The days are getting shorter and the trees are beginning to lose their leaves, which means the Fall season is now upon us. In the Chicagoland area there are so many activities centered around the traditions and natural beauty associated with this tranquil season. We’ve found the most notable events and activities that are sure to satisfy your every sense.

1.    Friday, October 18th marks the day of the Northwestern University Homecoming Parade on Sheridan Road. The parade begins at 8:00pm and will feature Olymipic Gold Medalist Matt Grevers, as well as music performances by local musicians and students. Upon the conclusion of the parade, make your way to NU’s campus to view fireworks over the lake. The celebration does not end there, however. The Northwester Wildcats take on the Purdue Boilermakers at Ryan Field the following morning. Kick off is scheduled for 11:00am, so be sure to arrive early.

2.    Evanston is celebrating their fine arts and culture, with Arts Week Evanston. The festivities will begin on Friday, October 10th through the 19th. You will experience an array of musical performances, from classical symphonies to local favorites. You can also learn a thing or two by attending some of the workshops and classes, like the Pinhole Camera Family Workshop or the Drop-in Ceramics Class. Experience unbelievable art by touring the many art galleries and studios that will also be open throughout the week. There are far too many shows and activities to begin to list here, so visit the City of Evanston website.

3.    The Evanston farmers market will be running for a few more weeks, so make sure to take advantage of the fresh vegetables, fruit, and flowers while you still can. The market is held from 7:30am until 1:00pm Saturdays at Oak Avenue and University Place. Be sure to attend on October 30th, where adults and children can make pumpkin crafts and even win some prizes. Call (847) 866-2958 for more information.

4.    With Halloween approaching, the time is now to pick up your pumpkin and carve those Jack-O-Lanterns. Didier Farms in Prairie View not only has the pumpkins, they have pony rides, a petting zoo, hay rides, a corn maze, crafts, and much more. Visit the Didier Farms website for more information, and directions.

5.    Take to the trails and absorb the natural beauty this fall season produces in Wheeling, IL. The Des Plains River Trail runs south through the Potawatomi Woods Preserve along Milwaukee Avenue, and is perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Start at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Dundee Road, and enjoy the outdoors while the weather still permits it.

The grand opening of Grand Bend at Green Bay is this weekend. All who attend will be offered a $5,000 Grand Opening incentive. Become a Grand Bend VIP, however, and you can save additional $2,000 off your new luxury condo with immediate occupancy availabe.

The grand opening will take place Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm. In addition to the savings, your VIP status will also allow you to schedule a pre-grand opening appointment with us for this Friday, the 18th.

This is your last chance to become a VIP with us. It’s free and only takes a few minutes, so why delay? Sign up today to save $7,000 on your new home at Grand Bend at Green Bay.

That is theme of this year’s 4th of July festivities in Evanston, IL. This is the 87th year that the Evanston Fourth of July Association has been in charge, and boy, do they have it down!

The parade, which begins at 2pm, is a fourth of July staple for all Evanstonians. With over 140 entrants, this is more than a parade - it’s an event. In fact, it has become so popular that people start setting up chairs along side the road  three days before the parade even occurs. The procession begins at Central Park Avenue East on Central Street and ends at Ashland Avenue.

The festivities don’t stop with the parade. At 7:30 head to Clark Street beach to hear the Palatine Concert Band perform on the lakefront as pre-firework entertainment. Enjoy the live music until 9 and wait just 15 minutes for fireworks to light up the sky, capping off the evening in true 4th of July fashion.

Every year Evanston’s 4th of July festivities top those of the prior year - so don’t miss what they have in store for 2008!

More information here>>

Planning on watching the fireworks at Butler Lake?

Come early this year to hear live music performed by the Village Band. The performance will begin at 7:30 pm and last until dusk. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Bring family and friends. Sit back and enjoy the weather, music, and the fact it’s Friday night. Let the patriotic tunes get you in the mood for the pinnacle of every 4th of July - fireworks.

What a holiday. A day off to barbecue with your favorite people followed by a night of free entertainment.

The grand opening of Grand Bend at Green Bay is just around the corner. There will be a $5,000 Grand Opening incentive to all who attend. Plus, when you become a VIP with us, you will receive an additional $2,000 off.

The grand opening will take place over July 19th and 20th. As a VIP, however, you will be able to schedule a pre-grand opening appointment with us for July 18th. Not only will you save more than non-VIPs, you’ll get first pick.

The VIP treatment does not stop with the savings. We’re sure you’ll enjoy all of Grand Bend’s luxury features, which include:

• Granite countertops
• Hardwood floors
• 9′ floor-to-ceiling windows
• Five-spray body-spa showers
• Private balconies
• Fully-applianced stainless steel kitchens and More

Live the life of a VIP and save $7,000 on your new home. Sign up here and get the special treatment you deserve.