Illinois Office of Tourism Showcases Lake County to UK Media, Highlighting Local Makers and Attractions
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John Maguire, VLC senior director of community engagement, Rupert Mellor, features editor of OutThere magazine, Carolyn McMahon, McMahon Art Gallery, Mark McMahon, McMahon Art Gallery and Dominic Zumpano, owner and chef at The Gallery.
Lake County recently took the spotlight during an exclusive press trip arranged by the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) for Rupert Mellor, Features Editor of OutThere magazine, a top LGBTQIA+ luxury media publication in the UK. Mellor’s visit marks a significant opportunity to showcase Lake County’s unique attractions in a feature that will reach an international audience in OutThere's February issue—a 16-page spread highlighting Illinois as a destination of choice for luxury and inclusivity.
The press trip, themed Made in Illinois, focused on spotlighting Illinois makers and other diverse personalities who shape Illinois’ reputation as an inclusive and welcoming state. With only one day to experience Lake County, Visit Lake County’s (VLC) Senior Director of Community Engagement John Maguire curated a guided itinerary that provided Mellor a taste of the area’s vibrant culture, culinary delights and unique, locally crafted offerings.
(L-R) John Maguire, VLC senior director of community engagement, Sonja Kassebaum, co-founder of North Shore Distillery, Rupert Mellor, features editor of OutThere magazine and Maureen Riedy, president of VLC
Mellor’s journey began with a tour of The Art Center Highland Park, known for its commitment to community and diversity in the arts. Following this, a lunch at Madame ZuZu’s Teahouse in Highland Park, owned by The Smashing Pumpkins’ front man Billy Corgan, provided a memorable blend of art and food—a perfect introduction to Lake County’s unique cultural offerings.
From there, Mellor visited Lynfred Winery’s Highland Park tasting room, an Illinois Made business, where he sampled some of the region’s best wines, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage and craftsmanship found across Illinois. Mellor experienced Highwood’s mural walk, offering a glimpse into the area’s vibrant street art scene.
The day continued with a check-in at the historic Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest, an elegant destination known for its English-inspired architecture and luxurious amenities. Next on the itinerary was a guided tasting at North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks, another Illinois Made business. The Lake County Libation Trail partner, North Shore Distillery, served samples in partnership with Tony Cannoli, an Illinois Maker, a local artisan known for his Italian confections. This collaboration highlights the synergy between local businesses, each adding its own flavor to Lake County’s culinary landscape.
(L-R) Caleb Smith, media manager, The Art Center Highland Park, Rupert Mellor, features editor of OutThere magazine and James Lynch, Executive Director, The Art Center Highland Park.
To round out the experience, Mellor dined at The Gallery in downtown Lake Forest. Here, chef and co-owner Dominic Zumpano served a dinner that was both a culinary experience and an art exhibition showcase of renowned artist and Illinois Made member Mark McMahon from the McMahon Art Gallery. This final stop demonstrated how Lake County’s dining experiences blend art, food and community, creating memorable moments for visitors.
The day trip through Lake County was only one part of a broader tour that Mellor experienced across Illinois, beginning in Chicago neighborhoods and continuing through Galena, Starved Rock, Springfield and more. This showcase provides international audiences with a diverse and multifaceted view of Illinois, promoting Lake County as a key destination within this mosaic of experiences.
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Save the Date: Visit Lake County's Partner Holiday Celebration
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North Shore Distillery
13990 Rockland Rd., Green Oaks
Wednesday, December 4, 2024; 4-7 p.m.
Stay tuned for more details, but mark your calendars for a festive evening of food, drinks, music and holiday cheer at one of Lake County's premier distilleries.
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Exciting Things Happening Around Lake County
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VLC continues to collaborate with local businesses and organizations to bring exciting opportunities to residents and visitors alike. Here’s a look at what’s happening around the county with some of Lake County’s valued partners:
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Roosevelt University Hosts Inaugural AI Symposium: A Game-Changer for Hospitality and Tourism
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Roosevelt University is hosting the inaugural "R U READY TO SOAR: Leveraging AI in Hospitality & Tourism" Symposium on November 14 at the Heller College of Business. This one-day event, available via live stream, will showcase artificial intelligence’s transformative impact on hospitality and tourism, with experts, students and business leaders exploring its applications and future potential.
Keynote speakers include James Feldman, AI transformation advisor at Shift Happens!, who will address AI’s ethical impact on hospitality, and Aidan Crawford, founder of Speaking Business Club, sharing strategies for integrating AI into customer experience. Former Chicago Bears player and Burger King franchisee Doug Plank will also discuss AI's role in food service, covering customer engagement, supply chain optimization and operational efficiency.
Roosevelt faculty will lead breakout sessions on AI-driven customer service, sustainable tourism and data privacy, with panels showcasing real-world applications like smart hotels and personalized guest experiences. With networking opportunities and valuable resources, this event is set to inspire participants to shape the future of AI in the industry. For any questions continue here to contact Roosevelt University Professor and ServiceSpeaks Founder Stephanie Leese Emrich. Registration is open for those interested in exploring the forefront of AI innovation in hospitality and tourism.
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Keep VLC Updated on Your Upcoming Holiday Plans
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As the holiday and winter seasons approach, we're excited to help spread the word about the special events at your venue. To ensure your events are highlighted, please share your seasonal plans with us for posting. Visit our events page here.
We also welcome any special offers or discounts you’d like to promote as part of our exclusive deals and travel packages. Check out our special offers page here to see more. Adding an offer is a great way to attract new visitors—our events and special offers pages are among the most viewed on our site!
Contact VLC Marketing Director Jonathan Jones and inform us of your 2024 fall and winter plans.
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