Showing 1-96 of 232 items
Starved Rock State Park
Seasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs and rugged canyons dominate the storied landscape at Starved Rock. Rich with history and beauty, Starved Rock’s hiking trails meander through towering trees and scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. Outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, paddleboat cruises, cross-country skiing, trolley rides, fishing and picnicking. Visitors can stay at the historic Starved Rock Lodge or in one of its cozy cabins.
CITY: Utica
Shawnee National Forest
The Shawnee National Forest is famed for its awesome Garden of the Gods, and is home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail (the forest has a system of 403 miles of equestrian/hiking trails). Hikers are greeted by magnificent jutting walls of rock covered with emerald-green moss, and paths that meander through canyons under the forest canopy. Nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, the stunning Shawnee National Forest landscape features rolling hills, lakes, creeks and rugged bluffs.
CITY: Harrisburg
Nov 3
Haunted Decatur Ghost Tour
Travel throughout the city of Decatur in search of history, hauntings, crime scenes, scandals and spirits! Join us for a journey back into the history of one of America's most haunted towns and discover not only our favorite haunted places, but new locations of crime, infamy and spirits that have never been featured on the tours before. Re-invented in 2009, experience Haunted Decatur in a way that you've never done before! Popular with ghost buffs and history enthusiasts alike and includes new and favorite haunted locations! Lasts approximately 3 hours. $30 per person.
CITY: Decatur
Tunnel Hill State Trail
This scenic 45-mile-long hiking and biking trail runs along a converted rail bed through farmland, hills/bluffs and bottomland areas.The trail passes through the Shawnee National Forest and Cache River State Natural Area, with railroad trestles and an old train tunnel as picturesque markers along the way.
CITY: Vienna
Millennium Park
In the heart of the city you’ll find a state-of-the-art park designed for the new millennium. Discover the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, the multimedia Crown Fountain and the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, all with Chicago’s stunning architecture as a backdrop. The park is also host to many free cultural programs, concerts and family activities. Plus, there's alfresco dining in the summer and an ice skating rink in the winter.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Botanic Garden
One of metropolitan Chicago's main tourist attractions. Open year-round, featuring 23 beautiful gardens and three native habitats set on 385 acres of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. Enjoy three lush greenhouses and seasonal art exhibits.
CITY: Glencoe
Oct 31
Lincoln's Ghost Walks - Legends and Lore
Take a 90-minute nighttime tour of sites throughout Springfield that are linked to spirited stories about Lincoln’s life and death. Founder Garret Moffett based the tour partly on local lore about Lincoln’s visions and dreams, as well as on reported ghost sightings.
CITY: Springfield
Wildlife Prairie State Park
Wildlife Prairie State Park is home to over 150 animals that are native to Illinois, including wolves, bison, black bear, elk and cougars. Experience the Adventure Trek Tour, which includes a trip through the bison and elk pasture. Unique overnight lodging located in the park includes authentic train cabooses and a cabin nestled in the woods.
CITY: Hanna City
Nov 17
Lambs Farm Famous Farmyard
The Lambs Farm Farmyard will open on daily March through October and weekends only in November. Come and enjoy Lambs Farm's famous Farmyard. Meet Miss Wiggles, the 450-pound pig with an affinity for Bavarian Crème donuts and Oreo Cookies® and meet all of the new miniature animals, including Levi the miniature horse. Climb into the petting zoo with goats, sheep and lambs. Check out the llamas, alpacas, cows, horses, ducks and more. Enjoy a ride on the old-fashion carousel or the train. Then challenge your friends and family to a round of mini golf! Farmyard memberships are available. Day passes for all activities available for $8 for adults and $12 for children 2-12.
CITY: Libertyville
Galena Cellars Vineyard
The Lawlor family proudly offers tours and tastings of more than 40 award-winning wines at its Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery. Take a vineyard tour, then kick back with a glass of wine on the veranda. Galena Cellars also has a tasting room on Main Street in Galena, housed in a beautiful brick 1840s grain storehouse with a shaded wine patio.
CITY: Galena
Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
The North Side Chicago Cubs baseball team calls historic Wrigley Field home.
CITY: Chicago
Grafton Zipline Adventures
Looking for a jaw dropping, heart racing experience? Try Grafton’s newest attraction – a zip line that affords those brave enough a stunning river view and hours of fun. The nine zip lines total 1.75 miles, which should take approximately two hours to complete. The first of nine zip lines is nicknamed the Baby Bear – the shortest measuring only 300 feet in length. The longest, at 2,000 feet, is the Soaring Eagle, which has breathtaking views during its 250-foot descent. The Deer Hollow (3rd zip) and the Barn Burner (the final zip) are both 1,500 feet. The Limestone Leap (7th zip) is 1,300 feet, the River Run (5th zip) is 1,200 feet, the Gobblers Knob (6th zip) is 1,000 feet and the Road Runner (2nd zip) at 700 feet.
CITY: Grafton
Blind Pig Brewery
Located in downtown Champaign, Blind Pig brews its own craft beers. With its beautiful wood interior, casks full of local brews and friendly locals, this bar is a must-see. When the weather is nice, venture outside and enjoy the large outdoor beer garden.
CITY: Champaign
Brookfield Zoo
There's more than 200 beautifully landscaped acres to explore at Brookfield Zoo. Highlights include dolphin shows at Seven Seas, ape encounters at Tropic World and the chance for kids to dress up and play veterinarian at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. The zoo also offers an old-fashioned carousel and a wide variety of shopping and dining options.
CITY: Brookfield
Celebration River Cruises
Hop aboard the family-owned Celebration Belle riverboat that cruises the mighty Mississippi River. Operating April through October, the 800-passenger riverboat offers a variety of cruises, ranging from sightseeing tours to theme cruises such as Big Band and fall foliage, captain's dinner and dance cruises, and overnight excursions.
CITY: Moline
Buckingham Fountain
Visitors can enjoy a dazzling music, light and water show at the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world. Located at Columbus Drive, shows runs from dusk to 11pm every hour and lasts for 20 minutes. Operates April through mid-October.
CITY: Chicago
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 12 award-winning wineries located along a 25-mile scenic drive along highway 127 and highway 51 in the Shawnee National Forest. Along the way have a picnic, go on a hike, visit a shop, and stay in a cozy B&B or cabin. Many of the wineries host special events throughout the summer and fall.
CITY: Carbondale
Blue Sky Vineyard
Along the majestic Shawnee Hills Wine Trail you’ll find Blue Sky Vineyard—a stunning Tuscan-inspired winery and vineyard. Stroll through the vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and relax on the outdoor terrace with the rolling countryside as your tapestry.
CITY: Makanda
Chicago White Sox
The South Side championship baseball team plays at U.S. Cellular Field, and features fireworks when the home team makes a home run.
CITY: Chicago
Alto Vineyards - Alto Pass
This award-winning winery's original Shawnee Hills Wine Trail location (Alto also has a Champaign outpost) offers free wine tasting and a gift shop, in addition to spring, summer and fall festivals with music and food.
CITY: Alto Pass
Kite Hill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast
Kite Hill's B&B is located on a 30-acre estate with a five-acre vineyard, all surrounding Kite Hill Lake. Start your day with a full three-course breakfast followed by a stroll through the vineyards or around the lake. After a full day of Southern Illinois activities, enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the winery.
CITY: Carbondale
Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center
The Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center has several interactive displays, free videos on the park, hiking maps, and more. Trailheads Concessions & Gifts, also located here, is a great place to buy gifts, souvenirs, and snacks (fresh fudge, too)! The Visitor Center and Trailheads are open year-round.
CITY: Utica
Nov 1
Alton Hauntings Tours
Based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown, taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton. Uncover the eerie folklore, ghostly tales and documented haunted spots on a three-hour walking tour of the city’s most haunted sites. Visitors will see sites that have become nationally known, like the old Alton penitentiary, First Unitarian Church, Enos Sanitarium and many others. The tours have been proven to be popular with ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and nowhere else can you learn as much about the real, haunted history of Alton. Walking tours and bus tours are offered during two touring seasons – Spring & Summer and the Haunted Fall Season. Private tours are also available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations must be made in advance for all tours.
CITY: Alton
22 - 23
Galena Nouveau Wine Festival
Downtown Galena comes alive with the release of Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery's Nouveau Wine. A traditional French stew, paired with Nouveau wine is served at most local restaurants, followed by horse-drawn wagon deliveries down Main Street. Take your choice of various downtown locations for one of the afternoon wine and cheese parties or plan to celebrate with all of them.
CITY: Galena
Luthy Botanical Gardens
This beautiful spot features five acres of landscaped gardens including the Woodland Garden, Children's Garden, Herb Garden and several others. Tropical conservatory is open year-round. Outdoor Garden is open 8:30am to dusk year-round. Closed Mondays.
CITY: Peoria
Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
The North Pole has moved to Central Illinois. Try your luck at the 6+ acre corn maze, the Grand Prix style race track, pick a pumpkin or a Christmas tree (depending on season), stop by the fascinating gift shop and, of course, see the reindeer!
CITY: Rantoul
The 200 Acres
Located in the heart of Illinois' Amish country, The 200 Acres is a working farm that features beautiful gardens, including a spectacular collection of more than 5,000 mums, and offers its heirloom seeds for sale. The 200 Acres is especially known for its more than 300 varieties of rare pumpkins, squash and gourds from around the globe that are grown right on the farm and displayed in its Great Pumpkin Patch from mid-September through October 31 every year. The on-site Homestead Bakery sells made-from-scratch goodies such as pies and angel food cake during spring, summer and fall.
CITY: Arthur
Peoria Civic Center
Downstate Illinois' largest center is a four-building complex with a 12,000-seat arena. With 110,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 2,200-seat theater, a ball-room seating 1,500 for banquets and 16 meeting rooms this venue can house it all. As the premier entertainment facility in downstate Illinois, the Civic Center plays host to a variety of concerts, family shows, sporting events and Broadway Theater Series each year.
CITY: Peoria
Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm and Garden Center
Fall: festival with haunted house, corn maze, farm animals, and more. Spring/Summer: large selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, trees, shrubs, aquatic plants, roses, planters, and gourmet food items. Admission is free - cost for some activities.
CITY: South Barrington
Green City Outdoor/Indoor Market
Green City Market is Chicago’s only year-round farmer's market promoting local, sustainable farmers, producers and chefs by connecting them to the public through educational programming and special events. Enjoy the Outdoor market May through October.
CITY: Chicago
August Hill Winery
Visit August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Co. Tasting Room and experience locally-made handcrafted wines. Wine tastings and flights, wine gifts & accessories, gallery of local art outdoor patio, private events. Open M-Th 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, F-S 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM & Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
CITY: Utica
Soldier Field
Today's Soldier Field comprises two distinct structures. There is classical stone-clad shell designed in the 1920s. Its contemporary interior is a 2003 retrofit designed specifically for the NFL's Chicago Bears. The original stadium seated 120,000. The new Soldier Field seats 61,5000 in a boldly asymmetrical steel and concrete bowl set within the confines of the original colonnades.
CITY: Chicago
Flamm Orchards/Fruits & Cream Stand
Take a drive out to the orchards and buy in-season strawberries, peaches and apples. Flamm's Fruits & Cream Stand offers treats like homemade strawberry shortcake, cobblers, apple dumplings and pies.
CITY: Cobden
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
Experience a bit of Napa Valley in Central Illinois. Visit the winery, tasting room and gift shop. Enjoy the panoramic view available for weddings, receptions and meetings.
CITY: Mackinaw
The Nest at Palisades Cabins
The Nest at Palisades Cabins offer secluded luxury cabins designed to provide charm, quiet luxury and romance. We’re located on a wooded acreage high above the Mississippi River minutes from Savanna, the Palisades State Park and an easy 20 minute drive to Galena.
CITY: Savanna
Joe Roger's Original Recipe Chili Parlor
Voted Springfield's best chili since 1945. The restaurant also serves hot dogs, sandwiches, tamales and their famous, "Denburger."
CITY: Springfield
19 - 27
Boo! at the Zoo
Halloween fun awaits families at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo celebration. The popular daytime event, presented by Fisher-Price, features a Costume Parade, Costume Showcase, professional pumpkin-carving demonstrations, not-so-scary games and activities, special animal Zoo Chats, and haunted hayrides. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000.
CITY: Brookfield
Grafton Winery & Brewhaus
Located in the quaint river town of Grafton Illinois along the Great River Road Scenic Byway, the Grafton Winery and Brewhaus overlooks the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Nestled among the river bluffs, our winery offers great views of the river for every season. Come join us for dinner with soup, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. Private parties & banquets are welcome.
CITY: Grafton
Owl Creek Vineyard and Winery
Producing world-class wines made from Southern Illinois grapes, Owl Creek is located near beautiful Giant City State Park, country bed and breakfasts, and antique shops. Wine by the glass may be enjoyed on the deck, or in the picnic area surrounded by the vineyard.
CITY: Cobden
Illinois River Winery
Come tour the winery, visit the tasting room and outdoor wine garden, featuring award-winning wines made in the Illinois River Valley. Open everyday!
CITY: Utica
Bolingbrook Golf Club
Bolingbrook Golf Club combines the elements of a world-class facility and championship golf. Featuring an Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest designed golf course, a learning academy, clubhouse with lounge, two full-service restaurants, and banquet facilities. Over 78,000 sq. ft. club house features beautiful verandas overlooking an award winning golf course and a great venue for meetings and other social events.
CITY: Bolingbrook
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
Large Selection of American heartland dishes and nationally recognized handcrafted beers in the family-friendly atmosphere of a renovated 1906 train station.
CITY: Flossmoor
Galena Brewing Company
Bringing back Galena's historic brewing history, the Galena Brewing Company is serving up several standard brews as well as seasonal varieties. The restaurant focuses on their beer tastings, tapas dishes, soups and sandwiches. Before, or after, you dine participate in a brewery tour or stick around for live music at night.
CITY: Galena
Obed & Isaacs Microbrewery and Eatery
It all about the freshest and best in local beer, great food and top service. Featuring a diverse and eclectic menu and locally crafted beer, located near the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
CITY: Springfield
Chicago French Market
Come visit Chicago's first and only year-round, indoor marketplace providing you with permanent, convenient and personal access to local artisans and purveyors.Featuring nearly 30 individual specialty vendors, Chicago French Market offers fresh ingredients for cooking at home, delicious grab-and-go options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, light snacks, picnics, easy party planning for home and office settings, plus meaningful gift ideas, all in one convenient location.
CITY: Chicago
Blue Cat Brew Pub
Enjoy this micro brewery and restaurant situated in the downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District. The Blue Cat Brew Pub is a locally owned establishment that creates fine food and handcrafted ales and lagers for first hand sampling. Menu features homemade recipes and specials. A place to meet - friends, family, business partners, and whatever combination there may be. A place where the staff love to meet people and make new friends from around the country. Shoot some pool, throw some darts, or just hang out and relax.
CITY: Rock Island
Walnut Point State Park
State park with hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and picnicking. Concession stand and boat rental available.
CITY: Oakland
Goose Island Brewpub - Clybourn
Chicago's best known brewpub, brewing fine beer with passion since 1988. Lively atmosphere, perfect for all celebrations and family outings.
CITY: Chicago
City Segway Tours - Chicago
Chicagoland's first guided Segway tour provides an informative ride with unique and fascinating Chicago stories, fantastic photo ops and the chance to ride the coolest machine in the world.
CITY: Chicago
Alto Vineyards Tasting Room
Alto Vineyards' retail wine shop and tasting room offers custom gift baskets, gourmet foods and local artwork. Indoor and outdoor seating offers a place to relax with a glass of Alto's finest. Alto's original location is situated in Alto Pass, on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
CITY: Champaign
UI Arboretum
See a beautiful collection of gardens, flowers and habitats at this University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign arboretum. Visitors can experience nature's four seasons in a single setting.
CITY: Urbana
Fox Valley Winery Tasting Room
Taste a selection of Fox Valley Winery's handcrafted award-winning wines, many of which are made from estate-grown Illinois grapes.
CITY: Sandwich
Hidden Lake Winery
Walk the trails around the five-acre lake, or sit and enjoy the waterfall and views of the Silent Forest as you sip a glass of wine.
CITY: Aviston
Steve's Segway Tours
Explore Chicago's lakefront, museums and Millennium Park on a three-hour Segway tour led by guides all year round.
CITY: Chicago
Bandy's Pumpkin Patch
This fun fall destination (open Oct. 1-30) features mazes, inflatable games and face painting for the little ones, and hayrides. Grab a snack from the concession stand (try the sweet rock candy) before heading home with the perfect pumpkin.
CITY: Johnston City
Harrison's Restaurant & Brewery
Upscale casual restaurant and micro-brewery featuring an American eclectic menu with a Cajun flair, eight hand-crafted beers, cigar bar, patio and private dining room.
CITY: Orland Park
Bobby's Bike Hike Obama Tour
Enjoy a gorgeous ride through the historic Hyde Park and Kenwood neighborhoods. Your guide will take you to all of President Obama's favorite Chicago places, including the University of Chicago campus and the first family's residence.
CITY: Chicago
Bent River Brewery
Great beer brewed on site and a delicious menu with sandwiches, soups, pastas, tacos, salads and more. All prepared with little twist and great seasonings. Enjoy live music on the weekends! Be sure to try their Mississippi Blonde beer if you like a lighter micro-brewed beer. They also offer stouts, ales and more.
CITY: Moline
Block 37
This landmark development on State St. features first-to-Chicago retailers, signature dining and entertainment venues within a five-story atrium. The center has direct access to the CTA Red and Blue Lines as well as Chicago's extensive pedway system.
CITY: Chicago
Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary
Tour Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. Personally guided tours are available seven days a week year round for up to six people per tour, but all tours are by appointment. Animal lovers can learn about, pet, hold and feel some of the 350 rescued animals, comprised of 30 different species. All income supports the rescued animals. Critter Camp is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable, volunteer operated, no-kill facility that does not buy, breed, sell or exploit any animal.
CITY: German Valley
Frank Lloyd Wright's B. Harley Bradley House
The B. Harley Bradley House Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1900 The B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee, Illinois, is widely acknowledged as Wright's first Prairie Style design. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places individually and as part of the Riverview Historic District. Following an extensive restoration, the Bradley House now enjoys the opportunity to be appreciated by architecture fans from around the world. This Prairie Style house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright along with its neighboring home. The houses are acknowledged by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy as Wright's first house designs that ushered in Wright's Prairie Style. The B. Harley Bradley House is open for 1 hour tours.
CITY: Kankakee
Nov 3
Six Flags Great America FrightFest
It's Thrills by Day, Chills by Night at Fright Fest Presented by Snickers®. Six Flags Great America will be totally transformed into a Halloween playground, Fridays - Sundays. Have a ghoulish good time with hair-raising shows, electrifying street entertainment and thrilling haunted houses. Plus, experience all the rides in the dark. There will also be a special trick-or-treat trail just for kids.
CITY: Gurnee
Honker Hill Winery
Honker Hill Winery is located on the highest point in Williamson County and surrounded by the Crab Orchard Fish and Wildlife Refuge and Shawnee National Forest, Honker Hill Winery produces fine Illinois wines from fruit grown directly at our vineyard. Enjoy great views from our patio near the fireplace, our unique wildlife room, or gazebo or a enjoy a stroll around one of our five large ponds located on the property while sipping on a glass of your favorite wine. Conveniently located mid-way between Marion and Carbondale within the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area, Honker Hill Winery is proud to be the newest member of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Enjoy a visit to our cozy tasting room or experience a night in one of our suites during your next visit to southern Illinois.
CITY: Carbondale
Edwards Orchard
Come visit our farm this fall to share in our rustic culture and enjoy a taste of the season. Many varieties of apples to taste. Also available, in season, are raspberries, pumpkins, home-made goodies, and our famous apple cider donuts. Take a horse drawn ride out to the orchard to pick your own apples too. Family tradition starts here! There's a petting zoo too.
CITY: Poplar Grove
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Handcrafted Wine. Modern Casual Dining. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant opened in 2005 in Orland Park, a south suburb of Chicago. The concept was unique. They created a signature menu with a selection of dishes designed to pair perfectly with their own Cooper’s Hawk wines, made in their own private winery. With sophisticated food and exceptional wines, the concept was born.The Cooper’s Hawk concept includes four distinct components: an upscale casual dining restaurant, full-service bar, private barrel-aging room, and Napa-style tasting room and retail gift store…all under one roof. Each Cooper’s Hawk location is distinctive in layout and décor, but carries the same warmth and elegance that guests have come to expect.
CITY: Orland Park
America's Historic Roundhouse
Originally constructed in 1855-1865, the roundhouse was renovated and now houses Illinois' largest microbrewery and brewpub.
CITY: Aurora
Ackerman Farms
Ackerman Farms, celebrating over 100 years as a working family farm, invites everyone to join us from the 3rd week in August through the 3rd week in December. We feature over 150 different varieties of pumpkins and squash in all shapes and sizes, over 25 varieties of beautiful hardy mums, and over 15 varieties of apples from our orchard - everything you need for your fall decorations and for your table. Plan to spend the afternoon with us in our family friendly corn maze, ride a hay rack, browse the gift shop and visit our friendly farm animals. At Christmas, join us for hot cider by a cozy fire and leisurely shop our wonderful Christmas selection of gifts and decor. Don't forget to call us to schedule birthday parties or class field trips.
CITY: Morton
Goose Island Brewpub - Wrigleyville
Chicago's best known brewpub, brewing fine beer with passion since 1988. Lively atmosphere, perfect for all celebrations and family outings.
CITY: Chicago
The Great Pumpkin Patch
Open from mid-September through October 31, The Great Pumpkin Patch features 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds from around the world, all grown on the farm. The beautiful grounds feature various mazes and gardens, farm animals, a u-pick pumpkin patch and the Homestead Bakery, offering fresh-baked goods. Live entertainment is presented on fall weekends.
CITY: Arthur
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Experience Cooper's Hawk... a modern, casual restaurant with a menu created with their own handcrafted wines in mind. Start in their Napa-style tasting room, where you can view their wineries and sample the winemaker's latest creations. Shop in the gift store for unique food or wine-related gifts.
CITY: Burr Ridge
U.S. Cellular Field
President-elect Barack Obama is an avowed fan of the Chicago White Sox, and is often seen wearing a White Sox baseball cap. U.S. Cellular features an exploding scoreboard, an old-time facade, complete with arches and over 40,000 unobstructed-view seats.
CITY: Chicago
Illinois Brewing Company
Great brewing company in a beautiful bar! Lunch and dinner served.
CITY: Bloomington
A Hundred Acres Orchard and Market
A fun-filled orchard featuring apples, berries, melons. The indoor market is filled with jams, jellies, sauces, dips, salsas, candy and homemade "take n bake" pies. Also unique is the Krazy Kernel Kettle Korn, produced right in Princeton! Specialty cheeses, such as Antonella, Buffalo Wing Jack, and Tomato Basil Yellow Cheddar are also available. Pair these cheeses with some of the wines that are sold in the new wine shop, or enjoy your purchase on the newly constructed outdoor patio area. The Cider Mill banquet room has been expanded to accommodate 200 guests, so plan your wedding, reception, party, or reunion here!
CITY: Princeton
Argyle Lake State Park
Find serenity at this beautiful 1700-acre wooded park situated along an old stagecoach route between Galena and Beardstown. Featuring 95-acre Argyle Lake, the park is home to countless beaver dams and more than 200 bird species and 5 miles of hiking and biking trails.
CITY: Colchester
Alton Little Theater
Entertaining audiences since 1934, the Alton Little Theater offers a season of great live theatrical performances from dramas to comedies to everyone's favorite musicals. The Alton Little Theater is one of the oldest community theaters in the state of Illinois.
CITY: Alton
John Deere Historic Site
This historic site is where John Deere (1804-1886) first developed and produced his steel plow, changing the face of farming in the Midwest. Deere erected a simple, one-and-a-half-story clapboard house that resembles a type found in New England. Although the original Deere blacksmith shop was demolished, its archeological excavations and interpreted artifacts are open, sheltered by a pavilion. A reconstructed blacksmith shop located southwest of the original site is furnished with old tools, farm equipment, pioneer utensils, and a working forge. The John Deere Home in Grand Detour was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 1966. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 GreatPlaces in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com
CITY: Dixon
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
Guests can view, and even dine, in our unique winery barrel aging rooms. Each location is responsible for barrel aging several varietals ranging from delicate Malbecs to sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignons.
CITY: Wheeling
Aldeen Golf Club & Practice Centre
Considered a "must play" course in the Midwest, Aldeen has an impressive list of accolades, including being voted best municipal course in Illinois by Golf Digest, and ranking number 38 in Golf Magazine's Thrifty 50 list.
CITY: Rockford
Mickey Finn's Brewery
Mickey Finn's Brewery is a landmark casual social gathering place famous for handcrafted beer. Since opening in 1993 as Lake County's first brewpub, Mickey Finn's has won a trophy case full of national and international awards for their beer. The menu offers a variety of items including burgers, pizza, fish n' chips, and buffalo wings. Also enjoy seasonal outdoor dining, a huge banquet facility, carry-out food and beer, live entertainment on weekends and a diverse clientele.
CITY: Libertyville
Carlyle Brewing Company
Enjoy the taste of quality, handcrafted beer in the atmosphere of a true European-style ale house in the Rockford Region's premiere microbrewery. Ten to twelve styles of ales and lagers are on tap at any time, chosen from more than 30 styles of beer brewed on-site throughout the year. Sandwiches, bratwurst, pretzels and great thin-crust pizza are available. For a real treat for the beer lover, try the sampler tray of current beers.
CITY: Rockford
Cosley Zoo
Over 45 exhibits of native Illinois wildlife and domestic farm animals; tree-shaded picnic area - seating for 300; "Exclusive Use" facility rentals; private party room; open year-round.
CITY: Wheaton
J.W. Platek's
At J.W. Plateks restaurant and Brewery, you will have an exceptional dining experience. Unique specials, seafood and hand cut steaks are just some of the things we have to offer. The only brewery in McHenry County, with fresh robust handcrafted beers.
CITY: Richmond
Apple Basket Farms
Enjoy one of the areas last remaining commercial fruit orchards. Pick apples & pumpkins. Feed animals at the petting zoo, stroll through Farmer Jack's corn maze.
CITY: Barry
Lynfred Winery & Tasting Room
Welcome to Lynfred Winery Wheeling, a satellite location for Illinois' oldest and largest, continually-operating winery. Since 1979, Lynfred Winery has been offering guests with great wine, food and lodging. We offer wine tastings, flights, and bottles every day of the week. We have received numerous awards for our wine, and we have countless events that go on throughout the year at the winery. We also have a variety of gift and gourmet food items.
CITY: Wheeling
Long Creek Vineyards
Long Creek Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard established in 2004. The vineyard was planted on the family farm rooted in the quaint but lovely village of Long Creek, Illinois. (Located 3 miles east of Decatur, IL on US Route 36) Draped on the hillside of this farm are Chambourcin, Steuben, Vidal Blanc, La Crosse and Vignoles. In 2006 they planted a variety of Northern Italian grapes including Nebbiolo, Barbera and Sangiovese, as well as the French varieties of Syrah and Viognier.
CITY: Decatur
Round Barn Farm and Museum
This 94-acre farm features picnic and recreational areas, antique farm equipment, a petting zoo, pony rides and barrel train rides. In fall find a pumpkin patch, haunted barn and pig races.
CITY: Manhattan
Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery
Sample fine red, white, rose and fruit wines as you enjoy the view of the vineyard from the deck or tasting room. Enjoy the delicious cheeses, snacks, and other local products which are featured. The Sweet and Savory Plates with the best local cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies and sweets are available every day. During the summer, you can "Get Out and Game" with yard darts, croquet, bocce ball or indoor games such as Wineopoly, Foodie Fight, Brain Tease, cribbage and more. Visit their website to learn about their many events or to schedule a party, meeting or wedding party.
CITY: Freeport
Ram Restaurant & Brewery
We offer a cozy setting for dining, an impressive bar, as well as our own selection of delicious micro-brews made on-site. Our restaurant features a huge variety of menu choices. Banquet rooms available.
CITY: Schaumburg
Saluki Football
Home for Saluki football, McAndrew Stadium provides seating for approximately 17,300 on the beautiful Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus.
CITY: Carbondale
Hailey’s Winery
Hailey's Winery specializes in handcrafted wines from grape varieties native to Illinois, as well as other varietals, and seasonal fruits. We are a fully functioning winery, with all wines produced and bottled on the premises. Wine tastings are available in our tasting room any time during our business hours, and we also have weekend music events. In addition to wine, we have homemade bread, cheeses, chocolates, and gift items.
CITY: Byron
Ram Restaurant and Brewhouse
THE RAM OFFERS A CASUAL DININGATMOSPHERE, INCLUDING A BREWHOUSE WITH ADJOINING BAR/LOUNGE AND RESTAURANT AREAS. LIVELY ENVIRONMENT ACCOMPANIED BY GREAT HOUSE-BREWED BEERS AND DAILY FOOD SPECIALS.
CITY: Rosemont
Brickstone Restaurant and Brewery
Relax in the warm, comfortable atmosphere and try beers made on-site at Brickstone. Their ample menu includes pub favorites and full meals. During the warmer months enjoy your brew on their outdoor patio.
CITY: Bourbonnais
Matthiessen State Park
Enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing and more in this state park known for its waterfalls, bluffs and canyons.
CITY: Utica
Fox Valley Winery
Welcome to one of Illinois’ premier boutique wineries! Just west of Chicago, in the Fox River Valley, you have the chance to experience truly unique, fine wines of Illinois! Whether you prefer red, white, dry or sweet, you’ll find the perfect wine for your palate at Fox Valley Winery. So spend a little time with us at our beautiful Fox River Valley location. Sample our wines and judge for yourself.
CITY: Oswego
Baxter's Vineyard and Winery
Baxter's Winery is the oldest winery in Illinois. Homemade arts and crafts, wine tastings, Carol's Pies and tours are available at Baxter's.
CITY: Nauvoo
Sunnyfield Greenhouse & Garden Center
Professional growers offering 1200 varieties of annuals, perennials, grasses, vegetables & vines. Heirloom tomatoes a specialty. Visit the expanded display gardens to gather ideas and shop a variety of unique gifts and planters for your garden. Landscape design and installation available. Open April 1 through October 31.
CITY: Galva












