Arlington Heights lawn care
The Village of Arlington Heights is a suburb of Chicago and the most populous village in the United States. The village started as a small town called Dunton in the 1800s. It was built around a train depot that transported the local farmers' crops and dairy products to the city for sale. There were around 1000 citizens when the small town incorporated as Arlington Heights in 1887. Today, more than 75,000 call Arlington Heights home and many still take the 50-minute train ride into the city for work and play.
But the people of Chicago also take the train or the short ride out I-90 to explore the many attractions of Arlington Heights. From horse racing to Frontier Days, there is a lot of fun in this village.
Arlington Heights is home to the Arlington International Racecourse. This thoroughbred horse racing facility opened in 1927 with one oval and room for 20,000 spectators. Formerly known as Arlington Park, the grandstand and clubhouses burned to the ground in 1985. The track reopened in 1989 and now features two ovals and can seat 50,000 spectators.
Arlington International is best known for the Arlington Million, which runs every August. It was the first horse race to offer a million dollar purse and is a Breeder's cup qualifying event. Arlington International was also the first racecourse to introduce a public address system. Churchill Downs bought Arlington International in 2000.
There are many seating options for enjoying a race day at Arlington International. Ladies and gentleman will need to dress up to view the race from the Governor's Room or the Turf Club. These luxury accommodations overlook the finish line, and admission includes a gourmet buffet and drinks. A large group looking for a more relaxed option should consider the Marquee Tents. Your group can watch the race from the rail and enjoy a cookout menu. For a fun day on a budget, choose a box seat in the sun or shade and pick up a sandwich at the Grab and Go.
In addition to racing, Arlington International hosts concerts, wine tastings, and other events throughout the year. Two American Idol finalists have played to large crowds at the racecourse. Lee Dewyze drew a crowd of 41,000 on May 14, 2010, and Haley Reinhart played to 30,000 fans on May 14, 2011.
Frontier Days is another big draw to Arlington Heights. Known locally as "The Festival," this five-day event held over the July 4 holiday features foot races, concerts, parades, food, drink, carnival rides and much more. Nationally known musical acts perform on three free stages. The event attracts up to 150,000 attendees every year.
While maybe not as attractive to visitors from Chicago, Arlington Heights has an active theatre and a historic library that provide year-round entertainment for the villagers.
The Metropolis Performing Arts Center opened in 1999. The center includes a 350-seat theatre, a ballroom, and classrooms. More than 40 productions a year are held in the theatre. The Metropolis offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and camps in dance, music, and drama.
Some Metropolis programs are specifically designed for pediatric and adult therapy. "Flourish in the Footlights" and "Clearbrook on Cue" help special needs teenagers and adults develop social skills. "Acting through Life" is a Metropolis program for seniors.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library started in 1887 as a ladies' reading club. The Arlington Heights Woman's club donated the library's first collection of 1600 books in 1926. Today the Arlington Heights Memorial Library collection is over 500,000. The library offers senior services, a kid's section, a training center, a bookmobile, and many other programs.
Library Journal ranked The Arlington Heights Memorial Library in the top 1% of all libraries in the country. In 2011 the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce voted the five-star library Business of the Year.
With so much to do and see in Arlington Heights, don't be stuck at home taking care of your yard. Use Lawn Love to arrange for a pro to handle all of your lawn care needs.
