It's always a shame to see a longtime family business close its doors. I've seen it happen with a lot of places that have brought me happy memories in recent years - Wright's Barnyard, where I played minigolf as a teen and where I took my sons to use the go-kart track and batting cages; Kathy's Coffee Shop, where my husband and I took the boys to sit on a diner barstool and watch the cook (who knew most customers by name) prepare our breakfast on the grill; and Al's Diner, where we always sat in a booth and selected songs on the jukebox while we enjoyed a burger and a thick malt.

There are two places that I have really enjoyed visiting in the past and am happy that they are both still there. One is Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park. The park is small with tamer rides and it's a great place to visit with younger kids. I remember going there with my older brother when I was younger and returning with my own kids many years later to ride the classic carousel, train and the antique cars. I'm sure it's hard for the place to compete with the larger theme parks and the local festivals and carnivals, but I'm glad it's still around.

Another of my favorite places that has stuck it out is Blue Top Drive In in Highland. I spent many Friday nights there as a teen marveling at the antique cars. I spoke with owner Kent Johnsen recently about the business he loves and has struggled to continue. Between years of road construction, rumors of a closing, the poor economy, increased fuel charges and an upcoming raise in minimum wage, the family has had a tough time keeping the place open.

While they have been open year round, he's not sure if that tradition will continue because business slows so much in the winter. Currently, the place is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

He expressed his sadness that such mom and pop places are becoming a thing of the past. He has many great memories of the business, which first opened in a nearby building in 1936 and relocated in 1964 to the present location. He started working there at 14. "Back then it was all cabbage and onion fields around here and people would even come up to get food on horseback," Johnsen said.

He hopes to repair the unique neon sign that greets drivers on Indianapolis Boulevard.

The drive in has a few specials going on. On Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, drivers of a pre-1981 car get a free hot dog and pop and customers who bring their dog along and place and order, get a free hot dog for the dog.

He's also been allowing charity car washes in the lot for a small fee to cover the water and supplies (51 last year.) It would be a shame to see such a wonderful place have to close. I hope you'll stop by there for a bite to eat and support them and maybe down the road I can take my grandkids there for a milkshake and a burger.

The opinions are solely those of the writer. She can be reached at csteinw@yahoo.com.