Top 10 Things To Do in February 2018
By: Jonathan Jones 01/26/2018
There are plenty of things to do in February.
February also brings Black History Month, the Academy Awards, the Emmys, Valentine’s Day, Fat Tuesday, Groundhog Day and of course – everyone’s favorite two days: National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day (Feb 11) and National Plum Pudding Day (Feb 12). Finally last, but not least, National Drink Wine Day (the convention and visitor bureau's favorite holiday on February 18)
Speaking of wine, take a walk on the Lake County Libation Trail and taste all of the wonderful grapey tastes our makers offer. Check out the vino from Glunz Family Winery and Cellars in Lake Zurich, Lynfred Winery in Wheeling, Valentino Vineyards in Long Grove and Vigneto del Bino. Continue here to learn more.
And speaking of wine, don't forget to mark your calendars from March 2-11 as Visit Lake County throws their third annual Lake County Restaurant Week: 10 Days to Savor. This delectable event enables foodies to find new favorites, sample local cuisine and share their experiences on social media. Click here for the sake of your taste buds.
So without further adieu, here are your top 10 things to do in February 2018!
The Midwest is sometimes not looked upon as the most naturally beautiful region. However, there is a subtle beauty to the Midwest landscape, and the photography from John Wylie captures it. Visit Ryerson Woods to see Lake County in all of its natural splendor like the prairies, wetlands, lakes and fields. This exhibit runs through February 21.
February 1-21. Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods.
The Waukegan theatre is providing visitors with great nostalgia as they feature some of our favorite musicians. There are also legendary comedians and a dinosaur zoo grace the theatre’s stage this month. Here’s what’s going on in February at Genesee Theatre.
"The New York Times" called "Sex With Strangers" a twist, timely two-character drama about lust, love and the complex nature of identity in our digital dominated era. The production was written by Laura Eason and directed by Scott Westerman. The show, which is among the top 10 most produced plays in the U.S, might be the offspring of "50 Shades of Grey" and "Social Network," but with a better sense of humor. "Sex With Strangers" runs on weekends through March 4.
February 3-March 4; Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest.
From exploring a Lake County winter wonderland, to playdates with cold-blooded creatures, to escaping reality in beautiful snowy murals, to hunting underwater dwellers and so many other events, Lake County is the place to indulge in frosty festivities. Here are your top winter festivals in February.
Roses are red; violets are blue. Orchids range from gray, purple, pink and red, and the Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting a show of it, too. The Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show a one-of-a-kind in the Chicago area features the striking Phalaenopsis ‘V3’ orchid this year. More than 12,000 brilliantly beautiful and unusual orchids from around the world will extend throughout the Regenstein Center, including lush presentations within the greenhouses. There are several unique events during the show including a preview, live music and more. The Orchid Show runs through March 24.
February 10-March 25; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $8-$12. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
Time to find all the corny movie quotes so you can have them in your arsenal, i.e., "You complete me.", "You had me at hello.", "You’re so beautiful it hurts," and so on and so forth (just in case you want a good ol' fashioned eye roll). Lake County has dozens of dinner deals, hotel packages and other unique events going on to show that special someone you care about everyone's favorite Hallmark holiday. Here are some of the Lake County eateries celebrating "lover's day." (Stay tuned for our Valentine's Day Guide)
Throughout Lake County, February 9-17.
Wilmot Mountain is celebrating a milestone year as the Wisconsin slope turns the ripe old age of 80. This daylong event features a presentation in the plaza followed by cutting the cake at 11 a.m. A DJ will be playing music from the 1930s to present day tunes to celebrate iconic winter fun since 1938 when Walter Stop opened the gates. The event also features the Junior Open, the Terrain Park Slopestyle Competition, ice sculpting, live music, fireworks and of course skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Happy Birthday Wilmot, you don't look a day over 50.
Saturday, February 10; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wilmot Mountain, 11931 Fox River Rd., Wilmot.
Antioch's Chain O' Lakes Fishing Derby is one of the oldest continuous winter festivals in Illinois. The derby and festival are headquartered on Channel Lake. Visitors can enter for hourly prizes for smallest and biggest fish in 10 different categories. The most common fishes caught in the derby are catfish, long northern pike or chubby bass. There is also an ice shanty contest as well as an auction for children and adults.
Saturday-Sunday, February 10-11; Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Thirsty Turtle Beach, 42273 N. Woodbine Ave., Antioch.
In this second installment of the event at Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake, it's the most significant vendor and attendee golf expo around. "The Midwest’s Friendliest Golf Expo," will have a slew of vendors and displays to prepare for the 2018 golf season. Lake County is host to KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Kemper Lakes and Rust-Oleum Championship at Ivanhoe.
Friday-Sunday, February 16-18; Fri. noon-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.
A set of new threads for "Master Kid Theatre" is a must for "The Emperor’s New Clothes." Attendees will tap into the minds of the ingenious creators of the musical "Seussical" (who wrote this play). The story follows Marcus the Third, a nervous 14-year-old boy who is apprehensive about taking over the throne. He decides that the only way he will gain the confidence to rule is by dressing lavishly. He entrusts a swindler who promises to make magic clothes. The message your kids will learn is the important lesson about outward appearance. This show runs through May 13.
Beginning February 23. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
Continue here to see other splendid things to do in February!
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