Top of the morning to you as we view the top 10 things to do in March 2023. Although we lose an hour of sleep, everyone has had just about enough of a Lake County winter wonderland. Can you believe the first day of spring is this month?
Spring brings things like warmer weather, melting snow, bulbs that begin to bloom and a slew of Lake County activities to experience. Why would you leave Lake County for Spring Break when you have all that you need right under your nose? March into March with some pep in your step.
Two other notes of interest: indulge in the Lake County Libation Trail as it runs throught February 28. Check in to win for a chance to win a commemorative Libation Trail shirt. Also, Ravinia Festival's summer lineup will be announced on March 16, so mark your calendars.
Take in the third-month mania, as we take a look at the top 10 things to do in March 2023.
The Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center hosts a show for boating buffs to witness the best vessels the county has to offer. Embrace that taste of summer in Lake County at the Northern Illinois Boat Show. You and the family will see the latest models in pontoons, family runabouts, ski boats, jet boats, fishing boats, bayliners, alumacrafts, sea ray boats and then some at this festive event at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center in Grayslake. Over 60 Lake County and other location vendors exhibit and provids sale pricing at the four-day event.
Rob Carmichael, the Lake Forest sanctuary's curator for 25 years, is calling it quits. Before Carmichael heads into the sunset of retirement, take the family to see over 150 unique reptiles and other critters at Wildlife Discovery Center including their rattlesnake collection, lizards, snakes of all shapes and sizes, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, an assortment of frogs, a baby sloth and more. The inhabitants of the habitats are waving farewell before they head out to other animal sanctuaries or back into the wild. Unfortunately, the Lake Forest center has closed the outdoor exhibitions. The Wildlife Discovery Center remains open through March 24. Carmichael, his furry and scaley homies and his staff will be missed.
The winter always seems to last forever. Splash, slide and relax during an impromptu visit to Gurnee's springtime oasis, Great Wolf Lodge Illinois. Melt your winter blues in the 84 degree resort for the perfect spring getaway. An overnight stay is highlighted by youngsters merrymaking at Gurnee lodge's splashtastic waterpark, a yoga session, arts and crafts, a dance party, a character photo op, bowling, mini golf, a rustic ridge climbing wall, an arcade and so much more. Complement plenty of chillaxing with the onsite eatery, Barnwood restaurant for myriad delectable eats. The breakout runs through all of the area's school spring breaks and then some through April 30.
Don’t sit wasting your winter with chestnuts roasting by an open fire. When the temperature drops, a March winter festival in Lake County will cure your cabin fever. Continue scrolling for the March festivities:
- First Fridays on MainStreet Libertyville (3/3) INFO»
- Vintage Shop Hop in Antioch (3/4) INFO»
- Roaring 2020s Jazzed up Dining and Classical Cocktail (3/4) INFO»
- Puppy Painting Party at Lambs Farm (3/4 and 11) INFO»
- St. Patrick's Day in Lake County (3/11-19) (Continue Scrolling)
- GLMV Extreme Block Party Family Expo and "Taste of the Towns" in Mundelein (3/18) INFO»
- ArtWauk in Waukegan (3/18) INFO»
- Friday Nights - Latin Night in Round Lake Beach (3/24) INFO»
- Lake County RV Outlet Show in Grayslake (3/24-26) INFO»
As always, you will laugh, cry, sing along and maybe dance to the tunes performed by the talented actors and actresses all year. Remember, "it's bad luck to say good luck on opening night." So, visit the land of lakes and see what the March schedule has to offer.
- "Big Fish" at the Marriott Theatre (through 3/19) INFO»
- "The Christians at Citadel Theatre (through 3/12) INFO»
- "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" at the Marriott Theatre (through 4/1) INFO»
- First Friday Funnies at Improv Playhouse (3/3) INFO»
- Saturday Night Shows (3/4,11,18 and 25) INFO»
- Ballet Folkórico Tayahua's "A Night in Mexico" at the Genesee Theatre (3/11) INFO»
Green beverages shall be passed around, maybe a folk song (or “Danny Boy” far too many times) will be sung and clinks of beer mugs will resonate through the air. But, besides beer, these places provide your St. Paddy’s Day starter kit: potatoes, corned beef, cabbage and shepherd’s pie. Here are some of the St. Paddy's Day happenings:
- The Irish Boutique in Long Grove INFO»
- Make Glass Shamrocks at Peter Patterson Glass (3/4-12) INFO»
- Nutties' St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl at Harbor Brewing Co. (3/11) INFO»
- St. Paddy's Day at Mickey Finn's Brewery (3/11-19) INFO»
- Luck of the Irish Cookie at The Joyful Gourmet (3/17) INFO»
- St. Patrick's Day Dinner at The Joyful Gourmet (3/17) INFO»
- Annual St. Pat's Party at Mickey Finn's with 95 WIIL ROCK Broadcast (3/17) INFO»
- O'Hare Irish Dance and Sheila Healy Academy of Irish Dance at Hawthorn Mall (3/18) INFO»
- Wine Pairing Theme at Vigneto del Bino (3/18) INFO»
- Deer Park St. Paddy's 5K & 10K (3/18) INFO»
Who doesn’t like waffles, pancakes or French toast doused in syrup? All throughout March, treat yourself to the sweet sap and sugar maples on a one-hour hike at Ryerson. In this hike, you will learn everything there is to know about how the maple trees supply that sticky substance that you cover your breakfast with. Each walk begins every half-hour between noon and 2 p.m. The family won’t be sappy about attending, but maple they ’ll be enticed; especially just days before and after National Pancake Day (on March 12). Guided syrup hikes occur daily March 20-31, from 6:30-sunset. Spring break syruping saunters run March 28, from 11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m. There is also a senior series of Maple Syrup Hikes on March 30.
You’ll be able to get another day’s use out of last year’s Halloween costume at Volo Museum’s 23rd installment of the Princess and Superhero Spring Break event. Volunteers will be wearing capes, masks, makeup, gowns and donning crowns and tiaras as they interact and take pictures with the kids. The event is also highlighted by photo-ops with the prestigious Hollywood automobiles, face painting by InnoKreative Arts, food trucks and more. Any child ages 12 and younger, dressed in their favorite costume will receive free admission into the museum.
The renowned Shanty Towne restaurants host a four part series of wine dinners tasting events this year, starting in March. The first features The Shanty's Wine Director Dr. David Fulton and the spread is highlighted by authentic Greek, French, Italian and American wines complemented by delectable cuisine. The cuisine will be prepared by Mykonos Restaurant of Niles showcasing a six-course authentic Greek tasting menu. The Wadsworth eatery's proprieter Dimitri Kallianis provides a Lonley Olive Tree Organics olive oil tasting and lecture. Kallianis also owns the olive oil company. The Shanty has been featured on two Food Network shows, “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” featuring Guy Fieri and “Triple D Nation.” The Wadsworth restaurant just recently expanded by quadrupling the size of its facility. Other restaurants in Shanty Towne include Captain Porky's and Shanty South.
In our area, Lake County has 46 scenic courses with pristine wall-to-wall fairways. With the beauty, complexity and elaborate terrain, Golf Courses in Lake County have hosted some of the most extraordinary talents in the PGA and LPGA. Get out there and hit the links as spring is finally here! Below are a select few of chipping spots.
- Crane's Landing Golf Course in Lincolnshire INFO»
- Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein INFO»
- Greenshire Golf Course in Beach Park INFO»
- Hickory Knoll Golf Course in Lake Villa INFO»
- Thunderhawk Golf Club in Beach Park INFO»
- Veteran's Memorial Golf Course in Great Lakes INFO»
- White Deer Run Golf INFO»
