Harms Farms pumpkin train at Johnny Appleseed Festival in Crystal Lake, IL
By Jill Kocher Brown
The Johnny Appleseed Festival celebrates the legacy of Johnny Appleseed, a famously kind and generous pioneer nurseryman who traveled the eastern Midwest in the early 1800s spreading apple trees and his religion along the way. We had our own visit from Johnny, a jolly man who talked to all the
Tomatoes at Crystal Lake Farmer's Market
By Jill Kocher Brown
Thanks to local farmers markets, a trip to the farm for fresh produce, meets, cheeses, and other goodies is often just a short drive away.