SW Lake, IL July 2021 by City Lifestyle

J U LY 2 02 1

A SUMMER

TO CHER ISH

ARE YOU THINKING OF MOVING?

BEN CADOT, YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE PARTNER

HOME EVALUATION • Comparative Market Analysis

• Strategic Pricing

MARKETING STRATEGY • • • •

Free Home Staging Consultation Professional Photography • Video Tour MLS Private Market Listing • Social Media Ads Open House & More

BEN CADOT REALTOR ®

224-212-0516 ben@enchantegroup.com

enchantegroup.com

FVB @enchantehomes

A Full Service Remodeling Company featuring

Finely-Crafted Amish Cabinetry B o one Cre ekC abi n e t .c om | 81 5. 3 8 5. 8 4 1 4 | 7 6 4 R i dg e vi ew Dri ve • McH e n r y, I L

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2021 PUBLISHER

Michael Beightol | michael.beightol@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Sweet, Sweet Summertime

Stephen Neilson | stephen.neilson@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart

THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO LIKE THE MONTH OF JULY. Look how far

L AYO UT DESIGNER

we’ve come in the last 12 months. Ballparks are filling up, restaurants are open; pools

Dani Moore

and beaches, too. The sound of kids in neighborhoods and summer camps fills the air (along with the hammering and banging of road construction). Congrats to everybody who did their part to wear a mask, get vaccinated, adapt to the new normal and move along. Now it’s time to kick back and have fun. July is also the time for our annual summer issue, so SW Lake this month is chock full of ideas and stories we hope inspire you.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michael Beightol, Benoit Cadot, Christy Sikorski, Zach Witt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Beightol, Stephen Neilson, Shannon Ramsdale, Pamela Self, Zach Witt

Benoit Cadot, owner of Enchante Group, a new real estate agency, looks at the features in homes that help us enjoy the outdoors during the summer. We gratefully acknowledge the wonderful photos from Pamela Self Landscape Architecture that illustrate Ben’s story. The old saying, “When the Sun Shines It’s Time to Make Hay,” also applies to solar power. Zach Witt, owner of ilumen Solar, shares insights on the advantages of adding solar panels to local homes. Farm fields are planted, and farmers markets are filling up with an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Tucked away in Wauconda is Milk & Honey Farmstead, a “better than organic” farm that’s doing its part (in collaboration with Lake Zurich’s ZIN Gastropub) to produce better-for-us farm fresh food.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Nothing says summer like exploring nature, so we’ve got a story about the Top 8

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

national parks to visit this summer. Start planning your adventure now.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the local businesses that help us pub-

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

lish SW Lake every month.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Michael Beightol, Publisher

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake ON THE COVER Photo from Pamela Self Landscape Architecture, Ltd. 4

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 SW Lake Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the SW Lake area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in SW Lake Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2021

FEATURES 12 Let the Sun Shine Solar Contractor Explains the Process for Adopting Solar Energy.

18 Your Summer Home Realtor Shares Insights on the Outdoor Features Homeowners (and Buyers) Love.

24 Down on the Farm Milk and Honey Farmstead Provides Farm-to-Table Goodness for Local Families.

24 18

30 Explore National Parks Across the U.S. 8 Top National Parks to Visit Now

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Locally Owned

Local’s Choice

24 Healthy Lifestyle 30 Travel Destination 34 Lifestyle Calendar

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Acosta’s Home Consignment in Lake Zurich is a unique shopping experience that specializes in quality new & nearly new furniture & home accessories, gift items & much more.

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Visit acostashome.com for more info. CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

GOOD TIMES

The Return of the Pelicans to Honey Lake Like the swallows of Capistrano and bats in Austin, Lake County celebrated the return of special migratory creatures again this year. American White Pelicans arrived from the Gulf Coast to rest up and feed at North Barrington's Honey Lake. They stayed only a few days before taking flight for nesting grounds further north. (Photos by Shannon Ramsdale)

COME VISIT US AT OUR NEWLY REMODELED DEER PARK LOCATION! HEALTHY PROTOCOLS REMAIN IN PLACE TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY: We Practice Social Distancing | Remember to wear a mask if not yet vaccinated. DEER PARK TOWN CENTER avalondeerpark.com | 847-726-8855 | 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park, IL CRYSTAL LAKE 847-428-8821 | 12 Crystal Lake Plaza, Crystal Lake, IL

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SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

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AROUND TOWN tours of exhibits, how collections are cataloged and education about the Dryptosaurus dinosaur, one of the first things you see when visiting the Museum.”

CHAMBER BRINGING BACK POPULAR PUBLIC EVENTS After a hiatus last year due to the global pandemic, the Lake Zurich Chamber announced that two popular public events will return this summer. The Lake Zurich Everything Expo, an annual family event, will be at Concorde Banquets, 20922 N. Rand Road (Kildeer) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 10. On August 15 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m the lakeside setting of Paulus Park will be the scene for the Taste

NEW FURNITURE MART DEBUTS THIS MONTH IN LAKE ZURICH Good news for the long-dormant home to a for-

of the Towns featuring small plates and beverages from a cross-section of local restaurants. The fun includes local bands and entertainment. Go to LZACC.com to learn more.

mer auto showroom on Route 22. Later this month Acosta's Home, a quality new and consignment furniture store, is planning a Grand Opening. This will be the third store for the husband-and-wife team of Ces and Chris Acosta. The couple already has stores in Wheaton and South Elgin. Chris Acosta says the Lake Zurich facility (540 Cortland Drive) will become the couple's flagship store, appealing to both customers and consignment partners. Learn more at AcostasHome.com.

DUNNTV YOUTUBE CHANNEL LAUNCHED BY LAKE COUNTY The Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville added a YouTube channel to further engage its audience. Named DunnTV, the channel gives viewers an inside look at the Dunn Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves at its headquarters at 1899 W. Winchester Road.

IT’S GONNA BE A FOOD TRUCK SUMMER Agreeing that Block A, a village-owned lakeside property, could be put to better use, the Lake Zurich

"We are dedicated to sharing the entwined

Village Board approved this spring to allow food

stories of people, events and nature through exhi-

trucks across from the Lake Zurich Promenade, 4

bitions, education and community engagement,"

p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays from June to

says Andrew Osborne, superintendent of edu-

September. If the event proves to be popular it may

cational facilities. "DunnTV gives us the ability to

expand in August to include Sundays from 2 p.m.

reach a new audience as well as educate our exist-

to 6 p.m. Go to LakeZurich.org for “Block A Food

ing visitors who can watch the channel in their own

Truck Socials” for a schedule of visiting food trucks

time and space."

and a list of downtown Lake Zurich restaurants.

Educators, curators and historians will release a few DunnTV segments a month. "We encourage

viewers to subscribe to the channel so they will be

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

sure to catch all the episodes,” according to Osborne.

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

“Content will include an array of topics including

SWLake using the Get In Touch link and let us know

Lake County history, how to build an exhibit, virtual

what you think.

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

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LOCALLY OWNED

LET THE SUN SHINE Zach Witt, owner of ilumen Solar.

LOCAL SOLAR CONTRACTOR EXPLAINS THE PROCESS FOR ADOPTING SOLAR ENERGY

ZACH WITT, OWNER OF ILUMEN SOLAR, SAYS RENEWABLE ENERGY BECAME A PASSION OF HIS WHEN HE WAS A STUDENT AT MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY. After moving back home, he was disappointed that solar wasn’t more prevalent, and committed to do something. In 2016 Zach attended a solar conference and began developing the business he launched in 2017. SWL: HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN SOLAR? Zach Witt (ZW): At first we offered a product called Smartflower, a system that looks like a giant sunflower and literally tracks the sun. The first U.S. system installed is in Lake Barrington. While it is an amazing technology, we couldn’t sustain ourselves on just that product. Soon after we dove heavily into the residential and small commercial rooftop space which is the majority of what we now do. The equipment we use is on the high end Suburban solar home.

with a strong 25-30 year warranty. The technology is straightforward and reliable.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ZACH WITT & MICHAEL BEIGHTOL 12

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

“Once a homeow ner has ach ieved the retu rn on i nvestment, the sav ings begin; ty pica l ly, a bout $1,200 an nua l ly.”

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

SWL: WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? ZW: Aesthetics are extremely important because a solar system should be an elegant and modern asset to any home. Triple water-sealed roof mounts are installed first. A rack system is then attached to the roof mounts, and then the solar panels. Since our goal is to make every install as seamless as possible, we always pass conduit through the attic, then bring it out the eave/soffit, and down to the equipment. This process eliminates any visible conduit on the roof, improving the appearance of the system. SWL: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES FOR A LOCAL FAMILY TO GO SOLAR? ZW: Financially, there are federal tax credits and often state incentives which help offset most of the cost. Once a homeowner has achieved the return on investment, the savings begin; typically, about $1,200 annually. After installation you have a value-added asset when it’s time to sell your home. With the integration of battery systems, we can make a home more resilient to power outages. The ecological benefits are perhaps the most rewarding of all, simply knowing that you are producing electricity free from carbon emissions. We’ve installed a lot of systems in homes with electric vehicles, and that is always an exciting experience for a homeowner. As a family, the children get a lot out of this experience, too. We know of students who do science projects on their system, and I’ve been told that going solar completely changes the demeanor of the household. Educating and explaining how this process works is about 90% of what I do every day. Luckily, it’s the favorite part of my job. The more understanding and awareness of solar we have as a community, the more adoption we will see overall.

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

Solar roofed garage.

SWL: TALK ABOUT THE ROLE OF TAX CREDITS. ZW: The solar tax credit is historically the most important financial benefit that’s yielded a 10,000% growth rate since inception. This year the tax credit was supposed to step down from 26% to 22%, however, the federal stimulus package extended the 26% tax credit for two more years. This means that homeowners and businesses gained an extra cushion of time for a quicker return on investment. SWL: WHAT CAN A HOMEOWNER EXPECT WHEN THEY CALL YOU? ZW: We are here to educate a client with all the information they need to make an informed decision, whether with us, another installer, or not going solar at all. As a small, family-owned business, we are more your local solar consultant vs. a corporate solar salesman. When you call you should expect a friendly, and hopefully, fun conversation on the subject. It’s as simple as that. SWL: WHAT DIFFERENTIATES YOU FROM OTHER SOLAR CONTRACTORS? ZW: There are a lot of great solar companies out there and we all support the same cause. The way we differentiate ourselves is through system design and aesthetics. For instance, we want your system to look like a luxury car, not an inexpensive sub-compact. You can also expect prompt communication, as well as honest and transparent information. All we ask is that homeowners continue to educate themselves. Where does your electricity come from? Where does your food come from? How much plastic are you using daily? Are we just taking from the environment or are we giving back as well? How do our activities positively or negatively impact climate change and what can we do better? My belief is we can all do better by starting with the smallest of steps, and it’s never been more important to do so. Overall, it’s important that we analyze how we consume electricity and understand what we can do to reduce our consumption and make it more sustainable. Learn more at ilumenpv.com or call Zach Witt at 847.852.3370.

Estate-style home with solar flat roof.

How Solar Power Works 01

Sunshine (even on cloudy days) hits solar panels to

Solar generated electricity is

A local utility, such as ComEd,

Put simply, a solar installation

used right away to power a

continues to provide electricity

includes roof mounts, racks,

produce direct current (DC)

home and can be considered

for use at night and at times

solar panels, and conduit to

electricity. At the inverter,

a dual power source when

(such as winter) when the

bring power to an inverter

the electricity generated is

“grid tied,” or in conjunction

energy generated from solar

that connects to a home’s

converted to alternating cur-

with the utility. In our area

panels is lower. The home-

main breaker panel.

rent (AC) for use in a home.

“fully off grid” is not common

owner “Net Meters” excess

An inverter is essentially the

because being connected to

generation in higher producing

brains of the operation.

the grid is advantageous.

months (such as summer) which levels out the solar production throughout the year. CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

LOCAL REALTOR SHARES INSIGHTS ON THE OUTDOOR FEATURES HOMEOWNERS (AND BUYERS) LOVE.

your summer home ARTICLE BENOIT CADOT PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA SELF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IN LAKE COUNTY REMAINS SUPER-HOT. With the advent of summer, now is a good time to look at the outdoor features we know homeowners love. Buyers, too. Patios and decks are the most looked upon features. They could be paved, concrete or wood. Because of the global pandemic, people are spending more time at home and a patio is considered an extension of a home more than ever. It should be easy-to-use and enjoyed as much as possible throughout the year. A cooking area is definitively an added value. A firepit that can be used even at the coldest time of year is also highly regarded. Backyard privacy should not be overlooked. Well maintained landscaping, including a nice hedge can create the sense of privacy for any yard. CONTINUED >

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

Summer nights by the pool.

“With outdoor feat u res the goa l shou ld be to i ncrease the va lue of you r home, but ma ke su re you do not go overboa rd. A lways consider fi rst the cost a nd du ra bi l it y of a feat u re.” CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

Certainly, updated kitchens and baths hold value for homeowners looking to sell, and some outdoor features can do the same thing. Over time, a well-designed and maintained outdoor space brings extra value to a home. Studies show that around 70% of the cost of a patio can be added to the value of a home. Screened porches provide something different, especially if heated. Buyers look for this type of addition as it adds more living space. Conversely, a screened porch is a negative if not maintained. Gazebos are popular features because they can look amazing and be used in multiple ways, such as for an outdoor kitchen or hot tub. Landscaping that is maintained is essential. Your front yard is the first direct visual contact a buyer will have with your house. As the old saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” The secret here is to anticipate and simplify. If you know ahead that you are going to sell your home next year, replace anything this fall. Make sure that trees are trimmed, and dead limbs removed. Simplify by using low-maintenance plants that require little effort to keep looking good. Also try to keep your yard as open as possible. Fewer plants and bushes close to a home makes it look bigger. It is commonly believed that a pool can be both a positive and a negative. A pool is considered a benefit as it helps relieve stress and allows you to exercise regularly. It is a great way to host friends and family, especially in the evening. With LED lights you can easily adjust the atmosphere of the area to suit any event. On the negative side, a pool requires regular monitoring, so hiring a pool service is a good idea. The biggest downside to a pool is the risk presented for young children. Pools must have an enclosed fence for safety. Some families supplement that with an alarm system that detects anything that drops in the pool. How important is a play court or playset? If you are planning to sell soon remember that not all buyers want one. For a buyer with kids, a play court is something they could add after they buy a home. With more outdoor features comes the need for ample storage, so a larger garage or a basement are crucial. Three-stall garages are preferred, as are walkout basements.

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

Cozy patio surrounded by greenery.

3 ::

2 ::

1 :: 5 ::

4 ::

outdoor living spaces

7 ::

6 :: 1:: Dining under a pergola. | 2:: Elegant outdoor living. | 3:: Outdoor home kitchen. | 4:: Anyone for bocce? | 5:: Benoit Cadot of Enchante Group. | 6:: Backyard bar. | 7:: Striking, bold planters. After a 20-year career in manufacturing, in 2021 Benoit Cadot launched the Enchante Group associated with exp Realty. Learn more at EnchanteGroup.com or call 224.212.0516. Photos for this story showcase the work of Barrington-based Pamela Self Landscape Architecture, Ltd. (PamelaSelf.com). CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

dow n on t he fa rm ARTICLE CHRISTY SIKORSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN NEILSON

FA R M Bob Kryscha with two rescue goats.

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

MILK AND HONEY FARMSTEAD—FROM FARM TO TABLE

SOME TIME AGO, WHILE WORKING IN CORMIDWEST

FOOD

PROCESSING

PLANTS

THAT RESEMBLED CONCRETE FACTORIES WITH ANIMALS LOCKED IN SHOEBOX-SIZED CAGES. We are lucky here in Lake County to have another option: a sustainable farm nearby, with fresh food raised and harvested without pesticides or cages. On Illinois Route 176 near Route 12 in

At Milk and Honey Farmstead, the chickens

Wauconda, a large rooster statue and yellow

roam freely. Scott says they do not manipulate

honeycomb sign welcome you to the Milk and

egg production, but still have dozens of eggs to

Honey Farmstead. With a tip of the cap to the

offer in the country store with plenty left over for

Biblical “land of milk and honey” life-long farmer

animal feed. “Healthy chickens are happy chick-

Scott Comstock offers eggs, organic produce,

ens,” he says, “and happy chickens lay more and

pasture-raised beef, poultry, and pork, all without

better eggs.”

chemicals and with a focus on humane treatment

Scott raises many birds including turkeys, guinea

of the animals and being a steward of the land.

fowl, ducks, and multiple species of chicken that

From the small farmhouse at the front, you can

lay a rainbow of eggs from brown to blue to green.

see the open fields for the animals and neat rows

(He informs me that it is the Leghorn species that

in the soil, ready for planting.

lays the perfectly white egg.) As he enters the pen to show off the beautiful colors, the animals follow him like the Pied Piper, even allowing him to pick them up and pet them gently. The birds share their home with young calves, the offspring of various cattle including Scottish Highlander, Texas Longhorn, and Angus crossbreeds. These massive animals have distinctive horns and plenty of space to roam, without the use of electricity to keep them contained. On the day of my visit, the cattle have knocked down part of the fence in an effort to chase away a coyote. However, after accomplishing this task, they did not stray. “If animals are properly taken care of, they are less hostile. There is a way to farm without brutalizing the animals,” Scott says. “During COVID, folks started realizing what they were putting in their bodies.

Sunny & "Queen Bee" proudly displaying the Farmstead's bounty.

There is a market for folks who don’t want that brutal treatment to animals, and we can low-yield farm and still take care of the animals.”

CONTINUED >

TO TA B LE

PORATE RISK MANAGEMENT, I VISITED

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

Bob is affectionately greeted by a Farmstead horse.

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

In addition to mending the fences, on this day Scott is also waiting on the veterinarian to come

Where the "honey" of Milk & Honey comes from.

examine two miniature horses he has rescued from another farm. His love and care of the animals shines through, even when the creatures are not directly related to the productive farm. He is planning to add sand to a pond at the rear of the property to support and aid the large turtles who also make the farm their home. He points out some duck eggs that are by the side of the fence and not being warmed in a nest. These eggs will become food for woodland pigs. The farm believes in a closed loop where organic crops (and the occasional duck egg) become organic feed for healthy, happy animals and ultimately flavorful and lean meat. Instead of chemicals, Scott treats the animals with care and uses organic methods to boost their

“We believe in healthy living through healthy

immune systems and prevent disease. The farm

eating to help create a healthy planet.” Milk and

calls the recipe “Fire Cider” – a mixture of apple

Honey tries to be environmentally conscious even

cider vinegar, horseradish, ginger, turmeric, and

down to the level of food packaging, using as little

peppers, all fermented for sixty days.

plastic as possible.

Fire Cider, along with the farm’s proprietary

The farm-to-table nature of Zin GastroPub means

Elderberry Syrup, is popular not only with the ani-

the menu of the scratch kitchen is always changing,

mals; both products are in demand with human

with new daily specials posted every afternoon on

customers. I note there are just a few jars left on

Facebook. I visited on a Wednesday which is Zin’s

the store shelf.

Burger Date Night. One of the evening’s specials

With its focus on stewardship of the land and its

was a Milk and Honey ground beef Spinach Gouda

creatures, Milk and Honey was the choice of restau-

Burger with tomato, caramelized onions and pickles.

rateurs Bob and Sunny Kryscha when looking for a partner for Lake Zurich’s Zin GastroPub.

While pesticides and fertilizers can increase yields, Bob believes small yields of natural “good”

When opening the restaurant, Bob and Sunny’s

food are better. But he is quick to clarify that good

original plan was to open a wine bar with select

food does not mean picture-perfect food. “Perfect

food offerings. It was important to Sunny to reflect

peppers make no sense,” he says. “That is not what

healthy offerings, with a goal of at least eighty per-

nature does. If not sprayed, one in twelve apples

cent true farm-to-table menu items with rotating

would have a worm. That is just how it is. We don’t

and seasonal flavors.

want to kill nature. We don’t want to disturb ecology

Given these shared values, Bob became part owner of the farm with Scott in 2020. Bob says,

for the sake of pretty fruit.” What would surprise people about the farm? “The fact that we are here!” Bob says with a laugh. “We really have high-quality products and a commitment to a healthier way to live, without processing.” In addition to current operations, Milk and Honey is focused on two expansion projects going forward. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

First, the farm is completing construction of four new greenhouses for thousands of propagated hemp plants to produce CBD oil. Scott shows off the brand new structures with rows and rows of plants, referring to them as the “House of Hemp.” After the organic hemp plants are harvested, the oil is processed on site, with just two ingredients. As with the rest of the farm, no chemicals are used. For Bob, it is another branch on the tree of healthy living. “We want to make people healthy,” Bob said. “Live longer, feel better, and be healthier. Look, chemically treated products, they can hurt as much as they help. It’s a net negative. We want to be a net positive.” Second, the farm wants to grow through education and hopes to invite parents, children, and school groups to the farm. For example, previously Scott had visited the Montessori Academy of North Hoffman and spent time teaching the students how to organically sow and nurture seed into plants; this year Milk and Honey helped the school fundraise by purchasing a number of plants started by the school’s students for replanting and harvesting at the farm. Bob says the intent of their educational projects is not to make money, but rather to teach where food comes from and “how to eat happy.” He says, “Kids need to know it is okay to eat an apple right off the tree.” Milk and Honey Farmstead is setting up new pastures and planting more, especially fruit trees. They hope to offer pony rides on the rescued miniature horses and continue to rotate the animals’ grazing pastures, never using chemicals. “We want to beautify the ecology, beautify the environment,” Bob says. With that beauty comes the healthy living that is core to the mission of the farm. After touring the farm, it was time to peruse the shop. Sunny patiently displayed each cut of beef, pork, and poultry, along with links, summer sausages, organic produce, and jar upon jar of honey, pickled goods, jams and plenty of brown eggs. My visit concluded with a purchase of several meats and vegetables, which shortly thereafter became lunch that day for me and the kids. Our fresh goodies from the farm made for a delicious and nutritious meal. Even my littlest (and pickiest eater) left a clean plate. Milk and Honey offers online pre-ordering subject to availability, On-premise grown and processed CBD oil and hemp products.

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

and also offers seasonal turkeys, organic dog food, CBD oils, and even bucket compost kits for starting your own natural garden at home. Learn more at MilkHoneyFarmstead.com.

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CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

TRAVEL DESTINATION

Explore National Parks Across the U.S. 8 TOP NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT NOW

THE UNITED STATES’ NATIONAL PARKS, WHICH ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR NATURAL WONDERS

AND

UNMATCHED

BEAUTY,

ENCOMPASS LANDS THAT HELPED SHAPE THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY AND HOLD CULTURAL VALUE AND SIGNIFICANCE. The national parks invite us to stretch our imaginations—and our legs—and explore the great outdoors. This list of national parks just scratches the surface of the natural wonders to wonderlands to discover, but it includes eight of the most stunning national parks in the United States.

1. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK Rocky Mountain National Park includes majestic mountains, abundant wildlife, incredible hiking trails and so much more. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, riding horses and bikes and enjoying the spectacular views. Wintertime brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Watching wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, elk, moose and mule deer, is a popular activity as well.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park boasts giant sequoia trees, breathtaking waterfalls, vast meadows and more. The park is home to unique rock formations like El Capitan, Half Dome and Glacier Point. Gaze in awe at Yosemite’s thousands of waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, Ribbon Fall and Wapama Falls.

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

3. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres include colorful hot springs, awe-inspiring waterfalls, fascinating mudpots, explosive geysers, diverse wildlife and more. It is home to more hot springs and geysers than anywhere else on Earth. The oldest and largest herd of bison in the country lives at Yellowstone, as well as elk, wolves and grizzly bears.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is home to the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth. With its fascinating landscape composed of hoodoos, horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters and whimsical limestone rock formations, a visit to Bryce Canyon is often likened to a visit to another planet. This stunning landscape, formed by wind, water and snow, draws hikers, rock climbers, photographers, stargazers and cross-country skiers.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Glacier National Park is located on the border of Canada and the United States and is often referred to as the “Crown of the Continent.” Visitors will find more than 700 glacial lakes and many hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Going-to-the-Sun Road, known as one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the country, is a paved, two-lane highway that divides the park into east and west regions.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

ZION NATIONAL PARK Zion National Park’s colorful sandstone cliffs, lush plateaus covered in pine and junipers, narrow canyons, the Virgin River, plus seeps, springs and waterfalls are just some of the scenic wonders here. One of Zion’s most popular hikes is known as the Narrows, the slimmest section of Zion Canyon. Other popular attractions include the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angels Landing, Observation Point and Canyon Overlook Trail.

7. GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park spans 310,000 acres and towers above the Jackson Hole Valley. The Teton Mountains, the youngest in the Rockies, are reflected majestically on the surfaces of six pristine lakes and the Snake River. Experienced climbers can summit the 13,770foot Grand Teton, and long-distance hikers can take the Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop for impressive views of the mountain.

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK This UNESCO World Heritage Site is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep. The South Rim is home to Grand Canyon Village and Bright Angel Trail. The West Rim is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the edge of a cliff. The North Rim is the most remote access point, allowing visitors to experience the park firsthand through intense hiking and backpacking and thrilling river rafting.

Hopefully, this list has inspired you to start planning your next adventure. Whether the mountains are calling, your inner daredevil needs to be satiated or a scenic road trip is in order, America’s national parks are begging to be explored! 32

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

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JULY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, JUL-AUG

ANOTHER BARRINGTON METRA STATION CONCERT

SKYWATCHING WITH YOUR EYES

Barrington Metra Station

LONG GROVE LIVE EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY THIS SUMMER

This

The holiday weekend in Barrington

Michelle

will include a concert by Sixteen

Public Observing at the Adler

Candles—featuring music of the

Planetarium, will

Eighties—staged

Downtown Long Grove

LongGrove.org/festivals/

Visit

Nichols,

Director focus

by of an

Metra

overview of celestial observations you can do with just your eyes

Grove Live” ongoing summer music

Road in Barrington. The night sky

without

festival, every Saturday and Sunday

will explode with fireworks a short

Moon phases, eclipses, planets,

through

that

stroll away at Barrington High School

stars, and much more, in a session

restaurants, wineries and brewery

shortly after the end of the concert.

suited to an astronomy novice.

can host guests again, live music

Ticket info at Barrington-IL.gov.

Now

is making a comeback. Many of the food and beverage establishments book talent and host performances each weekend. Facebook users can visit facebook.com/ ShopDineLG/ for further info

telescope,

including

Visit BALibrary.org for details and to register. Begins at 7 p.m.

CHRIS WALZ AND THE BLUEGRASS PLAYERS

SIDE LOT BIKE FEST

Barrington's White House

WEDNESDAYS

Chris

FOOD TRUCK SOCIAL

Walz

and

his

Side Lot Brewery, Wauconda

acclaimed

Get

ready

for

the

Wauconda

Bluegrass Players from the Old Town

Triathlon and the rest of your

School of Folk Music perform on the

cycling

White House Front Porch after the

Brewery. Includes cycling educa-

Block A, Lake Zurich.

Fourth of July parade (held on July

tion with Ride Illinois, smart trainer

Join us every Wednesday through

3rd; bring chairs or a blanket). Listen

demo from Saris Racks, and sur-

September from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for

to America’s musical story as told by

prise giveaways, all for free. Try

a rotation of food trucks in down-

Chris and his players. 145 W. Main

the outstanding beer offerings

town Lake Zurich on “Block A”

Street (Lake Cook Road). $10 mini-

from Wauconda's only brewery,

across from the promenade. Enjoy

mum donation requested.

featuring rotating beers on draft,

tasty

food

the

waterfront.

season

Side

Lot

extensive handcrafted cocktails,

information call 847.438.5141.

CHICAGO AND THE OLYMPICS— A FASCINATING HISTORY

FIREWORKS RETURN TO BARRINGTON

Barrington High School

At 7 p.m. on July 12 learn about

Plan to arrive early for the return

Chicago's fascinating relationship with

A re-scheduled concert by Irish

of fireworks in the Village of

the Olympics, just in time for the tenta-

singer Paddy Homan will be held

Barrington. Guests are asked to

tive July 23 opening ceremony in Tokyo

starting at 7 p.m., July 22. This is both

set-up on the grounds of Barrington

of the 32nd Olympiad. Sports histo-

a live and virtual event. In-person

High School at the corner of Lake

rian Dr. Steven Riess will explain how

tickets are $20; a virtual ticket is

Cook Road and Hart Road, west

Chicago was bounced from hosting the

$10. For more information go to

1904 Olympics, and failed gaining the

BarringtonsWhiteHouse.com/.

Admission

free.

For

Online Zoom event;

downtown.

Learn

Barrington-IL.gov.

presentation

Parking Lot south of Lake Cook

29.

the

free

music/ for details of the “Long

August

Online, courtesy Barrington Area Library.

SW Lake Lifestyle | July 2021

2016 games. Register at WaucLib.org.

and wine. From 11 a.m.—1 p.m.

22 A NIGHT IN IRELAND BY PADDY HOMAN Barrington's White House

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May Sales in Southwest Lake County Subdivision

List Price

Sold Price

SP:LP

LMT

Beds/Baths

Subdivision

List Price

Sold Price

SP:LP

LMT

Beds/Baths

Indian Creek

$495,000

$530,000

107%

4/3.1

North Oaks

$549,900

$565,000

103%

5/3.1

Tallgrass

$509,490

$544,762

107%

113

4/2.1

Deer Path Estates

$585,000

$600,000

103%

4/2.1

Cedar Creek

$539,000

$575,000

107%

4/3.1

Oaksbury

$725,000

$738,500

102%

4/4.1

Deer Grove

$475,000

$506,070

107%

111

3/2.0

Cypress Grove

$699,000

$710,000

102%

4/4.0

Brierwoods Estates

$587,400

$625,000

106%

3+1 bsmt/3.1

Tallgrass

$526,309

$534,555

102%

4/2.1 4/2.1

Hunters Creek

$479,000

$500,000

104%

4/3.1

Steeplechase

$499,500

$505,000

101%

Arboretum

$799,900

$830,000

104%

5/4.2

Stockbridge Farms

$524,900

$530,000

101%

4+1/2.1

Meadowridge

$699,000

$725,000

104%

4+1 bsmt/3.1

Lakewood Meadow

$549,900

$555,000

101%

4/3.1

Creekside of Long Grove

$699,000

$725,000

104%

4/5.1

Country Club Estates

$624,900

$617,000

99%

4/3.2

Flint Creek

$575,000

$596,000

104%

4/3.0

Bridgewater Farms

$939,000

$887,250

94%

5/3.1

Hawthorn Hills

$629,900

$650,000

103%

5/3.0

MLS statistics from 5/1/21-5/31/21. All information herein has not been verified and is not guaranteed. Featured properties may not be listed by the agent/office providing this data. Supplied by Renee Clark, @properties.