Long time member of this "hidden gem" (one of its marketing taglines) tucked away in Glenview…read more Think of Valley Lo as a low/no-pretense country club that is SUPER family friendly and even family ORIENTED. Wonderful dining -- casual attire but a nice menu; phenomenal service, and plenty of TVs and an activity room available to keep kids occupied. Tennis. Paddle tennis (one of the biggest programs in the US apparently, with a relatively recently rebuilt paddle hut that is spacious, well appointed, and has a regular bartender). A well appointed and maintained fitness center with personal training, classes, massage, and all of what you'd expect at a fitness club. A four lane 25-yard swimming pool that is surprisingly underutilized much of the time...and also features a kids' swim team that has become competitive among the North Shore programs. 18 holes of par 3 golf -- fun, family friendly, and again, without the pretense or expense of a "big time" golf club...and still with leagues, lessons, and events. The real showpieces of the Club, though, are the beach and lake open from Memorial Day through Labor Day (sometimes a little earlier and a little later depending upon weather). Sailing. Kayaks. Pedal boats. Paddle boarding. Swimming (some triathletes train by swimming around the lake -- it's about a mile around). Catch and release fishing (mostly for the kids). An adults-only area. A super casual beach cafe. Unsurprisingly, servers who'll deliver soft and adult beverages to your chair. A recently launched outdoor bar that complements the outdoor dining, weather permitting, in the warm weather, with lovely views of the lake and surrounding areas. Along with that, there are myriad family oriented and adults-only events, from bingo nights (really -- and they're a riot) to a "turn back the clock" New Year's Eve party where "midnight" is nine pm to the expected holiday events (gingerbread houses, caroling dinners, St. Pat's, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc.). Breathtakingly good and popular 4th of July fireworks (usually on the 3rd) on the back nine of the golf course -- this typically draws over 1000 people and, along with many of the other events, features kids' activities like games, small rides, face paining, etc. Among the biggest draws is the youth sports camp which is as brilliant as it is well executed. Drop the kids in the morning; pick up in the afternoon. They get exposure to a variety of activities and sports and get fed. Counselors tend to be teenagers who are well trained and lead the events; the camp is run by a seasoned professional whose approach is to sneak in ideas of character and sportsmanship along the way. The clubhouse and grounds (golf course, beachfront) are great spots for a wide variety of events including corporate outings, family parties, prom dinners/photos, and weddings. Through the years, Valley Lo has maintained itself well and made significant investments to keep up and improve its clubhouse, athletic center, paddle and pickleball facilities, and now golf course. It's welcoming and inclusive -- while it is a private club that requires sponsors, it's not a draconian and super selective process like some country clubs, and tends to welcome all comers. Economics are considerably more attractive than big time golf clubs as well. We've been members for more than 15 years, raised our kids here, and have come to know and love the team ("staff" always seems demeaning to this reviewer) and the membership. If you're not a swanky golf club person but prefer something less stuffy and more fun and family oriented, Valley Lo should seriously be on your list to check out.

I never knew this place existed until the summer when there was an event being held here…read more It is quite a tranquil retreat, and secret place hidden in the midst of all the busyness around it from the suburbs and the traffic It was great to find parking and walk right into the building and to our event space as well. The grounds are impeccable. The restaurants in the food are delicious, and the catering for our event was on point. The floral arrangements throughout. The property were very cute and fitting for the summer. I am not a member here however, I can see why there are members with the grounds and the offerings for boating, fishing, tennis, etc. If I have an opportunity to host an event, I would definitely consider this place for sure for personal as well as even professional events. To note the staff who were the waiters and the bartender, and the manager, for the event, or very attentive, and very good.

This is our home gym. Sure it's not cheap but you get what you put into it. My wife, my son and I…read morehave been members for over 2 years. Only recently did our fees go up but again it's worth being a member if you go enough and take advantage of any of their other amenities like their daycare, the indoor and outdoor pools. We have heard there's a waiting list and believe it as it does get crowded at times but not super crowded. I have been to several other Lifetime properties in the Chicagoland area and this is in my top 5 locations. The staff is great as well as the trainers that work there. You can tell business is good when you rarely see a trainer solo. Instead they are working with clients, training away. I do find it strange that the GM trains some people as he's taking away from his other trainers. The folks at the Cafe are wonderful and friendly as well. Let's not forget about the workers at the Daycare! Doreen, Wilma and their crew all work their tail off taking care of the babies, toddlers and kids. God bless em. There is parking lot parking available but at times it does get full.

I have been going here for years... super friendly front staff who scan you in right away!…read moreBeautiful locker room with showers, sauna, and even a hot tub :) I love their variety in classes- yoga studios are beautiful and teachers are amazing... same goes for spinning classes! Make working out fun :)

The friendly comraderee of both clients and the owners is really nice! This small, family run gym…read moreis totally delightful. It's small enough that clients receive personal attention/help during group circuit training. The guidance and tips from trainers Goran & Mia absolutely improved my somewhat marginal positioning during various exercises. And they constantly watch out for people so they don't overdo. But be clear, if they know you can do a few more reps, they will cheer you on to squeeze a few more in. Goran says once it starts to feel like you are getting tired from the reps, try to do 5 more because those last 5 are the ones that really count to tax your muscles so they will strengthen. Everyone is encouraging and kind and truly wants to see you improve and get stronger. And in my first several weeks of going (1 hr 3x week), I meet some wonderful people who have been going to Premier Fitness for many years, even decades! That should tell you something right there!

Goran and the team are true pros at their line of work. Programs are spread so they fit your…read moreschedule. People that are members are truly there to encourage and help each other achieve goals. Family oriented environment. You won't regret as long as you commit yourself. Looking forward seeing you soon.

Ash is the best he is a change agent for a better life style…read more Having him in our life has and is a blessing

Great person to work with very friendly if you want to see results this is your guy Ashoor is the…read moreman

We are rejoining after taking a break for a few years. Facilities have been upgraded since 4 years…read moreago. That's a plus. Super responsive team. They were very helpful setting up my partner with steps moving forward to get his health in check. Seemed genuinely engaged. A change I did notice is that they now charge you if a guest comes to use the pool. I think that's a poor policy. For $280/mo it would be 3 of my guest passes to bring my kids and then charge me an extra $45 for them to go to the pool with me once? Anyway. Other than that, I am excited to be back.

Tbe pros: close to my house. Th pros: The staff is unfriendly very rude. Cleanliness is…read morequestionable as there is always tissues in unused stairmaster or treadmill. Lockers get stuck and locked so you have to call unfriendly staff Which is uncomfortable because they look like they don't want to be there. Meditation clas is anything but relaxing with an instructor just scolds you even if you cough. Th showers are never clean.ive been to othe lifetimes where they actually vacuum the showers this location does not.

Excellent place to work out. Great community, women only facility. Strength training plus…read morenutrition, with heavy emphasis on balance and fall prevention. Highly recommend!!!

This is a wonderful and well-executed idea - give women a quick way to get a workout in, with a…read moresense of community! The classes focus on strength and balance. The class size is small enough where you can be observed and guided on form. Sharan is also perceptive at knowing what weights are probably best for you - sometimes heavier, sometimes lighter. The space is clean, well-lit and organized. The music is energizing and the other members are very friendly. A great way to get fit!

Since Covid, I've limited myself to running outdoors and doing stairs during breaks at work…read more Unfortunately my individual efforts are simply not enough. I know I need to vary my workout and shed additional pounds but most off all, I need the motivation to make it a regular habit. I started to research a few gyms with Shred415 being one of them. They're a circuit training gym offering group classes and caters to all skill levels. On my recent visit, Jordan was my instructor. She was awesome. She was lively, showed us proper form when switching to floor exercises and kept us motivated the entire time. Their parking lot is ample and I didn't have trouble finding a space. I'm hoping to make a decision in a month and glad I got the chance to try this place out.

AMAZING trainers/instructors who put a lot of time and effort into making their classes and their…read morestudio a tight knit community. Always hosting great events and constantly have great deals on classes. Love this location so much and the workout is incredible - easily completed by anyone at their own pace.

I've been coming for awhile now and I LOVE the trainers!! Very personalized training to allow me to…read morereach and exceed my goals by strengthening inherent weaknesses and accommodating injuries. I find I can't live without my time spent at Fitness Together! Kimberlee Herold

Personal training rooms and not fighting for equipment in a large club environment. The small and…read moreprivate environment builds self confidence vs. self consciousness.

I have been a member of the Village Newcomers Club (also known as the Village Club) for three years…read morenow and I just love it!! They offer so many fun activities and joining is a great way to meet people. We moved from Texas to Winnetka, IL about 3 years ago and we have made many friend through the club. I started attending their book club and then tried other things they offered. I have made some lifelong friends. They offer a lot of different social activities like book club, coffees, members meetings, adult socials, girls night out, family socials, a moms and tots group and a whole lot more. I highly recommend them!

I joined the Village Newcomers Club because I was looking for a local book club, but I quickly…read morebegan to participate in a lot of the other activities, as well. There's something for anything - adult social gatherings, girls nights out, coffee mornings, newcomers coffees, family events, wine tastings, toddler playdates, an annual holiday party, etc. There's always something going on. I've lived in the area for seven years but have met so many wonderful people through the VNC. The club covers the entire New Trier Township (Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Northfield) and I've met people I wouldn't have otherwise met. Whether you've just moved to the area or looking for more ways to socialize, this is a great way to do it.

Just an update to say that they are attempting a serious rehab over here…read more There's a bar overlooking the home side ice with a great view. They've also added a gym where there was a hockey shop. The studio rink is still there, so it's a great place for small practice groups. My son has had goalie coaching there. The only sad part of this rink is there's only one sheet. It's a shame because the remodel is looking good!

This is a nice ice rink with a full rink and a smaller studio for practice. There is a small Home…read moreIce shop if you need some equipment. Seems to have larger sizes because once or twice I have popped in to get socks or something small and they were very nice and friendly but didn't have a small size for a 7 year old. The snack bar has a big menu. I have stuck with cups of coffee but they seem to do a pretty good business.