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Horses  of a Different Color Gallops into Woodstock  for a Good Cause

Horses of a Different Color Gallops into Woodstock for a Good Cause

You won’t believe your eyes — just wait until you see "Horses of a Different" Color proudly displayed all around Woodstock this summer.

Garden Contest

Garden Contest

Gardens in the County Arrives at McHenry County Living! Gardening in and around the home has become a highlight in home ownership. The current economic climate has created an increased interest in learning to grow our food and beautify our homes with our own hands.

Country Donuts

Country Donuts

One of the County's Tastiest Treasures! From southern China to Italy, the American South to Kazakhstan, you can find fried dough on plates around the world. It’s even believed that ancient Egyptians ate fried dough. Crystal Lake is no exception.

Brunch Cafe: Brunch is Served

Brunch Cafe: Brunch is Served

With unique menu items such as white chocolate, raspberry waffles and banana bread French toast, owners of the Brunch Cafe have fun putting new life into a traditionally Sunday-only mealtime event. This is no greasy spoon.

Centegra Health System Announces Plans for the Centegra Sage Women's Pavilion

Centegra Health System Announces Plans for the Centegra Sage Women's Pavilion

The Centegra Sage Women’s Pavilion will provide the women of McHenry County with comprehensive, specialized, coordinated healthcare in one location.

The Tale Spinners

The Tale Spinners

Who can resist the artistry of an intriguing story expertly told? It’s hard to think of a world without computers and cell phones. How did we function before e-mail and text messaging? It’s easy to forget the primary means by which humans were designed to communicate—face-to-face

Creating a Basement Escape

Creating a Basement Escape

Creating a multifunctional, family-friendly getaway in unused basement space. Scott and Patrice Stricker and their two sons have enjoyed their Lakewood home for the past five years. About a year and a half ago, they started thinking about finishing their cellar-style basement

Picnics: A Great Way to Spend a Summer Day

Picnics: A Great Way to Spend a Summer Day

Whether it is a romantic lunch for two, a family reunion, child’s birthday party or company event, a picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and summer’s fresh produce.

Crystal Lake: Embracing History and Moving Forward

Crystal Lake: Embracing History and Moving Forward

With a wide-array of things to do, from outdoor recreation to downtown shopping and dining, Crystal Lake has the largest population of McHenry County and some of the most active residents.

Benoy Motor Sales Celebrates 60 Years of Business

Benoy Motor Sales Celebrates 60 Years of Business

Benoy Motor Sales Celebrates 60 Years of Business. Ray Benoy opened his auto dealership in 1948. 60 years later, he and his two sons, Tim and Dale, still run the family-owned Benoy Motor Sales in Woodstock.

A Room for All Seasons

A Room for All Seasons

A Cary family has their dreams come to life in a sunroom courtesy of Lifetime Remodeling Partners Michael and Stephanie Roberts knew they wanted a sunroom before they even built their home in Cary. “We wanted a living space that had windows and an airy feel,” said Stephanie.

McHenry County Emergency Services

McHenry County Emergency Services

A Dynamic Community Service. You dial 911...and...help is on the way. Regardless of where you live in McHenry County, you have expectations of community support.

MCL's Dining Out Guide for McHenry County

MCL's Dining Out Guide for McHenry County

MCL invites you to join us at some of the best restaurants in McHenry County. We’ll bring you beyond the chain restaurants and into the hidden hotspots in McHenry County. MCL serves you profiles of mouth-watering dishes, the best restaurant atmospheres, and the most pocket-book friendly meals.

Crystal Lake Gala Parade
Fiber & Folk Art Fair
 Huntley Parade
Woodstock Farmer's Market
Heritage Fair
Memorial Day Parade
MCL's Guide to Entertainment in McHenry County

MCL's Guide to Entertainment in McHenry County

Experience live music, watch a theatre production, attend a local festival, explore the antique shops nearby. There are wonderful entertainment options right here in McHenry County. We’ve rounded up countless ways to have fun.

MCL's Guide to Unique Shopping

MCL's Guide to Unique Shopping

A handful of specialty shops are scattered around McHenry County waiting to be found by you! Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for a friend or just for a present to yourself, the unique shops of McHenry County will provide you with just what you’re looking for.

 Harvard Milk Days Parade
Johnny Appleseed Festival
MCL's Health & Fitness Guide for McHenry County

MCL's Health & Fitness Guide for McHenry County

Keep your mind and body in peak shape with our fitness and health guide. McHenry County has countless resources to keep you in shape, from 24-hour fitness centers to top quality personal trainers. Find the fitness resources that work best with your lifestyle and budget.

MCL's Interior Design & Furnishings Guide

MCL's Interior Design & Furnishings Guide

Home is where the heart is and this is why MCL has put together a home interiors guide to help direct you to the decorators and furnishing stores that will keep your home looking its best.

MCL's Outdoor Living Guide

MCL's Outdoor Living Guide

Keep your home beautiful inside and out. While your home's interior is important, the comfort and beauty of your yard and garden plays a big part in your day-to-day life. We've found some creative and cost efficient ways to keep your yard and garden one of the best looking in the neighborhood.

MCL's Guide to Great Golf in McHenry County

MCL's Guide to Great Golf in McHenry County

McHenry County Living is proud to present to you the best golf courses in McHenry County. So, grab your clubs and a few good friends and get out to see for yourself why McHenry County claims some of the best golf in Illinois.

McHenry County Trail of History
Petersen Farm Celebrates Its History

Petersen Farm Celebrates Its History

McHenry County Farm spans three centuries. Page Colby left Vermont to head west in 1842. He had $130 to buy land, a powerful will to work and was inspired to farm by the rich and tillable soil he found along the way.

Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team - A Wonderful Show

Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team - A Wonderful Show

The Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team does more than produce mind-blowing performances; they're a 50-year-old team with a focus on family.

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MCL's 2009 Garden Contest

Learn More About the McHenry County Living 2009 Gardens in the County Contest

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Show Ponies

Show Ponies

For 45 years, the annual Spring Grove Horse Show has been an integral part of McHenry...

Horses of a Different Color Gallops into Woodstock for a Good Cause

Horses  of a Different Color Gallops into Woodstock for a Good Cause

You won’t believe your eyes — just wait until you see “Horses of a Different...

Outdoor Dining Guide

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a gourmet meal al fresco or are craving some pub...

A Little 'TLC' for the Land

Property acquisition and conservation enable The Land Conservancy of McHenry County...

Five O’Clock Steakhouse: The Biggest Cut

Guests go out of their way to dine at Fox River Grove’s Five O’Clock Steakhouse...

Immanuel Lutheran: Built on a Foundation of Faith

McHenry Outdoor Theater: Fun Under the Stars

Guide to Antiquing

Exotic Expansion

O'Leary's Pub

Meet the Fisks

A Waltzing Harmilda

Algonquin

It's all About the Ribs

Frigid Fishing on McCullom Lake

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Lifestyle

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Backyard Bashes

Backyard Bashes

The ground has thawed and you’re ready to entertain outdoors. From pool parties...

You Say Tomato

You Say Tomato

Spring Grove Master Gardener Rich Tobiasz outlines the keys to growing the best tomatoes...

How does your garden grow

Expert advice to planning, planting, decorating and maintaining a beautiful garden...

Graduation Party Planning 2009

Celebrate the class of 2009 with these tips. By Ashley Mastandrea A graduation...

Gardens In The County

Gardens in the County - Arrives at At McHenry County Living   The Gardens in...

Be Well in 2009

Staying Fit and Motivated

A Glass Act

Interior Design

Country Donuts

Zumbalicious!

A Kidder Family Christmas

For Everything There is a Season

Rising Above the Clutter

Finding Your Inner Chef

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History

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A Day at the Beach

A Day at the Beach

The story behind Crystal Lake’s Main Beach and The Gates includes colorful tales...

Railroading Through McHenry County

Railroading Through McHenry County

Railroading through McHenry County. By Jeff Ruetsche Did you know that two railroad...

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln Returns to Illinois 200 Years later. By Robin Pendergrast Thanks...

On the Rocks

This circa 1910 postcard shows one of the huge wooden ice house that lined the shores...

Christmas in McHenry

The true spirit of the holiday season remains largely unchanged. By Jeff Ruetsche...

McHenry County Cemeteries

Arsenal for Democracy

Barns of McHenry County

Life at a One-Room Schoolhouse

Petersen Farm Celebrates Its History

McHenry County's Boys (and Girls) of Summer

Kings of the Hill

Christmas in Marengo

Trail of History

Dole Manison - An Old Friend

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County Scrapbook

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Crystal Lake Gala 2008

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Harvard Milk Days 2008

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Local Arts Fairs 2008

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MCCD Trail of History 2008

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Johnny Appleseed Festival 2008

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MC Kids

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Mary Ann Beebe Center: The Great Outdoors

Mary Ann Beebe Center: The Great Outdoors

The Mary Ann Beebe Center troop camp facility spans 295 acres near Harvard, and includes...

Summer Reading Programs and Clubs

Summer Reading Programs and Clubs

McHenry County libraries’ summer reading programs are packed with fun and prizes...

Summer Camps

McHenry County Conservation District Summer Day Camps. By Ashley Mastandrea The...

Friends of Fox River Grove Municipal Library

Friends of Fox River Grove Municipal Library - 8th Annual Young Authors Project By...

11 Summer Camps for Kids

There are many options for day camp this summer. The McHenry County Conservation...

16 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids

10 of the Season's Best books

Tom's Fall Festival

Amazing Adventure

Judith Svalander - 35 Years on Her Toes
Judith Svalander - 35 Years on Her Toes Judith Svalander and her dancers twirl their way into the holiday season with yet another fine production of "The Nutcracker" at the Woodstock Opera House.
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Carla's Blog

Carla Housh, Publisher of McHenry County Living MagazineLink to Carla's Blog.

Kate's Blog

Kate Wade, of McHenry County Living MagazineLink to Kate's Blog.

Erica's Blog

Erica Burke, of McHenry County Living MagazineLink to Erica's Blog.

Lakeside Legacy Arts Park

Lakeside Legacy Arts Park - Dole Mansion

Here at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park you can step back to a simpler time to explore the craftsmanship and unexpected brilliance of a Civil War era architectural masterpiece - the historic Dole Mansion. The Dole guarantees to stop you in your tracks with its intricate wood carvings, dazzling parquet floors and stunningly beautiful grand staircase.

Today, the Arts Park is in its infancy. Officially opened on July 4, 2005, it is owned and operated by a the non-profit Lakeside Legacy Foundation, formed for the purpose of preservation, protection, and enhancement of the property. The vision: become a world-class arts education center.

County Historical Society

McHenry County Historical Society

McHenry County Historical Society - With a mission of providing the methods and means of presenting McHenry County history to enrich life. The comprehensive collection includes several preserved buildings, an 1847 log cabin, an 1885 town hall, an 1895 one-room schoolhouse, and a 20th century modern tourist cabin. Visit the museum in Union, Illinois to learn more about area history!

MC Conservation District

McHenry County Conservation District

McHenry County Conservation District - Over 22,000 acres of open space graced with woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and savannas. Trails and other recreational amenities have been added within 27 conservation areas where the public can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, camping, cross-country skiing, and picnicking. Discover your District today!

Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center For The Arts

Today, Raue Center enthusiastically brings you the opportunity to witness contemporary, vibrant performing arts on a state-of-the-art stage. Throughout the years, Raue Center has welcomed Tony, Academy and Grammy award winners as well as independent voices to its stage with the unique opportunity to connect with an audience in a truly intimate and exhilarating space.

RFP Photography Inc.

Robin F. Pendergrast Photography, Inc

Robin F. Pendergrast Photography, Inc. transforms the most commonplace subjects into alluring images. Magazines, customers and editors have recognized the quality of his presentations with countless accolades. Robin has been published in Time, Better Homes & Gardens, Flower & Garden, and Garden Gate, to name a few. He has also photographed for thousands of brochures, catalogs, newspapers and videos. For more than 30 years, Robin has had a passion for shooting in a natural-light, photojournalistic style.

Woodstock Opera House

Woodstock Opera House

The Woodstock Opera House was built in 1889 to house the library, council room, justice court, fire department & second floor auditorium for the City of Woodstock. The Patti Rosa Company provided the inaugural performance of "Margery Daw" on Thursday, September 4, 1890. The Opera House became McHenry County’s center for entertainment and hospitality. Touring vaudeville, minstrel and dramatic companies provided diversion after a week’s labor. As part of City Hall local farmers’ wives chatted among themselves in the "parlor" while husbands would conduct their business.

The Woodstock Opera House hosts a variety of programming and events each year including concerts, theatrical plays, dance, visual arts, educational programming, lectures, meetings, receptions, and more. Situated on the historic square in downtown Woodstock, the Opera House is one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the country.