History, If you're visiting the Prairie State during the winter, you can't miss Belleville's Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German-style holiday market celebrating the season of Advent leading up to Christmas. Not a hiking or biking fan? It is probably the most. The park itself is a one-stop outing, featuring an ice rink, a 120-foot-tall bandshell designed by Frank Gehry that attracts top-notch musical talent, the seasonal Lurie Garden, staggering public art installations and a roster of free events held on the Great Lawn. Travelers may want to catch a show at the Lincoln Theatre, opened in 1921 as a stage for vaudeville that welcomed stars in the making such as Ginger Rogers and the Marx Brothers. Hotel guests say the location on Lake Michigan can't be beat, and Zion sits conveniently halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Taylorville is home to delicious restaurants, great shopping, and even some Illinois history - Abraham Lincoln practiced law in one of the most historic buildings in the town. The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. If youre looking for something a bit more adventurous than basic swimming and sunbathing, kayaking might be for you. For golfing enthusiasts, it can be an interesting experience as there is a range of types of courses available throughout the state. Julia Scott Vrooman lived there for more than a century, befriending the families of two presidents (the Wilsons and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt) and baking bread that she sent to the Queen of England and other dignitaries. The Lincoln Home can be viewed on a guided tour while other exhibits can be independently explored. Whether youre looking for a lavish spa, great food and wine, or a beautiful suite, Illinois has plenty of places to relax and revitalize during a romantic couples' retreat. However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. Often featuring artists and local products, Makanda Boardwalk is a great way to explore and support the local community. Table games, more than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out. On the other end of the spectrum is Galena Oktoberfest and Oktoberfest Chicago, both of which celebrate the German event of Oktoberfest with beer, sausages, pretzels, and more aspects of German heritage. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. Retire to one of Chicago's new hotels: Pendry Chicago is a luxe retreat set in an art deco masterpiece of a building, while The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park keeps you centrally located in cheerfully comfortable rooms for couples on the go. Eat & Drink, Riverfront dining also dazzles, with twinkling lights and an open invitation for an after-dinner stroll try Beatnik on the River for international flavors and inspired design. As mentioned above, playing in the water is a great family activity. If you are interested in abandoned places, history, or urban exploration, Cairo is an ideal place to visit. What is Seoul Known For? The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. Illinois has many unique historic bridges and with many still standing today, visiting them can be a fun and interesting activity. Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Avondale Dunning Garfield Ridge Show all Good for Good for a Rainy Day Budget-friendly Free Entry Good for Kids With over 33 in southern Illinois, visitors are spoilt for choice. However, if youre looking for something a bit more niche, the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park is a great option. Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. If you're looking for the best of quirky small-town America, spend some time in Alton, Illinois, especially if you're a pair of history buffs. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. Travelers can always walk off an indulgent meal at one of Champaign-Urbana's many art galleries; the Wandell Sculpture Garden; or the contemporary Spurlock Museum, which focuses on world cultures. Zion was a town that was completely planned before it was built, and you can see the remnants of its historical homes (called "Painted Ladies") that encircle the central Shiloh Park. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. Bask in pure luxury at this gorgeous bed and breakfast in Galena. These range from the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, which has many species of animals and features interactive experiences with the supervision of a zookeeper to Brookfield Zoo, a zoo at over 216 acres with over 400 different species of animals. Any visiting duo is practically required to take a picture with "The Bean" (officially titled Cloud Gate), the iconic reflective sculpture in downtown's Millennium Park. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. It is a unique experience and a great way to take in the amazing views of 4 different states. There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. A National Historic Landmark District, Nauvoo showcases a Mormon heritage with dozens of restored homes and shops available to tour by horse-drawn wagon ride for free. These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. If you don't want to camp out where the wolves roam, maybe you'll opt for the Mark Twain Hotel for a boutique stay or the fully restored Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette downtown. Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? Inn at 835 Springfield Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. The African American communitys legacy emerges through exhibits and events at t Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. September is Illinois Wine Month if you're looking to take utmost advantage of the grape harvest and all its accompanying events. [Read: The Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago.]. For more details on Ohio Street Beach, click here. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. From the towering trees of Illinois state parks to the curiosities of local culture and exploration through the past with the rich history of Illinois, there is something to suit every traveler. While it may not be medieval Europe, Illinois still has its fair share of castles. The beach is open from 6 am 11 pm, with swimming allowed while a lifeguard is present. Arts & Culture, This is also one of the best places to see fall colors in Chicago. Family Fun, Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. See all Things to Do Chicago Outdoor Adventures Events Arts & Culture Eat & Drink Road Trips From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). To see our list of the top things to do in Grafton, see our post here. Grafton is a great place to experience nature as there are also a number of wildlife sanctuaries and bird- and wildlife-watching enthusiasts regularly gather. Explore presidential history alongside wine country in this Midwestern state, and book well in advance if you are looking to dine at one of the world's best restaurants in Chicago or simply want some famous deep-dish pizza. Illinois' lakeshore offers couples the chance to unwind on the waterfront. This Asian-fusion restaurant brings a modern twist to fusion cuisine with craft cocktails, nigiri, four different types of mac 'n' cheese, Thai doughnuts and burgers. The beautiful gardens on site make for a great backdrop to a romantic weekend, and the on-site library offers books, magazines, games, and DVDs as well as refreshments. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower, and more can all be found along this stretch of road. Arts & Culture, A 10-foot waterslide leads from the loft bedroom to the pool. Whether youre hoping to visit multiple state parks or explore just one or two in more depth, finding out the top state parks and deciding which ones you wish to visit is a great way to help plan your visit to Illinois. This allows the zoo to have a strong focus on conservation and animal care. While fall foliage can be beautiful anyway, something about the cool, windy weather and ambient atmosphere of Illinois makes it ideal for really appreciating the stunning colors. Also potentially of interest in Herod is a roadside park on U.S. Route 34 that leads to a cave once home to the Fairy Cliff Caf. Yes, that means you can have a beach day in Illinois, which also comes with the opportunity to soak in the serenity of the untouched North Dunes and Illinois Beach nature preserves, located inside the state park. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . 22, 2023, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. 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