Our family’s favorite way of unplugging is going up on the “path” and going for a hike. Just kidding. It's our (the grown-ups) favorite way of unplugging. We bribe our children with goldfish and juice to get them up there and hope that in how many ever years to come, when they look back they will get it. And they will have happy memories of learning to ride bikes, and meeting new people and standoffs with angry turkeys and walks with our dog Henry.

The great thing about dogs is that bribery is rarely involved in convincing them to go on a walk. Henry approached the "path" with the same amount of overwhelming enthusiasm every time. I think that’s why our enthusiasm kind of died when he died. Sorry, I imagine I should have included some sort of disclosure.

BUT, the “path” is another amazing Algonquin backyard brag. The 43 mile Fox River Trail and the 19 mile Prairie Trail connect in Algonquin. In the warmer months, the trails are covered with hikers, runners and bikers. There are parks to play at and places to fish. And the trails deliver you directly into many downtowns, where you can grab a coffee, a beer or a bite to eat.

We’ll get back up there. And you should too. We just need a different M.O.. Perhaps it’s time for some family biking.