Posts in Category: Illinois | Top Ten Travel List

Authentic Italian at Dixon’s Mama Ciminos!

UPDATE: This long running favorite closed in 2024. Please check out my Dixon guide for more info on restaurants and other attractions in this small town, most notably the Reagan home tours. Mama ...

Arthur’s in Dixon, Illinois: A Local Favorite!

Dixon is a small town located about an hour outside of Rockford and 2 hours north of Chicago. Most notably, the town is famous for being the hometown of 40th President Ronald Reagan. Arthur’s ...

Castle Rock State Park: Scenic Views of the Rock River

Castle Rock State Park is a 2000 acre park located on the Rock River, near the small town of Oregon, Illinois. Mike and I visit this park often when traveling to the Dixon area (I recommend touring ...

25 Fun Things to do in Chicago this Summer

The Windy City is one of the best places to be during the summer season (and I am not just saying this as a native!). There are so many events, festivals, and beautiful places to explore, making it ...

50 fun things to do this winter in Chicago!

Chicago is a wonderful city with endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation (and I am not just saying this as a native!). The Windy City’s world-class museums, cultural ...

My Top Winter Travel Destinations

I see winter travel as a great way to break up the monotony of a slow, dark, and sometimes boring season. I hear many people complain about the lack of sunshine and shorter daylight hours. It helps ...

Fun celebrity events @ Hollywood Palms Cinema!

Update: This theater looks a bit different now as ownership changed in 2015. They still offer the same dining while you watch a movie experience. It’s still themed and they host a lot of fun ...

Christmas in Chicago!

Note: Please refer to my holiday bucket list post for a full breakdown of all the fun and festive activities in the city. Also, keep in mind that there is so much to do this time of year even if the ...

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights – A Colorful Lights Extravaganza Like No Other

Chicago is one of my favorite cities to spend Christmas in due to the many festive events and high chance of snow. Growing up in the area, I always looked forward to the cold snowy months as this is ...

The Best Holiday Activities in Chicago

Update: If you are looking for the best spots to see the grand Christmas tree and the famous Macy’s window displays, be sure to visit my Christmas in Chicago guide for further details. Chicago ...