(ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES) — Every year I do an evaluation of life. What’s going well? What goals do I have for the next year? What needs to be left in the past? Well, today, we’re not going to worry about those questions. We’re going to talk about good wine, and where you can go toContinue reading “8 Illinois wineries to visit in 2024”
Tag Archives: Illinois
Illinois Rib Report: Edley’s Bar-B-Que
(GLEN CARBON, Ill.) — Back when I was on TV, we’d have a joke term we’d use ever now and then: “Smellivision.” This was normally during our cooking segments where we either had some DELICIOUS food and it smelled wonderful in the kitch, OR some horrendous prank food that stunk up the place. We’d tellContinue reading “Illinois Rib Report: Edley’s Bar-B-Que”
Central Illinois Rib Report: Smokin’ Notes BBQ
(EAST PEORIA, Ill.) — If you’re driving around the Peoria area, you’ve probably seen ads for Smokin’ Notes BBQ in East Peoria. I’ve been wanting to get here since they opened about a year ago, and I’m glad I finally did. It’s a quaint, country vibe restaurant near a lot of the East Peoria shoppingContinue reading “Central Illinois Rib Report: Smokin’ Notes BBQ”
Illinois Winery Tour: August Hill Tasting Room & Lounge
(UTICA, Ill.) — One of my favorite places to get away for a day trip is Utica, Illinois. Located in LaSalle County, just less than 10 minutes away from Starved Rock State Park, sits a beautiful town bustling with shops, restaurants, tourist activities and more. That leads us to our next Illinois Winery tour, atContinue reading “Illinois Winery Tour: August Hill Tasting Room & Lounge”
Illinois Wine Tour: Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery
(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”
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”
