ORLAND PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT - SWEET NIGHT IN THE SUBURBS - THE SAVING OF THE SNAPPING TURTLE

Last night in Orland Park, Illinois a Snapping Turtle was potentially in danger. Yes, a Snapping Turtle. As I was walking in the area near a large pond a Snapping Turtle was slowly heading for the street. Now, of course, Snapping Turtles travel to various locations in their territories, but this one was going toward the street. That Snapping Turtle was possibly headed for death - death by vehicle. Any vehicle on that street would have smashed God's creation upon impact. Most people in today's dark age would have probably killed it on purpose. We no longer live in 1974!

Two women who live in close proximity to the pond and adjacent park were out there with shovels in hand attempting to move the Snapping Turtle. I didn't have a shovel. Nor did I have a blanket.  I have moved a Snapping Turtle from the side of the road to the other side of the road, but I did so with a large and thick blanket. Snapping Turtles snap - so one must be careful.

One of the women called the non-emergency number for the Orland Park Police Department. First officer arrives on scene and is unable to move the Snapping Turtle. Alas, the second officer arrives to the scene of the situation. He steps out with a thick vest/jacket and picks up the strong Snapping Turtle; and places the stunning example of suburban wildlife right back by the water source where it lives, eats, sleeps and mates.

I was so impressed with the kindness and gentleness of these two police officers that there was no way I wasn't going to write about the adventure of the Orland Park Snapping Turtle. These two officers most likely saved a life on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. 

When you can aid, assist or help in the protection and provision of wildlife - do what you are able. That includes a call to your local police department. 

The two officers may or may not want their names mentioned, so I will afford them some privacy, but I'll just use first initials of their last names. Officer M and Officer G. You did something good. Thank you!

Copyright Chicago and Then Some 2026

BEST ICE CREAM, FROZEN CUSTARD, GELATO IN THE CHICAGO METRO AREA - 2026

No matter one's age - ice cream, custard, gelato - whatever frozen treat you gravitate toward - it is all wonderful! I love custard, hand-packed ice cream, soft serve ice cream, gelato and frozen yogurt.  It's all good and some locations are better than others. 

Having driven all around the Chicago metro area here is a list of (subjective to my taste) the best frozen treat sellers in all of Chicagoland.

Today would have been my mom's birthday. She loved ice cream. We would drive around to various ice cream locations and enjoy life together - one scoop at a time. In memory of my mom!

                                      Chocolate or vanilla? Both are magnificent at Andy's Custard!

1) ANDY'S CUSTARD - 30 locations in the Chicago metro area. It may be a chain, but what a chain it is. Literally, there is no better frozen custard in the world than Andy's Custard. Rich, delicious and wildly authentic frozen custard. Superb rewards program as well. If I can only have one frozen treat - Andy's Custard would inevitably win the award. Generous servings at a good price. Rich frozen custard. Their concretes, jackhammers and sundaes are all outstanding. 

2) Plush Horse - Plush Horse has heart and soul. It is also a provider of wonderful memories in a nostalgic forum. Yes, the iconic Plush Horse in Palos Park is sensational. Superbly crafted hand-packed ice cream made right on the spot. Outstanding and varied choices and they have excellent waffle cones for the waffle cone lover. The building is from 1937 when only the local farmers had the pleasure of experiencing superb ice cream at the Plush Horse. Highly recommend their Moose Tracks and the amazing Chicago Pothole! Senior discount provided on Tuesdays.  Summer theme seating available during the warmer weather. 

12301 South 86th Avenue, Palos Park, IL

3) Cool Creations - Hand-packed ice cream slightly off the bend of downtown Lockport. A wild ride of options in the flavor department. Ice cream in an old-timey locale. Hours are minimal, so check out open and closing times before you head out to Cool Creations.  Rich, dense hand-packed ice cream. No other ice cream shop has more creative flavors. Old building reflecting the area's original architecture is a treat as well. 

937 South Hamilton, Lockport, IL

4) Hazel Marie's - A true rival to both Plush Horse and Cool Creations when it comes to mouth-watering hand-made hand-packed ice cream. Made on site with some unique flavors. Lots of butter fat! That's a good thing! The location is fabulous. After you take in your outstanding ice cream take a walk thru downtown Plainfield and enjoy the boutiques and restaurants. Ice cream first. Hazel Marie's has a nostalgic vibe that adds to the ambiance of the day. 

24030 West Lockport, Plainfield, IL

5) Buddy's - Buddy's Drive-In is a hike, but if you have a drive in you then head on to Beecher, Illinois and enjoy every single second of some of the best soft-serve ice cream you will ever indulge in. Portions are huge and the prices are not. An excellent playground for the little ones sits on the property along with multiple tables with umbrellas. Don't fear the drive. Take pleasure in a day off!

613 Dixie Highway, Beecher, IL

6) Ghirardelli - The best ice cream in the heart of the city center. Creamy and hearty hand-packed ice cream with the famed chocolates in tow. This is not an inexpensive ice cream indulgence, but if you are walking around the city you may want some ice cream. Of course, you will want some ice cream! A summer treat awaits after a brisk walk down the Magnificent Mile. 

400 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

7) Margie's Candies - Perhaps the most famous of all of Chicago's ice cream retailers. Margie's has been around for longer than most people have been alive! Well, that may be exaggeration, but not really. Lots of nostalgia wrapped in a delightful location. Excellent hand-packed ice cream. 

1960 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL

8) Kilwin's - Another multiple location ice cream dream spot. Where does one begin to enjoy some of the highest quality ice cream around? Their chocolate selections are stand-outs. Dense, butter fat filled stand out in a crowd ice cream! 

Multiple Locations

9) Eli's Ark - Gelato with a significant and cute kid-friendly twist. Gelato scoops shaped and poured into variations of animals. If you want a gelato scoop that looks like a Lion's head - go ahead and ask! Good Gelato!

1843 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 

10) The Creamery - Multiple locations around the Chicago area. Mostly in south suburban and western suburban areas. Soft-serve ice cream with a wide variety of options. Highly recommend the Oreo Cookie Parfait. Best all-around locations are in Homer Glen (indoor seating for the winter ice cream excursion), Mokena (excellent outdoor seating and you can take a photo with the giant Cow mascot) and Orland Hills (nice outdoor dining area).  

11) Lickity Split - Two locations in Chicago. Just out and out great frozen custard. Can't go wrong with some defiantly delicious choices on their menu. 

6056 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL

7000 N. Western, Chicago, IL

12) Oberweis - Multiple locationns. A big wow of taste from this chain located all around the metro area. Perhaps, the best chocolate peanut butter in the nation.  Blueberry Cheesecake is another stunner in the tastes great department. Wow.  Go big here, since the smaller options are quite high in price.   

Chicago and Then Some Copyright 2026