Lemont Unlocked

Lemont Unlocked

Welcome to Lemont, Illinois, and all of the amazing things it offers for people of all ages. Shop, Dine, Drink and Explore as we present ”Lemont Unlocked” for your enjoyment!

Episodes

August 20, 2025 19 mins

Lemont's signature festival is right around the corner, so learn a little bit about Keepataw Day before the big parade and Fun Fest that follows! Once conceived as a way to raise money for village improvements it now has become a place for everyone to gather and celebrate, all while doing some good. We're chatting at Just Hummus in Lemont, so we are going to also try some unique creations and learn that Lemont is a "Buffalo Town."

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Lemont was never the intended landing spot, but instead became the happiest of accidents for Wooden Paddle. This fixture in Downtown Lemont serves up pizza, craft cocktails and an adventurous menu. We sit down with Jonathan Cowan to get the story of his restaurant and his take on businesses supporting each other in Lemont.

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From a garage to a driveway to downtown Lemont, the path of Matt Borner's business is unique. We sit down for a lesson in simple meat smoking and listen the tale of a hobby that turned into a bustling barbecue business. Find out how a leap of faith turned into Matt's Barbecue!

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Creamery in Lemont has so many incredible ice cream creations, we cannot eat just one. So, we make a mess of several as we learn about this Lemont Downtown fixture! Lemont Unlocked also sits down with the organizers behind the annual "Giving Back To Lemont" event. Learn about a great cause supported by an incredible free multi-artist outdoor concert on July 26th!

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July 15, 2025 25 mins

Lemont Downtown's Cruise Nights is brings fun for the whole family every Wednesday night in the summer. We get the history, the sights, the sounds and a close up look at some of the cars. We also sit down with Sam Forzley to celebrate 80 years at Nick's Tavern. Find out why this Village Trustee purchased the iconic location and why their burger is so special!

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July 1, 2025 18 mins

The Lemont Farmers Market at the Village Green is unlike any other area market. That's because Amanda Thomsen of Aster Gardens puts her heart and soul into it. Hear why it is important to find the right vendors and participants to create Lemont's unique Tuesday evening gathering. Plus, learn how to make one of the market's cocktail offerings from a Pollyanna Social mixologist before your next visit!

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June 25, 2025 21 mins

Summer is the season for patios in Lemont...as long as the weather cooperates! We visited the small street-side outdoor tables at Folklore Coffee to understand why those sidewalk seats matter so much. Then we sampled margaritas and some delicious entrées at Next Mex. Find out why their patio layout, size and location are essential for one of Lemont's premier outdoor dining spots.

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June 10, 2025 23 mins

Ah, the sweet life. Join us as Lemont kicks off Sunset Soirée with opening week act Serendipity. Fun, family, friends and good times await as we immerse you into Thursday nights this summer in Lemont. Then we walk from the concert into a special Italian restaurant in La Dolce Vita. Celebrating 25 years in Lemont, find out what makes this spot a "must-eat" location in Lemont Downtown.

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Lemont Mayor John Egofske joins us to talk about his growing village, which is bucking the trend of most areas in Illinois. Find out why people are moving to Lemont as we explore the new Marbella of Lemont apartment complex located downtown. Local realtor Wendy Pawlak then shows off one of Lemont's available homes as she explains why buying in Lemont makes good sense. 

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Learn about much-improved trails and beautiful scenery around The Forge Lemont Quarries from local runner Dave Fako. We discover athletic events, good fishing and quite the view. Then meet Jeremie Bacon from The Forge, who explains how profits from this music and adventure venue go towards conservation and improvements to the public grounds Dave and others enjoy.

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May 6, 2025 19 mins

As the Lemont Beauty and Wellness Walk approaches, we first visit Hive Fusion Fitness to speak with Danyelle Andrews of Bee Well Collective to discover the large scale of this new event. Then we do our own walk to see Susana Scott of Allure Skin Studio for skin care tips and a very colorful demonstration.

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If you haven't met Sommer Steele, or been to one of her events, you haven't been exploring enough of Lemont. We are at her unique shop, Mabel's Market, to talk about the upcoming Market On The Canal returning on May 4th. Hear about the evolution of this traditional Lemont outdoor event and how the area around her shop has drastically changed in the past decade.

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April 15, 2025 22 mins

Season Two of Lemont Unlocked kicks off at Three Stories Bookstore & More. Carla tells us the story of her whimsical local bookstore. Local author Pat Camalliere tells us the story behind her writing career. Chris & Tess talk about an embarrassing near-death experience. Get three unique stories from Three Stories in Lemont!

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Lemont's beloved mascot visits with Lemont Unlocked at Hughie McClafferty's. Taste some Irish fare with the husband and wife team running this beautiful Irish pub. From fish & chips to a properly poured Guinness, you cannot make a bad selection from the menu. Then Archie The Lemonster tells us his story and answers questions from viewers as the most lively guest we've ever had! 

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March 19, 2025 17 mins

Terry Blanz of the Lemont Area Historical Society shows off a little Lemont history and an interesting display of 9/11 artifacts. Find out why you should visit their historic building and experience "America United: The Days After 9/11" before it leaves town. Plus, learn how you can contribute your own family's historical items to the story of Lemont.

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We look back a the Irish heritage surrounding St. James at Sag Bridge with Father Thomas Koys. Hear about the origins of the oldest working church in Northern Illinois, the Irish that built and are buried there, a connection to Abraham Lincoln and even a ghost story.

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Petersen's Main Inn has a lot of history. Learn about the recent one that surrounds their pool tables and then listen as Jason Berry talks about their origin as part of Smokey Row. Take a trip to the past from a comfortable bar stool as we explore Lemont's former Red Light District. 

Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont...

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February 25, 2025 23 mins

Travel to Corner Stone Tavern to marvel at the limestone interior, learn about their short yet interesting history and check out some unique food items. Kevin Barron joins us to walk through the history of Lemont's limestone.

Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont Unlocked is a podcast produced by The Broadcast Basement w...

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February 18, 2025 19 mins

Ana Koval from the Canal Corridor Association joins us from Pollyanna Brewing Company to talk about Lemont's connection to the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Get a little history about the canal that runs through town and find out how you can best experience one of Lemont's great landmarks.

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February 11, 2025 32 mins

Lemont is for lovers, and this episode we visit several restaurants run by couples in love. Check out the stories behind Barrel & Vine along with Digs On Canal as these Lemont couples bring you into their amazing establishments. Plus, a new "character" debuts on Lemont Unlocked!

Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont ...

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