Whether your new to Park Forest, Illinois, or you've been a resident here for years, the following 5 places are the perfect way to connect with the community while enjoying the sights and sounds of the area.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Freedom Hall Performing Arts Theatre
Vintrendi Wines
1950's Park Forest House Museum
The Artistic Flow
Thorn Creek Nature Center
The Thorn Creek Nature Center is located on 985 acres of state protected land known as the Thorn Creek Nature Preserve. Since 1969, organizers and activists alike have tirelessly fought to preserve the land and wildlife that call this woods home.
From the VOPF website, "Forty years ago, June 1978, Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve. It is one of the largest forested areas in northeastern Illinois...the fifth largest in the Illinois Nature Preserves system. This large dry mesic oak hickory forest is dominated by 150-year old white and red oak trees with a rich understory of native shrubs, rare plants and spring wildflowers. A walk through the Woods is a 3.5-mile nature adventure. The preserve also features Thorn Creek Nature Center in an 1861 white steepled building, and the historic Hornicek Farm." (source)
Residents are encouraged to participate in the Nature Center's weekly events and stroll the trails of this majestic forest!
Freedom Hall Performing Arts Theatre
"Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre is an intimate Chicago suburbs concert hall and performing arts theatre located in Park Forest, Illinois... Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre has presented the performance arts since the opening of Park Forest’s cultural arts center in 1976. The Nathan Manilow Theatre, which has the capacity for 287 patrons, has presented a multitude of events in all genres... Freedom Hall is dedicated to presenting a diverse and affordable entertainment series to its patrons, in a setting that assures the highest quality production standards for artists to share their unique talents and abilities." (source)
Vintrendi Wines
Vintrendi Wines offers uniquely flavored wines for the modern wine consumer. Locally-owned and operated, Vintrendi embodies the idea that enjoying wine should not be reserved for wine snobs and cork dorks! With flavors such as caramel apple, blaqberry, chocolate-cherry cuvee, and honey rose, customers can choose what sounds good to them without feeling like prior wine knowledge is needed. The founders of Vintrendi believe that drinking wine shouldn't be a pretentious experience. It should be fun, exciting to the palate and enjoyable for today's consumer.
Vintrendi offers both online and in-store shopping as well as monthly wine club subscriptions and local delivery. They also offer a relaxed, hip lounge where locals can grab a glass of wine after work, while out on a date or while hanging with friends. With comfortable seating, vibrant colors and small bites, Vintrendi's is fast becoming a local hotspot for an evening out on the town! Stop by Vintrendi Wines today to enjoy a sample of any of their flavors.
1950s Park Forest House Museum
This Park Forest museum captures what a traditional home would look like in the 1950's for returning World War II veterans approved for living in this planned community. Unlike most museums, visitors are actually encouraged to open cabinets, drawers and closet doors to examine the many nostalgic items common to this era. Featured rooms are the living room, dining room, bedroom, home library, classroom, and bathroom. Anyone interested in stepping back in time is encouraged to stop by when open or to make an appointment to get a full tour by a local volunteer.
The Artistic Flow
The Artistic Flow is a locally-owned and operated paint and sip facility offering entertainment for all ages. Located in the heart of downtown Park Forest, the Artistic Flow offers a new and unique experience for those looking to enjoy an evening out with friends or family.
Each painting session is guided by an experienced artist who provides detailed instruction in a fun and inspiring atmosphere. Beginner painters and advanced painters alike are encouraged to enjoy the experience of creating an acrylic masterpiece! Large group reservations are available for birthday parties, anniversaries or graduations. Let your creativity flow while supporting a local business at The Artistic Flow.
Do you have a local favorite not mentioned above? Stop by the office to let us know so we can feature it in our next Park Forest local business highlight!