Illinois Winery Blog: Kite Hill Vineyards!

(CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS) — It’s been quite some time since we’ve done an Illinois winery blog! Happy to bring this back as part of our travels through Southern Illinois, specifically Carbondale, home of Southern Illinois University. We visited Kite Hill Vineyards, part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. It was a beautiful mid-October day, with clearContinue reading “Illinois Winery Blog: Kite Hill Vineyards!”

11 things to add to your Champaign-Urbana travel planner!

(CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, ILLINOIS) — We enjoyed a beautiful Labor Day weekend visiting new places, seeing amazing sights and experiencing wonderful things. The weather was absolutely perfect, so that was a huge plus! The general area we visited is commonly referred to as Champaign-Urbana, the home of the University of Illinois. But in our journey, we adventuredContinue reading “11 things to add to your Champaign-Urbana travel planner!”

Illinois BBQ Blog: Stringtown BBQ!

(WASHBURN, ILLINOIS) — From years of driving the Peoria to Starved Rock State Park route, to multiple followers highly recommending it, I finally made my way to Stringtown BBQ. The peaceful 45-minute drive to Washburn, Illinois is one of my favorite drives. It’s the scenic route, driving alongside the Illinois River paired with seeing herdsContinue reading “Illinois BBQ Blog: Stringtown BBQ!”

8 things to do in and around Galesburg, Illinois

(GALESBURG, ILLINOIS) — In working in local TV news for five years, I traveled to Galesburg, Illinois for a handful of stories. Fast forward to present day, and there are some other times I will go to the city in a professional setting. The only time I’ve really gone to the area for leisure wasContinue reading “8 things to do in and around Galesburg, Illinois”

Reconnect with nature at Wildlife Prairie Park

(HANNA CITY, ILLINOIS) — Imagine a place you can wake up in the morning to bison in your backyard. Wildlife Prairie Park, a 1,800-acre zoological park in Hanna City, Illinois — offers just that, plus a lot more. Here’s your “What-To-Do” list, Wildlife Prairie Park edition. Where to stay: There are 7 ways to stayContinue reading “Reconnect with nature at Wildlife Prairie Park”

8 things to do when visiting Southern Illinois

(MAKANDA, ILLINOIS) — Let’s be honest. There are two major things people think of when they think of Illinois. They both start with the letter C. 1: Chicago 2: Corn fields I’m a Midwesterner through and through. I grew up in St. Louis, lived my college years in Springfield, MO – and have been inContinue reading “8 things to do when visiting Southern Illinois”

Life Updates: New House and Baby on the Way

(PEORIA, ILLINOIS) — Tonight was the first time I’ve ever seen the Northern Lights in person. And I was in Peoria, Illinois! Who would have thought. It seems that this year more opportunities have come up for us Midwesterners to get a glimpse of the aurora borealis, whether it be just a sliver or theContinue reading “Life Updates: New House and Baby on the Way”

Great places to eat near Starved Rock

(LASALLE COUNTY, Ill.) — While Starved Rock State Park and Starved Rock Lodge are a huge part of what makes LaSalle County such an attractive place to visit, there are many fantastic food and drink options nearby to round out a fantastic getaway. During our stay to Starved Rock (read the full article here!), weContinue reading “Great places to eat near Starved Rock”

Starved Rock: Where Peace and Adventure Meet

(OGLESBY, Ill.) — There’s a reason Starved Rock State Park and Lodge are consistently ranked as a top Illinois destination. Many reasons, in fact. The beautiful scenery of nature trails, canyons and waterfalls intertwined with the relaxing ambience of the lodge makes a perfect getaway for anyone. On Friday, we arrived to Starved Rock LodgeContinue reading “Starved Rock: Where Peace and Adventure Meet”

Smash Burgers, fried green beans, quesadillas and more: Office on Main!

(MORTON, Ill.) — It’s the clever line when you pick up the phone, “Yeah, honey. I’m at the Office!” But which office? That’s the real question. Located on Main Street in Morton, Illinois sits The Office on Main. Welcoming you into Morton’s downtown, The Office is a great place to eat delicious food, order coldContinue reading “Smash Burgers, fried green beans, quesadillas and more: Office on Main!”