I don't like the cold weather that blows in this time of year! I don't like the darkness and the blustery winds. I don't like having the heat on, and I don't wearing a big bulky coat over a big bulky sweater. Even though with this autumn we have been pretty lucky with the weather. I can still run outside without layers of running gear on, and I haven't really needed the heat on in the car, but I know...that the pesky little head of Mr. Freeze will be popping out soon, and then BAM – It will feel like winter in Chicagoland! But lucky for us Elgin offers so much to do all year round, and in these colder months, there are outdoor and indoor activities, alike, that will warm your heart and soul.
For example, Elgin's Downtown Neighborhood Association's (DNA) and Provena St. Joseph Hospital are at it again by bringing the community the delightful Window Wonderland. Businesses and organizations are already busy at work decorating their windows to this year's theme of "Rockin' in a Winter Wonderland." Soon the windows of downtown Elgin will be transformed, all aglow and ready for the main event on Saturday, December 3, 2011. For this year's event, you can expect horse drawn carriage rides up and down Grove, where you can catch sight of some of the decorated windows, as well as the Grand Victoria's Ice Sculptures. Or how about a photo with Santa? You can tell him your wish list and pose for a photo while he is at Elgin Public House on Chicago Street. Santa will also have his reindeer hanging out by the Elgin Civic Parking lot at Highland and Douglas. There's a live nativity scene with petting zoo, Kris Kingle Mart, a Rockin' Santa at Villa Verone on Douglas, and, of course, the voting for the "People's Choice Award" for the best window decorating. Make sure you bring the whole family to downtown Elgin for this one! For more information, I suggest you to visit DNA's website (downtownelgin.com) or "Like" them on Facebook. The DNA's blog is filled with many details, too. I hope to see you at this heart warming family fun event!
If you are up for more of the indoor heart and soul warming activity, then head over to the basement of the Hemmens Cultural Center (45 Symphony Way, Elgin) for the 2011 Elgin Community Thanksgiving dinner, on Thursday, 11/24/11 – Thanksgiving Day – from 11am – 2pm. This homemade Thanksgiving feast is brought to the community, by the...well, uh...community! It is organized by the Elgin Community Network and Chef Jeff Turner of In the Neighborhood Deli (185 Edison, Elgin; itndeli.com). The menu is Turkey with all the dressings, mashed potatoes and gravy, variety of vegetables – including corn – sweet potatoes (would it be Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes?), cranberry sauce – and my favorite food group – desserts! This is all FREE to "any and all who wish to attend and share", according to the 2011 Elgin Community Thanksgiving Dinner Facebook page ("Like" it to learn more)! Naturally, cash donations are accepted and you can drop them off at In the Neighborhood Deli. Questions – call Chef Jeff at 847.888.9486.
Speaking of Thanksgiving...Let's not forget the Elgin Winter Market at 166 Symphony Way. It will be open this Saturday from 8am – 2pm and will offer all the fresh vegetables, breads, cheeses and meats that you will need for your own at home Thanksgiving feast! I personally will be stopping by to check out all the cupcakes!
Always lots to do in Elgin! I hope you take advantage of the many offerings! And at this time of year, and always, Thank You for reading! Happy Thanksgiving!
I don't like the cold weather that blows in this time of year! I don't like the darkness and the blustery winds. I don't like having the heat on, and I don't wearing a big bulky coat over a big bulky sweater. Even though with this autumn we have been pretty lucky with the weather. I can still run outside without layers of running gear on, and I haven't really needed the heat on in the car, but I know...that the pesky little head of Mr. Freeze will be popping out soon, and then BAM – It will feel like winter in Chicagoland! But lucky for us Elgin offers so much to do all year round, and in these colder months, there are outdoor and indoor activities, alike, that will warm your heart and soul.
For example, Elgin's Downtown Neighborhood Association's (DNA) and Provena St. Joseph Hospital are at it again by bringing the community the delightful Window Wonderland. Businesses and organizations are already busy at work decorating their windows to this year's theme of "Rockin' in a Winter Wonderland." Soon the windows of downtown Elgin will be transformed, all aglow and ready for the main event on Saturday, December 3, 2011. For this year's event, you can expect horse drawn carriage rides up and down Grove, where you can catch sight of some of the decorated windows, as well as the Grand Victoria's Ice Sculptures. Or how about a photo with Santa? You can tell him your wish list and pose for a photo while he is at Elgin Public House on Chicago Street. Santa will also have his reindeer hanging out by the Elgin Civic Parking lot at Highland and Douglas. There's a live nativity scene with petting zoo, Kris Kingle Mart, a Rockin' Santa at Villa Verone on Douglas, and, of course, the voting for the "People's Choice Award" for the best window decorating. Make sure you bring the whole family to downtown Elgin for this one! For more information, I suggest you to visit DNA's website (downtownelgin.com) or "Like" them on Facebook. The DNA's blog is filled with many details, too. I hope to see you at this heart warming family fun event!
If you are up for more of the indoor heart and soul warming activity, then head over to the basement of the Hemmens Cultural Center (45 Symphony Way, Elgin) for the 2011 Elgin Community Thanksgiving dinner, on Thursday, 11/24/11 – Thanksgiving Day – from 11am – 2pm. This homemade Thanksgiving feast is brought to the community, by the...well, uh...community! It is organized by the Elgin Community Network and Chef Jeff Turner of In the Neighborhood Deli (185 Edison, Elgin; itndeli.com). The menu is Turkey with all the dressings, mashed potatoes and gravy, variety of vegetables – including corn – sweet potatoes (would it be Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes?), cranberry sauce – and my favorite food group – desserts! This is all FREE to "any and all who wish to attend and share", according to the 2011 Elgin Community Thanksgiving Dinner Facebook page ("Like" it to learn more)! Naturally, cash donations are accepted and you can drop them off at In the Neighborhood Deli. Questions – call Chef Jeff at 847.888.9486.
Speaking of Thanksgiving...Let's not forget the Elgin Winter Market at 166 Symphony Way. It will be open this Saturday from 8am – 2pm and will offer all the fresh vegetables, breads, cheeses and meats that you will need for your own at home Thanksgiving feast! I personally will be stopping by to check out all the cupcakes!
Always lots to do in Elgin! I hope you take advantage of the many offerings! And at this time of year, and always, Thank You for reading! Happy Thanksgiving!
