April Dowling is an enthusiastic explorer of Illinois, dedicated to uncovering the state’s rich variety of experiences. Her articles highlight everything from delightful bakeries and brunch spots to engaging live theater venues and festive holiday activities, ensuring that there's always something for everyone. With a knack for showcasing local favorites like fried chicken joints, wineries, and antique stores, she brings readers on a culinary and cultural journey through the Land of Lincoln. Whether recommending cozy picnic spots or adventurous hiking trails, April captures the essence of Illinois and inspires her audience to discover all that it has to offer.
Whether you're an ice hockey player or experienced figure skater, you'll need an ice skating rink to test and improve your skills. Illinois offers several quality skating rinks with plenty of...
Picking out the perfect Christmas tree is a truly nostalgic holiday tradition in Illinois, and throughout the country. Illinois’ rich and diverse vegetation makes it a prime spot for Christmas...
Shopping is extra special during the holiday season, so why not find a special destination for your Christmas shopping? Illinois has many distinctive and expansive shopping options for that...
Whether you’re an experienced karaoke singer or just enjoy hanging out at karaoke bars for a few laughs, there are plenty of interesting joints in Illinois. The best karaoke bars in Illinois offer...
Camping provides an escape from the daily grind and an opportunity to connect with nature. Illinois has thousands of acres of serene camping spots in a variety of terrains ranging from canyons to...
Barbecue places are all over Illinois, but only a handful really understand authentic barbecuing methods. The best barbecue joints in Illinois take pride in their meats, rubs, sauces, and smoking...
There’s nothing like exploring a new hiking trail and discovering hidden scenic gems along with way. Fortunately, Illinois offers plenty of hiking trails to satisfy the adventurous hiker of any...
The perfect fall road trip in Illinois follows the Great River Road, a famous scenic route that winds along the Mississippi River on the state’s western border. This route is known for its...
In Illinois, fall is a season of many colorful celebrations and fun-filled activities for all ages. From kite and craft festivals to corn mazes and scenic drives, you'll never experience a dull...
You can’t fully appreciate fall without visiting a pumpkin patch. Kids love picking out their very own pumpkins to decorate, while adults enjoy the crisp autumn weather, homemade baked goods, and...
Cities and small towns celebrate autumn with fall festivals each year in Illinois. Fall festivals in Illinois usually mean delicious seasonal foods, live entertainment, fun competitions, parades,...
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, but you can find delicious thin and hand-tossed pizza restaurants all across Illinois. Many of these restaurants have been serving up pies for decades,...
Haunted attractions throughout Illinois open their doors each fall to showcase their newest gruesome scenes and sets for guests to experience. Thousands of people visit haunted attractions in...
Illinois farms take corn mazes very seriously, creating intricate designs with miles of trails through many acres of corn fields. In fact, the world’s largest corn maze in located in Spring Grove,...
A great round of golf starts with a playable course that accommodates all experience levels. There are many noteworthy golf courses in Illinois, but these excellent public courses are among the...
If you’re craving the traditional flavors of authentic Mexican food, you’ve come to the right place. There are several top-rated Mexican restaurants that keep locals coming back to satisfy their...