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Illinois

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • An aerial view of the Chicago River dyed green on St. Patrick's Day
    By Erika W. Smith 42 min ago

    Chicago's Top 5 Irish Pubs For Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, According To Reviews

    These pubs go all out for St. Paddy's Day with events, special menus, and live music — but for the best parties, you'll want to reserve early for the big day.

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  • Hot spring pools in Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa
    By Erika W. Smith 9 hours ago

    4 Of The Midwest's Best Hot Springs To Escape The Cold Weather

    A stop at a natural hot spring is always a welcome break in the winter, and you don't have to head all the way out west to find one.

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  • Fox Lake, Illinois
    By Megi Canco 11 hours ago

    Between Chicago And Madison Is Illinois' 'Heart Of The Chain O' Lakes' Village With Tasty Eats And Fishing

    There are plenty of wonderful restaurants in Chicago, but if you want to get away from it all while still enjoying a nice meal, check out this Illinois village.

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  • The Lakeview neighborhood skyline viewed from the park in Chicago
    By Bridget Gleeson 13 hours ago

    Chicago's Iconic Coffee Spot Serves Expertly Brewed Cups And A Taste Of Community

    Move over Seattle and Portland, the Windy City has its own home brew, and its flagship Chicago shop is a community hub serving expertly crafted espresso drinks.

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  • View of buildings and shop in downtown Woodstock, Illinois
    By Sam Scott 2 days ago

    5 Charming Illinois Towns With Relaxed Midwestern Vibes

    In Illinois, several small towns invite travelers to slow down with walkable downtowns, local festivals, historic streets, and easy access to nature.

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  • Galena, IL
    By Lauren Kershner 3 days ago

    5 Authentic Midwest Towns That Are Time Capsules Of 1950s Americana

    These five Midwest destinations preserve 1950s Americana through Route 66 relics, historic storefronts, classic diners, and small-town charm.

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  • Trail through the forest in Beall Woods State Park, Illinois
    By Maja Proescholdt 4 days ago

    Illinois' State Park Between St. Louis And Louisville Hides Scenic Trails And Quiet Campsites

    Enjoy a natural escape in the Midwest without straying too far from the city at this Illinois state park. Stroll along scenic trails through a historic forest.

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  • the interchange of I-90 and I-294, Des Plaines, Illinois
    By Megi Canco 6 days ago

    Illinois' Vibrant Chicago Suburb Is A Convenient Locale With Lakes And A Charming Downtown

    There are countless things to do in Chicago, but if you want to get out of the city for a bit, visit this suburb that’s full of culture and natural beauty.

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  • A Chicago bus driving down a busy road
    By Joe Orovic 6 days ago

    Avoid Making These 5 Big Mistakes When Using Chicago's CTA Public Transit Buses

    Chicago has robust public transit, and CTA has a long-running campaign to encourage courtesy and that riders are on their best behavior when riding the bus.

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  • Trees and houses in a leafy suburb of Chicago.
    By Ben M Stower 6 days ago

    Chicago's Diverse Suburb Is A Friendly Haven Of Green Parks, Local Flavors, And Small-Town Charm

    Chicago’s sprawling urban landscape is rich with cultural diversity, and one friendly suburb offers green parks and small-town eateries frequented by locals.

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  • Skyscrapers in downtown Chicago at dusk
    By Rachel Dennis 6 days ago

    5 Nearly-Impossible Chicago Restaurant Reservations (And How To Land One)

    It's rare to snag a table at these restaurant in the Windy City, but with a bit of sleuthing and this handy guide, you might just land a seat.

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  • A canal in Lemont, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago with an apartment building
    By Sam Scott 7 days ago

    This Chicago Suburb Is A Convenient Escape From The City With Scenic Outdoor Thrills And Small-Town Charm

    Illinois features an easygoing destination near a major metro where waterways, wooded preserves, and local traditions create a refreshing change of pace.

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  • Buildings in Elsah, Illinois
    By Rene Bennett 8 days ago

    Illinois' 5 Most Charming Villages To Visit With Serene Vibes

    If you're looking to escape the chaotic buzz of Chicago, these five serene villages in Illinois offer a slower pace of life and unique amenities to explore.

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  • The interior of La Scarola in Chicago
    By Leslie Veliz 12 days ago

    Guy Fieri's Favorite Restaurant In The Heart Of Chicago Is An Iconic Italian Staple

    When professional foodie Guy Fieri visits Chicago, Illinois, there's one Italian restaurant that he makes it a point to visit for a meal.

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  • A brick building in downtown Rochelle, Illinois
    By Rebecca High 13 days ago

    Illinois' Charming Small Town Is A Train Lover's Paradise With Vintage Shops, Museums, And A Railroad Park

    This Illinois town shaped by railroads and highways features a railroad park, local history museums, antique stores, and an easygoing downtown.

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  • Man ice fishing on a frozen lake with bright winter sun
    By Rene Bennett 14 days ago

    The 5 Top Lake Destinations In Illinois For First-Timers To Learn Ice Fishing

    The cold weather provides a whole new set of outdoor activities, and if you find yourself looking to try out ice fishing in Illinois, we have got you covered.

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  • Street view of Makanda's historic boardwalk
    By Madeleine Bee 19 days ago

    Illinois' Laid-Back Hippie Village Is A Charming Artsy Gem Tucked Away In Shawnee National Forest

    For a taste of beautiful Southern Illinois, head to this laid-back hippie village that is full of artsy charm and is within Shawnee National Forest.

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  • An overhead view of a diner breakfast with eggs, potatoes, bacon, and toast.
    By Erika W. Smith 20 days ago

    5 Chicago Diners Serving Old-School Comfort Food You Never See On Menus Anymore

    These 5 Chicago diners serve old-school comfort foods you can hardly ever find on menus anymore, with a vibe that speaks to their decades-old heritage.

    Read More
  • A woman in a wide-brimmed hat driving in a car on a sunny day while smiling
    By Rachel Dennis 20 days ago

    The 5 Best Midwest Stops Sandwiched Between Chicago And Indianapolis

    Road trips can be the best way to really see the United States. These stops between Chicago and Indianapolis feature hiking, antiquing, shopping, and more.

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  • View of the lake at Horseshoe Lake State Park in Illinois
    By Maja Proescholdt 21 days ago

    Illinois' Dazzling Lake Minutes Outside St. Louis Is A Free-To-Enter State Park To Escape The City

    Just across the border from Missouri you'll find an idyllic spot for hiking, fishing, or camping. This state park is an outdoor adventure haven.

    Read More
  • White historic building next to the I & M Canal in Channahon State Park
    By Maja Proescholdt 22 days ago

    Illinois' Historic State Park An Hour Outside Chicago Has A Scenic Canal Trail, Camping, And Canoeing

    An easy drive from Chicago, this state park offers a glimpse into the past with a well-preserved canal, plus access to camping, canoeing, and hiking.

    Read More
  • The barn, fence, and silo at Goebbert's Farm in Pingree Grove, Illinois
    By Neha Maheshwari 23 days ago

    Between Rockford And Chicago Is A Serene Slice Of Suburban Charm With Local Eats And Scenic Trails

    Uncover an arm of Chicago's divine culinary scene in this little town that's surrounded by corn fields and offers family-friendly fun at local farms.

    Read More
  • Bagpipers in the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade
    By Rosheda Stephenson 23 days ago

    Top 11 Things To Do For St. Patrick's Day Around Chicago

    From river dyeing and downtown parades to neighborhood festivals and bar crawls, here are the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.

    Read More
  • View of Chicago's downtown in the evening
    By Ishaan Arora 24 days ago

    Want To Experience Chicago Like A Local? Start With These Must-Visit Spots

    From bars to shows, these five must-visit and local-approved spots in Chicago, Illinois, are a surefire way to get the very best from the Windy City.

    Read More
  • A creek in James
    By Lois Mackenzie 24 days ago

    This Charming Suburb Near Chicago With Lovely Trails And Peaceful Woodlands Is A Family-Friendly Gem

    Where in the Chicago area can you find a ton of hiking options, a compact downtown, and a wide variety of food and drink to choose from? Here.

    Read More
  • Brick buildings and traffic in downtown Elizabeth, Illinois
    By Emily Adam 26 days ago

    Illinois' Charming Little Village Is A Serene Countryside Spot With Shops, Historic Charm, And Wine

    If anyone tells you that the Midwestern countryside is boring, take them on a trip to this quaint, fun little village in northwestern Illinois.

    Read More
  • Aerial view of Chicago's city skyline and suburban areas along Lake Michigan.
    By Ben M Stower 26 days ago

    Illinois' 5 Safest Chicago Suburbs In 2025, According To Data

    Using data from 2025, studies show that some of Illinois’ safest places are found in these Chicago suburbs with low crime rates and easy access to downtown.

    Read More
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