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Illinois

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • View from Rainbow Park Beach in Chicago
    By Leslie Veliz 18 hours ago

    This Chicago Neighborhood With Beaches Is Sadly One To Avoid (Or Explore With Caution)

    Although this Chicago neighborhood is home to South Shore Beach and Rainbow Beach Park, its safety ratings are concerning. Here's everything you need to know.

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  • View of Chicago skyline in autumn
    By Katha Nauriyal 2 days ago

    Chicago's Peaceful Suburb With Woodlands And Restaurants Blends Nature And Suburban Living Seamlessly

    Whether you're craving Swedish meatballs or empanadas, exploring nature parks or solemn cemeteries, this Chicago neighborhood has lots to discover.

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  • Street view of Uptown in Park Ridge, Illinois featuring storefronts and bare trees
    By Jen Theriault 3 days ago

    This Upscale Chicago Suburb Known For Its Walkable Downtown And Cultural Charm Is A Vibrant Gem

    Chicago has no shortage of visitors, but this lesser-known suburb in the city deserves a visit, too. Explore its downtown on foot and you'll see why it's a gem.

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  • Donut holes being cut out of dough in preparation to make donuts
    By Judith Barnes 4 days ago

    Chicago's Viral Donut Shop Has Locals And Tourists Lining Up For Plate-Sized Pastries In Craveable Flavors

    Donuts are a classic breakfast option and sweet treat that can be found all across America, but one Chicago shop is elevating and experimenting with the dish.

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  • the Chicago skyline from the lake at sunset
    By Amanda Berrill 4 days ago

    Nestled Between Milwaukee And Chicago Is One Of Illinois' Best Suburbs With A Vibrant Downtown Area

    Illinois can boast big city charm with Chicago, but this suburb nearby has a vibrant downtown while placing more emphasis on nature's calm beauty.

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  • Town square sign in Palatine, surrounded by flowers
    By Lois Mackenzie 5 days ago

    This Tranquil Chicago Suburb Is A Top Place To Live With Lakes, Lively Shopping, And Delectable Dining

    With its parks and lakes plus great dining and shopping options, this Chicago suburb was ranked by U.S. News as the 4th best place to live in Illinois.

    Read More
  • the Transfer House in downtown Decatur, Illinois
    By Sam Scott 5 days ago

    Between Indianapolis And Springfield Is An Underrated Midwest Gem With Lake Trails, Public Art, And A Zoo

    A perfect weekend getaway, this hidden gem Illinois town is the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodie travelers.

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  • bear up ahead on the trail
    By Mina Elwell 6 days ago

    America's Top 5 States With The Least Amount Of Bears

    If you love hiking, camping, or generally spending time outside in the American wilderness, there's a chance that you're going to encounter bears.

    Read More
  • City streets of Chicago
    By Kala Barba-Court 10 days ago

    The Cleanest US Cities Residents And Travelers Say They've Ever Seen

    These cities come up often in online mentions by folks who know best; locals and those who visit often cite little litter and clean streets in these locations.

    Read More
  • Round Lake, Illinois
    By Jonathan Houston 10 days ago

    Near Chicago Sits An Affordable Illinois Airbnb Offering Scenic Lake Views, A Cozy Atmosphere, And An Outdoor Fire Pit

    For those wanting to stay outside Chicago when visiting, this Airbnb beside a beautiful lake has a homey charm and features an outdoor fire pit.

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  • Red theater building visible from riverside bridge
    By Rory Buccheri 10 days ago

    Illinois' 'City Of Lights' Is A Hidden-Gem Chicago Suburb With Riverfront Views And Local Shops

    For a city full of museums, parks, shops, and a historic theater, head to this hidden gem Chicago suburb that is known as Illinois' "City of Lights."

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  • An overhead view of cyclists on a long straight country road in Rockford, Illinois
    By Megan Eileen McDonough 11 days ago

    Find Small Town Charm Near Chicago At The 'Gateway To The Rock River Valley' Which Boasts Prairie Preserves And Museums

    When it comes to visiting Illinois, Chicago undoubtedly holds the big-city allure. But step outside its orbit, and you'll find laid-back cities like this one.

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  • Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood.
    By Desiree Koh 11 days ago

    Chicago's Quaint Neighborhood Is A Pedestrian-Friendly Spot With Diverse Shopping And A Renowned Oktoberfest

    This historic Chicago neighborhood offers cozy cafes, unique shops, Old World charm, and a famed autumn celebration that's steeped in tradition.

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  • Pine trees and bushes in forest
    By Maja Proescholdt 11 days ago

    Hidden In Central Illinois Is A State Forest With Wildly Unique Environments Ideal For Hiking And Camping

    You know about Chicago of course, but there's so much more too see in Illinois, like this wooded paradise that's perfect for all your outdoor adventures.

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  • Oakbrook Center Mall on a sunny day
    By Ishaan Arora 11 days ago

    Sandwiched Between Chicago And Naperville Is An Affluent Suburb With A Boutique Mall And Upscale Dining

    A quick drive or train ride from Chicago, this upscale suburb is home to one of the best shopping malls in the Midwest and features fun seasonal activities.

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  • A church in Freeport, Illinois
    By Jonathan Houston 13 days ago

    Illinois' Most Affordable, Charming Retirement Destinations Just Need A Social Security Check

    If you're looking for a place to settle down during your golden years, Illinois is home to several charming towns that are affordable for retirees.

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  • Cityscape of Chicago at sunrise
    By David Jenison 14 days ago

    This Hidden Hole-In-The-Wall Home Of Chicago's Barbecue King Is Illinois' Coolest Foodie Destination

    Chicago is well-known for its excellent food scene, including this hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint that recently won a James Beard award.

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  • Cars gleam at Ofallan District Nights concert
    By Joshua Parle 15 days ago

    A Charming Suburb With A Quaint Downtown And Family-Friendly Parks Is One Of The Best Places To Live In Illinois

    This suburb of St. Louis is one of the best places to live in Illinois thanks to a family-friendly popular park, small-town charm, and big-city convenience.

    Read More
  • Roosevelt Fountain at the Brookfield Zoo
    By Danny Wiser 15 days ago

    Chicago's Lively Suburb Blends Historic Charm With Great Restaurants And A Massive Classic Arcade

    Enjoy a world-class zoo, delicious food, and hundreds of arcade games while visiting this Chicago suburb, whose origins date back to the 19th century.

    Read More
  • A view of the water in Carroll County, Illinois
    By Rene Bennett 15 days ago

    Illinois' Riverfront Park In The 'New England Of The Midwest' Thrives With Trails, Fishing, And Disk Golf

    Just an hour or so from Chicago lies a quaint community with a charming downtown and a park that has all the activities and chill vibes you need for an escape.

    Read More
  • An empty cart full of boxes sits ready to be loaded into a giant plane
    By Rebecca High 15 days ago

    5 US Airports Are Struggling Big Time During The Government Shutdown

    As the U.S. federal government shutdown of 2025 continues, some airports are feeling the effects, resulting in widespread delays and cancellations.

    Read More
  • Beautiful old brick walk-up homes in Wicker Park, Chicago during winter
    By Rebecca High 16 days ago

    Chicago's Stylish Tea Studio Loft Blends Asian Elegance With Industrial Charm In The Heart Of Wicker Park

    This Wicker Park loft layers Chicago history, global design influences, and modern comfort for travelers looking for an inspired urban hideaway.

    Read More
  • Whalon Lake nature area in Bolingbrook, Illinois
    By Ishaan Arora 16 days ago

    This Lively Chicago Suburb Is A Family-Friendly Haven With Scenic Lakes, Shopping, And Peaceful Parks

    The Chicago suburbs are full of hidden gems and this one is a family-friendly haven filled with beautiful lakes, hikes, excellent shopping, and plenty of parks.

    Read More
  • Overlooking Mundelein, Chicago
    By Lois Mackenzie 16 days ago

    Chicago's 'Heart Of Lake County' Is An Affordable Suburb With Walkable Trails, Restaurants, And A Pristine Lake

    After exploring Chicago, take a break with some walkable trails and beautiful green space in the affordable suburb known as the "heart of Lake County."

    Read More
  • Outside of a Target store with black metalwork on the building
    By Pamela Vachon 16 days ago

    Target's Unique 'Goth' Location Is A Striking Chicago Landmark

    Discover why this Chicago Target store, nicknamed "Goth Target" on social media, has shoppers flocking to check out its unique and dramatic exterior in person.

    Read More
  • Boats in the marina at Winthrop Harbor
    By David Jenison 17 days ago

    'Chicagoland's Other Lakefront Destination' Is A Peaceful, Family-Friendly Boating Hub With Small-Town Charm

    Of all the places in Chicago, the lakefront is among the best. If you don't want to deal with the city, hit the lakefront in this small town to the north.

    Read More
  • Monarch in a prairie at Dayton Bluffs Preserve
    By Rory Buccheri 17 days ago

    Illinois' Tucked-Away Riverfront Park Has Picturesque Trails, Rugged Ravines, And 100 Acres Of Idyllic Prairie

    This nature preserve near Ottawa, Illinois, offers a serene mix of prairies, ravines, hiking trails, and Native history along the Fox River.

    Read More
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