Happy April, Lake County! In the words of the late, great Robin Williams, “Spring is nature’s way of saying “Let’s Party!” The party is here in Lake County, IL.
The land of lakes' most delectable event of the year returns for its eighth installment: Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days to Savor. Continue here to learn more.
It’s also the Final Four, folks. If your brackets are still breathing with this debacle of a tournament, then we commend you. Click hereto see where you can watch March Madness in Lake County.
Take advantage of everything Lake County has to offer with these top 10 things to do in April.
Spring festivals in Lake County “Hath put a spirit of youth in everything” (Billy Shakes – or William Shakespeare as we like to call him). The bloom season parties feature the most delectable eats, eclectic live music, radiant works of art and of course, libations. Continue scrolling to see the springtime fests:
Festival of Arts and Crafts at the Lake County Fairgrounds (Mar. 31-Apr. 2)INFO»
“Captains, start your engine.” The Waukegan Harbor and Marina opens for the season on April 1. This boater’s haven offers an expansive season for nautical know-hows to choose Lake Michigan as your next boating destination. The harbor features the finest in boating with a marina with nearly 700 slips, perfect for the freedom to meander Lake Michigan. The land of lakes is called Lake County for a reason. The City of Progress harbor and marina remains open through late fall. Visit WaukeganHarbor.com to reserve a guest slip.
Sleuth for some eggs, meet the bunny (and snap a selfie), make reservations for a brunch and more. Continue here to view Lake County eateries that are hosting Easter brunch. Here are the land of lakes Easter "hoppenings."
Bunny Photo Experience at Gurnee Mills (through Apr. 8) INFO»
Photos with the Bunny at Hawthorn Mall (through Apr. 8) INFO»
Visits & Photos with the Bunny at Deer Park Town Center (Apr. 1) INFO»
Egg-Citing Egg Hunt and Bunny Breakfast in Fox Lake (Apr.1) INFO»
“There’s no business like show business like no business I know.” Witness the Broadway talent of equity and non-equity shows the land of lakes has to offer. Here are some of the centerstage shows in Lake County in March. So remember, “it’s bad luck to say ‘good luck’ on opening night. What you say is ‘break a leg.'”
"Your a Good Man Charlie Brown" at the Marriott Theatre (Apr. 1) INFO»
"I Will Always Love You." Katie Deal Sings Dolly Parton at Marriott Theatre (Apr. 1-2) INFO»
"The Last Supper Chronicles" at the Improv Playhouse (Apr. 1-8)INFO»
"Boeing Boeing" at the Genesee Theatre (Apr. 7-8)INFO»
Play On! A Clc Theatre Student Showcase at the James Lumber Center (Apr. 7-16)INFO»
"Damn Yankees at the Marriott Theatre (Apr. 12-Jun. 4) INFO»
Drew Lynch: Short King Tour at the Genesee Theatre (Apr. 13)INFO»
The Best of the Second City at the Genesee Theatre (Apr. 14)INFO»
"Airness" at Citadel Theatre (Apr. 19-May 21) INFO»
World Ballet Series: "Cinderella" at the Genesee Theatre (Apr. 21)INFO»
Fear No Art Festival at the James Lumber Center (Apr. 21-22)INFO»
In our area, Lake County has 46 scenic courses with pristine wall-to-wall fairways. With the beauty, complexity and elaborate terrain, Golf Courses in Lake County have hosted some of the most extraordinary talents in the PGA and LPGA. Get out there and hit the links as spring is finally here! Let's take a look at some of our links partners.
Old Lake County had a farm E-I-E-I-O. The six-decade-old Libertyville/Green Oaks farmyard is highlighted by a petting area with sheep, goats and a plethora of other livestock creatures to meet and greet, various attractions like miniature golf, an old-world carousel and more. Visit the homestead’s Dogwood Pet Shop, Magnolia Café & Bakery and the Sugar Maple Country Store for delectable treats, unique treasures, adorable puppies and kittens. The Libertyville grounds’ businesses benefit programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The farmyard is open through October. Visit on April 29, for its annual Model Train Day.
Restaurant Week is a chance to highlight the extraordinary range of culinary options found in Lake County, as we feature everything from drinks & desserts, to fine dining specialties, to carryout and pizza. Our county is rich with diverse options for every budget and lifestyle. Our theme this year revolves around supporting local restaurants. Show your support by eating local and savoring Lake County's exceptional dining scene. The focus is encouraging residents to actively support the cuisine makers in their hometowns and across the land of lakes. We are offering a mobile Check-In contest, where diners can upload a list of participating restaurant and then “Check-In” on their phones when onsite. Guests who check in at three or more locations between April 14-23 will be eligible to win a variety of prizes, including an overnight stay at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort with a Dinner/Theatre package at the accommodation's Marriott Theatre, Wright's Brew & Bistro and Three Embers Restaurant, a cooking class at The Joyful Gourmet in downtown Libertyville, and gift cards from participating restaurants.
Six Flags Great America announced that they will reopen on April 22, The Gurnee amusement park features 17 roller coasters, amazing live shows, fireworks, delicious dining options, 11-themed areas with other fantastic rides and tons more excitement. lt has almost been a half-decade ago Goliath, this coaster came into the hearts of everyone. the Guinness Book of World Records officially named Goliath as the world’s steepest, fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster. Since then, it still stands as the steepest wooden coaster. Glide down the globe’s longest wooden coaster drop, Goliath, blast through the park with Maxx Force’s record-breaking launch, sprinting from 0-78 mph in under two seconds, take a spin on the world’s largest looping ride, Mardi Gras Hangover or ride the classic American Eagle. SFGAm also features live shows, delectable eats, a ton of games and kiddie activities. The park stays open on select days through September 4.
Lake County’s Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Chain O'Lakes State Park in Antioch and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in Volo are now open for s’more summer fun. Gaze at beachfront views, relax on a boat or fish in the land of lakes. Experience endless opportunities for sandcastles, biking, hiking, picnicking and swimming and at Illinois Beach State Park, which rests on the shores of Lake Michigan. Venture through five miles of trails for bikers and hikers and visit the North Point Marina for all of your boating endeavors. Rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats at the Volo camping resort. Not an outdoor adventurer? Fish Lake Beach is an ideal location for lodging when visiting Six Flags Great America for a day or two of thrills. Free wifi is available to campers at this Volo site. Call ahead to make a reservation at both Illinois Beach State Park and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort for a weekend of outside adventure.
For more things to do this April, continue here. Stay tuned for more news about Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days to Savor.
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