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.
By Brian R. Brown
Just a stone's throw away from the Metra station, the Fox River Grove Memorial Library has something for all ages. Come along as I tour the library and learn about how they serve the Fox River Grove community.
Ski jumper in the air over the knoll at the 118th Annual Norge Ski Club Winter Tournament.
By Brian R. Brown
What's that up in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Well, it might just be a ski jumper with the ski jump tower in the background...and yes, that actually is a plane in the background! Join us on this exciting adventure of ski jumping at the
Elisa Whiting of Blackhawk at the 118th annual Norge Ski Club, winter tournament, 2023.
By Brian R. Brown
Check out this special edition camera roll with photos from the first day of the 118th Norge Ski Club Winter Tournament.
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.
People viewing art at the Starline Factory 4th Fridays event.
By Brian R. Brown
Our trip to check out the Starline Factory 4th Friday event became as much an exploration of this historic structure that was transformed from former factory to a destination for art and events.
Spotted by a death eater.
By Brian R. Brown
Explore the magic as Witches & Wizards of Woodstock returns once again to serve up magic, fantasy, and fun for all.
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!
Parking slot payment wall at the Fox River Grove train station.
By Brian R. Brown
Hop on the train or in your car and head to the Fox River Grove Metra Station if for no other reason than to check out their cool parking slot-payment system. Is it new low-tech? No-tech? Vintage? Retro? I'm not sure, but it's pretty cool whatever it is.
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.
People exploring the art tents while others pose for a group selfie.
By Brian R. Brown
Join us on our excursion to the Barrington Art Fair, where we took in a wide array of artistic talents, and captured some of the local flavor and natural art as well.
Auto fans at the Cary Cruise Night.
By Brian R. Brown
Weekly car show fun without all of the hassle and expense! If you're itching for some candy apple red eye candy, then you'll want to check out this glimpse of what you might find at a Cary Cruise Night!
McHenry Metra station.
By Brian R. Brown
If you like tacos and trains, have we got a train station for you! The McHenry Metra station can claim to have both, although, probably more tacos than trains.
Clown fish and sea anemone.
By Brian R. Brown
Looking for something completely different? A day trip to the Shedd Aquarium may just be the ticket you're looking for. Come along and get a sneek peek of our recent journey outside the county with a day at the Shedd.
By Brian R. Brown
Grab your green and get your Irish on to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! And what better way to do it than by heading to the McHenry ShamRocks the Fox. If you didn't brave the cold, here are some photos of the parade and the river to tide you over till
By Brian R. Brown
Okay, campers, if you didn't make it out this morning to get first...paw prognostications from the great Woodstock Willie, then you're in luck, and a lot warmer! Sit back and enjoy...
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.
Santa talking with young parade-goer.
By Brian R. Brown
It was wet, but it was merry and very worth standing out in the cold. If you weren't able to make it out for the Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival, click along to see what you missed.
Lights and Christmas tree at the Historic Square in Woodstock, IL.
By Brian R. Brown
Be sure to save a little time in your hectic schedule for a stroll around the Woodstock Historic Square this holiday season to take in the festive light display.
Harvard Metra station with covered shelter and benches.
By Brian R. Brown
Take a trip to the end of the line...Metra UP-NW end that is. Here's a little peek at the Harvard Metra station and downtown Harvard, Illinois.
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!
New Cary Metra Station, completed in 2019.
By Brian R. Brown
Hop a ride as we take a quick tour through the Cary Metra Station and the great facilities in downtown Cary.
Woodstock Metra Station.
By Brian R. Brown
Woodstock Metra Station is just a few minutes walk from the Woodstock Historic Square District in downtown Woodstock and offers free parking. Planning a trip to or from Woodstock? Here's the lowdown.
Panoramic view of the mural.
By Brian R. Brown
Wonder down a little alleyway and you'll get a surprise. The Woodstock Mural and Sculpture Garden, featuring the Woodstock on Film and on the Stage Mural is a true work of art that highlights Woodstock's role in film and stage.
Tiny tomatoes.
By Brian R. Brown
What better way to spend a Tuesday morning, especially during National Farmers Market Week, than visiting with vendors at the Woodstock Summer Farmer's Market around the historic square!
Heisler's Bootery's $40 shoes rack.
By Brian R. Brown
Okay bargain hunters, don't miss the Downtown Crystal Lake Summer Sidewalk Sale!
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.
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