Things to Do in Hoffman Estates

Things to Do in Hoffman Estates

Table of Contents:

• Hoffman Estates, Illinois Introduction
• Places to Dine in Hoffman Estates
• Things to Do in Hoffman Estates (and interesting attractions)
• Annual Events including Northwest Fourth Fest
• For Dog Owners
• Churches
• Hospitals
• Libraries
• Hoffman Estates, Illinois Schools
• Apartment Complexes
• Summary

Growing to Greatness

Updated:  September 21, 2024

Hoffman Estates, Illinois Introduction

Hoffman Estates, Illinois is a vibrant community with business, retail, entertainment, and a selection of restaurants nestled together.  It is situated 30 miles Northwest of Chicago and has many great attractions, venues, parks, and things to do. 

The median income of individuals living in the community is $41,000 as of 2019.

The Village of Hoffman Estates had a population of 50,821 as of July 1, 2021.

William D. McLeod is the mayor of Hoffman Estates and the Village Hall is located at 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169.  The Police Department in Hoffman Estates is located at 411 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 and non-emergency phone # is (847) 781-2800.

Government and Park District website

• Village of Hoffman Estates Government
• Hoffman Estates Park District

Places to Dine in Hoffman Estates

Some popular places to dine in Hoffman Estates, IL and surrounding area:  

• ***Moretti's Ristorante & Pizzeria Hoffman Estates 
• Address:  2475 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Phone # (847) 885-0400 

• ***Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
• Address:  2742 Sutton Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Phone # (847) 645-1455

• Assembly American Bar & Café - Good Burgers and Beer
• Address:  2570 Hassell Rd, Hoffman Est 60169
• Phone # (847) 843-3993

• Los Fernandez  (Mexican)
• Address:  2557 W Golf Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Phone # (847) 882-2900

• Royal Buffet (Chinese/Sushi buffet)
• Address:  31 Golf Ctr, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Phone # (847) 885-0688

• Chili's Grill & Bar - Texas/Mexican grub
• Address: 2220 Barrington Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Phone # (847) 490-9988

• DiBenedetto Trattoria (Italian fare)
• About:  Italian cuisine, wine list, and regular live music in an intimate and warm atmosphere
• Address:  1766 W Algonquin Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Phone # (847) 496-5016

• Chipotle - Mexican fare (Burritos and Burrito Bowls)
• Address:  15 E Golf Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Phone # (630) 439-1610

• ***Lucky Monk (Microbrewery)
• Address:  105 Hollywood Blvd, Barrington, IL 60010
• Phone # (847) 898-0500 

• ***Yu's Mandarin (Chinese Korean)
• Address:  200 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
• Phone # (847) 882-5340 

• ***Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
• Address:  1 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193
• Phone # (847) 985-1525

• Chandler's Chophouse, Grille & Banquets
• Address:  401 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194
• Phone # (847) 885-9009

• Melting Pot (Fondue)
• Address:  255 W Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195
• Phone # (847) 843-8970

• Pita House - Mediterranean
• Address:  300 W Higgins Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195
• Phone # (847) 352-4750

• Mezé Mediterráneo (classic Mediterranean cuisine)
• Address:  680 Mall Drive, Schaumburg IL, 60173
• Phone # 847.598.6393

• Jo Jo's Restaurant [breakfast, lunch, & dinner]
• Address:  1935 W Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194
• Phone # (847) 885-8786

             bold denotes outdoor dining available in warm months

Breakfast Places within & nearby Hoffman Estates:

• IHOP Barrington Road
• Address:  2250 Barrington Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Phone # (847) 885-9508

• Denny's - East Hoffman Estates
• Address:  1175 N Roselle Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Phone # (847) 885-1969

• Honey Berry Pancakes and Café
• Address:  2708 N Sutton Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Phone # (847) 619-0333

• Vibrant Fusion
• Healthy Shakes, Protein Bowls, Waffles, Oatmeal, Protein Coffee, Teas
• Address:  1175 Barrington Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL
• Phone# (847) 774-5505
• Website:  https://www.vibrantfusionnutrition.com/

• ***Wildberry Pancakes & Café
• Address:  1383 N Meacham Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
• Phone # (847) 517-4000 

             *** = recommended

Ice Cream Shops:

• Sprinkles Ice Cream Shoppe - 1405 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194 - Phone # (847) 285-1866
• Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store - 30 Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193 - Phone# (847) 534-0544
• SweetSpot - 102 S Hager Ave, Barrington, IL 60010 - Phone # (847) 381-2320 

Specialty Eatery, Bakery shops:

•  Crumbl Cookies - Hoffman Estates
• Address:  2726 Sutton Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Phone # (224) 484-0074

• Peterson's Tasty Delight Bakery - Hoffman Estates
• Address:  1720 W Algonquin Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Phone # (847) 358-9918

• Sweet Occasions Cake Studio - Schaumburg
• Address:  525 W Wise Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193
• Phone # (847) 648-2500

• Rebecca's Cakes By Design - 100% Nut Free Bakery
• Address:  225 S. Main St. Bartlett IL, 60103
• Phone #  (630) 962-9784

• Jarosch Bakery - Elk Grove Village
• Address:  35 S Arlington Heights Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
• Phone # (847) 437-1234

• Iced Iced Baby Cookies - Located in Elk Grove Village
• e-mail:  iibcookies@gmail.com

• Keep Calm and Eat Cake - Custom cake shop in Streamwood, IL
• Address:  402 Garden Circle, Streamwood, IL
• Phone # (630) 202-8946

Things to Do in Hoffman Estates

For other great things to do in Hoffman Estates, Illinois check out the travel page.

Hoffman Estates includes many shopping centers, a Cabela's outdoors shop, the Now Arena, golf courses, and many local parks.  Interesting things to do & museums near Hoffman Estates, IL include:  

1)  Sunderlage Farmhouse - Historical site and only remaining farm buildings in Hoffman Estates

• Address:  1775 Vista Ln, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Schaumburg Township Historical Society 

2)  Cabela's - Retailer with a huge inventory of hunting, fishing & camping supplies, plus boats & ATVs

• Address:  5225 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Phone #:  (847) 645-0400

3) Now Arena - 11,000 seat multi-purpose arena in Hoffman Estates.  Home to the Windy City Bulls

• Address:  5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Phone #:  (847) 649-2222

Now Arena - Hoffman Estates, IL

4)  Scott R. Triphahn Community Center & Ice Arena - Park District building with 2 ice arenas & a fitness center with an indoor track, plus various classes.

• Address:  1685 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Phone #: (847) 885-7500

5)  The Club at Prairie Stone - Park district fitness center

• 5050 Sedge Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Phone # (847) 285-5400

6)  Poplar Creek Bowl - Large bowling center with a billiards room and a bar & grill serving craft beer & pub grub

• 2354 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Phone # (847) 310-9585

7)  Prairie Center for the Arts - Cultural hub offering plays in a cozy theater, local art, youth programs & outdoor summer concerts.

• Address:  201 Schaumburg Ct, Schaumburg, IL 60194

8)  Woodfield Mall - Rated as one of the best Chicago Suburban Malls

• Address:  5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173  
• Woodfield Mall hours:  https://www.simon.com/mall/woodfield-mall/hours

9)  Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament - Jousting, horsemanship & falconry plus a 4-course, utensil-free meal served in a castle-like space.

• Address:  2001 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195
• Phone #:  (888) 935-6878

10)  Main Event Hoffman Estates 

Main Event is a haven for families to share in a variety of activities like laser tag, gravity ropes, arcade games, billiards, and more, all under one (very big) roof.  Fun for all ages.  Main Event has a full service kitchen and bar.  

• Address:  2575 Pratum Ave, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Phone #: (847) 645-1111

Main Event - Bowling

11) Hideaway Brew Garden - 5510 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

Located across from the NOW Arena.  This is a unique, safe, and enjoyable venue complete with delicious food, refreshing beverages and live music.  Kids and dogs are welcome.  Typically open May through September.  Email  HideawayBrewGarden@gmail.com for more information.

Hideaway Brew Garden - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

12) Poplar Creek Trail - Trail end points: I-90 to Schaumber Rd. and SR 59/Sutton Rd. to Barrington Rd.

This is a 9.5-mile paved bike and running trail around Poplar Creek Forest Preserve near Hoffman Estates. The trail is fairly level and is a pleasant journey through the wooded preserve.  

13)  Paul Douglas Woods and Mountain Bike Trails - see location map

Woodlands popular for bird-watching.  Includes a paved cycling trail & an 18-hole golf course.  

Chicago Area Mountain Bikers built a trail system at Paul Douglas. The mountain bike trails were completed in 2022 and now are open for mountain biking.   

Amenities include:  Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, and Restrooms

Location of
Paul Douglas Preserve

14)  GiGi's Playhouse and Hugs and Mugs Gift Shop & Cafe - 2350 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 - Phone # (847) 885-7529

Non-profit organization in Hoffman Estates providing programs and support for people with Down syndrome and their families.  Includes Hugs Mugs Gift Shop & Cafe a full service retail, specialty coffee and gelato cafe run by  adults with Down syndrome.

Gigi's Playhouse in Hoffman Estates

15)  Museum Secret Gems - lesser known museums in the Chicago Area

16)  Sledding in the Winter - Available at:

• Birch Park - 1045 Ash Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Pine Park - 750 Charleston Ln, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Seascape Family Aquatic Center Sledding Hill - 1300 Moon Lake Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

Parks and Attractions in or Near Hoffman Estates

Hoffman Estates and the surrounding area include several outdoor parks, leisure places, water parks, and amusement parks to visit including:

1) Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club - 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 

Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club is a full-service golf course.  It includes an upscale clubhouse with dining & events.  This is a picturesque, tree-lined and immaculate golf course with 18 holes of golf that should satisfy golfers of all abilities.   New additions include Beer Garden and Top-Tracer heated bays at the driving range.

Phone #:  (847) 884-0219

Golf Course Rating & Slope

 

MEN  Course Rating  Slope

 

Black                  70.8  138

Bridges                  69.8  136

Gold                  68.8  134

Silver                  66.1  128

Poplar                  64.5  124 

 

WOMEN  Course Rating     Slope   

 Green                   67.3 122

 Silver                   71.3 130

 

2)  Barrington Road Pond - Barrington Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

• Forest preserve with picnic table and outdoor shelter.  Fishing is available in the pond.

3)  Vogelei Park - has a splash pad, playground, walking path, and outdoor pavilion

• Northern Illinois Raptor Center at Vogelei Park
• Address:  650 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

4)  Fabbrini Park - Sprawling park with 2 lakes, plus pickle ball & tennis courts, baseball & soccer fields

• Address:  1704 Glen Lake Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

5)  Seascape Family Aquatic Center - 1300 Moon Lake Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

An award winning water park that offers fun for the whole family.  Amenities include heated pool, sand play area, water slides, diving area, and volley ball courts.   11+ acres of watery fun with pools, slides & more plus volleyball, sand play areas & concessions.

Seascape pool

6)  Victoria Park - 0.61 mi Walking Path, Baseball Field, Basketball Court, Soccer Field, Tennis Court, Park Shelter, Playground

• Address:  1100 Kingsdale Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL  60169

7) Community Park - Splash Pad, Park Shelter, Playground, Gaga Pit, Asphalt Games

• Address:  925 Grand Canyon Parkway, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

8)  Princeton Park - includes a Splash pad, playground, lake, and picnic table

• Address:  5400 McDonough Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

9)  South Ridge Park - includes Pickleball court, fishing dock, playground, baseball / softball field, tennis court, paved walking trail, and splash pad

• Address:  1450 Freeman Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

10)  Tropicana Park - includes park shelter, splash pad, sand volleyball court,  horse shoe pits, Bocci ball courts, and the children’s wall

• Address:  690 Audobon Street, Hoffman Estates, IL, 60169

11)  Hilldale Golf Club - 1625 Ardwick Dr, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

12) Congo River Mini Golf -  1325 Barrington Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

Mini Golf with an African river expedition theme.  36 holes of miniature golf fun.  Great for the whole family. 

Congo River Mini Golf

13)  Spring Valley Nature Center - 1111 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194

• Trails wind through this picturesque natural area with a 19th-century farm & docents in costume.  Includes Bison's Bluff Nature Playground

14)  Busse Woods - Adjoining Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg in Illinois, is a 3,700-acre unit of the Cook County Forest Preserve system

• Location:   E Higgins Rd/Rte 72, east of I-290/Hwy 53, Cook County, IL 60007 (near Elk Grove Village)
• PHONE: 224-415-6554

15)  Pirates' Cove Children's Theme Park

• About:  Seasonal kids' attraction with rides plus a playground, pirate ship, mini train & casual eats.
• Address:  901 Leicester Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
• Phone # (847) 439-2683

16)  Rainbow Falls Water Park

• About:  Nice water park for all ages - Lazy River, water slides, baby pool, and regular size pool
• Address:  180 Lions Dr., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
• Phone # (847) 228-2860

17)  Goebbert's Farm & Garden Center - South Barrington, IL

• About:  Family-owned farm with a country store & baker, plus a seasonal produce market & garden center
• Address:  40 W Higgins Rd, South Barrington, IL 60010
• Phone # (847) 428-6727

18)  Chicago Amusement Parks - Blog page with details on Six Flags Great America, Santa's Village, and other Chicago-land amusement parks.

Hoffman Estates hosts the following annual fests:

• Northwest Fourth Fest - 4th of July Fest held at the NOW Arena 
  • NOW Arena Address:
  • 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway
  • Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
  • Dates and Hours:
  • TBD
  • *carnival only
  • Website:  https://www.northwestfourthfest.com/

• Summer Sounds on the Greens (Summer Concert Series) - Already past.  Information for Summer 2025 not yet available.
• Platzkonzert German Fest - usually early September
• Website for further information:  Platzkonzert German fest 
• Community Garage Sale: usually held in Spring and Fall at Seascape off of Moon Lake Boulevard
• Website for further information:  TBD
• Northwest Celtic Fest - usually held in Fall
• Live music, Celtic Marketplace, Kids Activities, Food, and More
• Website for further information:  Celtic Fest

• Hoffman Estates  Park District Community Event Listing:  Upcoming Events

Farmer's Markets in Area for Summer:

Palatine Farmers' Market - 

• When and Where:  Every Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palatine Train Station Parking Lot (directly east of the Palatine Train Station)
• Address:  137 W Wood St, Palatine, IL 60067
• Months:  May through October

Olde Schaumburg Centre Farmers Market - 

• Where:  Trickster Cultural Center Parking Lot
• Address:  190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193-1647
• When:  Every Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Dates:  usually June through late October

Barrington Village Farmers Market - 

• When and Where:  Every Thursday 3-7 pm off Cook Street in downtown Barrington
• Address:   105 S Cook St, Barrington, IL 60010
• Dates:  Usually June through Mid October

Elk Grove Village Farmers Market

• When and Where:  Every Saturday  8 am to 1 pm at Municipal Park Lot at the Clock Tower
• Address:  901 Wellington Avenue Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
• Months:  June through October

Movie Theaters in and near Hoffman Estates:

• AMC South Barrington 24 - 175 Studio Dr, South Barrington, IL 60010
• Phone # (847) 765-2262
• https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/chicago/amc-south-barrington-24
• AMC Streets of Woodfield 20 - 601 N Martingale Rd #105, Schaumburg, IL 60173
• Phone # (847) 330-0720
• https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/chicago/amc-streets-of-woodfield-20
• Classic Cinemas Elk Grove Theatre - 1050 Elk Grove Town Ctr Elk Grove, IL 60007
• Phone # (847) 228-9909
• https://www.classiccinemas.com/program?location=elk-grove

For Dog and Pet Owners, Hoffman Estates and the surrounding area has a few dog and pet boarding establishments and vets to choose from:

1. 7 Paws A Week - 1473 Glen Lake Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
2. North Hoffman Veterinary Clinic - 1445 Palatine Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
3. Barrington Square Animal Hospital - 2370 Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
4. Hoffman Estates Animal Hospital - 35 Barrington Rd, South Barrington, IL 60010
5. Golf Rose Pet Lodge - 1355 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195
6. Loving Care Animal Hospital - 444 E Northwest Hwy, Palatine, IL 60074

Dog Parks in the Area:

• Bo's Run Dog Park - 3600 Lexington Dr, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 - Phone # (847) 285-5440
• Freedom Run Dog Park - 6150 Russell Dr, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 - Phone # (847) 285-5440
• K-9 Dog Park - 120 Remington Road, Schaumburg - Phone # (847) 985-2115
• 4 Paws Dog Park - 1582 Travis Pkwy, Roselle, IL 60172 - (630) 894-4200
• Hawk Hollow Dog Park - 1099 Bittersweet Dr, Bartlett, IL 60103

Churches

Hoffman Estates and the surrounding community offer the following churches:

• Saint Hubert Catholic Church & School - 729 Grand Canyon St, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 - Phone # (847) 885-7700
• Church of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church - 1451 Bode Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194- Phone # (847) 882-7580
• Saint Matthew Catholic Church - 1005 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194 - Phone # (847) 891-1220
• Saint Marcelline Catholic Church - 822 Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193 - Phone # (847) 524-4429
• Holy Family Catholic Church & School - 2515 W Palatine Rd, Inverness, IL 60067 - Phone # (847) 907-3400
• Prince of Peace Lutheran Church - 930 W Higgins Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195 - Phone # (847) 885-7010
• Saint Peter Lutheran Church & School - 202 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194 - Phone # (847) 885-3350
• Willow Creek Community Church - 67 Algonquin Rd, South Barrington, IL 60010 - Phone # (847) 765-5000
• Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church - 1600 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194 - Phone # (847) 882-6116
• Our Saviour's United Methodist Church - 701 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194 - Phone # (847) 352-8181
• Bethel Baptist Church & School - 200 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194 - Phone # (847) 885-3230

Hospitals in Hoffman Estates:

AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center Hoffman Estates 

318-bed community hospital 

1555 Barrington Rd

Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

Non-Emergency Phone: (847) 843-2000

Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Center

1650 Moon Lake Blvd

Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

800-432-5005

Alexian Brothers Women and Children's Hospital

1555 Barrington Road

Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

847-843-2000

Libraries in Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg:

Palatine Public Library District

Willow Recreation Center

3600 Lexington Drive

Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

Phone # (847) 934-0220

Schaumburg Township District Library

Hoffman Estates Branch

1550 Hassell Road

Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169

Phone # (847) 885-3511

Schaumburg Township District Library

Central Library - Schaumburg

130 S Roselle Rd

Schaumburg, IL 60193

Phone # (847) 985-4000

Hoffman Estates, Illinois Schools

Village of Hoffman Estates public schools are overseen by the following school districts:

• Community Consolidated School District 15
• Illinois School District U-46
• Community Consolidated School District 54
• Township High School District 211
• Barrington Community Unit School District 220
• Community Unit School District 300

The public schools located in the Village of Hoffman Estates are listed by district:

District 54 schools:

• Eisenhower Junior High School
• Lincoln Prairie School
• Neil Armstrong Elementary School
• Lakeview School
• John Muir Literacy Academy
• Fairview Elementary School
• MacArthur School

District 15 schools:

• Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
• Frank C. Whiteley Elementary School

District 211 High Schools: 

• Hoffman Estates High School
• James B. Conant High School

District U-46:

• Timber Trails Elementary School
• Lincoln Elementary School

Preschools:

• KinderCare at Prairie Stone - 5100 Sedge Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Kripa Montessori School - Hoffman Estates - 1015 W Golf Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Advance Preschool Inc - 2320 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
• Early Learning and Care - Child Care at the Hoffman Estates Park District - 1685 W. Higgins Road (Triphahn Center), Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

Apartment Complexes:

• Barrington Lakes Apartments - 2200 Hassell Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

• Enclave Apartments of Hoffman Estates - 700 Salem Drive #116 | Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

• Haven Hoffman Estates Apartments - 725 W Bode Cir, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

• The Reserve at Hoffman Estates -  875 Pacific Ave, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

• Village Park of Hoffman Estates - 985 Grand Canyon Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

• Woodbury Place Apartments - 1010 Knollwood Dr, Schaumburg, IL 60194

• Village in the Park Apartments - 1417 Valley Lake Dr, Schaumburg, IL 60195

Summary

Hoffman Estates, Illinois is a vibrant community with many things to do, shops, and attractions to visit.  It is a great community of hard working professionals and families.  There are many outdoor parks, restaurants, homes and places to visit.  Hoffman Estates, Illinois spans multiple school districts so you will find many choices of solid schools across the area.  Come visit Hoffman Estates, Illinois or come live here.   You will be happy you did.  

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Check the other "Things to Do" pages:

• Glen Ellyn
• Arlington Heights
• Schaumburg

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

New Release - My Family Recipes: Blank Recipe Book to Write In: Recipes You Love in Your Own Custom Cookbook, (100+ Recipe Book and Organizer) Paperback

My Family Recipes - Paperback version available

The paperback version of My Family recipes Journal was released in early February.

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Available now in both hardcover and paperback versions.

Look inside the book and available for purchase on Amazon at:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RLRHQFX

Great for organizing all your family recipes in one convenient book.  

Front Cover

 

inside recipe pages

For additional books and products take a look at the Available products page.

The description of My Family recipe book on Amazon:

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Top Rated Ski Resorts in Colorado

Just got back from skiing in Colorado.  It was such a great trip.   So if you are thinking about skiing out west here is a list of the top rated ski resorts in Colorado:

• Vail Mountain Resort
• Aspen Snowmass
• Telluride Ski Resort
• Beaver Creek Resort
• Breckenridge Ski Resort
• Keystone Resort
• Purgatory Resort
• Steamboat Ski Resort
• Copper Mountain
• Arapahoe Basin
• Silverton Mountain
• Wolf Creek Ski Area

If you are near Chicago, check out ski areas near Chicago on the Travel page.

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Servant Leadership Traits

Servant leadership is leading by example - creating a culture based on a core set of principles and values

Servant leadership is building a community based on core principles and values, which in turn drives meaning and purpose for individuals, empowering the team to be a more caring, just, trusting, and higher performing organization.

Leadership with a true desire to serve is about enriching lives, building organizations driven by purpose, and leading by correct values and principles.  This all leads to creating a more innovative, trusting, and caring team.

Core traits of Servant leaders are:

1. Empathy / Compassionate –Looking to understand the real needs of their staff and seek to address them.   Taking time to listen, understand, and help people.
2. Good listener – Listen to people before speaking their minds.  Important to give your undivided attention.  Pay attention to notice body language and tone.
3. Self-Control - Ability to control one's emotions, desires or the expression of them in behavior, especially in difficult situations.
4. Empower and heal those around you – Servant leaders focus on their staffs emotional health and feeling of completeness.  Making sure folks have access to knowledge and resources to establish a peaceful and healthy work environment and culture
5. Patience – Keep composure and respond appropriately to every individual
6. Optimistic - See the opportunity in everything, and be willing to attempt things no matter whether somebody else thinks it’s impossible or not.
7. Be aware – Be aware of yourself and those around you.
8. Trust – Communications need to be specific.  It is important that they are disseminated to every single level of the organization.  Transparency forments trust and trust has a direct correlation to work performance.
9. Encouragement – this is the hallmark expression of a servant leader.  Experts say this is a tremendously powerful tool for leaders
10. Respectful – Being respectful is very important when working and dealing with people.  Show people they are important by the respect you give them.
11. Bring the Vision Alive – Create a vision and mission statement that provides a sense of purpose for the entire team.
12. Be accountable and practice good stewardship – Take responsibility for the actions, behaviors, and performance of yourself and the team.
13. Build Community – Serve and build an empowered community that you can walk and be among
14. Be proactive and anticipate team needs – Anticipate future events and how they will impact the team.  Use experience, knowledge, and understanding to anticipate and take care to make sure you have already built and empowered the organization to effectively handle these future events.
15. Commit – It is important to analyze staff member needs and develop them accordingly.  A servant leader's main focus is the people so commit to your staffs education and development.
16. Integrity – Follow ethical and a correct set of principles and values

Servant leaders truly desire to serve and develop their staff.  The 16 traits are qualities that Servant leaders exhibit to lead and empower employees.  

The results of servant leadership are impressive - higher employee engagement, low turn over, and a higher performing organization.

Share your thoughts on servant leadership and leadership in general.  

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(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Leadership – What is it and what traits make a good leader?

This week I read 2 articles on leadership that are important to discuss.  The first article is by Adam Enfroy and the 2^nd article is an article on the Center for Creative Leadership website.   👍

Both articles provide a list of the best leaders’ leadership traits.  While there are many similarities there are surprisingly some differences in the lists. 

Leadership is very important as it impacts every level of an organization.  So, topics and articles about leadership are important to read and learn from.  Check out the related post "Journaling - An important tool for  Leaders" as it emphasizes the importance of journaling as a leader.

Great leaders are extremely important in an organization and we explore leadership and the traits needed for great leaders in this post.

So, why is leadership an important skill? 

Adam Enfroy asserts in his article, “Leaders inspire others to follow a certain path in life.  . . . . Without leaders, it is very difficult to manage large groups of people, set unified goals, and make progress.” 

What is leadership?

Steve Jobs is credited with saying, “Management is about persuading people to do things they do not want to do, while leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could.”

My personal and professional experiences confirm this statement.  True leaders inspire their folks and support their team to accomplish things that are seemingly impossible.

I feel true leaders are servants who are willing to do the right thing, hold themselves, and others accountable, take charge, and help others.

List of Leadership Skills

The first article by Adam Enfroy states, “There are certain leadership characteristics, traits, and skills that ultimately build the most effective leaders.” 

My experience confirms Adam Enfroy’s article, “11+ Leadership Qualities:  A List of Skills to Make a Good Leader” in that it accurately identifies necessary qualities for exceptional leadership.

In the beginning of the article Adam states, “The most important qualities of a good leader include integrity, accountability, empathy, humility, resilience, vision, influence, and positivity.” 

Great leaders also make it safe for people to speak up and communicate problems and issues within the organization without retaliation and work to fix them.  Truly great leaders look to serve and assist their folks to solve team and organizational issues.

The article includes the following list of qualities and skills most important to look for in a great leader.

1.   Effective Communication
2.   Integrity
3.   Accountability
4.   Empathy
5.   Humility
6.   Resilience
7.   Vision
8.   Influence
9.   Positivity
10.  Delegation
11.  Confidence
12.  Open-Minded

I would add these:  1) Great listener, 2) Expectation setter, 3) Has lots of energy 4) Works to anticipate the needs of the team, 5) Servant leader, 6) Emotionally Intelligent, 7) Good Storyteller

Excellent leaders excel in Active Listening – which is listening and paying attention to every single individual person they are leading and other folks they deal with or work with.

I agree with Adam that, “without integrity, no real success is possible.” 

Great leaders look to do the next right thing even when no one is watching. 

Adam’s article says, “Good leaders, and even great leaders, are not born; they are made.”    So, if you are looking to get into leadership my advice is that is is very important to study what makes a great leader.

Adam believes, “people can obtain good leadership qualities through teaching and learning these skills over time.”

Read the entire article at:  https://www.adamenfroy.com/leadership-qualities#:~:text=The%20most%20important%20qualities%20of,they%20never%20thought%20they%20could.%E2%80%9D

Center of Creative Leadership

The second article is on the Center for Creative Leadership’s website titled, “What Are the Characteristics of a Good Leader?”

Based on research from the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), it was found the best leaders consistently possess these 10 essential leadership qualities.  Several align with the list in Adam’s article but some are different.

1.    Integrity
2.    Ability to delegate
3.    Communication
4.    Self-Awareness
5.    Gratitude
6.    Learning agility
7.    Influence
8.    Empathy
9.    Courage
10.    Respect

CCL, says, “leadership is a journey — different teams, projects, situations, and organizations will require you to apply these leadership characteristics in different ways throughout your career.”

I believe the Center for Creative Leadership article states a very important truth when it says, “It’s also essential to realize that leadership is a social process. It’s less about a strong or charismatic individual, and more about a group of people working collectively to achieve results together. If you demonstrate several of the characteristics of a good leader but fail to grasp this, chances are you won’t get very far on your own. You may be well-liked and respected, but it will be challenging to accomplish team or organizational goals.” 

Read the article from the Center for Creative Leadership at:  https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/characteristics-good-leader/

Please share your thoughts and experiences about leadership in the comments below

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Lake Geneva Winterfest - February 2 - 6, 2022

Winterfest starts today and runs through February 6th.

The City of Lake Geneva will hold the 27th Annual Winterfest, featuring the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship February 2 – 6, 2022. As the only national snow sculpting championship in the United States, Winterfest welcomes the most talented and award-winning sculpting teams from across the country.  The snow sculpting competition runs 11am Wednesday through 1pm Saturday at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park along the beautiful shore of Geneva Lake. It's FREE to attend and view, and sculptures will remain on display through Sunday (and until they melt).

Winterfest Snow Sculpture

Regarded as the gold standard of snow sculpting competitions and draws over 60,000 guests annually to enjoy snow sculptures and an array of fun winter-inspired events and activities throughout the region.

The winter fest has many fun events and activities including “BONFIRES ON THE BEACH.”  Bonfires on the beach includes cozy bonfires, live entertainment, warm drinks, and tasty s’mores and other treats.

Besides the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship competition Winterfest includes a local school snow sculpture event, a fire and ice bar, the downtown ice sculpture walk, a snowball white party, and the Riviera Ballroom warming center. 

Free shuttle bus service is available for the Winterfest.

Beside the winter fest Lake Geneva has a variety of activities for all ages.  

In the winter Lake Geneva offers many options for fun and unique activities:  Ice skating, skiing, festivals and special events are just a few things you can do in the area throughout the winter. Bundle up and head out for these fun activities.

In the winter at Grand Geneva located at:  7036 Grand Geneva Way  Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Ice Skating and a Sledding hill are available.  You can also do snowshoeing or cross country skiing there.

To find out more about Winterfest go to:  https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/

Or check out more travel information and destinations to visit on the Travel Page.

To learn about things to do in Hoffman Estates check out the post at:  Things to do in Hoffman Estates

Journaling - An important tool for Leaders

Importance of Journaling

Two (2) additional recent articles I found from Jeffrey Ton and Aytekin Tank about the importance of journaling as a leader emphasize the benefits of reflection, greater self awareness, and personal / professional growth from the practice of journaling.  

Jeffrey Ton of Ton Enterprises, LLC published an article on his website in August 2020 and the article by Aytekin Tank CEO of Jotform was published on Entrepreneur.com (https://www.entrepreneur.com/) in December 2019.  Both credit journaling to their leadership success.

Aytekin’s article is titled, “How Journaling Can Make You a Better Entrepreneur and Leader”.  Aytekin goes as far as saying, “The most important words you write are ones no one will ever read.”  

In the article, Aytekin Tank highlights that reflection is important in leadership.  And journaling provided an outlet for Aytekin Tank to do just that.

Aytekin’s article states, “Research shows that people who engage in reflection are happier people and higher performers than those who do not. It makes sense. High performers and happy people learn from their mistakes.”  Journaling allows time to reflect on learnings and mistakes and to take actionable steps to grow and move forward.

Aytekin also suggests that journaling provides a creative outlet.  Journaling using freewriting, "cultivates consistency and creativity."

Aytekin Tank is the founder and CEO of JotForm, the easiest online form builder. JotForm was ranked in the 2016 Entrepreneur 360™ List, an annual ranking of the most entrepreneurial private companies in the U.S.

Jeffrey Ton is an author, speaker and led teams in the technology field as small as 5 and as large as 50.  

In the article posted on Jeffrey Ton’s website (https://jeffreyston.com/), the following is included, “Journaling has been a part of many successful leaders for centuries. The library is full of biographies and autobiographies of business leaders, government leaders, and thought leaders. The common thread, most kept some sort of record (uh, journal) of their thoughts, insights, and activities.” 

A journal is a powerful tool.  “Not only does it help you to keep track of details that would be lost to time, but it provides a way to learn from the past…your past. Part of the magic of keeping a journal is to re-read it, weeks, months, even years later. The magic? The lessons change! Why? The journal hasn’t changed…you have!”  

As Aytekin Tank mentions in his article, Jeffrey Ton states with great passion, “Keeping a journal is a great way to understand who you are and what you want and need from your career. I know I have written of this in prior posts…I just can’t emphasize the importance enough.”

Here are direct links to the articles if you are interested in reading them:

• Aytekin Tank’s article:    https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/343680
• Jeffrey Ton’s article:  https://jeffreyston.com/2020/08/04/leadership-thought-lets-do-coffee/

In summary, journaling is an important tool as a leader.  It helps develop clarity, enhanced intention, self awareness, and provides time for reflection for personal and professional growth.  Journaling also provides a creative outlet to enhance your thinking, breakthrough creative blocks, and to crystalize your purpose and vision.

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Video on Journaling tips, tricks, and how to

 

Posting this video as it explains the tips, tricks, and pointers for getting stared and staying with journaling.

Leadership and Journaling

Do you want to be an Outstanding Leader?

This week I came across two articles on the importance of journaling as a leader.  

The first is an article on Skip Prichard’s website (skipprichard.com) titled, “Why Journaling Makes Better Leaders”.  

The second is from the Harvard Business Review titled, “Want to Be an Outstanding Leader? Keep a Journal” by Nancy Adler.  

The Harvard Business review article by Nancy Adler starts with the following statement, “Research has documented that outstanding leaders take time to reflect.  Their success depends on the ability to access their unique perspective and bring it to their decisions and sense-making every day.”

As leaders it is important for us to have the courage to share our unique perspective and use it for decision making and action taking.

Nancy Adler concludes her article simply with, “Using a journal regularly will give you the courage to see the world differently, to understand the world differently, and to lead in new and needed ways.”  

The article by Bruce Rhoades on skipprichard.com provides some powerful insight on how journaling helps improves leadership abilities.  

Bruce shares the following areas where he felt journaling improved his leadership abilities:

• Better Organization

• Improved Decision Making

• Improved Demeanor, Attitude, and Judgment

• Enhanced Intention

• Positive Reinforcement

The article goes into further details on each of the 5 areas specifically where journaling resulted in significant improvements.  

The areas of “Improved Demeanor, Attitude, and Judgment”, “Enhanced Intention”, and “Positive Reinforcement” are extremely important to be present and to be a servant leader to your people and in your organization.

   

So, start journaling today to be an outstanding leader, to have the “courage to see the world differently”, and to use your unique perspective to lead and make decisions with purpose and intention. 

Share your thoughts and unique perspective in the comments.