Mary Lou’s Guidebook
Favorite Local Restaurants
Video gaining is available in most Illinois bars and restaurants. Many more options available.
Plum Garden
3917 Main StVoted Best Chinese Restaurant and Best Egg Roll 2018!
A local favorite, make your reservation at least a week in advance, even sooner for weekends.
17 locals recommend
Paisano's
5614 Broadway RdA local favorite, make your reservation at least a week in advance, even sooner for weekends.
Bimbo's Italian Restaurant
1318 Riverside Dr Traditional Italian. Also accessible by boat.
Fratellos Hot Dogs
31682 N US Hwy 12For a great Chicago style hot dog and other casual food.
Sports bar, well known for their pizza. Eat in or have it delivered. Live music some Saturdays.
Halftime Bar & Grill
2405 Johnsburg RdSports bar, well known for their pizza. Eat in or have it delivered. Live music some Saturdays.
Windhill Pancake Parlor
3307 W Elm StAs the name implies, good little place for breakfast.
Just over the boarder into Wisconsin. This historic chophouse dating back to 1848. Close to Wilmot Mountain, a Vail Resorts property for winter activities: skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
9 locals recommend
Wilmot Stage Stop
30646 113th StJust over the boarder into Wisconsin. This historic chophouse dating back to 1848. Close to Wilmot Mountain, a Vail Resorts property for winter activities: skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
1 mile from the House. Fun local waterfront bar and grill with live entertainment. Check website for schedule.
Wave Bar and Grille
3309 North Chapel Hill Road1 mile from the House. Fun local waterfront bar and grill with live entertainment. Check website for schedule.
Epic Deli
2616 Schaid CtLocal favorite. Best known for theirs Subs and deli sandwiches.
Authentic Mexican dishes served in a casual dining space featuring three dining rooms, an intimate bar, and huge outdoor patio with fireplace and boat docks.
15 locals recommend
El Puerto Mexican Restaurant
200 Forest AveAuthentic Mexican dishes served in a casual dining space featuring three dining rooms, an intimate bar, and huge outdoor patio with fireplace and boat docks.
Just for fun if you want to go to a McDonalds by boat. Otherwise there are closer locations available by car.
McDonald's
40 US-12Just for fun if you want to go to a McDonalds by boat. Otherwise there are closer locations available by car.
Favorite Bars on the Chain O' Lakes
Travel by car or boat. Snowmobile accessible by ice (some by trails) weather permitting.
"THE GATEWAY TO BLARNEY ISLAND" the greatest boating bar in the world.
Your "LAUNCHING POINT" for all the Chain O' Lakes has to offer! From Fests to Fishing Tournaments, there is always something going on at the Port of Blarney
DON'T HAVE A BOAT? WE DO! RIDE THE SHUTTLE TO THE ISLAND!
13 locals recommend
Port of Blarney
27843 W Grass Lake Rd"THE GATEWAY TO BLARNEY ISLAND" the greatest boating bar in the world.
Your "LAUNCHING POINT" for all the Chain O' Lakes has to offer! From Fests to Fishing Tournaments, there is always something going on at the Port of Blarney
DON'T HAVE A BOAT? WE DO! RIDE THE SHUTTLE TO THE ISLAND!
"A MILE AWAY FROM REALITY” the greatest boating bar in the world. Island Time Returns May 2020. Live entertainment. Local and national acts every weekend during season.
BLARNEY ISLAND DRAG BOAT RACING
Every Thursday night, all summer long!
34 locals recommend
Blarney Island
27760 W Grass Lake Rd"A MILE AWAY FROM REALITY” the greatest boating bar in the world. Island Time Returns May 2020. Live entertainment. Local and national acts every weekend during season.
BLARNEY ISLAND DRAG BOAT RACING
Every Thursday night, all summer long!
Now open all four seasons! Snowmobilers, skiers and vacationers welcome to the scenic Chain O' Lakes. Check out the party boat charters:
BOAT PARTIES & SUNSET CRUISES
http://www.rockinthechain.com/
25 locals recommend
Famous Freddie's Roadhouse
164 Park AveNow open all four seasons! Snowmobilers, skiers and vacationers welcome to the scenic Chain O' Lakes. Check out the party boat charters:
BOAT PARTIES & SUNSET CRUISES
http://www.rockinthechain.com/
Riverside bar, grill and indoor/outdoor entertainment complex on the Fox River. Featuring Goldrush Gaming & Slots and tons of fun weekly events like Bar Bingo. Check out the party boat charters:
BOAT PARTIES & SUNSET CRUISES
http://www.rockinthechain.com/
10 locals recommend
The Snuggery in McHenry
801 N River RdRiverside bar, grill and indoor/outdoor entertainment complex on the Fox River. Featuring Goldrush Gaming & Slots and tons of fun weekly events like Bar Bingo. Check out the party boat charters:
BOAT PARTIES & SUNSET CRUISES
http://www.rockinthechain.com/
Cabana's On the Chain
614 W Bald Knob Point1 mile away. Outdoor dining overlooking Pistakee Lake.
BROKEN OAR MARINA-BAR & GRILL
614 Rawson Bridge RdCheck out their concert series and special events.
Boat Rentals on the Chain O' Lakes
Find Chain O’Lakes Boat Rentals and Watercraft Rentals Everywhere including Jet-Ski Rental, Canoe Rental and Sail Boat Rental
https://foxchainguide.com/marinas_boat_yard/boat-rentals/
Rentals include: Pontoon boats, deck boats, fishing boats, wave runners and Hydrobikes. 12 minutes from the house.
12 locals recommend
Jet Funn
109 Nippersink BlvdRentals include: Pontoon boats, deck boats, fishing boats, wave runners and Hydrobikes. 12 minutes from the house.
Pontoon boats only. About 20 minutes from the house.
Chain O'Lakes Boat Rentals - Pontoon Boat Rentals
26050 W Riverview PlPontoon boats only. About 20 minutes from the house.
Spring Lake Marina
25125 W Grass Lake RdPontoon boats and deck boats. About 15 minutes from the house.
Full service marina in Johnsburg, only 1.2 miles from the house. The Boat House Chicago offers boats for daily or hourly rentals.
The Boat House of Chicago
515 Bald Knob RdFull service marina in Johnsburg, only 1.2 miles from the house. The Boat House Chicago offers boats for daily or hourly rentals.
Renting a pontoon or Triton is one of the best ways to spend the day the Chain O'Lakes.
Off the chain pontoon retail
27843 W Grass Lake RdRenting a pontoon or Triton is one of the best ways to spend the day the Chain O'Lakes.
Things to Do Nearby
A touch of nostalgia only 2.5 miles away. 1 of only 335 (approx) left in the United States, pack up the gang to see two movies for less than the price of one.
17 locals recommend
McHenry Outdoor Theater
1510 N Chapel Hill RdA touch of nostalgia only 2.5 miles away. 1 of only 335 (approx) left in the United States, pack up the gang to see two movies for less than the price of one.
The Midwest’s premier Winter destinations for snowsport activities. Owned and operated by Vail Resorts, Wilmot Mountain is just a short 17 minute drive away. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for the whole family.
69 locals recommend
Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort [CLOSED for 19/20 Season, Office Hours Only]
11931 Fox River RdThe Midwest’s premier Winter destinations for snowsport activities. Owned and operated by Vail Resorts, Wilmot Mountain is just a short 17 minute drive away. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for the whole family.
This summer, shop at Stade's farm market or pick-your-our fruits and vegetables. In the fall visit Stade’s Farmtractions Theme Park Open Sept 7 - October 27,2019 for some family-friendly attractions including: Menagerie Carousel, Hamster Run, Tractor Lift, Petting Zoo, Pumpkin Cannon and much more.
16 locals recommend
Stade’s Farm & Market
3709 Miller RdThis summer, shop at Stade's farm market or pick-your-our fruits and vegetables. In the fall visit Stade’s Farmtractions Theme Park Open Sept 7 - October 27,2019 for some family-friendly attractions including: Menagerie Carousel, Hamster Run, Tractor Lift, Petting Zoo, Pumpkin Cannon and much more.
Open Sept. 7 – Nov 3, 2019
Richardson Adventure Farm features the World's Largest Corn Maze. Other attractions include 700' Zip Line, Jumping Pillows, Live Pig Races, Pumpkin Patch and much more all within a 10 minute drive.
14 locals recommend
Richardson Adventure Farm
909 English Prairie RdOpen Sept. 7 – Nov 3, 2019
Richardson Adventure Farm features the World's Largest Corn Maze. Other attractions include 700' Zip Line, Jumping Pillows, Live Pig Races, Pumpkin Patch and much more all within a 10 minute drive.
The largest railroad museum in the United States, is located in Union, IL approximately 40 minutes from Johnsburg.
10 locals recommend
Illinois Railway Museum
7000 Olson RdThe largest railroad museum in the United States, is located in Union, IL approximately 40 minutes from Johnsburg.
Weekends May - Dec: Enjoy wine tastings, tours and seminars at a local winery. Wine purchases available on-site.
Valentino Vineyards & Winery
5175 Aptakisic RdWeekends May - Dec: Enjoy wine tastings, tours and seminars at a local winery. Wine purchases available on-site.
At Volo Auto Museum, you’ll see more than cars. Over 33 Exhibits, the museum is home to numerous iconic and pop-culture Americana artifacts that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
37 locals recommend
Volo Auto Museum
27582 Volo Village RdAt Volo Auto Museum, you’ll see more than cars. Over 33 Exhibits, the museum is home to numerous iconic and pop-culture Americana artifacts that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Volo Bog, a National Natural Landmark, is located 3.5 miles from the house. Activities include guided tours of the bog, bird walks, astronomy nights, exhibits at the Visitors Center, hiking, picnicking, cross country skiing and more.
15 locals recommend
Volo Bog State Natural Area
28478 Brandenburg RdVolo Bog, a National Natural Landmark, is located 3.5 miles from the house. Activities include guided tours of the bog, bird walks, astronomy nights, exhibits at the Visitors Center, hiking, picnicking, cross country skiing and more.
Encompassing 3,439 acres, Glacial Park contains over 490 acres of dedicated nature preserve; harbors 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species; is listed as one of the top five areas to view migratory wetland birds in the region.
Visitors can hike or horseback along eight miles of trails; fish the shoreline of Nippersink Creek at Keystone Landing or Pioneer Road Landing…or bike a five-mile portion of the 26-mile Prairie Trail
12 locals recommend
Glacial Park Conservation Area
6705 State Rte 31Encompassing 3,439 acres, Glacial Park contains over 490 acres of dedicated nature preserve; harbors 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species; is listed as one of the top five areas to view migratory wetland birds in the region.
Visitors can hike or horseback along eight miles of trails; fish the shoreline of Nippersink Creek at Keystone Landing or Pioneer Road Landing…or bike a five-mile portion of the 26-mile Prairie Trail
Johnsburg's 18-hole golf course takes golfers on a journey through subtle, rolling hills, beautiful mature trees including many burr oaks, and challenging small greens. Under 2 miles.
Chapel Hill Country Club
2500 N Chapel Hill RdJohnsburg's 18-hole golf course takes golfers on a journey through subtle, rolling hills, beautiful mature trees including many burr oaks, and challenging small greens. Under 2 miles.
Pistakee CC is a 9 hole course with terrific views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Well-groomed fairways and greens. 1 mile away..
Pistakee Country Club
815 Bay RdPistakee CC is a 9 hole course with terrific views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Well-groomed fairways and greens. 1 mile away..
Shopping
Close by, only 4 miles away.
List of stores: JC Pennys, Old Navy, Dick's Sporting Goods, T.J.Maxx, ULTA, Bed Bath & Beyond and more.
The Shops at Fox River
3340 Shoppers DrClose by, only 4 miles away.
List of stores: JC Pennys, Old Navy, Dick's Sporting Goods, T.J.Maxx, ULTA, Bed Bath & Beyond and more.
Deer Park Town Center is a pedestrian friendly shopping destination offering a collection of more than 70 stores and restaurants including Anthropologie, Apple, Biaggi’s, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Sephora, Stoney River and more.
12 locals recommend
Deer Park Town Center
20530 N Rand RdDeer Park Town Center is a pedestrian friendly shopping destination offering a collection of more than 70 stores and restaurants including Anthropologie, Apple, Biaggi’s, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Sephora, Stoney River and more.
Lots of closer shopping alternatives but if you really need a shopping fix and don't mind driving about 45 minutes, or if you want to stop on the way to or from O'Hare Airport, go to Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. Three levels of retail outlets and eateries. Plus, additional shopping around the mall.
73 locals recommend
Woodfield Mall
Woodfield MallLots of closer shopping alternatives but if you really need a shopping fix and don't mind driving about 45 minutes, or if you want to stop on the way to or from O'Hare Airport, go to Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. Three levels of retail outlets and eateries. Plus, additional shopping around the mall.
Jewel-Osco
1350 US-12Closest food store, just down the road.
Riverside Bake Shop
1309 Riverside DrBest little bake shop in the area. Cash only.