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

The Second City

Celebrating 50 years as the home of Chicago-style improv and sketch comedy, The Second City has launched the careers of John Belushi, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and many others.

CITY: Chicago

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

Buddy Guy's Legends

Owned by legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy, Legends exemplifies and electrifies the best of Chicago blues, seven nights a week. Here you’ll find an amazing collection of blues memorabilia, a great Cajun menu and maybe even Buddy himself on stage.

CITY: Chicago

Blue Chicago

Blue Chicago is located near Ontario street’s restaurant row. Chicago's best blues artist star in this safe and friendly club. It is popular with blues fans all over the world. The low cover charge is good for admission to both Blue Chicago locations.

CITY: Chicago

Amish Country Tours

A step on guide will accompany your tour of the Amish countryside. The tours will also include meals in Amish homes, and Amish home, buggy shop, dairy farm and woodworking tours. Additional highlights include an Amish museum, local attractions, restaurants, and accommodations.

CITY: Arcola

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Journey through time to the age of Chivalry and Knighthood. Feast upon a sumptuous banquet and cheer your own knight to victory in the tournament of games.

CITY: Schaumburg

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

Annoyance Theatre & Bar

For 25 years, The Annoyance Theatre has created some of Chicago's finest comedy. Home of the longest running musical Co-ed Prison Sluts, The Annoyance uses improvisation to create new and original plays, musicals, sketch-comedy and more, in a vibrant, uncensored atmosphere.

CITY: Chicago

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

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

Laugh Out Loud Improv Theater

Hilarious improvised comedy that combines live action, video, and the audience! Family-friendly and grown up shows every weekend starring Chicago's top improv comedians.

CITY: Schaumburg

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

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

August Hill Winery

Visit the 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 Monday - Thursday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM & Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

CITY: Utica

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

Downtown Geneva

Nestled in the heart of the Fox Valley, and home to dozens of delightful shops, restaurants and galleries is Geneva – a picture postcard. Come stroll along the lush, tree-lined streets and visit a historic town with exquisite dining, boutique shopping, world-class lodging and award-winning festivals. Located 50 miles from downtown Chicago, Geneva is a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle by I-88, I-90 or Metra train.

CITY: Geneva

American Girl Place

Located at the famous Water Tower Place, you'll find the store girls of all ages want to visit. They come from far and near to experience the magic that is American Girl Place Chicago—featuring specialty shops, private dining and, of course, lovable dolls. The only destination of its kind in the world for girls and their families.

CITY: Chicago

Girl and the Goat

With dishes named Fat Bread and Crispy Pig Face, celebrity chef Stephanie Izard injects “rustic, with a bit of badass” (her term) into Chicago’s dining scene with this buzz-worthy hotspot in the West Loop.

CITY: Chicago

Roof at the Wit Hotel

Enliven any event at ROOF, the year-round rooftop lounge on the 27th floor of theWit, a Doubletree Hotel. This Chicago party location boasts 7,000 square feet of roaring fire pits, live music, telescopes, and unparalleled ambience meshing beautifully with the urban Chicagoan's lifestyle. Choose an indoor or outdoor area to accommodate up to 150 guests. Engage in lively conversation while you sip artisanal handcrafted libations and nibble on specially prepared snacks. Our chef also directs the menu at our fabulous Italian restaurant, offers 20 small plates to please everyone's palate. Whether you're enjoying an evening on the suspended table overlooking the Chicago skyline, or relaxing at the striking bar, ROOF will undoubtedly be your number-one in-town destination.

CITY: Chicago

B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted

Chicago's oldest blues bar with live blues seven nights a week. A favorite of tourists and locals, you see blues as it's meant to be heard: up close and personal.

CITY: Chicago

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.

CITY: Bolingbrook

ACM Tours

ACM Tours is a full service, receptive tour guide company with many special services available at no additional cost. We literally open the door to fabulous Illinois Amish Country! We are ready to assist you with meals, attractions, lodging and step on guide service. We have available trained, professional, local step-on guides who are well versed in the history, customs and folklore of this most unique part of Illinois.

CITY: Arthur

Beach House Restaurant

Wonderful American cuisine in an elegant setting. Dine inside or outside and take in an amazing view of Lake Decatur. Fresh seafood flown in daily from Florida makes this one of Decatur's treasures.

CITY: Decatur

The Lodge at Giant City State Park

Make the scenic trek to Giant City State Park for the all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner, served in the rustic dining room at Giant City Lodge. The family-style Southern fried chicken comes with made-from-scratch dumplings, mashed potatoes and biscuits with rich country milk gravy.

CITY: Makanda

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

Blackbird Restaurant

Voted one of Chicago's top 5 restaurants by Gourmet Magazine and has received 3.5 stars from the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times. Home to Chef Paul Kahan, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef of the Midwest in 2004.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Cut Steakhouse

Located on the Chicago River with butcher and dry-aging room in-house, experience Chicago Cut specializing in steaks, seafood and an extensive wine list.

CITY: Chicago

American Girl Cafe

Chicago’s American Girl Cafe is the place for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and parties. For reservations and seating times, call toll-free 877-247-5223.

CITY: Chicago

Benjamin's

Historic pub with family atmosphere for 26 years. Kids’ menu. Private banquet room for rehearsal dinners, family reunions, small weddings.

CITY: Galena

Adobo Grill Old Town

Adobo Grill, one of the top Mexican restaurants in the city, is best known for table-side guacamole, margaritas and a collection of over 80 tequilas.

CITY: Chicago

Avenues at The Peninsula

Awarded Four Stars from Chicago magazine, Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, Avenues serves contemporary cuisine. A discriminating wine list and meticulous service round out the Avenues experience, making it one of Chicago's greatest dining triumphs.

CITY: Chicago

Avec

Located in the West Loop neighborhood, the cedar-lined dining room is as rustic as the menu. With seasonal menus that include sharable choices, they also have a cheese cave with a collection of artisan cheeses from Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

CITY: Chicago

Big Star

This stylin’ roadhouse serves up organic tacos and tostadas, along with small batch whiskey and tequilas, under the watchful eye of James Beard Award-winning executive chef, Paul Kahan.

CITY: Chicago

Curtis Orchard

Curtis Orchard is an 80-acre apple orchard, pumpkin patch and entertainment farm offers activities for the whole family. Open July 20–December 20, the orchard country store and bakery offer a wide variety of gift and food items, including pies, fritters, apple crisp donuts and award-winning cider. Outdoor activities include seasonal apple and pumpkin picking, kids play structures, a giant slide, several mazes including the corn maze, petting zoo, toddler area, birthday parties and corporate picnics. Weekend activities include outdoor meals, live entertainment, seasonal pony rides, and an orchard wagon.

CITY: Champaign

Marty's Martini Bar

Tucked away, just off of Andersonville's main drag, is Marty's Martini Bar. Fantastic service and delicious cocktails make this cozy locale a favorite of the Andersonville neighborhood. During the summer, outdoor seating is available in a picture-perfect patio.

CITY: Chicago

Fat Patties

Locally owned and operated, this quirky restaurant not only serves some of the best burgers around, but it also serves as a venue for local music. Most dishes are cooked with local beef and veggies, ensuring that the customer truly has the freshest meal possible. The highly-recommended "Bucky Dome" burger, named after one of Carbondale's favorite historical figures, is made of local beef, piled high with brisket and cheddar cheese, topped with bacon and fried egg. As If your mouth isn't watering enough right now, you'll have to taste it for yourself!

CITY: Carbondale

Hopleaf

The "staggering beer list" and creative, Belgian-focused menu has made the Hopleaf a destination restaurant. A favorite of the neighborhood and beyond, this gastropub is always bustling. Hopleaf is an adult venue. Everyone must be 21 or over with valid ID to enter. Sorry, children (including infants) will not be admitted.

CITY: Chicago

Ludwig Farmstead Creamery

Guests can tour the farm, watch how several types of cheese are made and sample some of Ludwig's products for just $5.00. Tours can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more throughout the week or on Saturdays for groups of less than ten or individuals. The Creamery sits on Feathercreek Farm, a 150-acre, fifth-generation family farm originally settled in 1866. The Ludwig family's primary business is the care and breeding of high pedigree, purebred Holstein dairy cattle.

CITY: Fithian