Long Grove Apple Haus Closing is a Heartbreak

Written by on January 26, 2012 · Leave a Comment

 Let Long Grove Apple Haus Closing Be a Wake-up Call!

Last fall when the Farmside Country Store and Winery in Long Grove closed, I was surprised. It had always been there. A sweet store sitting high on the corner of Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin Roads, it has been there in some form since 1869. Sure, the building is still there but it sadly stands empty. When I read the news that the Long Grove Apple Haus closed, I was shocked.

Having lived in Long Grove for over 25 years, I have seen stores come and go. But Farmside and the Apple Haus? These two stores were cornerstones of the village. Many a cider donut has been eaten in our house, brought to friends’ homes and to Coldwell Banker events. Our daughter Kristin rode her bike or walked to her first job at the Apple Haus. I’ve talked with others over the past few days and the sentiment seems to be the same: We haven’t just lost stores, we’ve lost a part of our community.

As a community we need to take action. We can’t just wait for the next small business to close and lament its passing. There are things that we can do right now and the very first is to shop at those businesses. I know that it’s sometimes easier to purchase a greeting card at the grocery store but I promise you that it’s not as much fun as shopping at Diane’s Hallmark in Lake Zurich. The women there are helpful and fun. It’s probably more convenient to run to the mall but have you been to Within Reach in Long Grove for a gift? You’ll be delighted by the beautifully arranged displays of unique items.

Next, tell everyone about your experiences at these establishments. When you eat at Enzo and Lucia’s, D&J Bistro or any of our local restaurants, let your friends know how great the food is. Tell everyone you know about the fine products and experiences at our locally owned businesses. Visit yelp.com and Yelp about it!

Adorable Baby Items at Within Reach

I’m committing to blog about at least one small business in the Lake Zurich area communities each week. If you know of one that you’d like to have featured, contact me. After you’ve read my blog posts, share them on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. Together we can get the word out and help our local business owners prosper.

Friendly Faces at Diane's Hallmark

 

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Buffalo Grove Farmers’ Market Opens Sunday, June 19th

Written by on June 17, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Buffalo Grove Market Opens June 19th at 7:30 AM

The Buffalo Grove Farmers’ Market is back again this year! It opens on Sunday, June 19th at 7:30 am and will close at 12:30 pm. Because it’s Father’s Day, there will be a special raffle for dads. Stop by the information booth and enter a drawing for a Farmers’ Market gift certificate.

With over 25 vendors, there will be a multitude of items to choose from. Offerings will include meats, cheeses, produce, flowers, spices and bakery items. Fresh donuts will be made onsite. With the delicious aroma of cooking donuts, that’s probably a booth I’ll visit! Entertainment this Sunday includes an acoustic guitar and singing act of folk, kids and pop music.

The Buffalo Grove Farmers’ Market is a great place to meet local vendors and catch up with your neighbors. I’ve found that farmers’ market vendors are always glad to take a few minutes to talk about themselves and the items that they have for sale. You can learn a lot about sustainable growing and local crafters. While you’re there, pick up some fresh items for that Father’s Day dinner!

The Buffalo Grove Farmers’ Market is held at the Spray ‘n Play Park, 951 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Vernon Township Food Pantry. Stop by on Sunday and support local businesses!

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Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce Expo 2011

Written by on March 15, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Lake Zurich Area Community Event March 19th

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce (LZACC) is hosting the 2011 Business and Community Expo on Saturday, March 19th from 10 am to 4 pm. Lake Zurich High School’s Tonelli Gym and Fieldhouse will be filled with 116 booths representing local businesses. There will also be entertainment and drawings for some great prizes.

As a Realtor in the Lake Zurich area this will be another great opportunity to meet other local business owners. I am committed to shopping locally and what better way to find out what’s available in the Lake Zurich area? Recently I became a member of the LZACC and have had a chance to interact with local business owners. We are committed to the success of our local economies and I urge you to lend your support.

Entertainment at the Expo will be provided by local choirs along with local businesses. Among the featured entertainers are the Lake Zurich High School Bare Voices and Chris Misik’s Voice Students. There will be storytelling by the Ela Theater Company and dancing by the Lake Zurich Park District Dance students. Stop by the performance areas and get a glimpse of the talent from our communities!

Many businesses are offering discounts and drawings for prizes during the Expo. Play Expo Bingo for a chance to win an iPad. Stop by the Avalon Salon & Day Spa booth where they’re offering $10 chair massages. Pop by the Sharp Auto Body booth and enter to win a free car detail. Pick up the day’s program which includes coupons for additional offers.

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce serves local communities of Lake Zurich, Long Grove, Hawthorn Woods, Deer Park, Kildeer and North Barrington. For a complete listing of members, visit their website  - you’ll find me there!

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Lake Zurich Florist – Shop Locally!

Written by on May 25, 2010 · 3 Comments

A Chat with Karen at Lake Zurich Florist

As I was driving through Lake Zurich today, I spotted Lake Zurich Florist and stopped by for a visit. There I met Karen Branding who, with her husband Howard, had owned the florist shop for 35 years! Two years ago they sold the business to Robert Boyce who also owns Natural Environment Landscaping Design. Karen still works there designing arrangements.

Karen was a treasure trove of information. Having been there for over 35 years, she’s seen all kinds of changes in the Lake Zurich area. We shared stories of local real estate and how the area has built up so much over the years. I asked her if the Route 22 bypass of the downtown area affected their business. She explained that most of their business is by referral (just like mine!) so they were not as affected as they could have been.

Lake Zurich Florist designs flower arrangements for all occasions including weddings, funerals, showers and party centerpieces. Karen wants people to know that what makes Lake Zurich Florist special is, “We design as if we’re designing for ourselves”. Most of their business is done by phone but I recommend that you stop by to meet Karen. She is friendly, has a great smile, and can fill you in on some of the town history.

The next time you have occasion to order flowers, try Lake Zurich Florist. They are located at 34 E. Main St., right next to the Koffee Kup restaurant. Their phone number is 847-438-6755. You can also visit their website, www.lakezurichflorist.com. Thanks, Karen, for taking time out of your busy day to visit with me!

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