Football season is one of the best times of the year: good food, great weather and athletes to cheer at every level of the game. Whether you follow high school, college or professional sports, we've got a list of reasons to love football season; add your own thoughts in the comments section below.
Tailgating
Tailgate enthusiasts swear the meat (or eggs, for those who fire up the grill really early in the day) tastes better when it’s cooked in a snowy parking lot outside of a stadium. I’m not going to test that theory, but I will suggest they start with good meat. Northbrook’s stocks it all, from skirt steak to lamb chops and pork ribs to turkey brats. Call ahead for if you have something specific in mind – or browse the case to see what strikes you.
Child’s Play
Want to teach your kids about the game? Trendy Toys at has a bucket of "Football Guys" — they’re like the classic green army guys, but with uniforms and a carrying case. Use the field, goalposts and referee included in the set to teach your kids the rules of the game. Throw in a simple math lesson when your team loses yards for penalties or converts on the extra point. (Trendy Toys also has a plush football backpack for little ones on the go, and a play grill for tiny tailgaters.)
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Movie nights
Even if football isn’t your game, football movies invariably tug at even the stiffest of heartstrings. Many offer family-friendly themes, too, which (combined with popcorn and hot chocolate) make for great evenings together in the den. Michael White, AV Librarian at the , recommended Remember the Titans, Any Given Sunday, Brian's Song, Rudy, The Longest Yard, Friday Night Lights and The Blind Side, all of which can be found in the library's collection.
Sunday is Game Day
If you’re looking to stick close to home for the Big Game (regardless of what team you cheer for), local restaurants offer big televisions, cold beverages and camaraderie among fans that know the sport. Look for game day specials and satellite broadcasts at Northbrook's , , and the soon-to-open Stormy's (as in Charles “Stormy” Bidwill Jr., who bought the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1960s) in Northfield.
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Friday Night Lights
Patch sports reporter says there’s no better place for families this fall than the local high school football game: “High school football games are the ultimate community event. Too often we do things that celebrate why we are different, but the combination of fall (and early winter) weather, athletic competition and school spirit brings together people of all ages and demographics.” Whether you're rooting for the , grab a sports schedule online and make time for a game this season.
