Des Plaines has a major claim to fast food history. In 1955, Ray Kroc opened the very first franchised McDonald’s restaurant at 400 N. Lee Street, helping turn the golden arches into a national & eventually global icon.

While McDonald’s started with the McDonald brothers in California, the Des Plaines location became the launchpad for the franchise model that changed how America eats. In many ways, it helped make the Northwest Suburbs part of the birthplace of modern fast food.

If you haven’t watched “The Founder” starring Michael Keaton, definitely recommend it, great movie!

As more of us head outside for walks, yard work, parks and summer events, it is a good time to stay tick aware. A recent Illinois report found tick activity across the state, including parts of the Chicago area, so a few simple steps can go a long way.

Quick tick safety tips:

• Use insect repellent before spending time in grassy or wooded areas
• Stay near the center of trails when walking or hiking
• Wear long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes when possible
• Check yourself, kids and pets after being outside
• Shower soon after outdoor activities to help spot and remove ticks
• If you find a tick, remove it carefully with fine-tipped tweezers

A quick check after time outdoors can help keep your summer fun, safe and bite-free.

One of Chicagoland’s favorite summer traditions is coming back in a big way. Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park from July 8 to July 12 with a packed lineup featuring Common, Beach Bunny, Babyface, Original Koffee and Julieta Venegas.

The free festival will also feature more than 80 food vendors and 20 food trucks, giving visitors plenty of chances to sample classic Chicago favorites, new local spots and flavors from across the city.

For Northwest Suburban neighbors looking for a fun summer day trip, this is one to keep on the calendar.

Northwest Community Hospital is planning a major $175 million cancer and neuroscience center on its Arlington Heights campus. The proposed three-story facility would add more than 100,000 square feet of new space and connect directly to the existing hospital through an enclosed bridge.

The center is expected to focus on outpatient care, including infusion, radiation treatments and surgery, while also creating space for research, clinical trials and future expansion.

If approved, the project could be completed by late 2029, bringing a major investment in advanced healthcare closer to home for Northwest Suburban residents.

Elgin native Chef David Heatley is turning up the heat with Chef Heatley’s Hot Pepper Farm, a hot sauce brand that started with homegrown peppers and garage-made batches during the pandemic.

The local business recently earned major recognition at the NYC Hot Sauce Expo, where all three of Heatley’s entered sauces won their categories and one took home Best in Show. A flavorful local success story worth celebrating.

Barrington Bonsai is bringing together nature, patience and art from a quiet backyard greenhouse in Barrington. Owner Ryan Rubel grows and shapes cork bark dwarf jade bonsai, turning each miniature tree into a living sculpture.

What started as a hobby has grown into a unique local business, with bonsai shipped across the U.S. and Europe and small group lessons offered for anyone interested in learning the craft. A peaceful and creative local gem worth knowing about.

Six Flags Great America is celebrating 50 years of thrills in Gurnee with a special anniversary celebration running from June 20 through August 9. Guests can enjoy extended park hours until 10 PM, a new nighttime spectacular, a parade, drone show, specialty food and drinks, exclusive anniversary merchandise and a Legacy Museum highlighting the park’s history. A fun summer milestone for one of the Chicago area’s most iconic family attractions. Event Link.

Once Upon A Bagel Now Open in Arlington Heights

Once Upon A Bagel has officially opened its new Arlington Heights location at 36 S. Evergreen Avenue last month, bringing its New York-style bagels, breakfast favorites, sandwiches and bakery items to the downtown area. The new spot marks another expansion for the longtime local business, which first opened in Highland Park in 1987.

Irene’s Cafe Now Open in Buffalo Grove

Irene’s Cafe celebrated its grand opening last month at Spoerlein Commons, 1169 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove. The new coffee shop is run by mother-daughter duo Jeannie and Jillian McDonald, bringing a fresh local spot for coffee, conversation and community to the area.

Hummingbird Hideaway Opens in Skokie

Hummingbird Hideaway, a new woman-owned fast-casual spot, is opening June 2 at 5118 Oakton Street in Downtown Skokie. The new restaurant will serve organic açaí bowls, functional smoothies and light bites, with a community-focused menu inspired by local landmarks and stories.

Hopscotch Now Open in Schaumburg

Hopscotch is now open at 40 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg Town Square, bringing a new mix of dining, drinks and entertainment to the area. The three-level British-inspired gastropub features global flavors, golf simulators, cricket machines, a gaming room, patios and private event space. A lively new addition to downtown Schaumburg for food, fun and group outings.

Culver’s and Dutch Bros Coming to Elk Grove Village

Elk Grove Village is set to welcome two popular new spots near the future Ice Arena at Meacham and Biesterfield roads. A new Culver’s and Dutch Bros Coffee are planned for the retail outlots surrounding the development, adding more dining and drive-thru options to the area. Both businesses are expected to open later this year.

Schaumburg Farmers Market Season Opener (Schaumburg) – Friday, June 5 | 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Free | The weekly market officially returns for the season, setting up in the Trickster Cultural Center Parking Lot. (Link)

Downtown Elgin Farmers Market Season Kickoff (Elgin) – Friday, June 5 | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Free | Open-air market season starts on Spring Street with a vibrant mix of local producers, neighborhood artisans, and live music. (Link)

Lake Zurich Farmers Market (Season Opener) (Lake Zurich) – Friday, June 5 | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Free | Market season kicks off beautifully at Paulus Park, showcasing over 30 unique vendors alongside live music. (Link)

Farmers Market & Garden Club Plant Sale (Arlington Heights) – Saturday, June 6 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Free | A lively open-air market morning featuring fresh local produce, live bluegrass music, and a specialty plant sale. (Link)

Palatine Farmers Market (Palatine) – Saturday, June 6 | 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Free | A classic open-air community market at the local Metra lot showcasing regional produce and high-quality artisanal goods. (Link)

Park Ridge Farmers Market (Park Ridge) – Saturday, June 6 | 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Free | The weekly morning market at 15 Prairie Ave returns, offering beautiful fresh produce and excellent local treats. (Link)

Mount Prospect Lions Club Farmers Market (Opening Day) (Mount Prospect) – Sunday, June 7 | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Free | First day of the outdoor market season, taking over the West Metra Commuter Lot. (Link)

Skokie Farmers' Market (Skokie) – Sunday, June 7 | 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Free | Located right on the Skokie Village Green, featuring regional produce, baked treats, and live background music. (Link)

Saint Sophia Greek Festival (Elgin) – Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7 | 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Free | A beloved weekend tradition featuring authentic, massive Greek dinner plates, a huge pastry bakery, church tours, rides, and traditional dance troupes. (Link)

3rd Annual Byrek Fest (Elk Grove Village) – Sunday, June 7 | 11:00 AM | $10 (Kids 12 and under Free) | A vibrant celebration of Albanian culture featuring traditional food, live music, and dancing in the beautiful setting of Busse Woods. (Link)

Palatine Street Feast: Food Truck Series (Palatine) – Sunday, June 7 | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Free | A spectacular fleet of local trucks gathers at Towne Square Park alongside live acoustic sets by local musicians. (Link)

Rhubarb Fest at Heritage Farm (Schaumburg) – Sunday, June 7 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Free | A wonderful seasonal harvest celebration at Volkening Heritage Farm featuring legacy living-history demonstrations and delicious rhubarb treats. (Link)

Picnic in the Park (Summer Kickoff) (Arlington Heights) – Friday, June 5 | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free admission | A festive Park District celebration featuring live music, local food trucks, kids' bounce houses, and mini-golf. (Link)

2026 Annual Block Party (Rolling Meadows) – Friday, June 5 | 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM | Free | A premier summer festival on Central Road packed with live music, food trucks, and a trackless train for the family. (Link)

Community Day & Lions Club Pancake Breakfast (Prospect Heights) – Saturday, June 6 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | $5 for breakfast| A great municipal celebration at Public Works featuring police and fire safety displays, crafts, a petting zoo, and a hot pancake breakfast. (Link)

PipeDream: Town Square Monday Night Concert (Schaumburg) – Monday, June 1 | 6:45 PM - 8:15 PM | Free | Relaxed outdoor evening performance at the Central Library Town Square featuring rock hits from the '60s to today, celebrating local author Sara Fujimura. (Link)

Sounds of Summer Concert: Exit 147 (Arlington Heights) – Thursday, June 4 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Free | Classic rock favorites with the Mayor's band live at the Harmony Park open-air plaza, featuring a local charity drive. (Link)

Concerts in the Park: Soul Sacrifice (Elgin) – Thursday, June 4 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Free | A high-energy Santana Latin-rock tribute band taking the stage at the historic outdoor Wing Park Bandshell. (Link)

Thursday Nights Live: Big Sky Stringband (Wheeling) – Thursday, June 4 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free | Two full outdoor sets of bluegrass, Americana, and jam band music. (Link)

Fridays on the Green: Ken Dix & the Friday Night Lawn Jockeys (Mount Prospect) – Friday, June 5 | 6:30 PM | Free | The official summer launch of the town's outdoor concert series on the grass at Centennial Green. (Link)

Sounds of Summer Concert: Billy Elton (Palatine) – Friday, June 5 | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM | Free | A massive crowd-pleasing celebration of the iconic hits of Billy Joel and Elton John at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater. (Link)

Live at the Lake: Paulus Park Band Shell Inauguration (Lake Zurich) – Saturday, June 6 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Free | A massive park celebration featuring live sets from Band on the Run and Modern Day Romeos, culminating in a fireworks show at 9:15 PM. (Link)

Sounds of Summer Kickoff: No Turn on Red (Wheeling) – Sunday, June 7 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Free | A powerhouse live performance blending New Orleans brass flair with old-school funk and dance grooves at Heritage Park. (Link)

Bourbon 'N Brass: Jazz with Terry Sullivan (Des Plaines) – Wednesday, June 3 | 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM | Free entry (Two-drink minimum applies) | A smooth live jazz house rhythm section setting the perfect mood in a glamorous, Roaring '20s indoor speakeasy atmosphere. (Link)

Rhythm of the Rocket Man: Elton John Tribute (Arlington Heights) – Saturday, June 6 | 7:30 PM | $45.00 | A spectacular indoor theatrical and musical journey starring Broadway's Colte Julian. (Link)

Live Music Dinner Night: No Limits Sound (Arlington Heights) – Saturday, June 6 | 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM | Free | Elegant fine dining at Palm Court accompanied by smooth, classic cover hits. (Link)

Little Anthony and The Music Live (Des Plaines) – Sunday, June 7 | 3:00 PM | From $86.00 | An unforgettable indoor matinee show with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee performing timeless hits like "Goin' Out of My Head". (Link)

30th Anniversary Concert: "Reprise" (Prospect Heights) – Sunday, June 7 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Free | A special indoor milestone vocal performance by the celebrated Buffalo Grove Singers Encore Ensemble. (Link)

History of Old Orchard Walking Tour (Skokie) – Wednesday, June 3 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | $25.00 | A nostalgic, guided historical walk exploring the architecture and 70-year evolution of a local landmark. (Link)

Dietrich Friedrichs House Museum Tours (Mount Prospect) – Tuesday, June 2 at 10:00 AM & Wednesday, June 3 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Free | Beautiful, docent-led tours of a 1906 Victorian farmhouse beautifully preserved to reflect local life in 1917. (Link)

Time Capsule Sealing Ceremony (Skokie) – Sunday, June 7 | 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (Ceremony at 2:00 PM) | Free | A wonderful civic event to review community artifacts and look back at local history before they are sealed away until 2050. (Link)

Dog Days of Summer: Paws-itive Hangout (Rolling Meadows) – Wednesday, June 3 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Free | A wonderful opportunity to visit and interact with certified therapy dogs from the Masonic Association. (Link)

Bow Wow Dog Expo (Buffalo Grove) – Thursday, June 4 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Free | An outdoor family pet festival hosted right at Happy Tails Dog Park featuring pet-friendly merchants and games. (Link)

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“Be where you are; otherwise you will miss your life.” — Buddha