12 Things at Christmas, Lake County Gave To Me...

By: Jonathan Jones 12/20/2018

Happy Hannukkah to our Jewish friends! We're also rapidly approaching December 25! If you're looking for holiday shopping ideas, click here to view 25-holiday gifts under $25.

We all love the holiday song the "12 Days of Christmas," and we're down to just six days until the big day.

We may not call our area, our "true love" (well at least in public), but every year there are 12 things at Christmas, Lake County gave to me.

Let’s be honest folks, a collection of drummers drumming, pipers piping, lords leaping, ladies dancing, maids milking, swans swimming, geese laying, golden rings, calling birds, French hens, turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree seem a little excessive (and kind of loud).

Upon further inspection, your giftee may be quite pleased with five golden rings.

To celebrate the holiday season, the aforementioned song and just for good old fashioned fun, here are the 12 things at Christmas, Lake County gave to me.

The first thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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Hands up! Last Call Fall Festival starts tomorrow. Enjoy beer, food and rides weekends until Nov. 11! ???

A post shared by Six Flags Great America (@sfgreat_america) on Nov 2, 2018 at 2:53pm PDT

The world's tallest and steepest wooden coaster in the land.

In 2015, Six Flags Great America unveiled the thrill ride, Goliath. This coaster at the Gurnee amusement park received the two accolades from the Guinness Book of World Records in 2016. It is now the second fastest wooden coaster as Dollywood, Tennesee's Lightining Rod ride surpassed the Gurnee coaster (by one mile per hour). Goliath's speed peaks at 72 mph.

The second thing at Christmas, Lake County gave me...

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Thanks to the support from Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, my non-profit @socialworks_chi, is able to fund another summer of our Kids of the Kingdom summer camp, @kok_camp! Congratulations on the grand opening today @greatwolflodge! ?

A post shared by Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) on Jun 21, 2018 at 2:29pm PDT

Two resorts for relaxing

- Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
- Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee

The third thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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A post shared by @pili_marquez on Nov 10, 2017 at 7:42pm PST

Three rooms to escape from

- - Edge of Escape Rooms in Zion
  - 60 to Escape in Gurnee Mills
  - No Escape in Buffalo Grove

The fourth thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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Just hanging out with Thor’s hammer #Mjolnir @mycollectorsoutpost in the gurnee mills!!! Make sure to check them out for all your fandom holiday needs and say hi to @fusedumbrella13!!!

A post shared by Amanda DiFonzo (@amanda_gracehair) on Dec 17, 2018 at 10:32am PST

Four malls for shopping

- - Gurnee Mills
  - Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills
  - Deer Park Town Center
  - Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlet Mall

The fifth thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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If these keys could talk. What is the story of the craftsman (and sons) who crafted this instrument? How did it come to live in the United States? Was it ordered and shipped here or was it part of an immigrants belongings? In what year was it made and who bought it. Have there been multiple owners? Has it been played for the famous or infamous. Was it a cherished part of the family or neglected? It is currently housed in the Waukegan Historical Museum at Bowen Park. Kind of makes you wonder. #piano #vintageinstruments #vintageinstagramers #antique #antiquelover #pianomaker #historychannel #historymuseum #naturallight #sunlightthroughthewindow #dramaticlighting #canontravel #traveltheworld #travelphotography #ig_captures #ighistory #igpiano #craftsmanship #musicalinstrument

A post shared by Jeff Bicket (@jeffreybicket) on Apr 15, 2016 at 6:00am PDT

Five 130-year old buildings (and older)

- - Caspar Ott Cabin (1837)
  - Mother Rudd House in Gurnee (1841)
  - Haines House is currently known as the Waukegan History Museum (1843)
  - Village Tavern in Long Grove (1849)
  - Fort Sheridan in (1877)

The sixth thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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Sweet Grab I got off my go pro @gopro @zmanfishingproducts Check out the full episodes and more on my YouTube Page Give a like and subscribe ?? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT2Ao-4ttzWnlsjHFCk8wBw #desplainesriver #smallmouthbass #kayakfishing #nedrig #hangtime

A post shared by Jays Fishing & Outdoors (@jaysfishingoutdooradventures) on Nov 30, 2018 at 5:29pm PST

Six Lake County Forest Preserve Canoe Launches

- - Captain Daniel Wright Woods Canoe Launch in Vernon Hills
  - Grand Woods Canoe Launch on Long Lake in Ingleside
  - Independence Grove Canoe Launch in Libertyville
  - Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch in Libertyville
  - Sedge Meadow Canoe Launch in Wadsworth
  - Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch in Wadsworth

The seventh thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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@amandapearlshires my friend, and frequent touring & duet partner, has a new album out today! I've been really enjoying it, pick up a copy now!

A post shared by John Prine (@john_prine) on Aug 3, 2018 at 1:16pm PDT

Seven Grammy Award winners and nominees performing at Genesee Theatre and Ravinia Festival in 2019

- - Styx at the Genesee Theatre on Feb. 9. They nominated in 1980 for Best Rock Vocal by a Duo or Group
  - Everclear at the Genesee Theatre on Feb. 16. They were nominated for best Rock Instrumental in 1998.
  - Fastball at the Genesee Theatre on Feb. 16. They were nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Long Form Music Video in 1998.
  - John Prine at Ravinia Festival on Jun. 8. He won for Best Contemporary Folk album in 1992 and 2006 and also brought home the Hall of Fame award in 2015. Prine has been nominated six times and won three pieces of hardware.
  - Weird Al at Ravinia Festival on Jul. 28. Yankovic has been nominated 15 times for a Grammy including one for 2019's award show. Weird Al took home winners in 1985 (Best Comedy Recording), 1989 (Best Concept Music Video) and recorded two Best Comedy Album wins in 2004 and 2015.
  - UB40 at the Genesee Theatre Sept. 20. The British band was nominated for Best Reggae Album in 1988, 1989 (for two separate albums) and 2007.
  - Diana Krall at the Genesee Theatre TBD (show cancelled due to illness). Krall has been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards winning five. She won for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Engineered Album in 2000, Best Engineered Album in 2001, Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2003 and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists in 201o.

The eighth thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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Some numbers in Holiday Inn will melt your heart. Some will make you smile and tap your shoes on the ground. Others, like this one (“Shakin’ the Blues Away”) will absolutely BLOW YOU AWAY with some of the most creative, acrobatic and astounding choreography (not to mention lead vocals by the unbelievable Marya Grandy). We’re not giving away the best part of the number here… You’ll just have to see it for yourself! #ShakinTheBluesAway #HolidayInn #NowPlaying #Chicago #ChicagoTheatre #IrvingBerlin

A post shared by Marriott Theatre (@marriotttheatre) on Dec 5, 2018 at 2:05pm PST

Eight stages for show tunes

- - Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
  - Citadel Theatre Company in Lake Forest
  - Genesee Theatre in Waukegan
  - PM&L Theatre in Antioch
  - James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake
  - Jack Benny Center for the Arts in Waukegan
  - Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach
  - John and Nancy Hughes Theater in Lake Forest

The ninth thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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A post shared by Roaring Table Brewery Taproom (@roaringtable) on Dec 12, 2018 at 4:14pm PST

Nine holiday brews to sip on the Lake County Libation Trail

Reformator Doppelbock from Tighthead Brewery Co. in Mundelein
Lighted Windows on the Snow from Roaring Table Brewery in Lake Zurich
Baldwin Porter from Ravinia Brewing Company in Highland Park
Santa's Magic from Mickey Finn's Brewery in Libertyville
Cyniculture from Light the Lamb Brewery in Grayslake
Barrel Aged Warrior Paint Imperial Coffee Stout from Half Day Brewing Co. in Lincolnshire
Mexican Hot Chocolate Imperial Stout from Flesk Brewing Company in Barrington
Too Tall IPA from Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove
Cranberry Wheat Lager from Bosacki's Home Brew in Mundelein

The 10th thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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Who is ready to Snow Tube with us!? Tubing opens 12/26 at 9am! ❄️❄️❄️

A post shared by Wilmot Mountain (@wilmotmtn) on Dec 25, 2017 at 9:15am PST

10 hills for tubing

- - Wilmot Mountain
  - Century Park Sled Hill in Vernon Hills
  - Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville
  - Wadsworth Sled Hill near Village Hall
  - Hart's Hall in Round Lake
  - Paulus Park in Lake Zurich
  - Blair Park in Lake Bluff
  - Lake Villa Sled hill at Caboose Hill
  - Keith Mione Community Park & Sports Complex in Mundelein
  - Warren Township Sled Hill in Gurnee

The 11th thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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Relaxing at diamond lake beach while at work. Nice ?

A post shared by Lluvia Chavarria (@chavarria_lluvia) on Jun 27, 2018 at 11:40am PDT

11 beaches to chill on

- - Turtle Beach Marina in Antioch
  - Illinois State Beach in Zion
  - Beach Club at Lindy's Landing in Wauconda
  - Independence Grove Swim Area in Libertyville
  - Spring Lake Beach in Lincolnshire
  - Paulus Park & Sprayground in Lake Zurich
  - Lake Minear Beach in Libertyville
  - Diamond Lake Beach in Mundelein
  - Fish Lake Beach in Volo
  - Waukegan Municipal Beach
  - Rosewood Beach in Highland Park

The 12th thing at Christmas, Lake County gave to me...

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???

A post shared by Phography By Maddy Mayer (@photography.maddym) on Dec 8, 2018 at 7:36pm PST

More than 12 lakes to play in (actually it's over 70 lakes)

- - Lake Michigan
  - Chain O'Lakes
  - Bangs Lake
  - Diamond Lake
  - Antioch Lake
  - Gages Lake
  - Fox Lake
  - Lake Zurich
  - Potomac Lake
  - Petite Lake
  - Round Lake
  - Spring Lake