Holiday Gift Guide to Small Businesses in Lake County 2022
By: Nick Borowitz 12/14/2022
Holiday shopping can be incredibly easy. Maybe you're looking for a stocking stuffer or have a last-minute gift haul to make. Fret not because Visit Lake County has made this holiday gift guide to small businesses in Lake County 2022.
Make the most of the season when you Holiday Your Way in Lake County and visit Antioch, Gurnee, Libertyville and Vernon Hills.
Shopping for gifts in Lake County is a two-fold experience. You can support small businesses and experience the communities that they're located in.
Find a great present for everyone by using this holiday gift guide to small businesses in Lake County.
Peter Patterson Glassworks is a full-service studio where professionals hone their skills and beginners come to learn a new craft. The glassblowing studio hosts events, classes and corporate team-building if you want to challenge the crew. When you want to shop for contemporary glassware décor for the home, visit their onsite store to pick out a piece that grabs your attention. Peter Patterson, the studio's namesake, has been in the glass art business for over 40 years and has won numerous awards, including an Illinois Maker Award from the Illinois Office of Tourism.
Peter Patterson Glassworks, 888 Tower Rd., STE E, Mundelein.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow outside for all we care because, inside Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, the temperature is 84 degrees. Anchored by an awe-inspiring 80,000-square-foot indoor water park featuring slides and water attractions for every age, Great Wolf Lodge is a premier resort destination for families in and around the greater Chicago area. The gift just keeps on giving with the family activities and the divine cuisine. Owwooooo.
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.
There is no better feeling than throwing an object with enough force to stick to the surface of where you toss it. Lumberjaxe Axe Lounge in Libertyville lets you experience that thrill as you test your aim and throw hatchets at a target. The Libertyville axe-traction features 16 throwing lanes, two large televisions, dartboards and a truly unique experience. Bring the family for a day of competition, try to beat your friends or ham it up with a date while you inevitably miss the target.
Lumberjaxe Axe Lounge, 216 Petersen Rd., Libertyville.
"I like to drink wine more than I used to. Anyway, I'm drinking more." Looking for the gift of vino for the wine lover in your life? Lake County provides you with the best local berry drinks for that special someone. Still, you can plan a wine tour with the aforementioned when the warmer seasons come.
Various locations in Lake County.
Do you fancy yourself a pretty good cook or at least good enough that everyone peppers on the praise after a meal? Are you open to learning new techniques and recipes that keep family and guests yearning for another serving? What about sharing the gift of knowledge to make new recipes, use nuanced tools and craft unique flavors? When you visit the Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville, you can get all of the above, plus some retail therapy with their hand-picked brands of utensils. Get new kitchen products for the apsiring cook in your life.
The Joyful Gourmet, 542 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville.
Undoubtedly, most people have thought, "I wonder what it would be like to be a pilot?" While Extreme Flight Simulation won't let you fly a real plane, they allow you to do the next most excellent thing: simulations! They currently have two setups: an F-18 and a 737 simulator. Depending on who you're shopping for, the Gurnee attraction also has a VR headset that complements the experience and adds a touch of immersion. Give the gift of metaphorical flight at this Gurnee experience.
Extreme Flight Simulation, 1350 Tri-State Pkwy., STE 128, Gurnee.
Reclaimed Artisans is a unique home decoration store specializing in handmade and repurposed furnishings. They have a huge selection of antiques, vintage items, reclaimed furniture and home decor, painted furniture, barn wood and created by 130+ local artisans.
Reclaimed Artisans Inc., 302 Peterson Rd., Libertyville.
Wear your best overcoat and break out the top hats for holiday stage productions. The professionals of the visual arts are here to entertain with holiday theatre performances in Lake County. These stages showcase legendary musicians, comedians and bands gracing our storied stages. Give the gift of a Broadway musical, a hilarious comedian or a delightful show for the children.
Various locations in Lake County.
Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago is preparing for an exciting season. What better time to get tickets to give the gift of thrills when summer arrives? Six Flags Great America offers endless adventures for the entire family with heart-pounding coasters, a 20-acre water park, spectacular shows, a nighttime parade and three children’s areas.
Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.
The exciting part about the Sock Monkey Museum in Historic Downtown Long Grove is that you can explore the museum and learn about the titular gift. And after you see the fascinating business, stop thrugh the gift shop and grab a few of the stuffed dolls to give as gifts to everyone, no matter their age.
Sock Monkey Museum, 210 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove.
Lake County is home to many libation trail brewhouses, including the first craft brewery in the county in Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville. Instead of 99 bottles of beer on the wall, get your brew aficionado the present of ...well..more beer. Many of the Lake County Libation Trail suds masters will send you home with a little brown jug of liquid courage at 32 or 64 ounces. Your gift receiver could call foul if you don't set yourself on the prowl for a growler or two.
Various locations in Lake County.
Just north over the Lake County border, is Boundless Adventures. If the gift is for an outdoorsy individual, a trip to this venue is a must-have. The Bristol, WI entity is the thrill-seekers' haven and is highlighted by ziplining, obstacle courses, tree climbing and all sorts of challenging athletic expeditions for you and your giftee.
Boundless Adventures, 9700 160th Avenue, Bristol, WI.
RISE Cannabis is a busy dispensary here in northern Illinois. And with good reason: it's clean, the line moves quickly and they are expanding the facility. RISE has added a Smokeasy and the Lounge as part of their expansion. Adult consumers (21+) can purchase a variety of products to give to other adult consumers or bring some friends and treat them to the various events in the Lounge or in the Smokeasy. The Smokeasy is a play on the idea of Prohibition-era speakeasies where you can eat, smoke and sip on cannabis-infused beverages in a chilled-out space.
RISE Recreational Dispensary, 1325 Armour Blvd., Mundelein.
The holiday season starts in October and runs through December. It is full of flavors to make your tastebuds go wild. That doesn't have to end just because of exercise resolutions for the New Year. Make your present a sweet one with treats from the many Lake County confectioners, bakers and chocolatiers concoct. Whether its the cocoa from Chocolate Sanctuary in Gurnee, the salty delights from The Popcorn Factory in Lake Forest, the slews of treats from Long Grove Confectionery and an array of others, your giftee's reaction will be ecstatic.
Various Location in Lake County.
Why wait to get decorations next year when you can prepare this year instead? And what better way than to help friends and family prepare for next year than to browse Treetime Christmas Creations! The Lake Barrington holiday store has a warehouse full of decorations that complement any style you can come up with. Treetime Christmas Creations is open through mid-January.
Treetime Christmas Creations, 22102 Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington
The Irish Boutique in Historic Downtown Long Grove is a family-owned business that sells a huge variety of gifts, all with a touch of gaelic influence. They sell plenty of home decorations when you're looking to add celtic accents inside the dwelling. With a handsome selection of attire, accessorize in new threads and different jewelry. Their selection makes it easy when you want to find a personalized gift for even the pickiest person.
The Irish Boutique, 224 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove.
"Liquor may not solve all of your problems, but it's worth a shot." Give your friends and fam a prequel taste of what Lake County Libation Trail Month (in January) has to offer. Vodka, whiskey, gin. You name it, Lake County's got it. Here are a few of the "free" spirit distilleries the land of lakes has to offer.
Various locations in Lake County.
Click here to see more places to put this holiday gift guide to small businesses in Lake County 2022 to use. Make the most of the season when you Holiday Your Way in Lake County and visit Antioch, Gurnee, Libertyville and Vernon Hills before the holidays end. Cozy up to a bonfire and read some holiday stories.
