Another season ends at Ravinia!

***** I have been attending Ravinia for decades. For many of those years, we had a group of 10 couples who tried to do at least one show per week. One couple was assigned the early arrival and the set up of blankets and chairs. All of the rest were given food and beverage assignments and we had a special spot where we would set up. It was always fun and the shows were always terrific. I also did the annual company Ravinia outing when we would have 80 plus people attend a concert. Those were very special moments in my life.

Today, with my radio show and my website ( as well as the newspapers I write for), we have become more Pavilion audience members, and we either dine at one of the Ravinia restaurants or before coming. Seeing that the 2023 season is about to end and the weather was divine, I suggested to Jane that it would be great to do the lawn. Not the “reserved lawn” ( where you get a square) but the actual lawn where people are eating, drinking, laughing and with tonight’s Carrie Underwood, singing along. It was indeed a special night as we also got to dine in their special dining room, The Freehling Room. This is indeed a very fancy room that takes you into a whole new world of dining at Ravinia. It is intimate and reservations are hard to get, but well worth the wait.

Hostess Deborah Nieto made sure that we were able to experience this room. The menu is somewhat limited, but there is something for every taste. Jane and I enjoyed ( and shared) the Goat Cheese Belgian Salad, and then for our entrees selected the Angus Beef Tenderloin ( served with mashed potatoes and garlic spinach) and the Shrimp Stuffed Pineapple (tequila, garlic, onion, tomato, cilantro, mozzarella cheese and pesto garlic bread). Both were delicious and easy to share. We had some coffee and made our way onto the grounds. Tonight the star was Carrie Underwood.

We could have set up our chairs right where the restaurant is as there are screens that allow those in that area to see INTO the pavilion. Jane wanted to be closer, so she could be “near the action” so we went as close as we could and a family allowed us to set up our folding chairs near them. The sound system at Ravinia is amazing and we heard every Country Western song she did. I am not a C & W devotee, but must admit, she is something else.

Underwood was the American Idol winner in  their 4th season. Her first single “Inside Your Heaven” became a winner and the beat goes on.

Her first visit to Ravinia was in  2014 and she has been back ( including this trip) five times. As a people watcher, sitting in the lawn area was lots of fun. Cowgirls with lighted hats were everywhere. Short skirts with cowboy boots were the norm and hundreds of people have the time of their lives n a beautiful night in Highland park.

To see what is remaining in the 2023 season, visit www.ravinia.org. Get yourself on the mailing list so you get a head start when they announce the 2024 schedule. The selection is always great with every type of music people enjoy.

Ravinia is located in Highland Park and there is plenty of parking available ( some with shuttle service) as well as a train stop at the front gate. You can bring your own food and you can purchase snacks and meals on premise. In addition to the Freehling Room, there are several other dining rooms on the grounds. If you love concerts and fresh air, Ravinia is the place to have the experience of your life!