“For 26 years, Thunder Bowl in Mokena has built a reputation as a family-friendly spot where everyone leaves satisfied,” said Manager Jamal Baker. “Most alleys fill their nights with leagues, but Thunder Bowl keeps its lanes available for walk-in fun Monday through Sunday.”
According to Baker, Thunder Bowl is open for walk-ins from 3 p.m.-midnight Monday and 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. other weekdays, with limited league nights on weekends.
“Beyond bowling, there's an arcade and game room for nonbowlers, plus a full restaurant serving burgers, tacos, chicken wings and bang bang shrimp — but the customer favorite, hands down, is our pizza,” said Baker.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland goes beyond gaming with an array of experiences.
Spanning more than 70,000 square feet, the gaming floor is open around the clock and features more than 1,400 slot machines, 56 table game and the exclusive Hidden Gems private, customizable spaces for gaming and events.
The resort emphasizes curated entertainment, with versatile venues seating 28 to 169 guests, perfect for any gathering.
Culinary delights abound, with Fabio Viviani Hospitality Group offering upscale Italian steakhouse dining and a lively Food Bazaar.
After gaming or dining, relax in the 255-room hotel, including 43 suites; indulge in the full-service spa; or unwind in the indoor pool.
According to a spokesman, Prestwick Country Club strives to be the premier full-service, family-focused private golf and country club in the Chicago area.
Members enjoy a blend of recreation, relaxation and connection, highlighted by a championship golf course, lighted tennis and pickleball courts and a resort-style pool.
Comprehensive golf, racquet and aquatics programs offer fun and skill-building for all ages, while casual and fine dining offer everything from relaxed family meals to special occasions.
Prestwick Country Club also was voted Best Golf Course.
According to owner Connie O’Reel, there’s much more to Southwest Synergy than just dance.
“Of course we want to provide excellent dance training and give our students opportunities to grow technically, but what happens outside of the actual dance steps is just as important to me,” she explains. “I want our dancers to gain confidence, build friendships, learn how to work hard and feel like they have a place where they truly belong.”
Thanks in part to this encompassing philosophy, O’Reel says the studio enjoys a full range of participants, from students who come once a week simply because they love to dance to those who want to train and compete at the highest levels. And they’re all embraced.
“No matter why a child walks through our doors, I want them and their family to feel valued and know there is a place for them here,” she says. “Southwest Synergy has changed and grown a lot over the years, but that heart of who we are and why we do this has stayed the same.”
Nova Quarter Horses is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the area for more than 30 years.
Owner Lorri Ebeling founded the riding stable from a desire to share a lifelong love and passion for horses. Today, she owns and operates Nova with her daughter, Samantha Ebeling.
“Nova is more than a riding stable; it is a welcoming and safe place where riders can build confidence, create lasting memories and form meaningful bonds with their horses,” said Samantha Ebeling. “Through lessons and special events, we strive to bring our riders and families together, fostering a strong sense of community that makes Nova truly special.”
The 58th running of the Frankfort Fall Fest wrapped up in early September and it continues to be a monster event.
The three-day event usually draws more than 200,000 people with its huge variety of arts, crafts music and more.
“We are incredibly proud of Fall Fest and what it means to the Frankfort community,” says Pauline Modjeski, executive director of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce. “It truly takes a tremendous team effort to produce the festival each year, from our dedicated volunteers and committee members to the Village of Frankfort, our sponsors, local businesses, civic organizations, artisans and everyone who works behind the scenes throughout the year.”
She adds that the chamber continually tries to make improvements on the fest while continuing to honor the traditions that it has enjoyed in more than a half century.
“Community is everything. And I think it takes a lot of work to get the community's trust, and I truly believe that over the years we’ve worked hard to earn that trust,” says Jim Fredrickson, who owns Gym-Kinetics with his wife, Wendy. Joining in the business are their son, Victor and his wife, Samantha Fredrickson.
Gym-Kinetics, which opened 41 years ago, services a wide range of ages, interests, and goals.
“We offer classes for walkers to high school students, beginners to kids interested in the competitive arena and additionally we offer ninja classes, tumbling for cheer, birthday parties, open gyms and a variety of special events,” says Fredrickson. “I believe the overall experience with positive coaching and attention to detail is what sets us apart.”
Though officials made a controversial decision to charge for parking, patrons still showed up to Tinley Park for big-name shows .
This year’s lineup included Pitbull, Tim McGraw, Iron Maiden, John Mellancamp, Train, Santana, Godsmack, Muse and Ne-Yo.
There were also some bargains to be found. For shows that were not immediately sold out, there were two-for-$55 and four-for-$99 deals.
As for the parking fees, Live Nation, the owner of the theater, says they will be used to make improvements in the parking lots, which will start showing up in 2027.
It’s a huge year for baseball and the Chicago Cubs and White Sox appear to both be heading to the postseason.
With a winning record and center fielder and National League MVP candidate in Pete Crow-Armstrong, it’s exciting times on the North Side and it appears south suburban fans are enjoying the fun.
“Cubs fans throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s south suburbs have supported this team for generations, and we never take that loyalty for granted,” says Jennifer Martindale, Cubs executive vice president of marketing and communications.
CD&ME has been a popular community venue for nearly 30 years. “We offer two private, beautifully landscaped facilities — The Loft and The Mica — perfect for creating your dream wedding, whether you envision a natural charm or a rustic industrial vibe," said Catherine Storbeck, CD & ME wedding planner.
Storbeck noted that whether you choose gazebos and pergolas or waterfalls, fountains, firepits and fireplaces, complemented by vibrant botanical gardens, CD & ME offers an exquisite backdrop for your style and vision.
“Our secret is our wonderful team of wedding professionals,” said Storbeck. “From your initial consultation to the final details of your special day, we're here to support and make this moment truly unforgettable. It is an honor to be part of such a meaningful celebration."
