Articles in Category: Midwest

Chicago Lakefront Path: 36 Miles of Stunning Lake and Skyline Views

Chicago Lakefront Path: 36 Miles of Stunning Lake and Skyline Views

I have always wanted to spend the day riding along Chicago’s magnificent lakeshore biking path. Despite living in the city for more than 20 years, I never managed the opportunity. I had heard ...

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Wildberry Pancakes: The Perfect Breakfast to Start your Day in Chicago

Wildberry Pancakes: The Perfect Breakfast to Start your Day in Chicago

While back in the city for a late summer trip, Mike and I finally decided to embark on the 36 mile journey along Chicago’s beautiful Lakefront Path. This fantastic multipurpose trail connects ...

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Dixon, Illinois: Hometown of President Reagan

Dixon, Illinois: Hometown of President Reagan

Dixon, a small town in Northwest Illinois, is most well known for being the hometown of President Ronald Reagan. In addition to touring his famous childhood home, there are plenty of other ...

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Little Red School House: Serenity just outside of Chicago

Little Red School House: Serenity just outside of Chicago

Little Red School House is one of my favorite places to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This nature preserve is located just 20 minutes outside of Chicago, so it’s an easy escape for ...

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Lake Katherine: A Beautiful Oasis in the Chicago Suburbs

Lake Katherine: A Beautiful Oasis in the Chicago Suburbs

Mike and I are originally from Chicago so we occasionally come back to visit family members. Most of the time we are enjoying the city’s many great amenities during the touristy summer season. ...

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Italian Fine Dining in Dixon, Illinois: Basil Tree Ristorante

Italian Fine Dining in Dixon, Illinois: Basil Tree Ristorante

Mike and I were in Dixon visiting family and we wanted to try out this new restaurant that people have been raving about. Most of the time, we dine at a local deli called Arthur’s which is ...

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Hiking with Blackhawk: Lowden State Park

Hiking with Blackhawk: Lowden State Park

Lowden State Park in Northern Illinois is most famous for its’ historic 50 foot tall, 100 ton Blackhawk statue. The impressive Blackhawk statue, which is dedicated to all Native Americans, ...

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A Tour of Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois

A Tour of Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois

Dixon, Illinois is most famous for being the hometown of 40th President, Ronald Reagan. The house opened to the public for tours in the mid 80’s and is still the city’s most famous ...

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Authentic Italian at Dixon’s Mama Ciminos!

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 ...

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

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 ...

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