Lake County ranks third in Illinois travel expenditures behind Cook and Dupage Counties with visitors spending over $1 Billion, 10,090 Tourism related jobs, $23.3 million in local tax receipts and $59.4 million in state taxes in 2010.

In a preview to the Visit Lake County upcoming Summer Campaign to promote Lake County, a one minute teaser video was released of Marketing Manager, Anthony Haag enjoying a few rides around Lake County.

Visit Lake County will continue the tag line from last year, “Let the Ride Take You”, and this video shows 13 rides around the county. Visit Lake County will release a new video before the summer travel season showcasing 30 rides in under 3 minutes.  “Tourism is a powerful economic engine in Lake County, and this video will wet viewers appetites on all the different rides they can experience on their summer getaway,” said Anthony Haag, Visit Lake County Marketing Manager.

Visit Lake County – Blog

Six Flags Great America opens for the season and will be open weekends May 5-6, May 11-13 and daily starting May 16. The park will be open May 5 from 10am – 8pm and Sunday, May 6 from 10am – 7pm. If you do not have a season pass buy tickets for this weekend online only for $ 20. The tickets are only good for this weekend though. The parks new ride X-Flight will be open for season pass holders only on May 12 – 13 and then open to the public on May 16th. If you have not seen this new coaster yet, you can check it out here.

Are you or someone you know a chocolate lover? Then you won’t want to miss this! Back by popular demand is the Long Grove Chocolate Festival. The historic district, home to more than 60 distinctive shops and restaurants, including the world renowned Long Grove Confectionery, becomes a chocolate lover’s paradise! Enjoy chocolate in all its many splendors; sway to the live entertainment throughout the village all three days, and fall to the temptations of the many food, specialty vendors and tasty restaurants. You can view the entire live music line up and see what you should eat at the festival by checking out their blog thelonggroveblog.com.

The Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest is featuring Ken Ludwig’s Hilarious, Lend Me a Tenor play starting tonight May 4 and will run through June 3. This night of September in 1934 is the biggest in the history of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. World Famous tenor, Tito Morelli, is scheduled to perform at the gala season opener. The stage is set, the orchestra is ready, but with only three minutes to curtain, Morelli has gone missing. Stuck in a predicament, the general manager coaxes his assistant Max into imitating Morelli for the performance. Soon the farce spins out of control, both onstage and off. Performances will be held Thursdays-Sundays and a special Wednesday matinee May 9th at 1:00pm. Tickets are $ 35 for Thursday or Sunday performances, $ 37.50 Friday or Saturday. For more information about the play and to purchase tickets, check out their website citadeltheatre.org.

The 6th Annual Antioch Art Crawl is happening this Saturday from 9am – 5pm in Downtown Antioch. Enjoy Antioch’s artistic crawl throughout our downtown as you browse through the talent of Antioch’s students. Artist talents on display along with musical interludes. Sponsored by School District #34, Antioch Fine Arts Foundation, Village of Antioch and the Antioch Chamber.

Also, Saturday is Cinco de Mayo and this are plenty of events happening to celebrate. So be sure to check out our website for these events. I hope that everyone has a great weekend and I will hopefully see you out at one of this events or enjoying a margarita or two. Until then…Let the ride take you to family fun, thrill seeking adventure and much more around Lake County!

- Anthony

Visit Lake County – Blog

First of all, if you want to start off the day with something to eat, then you can munch on breath taking food at one of their one-of-a kind restaurants! Enjoy great food like delicious sandwiches and amazing smoothies. You can even eat under a tent. To make it even better their desserts are phenomenal! They have so many fascinating desserts like chocolate mousse cake and chocolate covered strawberries that you will have to come to see for yourself.

Secondly, after you have a fulfilling meal you must go see their chocolate demonstrations and workshops. They will amaze you. Besides that you can go to their beautiful enriching gardens, you won’t be able to look away! Or you can go to their never ending rows of clothes and shops. The fest also has live music shows. If you love looking at the past  then you should visit their century old buildings. Last but not least you must visit all the art galleries, they will wow your eyes.

Just so you know where to go, Long Grove Chocolate Fest is located in Chicago’s Northern suburb near routes 53 and 83 north of Lake Cook Road. They festival is usually held the end of April or first weekend in May. This year it will be held on Friday-Sunday, May 4-6. If you need to call them with questions call 847-634-0888. This is a festival that you don’t want to miss.

Visit Lake County – Blog

If you’ve driven down Rockland Road in Lake Bluff, just east of Waukegan Road, chances are you’ve noticed a unique building.  Resembling a ramshackle train depot with a giant grain silo, “The Silo,” is a spot where you’ll find good fodder for you and the whole family.

As the exterior would suggest, the interior is comfortable and casual.  The Silo has been a popular spot in the North Shore for decades, and the bustling and casual atmosphere make it the perfect spot for a meal with children.  Ask to be seated in the center of the first floor dining area, where a model train circles overhead.

The Silo serves American standards like burgers, pasta, sandwiches, ribs, etc. but they are best known for their pan pizza which is even available with a gluten-free crust.  Now I have to admit, I committed a sin on my first visit and didn’t try the pizza.  When I returned home from my lunch with the kids, my husband who has frequented The Silo for business lunches berated me.  Apparently, you should not make the same mistake either.  Their pizza has received many accolades, and not just from my disappointed husband.

{Source: Silo Pizza Facebook Page}

I just love locally-owned, family-operated places that know how to cater to families.  For us the overall hustle and bustle of the restaurant and model train were enough to keep my young kids entertained.  But on Sunday nights from 5:00-8:00 pm, The Silo really makes it special for children when they feature BOZ the Magician.  Arrive early to make sure he can get to your table for balloon animals and magic tricks.

The Silo serves lunch and dinner 6 days a week and is open for dinner only on Sundays (see hours below.) Visit their website to print coupons before you go for extra savings.

Loralie Thomas spends her days exploring with her two pint-sized adventurers, although she refuses to do so in a minivan. She invites you to join her on her quest for civilization north of Peterson Road, and one day hopes to discover decent felafel in the hinterlands of North-Central Lake County. She is a the Managing Editor and Contributing Writer at Little Lake County. All photos credited to Loralie at Little Lake County Unless otherwise stated. 

Visit Lake County – Blog