Illinois

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Updates to Kids Love Illinois

Changes:

N – Utica - Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Lodge (page 125). We are getting mixed reviews from readers regarding their experience at this resort. We highly recommend reviewing customers' experiences before planning your trip at websites such as TripVisor.com.

CL – Chicago. Apparently, the City of Chicago permanently DISCONTINUED the free trolley service but never made it public notice to travel journalists. Chicago is a very walkable city (we walked everywhere) or you could pay the trolley day rate with on/off privileges which is very helpful if you're skirting the city and don't have walkers. Otherwise, I'd opt for the Duckboat or Firetruck tour instead.

CL – Chicago. SEARS TOWER (pg. 39). Newly named Willis Tower. It'll be a walk on the high side as visitors on the observation deck step into glass enclosures that extend 4.3 feet beyond the building. Beneath their feet in dizziness-inducing splendor will be the city itself, 103 stories below, with an inch and a half of glass between person and pavement. Four glassed-in outcroppings on the west side of the Sears Skydeck let visitors feel like they're floating over the city below. The ledge was inspired by similar decks at the Grand Canyon and Toronto's CN Tower.

STATEWIDE – ALERT! http://tinyurl.com/ilhistoryclosed State historic sites and museums schedules ----- Hi, Illinois History fans. I regret to inform you (most of you already know) that late 2008 IHPA announced it was CLOSING (until further notice) several favorite historic sites listed in our KIDS LOVE ILLINOIS book. Things may change with the new governor but, in the meantime, would you please send an email to the new governor’s office sharing your concerns losing such wonderful hands-on learning attractions and easy ways to sneak in history…NEW UPDATE: That was late 2008, early 2009. Now, things have settled down and most places have re-opened, with some restricted hours: http://www.illinoishistory.gov/hs/sites.htm (here's the link to the current Historic Site directory w/ downloadable year-round hours of operation)

C – Springfield. ILLINOIS STATE CAPITOL (pg. 18) is no longer open for tours.

C – Springfield. SILO ROCK CLIMBING GYM (pg. 21) is no longer in business.

C – Springfield. WEINER DOG (pg. 22) is no longer in business.

CL – HEALTH WORLD (pg. 31) is no longer open to the public.

CL - SUE’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION – Chicago (pg. 199). They don’t have Sue’s birthday every year. 2006 was her 5^th birthday so it was a special celebration.

Additions:

CL - DOUBLETREE HOTEL CHICAGO – Arlington Heights 75 W. Algonquin Road (Rte. 62 & I-90), Arlington Heights, IL 60005. (847) 364-7600 or www.chicagoarlingtonheights.doubletree.com . As you enter the lobby and checkin, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff, yes, but even better – the smell of warm chocolate chip cookies! Each evening around checkin time, they bake their famous cookies (people love them so much they now ship them in tins J) to give to guests as a welcome gift. If that doesn’t “grab” the kids attention (“Mom, this place is awesome”) maybe the Fluffy bed and pillows in your room (popular Sweet Dreams pillows and plush top bedding) or the nice indoor atrium pool area and walking courtyard green space will. Just outside the fitness and pool area is a snack bar called Cravings - open 24 hours for late-night snack craving purchases. If you want, you can take the complimentary local area shuttle to the nearest Metra station and board the transit into downtown Chicago without the fuss (and expense) of parking. The Birch River Grill Restaurant on the property was very good. (serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily) When you first walk in, it gives you a cozy, homespun feel…with a glowing fireplace one might find in a fishing lodge. A friendly wait staff and the smell of delicious food greet you at the entrance. They serve inspired American dishes in generous portions. Everyone is sure to find something that they would enjoy to eat, from Granny Apple & Onion Soup (which is topped with cheese and fresh baked crisp apples - $6) to even the simplest and cheesiest Mac & Cheese. Signature meat entrees include Grilled Pork Tenderloin Served with real smashed potatoes and rustic cranberry apple sauce ($16) or grilled, rubbed steak served au jus. Even the desserts are amazing, from a yummy carrot cake for two (which is a three tiered creation with cream cheese frosting) to the chocolate lover’s favorite Chocolate Temptation Cake (even the name makes you tempted to get it!). And, the Doubletree Cookies & Milk ($5) is the classic ending to Doubletree dining. Who would think a city known for pizza and beef would also have so many Southern twists (ex. Sweet potato fries or fried green tomatoes) and East Coast turns (crab cakes).

CL - Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. 798 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. (847) 228-9551 or www.pappadeaux.com. Serving lunch (entrees $10-15) and dinner (entrees ~$20). Ok, now we’re really lovin Chicago food in the burbs! You know this place is going to be fun once you walk in. General Manager, Tim Grodek says of Pappadeaux’s: “It is our commitment to provide affordable, delicious food in a fun, upscale setting. The relaxed, fun-loving atmosphere of Louisiana is recreated in our cruise-ship designed restaurant.” Notice the consistent use of the word fun? Parts of it feel like the elegant Titanic plus they have several aquarium bays with fresh fish (ready to be prepared fresh for you) and a tropical fish aquarium to gaze at while you wait for your table or food order. Ok, but what about the food. Find classic seafood specialties like fried shrimp, etouffee, grilled Gulf fish and fresh Gulf oysters. Their oysters can be ordered with sides of crab but, can we suggest you get crazy? Maybe Crispy Fried Alligator, Seared Frog Legs or fondue – blackened Shrimp & Crawfish Fondeaux in a creamy sauce with sautéed veggies to die for! Other specialties to try: Shrimp Brochette wrapped and filled (amazing – our fav of all selections); anything Cajun, Dirty Rice as a side – a flavor burst; and their crab legs come with special crab pickers that easily manage the tedious job of getting that luscious meat out. Oh, and they do have steak and chicken dishes, too. Speaking of that, what about the Kids Menu (also doubles as an activity sheet)? Kids twelve and under have choices of Corn Dog bites, Chicken Tenders, Fried Catfish, Fried Shrimp or a Combo Platter (avg. $5). The chef promises no spicy foods on the kids menu. All meals include milk, juice or soda. Finish your festive meal with a signature dessert: Godiva Chocolate Mousse cake – chocolate heaven on a plate! We think their Cajun influences are just the right spice and their sauces are really worth trying in any dish. Their flavor layers are really that unique and the atmosphere feels like you’re on a wild adventure!

CL – KOHL’S CHILDREN’S MUSEUM www.kohlschildrensmuseum.org is now open in Glenview and offers a smaller children’s museum for kids ages 2-10 to easily manage for a small fee.

N – Rockford. COCO KEY WATER RESORT. Best Western Clock Tower Resort. www.cocokeyresort.com. Coco is the mascot parrot who makes his home in the Key West-inspired tropical environ that contains looping slides, an interactive playhouse with dump buckets, hoses, a dropping raft ride, tube rides and whirlpools. Also an arcade, snack shop and poolside cabanas. Overnight lodging family package starts around $180, specials start at $99.00.

CL – Arlington Heights. COCO KEY WATER RESORT. Sheraton Chicago Northwest Hotel. www.cocokeyresort.com or (847) 394-2000. Coco is the mascot parrot who makes his home in the Key West-inspired tropical environ that contains looping slides, an interactive playhouse with dump buckets, hoses, a dropping raft ride, tube rides and whirlpools. Also an arcade, snack shop and poolside cabanas. Overnight lodging family package starts at $159.

CL – Elmhurst. MAYAN ADVENTURE. Holiday Inn Elmhurst. www.mayanindoorwaterpark.com. Home to 24,000 square feet of wet and wild fun with tube rides, a plunge pool, a vortex pool, a zero-depth interactive playstation, and a dumping bucket. Lodging family waterpark package starts at $150.

CL – RAGING WAVES WATERPARK, Yorkville (one hour SW of Chicago). www.ragingwaves.com. Billed as the state’s largest water park, this Down Under Australian-themed attractions covers 45 acres and features splashy options like a three-story head-spinning contraption called the Tornado, 18 slides, a wave pool, a reft ride and massive replicas of marsupials.

CHICAGOLAND – MICHIGAN AVENUE BRIDGEHOUSE MUSEUM & FISH HOTEL. 111 E. Wacker (@ Michigan), Chicago 60610. (312) 977-0227 or www.bridgehousemuseum.org. Utilizes five floors of the bridgehouse to educate visitors on the Chicago River’s history and value to the area. Learn about natives, explorers and wildlife that once lived in what is now skyscraper Chicago. About 100 times per year, the Michigan Avenue bridge lifts to the sky to allow large boats passage through. It’s a sight to see (go online for dates and times, usually late evenings). Every warm season, a water garden is replenished serving as a Fish Hotel. An abundance of fish meander to it to “vacation.” The Bridgehouse is open from 10:00a.m. to 5:30p.m. daily through summer, and on Wednesday through Sunday each September.

N – Winslow. ARTESIAN WELL AT PARADISE COVE. Edge of Business District along Indian Creek. Nestled along Indian Creek is a natural artesian well where thousands of gallons of pure water flow each day—as it has since 1927. A ten foot water wheel is turned continually by the flowing water. The site, which is accessed by Stephenson County’s only covered bridge, includes a waterfall, large flower bed, and gazebo to enjoy while sipping the bubbling water. Open: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Martinsville, MOONSHINE STORE RESTAURANT. 6017 E. 300^th Road. (618) 569-9200. Roy Lee and Helen Tuttle bought the old-time (circa 1912) country store in 1982 and promptly made it the best eating house in town - heck, it's the only building in town, unless you count the outhouse - and you had better count it.. Aside from cold cut deli-style sandwiches, drinks and snacks, Moonshine is the home of the world-famous Moonburger. You can get a double beef cheese Moonburger, you can get a bacon Moonburger, shoot, you can get a Moonburger just about any old way y'all want it. Helen only flips burgers until 12:30pm. After that, it’s cold sandwiches. The store guest-book has visitors from all 50 states and around the world. The visitors get a chance to enjoy hospitality and ambience from days gone by, no fancy menus or dinner tabs here, just give her your name when you order over the deli counter and pay as you leave. You can sit down on the inside benches or enjoy the picnic table right next to the kerosene pump.

CL – PHEASANT RUN RESORT AND SPA. 4051 East Main Street (Rte. 64). St. Charles, IL 60174. (800) 474-3272 or www.pheasantrun.com. Experience lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment and recreation at a Midwest premier resort. There’s a wide range of activities on the 250-acre grounds including golf and indoor/outdoor pools. Guests can enjoy strolling down Pheasant Run’s indoor replica of New Orlean’s Bourbon Street and Noble Fool Theatrical comedies ranging from classic plays to improve to musicals. All wonderful, but the Specialty and Seasonal Packages is what really caught our attention. All packages include overnight accommodations as well as access to the pools. Try a Spring Fling – go fly a kite, Frisbee contests and other outdoor activities. Bubble toys and poolside games. This package starts at $114.00 for a family of four and includes crafts, kites and a picnic lunch. Their Summer Splash is similar but also features barbeques, DJ and music, breakfast and moonlight movies. At Smores-N-More you can warm up on fall and winter nights with your family as you enjoy a bonfire with smore kits and live entertainment (maybe a storyteller or cowboy singer). Again, crafts and a meal are included. Spring and summer weekends, kids can participate in interactive and imaginative shows they create and act out. “Lights, Camera, Create!” for children ages 5-12, in a one-hour show that is created by kids, cast with kids, and produced for kids. During the show, Novel Ideas pro actors help. While kids have fun learning and interacting, parents get to sit back, relax, and most importantly – laugh. ALL of this under one roof and the packages so reasonable! A great idea for an active weekend with the family – and, the kids can go to Kids Club weekend nights so the parents can go out to eat or see a play. The Theatre and Kids Club require an additional fee. By the way, the pools are huge and loads of families gravitate to it – make some new friends while you’re playing.

More Fun Information About:

W – PEORIA AREA WEEKEND. (800) 747-0302 or www.Peoria.org. We’ve already heavily recommended Wildlife Prairie State Park for a day or overnight. But, what else can a family do to fill an inexpensive weekend in the “city?” WHEELS O-TIME (pg.187) is especially fun if you bring the grandparents along. We have been to gobs of history museums and this one had so many “touch” exhibits the kids have never done. Type on an old typewriter, ring the siren of an antique fire truck, put your nickel in dozens of player musical instruments, try Morse Code, run a steam engine or start a mechanical circus or railroad. On your way back into town, swing over for an afternoon hike at FOREST PARK NATURE CENTER. Their easy, short trails are full of discovery of wildlife. If you don’t get enough on the trail, stop in the Nature Center to watch and touch samples of wildlife indoors. They have a spacious bird-watching room. A stop to the LAKEVIEW MUSEUM (pg. 187) is always worth it as the permanent exhibits are complimented by changing kids exhibit space. It’s just a few miles from Forest Park, as is TOWER PARK (pg. 190). Evenings are wonderfully spent at the Peoria Riverfront. Rather relax and eat right on the water? Try OLD CHICAGO (120 SW Water Street, 309-677-6766). They offer three different styles of pizza, sandwiches, pasta, excellent appetizers (pepperoni rolls!) and homemade desserts (little Big Cookie). Probably best to try the signature “Chicago Seven” loaded pizza. Close to the Riverfront, cheer on the local pro baseball, Class A Midwest League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the PEORIA CHIEFS (pg. 187). Everyone there was so friendly and the between-innings entertainment was fun. Before or after the game, sneak over to Bradley University Campus for some eclectic food at ONE WORLD EATS & DRINKS (1245 W. Main Street, Main & University, 309-672-1522 or www.oneworld-café.com) Most items served lunch and dinner are around $8.00. You’ll be tempted to try one of everything but we’d suggest the Appetizer Sampler, a Specialty Salad and an original melt or wrap. Try their mashed potatoes as a side. Big portions and a big kids menu that’s under $5.00. Don’t want to “rough it” at Wildlife Prairie overnight? Try casual luxury at STONEY CREEK INN on the East Peoria side of the Illinois River. (101 Mariners Way, exit 95A off I-74. (309) 694-1300 or www.stoneycreekinn.com ) So cozy and comfortable – set in a nautical outback lodge, they’ve got a free continental breakfast and a large indoor/outdoor heated pool and spa. There’s a casual eatery there, too. Great family value for under $100.00 per night.

EC - ROCKOME GARDENS (pg. 77) is now under new ownership. Instead of an Amish emphasis, there is an old-fashioned farm town emphasis. Hours are posted on their website: www.rockome.com. Free admission until June of 2006. Here’s part of a press release from ownership: Physically, Rockome needed a facelift. Decrepit structures were removed, while other buildings were reinforced. Layers of paint begin to revive the facades. Stores and shops are being re-vamped to suit today’s consumers. The grounds are being reminded of what it feels like to burst forth with color. The little town is starting to sparkle once again. This month, on April 21, The New Rockome’s gate will be open to the public. Although she is still “under transformation,” our hope is that her visitors can walk through her gardens and see the beauty and entertainment that lies below the surface. There is still much work to be done, but as we dine in Rockome’s renovated 1940’s style restaurant, watching entertainment reminiscent of that time, or stroll through our “Five and Dime” gift shop, we know that such a historical little town will not easily fade away. So come visit us and encourage this little town back onto the map. Start your day with a walk through our famous gardens and historical rock formations. Get a taste of a simpler life with a tour of an authentic school house and 1940’s farmhouse (coming soon). Visit Five and Dime for specialty gifts, or Harvest Time for your natural made products, including food and wine. At the restaurant, enjoy family style dining and a seasonal menu, while listening to live entertainment. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Elvan’s Soda fountain and then take a relaxing buggy ride to round out the day. Come with your family, or reserve one of our facilities for a catered event. Bring school children here to enjoy time with our animals.

Seasonal & Special Events

N - Woodstock, Ill.-- It's Groundhog Days in Woodstock Illinois, home of America's best town square and film location for the movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. Come to Woodstock, to get in the spirit and witness the prediction of the end of winter. Festivities kick off Feb. 1, with the lighting of the Groundhog at the Woodstock Opera House. Join Woodstock Willie, Woodstock's resident groundhog, in the historic Woodstock Square and be the first to know if he sees his shadow at the annual prognostication set for 7:07 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 2. Afterwards celebrate Willie's prediction with a hearty breakfast served immediately after the prognostication. Seating for breakfast is limited. Tickets may be purchased for $14 each. There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy the rest of the day including walking tours of the filming sights, free showing of Groundhog Day the Movie at the Classic Cinema theater, a chili cook off, a woodcarving demonstration and movie symposium at the Stage Left café, next to the Opera House where Bill Murray took his fateful dive from the belfry. Fee for organized tours/meals.

N – McHenry County. Old Fashioned Harvest Fest September – Woodstock Square, Woodstock, Ill. A day long celebration, the 12th annual Harvest Fest features a farmer's market; old-time craftspeople including weavers, spinners and quilters; vintage farm equipment; blacksmithing; woodworking; wagon rides; children's activities; and a fiddlers contest for youth and adults. Also, the Fair in The Square craft show featuring Midwest crafters. Location: Woodstock Square, downtown Woodstock. Take Ill. Rt. 47 from I-90 north 24 miles to Lake Ave. Take an easy left, go 1 mile and follow signs to the Square. Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: Free. Information: 815.338.2436

N-Johnny Appleseed Festival - September– Downtown, Crystal Lake, Ill. Bushels of fun for everyone, with music, entertainment, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin train, pumpkin bowling, apple bobbing, apple pie baking contest, clowns, children's games, square dancing, face painting, story telling, temporary tattoos, wagon rides, farmer's market, ball race and an appearance by Johnny Appleseed himself! Location: Downtown Crystal Lake. Take Ill. 31 from I-90 north 15 miles to Main St. Go right 1 mile to intersection with Crystal Lake Road. Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission: Free. Information: 815.479.0835 or www.downtowncl.org

N-Riverbend Watercross - September. – Petersen Park, McHenry, Ill. The fastest show on H2O. Snowmobile oval racing & jumping, vendors, entertainment, food & beverages. Fun for the whole family. Location: Petersen Park .Take Ill. Rt. 31 from I-90 north 24 miles through downtown McHenry to McCullom Lake Rd. Go west ½ mile. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission: $10. Information: 847.289.7272 www.h2ox.com

N-Shades of Autumn - October - McHenry, Ill. Bring the whole family for a full day of fun on the farm. Home cooked food at great prices, pumpkin picking, hayrides, mazes, crafts, crafters, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin cannon demonstrations, produce, music and “The Dark,” haunted house.. Location: Take Ill. Rt. 31 from I-90 28 miles north through McHenry to Ringwood Rd. Go east 3 miles to Spring Grove Rd. Go north 1 mile to Miller Rd. Go west on Miller Rd to Stade Dairy Farm. Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission: Free. Some attractions, including haunted house, have fees. Information: 815.675.6396 or www.shadesofautumn.net

N-30th Annual Cider Festival - October. - Union, Ill. Music, antique tractors, exhibits, demonstrations, food and cider Location: McHenry County Historical Society Museum, Take U.S. 20 from I-90 north 11 miles to Union Rd. Go north 1 ½ miles to Jefferson St. Go east ¼ mile to Main St. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission: $2 donation benefits FISH Food Pantry. Information: 815.923.2267 or www.mchsonline.org

N - 3rd Annual Antique Tractor Show. October. Historic Petersen Farm, McHenry, Ill. Hayrides, petting zoo, pony rides, farmers market. Live music Saturday and tractor pulling contest Sunday. Location: Historic Petersen Farm. Take Ill. Rt. 31 from I-90 north 23 miles north to Ill. Rt. 120 downtown. Go east 2 blocks to Green St, then south on Green St 1 ½ miles. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: $2 donation benefits FISH Food Pantry. Information: 847.514.7082 or dfranzen@dlfranzen.com

N-Trail of History - October - Ringwood - A living history interpretive event. Interpreters from throughout the Midwest portray and demonstrate life as it was from 1670–1850 in the former Northwest Territory, which encompassed present-day Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and portions of Minnesota. The event shows the relationship between nature, man and cultural development. Location: Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Rd., Ringwood. Take Ill. 31 from I-90 north 30 miles to Harts Rd (between McHenry and Richmond). Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission: $5 adults, $2 children (ages 6-12) and seniors (60+). Children 5 and under are free. Information: 815.338.6223.

N-HARVARD - Royal Oak Farm Orchard. Pick your own or chose already picked apples, pumpkins, gourds, squash, fall raspberries. Farm store, restaurant, apple donuts, caramel apples, cider, cider slushes, petting zoo, train, carousel, orchard tours and more. Location: 15908 Hebron Rd. Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon. thru Fri.; 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sat; Closed Sun. Information: 815.648.4141 or www.royaloakfarmorchard.com

N-HEBRON - Von Bergen’s Country Market. Large variety of fall produce, corn maze, farm animal zoo. Location: 9805 Rte. 173. Hours: 8:30 - 6 p.m. daily. Information: 815.648.2332 or www.vonbergens.com

N-HUNTLEY - Tom’s Farm Market & Greenhouses. Enjoy the giant inflated caterpillar, animal land, play land, 4-acre corn maze. Weekends: pony rides, pick-your-own pumpkins, barrel rides, face painting, tons of pumpkins, gourds and cornstalks. Homemade apple cider donuts and fudge, cafe and bakery. Educational tours for children grades pre-school thru second grade. Antique Tractors Oct 17th, Costume Parade October. Location: 10214 Algonquin Rd. Hours: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Mon. thru Fri.; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Information: 847.669.3421 or www.tomsfarmmarket.com.

N-McHENRY - Harms Farm & Garden. Pick your own or chose already picked apples, pumpkins, gourds, squash, fall raspberries. Farm store, restaurant, apple donuts, caramel apples, cider, cider slushes, petting zoo, train, carousel, orchard tours and more. Location: 4727 W Crystal Lake Rd. Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. Information: 815.385.5385

N-SPRING GROVE - Richardson Farm. World’s largest (28-acre) corn maze, wooded picnic area, free campfires, 50’ tall observation tower, giant slide, pumpkins, pedal cars, concessions. Location: 9407 Richardson Rd. Hours: 3 p.m. - 11 p.m., Wed. & Thu; 3 p.m. - Midnight Fri; 10 a.m. - Midnight Sat; Noon - 11 p.m., Sun; 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Columbus Day, Last admission is two hours before closing. Information: 815.675.9729, or www.richardsonfarm.com

N-WOODSTOCK - All Season Orchard. Pick your own apples, or choose from 12 varieties of already picked ones. Enjoy freshly pressed apple cider and apple donuts. Farm market has baskets, jams, honey and more. Relax at the Patio Grille. Hayrides, petting zoo, pick your own pumpkins too! Location: 14510 Ill. Route 176. Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wed. thru Sun. and Columbus Day). Information: 815.338.5637 or www.allseasonfarm.com

N - Red Barn Farm Market. Pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, cornstalks, fall produce, cheeses and more. Fall Festival (month of October) brings pumpkin pie, cider, other tasty treats, face painting, corn mazes, hayrides, spook house and a hay pyramid. Location: 3100 Ill. Rt. 47. Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mon. thru Fri.; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. in September; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily in October. Information: 815.338.4343 or www.redbarn.us

W -MACKINAW VALLEY CHAUTAUQUA SPIRIT OF THE PAST. 1797 County Road 450N (route 150 to town then follow the signs three miles north), Congerville. (309) 448-2480 or www.woodtreefarm.com. This unique festival takes place at Wood Tree Farm and Mackinaw Valley Elk Farm. It features farm tours, hay rides, historical presentations and first person performances. Also featured is a petting zoo, crafts, organic produce, elk meat products, Christmas tree selection, and more. (first full weekend in October)