December 2023

Why do you like having your business in the Grayslake Village Center?

I love having my business in the Village Center because we get to be a part of and take part in all the fun things that happen in our town. Being located in the Village Center keep us plugged into our amazing community.

What makes Grayslake special to you?

Grayslake is special to me because of the people. The people and the businesses here are so kind and giving and truly have a wonderful sense of community. It’s thanks to them and that shared attitude of giving back to your community that Grayslake can maintain its small town charm in the 21st century.

November 2023

Why do you like having your business in the Grayslake Village Center?

Location! Location! Location! Years before we finalized our move from Hainesville, Grayslake was on the top of my list of where I wanted to move my business. Having Beer Bazaar right on Center Street has been tremendous in growing my business and has also allowed us to weather the storm that is the shrinking craft beer market.

Being in the Village Center has also allowed me to collaborate with other local businesses. We’ve worked with the Grayslake Heritage Center, Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Club, Andy’s Records, Romney Brown and continually look forward to working with and supporting other local businesses and organizations. With two beer fests and a brewery, Grayslake makes a wonderful town for Beer Bazaar to call its home.

What makes Grayslake special to you?

In addition to owning a business in Grayslake, I have been a resident for 8 years. I’ve always had a fondness for Grayslake and that fondness has only grown with my time here. Residents are truly blessed with the amenities available. The number of resources made uniquely accessible to its citizens continues to surprise me, whether it be the Aquatic Center, Community Garden, Skate Park or the Grayslake Area Public Library. The sense of community is unlike any other in supporting one another with neighborly kinship. There always seems to be something happening in Grayslake, whether it’s the Farmers Markets, street parties, Beer Fest, etc. It has truly been an honor to volunteer with the Chamber and Exchange Club on recruiting breweries for the Grayslake Craft Beer Fest this past year and in turn give back to the wonderful community.

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October 2023

Why do you like having your business in the Village Center?

Grayslake Village Center has such a wide array of great places to eat, shop, and visit all year long and so many fun events throughout the year. At Closet Traders we love to participate and really appreciate the sense of community created by the vibrant businesses and people of the Grayslake Village Center. Every year we host our own event and love to see everyone come out to enjoy the fun! We hope to see you all this year at Closet Traders 4th Annual Trunk Sale & Merchant Market!

What makes Grayslake special to you?

The people of Grayslake have always made it feel like home for me. As a transplant from California I fell in love with the open space and the quaint downtown, the bike paths and the fact that Chicago is a pretty quick train ride or drive away. But far and away, it is the community and inclusivity I found in Grayslake that makes it home.

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September 2023

Tell us about some of the main events and happenings at the Grayslake Area Public Library.

There is always something happening at the Grayslake Area Public Library! We recently wrapped up our most successful Summer Reading Challenge ever with over 2,000 registrants. Our summer reading t-shirts were a hit again this year, and it is awesome to see so many in the community wearing them throughout the year. Some cool and exciting events this Fall include our always popular “Halloween Costume Swap” on Saturday, October 7th. We are hosting a Mobile Passport event in conjunction with the Lake County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office on Saturday, October 28th. Lastly, did you know that the Library has a Makerspace with a 3D printer and laser cutter? Come check out our awesome Hub next time you visit the Library.

Do you have a favorite event since you've been at the library and why?

This is such a hard question! The Library hosts and puts together hundreds of different programs and events every year. Naming one event as my favorite is almost like asking me to name a favorite child. 😉 I will say that the Community Art Fair is one of our most well attended events each year. Last March students from Grayslake Community School Districts 46 and 127, Westlake and Saint Gilbert schools, and adults from the Grayslake Arts Alliance transformed the library into a wondrous art gallery. It was inspiring and uplifting to see some many budding artists in the Grayslake Area community!

What makes Grayslake special to you?

My family moved to Grayslake late last year after living in Chicago for over a decade. There is such a sense of community here in Grayslake that is almost impossible to recreate anywhere else. One can never claim to be bored or that there is nothing to do in Grayslake. This is even more true in the summer. Every weekend it seems like there is an event of some sort going on in town! Also, as Library Director, I get to see first-hand every day how much the community values things like reading and life-long learning. Residents here truly love the Library and I’m grateful for that each and every day.

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August 2023

Tell us about the events the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum hosts in the Village Center.

The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum hosts events all year around, but we’re definitely busiest in the summer. In addition to regular museum events, we have a free summer concert series and (new this year) an outdoor movie series every month. Both take place at Centennial Plaza, where we can point to our building and say “be sure to visit us at that building right there!” In July, we opened an exhibit about bicycling, and it includes an Olympian, Guinness World Record holder, and two bicycling mayors from Grayslake. Our events often connect to our exhibits, so our current list includes history bike rides, Pet and Bike parade decorating, “Women’s Bicycle Fashion and the New Woman,” a kids bike obstacle course, safety demonstrations, and more. There’s a lot going on, and I wouldn’t be able to keep up without Katie and Zee and so many dedicated volunteers.

Do you have a favorite event and why?

Choosing a favorite event is hard! In spring, I love the Shop’n’Swirl Wine Walk with the Grayslake Heritage Center Foundation. Hundreds of people come to taste wine in 20+ small businesses, and the number one comment we hear is “I didn’t know this existed!” because even longtime Grayslakers discover a business they didn’t know about.

In winter, I love the opening night of our Grayslake Giving Trees display. We work with our partner, the Grayslake Historical Society, to invite area organizations to decorate a tree that showcases their mission or a chosen theme. Last year, we barely had room for them all! The display opens the day of the Tree Lighting, and we call it the most cheerful room in Grayslake.

What makes Grayslake special to you?

Museum jobs often require relocating, so I’ve called a lot of places home. When I moved to Grayslake, I only had two vague memories from visiting the area 10 years before: I remembered going to the Farmers Market and going to The Vine. I wasn’t sure what to expect… but Grayslake stole my heart. There’s a sense of community here—of caring and compassion and hometown pride—that I haven’t found anywhere else.

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July 2023

Why do you like having your business in the Grayslake Village Center?

One of the best aspects of being located in the Village Center is the colorful local scene. The Village Center feels like the soul of the community, a place that brings people together. Between the wonderful businesses downtown, to the local events that are held on its streets, there is always something going on.

What makes Grayslake special to you?

My family moved to Grayslake in 2001 from Hoffman Estates. Grayslake was the first place we felt like we were putting down roots.

I have always had a love of books but I was finally able to grow my passion when I took over the bookstore 10 years ago. Our location in the heart of downtown and the “homey” feel of the interior is exactly what sets our bookstore apart from other chain bookstores. Not to mention the 32,000 titles of used and rare books currently in stock.

Our favorite thing about downtown, besides the small town feel, is the great events that take place around us. Our favorite is the Grayslake Farmer’s Market where we have been able to showcasing a local author under our awning almost every week. We enjoy taking part in the Halloween Business Trick or Treat, Holiday Window Decorating Contest, and annual Wine Walk put on by the Grayslake Heritage Center Foundation. This year we are also excited to be part of Grayslake's first Authorfest. This event will bring together local authors, readers, & aspiring writers.

This Old Book will be sponsoring a Youth Creative Writing Contest and Workshop - free at AuthorFest - July 22nd from 2:00 pm. to 3:00 pm in front of the Grayslake Heritage Center. The youth creative writing workshop will help young authors by talking about writing ideas and what inspires us, and we'll play a few fun games to help get the creative juices flowing! Workshop is hosted by local writers Dawn Napier and 11 Year old Riley Preston.

Finalists for the writing contest will be chosen and will be featured at the July 22nd Grayslake AuthorFest Event between 3:00 pm. to 4:00 pm.

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June 2023

Why do you like having your business in the Grayslake Village Center?
The Grayslake Village Center is a great location to feel the pulse of our town. My wife and I love our community and felt like having our pharmacy in the Village Center would add to the already amazing businesses located there.

What makes Grayslake special to you?
Grayslake has been our home for 14 years and this is where we raise our 3 girls. We've created so many memories here and believe there is no place like it.

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May 2023

Why do you like having your business in the Grayslake Village Center?

Having a business in the Grayslake Village Center is exhilarating. Whether it’s the thrill that comes with all of the street vendors and the large groups of people going to the Farmer’s Market, or the quieter mornings of routine downtown Grayslake life; it feels great to work in the midst of this humble, yet vibrant village.

Grayslake Heritage Center events, Grayslake Arts Alliance shows, and book signings at This Old Book are highlights of the downtown art scene, a source of inspiration for me as a jazz artist and teacher and for my students. Our wonderful restaurants and coffee shops provide great places to grab coffee, lunch or dinner. And out my back window I can see The Freeze, a wonderful symbol of summer and small-town excellence.

I know that my students enjoy coming to my Village Center location, and their parents waiting during lessons love being so close to our unique businesses. One very special part of being downtown for me is when the Chapin Jazz X-tet performs at 129 Center Cut; I can roll my cart of keyboard, amp and gear easily across the street.

What makes Grayslake special to you?

My wife and I have now lived in Grayslake for 39 years, longer than we’ve lived anywhere else. Our children have known no other home. And while the rapid growth of some years was a bit frightening at times, we have relished how the village has worked to include bike paths, expand parks, preserve wetlands, and allow for open space. The village has also worked hard to lighten our tax burden through their efforts to attract businesses.

But the most valuable aspects of life in Grayslake, for me, stem from the environmental and family friendly nature of Grayslake. I feel safe here, as does my family. I love the natural beauty of the lake, trees, and homes. I treasure being able to ride a bike safely on paths to get to my studio. I love the dedication, artistry, love for nature, and entrepreneurial energy of the people who also call Grayslake home. This is a great place to teach, perform, and create music.

And did I mention the restaurants?

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April 2023

Tell us about the events the Chamber of Commerce hosts in the Village Center. Why do you like having events there? Do you have a favorite event and why?

The Chamber of Commerce hosts a lot of exciting events for everyone in the community. Winter Skate in the Park, Arts Festival and Wine Tasting, 5K Fun Run, Grayslake Summer Nights (Street Party), Grayslake Summer Days, Grayslake Craft Beer Festival, Business Trick or Treat and my favorite - the Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival.

If you haven’t enjoyed the tree lighting event, please mark your calendar for 11/24/23! This event originally started with people gathering around the tree, watching it be lit, and going home. Over the last couple of years, we have closed the street for the high school marching band and a fire truck to bring in Santa Claus. There are also more than 160,000 holiday lights turned on at 5:30 pm around the Village Center! Our streets are filled with our local merchants selling holiday merchandise, there are carriage rides offered, and so much more! Our goal is to truly make this a Hallmark event, and I believe we are on the right track!

All of our events could not take place if were not for the Chamber Board of Directors, our wonderful sponsors, and many local members of the community helping plan and volunteer to work these events. If you are interested in sponsoring or volunteering at any of our events, please contact the Chamber office at 847-223-6888. Nothing is better than bringing the community together! That’s what I love about these events - everyone can have fun!

What makes Grayslake special to you?

Grayslake is special to me because this is where I launched my career. Before becoming the Chamber of Commerce Director, I joined the Grayslake Chamber many years ago to help network the bank I worked at. I then started volunteering at many of the events and joined the Chamber Board. Over the last 20 years I have been a part of this community, became friends with so many people, and truly seen this town flourish as the place where people want to start a business, grow a family, and do so much more.

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March 2023

Why do you like having your business in the Grayslake Village Center?
The Grayslake Village Center’s Downtown has the small town feel that other Downtowns do not. Not a day goes by that you don't see folks out and about. It's a great community that loves to patronize all the businesses and events. You can walk the streets and always see familiar faces.

What makes Grayslake special to you?
I moved here from Florida when I was 14. Grayslake originally wasn't my hometown, but it quickly became it. Grayslake is where I grew up and where I started my family.

I started working in downtown at the age 14 at the Last Chance Saloon. I grew up in Grayslake and like the majority of kids in Grayslake, explored every aspect of it via the bike trails or walking downtown with friends. I fell in love with the small town feel that you get the second you cross the railroad tracks. I not only fell in love with Grayslake, but also my high school sweetheart, whom I would marry at 21. In 2006 I left the Last Chance Saloon to pursue my own dreams and opened my own restaurant with 4 investors. This was the start of The Vine. The town received us with open arms!

In the last 17 years is where the story of” The Vine” and “Why Grayslake is Special to Me” really begins. For over 10 years we helped put on some great events for some very deserving organizations. I've helped organize Car Shows, Rib Cook Offs, Blues Fests, Beer Fests, Golf Outings, Movie Nights, Wine Tastings, Bourbon Fests and more. All of these events would have never been successful if it wasn't for the support of the Grayslake community. But it wasn't until the past 3 years where my heart has opened up from the support and love this town has shown.

Bring on 2020... the pandemic. Most people in our industry cringe thinking back at it all, but I have a different view on it. Past all the closures, financial stress and hecticness of it all, I really have found a new love for this town and why Grayslake is so special to me. When things got rough, and I mean really rough, Grayslake showed up on many occasions to show support. Whether it was financially or just dropping off a card, the hope and support were there. The hope that many have shown us at The Vine in the last 3 years has meant so much to myself and my staff. This is something I will always be thankful for and will always make Grayslake special to me!

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February 2023

Why do you like having your business in the Grayslake Village Center?
Having my studio in the middle of the Village Center has been perfect for my business! People are drawn to town by so many wonderful events put on by the Grayslake Chamber and the businesses really come together to support each other. I also love having people stop in just to say hi as they walk by! It’s a busy yet quiet downtown that is just perfect for my studio!

What makes Grayslake special to you?
Grayslake is such an amazing town and I feel a huge sense of community here. We live within one mile of the downtown area and can walk to restaurants, shops, the library, schools, Central Park - it makes us feel incredibly connected! We have become friends with so many people in our 20 years of living here and every time we go out we see someone that we know.

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January 2023

Why do you like having your business in the Grayslake Village Center?
Our location provides us great exposure with all the activities that take place in historic downtown and in the community campus area near Central Park.

What makes Grayslake special to you?
The fact that even with population growth, Grayslake has still maintained its “small town” charm.

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