Downtown St. Charles

Located on the banks of the Fox River, historic St. Charles is known for its great antique shops housed in turn-of-the-century buildings. Visit Century Corners Historic Shopping District and Old St. Charles, where you'll find landmark buildings, unique boutiques and nearly 30 restaurants.

CITY: St. Charles

Chicago's Chinatown

Chicago's own Chinatown features beautiful Chinese-style buildings, as well as exotic dining and shopping experiences that have made the neighborhood a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

CITY: Chicago

One Eleven Main

Great chefs working with local producers to provide the flavor of Galena's culinary past, present and future. Local flavor cuisine.

CITY: Galena

Chocolate Buffet at The Peninsula Hotel Chicago

The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago offers its Chocolate Bar from 8 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet features between 10 and 15 high-end confections, including cinnamon truffles, chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate pot de crème, plus beverages like lavender-scented white chocolate cocoa and more.

CITY: Chicago

Firefly Grill

Firefly Grill is a modern roadhouse restaurant located on the shores of Lake Kristie. This wonderful place operates on an oasis of American fresh cuisine in the heart of the Midwest. Firefly's menu changes daily and boasts fresh seafood, oak fire steaks and brick oven pizzas. Firefly uses local ingredients whenever possible and fresh herbs and vegetables from their garden. The beautiful facility and grounds make this the perfect place for a wedding or group event. Cooking demonstrations and tours are also available.

CITY: Effingham

17th Street Bar & Grill

17th Street Bar & Grill offers a variety of award-winning barbeque and American favorites. Bon Appétit magazine picked 17th Street Bar & Grill's apple wood-smoked barbecue ribs as the best in the U.S. in 2007. Owner and pitmaster Mike Mills, reverently referred to in barbecue circles as The Legend, is a four-time World Champion and three-time Grand World Champion of Memphis in May, known as the Super Bowl of Swine. Pick up a bottle of 17th Street's award-winning barbecue sauce or Magic Dust rub while you're there.

CITY: Murphysboro

The Loop Riverfront Circulator

The Loop riverfront circulator hugs the Mississippi River and offers easy access to popular downtown attractions in the Quad Cities. The Loop provides a uniquely enjoyable way to travel for nightlife, dining, entertainment, arts/culture, festivals, concerts, gaming, and the beauty of the Mississippi River. See the sights on plush buses with stadium seating, full glass ceilings, bike rack, wheelchair accessibility, and hospitality-trained drivers. The Loop operates Thursday - Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The fare is $1 per trip/50c for seniors, disabled, or Medicare cardholders.

CITY: Moline

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Tickets are only $59.95. Show runs every Saturday night. Includes a four-course sit-down dinner, full bar, clues and prizes for the Top Detective.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Food Planet Tours

Take the 3-hour food tasting and cultural walking Chicago tours, which combine delicious food and drink tastings with some serious fun in Chicago’s most delicious, off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, you’ll experience delectable foods from one-of-a-kind specialty food stores and ethnic eateries while receiving an insiders view into the culture, history and architecture that defines the Windy City. Walk away with new culinary perspectives, big smiles, satisfied taste buds and the confidence to continue exploring the areas where locals live.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Riverwalk

Experience the magnificence of the city from a different perspective. The city’s Riverwalk features walkways and seating areas along the water's edge, where visitors can enjoy views of architecture, and watch the Chicago’s historic bridges rise for boats heading out to Lake Michigan. With attractions such as cafes, boat cruises, bike rentals and more, there’s plenty to do. (Chicago Riverwalk runs along the south bank of the Chicago River, from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street.)

CITY: Chicago

Lou Mitchell's

A Chicago tradition for 83 years. Breakfast all day. Homemade pastries, bread and famous omelettes. Fresh squeezed O.J. Outstanding fresh daily lunch specials. Milk Duds for the ladies! One block west of Union Station. Mon.-Sat. 5:30am-3pm; Sun. 7am-3pm.

CITY: Chicago

The Signature Room at the 95th

Enchanted dining experiences await guests at this contemporary American restaurant. Located atop the John Hancock Center, it offers the best view of the city of Chicago. Live jazz, elegant dark wood and marble tiled artdeco interior compliments the mood.

CITY: Chicago

Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District

This district is the arts and entertainment destination of the Quad Cities. Located on the Mississippi River, the district ia a revitalized and vibrant area. You'll find art galleries, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, casino, shops and a hotel.

CITY: Rock Island

Fried Green Tomatoes

Enjoy a dinner of rustic Italian dishes (and be sure to try the signature tomatoes) at Fried Green Tomatoes, a romantic restaurant housed in a historic downtown Galena building. The restaurant features an award-winning wine list recognized by Wine Spectator. Reservations recommended.

CITY: Galena

Galena Girlfriends' Getaway

Get your best girlfriends together for a weekend in Galena they will never forget. Start planning your itinerary now for this fun-filled weekend with amazing food, lodging specials, spa pampering, wine tastings, pub crawl and more. Pre-register for a Girlfriends goody bag and you’ll be entered for the chance to win a $200 Galena shopping spree! Pre-registration saves your spot for the weekend and includes Quartermania, belly dancing classes, a slipper party and Sunday brunch.

CITY: Galena

Shea's Gas Station Museum

Take one look at the guest book and you’ll see that this unique spot attracts visitors from all over the globe. A former Texaco gas station owner, Bill Shea has amassed an impressive collection of Route 66 memorabilia during his more than 50 years on the Mother Road. Shea's is closed during the Illinois State Fair, held every August.

CITY: Springfield

Enchanted Castle Restaurant & Entertainment Complex

Chicago's premiere entertainment complex! 60,000 sq. ft. of fun featuring: indoor go karts, laser tag, bumper cars, 200+ games, mini golf, Kid's Quest Softplay plus a 625-seat restaurant w/ great food and song (karaoke)., Sir Bounce-A-Lot Jumpland coming this summer! Great team building and corp. events for up to 1,800.

CITY: Lombard

Doc’s Soda Fountain

Located on historic Route 66, this was originally a pharmacy built in the 1880’s. The soda fountain was added to the business in the 1950’s. Stop in for an old-fashioned treat or ice-cream. Doc’s is also open for lunch and dinner.

CITY: Girard

Peoria RiverFront

You’ll find art galleries, music venues, specialty shops, and great restaurants all located along Peoria’s beautiful RiverFront. Whether it’s a quick bite at a casual café or a relaxing dinner, we have something for everyone. You can enjoy live music and entertainment every weekend, shop the largest Antique Center in Central Illinois or find the perfect gift or home accent at one of our fun and inviting RiverFront shops. Throughout the summer, we offer an endless assortment of outdoor concerts and events. And don’t miss the RiverFront Market featuring local produce, art, and musicians, Saturday mornings, June – September. Peoria’s RiverFront… Where fun, food and friends meet!

CITY: Peoria

Odyssey Lunch/Dinner/Champagne Cruises

Step aboard Odyssey and enjoy a two or three-hour escape to the signature elegance and total entertainment experience only a luxury cruising vessel can provide. Creative appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared fresh onboard daily. Award-winning wines. Dancing to live music. And unmatched skyline views.

CITY: Chicago

Cozy Dog Drive In

Cozy Dog Drive In is home of the one and only Cozy Dog. Similar to a corn dog-on-a-stick, the Cozy Dog is made from a Waldmire family recipe at Springfield’s Route 66 landmark. Inside the diner, which has been located on Old Route 66 since 1949, visitors will find a whimsical selection of Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs.

CITY: Springfield

Alinea Restaurant

Named "Best Restaurant in America," Alinea is a four-star restaurant with outrageously hypermodern dishes created by Chef Grant Achatz, who was named Outstanding Chef by the James Beard Foundation.

CITY: Chicago

Starved Rock Lodge

Starved Rock Lodge is surrounded by beautiful Starved Rock State Park. Explore 2,630 acres of forests, 13 miles of hiking trails, canyons, bluffs and seasonal waterfalls in Utica, IL. Plan your winter getaway today! We have comfortable hotel rooms, cabins in the woods, a 2-sided fireplace in the Great Hall, an indoor pool and more. Relax in the Back Door Lounge, Trailheads Concessions or at the Starved Rock Cafe. The Dining Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner (with a fantastic Sunday Brunch).

CITY: Oglesby