Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator Position

Position Summary: The Historic Downtown of Crystal Lake is currently seeking a Part-time, Year-Round enthusiastic event planner to proactively produce events, while also overseeing and managing the current sponsored events.  This position requires someone that will provide outstanding customer service and the ability to organize memorable events for the patrons of downtown Crystal Lake, as […]

Dining Delights from A La Carte to Al Fresco

Downtown Crystal Lake is an Accredited member of Illinois Main Street and Main Street America. Why Main Street? This tiny organization generates enormous economic energy. The vision 25 years ago was to improve the downtown business district, revitalize historic buildings and bring back pedestrian shopping, dining and entertainment. With a small board, many passionate business […]

Lucky to have Downtown Crystal Lake

  Lucky to have Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street There may be a Pot ‘O Gold at the end of every rainbow. Many people say that’s lucky. Those who visit Downtown Crystal Lake tell us they feel lucky. Lucky to embrace the historic pedestrian-friendly business district in the heart of a thriving community. Lucky to shop […]

Fall in Love with Downtown Crystal Lake – Twice as nice on TWOs-day!

Downtown Crystal Lake Main Street is not just a place; it’s an experience. The historic business district’s century-old buildings are filled with contemporary boutiques, restaurants, entertainment, and services. You’ll fall in love with Downtown Crystal Lake all over again when you experience the Main Street of your dreams. Williams Street is a mecca for shoppers […]

TWOs-day 2/22/22

Downtown Crystal Lake businesses are doubling down on their efforts to have some creative fun by offering discounts and specials on this unique TWOs-day. Be sure to visit the following on 2/22/22 and claim your savings: A-Z Interiors (33 N. Williams St.) 22% OFF everything (except furniture) Abalabix Books (30 N. Williams St., Suite A) […]

Turkey Trot Scavenger Hunt

Turkey Trot Scavenger Hunt November 1st – 30th This scavenger hunt is FREE and just-for-fun. Hunt for the numbered turkeys in the downtown district.  They will be displayed in business windows and viewable from the sidewalk. Each turkey will reveal a word for the puzzle. Discover the secret message to win fun prizes. Pick up […]

Back to Business (B2B) Grants

Good news!  The State of Illinois has a new grant program called, Back to Business (B2B).  This is a GRANT, not a LOAN!  The portal for applications is now active at www.illhttps://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspxinois.gov/dceo Downtown Crystal Lake has been selected as a community navigator for the Illinois Small Business Community Navigator Program.  This selection is possible through […]

“Diamond in the Rough” Award Winners

“Diamond in the Rough” Award Winners Announced This past year has been a challenge for all of us.  Despite these challenges, we noticed some creative, generous, and inspiring people who have stood out among others. Downtown Crystal Lake presented a “Diamond in the Rough” award to each of the following at our recent (online) Annual […]

2021 Participating Merchants –
Akasha Yoga, 121 N. Main St.
Benedicts La Strata, 40 N. Williams St.
Carriage House Antiques, 21 E. Crystal Lake Ave.
The Clothes Gallery, 51 N. Williams St.
Community Foundation for McHenry County, 33 E. Woodstock St.
Crystal Lake Bank & Trust, 70 N. Williams St. & 5100 Northwest Highway
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N. Main St.
Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N. Main St.
Enlightened Balance, 30 N. Williams St. (Brink Street Market)
The Green Read, 61 N. Williams St.
International Hairways, 8 N. Williams St. (will match donations brought in by customers to double the food!)
J.C. Licht, 73 N. Williams St.
KaleidoScoops Ice Cream, 53 N. Williams St.
Kitchen Outfitters, 64B N. Williams St.
Lizzy Lou Boutique, 17 E. Crystal Lake Ave.
Moretti’s Pizza Pub, 72 N. Williams St.
Mum 117, 37 N. Williams St.
The Olive Tap, 68 N. Williams St.
The Running Depot, 30 N. Williams St.
Salon C, 79 N. Williams St.
Taste of Benedicts, 35 N. Williams St.
That’s Amore Pizza, 105 N. Main St.
ThEvent Space, 81 N. Williams St.
Thomas Tails, 31 E. Crystal Lake Ave.
Wear Did U Get That, 66 N. Williams St.
Zanck, Coen, Wright & Saladin, 40 Brink St.

Many merchants offer special incentives to their customers who bring in items for the “Have a Heart Food Drive”. This list will be updated with special incentives (shown in red), so check back often!  Most of the merchants will be collecting monetary donations too.

Harry Potter Book Week

Join the Crystal Lake Public Library as they celebrate Harry Potter Book Week (February 1st – 6th) As one of its activities, the Library will be hosting a Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Crystal Lake / Main Street Search the windows of the Downtown stores for clues to solve the Scavenger Hunt puzzle. It’s fun. […]

Mitten Match

This game is FREE and just for fun! Decorated left and right mittens are displayed around Downtown Crystal Lake on Main, Woodstock & Williams Streets. Pickup an Answer Sheet form from Marvin’s Toy Store or any store where you see a mitten displayed.  Or, download a copy here:    Answer Sheet Look for the mittens […]

Home for the Holidays

Lots of fun and a few surprises await you this season in Downtown Crystal Lake! Merchants are opening their doors and welcoming you to shop, dine and relax.  Take a stroll down the sidewalks and gaze at the amazing window displays!  Soak up the charm of our beautifully decorated downtown, and make it a point […]

Be Kind

Many of our downtown businesses will be re-opening on Friday, May 29th (with restrictions). Some will also choose to remain closed or restrict their offerings for a bit longer. This will be new for all of us – business owners, employees, customers and as a community. Please remember to BE KIND, BE COMPASSIONATE, BE PATIENT! […]

The Great American Take-Out

Please note: some businesses are taking phone orders only, and some prefer online website or app orders. Check with the individual business — but please make the effort to support! In response to Governor Pritzker’s executive order which closes all restaurants and bars for dine-in food service, many of our Downtown eating establishments are now […]

COVID-19/Coronavirus Information

With the COVID-19/Coronavirus foremost in our minds, we wanted to direct you to the City’s web page which provides good links to accurate information and updates. We encourage people that feel sick to stay home.  If you are not sick—carry on your normal business, practice good hygiene, and be mindful of your environment. Here is […]

Downtown Crystal Lake Sparkles with Gem Award Winners

Downtown Crystal Lake Sparkles with Gem Award Winners The Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street annual meeting and awards night was held Monday, February 3, 2020 at Old Towne Hall.  Members and guests celebrated with a delicious dinner, music, and lots of neighborly fun! Businesses and individuals were recognized and honored with a Downtown Gem Award from […]

Have a Heart Food Drive

Start stockpiling your food items now for the 2020 Have a Heart Food Drive February 8 – 15 in Downtown Crystal Lake Hunger is an issue every minute of every hour of every day.  In order to combat this issue, many of your favorite downtown merchants are hosting a “Have a Heart Food Drive” in order to […]

Santa House is Open!

Santa House is open for the season! Bring your children and grandchildren to visit Santa in his charming little house in Brink Street Market,for a sweet experience that is completely FREE. Santa House Hours are: Saturdays (10AM to 3PM) Sundays (Noon to 3PM) Thursdays and Fridays (6PM to 8PM) PLUS: Monday, December 23rd (6PM to […]

Apple Scavenger Hunt

September 1st – September 23rd This scavenger hunt is just-for-fun!  Grab a game card from Out of the Box (71 N. Williams) or Marvin’s Toy Store (64 N. Williams).  Or click on the link: Scavenger Hunt Card – composite to print out your own card. Hunt for the numbered red apples around downtown.  Each apple […]