👋 Can't-Miss Foodie Event + 19 Fall Festivals

When Woodfield Mall opened in Schaumburg in 1971, it was the largest enclosed shopping mall in the United States. It originally opened with just 59 stores, including Sears, Marshall Field’s and JCPenney.

Woodfield expanded quickly, reaching 189 stores by 1973, and became one of the biggest shopping destinations in the country. More than 50 years later, it’s still one of the largest malls in the U.S., with over 2 million square feet and nearly 280 stores, restaurants and other businesses, and it still attracts more than 27 million visitors each year!

Pretty impressive for a mall that many of us have probably visited more times than we can count!

I recently tried a free 30-minute stretch at Stretch Zone Mount Prospect & was really impressed. I’ve always been pretty tight & have dealt with mild lower back & knee discomfort, & the assisted stretches were things I definitely couldn’t have done on my own.

Their practitioners do all the work for you, helping improve mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. I liked the experience enough that I ended up signing my wife and me up for a monthly package. If you want to try it yourself, the first 30-minute stretch is free, and Northwest Neighbor readers can also get 10% off packages if you decide to sign up.
(Try a FREE 30-Minute Stretch)

Come Hungry!
The foodie event of the year is right around the corner! Still need tickets for The Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce's Taste of the Town? Want to save $10? CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase them in advance! Come for the food and drinks (24 of your favorite Wheeling area restaurants, taverns, wineries and meeting spots) and stay for the amazing raffle prizes and live music. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday evening, October 28th at Chevy Chase Country Club.

*Group Discounts Available! Planning to come with friends? Ten or more people purchasing tickets as a group save even more money!

• Arlington Heights: A single-family home at 1025 S. Vail Ave. recently sold for $1.43 million, highlighting the continued strength of the local housing market.

• Buffalo Grove: The village announced its 2026 trick-or-treat hours will be from 3–8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Buffalo Grove was also recently ranked the #7 best city in the U.S. for trick-or-treating!

• Crystal Lake: The city is recognizing National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 19–23, reminding drivers to stop for school buses, watch for children near bus stops and use extra caution in school zones.

• Elgin: The city’s annual Pumpkin Smash returns Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents can drop off or smash pumpkins for composting at Advocate Sherman Hospital, 1425 N. Randall Rd., or Elgin High School, 1200 Maroon Dr.

• Elk Grove Village: Residents will receive another $200 Visa prepaid gift card, funded by one-time revenue from the sale of two data center properties. The village says it has provided nearly $15 million in direct financial assistance to residents over the past six years.

• Lake Zurich: The village’s annual leaf vacuuming program is underway and will continue through the first week of December. Residents should rake leaves to within five feet of the curb, with the final week of collection beginning Nov. 30.

• Mount Prospect: The village approved a 2026 Property Tax Relief Grant for qualifying single-family homeowners. Eligible households can receive a rebate equal to 50% of the village’s portion of their 2025 Cook County real estate tax bill, up to $250.

• Palatine: The village’s annual curbside leaf collection begins Oct. 26, with three collection rounds for single-family homes through the week of Nov. 16. Residents should have leaves raked into the street by 7 a.m. on their scheduled Monday.

• Park Ridge: The city recommends trick-or-treating from 3–8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, and is reminding families to use sidewalks, stay visible and only visit homes with porch lights on.

• Schaumburg: The village buried a new Town Square Clock Tower time capsule as part of a 100-year project preserving local history. The capsule, filled with items representing life in Schaumburg today, is scheduled to be opened in 2051.

• Wheeling: The Fire Department is offering free smoke detector checks and replacements for low-income residents during its Smoke Detector Blitz, Oct. 18–24. Residents interested in participating can call 847-459-2669.

Schaumburg: Panda Express | Chinese-American Restaurant (Link)

Cary: Za Za's Cucina Rustica | Oct. 21st | Italian Restaurant (Link)

Crystal Lake: Burrito Parrilla Mexicana | Oct. 21st | Mexican Restaurant (Link)

Crystal Lake: Nothing Bundt Cakes | Oct. 22nd | Specialty Bundt Cake Bakery (Link)

Lake Zurich: QDOBA Mexican Eats | Oct. 22nd | Mexican Restaurant (Link)

Bartlett: Hair Do's | Oct. 26th | Hair Salon (Link)

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“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” ― Oscar Wilde

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