WGN Radio’s Jon Hansen, filling in for Dave Plier, talks with Kate Lieto, Vice President of Marketing for Experience Grand Rapids, about why Grand Rapids, Michigan is the easiest and more exciting weekend getaway from Chicagoland. Kate shares with Jon the latest updates on the restoration project of the Grand River rapids and the new Acrisure Amphitheater and soccer stadium. Jon gets to learn all about the city’s restaurants, craft breweries, museums, craft breweries, and all the fall fun at nearby cider mills, pumpkin patches, and nearby apple orchards.

Jon also talks with Tyler Loftus, Executive Director of ArtPrize, the citywide international art competition and cultural festival that has immersive installations in businesses, restaurants, public spaces and venues across Grand rapids. Tyler also highlights special weekends dedicated to music, dance, fashion, and visual art while also explaining how the free event invites visitors from near and far to experience, discuss and vote for art all while exploring Grand Rapids.

Dane Neal, filling in for Dave Plier, welcomes El Bandido Yankee NHRA Crew Chief Scott Hamilton to talk about the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He shares why the Black Hills gathering is more than motorcycles and major concerts highlighting the charitable impact it brings across South Dakota.

Casey Salagaj, regional operations director for Lazy Dog Restaurants, joins Dane Neal, filling in for Dave Plier, to discuss the restaurant’s National Dog Day celebration from August 24 through 27. He shares how guests can bring their furry friends to Lazy Dog’s dog-friendly patios, support Pet Partners with every dog bowl purchased, and explore the restaurant’s seasonal peach menu, craft beverages and scratch-made TV dinners.

Kathy Amos of Wind Creek Chicago Southland joins Dane Neal, filling in for Dave Plier, to share what makes the South Suburbs’ new casino resort a destination for a night out or a full staycation. With 1,400 slot machines, nearly one hundred table games, a spa, over 200 rooms and suites, and ALTO, a delectable rooftop Italian steakhouse, Wind Creek Chicago Southland has something for everyone right in Chicago’s backyard.

Tairi Grace, executive director and founder of Grace Holistic Center for Education, joins Dane Neal, filling in for Dave Plier, to discuss the Yorkville school’s whole-child approach to learning. Tairi shares how its preschool-through-12th-grade program combines academics with mindfulness, hands-on career exploration, life skills, and flexible options for homeschool families.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Shari Black, CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair, about this year’s State Fair, going on Thursday August 6 through Sunday August 16th. Visit wistatefair.com for more information.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Mike Siegel, Director of Innovation at Goose Island Beer Co., for an exclusive first look at this fall’s highly anticipated Bourbon County Brand Stout lineup. They preview this year’s barrel-aged variants, including Tiramisu Cask Finish, Apple Crisp Stout, Pineapple, Barleywine, and Rye, while exploring the inspiration, brewing innovation, and craftsmanship behind one of the beer world’s most celebrated annual releases.  www.Gooseisland.com

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with Kevin Ervin, longtime proprietor of Franks Diner in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as the iconic 100-year-old railcar diner marks the end of an era. Kevin reflects on nearly 25 years of ownership, made-from-scratch menu favorites, and the diner’s rich history as the oldest continuously operating lunch car diner. With stories of legendary visitors and the diner’s deep community roots, Kevin talks about what’s next with the diner’s new owners. To learn more, visit www.franksdinerkenosha.com

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates 100 years of a Chicago classic with Lynn Sapp, third-generation owner of the Original Rainbow Cone. They dive into the family-run business’s roots dating back to 1926, the story behind its iconic five-flavor stacked cone, and how a partnership with Buona has expanded the brand across all of Chicagoland. Lynn also tells Dave about all the 100th anniversary celebrations, special events, and where to find Rainbow Cone trucks this summer. For more information, visit RainbowCone.com.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Scott Dehn, proprietor of the McHenry Outdoor Theater, the only drive in movie theater in Chicagoland, to celebrate 75 years of providing excellent cinemagoing experiences to travelers from near and far. Scott also previews their throwback season starting with a John Hughes triple feature, Cars and Talladega Nights, Jurassic Park, and many more hits. Plus, Halloween movies for 4 weeks in October! For tickets and more informations, visit GoldenAgeCinemas.com.