Twisted Limits Escape Rooms, Axe Throwing and Laser Tag
BEST
Racetime Sim Racing & VR Escape Rooms ONE OF THE BEST
Sage YMCA ONE OF THE BEST
Karaoke
Double J Entertainment
BEST
Hot Tracks DJs ONE OF THE BEST
Rocco Z Music ONE OF THE BEST
Axe Throwing and Laser Tag BEST
Millie’s Playland
ONE OF THE BEST
Racetime Sim Racing & VR Escape Rooms ONE OF THE BEST
Listen to Live Music
The Vixen
BEST
Winestock Market & Lounge ONE OF THE BEST
Raue Center For The Arts ONE OF THE BEST
Movie Theater
McHenry Outdoor Theater
Music Lessons
Theatre Company/Group
Williams Street Repertory
Raue Center For The Arts
Travel Agency
Cary
NEW PATIENT
Watch Live Theater
Car Wash/Detailing
Wedding Venue
Tire Store
BBQ Ribs
Auto Repair Mechanic
Breakfast
Burger
Chicken Wings
Egg
Margarita
Vegetarian
Caterer - On Site
Chinese Restaurant
Plum
Coffee Shop
Summer Moon Coffee
Fine Dining
1776 Restaurant
Deli
Epic Deli
Breaking Bread Catering & Deli ONE OF THE BEST Rusty Malts Coffee & Ice Cream ONE OF THE BEST
Breaking Bread Catering & Deli ONE OF THE BEST Butcher on the Block ONE OF THE BEST
Dining on the Waterfront
Port Edward Restaurant
Bimbo’s Italian Restaurant ONE OF THE BEST Broken Oar Marina-Bar & Grill ONE OF THE BEST
Donut Shop
Country Donuts
Riverside Bake Shop ONE OF THE BEST Morkes Chocolates ONE OF THE BEST
Village Squire
ONE OF THE BEST da Baffone Cucina Italiana ONE OF THE BEST
Place to Go on a First Date
Breaking Bread Catering & Deli BEST
Epic Deli ONE OF THE BEST Vine and Plate ONE OF THE BEST
Gluten Free Menu
Breaking Bread Catering & Deli BEST Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen ONE OF THE BEST Rosie’s Gluten Free Sweets, Inc. ONE OF THE BEST
Italian Restaurant
Bimbo’s Italian Restaurant BEST
Cucina Bella ONE OF THE BEST da Baffone Cucina Italiana ONE OF THE BEST
7107 Pingree Road, Crystal Lake, IL
CLASSIC WINE AND FOOD PAIRINGS
Unless you’re spending time with a wine connoisseur, you’re unlikely to be given a hard time if your wine and food pairings are not perfect. Although there is no need to always pair a bottle with food like an expert, a general knowledge of classic food-and-wine parings can help anyone expand their knowledge and please their palate. These pairing pointers, courtesy of the experts at Food & Wine, Tasting Table and Wine Folly, can help anyone find the right combination for their dinner table.
• Red wines pair best with bold flavored meats (red meat).
• White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (fish and chicken).
• The wine should have the same flavor intensity of the food.
• The wine should be sweeter than the food.
• The wine should be more acidic than the food.
• It is better to match the wine with the sauce than with the meat.
Common pairings to try
• Mushrooms, lentils and even salmon go great with reds like Pinot Noir or Dolcetto. These wines are light-bodied but also savory.
• Champagne and oysters work because Champagne has a touch of sweetness. This helps cut through salty foods like oysters or chips.
Outdoor/Patio Dining
Cullom Knoll
• Cabernet and Bordeaux are ideal with steaks and lamb dishes. The tannins in cabernet cut through the protein and fat in these meats.
• You’ll need a wine that pops like Sauvignon Blanc, to go with tangy foods, such as grapefruit or scallops, vinaigrettes or tangy cheeses.
• Chianti is a prized Italian wine made from Sangiovese grapes. Chianti pairs well with high acid foods like those featuring tomato sauces, such as a rich pasta dish.
It may take some time to gain experience pairing wine and foods. However, with a little practice, individuals can perfect their wine pairing skills.
Tavern/Pub
Restaurant
That Uses Local or Organic Foods
Chiropractic Office
Sports
3D
CrossFit
Sub
Dentist Office
THE LINK BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTHY WEIGHTS
Anyone aspiring to lose weight is likely aware that there are no shortage of approaches promising to bust belly fat and slim waistlines. Weight loss fads come and go, but daily physical activity remains a reliable and effective approach to shedding extra pounds.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that physical activity provides both short- and long-term benefits. Among the more long-term benefits of regular exercise is the link between physical activity and how it facilitates an individual’s ability to maintain a healthy weight.
The CDC notes that more physical activity increases the number of calories a body uses for energy. If individuals looking to turn over a healthier leaf couple a commitment to exercise with a healthier diet that includes consuming fewer calories, they can create a calorie deficit that ultimately contributes to weight loss.
If the thought of regaining lost pounds is not enough to compel people to maintain their commitment to exercise, and honor all the hard work and determination required to lose the weight, perhaps a
Eye Doctor
rundown of health risks associated with being overweight or obese might provide the motivation necessary to stay the course. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, being overweight or obese increases a person’s risk for a host of diseases and conditions, including:
• Type 2 diabetes • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart disease • Stroke • Metabolic syndrome
• Fatty liver diseases • Gout • Mental health problems
• Certain types of cancer, including liver, kidney, pancreas and others
Routine physical activity is a great way to help people shed extra pounds so they can reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Holistic Care
Studio
Massage Therapy
Memory Care Facility
Health Food Store
Orthodontics
The The People People Have Spoken... Have Spoken... The Dole was Voted The Dole was Voted WINNER: TThe he Pe Peopl ple Peop o le Have Ha e was Voted was BEST BEST in 3 Categories! in 3 Categories!
2024 WINNER: BEST FESTIVAL
BEST Festival, BEST Art Gallery & BEST Farmers Market !
“ Thank You McHenry County! Community support means EVERYTHING! ” -The Dole Team
Pediatrician
Well-Rooted Pediatrics BEST Pediatric Associates of Barrington ONE
Children’s Medical Group, S.C. ONE OF THE
Physical Therapy
Smith Physical Therapy + Running Academy BEST Crystal Lake Physical Therapy ONE OF THE BEST Moffett Physical Therapy ONE OF THE BEST
Pilates Studio
416 Pilates, The Movement Experience BEST Sage YMCA ONE OF THE BEST Happy Hour Yoga ONE OF THE BEST
Podiatrist
Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists
BEST
Kipferl Foot & Ankle Centers ONE OF THE BEST
Kevin S. Gavin, DPM Foot & Ankle Institute ONE OF THE BEST
WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES ARE THRIVING
Women entrepreneurs are not to be underestimated. Data affirms that womenowned businesses are growing and thriving. According to North One banking, womenowned firms account for more than 12 million businesses in the United States. In addition, the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of WomenOwned Business Report found the number of women-owned business increased at a rate of 4.5 times between 2019 to 2023. Womenowned businesses are driving economic growth, and a deeper look at some of the numbers supports that notion.
• The Women’s Business Enterprise Council says there are 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., which comprises about 40 percent of the total number of businesses.
• Women-owned businesses bring in nearly $2 trillion every year, says the National Women’s Business Council.
• During the pandemic, women-owned businesses added 1.4 million jobs and $579.6 billion in revenue to the economy, says Wells Fargo.
• World Bank indicates that roughly onethird of principal owners of all businesses are female.
• WBENC advises that 64 percent of new women-owned businesses are started by women of color.
• According to Forbes, women-led tech companies achieve a 35 percent higher ROI. A Forbes study with First Round Capital found female-founded businesses in their portfolio outperformed male-founded companies by more than 60 percent.
Women-owned businesses are making a large impact on the U.S. and around the world. Such firms continue to employ millions of people and foster strong economies.
Garden Center
Appliance Store
Flooring
Hardware Store
Home Decor
Furniture
Mattress
5 RENOVATIONS THAT PROVIDE A STRONG RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Renovations that make homeowners and residents of a home happy are always worth the investment. Though it’s certainly true that projects that create more functional, usable space and add comfort and convenience are worth the price, such renovations are even more beneficial if they provide a good return on homeowners’ financial investment. Returns are often cashed in when homeowners put their homes up for sale, and each year Remodeling magazine releases its “Cost vs. Value Report,” which considers a wealth of data across the United States to determine which renovations return the highest percentage of homeowners’ financial investment. According to the “2024 Cost vs. Value Report,” the following are five projects that provide a strong return on investment (ROI).
Garage door replacement The average job cost for this project is slightly more than $4,500 but the project is valued at $8,751, providing an especially high 194 percent ROI.
Steel door replacement Remodeling magazine notes that a steel entry door replacement is worth double what it was worth in 2023. This project offers a 188 percent ROI on an average investment of $2,355.
Manufactured stone veneer A manufactured stone veneer is a man-made product that appears as if it’s natural stone. Many homeowners prefer manufactured stone veneer to natural stone because of the price, as the former is less expensive and easier to install, which means lower labor costs as well. The comparatively low cost of manufactured stone veneer is perhaps one reason why it averages a roughly 153 percent ROI on an average cost of just more than $11,000.
Grand entrance upscale (fiberglass) Few things are as awe-inspiring as an impressive entryway, and upgrading to a grand fiberglass entrance door provides a 97 percent ROI. Components of these entryways can vary, but Remodeling magazine notes the project may entail removing an existing entry door and cutting and reframing the opening for a larger with dual sidelights.
Minor kitchen remodel According to the “2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study” from Houzz Research, kitchens were the most popular rooms to renovate in 2023. There’s no denying the appeal of a newly renovated kitchen, and homeowners considering such a project may be happy to learn that a minor kitchen remodel that costs an average of around $27,000 provides a 96 percent ROI. Bankrate.com notes that minor kitchen remodels typically keep the current kitchen design, size and layout intact, but these projects may involve painting walls, refreshing backsplash, replacing lighting and plumbing fixtures, and changing cabinet hardware and facades.
Home renovations that provide a significant ROI can make homeowners happy once a project is completed and even happier when the day comes to put a home up for sale.
Paint
Sherwin-Williams
Deck Builder
Electrician
Althoff
Appliance Repair
Appliance
Ehrke’s
Carpet Cleaner
Clean
Fence Company
Woodmaster
Garage Door Repair
BEST MEMORY CARE HOME
• Two Ranch Homes in Lake in the Hills with a maximum of 18 residents per home
• One Ranch Home in Ringwood with a maximum of 9 residents
• No need for separation of couples with different care levels
• All Inclusive Pricing - Yep, you read that right. Only haircuts will cost you more!
• No long hallways or elevators, everything your loved one needs is less than 30 steps away
Home Builder
Scholl Construction Company BEST
Gerstad Builders
ONE OF THE BEST
L. Ericson Construction, Inc. ONE OF THE BEST
Home Remodeler
Scholl Construction BEST
Innovative Home Concepts, Inc ONE OF THE BEST
Bill’s Decorating & Construction Services ONE OF THE BEST
HVAC
Althoff Home Services BEST
Arctic Heating & Cooling
ONE OF THE BEST
Combined Services HVAC ONE OF THE BEST
Interior Designer
Jamee Elaine Interiors BEST
White Oak Interiors ONE OF THE BEST
Style House ONE OF THE BEST
Landscape Design
Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center BEST
Dickson Design Studio, Inc. ONE OF THE BEST
Luis Lawn Care Inc. ONE OF THE BEST
Painter - Indoor/Outdoor
Allegiant Painting LLC BEST
Old School Painting ONE OF THE BEST
R&J Painting LLC ONE OF THE BEST
Plumber
Althoff Home Services
H.R. Stewart Inc. ONE OF THE BEST
Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. ONE OF THE BEST
Pool Care
Roofing
C3 Construction BEST
Innovative Home Concepts, Inc ONE OF THE BEST
Dynico Roofing ONE OF THE BEST
Septic/Sewer Service
Community Sewer & Septic Inc.
BEST
Helmer Septic ONE OF THE BEST
Arrow Septic & Sewer/Crystal Lake Septic ONE OF THE BEST
Barber
Frankie DeBarbers Place
Beardsley’s Barber Shop
BEST
ONE OF THE BEST
Joe’s Barber Shop ONE OF THE BEST
Cosmetic Skin Care
Body Airbrush Spray Tans
BEST
Esthetics With Me - Facial & Waxing Spa ONE OF THE BEST
Drip: IV Nutrition & Aesthetics Clinic, PLLC ONE OF THE BEST
Arvidson Pools and Spas BEST
Bella Pools and Spa ONE OF THE BEST
Kingfisher Pools ONE OF THE BEST
PROTECT PETS BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOME
Keeping cherished pets safe in and around a home is no small task. But with some diligence, it is possible to ensure health and happiness for companion animals. Follow these tips, courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Old Farm Veterinary Hospital and Security.org.
Consider an indoor and outdoor security camera system. Having eyes on pets while you’re away from home enables a quick response should something happen.
Be cautious with chemicals. Carefully consider any chemicals you use in your yard, including pesticides and weed killers, as well as any cleaning products used indoors. Pets can ingest or inhale these products and get sick.
Stay up-to-date on vaccinations. Whether pets never step outdoors or have free rein, always vaccinate companion animals against common parasites and other pests.
Microchip your pets. Microchips not only protect pets should they get lost, but they also can help track down animals that may have been stolen. Remember to keep microchip data current to ensure a swift recovery.
Pick up potential choking hazards. String, small pieces of toys, rawhide bone fragments, and other items can be choking hazards to pets. Be diligent about removing these items from the floor so that pets will not swallow them.
Day Spa
Drip: IV Nutrition & Aesthetics Clinic, PLLC
Hive Infusion Spa ONE OF THE BEST
Lakeside Healing Arts Boutique ONE OF THE BEST
Dry Cleaner
CD One Price Cleaners
Four Seasons Cleaners ONE OF THE BEST
Mr. Don’s Cleaners ONE OF THE BEST
Hair Salon
Salon By KJ
International Hairways
Reflections Hair Studio
Hair Stylist
KJ, Salon by KJ
Claudia Heinz, International Hairways
Joyce Lewis, The Cutting Room Salon
OF THE BEST
OF THE BEST
Keep foods and medicines out of reach. Many human foods can be toxic to pets, as can medications that are kept in a home. Pets can be curious and easy access to these items may make them quite ill.
Nail Salon
Unique Nails
Naomi Michelle Salon & Spa ONE OF THE BEST
Angel Nails Spa ONE OF THE BEST
Preschool
St. Barnabas Christian Preschool
Trinity Oaks Christian Academy ONE OF THE BEST
Nature’s Scholars Enrichment Center, Inc. ONE OF THE BEST
Tattoo Shop
Monster Ink Tattoo & Piercing
OF THE BEST
OF THE BEST
Area 51 Tattoo ONE OF THE BEST
Full Moon Tattoo ONE OF THE BEST
Animal Shelter Rescue
Pet Groomer
Pet
Business-to-Business Service
Social
Computer Repair
StratusComm - Managed IT Services
Eccezion
Employment Agency
Sustainable Staffing Inc.
Express Employment Professionals
Staffing Services
Financial Advisor
Dunlap Financial Services BEST
Integrity Financial ONE
Clarity Group
Funeral Service
Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care
DeFiore Funeral & Cremation Service ONE OF THE BEST
Davenport Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Crystal Lake ONE OF THE BEST
Insurance Agent
HealthMarkets Insurance - Santos Agency ONE OF THE BEST
Goosehead Insurance - Christopher Draegert ONE OF THE BEST
Limo/Private Car/Taxi Service
Crazy Turtle Taxi
Modern Transportation ONE OF THE BEST H&M Limo ONE OF THE BEST
Mortgage Broker
Bayshore Mortgage Funding, LLC - Sean Harrington
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation ONE OF THE BEST Home State Bank ONE OF THE BEST
Moving Company
University Movers
Big Lou’s Move Crew, Inc. ONE OF THE BEST
Dreiske Moving & Storage ONE OF THE BEST
Philanthropic Group/Charitable Organization
CASA of McHenry County
United Way of Greater McHenry County ONE OF THE BEST
Kids In Need of McHenry County Visitation Home ONE OF THE BEST
Photographer
K-Adams Foto
Ashley Klemm Photography ONE OF THE BEST
Kate Fortin Photography ONE OF THE BEST
Printing and Signage
Eby Graphics
Real Estate Company
The Bremer Team - Keller Williams Success Realty BEST
Rob Schaid, RE/MAX Plaza ONE OF THE BEST Marj Carpenter, RE/MAX Suburban ONE OF THE BEST
Bakery
Bumble Bread Company BEST
Riverside Bake Shop ONE OF THE BEST Blessed Little Kitchen ONE OF THE BEST
Butcher
Butcher on the Block BEST Hub Market ONE OF THE BEST
Kalck’s Butcher Shop ONE OF THE BEST
Chocolate/Candy
Mellie’s Chocolate & Co. BEST Anderson’s Candy Shop ONE OF THE BEST Riverside Chocolate Factory ONE OF THE BEST
TOMS Productions ONE OF THE BEST Invictus Vinyl ONE OF THE BEST
Farmers Market
Farmers Market+ At The Dole
Woodstock Summer Farmers Market
TOM’s Farm Market
Liquor Store
Winestock Market & Lounge
Volume Liquors
Garfield’s Beverage Warehouse
Wine Shop
Winestock Market & Lounge
Off The Vine Wine Shop
OF THE BEST
Aroma Coffee & Wine ONE OF THE BEST
CBD/Dispensary
CannaBliss CBD Shop
Ivy Hall, Crystal Lake ONE OF THE BEST RISE Recreational Dispensary, Lake in the Hills ONE OF THE BEST
Clothing Boutique
Wear Did U Get That
Bridal/Formal Wear
Love Story Bridal
Betty & Beau Bridal Boutique
OF THE BEST
Kathryn’s Bridal & Dress Shop ONE OF THE BEST
Black Orchid Boutique ONE OF THE BEST Hattie & Myrt ONE OF THE BEST
Florist
Twisted Stem Floral
Wildrose Floral Design ONE OF THE BEST jh Events and Flowers ONE OF THE BEST
Nest
OF THE BEST Out of the Box ONE OF THE BEST
Jewelry Store
Dalzell Jewelers BEST
KEST Jewelry ONE OF THE BEST
Nelson’s Jewelry ONE OF THE BEST
Music Store
Siren Records McHenry BEST
Consolidated Music Inc ONE OF THE BEST
Reef Records Lakemoor ONE OF THE BEST
Resale Shop
Best Friend’s Consignment BEST
On Angels’ Wings - Pet Rescue & Resale Store ONE OF THE BEST Lincoln Avenue Market ONE OF THE BEST
Shoe Store
Achieve Footwear BEST
The Running Depot ONE OF THE BEST
Ms. Bossy Boots ONE OF THE BEST
Specialty Item Shop
Fantasy Factory Romantic Boutique BEST
Freundly Designs ONE OF THE BEST
Kitchen Outfitters ONE OF THE BEST
Store for Kids
Marvin’s Toy Store
BEST
Kiddy Korner Children’s Resale ONE OF THE BEST Abalabix Books ONE OF THE BEST
Vintage Clothing and Furniture
New Leaf Home Furnishings BEST
On Angels’ Wings - Pet Rescue & Resale Store ONE OF THE BEST
Apple Orchard
Royal Oak Farm Orchard BEST
All Seasons Orchard ONE OF THE BEST
Stade’s Farm & Market ONE OF THE BEST
Bike Shop
The Bike Haven BEST
Lucky Brake Bicycles ONE OF THE BEST
Wheel Werks Bikes ONE OF THE BEST
Bowling
Raymond’s Bowl & Entertainment Center
BEST
Kingston Lanes Bowling and Sports Lounge ONE OF THE BEST
3D Sideouts Sports Tavern ONE OF THE BEST
Dance Studio - Instruction
Engage Dance Academy, Inc.
BEST
Inspiration Dance Studio - Cary Park District ONE OF THE BEST
Mar Ray Dance Studio ONE OF THE BEST
Stan’s Vintage Thrift ONE OF THE BEST
Wedding Cake
Konrad’s Bakery BEST
Blessed Little Kitchen ONE OF THE BEST Clover Dust Cakes ONE OF THE BEST
Gymnastics/Cheer
Crystal Lake Gymnastics Training Center BEST
Huntley Cheer Association ONE OF THE BEST Royalty Gymnastics, Tumble & Dance ONE OF THE BEST
Hiking & Running Trail/Path
Moraine Hills State Park BEST
Hickory Grove Highlands, MCCD ONE OF THE BEST McHenry Dam ONE OF THE BEST
Martial Arts
Lee’s Martial Arts Academy BEST New Masters Martial Arts ONE OF THE BEST Red Jade Martial Arts ONE OF THE BEST
Park/Outdoor
Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center BEST
Emricson Park ONE OF THE BEST
Glacial Park ONE OF THE BEST
Public Golf Course
Foxford Hills Golf Club BEST RedTail Golf Club ONE OF THE BEST Boone Creek Golf Club ONE OF THE BEST
Shooting Range
D5 Ranges Marengo BEST Guns-N-Such ONE OF THE BEST Second Amendment Sports ONE OF THE BEST
Swim Lessons
The Doggie Paddle BEST Sage YMCA ONE OF THE BEST Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center ONE OF THE BEST
Video Gaming
Jojo’s Place BEST
Gigi’s Place ONE OF THE BEST Lucky Bernie’s ONE OF THE BEST
