Upcoming Events

MAY
24

May-24-2012 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Gardening Calendar Program

MAY
26

May-26-2012 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Fun Runs and Talk n' Walks

MAY
27

May-27-2012 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Fruits and Veggies to the Rescue Class

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Current Issue

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  • 20 Unique Gifts for Mom
  • Making an Upsized House a Home
  • Healing Gardens' Power to De-Stress
  • Harvard Milk Days
  • Cycling in McHenry County
  • Setting Sail for Port Edward
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McHenry County Blog

cal-skinner Link to Cal Skinner's Blog, a journal of news and opinion designed to bring to light matters of public interest and to encourage public participation in the governmental process.

Erica's Blog

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

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People

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Horizons for the Blind: Broadening Their Horizons

Horizons for the Blind: Broadening Their Horizons

Celebrating 35 years, Horizons for the Blind – with the leadership of Camille Caffarelli – fosters high-quality, independent and enriched lives for blind and visually impaired people nationwide from its Crystal Lake headquarters.   

BCU: Putting People First

BCU: Putting People First

From its members to employees to the community, BCU is all about making decisions that are in everyone’s best interest. CEO and President Mike Valentine discusses the credit union’s focus on member services and upbeat outlook for 2012.

Get Moving in 2012

The motivation to get out and get moving is a matter of education, the right gear and for some, group support, all of which are available at The Running Depot.

Small Business, Big Hearts

McHenry County nonprofits count on the ongoing generous support of small, family-run businesses to help them help others.  

Hitting the Ground Running

A Crystal Lake woman’s life-changing physical challenge literally set her in motion. Today, Lauren Kaminsky is hitting the pavement – and the Internet – to raise awareness for ulcerative colitis.

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Places

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71st Annual Harvard Milk Days

71st Annual Harvard Milk Days

Spend some time discovering Harvard this spring during the town’s much-anticipated Milk Days celebration.

Port Edward: Memorable Dining at Sea Level

Port Edward: Memorable Dining at Sea Level

Ed Wolowiec’s quest for constant evolution led him to a small lounge on the Fox River. Forty-eight years later, Port Edward has grown into a massive, nautical-themed seafood restaurant enjoyed by generations of landlubbers.

Cycling in McHenry County: Perfect Places to Pedal

Inviting trails and rural roads for cyclists of every skill level wind around McHenry County. Get rolling today! 

Wedding Guide: A Special Venue for the Big Day

A couples’ dream wedding begins with the perfect venue and McHenry County is brimming with gorgeous settings to celebrate this most special day.

Nick’s: A Focus on Food, A Passion for People

Through thick and thin, Nick’s Pizza & Pub remains committed to serving great food in a family-friendly atmosphere while educating employees and supporting local charities.

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Lifestyle

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Pirro's: Sharing Scrumptious Family Secrets

Pirro's: Sharing Scrumptious Family Secrets

From Woodstock via Sicily and now in your home kitchen, Pirro’s trio of pasta sauces are perfect complements to family gatherings across McHenry County.

Sustainability in McHenry County

Sustainability in McHenry County

Healthy, affordable and good for the environment, locally sourced food is a key component of a sustainable lifestyle and McHenry County is a leader in the movement.

Quiz: Spring Forward to a Healthy Pet

Spring is a great time to brush up on pet health and wellness knowledge as our pets, like us, begin migrating outdoors more.

Gardens: The Power to Heal

From a health care setting to right in your own backyard, a garden with beautiful flowers and plants, and calming water features, is invaluable in the effort to heal and de-stress all year.

Nutrition: Bring on the Citrus!

This time of year, there’s nothing like a little citrus fruit to brighten your mood and wow your taste buds. What’s more, the health benefits are bountiful!

Buying Local Matters

12 Ways to a Healthy Holiday

Happy Howl-idays and a Purr-fect New Year

Sage YMCA: Fitness and Fun for the Whole Family

Wickham Interiors: It's What's Inside that Counts

Glasder: Knock on Wood

Autumn Drive: Country Roads, Fall Colors Fun for All

Nutrition: Squash is Boss

Exclusive! Housewalk Preview: ‘Something Old, Something New’

Treating the ‘Whole Person’

McHenry County Living’s Outdoor Living Guide

Slow Food Recipes

Nutrition: Slow Down This Summer

Northern Illinois Quilt Fest: Summer of Quilts

Sherman Hospital: World-Class Cancer Center

Grow It Yourself!

Aleyra MediSpa: Treating the Mind, Body & Soul

Nutrition: Anti-Aging Never Tasted So Good!

‘Old’ & New: A Kitchen Redesign in Crystal Lake

Korte Architecture: Green by Design

Alternative Medicine: A Quest for Balance

Mindful Holiday Eating

Holiday Fun Close to Home

50s Fun in Harvard

The Woodshop: Knocking on Wood

Lost Valley Visitor Center: A Green Beacon

It's Time to Design!

Cedar & Sage: Autumn Inspirations

Crystal Lake Housewalk: 'There's No Place Like Home'

Nutrition: Snick Snacks & Snack Attacks

Healthy U Vending: Healthy and Convenient

Nutrition: Flavors of the Summer

Micro/Mini Cars: Small Packages, Big Fun

Finding Your Inner Chef

Best Bets for Pets

Pet Care During the Holidays

Nutrition: Sweet Surrender

Editor's Choice: Health and Fitness Ideas for 2010

Heart of the Matter

Nutrition: Go For the Goal

A Healthy Pursuit

Zumbalicious!

Staying Fit and Motivated

Be Well in 2009

Holiday Eating

McHenry County Living's Guide to Pampering

Discover the Benefits of Yoga

What is Pilates?

Excuses Are Like Belly Buttons; Every Has One

"What Color Is Your Brain?"

Managing Holiday Stress

A Crystal Lake Home Where Old Meets New

Interior Design Ideas

Oh, You Beautiful Doll

A Scenic Stroll’ Through Local Homes

A Glass Act

Rising Above the Clutter

For Everything There is a Season

Expanding Spaces

Recreate, Rejuvenate, and Renovate

Remodeling in Rhyme

A Room for All Seasons

Historic Factory Transformed at Emerson Lofts

These Walls Can Talk

Creating Your Dream House

Rooms For Improvement

An Open, Airy Retreat on the Prarie

Time to Break Ground

A Two-Wheel Adventure

You Say Tomato

Gardens of the County Contest Winners

Summer's Last Barbeques

Rotary Clubs: Service with a Smile

The Perfect Party

Backyard Bashes

Market Value

Graduation Party Planning 2009

Country Donuts

Holiday Happenings

The Holiday Kitchen

Picnics: A Great Way to Spend a Summer Day

Fit for a King

Holiday Traditions

Celebrate with the Class of 2008

The Wine Tasting Experience

Decor to Fall For

A Kidder Family Christmas

How does your garden grow

Livin' Off the Subdivided Land

Think Globally, Eat Locally

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History

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Days Gone By: 60th Anniversary of Hebron’s 1952 State Champs

Days Gone By: 60th Anniversary of Hebron’s 1952 State Champs

Hope, not to mention good old-fashioned dedication and determination, led the Hebron High School boys’ basketball team to win the state championship in 1952.

Metro Bowl: Fabulous '50s Fun

Metro Bowl: Fabulous '50s Fun

The meticulously maintained Metro Bowl boasts the sights, sounds and technology of 1950’s bowling with a lively atmosphere perfect for a 21st century family outing.

The Bettendorf Castle

Captivated by the castles of his childhood in Luxembourg, Ted Bettendorf built his castle home in Fox River Grove from the ground up, one piece at a time till the day he died.

The Woodstock Opera House

She celebrated her 121st birthday this year with the gusto of a young lady. The Woodstock Opera House, with alumni including Orson Welles and Paul Newman, has survived fire, vacancy and threat of demolition to rise as a modern gathering place for performing artists and theatergoers.

Quilting’s Special Place in McHenry County’s Past

Women brought the quilting tradition to McHenry County when settling here with their families in the 1830s, building a rich culture of quilting through the centuries. Trends have come and gone, but quilting remains a popular hobby in the region. 

McHenry Turns 175, City Celebrates

Restoring the Walkup House

Horace Capron: Local War Hero, Global Agri-Guru

The Hauntings of McHenry County

Maplewood School: A Bittersweet Goodbye

The Home Front of World War II

A Tradition of Baseball Celebrates 50 Years

A Day at the Beach

Model A's & Sock Hops

The Northern Illinois Fire Museum

Railroading Through McHenry County

On the Rocks

‘An Absolute Pearl’

Abraham Lincoln

Christmas in McHenry

Christmas in Marengo

McHenry County's Boys (and Girls) of Summer

Arsenal for Democracy

Baby Ruths, Butterfingers and World-class Stud Bulls

Life at a One-Room Schoolhouse

McHenry County Cemeteries

When Mink Was King

Kings of the Hill

Dole Manison - An Old Friend

Petersen Farm Celebrates Its History

Barns of McHenry County

Trail of History

Spring is in Full Swing!

From gardening to sustainable living to good eats in McHenry County, the Spring issue is full of delicious inspiration! 

Latest News & Tweets

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Lakeside Legacy Arts Park

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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.

MC Historical Society

MCHS

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

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Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination.

Woodstock Opera House

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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.