Blog

April 2019

In case anyone wonders, proceeds that the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association raises from the special events it organizes each year goes to improving the full Long Grove experience throughout the year – things like lighting in the downtown, decorations, hometown festivals, and holiday promotions.  Once such example of a fundraising event that contributes to enhancing Long Grove is the annual Craft Beer Festival. 

With its deep-seated German roots, downtown Long Grove transforms into the suburb’s biggest biergarten on Saturday, April 27 from 12 pm to 5 pm.  Situated in the parking lot in front of Lake County’s destination brewery, Buffalo Creek Brewing, Craft Beer Festival symbolizes Long Grove’s annual homage to its beer-loving, immigrant history.  Attendees get a one-of-a-kind, authentic tasting experience with some of Chicagoland’s most talented beermakers outside under the spring sun with a vintage village as a backdrop.  In addition to unlimited tastes of over 20 participating breweries, Craft Beer Fest also offers live music and local food options.

“Craft Beer Fest has become an annual tradition bringing together beer lovers from near and far,” said Mike Marr, president of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association and owner/brewmaster of Buffalo Creek Brewing.  “Whether you’re into Belgium Ales or American Lagers, Craft Beer Fest has it all.  It’s the tasting experience of the year in one of Illinois’ most historic towns!”  

Long Grove’s picturesque backdrop helps set this beer festival apart from other cookie cutters in Chicagoland.  Organized by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, the event lets ticket-holders visit any brewer’s stations as much as they’d like to sample freshly-brewed suds and get brewing wisdom from the pourer.  They can learn from beer-makers things like what goes into making a varietal unique, how to taste and evaluate like a judge, what sorts of ingredients go into production, etc. 

Along with unlimited beers and local wines from participating vendors, Craft Beer Fest will feature live bluegrass from Anderlik & Otto. There will also be multiple eating options available by some local favorites, including Long Grove Confectionery, Three Legged Taco, and Signature Popcorn, to provide needed nourishment (for additional purchase) during this day dedicated to fresh beer.   21-and-over tickets are available in advance for $40 through EventBrite.

March 2019

This year, downtown Long Grove is investing $100,000 in the Park District to benefit the community for the next generation ahead.  Updated, new parkland to complement the restoration of the historic covered bridge will help this hamlet reclaim and surpass its former glory.  Bringing the old and new together, the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association is working with the Long Grove Historic Society on the plans for the infamous 100-plus-year-old bridge.

Last June, the National Park Service announced that the Buffalo Creek Bridge, more commonly known as the Long Grove Covered Bridge, was being placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  This was the first property in Long Grove to receive this prestigious designation and only one of a handful or bridges in the State of Illinois.  The bridge is Long Grove’s icon and its brand.  The move to the National Register was supposed to put Long Grove on the map, federally.   Sadly, just days after the National Register designation, the bridge was demolished by an errant box truck.

Achieving National Register status confirmed many beliefs in the bridge’s historical value, as well as the sentimental value locals, know it holds for their community. This source of pride for all of Long Grove will return soon once the Buffalo Creek Bridge is rebuilt as the shining gateway to town.

February 2019

One way the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association sends a jolt through the business community during the winter slow season is with the wildly successful Cocoa Crawl.  Up to two dozen merchants team up to create this fun-filled, family-friendly day where thousands of visitors crawl out of winter hibernation to stroll around town and make memories over a hot cup of cocoa, or two or three!

“We were pleasantly surprised when a couple thousand turned out for the first Cocoa Crawl a year ago,” says Laurie Wilhoit, Marketing and Communications Manager with the Long Grove Visitor’s Center.  “This year we’re anticipating more participants, more cocoa, and even more fun!”

The Cocoa Crawl celebrates the winter season and the vibrant retail scene in Long Grove.  Guests who attend the free event from 12 pm to 4 pm will start at the Visitor’s Center where they’ll pick up a map of participating stores and restaurants before stopping by as many spots as they like for complimentary cocoa sampling.  All Cocoa Crawl stops around town will be serving cocoa or chocolate-inspired drinks and treats – from hot chocolate bark to hot chocolate popcorn to hot chocolate Krispies.  Before calling it a day, Cocoa Crawlers are encouraged to come back to the Visitor’s Center to vote on their favorite cocoa treat and be entered into a raffle for prizes donated by participants.  To top it off, merchants will give visitors with more than just delicious cocoa; “they’ll provide a friendly face to help find a perfect treasure.”