February brings the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, the Academy Awards, Fat Tuesday, Groundhog Day and, of course – everyone’s favorite day: National Plum Pudding Day (Feb 12). Finally, last but not least, National Drink Wine Day (the convention and visitor bureau’s favorite holiday on February 18).
And speaking of wine and eats, don’t forget to mark your calendars from March 1-10 as Visit Lake County throws its fifth annualLake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days to Savor. This delectable event enables foodies to find new favorites, sample local cuisine and share their experiences on social media. Click here for the sake of your taste buds.
So without further adieu, stay warm and peruse your top 10 things to do in February 2020!
“A hungry man is not a free man,” said the late former Governor of Illinois and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Adlai Stevenson II. The American lawmaker resided in Libertyville (now in present-day Mettawa). Tour his home, now operated by the Lake County Forest Preserve District, get an up-close-and-personal look at “the man from Libertyville.” Visitors will learn of the speeches he wrote, his ideology of the world and his livelihood in the Lake County estate. The National Historic Landmark tour runs throughout the year on select days through October.
"Shall we dance? One, two, three and? On a bright cloud of music shall we fly?" While it's not the same circumstances as the "King and I" musical, Lake County hosts a bundle of boogie nights for daughter, son, mom and dad. Valentine's Day is just around the corner from most of these romps, and your youngster will be delighted to cut a rug with mommy dearest and dear old dad. Here are some of the romp nights Lake County has to offer:
From exploring a Lake County winter wonderland to playdates with cold-blooded creatures to escaping reality gazing at stunning snowy murals to hunting underwater dwellers and a slew of celebrations, Lake County is the place to indulge in frosty festivities. Here are your land of lakes winter festivals.
Lake County is known for its theatre. Performers continuously break legs as these February shows feature incredible voices, thrilling dances, great storytelling and some of the most enchanting music ever written for the center stage. Here is your schedule for February:
"Grease" at the Marriott Theatre (now through March 15) INFO»
"The 39 Steps" at PM&L Theatre (now through February 16) INFO»
"The Fantasticks" at Citadel Theatre (February 5-March 8) INFO»
Hans Christian Anderson's "The Princess and the Pea at Marriott Theatre (February 7-April 19) INFO»
Get your ice fishing on Lake County. There are two angler events with a lot of longevity and history to fulfill your snow fishing expeditions. Pack up your lines, hooks and spears, and go for the gold trying to nab some fresh pike, crappie, perch and bluegill that Bangs and the Chain O’Lakes have to offer. Cash and prizes will be rewarded to anglers in big and small fish catches, an auction, raffles and more. Let’s take a look at our derby days.
Chain O'Lakes Fishing Derby and Winter Festival (February 8-9) INFO»
Roses are red, violets are blue. Orchids range from gray, purple, pink and red, and the Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting a show of it, too. See the diverse array of Orchidaceae donning its brilliant colors as the Glencoe sanctuary features over 10,000 exceptional blooms. Some of the artistic elements featured include a towering kaleidoscope, a floating carpet and a dramatic chandelier. The chandelier as mentioned earlier changes its colors pending on the angle of the winter sun. Not to mention, Chicago Bo returns its Orchids After Hours. On Thursdays through mid-March (and Friday, February 14 for Valentine's Day), not only do you get to marvel at the magnificent sites of the blooms, but you can make a date night of the occasion with a full menu and libations.
"Why do birds sing so gay? And lovers await the break of day. Why do they fall in love?" Looking for a special someone during th lover's holiday? Add to your schedule a rendezvous on the chairlift as Wilmot Mountain takes speed dating to a whole new height. Adventure and romance have a natural simpatico. Snowboarding and skiing singles can meet their bride or groom to be just over the Wisconsin border as we approach Valentine's Day.
Tis the season to be freezin.’ Already Lake County has been hit with a lot of snow and low mercury temps. Take a chill pill by getting wet in Fox Lake's Polar Plunge. The proceeds of this plunge raises money for the Special Olympics Illinois. Pending how many funds you build, you can take home anything from a polar plunge hooded sweatshirt to a 26 oz YETI Bottle. After a breezy walk in the drink, a warm lunch from Fox Lake area businesses will be provided for the brave souls for $5 (proceeds go to the Special Olympics). Don't forget to wear your best freezing costume.
It’s that time of year to let the good times roll. It's time to party for Fat Tuesday New Orleans style in Lake County. However, maybe fasting ain't your forté. Learn from the greats at Dress Up & Dance in Mundelein as they'll providing the 411 on all of the samba dance moves as well as offering an open dance. Rock your best purple, greens and gold as Dress Up & Dance is now Bourbon Street central. Complimentary snacks will be provided as well as beverages for $1. As they say in the Big Easy, “Laissez Les Bon temps rouler."
Unhitch that belt buckle one less notch, because it’s that time of year to treat your taste buds to a flavor utopia. Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days To Savor runs February 28-March 8. The 10-day foodie frenzy is a multi-platform campaign that will highlight Lake County restaurants with their special prix-fixe menus, food and drink pairings, chef demonstrations, live entertainment and other lucrative promotions to attract new guests. The eats extravaganza is highlighted by over 70 participating restaurants.
For more things to do in February, click here. The Lake County Valentine's Day guide will be released shortly.
