(GALENA, Ill.) — Nestled in uppermost Northwest Illinois is the breathtaking town of Galena. The town has roughly 3,500 full-time residents, yet welcomes in over 1 million visitors each year. And it’s places like Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery that make it a perfect place to visit. There are two locations for Galena Cellars, theContinue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery”
Tag Archives: Illinois
Illinois Wine Tour: Grafton Winery
(GRAFTON, Ill.) — Southwestern Illinois is a beautiful place to visit in the fall. The clear blue skies, crisp air and a healthy mix of indoor & outdoor activities are easy to find. Less than one hour outside of St. Louis, Missouri lays Grafton, Illinois. A town with a population of 650 that welcomes countlessContinue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Grafton Winery”
Illinois Wine Tour: Lynfred Winery (Wheeling)
(Wheeling, Illinois) — During an adventure to Lake County, Illinois, about an hour north of Chicago, I researched the area’s winery scene and found Lynfred Winery! They didn’t have one… two… or three wineries. They had FIVE locations! The most logistical stop for our drive up to the Illinois Beach Hotel was the Wheeling location,Continue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Lynfred Winery (Wheeling)”
Escape to the only beachfront hotel in Illinois
(Zion, Illinois) — I asked my Facebook followers what the first word they thought of when they hear “Illinois.” Some negative remarks said “high taxes,” “corruption” and “pot holes.” The positive statements said “family,” “home” and “corn.” Well, just like corn, I believe in growing where you’re planted. I’m a Missouri boy, born and raised,Continue reading “Escape to the only beachfront hotel in Illinois”
1 Year of the World Being a Brighter Place
(MISSOURI/ILLINOIS) — I hope one day my son knows the joy he’s brought to so many people. He’s a rockstar in his family. Loved by parents, grandparents, great-grand parents, cousins, uncles and aunts and more! The way strangers look at him when passing by. “What a handsome boy.” “He’s got beautiful blue eyes!” “Oh my,Continue reading “1 Year of the World Being a Brighter Place”
Illinois Wine Tour: Old Mill Vineyard
(METAMORA, Ill.) — They say you can never get back a first impression, and at wineries, I believe there are two first impressions to be made. 1: The outdoor ambience 2: The indoor vibe Well, at Old Mill Vineyard in Metamora, Illinois, I was greatly impressed by both. A gravel road and a sign orContinue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Old Mill Vineyard”
From Vineyard to Cave: Illinois Wine Tour meets August Hill Winery
(PERU, Ill.) — Producing roughly 100,000 bottles of wine a year, August Hill Winery opened up shop in 2002. The inspiration of the winery comes from August (Augie) Engelhaupt, a farmer who tended to his land, teaching great life lessons to his grandson Mark Wenzel. Over two decades and a mechanical engineering degree later, MarkContinue reading “From Vineyard to Cave: Illinois Wine Tour meets August Hill Winery”
Illinois Wine Tour: Hidden Hills Winery
(KNOXVILLE, ILL.) — From sweet and dry wines to wine slushies and raspberry cider, Hidden Hills Vineyard and Winery has it all. Located in Knox County, Illinois, Hidden Hills was a retirement dream of David Poland. Now his dream is a reality, and I’m glad I was able to visit his great establishment with myContinue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Hidden Hills Winery”
From Prime Rib to Fried Strawberries! Suite Fire has it all
(PEORIA, Ill.) — It’s not everyday you see a popular hotel chain and think “Man, I really wanna stop by their restaurant!” Well, I hope this article makes you think twice on that. Many central Illinoisans know about the Holiday Inn & Suites at Grand Prairie on N. Orange Prairie Rd. But next time youContinue reading “From Prime Rib to Fried Strawberries! Suite Fire has it all”
Central Illinois Rib Report: BC BBQ!
(PEKIN, Ill.) — It was a rainy & dreary day, which called for some good ole barbecue. Tonight’s Rib Report took me to Pekin, Illinois to check out BC BBQ on 14th Street. I like the outside vibe of the place. Feels like an old gas station meets a saloon. The service was very friendly,Continue reading “Central Illinois Rib Report: BC BBQ!”
Matt Sheehan Official 