Lemont Unlocked

Little Mountain Community Theatre is presenting Grease from July 17 thru July 19th. We learn all about this Lemont-based group performing around the area, including at Lemont High School. Find out why this version of Grease will be closer to the original musical while still providing your favorite movie moments, and discover why their name is all about the Village of Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess...

The 2026 version of the Lemont Farmers Market may be the biggest and best yet! Curator Amanda Thomsen shows off this summer's lineup and we hit some of the best tents (and hottest sauces) as Lemont Downtown's Tuesdays get a little better. 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 i...

Experience the first-ever Whiskey Fest at The Forge as distilleries from Illinois and beyond show off their creations. Plus, sit down with Jeremie Bacon for a rundown on what is new and coming soon to The Forge as Lemont's summer is just heating up! 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...

An idea turned into a conversation and brought two Lemont couples to the creation of a mobile pub company. Get the story of Pull Up Pubs and check out the driveway experience that you could have at your next big event. The creativity of Lemont residents turned small business owners is once again featured on Lemont Unlocked! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscrib...

Two sister cities unite to celebrate their origins on Route 66. Lockport Mayor Steven Streit and his wife Wendy bring their love of art to the forefront with unique benches marking 100 years of The Mother Road. Local artist Rob Moriarty then shows off the bench he created for the Village Green in Lemont Downtown. Get a detailed look at this work of art along the "Original Detour." Chris Lanuti and...

As Route 66 celebrates 100 years, Lemont discovers that Main Street was once part of the historic cross-country road. Join us from the patio at Hughie McClafferty's as local author and historian Jason Berry explains how Lemont and Lockport found out they were part of The Mother Road.  Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast play...

The Lemont Garden Club is behind all of the beautiful flowers you see planted every year in Lemont Downtown. Join them for Planting Day 2026 as this group plants a whole lot of flowers in just one day. Find out how Lemont gets primed for summertime! 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...

Discover a new business in Lemont Downtown that offers personal chef services, cooking events and so much more. Unlock Southernish with us as we make tortillas from scratch. We found a family and veteran owned business that adds another unique experience to Lemont. 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...

Out and about on a Saturday in Lemont Downtown, we check in with two locations embarking on something new. B-Sides By Moose Vinyl is a record store you may have visited under another name that now is under new ownership with a very exciting direction. Pollyanna brews beer, distills spirits and now produces coffee. Have a cold brew and hear about barrel-aged coffee beans with us! Chris Lanuti and T...

A small (really small) business in Lemont with big flavors, The Bakery Box has done a lot in very little space. Discover a hidden nook in Lemont Downtown with fresh desserts from several area bakeries that will definitely surprise you! 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...

Discover the oldest retail store that doesn't serve libations in Lemont Downtown. Lange's Woodland Flowers has a rich history that includes a major motion picture and serving generations in Lemont. Find out how they continue to be part of the fabric of this community and learn a little about the flower business. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free o...

Dan Ganzer tells us about Lemont's run club that meets every Thursday at Pollyanna Brewing Company. YOLO (Young Old Lemonters Outdoors) isn't all about running. Instead this club is about getting outside, meeting your neighbors and having some old-fashioned fun! 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 ep...

A family business that is supported by a group formed out of flying aces, Lemont's Ace Hardware gets us ready for Spring. From grilling options to getting that lawn ready for the summer, we get the tips and tricks for all of Lemont. 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 po...

A new cafe in Lemont Downtown presents next-level cheesecake and family recipes along the canal. Meet a mother and son determined to bring you new flavors to have alongside your coffee. Plus, find out why a family business couldn't do this episode without a croissant on the table! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player a...

A creative boutique. An event space. A place for a woman to build a world around her that she adores. Visit a unique space in Lemont Downtown built by Massiel Ullsmith and discover the creativity behind That Girl + Co, where there is no wrong way to create. 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...

Over a decade ago, two brothers started baking bread and building a unique space in Lemont for neighbors to gather. Inventive sandwich creations, pastries, coffee and collaboration with other local businesses are just part of the story of Rustic Knead. Discover what they have to offer in a space where even the furniture has a historic connection to Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait t...

Discover seemingly infinite combinations of flavors at one of Lemont's newest eateries as we travel to Nova Tea. Owner Sandy Nguyen saw something missing in the downtown area and created a destination for all ages with boba tea, smoothies, sandwiches, desserts, games and a very bold Vietnamese iced coffee. There seems to be something for everyone at this unique Lemont location. Chris Lanuti and Te...

Nick's Tavern is famous for their pepper & egg sandwich this time of year, but have you also tried the grouper sandwich? Let's taste both at the bar with Sam Forzley. Then travel to SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic School to meet new principal Dan Turney and one of his parish chefs behind their incredible Annual Fish Fry. See the fun and plan to join them March 6th and March 20th! Chris Lanuti...

Local baker Karen Lilly joins us to show off her Paczki creations as the people of Lemont crowd into Folklore Coffee on Fat Tuesday. Discover the unexpected ingredient in a Karen Lilly Paczki and hear why the sweet pastries are such a hit in Lemont before they quickly sell out! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and...

The Lemont Lions Club has a rich history and gives back to the community in many ways. We visited a recent gathering to take part in their $500 raffle, talk about meat giveaways and get harassed by a giant lion mid-interview. Find out how you can be a part of this vibrant charitable community in Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your fa...

As Valentine's Day approaches we stop by some recent additions to Lemont that focus on beauty. Shop with us at Jaclyn Sue Boutique and find out why this online business owner decided her physical storefront would fit perfectly in Lemont. Then join us at The Brow Lounge, where they learned from the best and created a unique experience you will love. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock...

Q Restaurant is a family-owned Asian fusion restaurant featuring authentic Vietnamese and Thai cuisines with French influences. We're joined by Ellie, who shows off her unique libations and takes us through several of her sister Quee's culinary creations. There's a lot on this table as we explore another Lemont gem! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for fr...

Join us for a look at this year's Ice & Lights Fest. From fire dancers to ice sculptors, we take you through the sights and sounds. Take a stroll through Lemont Downtown, roast some marshmallows, and find the kids staying warm at Three Stories Bookstore with the help of some special guests! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite po...

Lemont's new indoor golf and cocktail bar has something for everyone. From high-end golf simulation to great food and drinks, The Club is looking to become one of Lemont's places to go. More than just golf, it is an experience! 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...

Take a trip down memory lane with our New Year's Clip Show, featuring some of the fun things we experienced while unlocking Lemont last year. A new year of Lemont Unlocked starts soon. If you haven't experienced it yet, take a look at what you have been missing! 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 ep...