At Optima®, we believe that one of the best ways to connect with neighbors and nature is by exploring local happenings, so join us at Glenview’s Grove National Historic Landmark, located near Optima Verdana®, for Robert’s Yukon Adventure Day, a family-friendly event that promises fun and education for all ages. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for an exciting way to spend a winter day, this event has something for everyone.

When and Where
Date: Thursday, January 11, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Grove National Historic Landmark
Address: 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL

The Grove is one of Glenview Park District’s crown jewels, offering 150 acres of nature preserve that combine history, education, and outdoor recreation. Robert’s Yukon Adventure Day is held in honor of Robert Kennicott, the naturalist and explorer who made significant contributions to scientific discovery in the 19th century. His work in the Yukon Territory inspires this annual event, bringing a taste of the wilderness and a spirit of adventure to the community.

What to Expect
Robert’s Yukon Adventure Day offers a perfect opportunity to embrace winter while engaging in enriching activities. Families and individuals alike can explore interactive exhibits, take part in fun challenges, and learn more about the fascinating legacy of Robert Kennicott.

Highlights of the Event

• Live Animal Encounters: Get up close and personal with some of the wildlife that Kennicott may have encountered during his travels. Expert naturalists will introduce guests to animals native to the Yukon and explain their role in the ecosystem.
• Interactive History Exhibits: Learn about Kennicott’s journeys and groundbreaking contributions to science. Through hands-on exhibits and storytelling, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for his explorations and the wildlife of the North.
• Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts: Explore the snowy trails of The Grove, guided by staff members who will provide insights into the winter habitats of local flora and fauna. A scavenger hunt will keep kids engaged while teaching them about their natural surroundings.
• Craft Stations: Children and adults can channel their inner artist by creating crafts inspired by the Yukon wilderness. From designing nature-themed bookmarks to making pinecone bird feeders, there’s plenty to get creative with.
• S’mores and Cocoa by the Fire: No winter adventure is complete without a cozy moment by the fire. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or toast marshmallows to create your perfect s’more while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow adventurers.
• Snowshoeing and Outdoor Challenges: Weather permitting, participants can try their hand (or feet!) at snowshoeing, a fun and active way to experience The Grove’s stunning winter landscape.

Robert’s Yukon Adventure Day is an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about history, and foster a sense of community. As winter sets in, outdoor activities like these remind us of the beauty and serenity of the season. It’s a fantastic day trip that combines learning, fun, and quality time in a unique setting that’s both picturesque and historic.

Admission to Robert’s Yukon Adventure Day is free, but some activities may require pre-registration or small fees for materials. Be sure to check the Glenview Park District website for up-to-date information and event details. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes to make the most of your adventure!

Embrace the Spirit of the Season
As winter continues to unfold, events like Robert’s Yukon Adventure Day provide an opportunity to celebrate the season and discover the wonders right in our backyard. Whether you’re exploring The Grove’s historic trails, learning about Robert Kennicott’s legacy, or simply enjoying a winter afternoon with family and friends, this event is sure to create lasting memories.

At Optima®, we believe in embracing the unique beauty of our surroundings, especially here in Scottsdale, where the Sonoran Desert offers endless opportunities to connect with nature. Winter is one of the best seasons to explore Arizona’s breathtaking trails, as cooler temperatures and crisp air transform the desert into an inviting playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual explorer, these winter hiking trails featured in PHOENIX Magazine are a fantastic way to enjoy the season.

Here’s a look at six stunning trails near Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain®, offering scenic beauty, a touch of adventure, and a chance to recharge in nature.

Pinnacle Peak Trail – Scottsdale
Located just minutes from Optima Sonoran Village®, this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail offers one of Scottsdale’s most iconic hiking experiences. The well-maintained path winds through desert landscapes, providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and city below. The cooler winter air makes the incline more manageable, while the vibrant saguaros and desert plants add bursts of color to your journey. Perfect for beginners and families, Pinnacle Peak is a must-hike for anyone looking to combine fitness with breathtaking scenery.

Tom’s Thumb Trail – McDowell Sonoran Preserve
For those craving a challenge, the Tom’s Thumb Trail is a favorite among Scottsdale hikers. Located near Optima Kierland Apartments®, this 4.2-mile out-and-back trail ascends over 1,000 feet, rewarding hikers with jaw-dropping vistas of the Valley. The winter months are ideal for tackling this steep terrain, as cooler temperatures make the climb more enjoyable. Along the way, you’ll encounter fascinating rock formations, desert flora, and the trail’s namesake, Tom’s Thumb—a giant granite formation that’s as striking as it is iconic.

Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon Trail) – Phoenix
Just a short drive from Scottsdale, Camelback Mountain is one of the most famous hiking destinations in the Valley. The Echo Canyon Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route that’s not for the faint of heart, but the panoramic views of the city skyline are worth the effort. This trail’s steep and rocky ascent is best enjoyed during the cooler winter season, when the sun is less intense. Residents of Optima communities often make this a bucket-list hike, combining adventure with unforgettable views of the desert and cityscape.

Gateway Loop Trail – McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Close to Optima McDowell Mountain®, the Gateway Loop Trail is a serene 4.5-mile hike that showcases the beauty of the Sonoran Desert without the intense elevation gains of more challenging trails. This trail loops through the preserve, offering picturesque views of desert vegetation, wildlife, and distant mountains. The winter months bring a fresh, invigorating feel to this trail, making it a great option for a leisurely hike or a mid-morning walk.

Piestewa Peak (Summit Trail) – Phoenix Mountain Preserve
A little farther out but well worth the trip, Piestewa Peak offers one of the most rewarding hikes in the Phoenix area. The 2.4-mile Summit Trail climbs steeply to the top, where you’re greeted with 360-degree views of the Valley. Winter is the perfect time to hike this trail, as the cooler air keeps the effort invigorating rather than exhausting. With its combination of exercise and sweeping vistas, this hike is a popular choice for Scottsdale residents seeking a challenge.

Brown’s Ranch Trail – McDowell Sonoran Preserve
If you’re looking for a more relaxed hike that’s accessible for all skill levels, Brown’s Ranch Trail is the ideal choice. This 3.1-mile loop offers gentle terrain and incredible views of the desert landscape, including the iconic Brown’s Mountain. Winter highlights the richness of the desert, with cooler temperatures and bright skies providing the perfect conditions for a peaceful, reflective hike. Located near Optima Kierland Apartments®, this trail is a hidden gem that showcases the best of the Sonoran Desert.

The Perfect Way to Embrace the Desert This Winter
Winter hiking is a quintessential part of life in Scottsdale, offering a unique way to experience the natural beauty that surrounds our Optima® communities. Whether you’re climbing iconic peaks, exploring serene loops, or taking in sweeping desert vistas, these trails provide an invigorating escape from the everyday. Plus, hiking is a fantastic way to stay active, breathe fresh air, and recharge during the cooler months. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab a water bottle, and hit the trails this winter—you’re sure to create memories that last a lifetime.

Winter in Chicago is a magical time when the city is blanketed in snow, offering endless opportunities to get outdoors and embrace the season. For residents of Optima® communities in the Chicago area, sledding is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air, connect with nature, and add a bit of exhilaration to the day. Whether you’re an energetic child, a teenager looking for thrills, or an adult rediscovering the joys of winter, sledding is a timeless activity that brings out the kid in everyone.

If you’re eager to hit the hills this winter, Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are home to some fantastic sledding spots, many of which are just a short drive from Optima Lakeview®, Optima Signature®, and Optima Verdana®. Here’s a guide to some of the best sledding hills, along with a few reasons why sledding is a must for your winter activity list.

A Great Sport for All Ages
Sledding is a wonderfully inclusive winter sport that doesn’t require any special skills or expensive equipment. All you need is a sled or a toboggan, a hill, and a sense of adventure. For kids, the thrill of speeding down a snowy slope is pure joy. For adults, it’s a chance to revisit childhood memories, while the climb back up the hill doubles as a refreshing workout.

Not only is sledding fun, but it’s also good for your health. The physical effort of climbing hills gets your heart pumping and strengthens your legs. Plus, spending time outdoors in the winter boosts vitamin D levels and enhances mental health by providing much-needed fresh air and sunlight. With Chicago’s winters often keeping us indoors, sledding is the perfect excuse to bundle up and head outside.

Top Sledding Hills Near Optima® Communities

• Winnemac Park (5100 N Leavitt St, Chicago)
  Located in Lincoln Square, this park is perfect for families and beginners. Its modest-sized hill offers plenty of fun without the intimidating height of steeper slopes. It’s a fantastic choice for younger childlren or anyone looking for a gentle yet enjoyable sledding experience.
• Caldwell Woods (6200 W Devon Ave, Chicago)
  Just northwest of the city, this sprawling forest preserve boasts a great sledding hill that’s popular with locals. The incline is steep enough for thrill-seekers yet manageable for families, making it an excellent option for sledders of all ages.
• Horner Park (2741 W Montrose Ave, Chicago)
  Near Optima Lakeview®, Horner Park offers a spacious hill that’s a favorite for neighborhood families. The wide-open space allows plenty of room for sledders, so you won’t have to worry about crowded runs. The park is also known for its scenic views, adding a touch of beauty to your sledding adventure.
• Adams Park (1919 N Seminary Ave, Chicago)
  A neighborhood gem in Lincoln Park, Adams Park features a cozy sledding hill ideal for young kids and casual fun. Its central location makes it an easy spot for city-dwellers looking for a quick outing.
• Soldier Field Sledding Hill  (1410 S Museum Campus Drive, Chicago)
  For Optima Signature® residents and others living near downtown Chicago, the Soldier Field Sledding Hill is a hidden gem, offering a convenient and scenic sledding experience. Located within the 17 acres of green space created during Soldier Field’s 2001 renovation, this spot is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The sledding hill features a wide slope perfect for a smooth ride down, while the side slopes are planted with native prairie plants, adding a touch of beauty to the winter wonderland. These plants not only reduce erosion but also provide a habitat for birds and wildlife, enhancing the park’s natural appeal.
• James Park (300 Dodge Ave, Evanston)
  Close to Optima Verdana® in Wilmette, James Park is a sledding destination for the north suburbs. The park features a popular hill with an exciting slope and plenty of space for tobogganing. It’s a fantastic spot for families or groups looking to spend the day outdoors.
• Techny Prairie Park and Fields (1700 Techny Rd, Northbrook)
  Just a short drive from Wilmette, Techny Prairie Park features a sledding hill that attracts both beginners and more experienced sledders. Its well-maintained grounds and convenient parking make it a top pick for a winter outing.
• Dan Ryan Woods (87th St and Western Ave, Chicago)
  For those seeking a bigger thrill, the Dan Ryan Woods sledding hill offers a steep, exhilarating ride. This South Side gem is perfect for those looking for a faster-paced sledding adventure.

Tips for a Safe and Fun Sledding Experience

• Dress in layers. Staying warm is key, so make sure to wear thermal underlayers, a waterproof outer shell, gloves, and a hat.
• Bring the right sled. Disc sleds, toboggans, or inflatable tubes are great options. Avoid homemade sleds, as they may not be as safe.
• Go early. Many sledding hills can get busy during peak hours, so head out in the morning for fewer crowds and more space.
• Keep safety in mind. Always sled feet-first, avoid icy patches, and make sure the hill is free of obstacles.

Embracing Winter at Optima®
Sledding is more than just an afternoon of fun—it’s a chance to celebrate the season and make lasting memories with friends and family. For Optima® residents, the proximity to Chicago’s best sledding hills offers an easy way to embrace the joys of winter while staying active and connected to nature.

So grab your sled, bundle up, and head to one of these fantastic sledding spots in and around Chicago. Whether it’s your first time on a sled or your hundredth, the thrill of racing down a hill is an experience that never grows old. This winter, take time to enjoy the fresh snow, the crisp air, and the timeless joy of sledding.

Chicago, a city renowned for its architecture and cultural vibrancy, also boasts an incredible craft scene that continues to captivate residents and visitors alike. At Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to engage our communities with unique artistic experiences, and glass blowing is a craft that offers just that—an opportunity to witness the transformation of molten glass into stunning works of art. If you’ve ever marveled at the intricate beauty of blown glass, Chicago’s thriving glass-blowing workshops provide the perfect opportunity to experience this extraordinary art form firsthand.

Ignite Glass Studios: A Hub of Creative Energy
Located in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Ignite Glass Studios is more than just a glass-blowing workshop—it’s a creative haven where imagination takes center stage. With a state-of-the-art facility and a team of passionate artists, Ignite Glass offers workshops, private lessons, and special events that make the art of glass blowing accessible to everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist.

Their “Make Your Own” workshops are particularly popular and cater to all skill levels. Participants can create one-of-a-kind glass art pieces like paperweights, ornaments, or bowls. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you’ll learn essential techniques such as gathering molten glass from the furnace, shaping it with tools, and adding pops of color for that personal touch. It’s a hands-on, unforgettable experience that leaves you with not just a beautiful creation, but also a newfound appreciation for this ancient art form.

Beyond workshops, Ignite Glass Studios also hosts community events, glass-blowing demonstrations, and even corporate team-building sessions. Their sprawling venue, complete with a rooftop garden and gallery, often doubles as a unique event space, making it a fantastic spot for weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings. Whether you’re stopping by for a class or attending one of their events, Ignite Glass Studios invites everyone to “connect, create, and celebrate” through the magic of glass.

Chicago Glass Collective: A Collaborative Studio for the Modern Artisan
For those looking to dive deeper into the craft, Chicago Glass Collective in Ravenswood is a must-visit destination. This community-focused studio was founded in 2012 with the mission of fostering creativity and collaboration among glass artists. While it offers classes in a variety of glass art techniques—including fusing, kiln work, and coldworking—the Collective also features workshops that specifically cater to aspiring glass blowers and those interested in experimenting with other glass art forms.

The Collective’s beginner-friendly classes cover foundational techniques, giving participants the confidence to create their own pieces. For those ready to take their craft to the next level, the Collective provides open studio hours where members and seasoned artists can access equipment and work on personal projects. It’s the perfect space for fostering creativity while connecting with like-minded artists in the community.

What sets the Chicago Glass Collective apart is its emphasis on building a supportive environment. The studio frequently hosts exhibitions, pop-ups, and artist showcases, providing a platform for local talent to shine. Their thoughtfully curated workshops also include classes for children, making it a family-friendly destination for creativity.

Why Glass Blowing?
The art of glass blowing is as mesmerizing as it is rewarding. It combines the primal elements of fire and sand with the precision of craftsmanship, offering participants a meditative yet challenging experience. For urban dwellers, it’s a creative outlet that allows for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life while fostering mindfulness and focus.

From a sustainability perspective, many glass studios, including Ignite and the Chicago Glass Collective, emphasize environmentally conscious practices, often recycling glass scraps and minimizing waste. In an age when mindfulness and sustainability are key priorities for creatives and communities alike, glass blowing provides an outlet to create meaningful, lasting works of art.

A Perfect Fit for the Optima® Lifestyle
For residents of Optima® communities in Chicago, glass-blowing workshops are not only a chance to explore your creative side but also an opportunity to connect with the city’s artistic heritage. Just as our architectural designs seamlessly blend art, form, and function, glass blowing offers a similar fusion of beauty, utility, and craftsmanship. Plus, the proximity of Ignite Glass Studios and Chicago Glass Collective to Optima Signature® and Optima Lakeview® makes these workshops an accessible and enriching activity for all.

Whether you’re looking to create a meaningful handmade gift, explore a new hobby, or simply gain an appreciation for an ancient craft, Chicago’s glass-blowing studios offer an unforgettable experience. Why not take a leap and ignite your creativity this season? You might just discover a new passion—and a timeless art form that will leave you inspired.

For residents of Optima Verdana® in Wilmette, the North Shore offers an array of cultural gems, and one of the brightest is Writers Theatre in nearby Glencoe, long been celebrated as a premier cultural institution. Its mission is to explore plays and musicals that challenge, inspire, and entertain audiences. Beyond the exceptional productions, the theater’s sleek modern design by acclaimed architect Jeanne Gang is a testament to the creativity and forward-thinking architecture that Optima® celebrates. This holiday season, through January 5, 2025, Writers Theatre presents a heartwarming play, Every Brilliant Thing, perfect for a festive outing with family and friends.

A Play with Incredible Origins
Every Brilliant Thing draws inspiration from one of the most extraordinary true stories in modern history. The production is based on the incredible life of Maurice Hilleman, a microbiologist whose groundbreaking work resulted in the creation of over 40 vaccines, including those for measles, mumps, and rubella. This biographical tale brings a fresh perspective to the stage, portraying not only Hilleman’s relentless dedication to science but also his deeply human struggles with personal loss and self-doubt.

By weaving together the scientific achievements and emotional resilience of its central figure, Every Brilliant Thing captures the spirit of perseverance and innovation, making it a powerful and timely piece. Writers Theatre’s intimate space ensures audiences feel every poignant moment, while the production’s inventive staging breathes new life into this remarkable story.

A Holiday Production to Remember
Set against the festive backdrop of the holiday season, Every Brilliant Thing offers humor, music, and an inspiring narrative that speaks to the values of love, resilience, and small acts of kindness. The play is a wonderful reminder of how individual contributions—no matter how seemingly small—can change the world. Whether you’re attending with family, friends, or on your own, this production is sure to leave you reflecting on the extraordinary potential of the human spirit.

Make It a Full Holiday Experience
Attending Every Brilliant Thing offers more than just a chance to enjoy live theater—it’s an opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season. Glencoe’s charming downtown area, adorned with holiday lights, provides the perfect setting for pre- or post-show festivities. Enjoy dinner at one of the area’s fine restaurants or a cozy café, or simply stroll the streets and take in the festive atmosphere.

For those seeking to share the holiday magic, tickets to Every Brilliant Thing also make an excellent gift for loved ones. It’s a thoughtful way to celebrate the season and introduce someone to the enriching experience of live theater. For more information about performances and tickets, visit Writers Theatre’s website.