Suzi Schmidt, President of the Lake County Board

With fuel at more than $4 per gallon fewer families are able to manage a summer vacation to those tried and true destinations like Disney.  Even weekend getaways seem an extravagance, but Americans are a resourceful lot.  We’ve begun to discover that there are more than enough local attractions and distractions to entertain ourselves.  In fact, a press conference was held this week where the Lake County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau announced that tourism in Lake County surpassed the one billion dollar mark over the last twelve months…$1,054,229,000.00 to be exact!

What in the world could Lake County have to offer that could generate that kind of tourism?  And if there is so much here, why am I breaking the bank going anywhere but my own backyard?

The first answer is an almost overwhelming list of events, festivals and attractions from Gurnee Mills and Six Flags to plays at Marriot Lincolnshire and concerts at Genesee Theater.  Temple Lippizaner horses, Volo Auto Museum, Long Grove Chocolate Festival, Marina Days, Farmer’s Markets and fairs in every part of the county.

Right here in Zion you can enjoy a Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 2-7 with a new theme each week.  This week we’re celebrating the city’s own birthday so stop by for trivia, games and cake!  We’ve hosted Nostalgia Days and the 4th of July and are looking forward to our own Jubilee Days event, the largest Labor Day Parade in Illinois! 

There’s the Dowie House Museum that will amaze and educate its visitors with the quality and quantity of original furniture, photos and personal artifacts of our founding family.  Consider our three golf courses that have received praise throughout the golfing community or maybe you prefer the six miles of Lake Michigan shores or our biking trails.  Take a ride on the Beeline to a host of dining and shopping options with free coupons available at www.summerspaces.com.  Go camping at the beach, take a charter boat out fishing, take the Garden Tour on the 18th, visit the library that always has events or activities for everyone in the family.  Volunteer to help the Boys and Girls Club reach it’s goal to build a facility as an alternative for our children after school.  Take in a free Concert in the Park at the Shiloh bandshell every Thursday night at 7:00 or catch a Little League game in the park. 

Take the Metra from your own backyard and go into the city for the afternoon.  Bring the family together for a picnic, join a reading group or sign up for that yoga class you said you’d take when you made your New Year’s Resolutions! 

There’s something for every interest right here in Lake County, even here in the beautiful City of Zion.  For more ideas on what you could be doing right here at home, please visit www.summerspaces.com and see for yourself how much fun staying right here at home can ‘bee’!