The year was 2023, and the month was January. Little did the vast city of Crystal Lake know they were about to get a different kind of dispensary experience on January 18th than what they were used to.
Just 2 months earlier, Ivy Hall had celebrated Bucktown’s Grand Opening. Bucktown is the first Ivy Hall store, as well as our flagship dispensary.
At the end of December, it was hot off the presses we were newly dubbed as “Crystal Lake’s only Dispensary.” Our two-year anniversary celebration party took place on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, and it was the largest turnout we’ve ever had for an anniversary party, a scene only the likes of 420 has seen!
On top of having a 25% off storewide sale that day, we upped our loyalty points only for our Crystal Lake customers to 2x loyalty points all month long.
The Celebration Kicked off on a High
The morning started off with a line wrapped around the building as early as 8:15 am as we had doorbusters for the first 100 customers! The long line never ceased from the time we opened till mid-afternoon, but that didn’t turn anybody away or sour anyone’s experience.
Spirits were high (literally), and the reception for the 25% off sale and fun activations were well received! Our guest vendors had nothing but great things to say about our staff:
“The line is so long which makes you think they would be inclined to rush you, but they didn’t, they were all kind, pleasant, patient, and so personable!”
– Konstantin Jace, NGW Brand Rep
Free Gifts and the Coolest Local Vendors
Grassroots Cannabis Co. and Country Donuts
The first 100 people received a free canna gift, courtesy of our friends at Grassroots Cannabis Co., and a donut by Country Donuts! We may be biased, but Country Donuts could be the best donuts in the world. Locally owned and operated since 1976, they’re open 24/7 and offer coffee, delicious assorted donuts, fancy pastries, and muffins.
As soon as the early birds walked through our lobby doors, they were greeted by the smell of fresh Heady Cup Roasted coffee. Yes, you read that right; since IDFPR changed the policy about having outside vendors allowed on the sales floor late last year, we’ve been taking full advantage of this to enhance our customer experience!
What’s better than coffee, donuts, and weed first thing in the morning?? We’ll wait. Heady Cup is craft specialty coffee that is traceable, responsible, and sustainably sourced. It’s also locally roasted, and it’s the best damn cup of coffee McHenry has ever seen. And if you smell closely, you can smell all the terpenes in the coffee!
Julie Ann’s
Since we love bringing communities together, we brought our friends, Julie Ann’s, back for an early afternoon ice cream delight! Julie Ann’s is a family-owned and operated local frozen custard shop. They offered vanilla and chocolate smore sundaes but also teamed up with Heady Cup to offer our customers a decadent Affogato treat that was to die for.
Nature’s Grace DJs
Two of our favorite Nature’s Grace DJs were spinning 45 and 33 vinyl records, setting the tone just right with music that was perfect for the demographic present that day.
Uncle Stu’s Smoke and Vape
While we couldn’t have a glassblowing demo outside due to the weather, Uncle Stu’s Smoke and Vape Algonquin still came out to support us with a pop-up in our lobby. Uncle Stu’s has a few locations, but the one we mainly partner with is the Cary, IL, location. Uncle Stu’s houses several glass artists with their glass pieces available for purchase and even offers special events and workshops!
Stix ‘n Noodles
Fan favorite Stix ‘n Noodles returned to serve up some hot and cozy noodle combo plates! Stix ‘n Noodles offers home-style Filipino cooking. Their mission is to spread the Taste of Filipino food everywhere. They not only cook in the kitchen for their family but for yours as well! Definitely a must-try… we’re drooling just thinking about it.
The fun didn’t stop there, though, customers were able to enter multiple raffles for a chance to win some dope prizes from local businesses:
- Heady Cup Roasters swag bundle
- Crystal Lake Brewing Basket
- 2x $25 Julie Ann’s gift cards
- A hat & free pizza from Georgio’s Pizza
PLUS:
- Hemper Donut Bong
- Butt bucket + product bundle
Ivy Hall Crystal Lake Welcomes You!
Our team is dedicated to making your experience the best experience you could ever have at a dispensary. As we stated before, we’re now the only dispensary in Crystal Lake, and we’re not going anywhere. We’re built to last, and we look forward to serving you all and seeing you all in-store or out in the community this year! Until next year!
“What a wonderful turn out by such an amazing community! A truly big THANK YOU to all of YOU from my staff and I here in Crystal Lake! We are so happy and proud to be part of this community!”
– Tim L., Ivy Hall Crystal Lake General Manager
Ivy Hall Crystal Lake Store Hours:
Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm
Early Bird/Last Call 9am-10am / 8pm-9pm
Friday-Saturday 9am-10pm
Sunday 10am-6pm
Early Bird/Last Call 10am-11am / 5pm-6pm
Map It:
501 Pingree Rd
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Call us:
855-IVYHALL
