Food + Beverage

Spice Up Fall in a Pinch

A unique downtown Crystal Lake shop brings autumn’s richest aromas and tastes to your kitchen Article by Jamie Kayser | Photography by David Bradburn Tom and Cathy Koch have been Crystal Lake locals for 30 years–almost the entire length of their marriage. They raised their family and put down roots here. Cathy, a stay home mom, ran the household while also caring for elderly and ailing family members.  Tom worked in sales and continues that career today. Their love for Crystal Lake and...

Life + Culture

Growing Community at Hongik Farm

A Huntley eco-farm brings people together through sustainable farming, education, and volunteer-driven community programs Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by David Bradburn and Katie Bobrow The Covid-19 pandemic changed life in ways few could have predicted. Some changes were temporary, fading as life returned to normal, while others left a lasting mark on how we live, work, and connect. One enduring change can be found off Hensel Road in Huntley, IL: Hongik ECO Farm. This...

Shopping

Cold Weather Fashion

Daniel Wimer, Local Men's Clothing Designer, Says Cooler Temps Bring Out Richer Colors, Textures & Fabrics Article by Michael Beightol & Daniel Wimer | Photography by DIBI Menswear Fold those polos. Put away the shorts and linens. Get ready for fall men's fashions with Daniel Wimer, mens wear designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and owner of Lake Barrington's quintessential men's shop, DIBI. Recently we had the chance to talk fall fashion with Wimer who provided a glimpse of what the...

Style + Beauty

Love in the Air

Volle's Bridal & Boutique Teams Up with Brides Across America to Give Wedding Dresses to Heroes. Article by Susanne Dershaw | Photography by Love & Light Photography When it comes to a wedding, some of our most selfless heroes are about to experience something that will make the experience a little bit sweeter. Building on a shared mission to support military and first responders, Volle’s Bridal & Boutique is thrilled to announce a partnership with Brides Across America to launch a nationwide...

Home + Design

Welcome Home

A New Era in Homes Means Style and Comfort Are Intertwined Features That Homeowners Want. Article by Michael Kurowski | Photography by Jason Adrian, Paolo Cascio, Michael Kurowski & Vis Home Photography Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how homes in this area are undergoing a refreshing transformation.  From the leafy lanes of Long Grove to the lake-hugging homes of Hawthorn Woods and Barrington, the trends shaping home design in 2025 reflect not just what’s in style, but what homeowners...

Education

Diane Quon, Headliner

Lake County Native, Award-Winning and Stylish Documentary Filmmaker to Headline GPF Foundation's 8th Annual Event. Article by Michael Beightol Diane Quon, an acclaimed documentary film producer, will be the keynote speaker for the GPF Foundation’s 8th Annual Event. The much-anticipated gathering is scheduled for October 16th at the picturesque Northmoor Country Club. Attendees can look forward to an inspiring event featuring one of the most significant voices in contemporary documentary...

Finance + Legal Services

Saving for a Child's Education

Start the Planning Process Now for Sending Your Child Off to College Photography by Michael Beightol As the cost of college continues to rise, parents are eager to start saving early and strategically. That’s where we come into play. We’re here to help you plan and save for all of life’s biggest goals. Whether you’re 18 years away from sending your infant off to college or a few years out from packing up your teen, it’s always a good idea to speak with a financial expert. We work with a wide...

Auto + Marine

For Hollis Brothers, Car Care is a Family Affair

Gilbert and Allen Khoshaba Continue the 40-Year Legacy of Car Care in Downtown Barrington. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol While the neat two-story building at the corner of Main & Ela streets in downtown Barrington has been there for years, what happens inside has certainly changed. Nestled in a tidy white brick building near the Metra Station on Lake-Cook Road, brothers Gilbert and Allen Khoshaba are continuing the legacy of the Hollis Brothers who founded the auto repair shop...

Education

Momentum Building to Find a Cure

North Barrington Woman Leads Local FSHD Fundraising Efforts Article by Joanne Dalessandro In support for my journey to find a cure for FSHD (Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy) a series of governmental proclamations were declared to help raise awareness about the disease. We are grateful to Governor JB Pritzker who kicked off things on behalf of the State of Illinois. Those were followed by both Illinois House and Senate proclamations. Capping it off were proclamations from Lake County and...

Entertainment

The Timelessness of Titanic

Lincolnshire Theatre Pulls out All the Stops in its 50th Anniversary Season Article by Stephen Neilson | Photography by Justin Barbin Photography The original 1997 Broadway production of  Titanic The Musical  won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book, and a successful revival in 2014 further ignited the musical’s popularity.  Lincolnshire Marriott Theatre just concluded its triumphant run of the show this month. Marriott Theatre’s first-rate cast and crew...