When one first drifts into the corner of Lake County called Grant Township, there’s an immediate sense of a place shaped by water and time. The most recent figures report a just over 28,000 people calling the area home, a number that’s gently crept upward over the years. This community sprawls across nearly twenty-three square miles, of which roughly one-quarter is glistening lakes and meandering streams—Fox, Nippersink, Fish, Long, Brandenburg, Duck, Redhead, Sullivan and Wooster all contributing to that distinctive watery quilt.

The early history trails back to a rename in 1867, before which the region bore a different label, one that has faded into history but still whispers in the wind over the lakeshore. What many don’t realize is that beneath the surface of its quiet neighborhoods and familiar Main Streets lies a legacy of turn-of-the-century resort hotels, boisterous summer crowds, and an era when steamboats chugged onto docks, ushering in summer crowds seeking respite from the city’s bustle. Traces remain in storytelling among longtime residents—tales of a famed summer dance pavilion that once stood near one of the larger lakes, where nights were lit by lanterns and the distant echo of orchestral piano promised romance and release.

These days, the flavor of the area comes alive most vividly in a handful of still-thriving local spots, each offering something singular. At Whistle Stop Café, regulars will tell you that the “Piggy-back Burger”—a bacon-and-cheese-packed beauty—is an indulgence worth every bite, served alongside tater tots that are rumored to be double-fried for that extra golden crunch. Not far off, La Cocina Restaurant has built a reputation not just on its fresh-made Mexican favorites, but on outrageous portion sizes and a clean, open kitchen that shows exactly how—and that—everything’s made to order. Coffee aficionados and sandwich lovers often slide into Perricone’s A Soup & Sandwich Joint, a place that’s earned high praise from locals and out-of-towners alike for its thoughtful pairing of flavors and cozy atmosphere.

Beyond food, there's a smattering of neighborhood favorites that bring people together in quieter ways. The United States Postal Service branch on Grand Avenue stands out—not just as a necessity but as a place with surprisingly warm service, where patrons note that it defies their expectations of what a typical postal trip feels like. For personal touches and self-care, Vichy Salon & Spa and Vintage Boutique Salon both enjoy devoted followings—clients rave about friendly staff and exceptional results, and one recent visitor even described leaving feeling like they’d “changed stylist lives.”

Living here also means being part of traditions that surface each fall. The township hosts a beloved fall festival in early October, a day that blends pumpkin-decorating, pies in the air, hayrides and community tables where cider and conversation flow freely. It feels a little old-fashioned, in the best possible way—generations gather, kids run in leaves, and there’s a sense that some things should remain as they’ve always been.

Elsewhere through the year, residents gather at township events for useful and sometimes quirky programs—a Medicare and Social Security class, a free paper-shredding day, even a two-day bus trip to a nearby casino, all things that spark friendly chatter in lineups or on boards around town. Meanwhile, the local historical society quietly harvests stories of early settlers and resort days for those curious enough to wander through its archives.

When evenings stretch longer and summer holds on, one might find families unwinding by the lakes, anglers casting lines from small boats while swans and loons patrol the shallows. In winter, if the snow and lake cooperate, snowmobilers—and an association tied to the township—may trace white-packed trails winding through wood and water, carrying laughter and engines across frozen expanses.

We’ve painted this portrait so you get a real sense of life here—not just data, but a living, breathing place shaped by community, nature, and long-run rhythms. And if you’re thinking about making any part of your place reflect a bit of polish or functionality—whether sprucing up a kitchen, refreshing a porch, or tackling those odd jobs that linger on your to-do list—B&G Remodeling is ready to step in. We’re ready to listen, plan, and bring those ideas into reality so your space serves you even better. Contact us today and let us help make your home the best backdrop for the life you enjoy here in Grant Township.