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Illinois

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • View from Memorial Park in Blue Island, with a fenced-in canon in the foreground and suburban homes across the street, surrounded by trees under a cloudy blue sky
    By Jess Simms 1 hour ago

    Just Outside Chicago Is An Up-And-Coming Illinois Suburb With Historic Charm And Artsy Vibes

    You'll find more action in the Midwestern suburbs than you think. This quaint, close-knit community is home to theaters, murals, and good eats.

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  • A small fishing boat on Shabbona Lake in Illinois
    By Rebecca High 11 hours ago

    Illinois' Lakeside State Park Is A Scenic Fishing Getaway

    This quiet northern Illinois lake offers excellent fishing, wooded trails, camping, and boat rentals within easy driving distance of Chicago.

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  • Washington Square Park in Ottawa, Illinois
    By Jenna Busch 12 hours ago

    Take A Trip To The Laidback Illinois Park Where Abraham Lincoln Made History

    Located in the center of a welcoming town, this park was where Lincoln began his rise to national prominence as he campaigned for the Illinois senate seat.

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  • Aerial view of Kenilworth Beach
    By Kira Reinke 1 day ago

    Sandwiched Between Highland Park And Chicago Is An Affluent Illinois Suburb With A Beach And Trails

    Just north of Chicago, this North Shore suburb features a Lake Michigan beach, walking and biking trails, historic architecture, and peaceful green spaces.

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  • Interior of Aloft River North in chicago, with a billiards table
    By Rebecca High 1 day ago

    Chicago's Downtown Hotel In River North Offers A Conveniently Walkable Location And Friendly Staff

    If you're looking for a comfortable, fun place with a view in Chicago, you can head to this hotel that receives rave reviews for its kind staff members.

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  • aerial view of Melrose Park, with the street set up for the Taste of Melrose festival
    By Christine Dulion 2 days ago

    Illinois' Diverse Chicago Suburb Is A Family-Friendly Gem With Festivals And A Once-Thriving Amusement Park

    Chicago has a unique range of suburbs, including this one which was once home to a popular amusement park. Today, it hosts some popular cultural festivals.

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  • Brick building with bell in downtown Peru, Illinois
    By Tess Kazenoff 3 days ago

    Tucked Between Rockford And Peoria Is A Charming Illinois City With A Unique Museum, Tasty Eats, And River Views

    This charming little town in the heart of Illinois is a great location for a weekend getaway, and it should definitely be on your list places to visit.

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  • The iconic covered bridge at the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve in Mahomet, Illinois
    By Rebecca High 4 days ago

    Between Chicago And Indianapolis Is A Small Illinois Village With Forest Preserves, Festivals, And Midwestern Charm

    If you love soda, big community events, or nature walks, you should stop by this small Illinois town between Chicago and Indianapolis.

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  • A row of Miami Beach food trucks at sunset while a man looks at the menu
    By David McElhinney 4 days ago

    What Are The 5 Best Foodie Destinations In The US For 2026?

    Travelers are planning vacations around food, leaning toward local restaurants and street food. But what are the best foodie destinations for 2026?

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  • Street scene in Durand with Cimino's exterior
    By Madeleine Bee 4 days ago

    Between Madison And Rockford Is A Charming Illinois Escape With A Revitalized Downtown And Local Eats

    Revitalizing a downtown area can, of course, be great for the locals, but it will definitely benefit you when you decide to stop at this charming town.

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  • Exterior of the Union Depot Railroad Museum in Mendota, Illinois
    By Joe Orovic 5 days ago

    Situated Between Chicago And Davenport Is A Quaint Illinois City With Museums, Lake Views, And Small-Town Charm

    Illinois is so much more than just Chicago, and a two-hour drive from the Windy City to this cute little town will prove it.

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  • Inside of Pann's Restaurant
    By Jenna Intersimone 6 days ago

    America's Best Diners That Are Dripping With Nostalgic Charm And Top-Notch Food

    Amderican diners are a comforting throwback that have been enjoyed for nearly a century. Here are the places serving the best eats across the United States.

    Read More
  • trailer camper next to picnic table in lush forest near Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
    By Jen Ottolino 7 days ago

    5 Picturesque Camping Spots To Visit Outside Of Chicago, According To Reviews

    Looking for a nature escape near Chicago? These top-rated camping areas deliver striking landscapes, hiking trails, and easy weekend access.

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  • An aerial view of Chicago, with skyscrapers and Lake Michigan in the distance
    By Erika W. Smith 8 days ago

    The Best Deep-Dish Pizza In Chicago Can Be Surprisingly Hard To Get

    It may come as no surprise that the Windy City's most highly rated deep-dish pizza can be incredibly hard to come by, despite having two locations.

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  • After dark street in downtown Homewood, Illinois with trees and sidewalks.
    By Robert Isenberg 9 days ago

    Illinois' Family-Friendly Chicago Suburb Is An Artsy Village With A Quaint Downtown, Boutique Shops, And Trails

    What's better than discovering a walkable downtown that's just a train ride away? This spot is tucked around its station with art, shopping, dining, and more.

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  • Trees and fall foliage seen through a natural rock arch at Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
    By Jen Ottolino 9 days ago

    Illinois' 5 Best Spots For Camping In And Around Starved Rock State Park, According To Reviews

    If you're headed to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois and looking to sleep under the stars, these are the best campsites within a 30-minute drive.

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  • Visitors looking at a George Seurat painting in the Art Institute of Chicago
    By Rene Bennett 9 days ago

    What Travelers Need To Know About Chicago's Free Museum Days In 2026

    The museums in Windy City offer a bunch of great free admission days throughout the year, but you'll need to know how to (or if you can) take advantage of them.

    Read More
  • Opera singing waitstaff at Italian restaurant, Victor Cafe, Philadelphia, with patrons surrounding them in historic dining room
    By Rebekah Winters Barton 10 days ago

    America's Hands-Down Best Italian Restaurants, According To Reviews

    Italian food is one of the most internationally beloved cuisine. Whether you're searching for a gourmet meal or comfort food, check out these restaurants.

    Read More
  • Lit rustic industrial
    By Rebekah Winters Barton 11 days ago

    The 10 Best Sit-Down Coffee Shops In The Midwest

    There are few things better than a good cup of coffee in a gorgeous space, and you won't find much better than these darlings in the Midwest.

    Read More
  • An aerial look at a suburban area of Chicago, IL with plenty of houses and trees
    By Makayla Maxwell 11 days ago

    5 Chicago Suburbs Next To Downtown To Explore, According To Locals

    The cities surrounding The Loop make for wonderful exploring, each offering a mix of its own charms and attractions, from cute downtowns to lively festivals.

    Read More
  • Black and white photograph of Frank Sinatra standing in front of an airplane at a London airport
    By Rebecca High 13 days ago

    5 Of Frank Sinatra's Favorite Places To Stay And Visit During His Life

    Follow in the footsteps of 'Ole Blue Eyes in these five iconic American places that the famous singer, entrepreneur, and film star was known to frequent.

    Read More
  • An aerial view of Chicago, showing Lake Michigan.
    By Erika W. Smith 15 days ago

    Chicago's 5 Best-Rated Greek Eateries

    Whether you're looking for casual, late-night spots or an upscale, white tablecloth experience, these are five of the best Greek restaurants in Chicago.

    Read More
  • A couple enjoying the view on a beachfront in Chicago, Illinois
    By Rachel Dennis 15 days ago

    The 5 Best Beaches Around Chicago, According To Reviews

    Chicago and its surroundings are home to a wealth of scenic beaches, and if you're seeking a day in the sun, these five spots are your best bet.

    Read More
  • Historic buildings in downtown Rockton, Illinois
    By Erika W. Smith 15 days ago

    A Charming Illinois Village Near Rockford Is A Historic Gem With A Walkable Downtown, Shops, And Nature Preserves

    Chicago is the biggest draw in Illinois, but don't miss this little gem along the Rock River that has lots of small town vibes.

    Read More
  • The brick exterior of O'Sullivan's public house at dusk in Forest Park, Illinois
    By Jess Simms 16 days ago

    Just Outside Chicago Is A Lively Illinois Suburb Known For Nightlife And Indie Shops

    Don't underestimate the neighborhoods surrounding Chicago. Communities like this one will have you rethinking what it means to visit a big-city suburb.

    Read More
  • Skyline in Chicago, Illinois on a sunny day
    By Rosheda Stephenson 16 days ago

    10 Best U.S. Destinations To Visit In 2026, According To A Tripadvisor Study

    Dreaming of a trip within the United States in 2026? Tripadvisor just released its picks for the top U.S. vacation destinations, and here are the top 10.

    Read More
  • Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City
    By Adela Reyes 18 days ago

    This Lively St. Louis Suburb Is A Midwest Riverfront Gem With Historic Sites, Local Eats, And Shopping

    With outdoor markets, Route 66 attractions, historic bridges, and family restaurants, this Illinois city is an easy trip over the Mississippi from St. Louis.

    Read More
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