Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of McHenry, available exclusively at Toast and Roast.
Community
McHenry is a river town where local traditions and outdoor life meet along the Fox. The Riverwalk, Petersen Park, Veterans Memorial Park, downtown businesses, and the beloved outdoor theater give residents gathering places that feel unmistakably their own.
Where to find it
1250 N Green St
McHenry, IL 60050
Store hours
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The McHenry Mug began with local research and a collaboration with Toast and Roast. Ashley translated the community’s recognizable places and shared references into an original drawing designed for everyday use.
The McHenry Mug continued to sell through Toast and Roast, leading to a three-box restock after the shop reached its final box.
Each element began as an individual hand drawing. Ashley refined the artwork and arranged the pieces into a continuous design made to wrap around a ceramic mug, creating a keepsake that feels specific to McHenry.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with Toast and Roast to create a mug rooted in McHenry.
Research and community input highlighted the Fox River, parks, historic downtown, and entertainment traditions.
Ashley translated each selected place and symbol into an individual hand-drawn illustration.
The drawings were refined and arranged into a continuous design that rewards a closer look.
The finished mug became a locally available keepsake through Toast and Roast.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Fox River helps tell the story of McHenry and the character residents recognize as home.
McHenry Riverwalk helps tell the story of McHenry and the character residents recognize as home.
Petersen Park helps tell the story of McHenry and the character residents recognize as home.
Veterans Memorial Park helps tell the story of McHenry and the character residents recognize as home.
Downtown McHenry helps tell the story of McHenry and the character residents recognize as home.
McHenry Outdoor Theater helps tell the story of McHenry and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
I began with Fox River and used it to set the pace of the composition. Adding McHenry Riverwalk, Petersen Park, and Veterans Memorial Park brought architecture, gathering places, and local character together without making the mug feel like a list of landmarks.
A meaningful local gift
Whether someone has just moved to McHenry, Illinois, is preparing to leave, or still calls it home from miles away, this hometown mug offers a warm and useful connection to the community.