Illinois

Along the banks of the Mississippi River, one Illinois restaurant has built its reputation around a regional specialty…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 16

Illinois may be famous for its prairies, farmland, and skyline views, but it also hides some surprisingly beautiful…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 15

Some restaurants earn their reputation with elaborate décor. Bob Chinn’s Crab House in Wheeling built its following by…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 15

Some restaurants are known for unforgettable food. Others are remembered for the stories that linger long after dinner…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 14

Some hiking trails lead to waterfalls or scenic overlooks. The paths at Joliet Iron Works Historic Site lead…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 14

Adventure comes in all kinds of forms, and Illinois delivers far more excitement than many people realize. Across…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 14

More than six decades in business is no accident, especially in the restaurant world. Frankie’s Deli in Oakbrook…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 13

Late summer is the perfect season to discover the best of Illinois’ roadside farm stands. Across the state,…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 13

Fresh seafood might not be the first thing that comes to mind in Illinois, but these restaurants have…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 12

Treasure hunting is always more exciting when you never know what you’ll discover next. Swap-O-Rama Flea Markets in…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 12

Great Italian restaurants don’t need grand dining rooms to leave a lasting impression. Francesco’s Hole In the Wall…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 12

Nothing says summer in Illinois quite like spending a lazy afternoon floating down a scenic river. River Bum…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 11

Every quilting project starts with the right fabric, the right tools, and a little inspiration. Roberts Sewing Center…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 11

The next great slice might be waiting in a town you’ve never thought to visit. Across small-town Illinois,…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 11

The best haunted houses make your pulse race long before the first scare arrives. Disturbia Haunted House Chicago…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 10

Nothing feels better than cooling off in refreshing water after a hot Illinois summer day. Across the state,…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 10

Treasure hunting reaches a whole new level at the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles. One of…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 9

Illinois is home to far more natural beauty than many travelers realize. Beyond the state’s best-known outdoor destinations,…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 9

Elegant architecture has a way of stopping you in your tracks, and few Illinois landmarks make a stronger…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 9

Hot summer days don’t have to mean giving up on hiking. Across Illinois, shaded trails wind beneath towering…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 8

Great waterfront restaurants don’t rely on the view alone. River Roast, perched along the Chicago River in the…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 8

Chicago’s lakefront offers countless places to admire Lake Michigan, but few feel as peaceful as Promontory Point. Extending…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 8

Fresh bread has a way of turning an ordinary meal into something people remember. That’s why so many…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 7

Some restaurants become local favorites, while others earn the kind of loyal following that keeps people coming back…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 7

Dinner becomes much more memorable when it’s paired with jousting knights, galloping horses, and the atmosphere of a…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 7

There’s still time to squeeze in a few more beach days before summer comes to a close. Scattered…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 6

Not every coffee shop leaves you with stories to tell after your drink is gone. The Wormhole Coffee…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 6

The most memorable meals aren’t always the easiest to get. Across Illinois, a handful of restaurants inspire loyal…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 5

A great buffet isn’t just about serving a lot of food—it’s about offering enough variety that everyone leaves…

By Abigail Cox · Aug 5