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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.

Call of the Wild

Call of the Wild

Costa Rican-born, Cary-based artist Gerardo Valerio-Trigueros has spent his life raising consciousness about saving wild life through his art.

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

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
 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.

McHenry County's Boys (and Girls) of Summer

McHenry County's Boys (and Girls) of Summer

Did you know that local farm boys from McHenry County once squared off against the Chicago Cubs and White Sox? That a hurler from Marengo pitched for the last Cubs team to win a World Series?

Harvard: More than "Moo-rific" Fun!

Harvard: More than "Moo-rific" Fun!

Harvard: More than "Moo-rific" Fun! Harvard was formed as an agricultural hub with a focus on dairy. It has since grown to include families with generations of history in the area as well as new neighbors seeking a friendly, small-town atmosphere.

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Carla's Blog

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

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

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People

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A Tale of Friendship

A Tale of Friendship

Brothers Jim, John and Steve Iverson reveal their grandfather’s unique relationship...

A Local 'ICON'

A Local 'ICON'

ICON Development Group’s core focus on customer service has led it to many business...

Bruce Armstrong: A 'Glass' Act

For 40 years, Bruce Armstrong has created stained glass masterpieces of all sizes...

Theresa Schwegel: Local Crime Writer on a Roll

Award-winning author Theresa Schwegel doesn’t play by the rules. Convenient, considering...

Carol Louise and Family Alliance

Family Alliance in Woodstock, headed by founder Carol Louise, helps care for seniors...

David Sarkis: Solo Flow

A Fresh Endeavor

Buonissimo!

Pamela Cumpata: 'One Voice'

A Tale of Friendship

Head of the Class

Milestone for Paul Hyland

The Floor Store's First Year

New Name, Same Great Care

Knuth’s Celebrates 80 Years

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Places

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Lucy's Cafe: Where Unique Voices Flourish

Lucy's Cafe: Where Unique Voices Flourish

Lucy’s Café is an intimate performance space within the Raue Center for the Arts...

McHenry County Living’s Wedding Planner

McHenry County Living’s  Wedding Planner

When it comes to your wedding — one of the most important days of your life —...

An ER for Today and Tomorrow

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital recently debuted a renovated state-of-the-art Emergency...

Arts in the County 2010

Prepare to be wowed by McHenry County’s 2010 arts scene with our guide to local...

Ice Fishing: A Cool Pastime

Local ice fishers say the sport is “all about getting out and doing something in...

Groundhog Days: Grounded in Tradition

Jaci Krandel: Smart Cookie

Steffan's: A Jeweler With Heart

Snowmobiling: A Social Sport

Chez Pierre’s Crêperie: French Connection

Red Wreaths: Symbols of Safety

Spring Break Travel Tips

Dress the Part for the Holidays

Gifts For All: Holiday 2009 Gift Guide

A Drive in the Country

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Lifestyle

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Interior Design Ideas

Interior Design Ideas

With winter still in full swing, this is a great time to freshen up your interior...

Heart of the Matter

Heart of the Matter

February is American Heart Month — a great reminder to add to your diet super foods...

Editor's Choice: Health and Fitness Ideas for 2010

Turn your New Year’s health resolutions into a lifetime of wellness with help from...

Holiday Happenings

From where to get a warm meal after last-minute shopping to truly special New Years...

Pet Care During the Holidays

Now is a good time to consider the best way to ensure good care for your furry friends...

Nutrition: Go For the Goal

Oh, You Beautiful Doll

Rooms For Improvement

Gardens of the County Contest Winners

A Healthy Pursuit

The Perfect Party

‘A Scenic Stroll’ Through Local Homes

Market Value

A Two-Wheel Adventure

Best Bets for Pets

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History

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When Mink Was King

When Mink Was King

Cary was once home to mink empire Northwood Fur Farm, a ‘magical place’ headed...

The Northern Illinois Fire Museum

The Northern Illinois Fire Museum

The Northern Illinois Fire Museum preserves our local firefighting heritage, and...

‘An Absolute Pearl’

Spring Grove long remained the largest fish hatchery in the United States due to...

Model A's & Sock Hops

McHenry County residents remember what life was like as teenagers in the '30s, '40s...

A Day at the Beach

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

Railroading Through McHenry County

Abraham Lincoln

On the Rocks

Christmas in McHenry

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

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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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'A Stand-Out' on the Ice

'A Stand-Out' on the Ice

For 11-year-old Skyla Swain, it’s all about spinning, jumping and gliding her way...

Music to Our Ears

Music to Our Ears

Marching and pep bands of McHenry County help kids reach musical excellence individually...

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

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

11 Summer Camps for Kids

16 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids

10 of the Season's Best books

Tom's Fall Festival

Amazing Adventure

McHenry County Trail of History
 

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    Woodstock Farmers Market is on Facebook -- become a fan!www.facebook.com/pages/Woodstock-IL/Woodstock-Farmers-Market/341258136552

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    Don't miss it the 28th ANNUAL COMMUNITY SHOWCASE Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 pm at Cary Grove High School: www.carygrovechamber.com.

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    This Weeekend: 1776 opening, First Friday art event, home show, folk fest concert, Riverfest! and more!... http://bit.ly/bH6Ete

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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.