Hello October!

The trees are starting to change their colors and with a beautiful array of golds, burnt orange and maroon, they decorate the city for the coming of Fall! So many events, offers, and activiites fill Joliet's calendar for you to take advantage of today! Check out www.visitjoliet.org to view the Festivals and Events going on Now! (also visit the Ways to Play Wednesday link from the home page for specialty offers every other week).

Topping the list this Friday 10/7 wear your costume to Downtown Joliet's Harvest Moon Cruise Night, featuring free pumpkin decorating, decorated cruiser cars on display, and more! There's also Mystery in the Mansion theatre shows at the Jacob Henry Mansion this month on 10/11&12 then 10/18 - go to www.jacobhnrymansion.com for tickets and details. And Pilcher Park is filled with those colorful trees hoping to shelter you for a spooky "Tales of an Autumn Night" event on 10/13 www.jolietpark.org .

The Joliet Park District has tons of pumpkin carving, game nights and more this month too at www.jolietpark.org

Don't forget to pick out that perfect costume for your little goblin or monster and take advantage of City of Joliet Trick or Treating hours on Monday 10/31 from 3:30-6PM.

For up to date information Follow "Play Joliet" on facebook and twitter - or Text "JOLIET" to 71297 (stnd rts apply) -and we'll see you the spooktacular events of October in Joliet!

Fall into Fun this September!

September is full of great events, activities and offers coming your way!

annual Mexican Independance Parade adds a festival this year to their 9/10/11 event - go to http://www.fiestapatriasjoliet.com/ for registration and more details on the fun! You can stay right there because Downtown Joliet hosts the Black Pride Parade on 9/11/11 too - Two days of parades in Downtown Joliet to kick off September WOW!

Don't forget we are getting in gear... for Sept 15 FREE Race Fan Rally event on Chicago Street from 4-10pm - this event will start off its 10th year with a new Hauler Parade at 4pm circling downtown Joliet on Jefferson, Scott, and Cass streets . Then stick around all night long for driver meet and greets, live entertainment, food, music, vendors and more! http://www.racefanrally.com/ for details

You can satisfy your need for speed this year with the 10th annual races at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet Sept 16-17-18, 2011. Check out http://www.chicagolandspeedway.com/ for all the great offers, specials and ticket packages in store for Race Weekend too! Like FREE Train to Track shuttle on Sunday 9/18 from Joliet Union Station - all the more reason to Play in Joliet!

You can visit http://www.visitjoliet.org/ and click on the Itineraries icon too - for special Roaring Races deals that are sure not to miss throughout the year at top Joliet attractions, restaurants and more!

... stay tuned for more exciting September events coming soon to you!

One small step... this August!

That's right take your kids out and let their little feet run through the month of August with family fun events in Joliet!

Saturday August 6 is KidzFest in Downtown Joliet from 10am - 3pm - along Chicago Street. This Free Family Fun event features Lewis University KidsFest Campus, Petting Zoo, Touch A Truck, The Science of Racing, Mad Scientist Demonstrations, Reptile Shows, Behind the Scenes at the Rialto Square Theatre and more! Great Downtown Dining too! visit http://www.jolietdowntown.com/ for more information

And August 11-12-13 NASA is landing in Downtown Joliet with three days focused around the mobile experience exhibit at the Joliet Area Historical Museum - visit http://www.jolietmuseum.org/ for your Galaxy Pass to action!

Events include Friday Night with NASA - special Cosmic dining and cocktail specials at participating restaurants, Apollo 13 showing at the Rialto Square Theatre at 7pm ($5/person) and more!

Saturday bring down the Junior Astronauts for special dining discounts at participating restaurants, NASA Rocket Scientist Presentations at 10am and 1pm at the Joliet Public Library and crafts too! And Mobile exhibit access from 10am - 5pm at the Joliet Area Historical Museum

So don't stop just GO and check out the great activities this August for families in Joliet!

June in Joliet

June in Joliet is well on its way to an amazine month -filled with concerts, classics and new events too!
Be sure to get your taste buds ready for this weekend as the TASTE OF JOLIET is back at the Joliet Park District's Memorial Stadium June 24-25-26! Key entertainment includes: Loverboy on Friday 6/24 and KC & the Sunshine Band on Saturday 6/25!

And the event name says it all - taste the cuisine of the city with a field of choices to choose from, including favorites like pizza and brats - but unique treats too! There's also tons of games and entertainment options for the entire family ... for a full list of the taste and fun in store go to www.tasteofjoliet.com today!

See you there!

Ways to Play in May!

It's MAY and that means Moms - Musicals - Celebrations and Going Green! Check out the Many Ways to Play in the Month of May - in Joliet! Watch Ways to Play Minute at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFA9vraeUKU

Green Grass and Bunny Rabbits!

Earth Day is upon us and that means celebrating sustainability!

4/21 will kick off "Earth Month" in the greater Will County Area with an event at Joliet Junior College for GR2011 Celebrating Sustainability... This event marks the start of a month of events that will lead upto a FREE outdoor festival May 21 outside the Black Road Library and Rock Run Preserve in Joliet. Green events and activities can be found in a green way by visiting http://www.celebratingsustainability.com/ or following "Celebrating Sustainability" on Facebook.

And as we move into Easter Weekend don't forget to be on the look-out for "The Bunny."

Saturday 4/23 the Forest Preserve District of Will County celebrate "Hugs for Hounds" Easter Egg Hunt at Hammel Woods Dog Park - bring your pouch and search for the bunny ... 10:30AM. $5/dog with proceeds benefitting Rosie the FPDWC Police Dept Search & Rescue Dog. more information at http://www.reconnectwithnature.org/

The talented culinary staff of the Joliet Junior College Renaissance Center are serving up an Easter Brunch on Sunday 4/24. Call for reservations at 815/727-6544 to be part of the taste explosion including breakfast and lunch options, carving station, gourmet desserts and even champaign!

You can also still meet the Easter Bunny at Westfield Louis Joliet Mall through Saturday 4/23. Bunny photos are available in Macy's Court with times and information available at www.westfield.com/louisjoliet/specialoffers/HopToTheEasterBunny.html

And a special Easter Gift to you from our friends at Hampton Inn I-55 - 15% off their weekend rate for 4/22 through 25, 2011 if you book mentioning the code "Play Joliet" - call 815.439.9500 today to get a room for your out of town guests or a fun - close to home way to play in the pool while the family is on spring break!

However you celebrate your Easter Holiday - I hope it is happy, rich and filled with lots of jelly beans!

Time to Smile... Getting Fit & Looking Good is No Joking Matter!

Heads up and don't stress.... Joliet has the cure for those cold weather blues, just think ahead to all the fun in teh sun coming your way and get ready!

No need to be a Dancing Queen to enjoy the Music of ABBA tonight at the Rialto Square Theatre 3/24 @ 7:30pm tickets still available at 815.726.6066. But if you wanna get happy - now's your chance to sign up and audition for Happy Days the Musical at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park. They are holding open auditions this Friday 3/25 at 7:30pm at the park - call 815.724.3760 for details.

If you ever wondered how ladies back when looked soooooo good, discover the Civil War Fashions with Mrs. Lincoln this Saturday 3/26 at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, Ottawa Street. From 1-3pm learn about corsets and bussels through this interactive fashion show. cost is $8/person call 815.724.5201 for details or visit http://www.jolietmuseum.org/

But the fashion is not all brides will be worried about for their big day... that's why you should visit the Bridal Expo at Westfield Louis Joliet Mall this Sunday 3/27 - the expo is hosted by the JJC Renaissance Center and Carson Pierre Scott call 815.280.1404 for details.

No Foolin' .... laughter is the best way to get ready for the summer season - Serious comedy comes to the Riatlo theatre on 4/1 "April Fool's Day" with Kathleen Madigan at 8pm - tickets and details at http://www.rialtosquare.com/

And wellness is top of our list to prepare - check out the JJC Wellness fair April 4 - 6 main campus activities include seminars, expos and community fairs http://www.jjc.edu/ for details. USF also hosts Solutions for Obesity on 4/5 on campus call 815.740.3840 for more information.

With all this talk about laughing, fashion and fitness... I am soooo in the mood to get out and explore ... .... .... But let's wait till it's a little warmer! In the interum get yourself ready with these amazing activities around Joliet!

For more information on ways to play and places to stay in Joliet visit http://www.visitjoliet.org/

This one's colorful!

With spring in the air (or at least my immagination) ... it's hard not to start seeing colors everywhere!

This Friday we are surely rockin' pink with the 3/11 Pink Floyd Experience at the Rialto Square Theatre - tickets are still availble at www.rialtosquare.com (you can also try to win your way in by listening to WJOL 1340 at 7:20am this Wed. 3/9)

Saturday 3/12 the 15th Annual Pow Wow at Joliet Junior College will celebrate all the colors of the wind with Native American dancing, music, food and exhibits. Open to the public from N-6pm.

Next week the only color you should be wearing is GREEN because St. Patrick's Day is on its Way! Tune into 88.7 WCSF radio to celebrate the green with Irish & Celtic Music from 3/16-19

Celebrate on the 17th at Joliet's own Irish Pub Chicago St. Pub - they have daily specials including $1 Tacos and Free Tots on 3/17 - with $3 Premium Drafts ... visit their web site for week long Irish entertainment schedule and deals too.

The Rialto has gone down their own path for 3/17 with The Color Purple - a soul stirring musical - tickets and info at www.rialtosquare.com

And with all this talk of colors I can't help but wish myself Over the Rainbow - good thing Bicentennial Park is hosting the Provedence High School production of The Wizard of Oz March 17, 18, 19, & 20 - tickets $8 adults; $5 students and seniors - www.providencecatholic.org

So grab your crayolas, paint on a smile and discover the colorful events and activities throughout Joliet!

Thank You Mr. Presidents!

On eve of a nice long 3-day weekend many of you may be wondering just what to do.

Have No Fear! - We can help.

Get out the calendar and start planing because your year in events is now up online. Checkout the newly updated February - December 2011 events posted to http://www.visitjoliet.org/

This site continues to update with more every day so be sure to check back, but in the mean time note some summer favorites returning like June 25-27 Taste of Joliet and August 6 KidzFest and a few trying to play some tricks like the NASCAR races now in September following a fan fave Race Fan Rally September 15. You'll also notice nice drama courses, registrations and more. If you have an event you'd like posted feel free to tag it here and I'm sure it'll make its way to the site!

Now this weekend alone you better take advantage of some super dining deals going on.

Monday 2/21 Eat out @ Heros West Sports Grill on Houbolt Road and mention you want to donate to the Joliet Exchange Club - 10% of your check's proceeds will help benefit battered women and children in the greater Joliet Area.

Tuesday 2/21 is far more fun for race fans with a special Daytona 500 meet and greet at Harry Carry's hosted by the Chicagoland Speedway http://www.chicagolandspeedway.com/ for details

And Don't forget to take advantage of the last days of Downtown Dining Deals 10% participating locations http://www.jolietdowntown.com/

Last but not least Going on THIS WEEKEND ONLY - 2/18 - 21/2011 Mention Code "PLAY JOLIET" and get an overnight at the Fairfield North Joliet for only $70 plus tax. This is a great way to amuse teh kids - Let them swim in our pool! Call 815.436.6577 today!

So yes... Thank you President'd Day for giving us just a little longer weekend to Play in Joliet!

Hearts and Flowers ...

Do you know what is a week away?

That's right... a holiday I can really get my heart around. Now I have made some "not-so-subtle" hints to my husband that Flowers Flowers Flowers.... are necessary, but then again, I'm a sucker for flowers. So I have no doubt that roses are in my future :).... But then again it's those sweet surprises that seem to mean even more, like a specially planned night out that you didn't suspect, or a romantic getaway just for you. These are just a few ideas you can borrow/claim as your own... for those hopeless romantics that need a little nudge....

Valentine's Day is a Monday - so yes do plan to go out this coming weekend and make it a package of fun!

Tryout the special deals for dining and VIP hotel rates at http://www.harrahsjoliet.com/ 2/11 - 14.

You may also feel the VIP treatment with specialty Valentine's Day Menu and Valet service at The Department in Downtown Joliet, featuring Sweet Heart Martinis and delishious desserts. 2/11- 14, http://www.thedepartmentjoliet.com/ .

The Joliet Junior College Renaissance Center is offering something different a Friday Night 2/11 Valentine Dinning Special - featuring Butlered Appetizers, and four course dinner with wine! 815.280.1404 for reservations.

You can also grab a show with 2 top acts appearing at the Rialto Square Theatre this weekend Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt on Friday 2/11 and The Dog Whisperer on Sat 2/12 http://www.rialtosquare.com/ (or look up tickets for a later date and make it their gift to go out again soon!)

Yes - I agree, flowers are a staple, but remember to give your Valentine little night out too!

Snooooow....

My mind is racing with the fantastic prospect of being "snowed in" in Joliet! Snow is something that midwesterners are no stranger to, however, 2 feet? - that's A Lot of Snow! Being this snowed in is something you see in a daytime movie where a group of fun loving vacationers are trapped with a fireplace and rations to outlast the night...
Now safety concerns aside, I am stocking up on foods and nesting like there is no tomorrow because I just adore the concept of being "snowed in"! - Simply loving home and the clean blanket of white that awaits us ... you may want to consider those special outdoor activities that will come from such a glorious snow -
check out the Forest Preserve District of Will County at: www.reconnectwithnature.org for a full list of outdoor snow fun activities like: Sledding, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoeing and more! They even make reccomendations for locations on the FPDWC properties to go and try out your snow legs...

So hunker down and enjoy the snow ... then get out and enjoy it some more! (don't forget to warm up with some hot coco after too!)

Dinner for 2

Looking forward to the holiday weekend? I am! There's something nice about getting that extra day off that we sould celebrate! Why not take advantage of the Dinner For Two special at Joliet's own unique hot spot The Department. - A great chance take out your special someone and experience a new or favorite outing night out.

Going out for dinner "just because" often makes it that much more special. No pressure just celebrate you and enjoy, let your hair down!- - a little candle light and wine goes a long way.

So check it out this weekend or next - offer stands at The Department, and is sure not to disappoint.

I Wanna Know!

The New Year is great for more than just resolutions to get fit and tone your outer exterior... Why not Expand Your Mind!

That's right - going back to school can be a great way to evolve your skill set, expand your career goals or change them all together, but you can also focus on what I call - Fun Classes - too!

Joliet Junior College is a HUGE asset to our area community with so many options to choose from.

I consider myself a pretty good cook but not a chef by any means - I've always wanted to take a cooking class and there is a top ranked culinary school in my back yard - could this be fate?

There are also courses in dance, drama, painting and the arts that you can brush up on creative skills you never knew you had. Horticultural programs are sprouting every day from design to growing plants and flowers - all we caution is this may turn your thumb perminantly green. :)

Classes start January 10, 2011 - so there is still a short amount of time to Take the Leap into learning someting new. Visit www.jjc.edu or call 815.729.9020 TODAY!

Circle, Triangle, Square... What Shape Are You this New Year?

Happy New Year! What a wonderful time to celebrate and a great time to start fresh. I love New Years, it provides heaps of opportunity for reinvention, self improvement and a chance to remember the past near and far.

Many make resolutions this time of year for things from gettting fit to new experiences and I have a few tips on where to go as you map out your plan of attack. It's only day 3 of the New Year ... not too late!

Let's start with Getting In Shape!

- Try out Joliet's own Provena St. Joseph Inwood Athletic Club for getting fit and doing it right. The friendly and qualified staff of the Joliet Park District offer tons of ways to get fit from classes to open membership. Honestly, I'd reccommend the use of one of the club's personal trainers - for a minimal fee you are able to get a custom program built just for you and a work out buddy too! I'll admit it's a little intimidating at first but realize you are not alone on the quest for a better body and a healthier you ... especially this time of year! Call them now for great membership rates and resident discounts too! @ 815.741.7275 or visit http://www.inwoodatheleticclub.com/

Stay tuned for more Tips to help you along with your New Year's Resolution!