Your McHenry County Bestie Report: Officially Summer, Baby! (Week of June 22, 2026)
Okay, we made it. Summer is officially here, the solstice hit last weekend and now it's basically a legal obligation to be outside at all times. I'm on my second iced coffee, the kids are already asking "what are we DOING today??" and honestly? I have answers. So grab your sunscreen, strap on your Chacos, and let's get into it.
Real Estate Corner
If you've been on the fence about buying or selling in McHenry County, here's your friendly nudge to get off it.
The median home price in McHenry County is sitting around $380,000, and prices are up about 3.9% compared to last year which is solid, steady appreciation (not a scary spike, not a crash — just healthy movement). Homes are selling in an average of 49 days, which is basically the same as last year, so the market is competitive but not chaotic. In April alone, 360 homes sold county-wide, up from 335 the year before. Translation: people are moving here, and they're not slowing down.
For buyers: Inventory is still tight, so if you find something you love, move on it. Getting pre-approved before you start browsing is non-negotiable right now your future self will thank you.
For sellers: With appreciation trending upward and buyer demand holding strong heading into summer, this is a genuinely great time to list. Homes that are priced right and show well are still moving quickly.
Whether you're just curious about what your home is worth or ready to start the search, I'm always your first call. Reach out anytime — I promise I respond faster than I respond to my kids asking "what's for dinner."
Free Fun for the Fam
Let's talk splash pads, because it is HOT and there is literally no reason to pay for entertainment right now.
The Crystal Lake Park District has TWO free splash pads open daily through Labor Day:
Crystal Castle Splash Pad — Woodscreek Park, 1416 Willow Tree Drive, Crystal Lake. Daily 10am–7pm. (Early bird? They do "Tot Time" 9–10am by request — ideal if your toddler is an early riser like mine.)
Acorn Alley — Veteran Acres Park, corner of Walkup Road and Route 176, Crystal Lake. Same hours. Shaded seating nearby. Bring a blanket and your sanity.
Both are completely free and open to residents AND non-residents. Pack snacks, sunscreen, and a change of clothes (for the kids and honestly yourself).
The Crystal Lake Public Library has also partnered with the park district for a free Summer Family Concert Series no registration required, just show up. Check clpl.org for the full lineup. This is the kind of low-key, perfect-summer-evening activity that I live for.
New & Noteworthy
Okay, so Crystal Lake is absolutely cooking right now when it comes to new spots, and I cannot stop talking about it.
Lake Roots Café Market & Bar (475 W Virginia St / Route 14, Crystal Lake) is the vibe I didn't know I needed. It's a café in the morning, a curated market anytime, and a full-service dinner and cocktails spot by night. Think: coffee and a pastry at 8am, charcuterie and a glass of wine at 8pm — same place. They're open Tue–Thu 7am–11pm, Fri–Sat 7am–midnight, and Sunday 8am–9pm. This one is already a fast favorite.
CAVA Mediterranean is coming to Crystal Lake this summer at 5689 Northwest Highway — their FIRST McHenry County location. If you've never had CAVA, buckle up. It's like if Chipotle went to Greece and had a glow-up. No confirmed opening date yet, but it's worth following for updates.
Dutch Bros Coffee has also been approved for a Crystal Lake location off Route 14. More coffee drive-thrus? More coffee drive-thrus.
Small Business Spotlight: Lomeli's Fresh Market, Island Lake
This one genuinely made me smile. The Lomeli family has been operating Lomeli's International Supermarket in Round Lake for 26 years and this year they opened a second location in Island Lake, taking over the former Island Foods space at 233 E State Rd.
The new store is 23,000 square feet (more than four times the size of the original!) and features a full-service butcher counter and a hot deli with daily-prepared items. It's a family legacy expanding into a new community, and that's the kind of small business story I'll always root for. Hours are 7am–8pm daily. Stop in and support, they've clearly earned it.
Get Outside
McHenry County is stunning in June. Three spots I'm personally recommending right now:
Moraine Hills State Park — Home to the Lake Defiance Trail (4 miles, gorgeous) and the Fox River Trail (easy 2.3-mile loop along the Fox River). Dog-friendly. Crushed limestone paths. Kayak and paddleboard rentals available on Lake Defiance. This is THE summer park.
Cary Lake at Rotary Park — 3 miles of scenic walking and biking trails, a kayak launch, and a fishing pier. Stroller-friendly. Peaceful. Underrated.
Petersen Park in McHenry — Playground for the kids, open green space, and beautiful views of McCullom Lake. Pack a picnic. Eat it. Breathe. You deserve it.
Don't Miss This Week
SCVN Night at McHenry Outdoor Theater — Wednesday, June 24 | $15 per carload, double feature. Grab snacks and enjoy a classic drive-in experience.
Woodstock City Band Concert at Park in the Square — Wednesday, June 25 | 7:00 PM | Historic Woodstock Square. Free, outdoors, bring a lawn chair. Total summer perfection.
7th Annual VFH Motorcycle Run — Saturday, June 27 | Starts at McHenry VFW 4600, ends at Hoops in Hebron. Great community event and a fun way to see the county.
Crystal Lake Farmers Market — Sunday, June 22 | Depot Park, 9am–1pm. Go early, the good stuff goes fast.
McHenry Fiesta Days — Mark Your Calendars! — July 9–19 at Petersen Park and downtown McHenry. Carnival, concerts, fireworks, art fair, and a parade on July 19. It's the county's biggest summer bash and it's right around the corner.
Fun Fact + Holiday Alert
Fun Fact: Woodstock, IL is famously where the 1993 movie Groundhog Day was filmed — Bill Murray relived the same day over and over right there on the Woodstock Square. (Some days as a mom I feel very seen by this.) The town fully leans into it every February, but honestly it's a great trivia fact to pull out at your next farmers market run.
Holiday Alert: This week marks the first full week of summer and June 23 is National Hydration Day. Take it as a sign to drink your water, hit a splash pad, or just finally try that fancy Stanley tumbler that's been sitting in your cart. 💧
Thanks for reading, friend! Whether you're curious about the market, planning a summer adventure with the kids, or just looking for the best new spot to grab coffee — I'm your person. McHenry County is a genuinely amazing place to live, and I love helping people find their home here.
Reach out anytime — no question is too small, no timeline too far out.
Emily Spagnola | Realtor | Kale Realty
Serving McHenry County, IL
📩 emily@foxvalley-properties.com
