Two suburban Chicago tracks make a day at the races great entertainment. While the horses are the main feature, they are by no means all you’ll find to see and do while there. Two area B&B’s provide great places to … Continue reading
Every autumn, antique and art buffs head to the Northeast Illinois town of West Dundee for its annual Heritage Fest. This year’s event will be September 14-16, 2018. Plan to stay at The Mansion Bed and Breakfast in town and … Continue reading
Barns are one of farmlands most endearing sights and the subject of many a photograph. And once a year, they’re the stars of the De Kalb County Barn Tour. The 2018 event will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018. … Continue reading
Jutting out from the shore of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of the must-visit sites of Chicago. Its iconic Ferris Wheel—with 360-degree views—anchors one end of the 50-plus acres that includes gardens, a theater, museum, shops, and restaurants. Stay … Continue reading
Aesthetics play a major role in the beauty and peaceful allure of the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois. Here you’ll find both a celebration of nature and a peaceful place to spend a few hours, feeling blissfully miles away … Continue reading
Abraham Lincoln, Illinois’ most famous resident, left his mark in locations throughout the state. Today, thanks to the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area (ALNHA) and its Looking for Lincoln Trail, you can retrace his steps and visit many of the … Continue reading
Back in 2011 on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a humble red chair began a journey across the United States, traveling from one bed and breakfast to another. This summer it made its way to Illinois and several of our own B&B’s. … Continue reading
The Illinois River has always been central to Peoria’s history. Native Americans made their home by it for more than 12,000 years. When fur trader Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette plied its waters in the late 1600’s, they discovered … Continue reading
Along with cooler days and colorful trees, autumn in Illinois means apple harvest. Fortunately for residents and visitors, there are a wealth of orchards scattered across the state, many of which offer pick-you-own options. But the real fun is the … Continue reading
Bucktown, a neighborhood that sits just northwest of the Chicago Loop has seen its history change with the decades. It was settled in the 1800’s by Polish workers who gave it the name “Kozie Prery” (goat prairie in Polish) because … Continue reading