On a trip to Bloomington, be sure to check in to the Vrooman Mansion, a former home brimming with legacy and life since the Scott family moved into the mansion in 1873. A night out along the Magnificent Mile or a day browsing the many retail options, and taking advantage of the amazing culinary offerings is a must-do for those visiting Chicago. At 1353 ft from the ground, this is the highest observation deck in the US and the glass box allows you to see straight through to the ground below. Pheasant Lanes. Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. Or, about 15 miles south of Galena, you can honor the area's rich Native American heritage with a visit to the Wapello Land & Water Reserve. 2. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. One of the best ways to truly connect with your partner is to book a stay in a romantic hotel or cabin where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on each other and the relaxing environment youre in. Sip some wine and take in the view of Galena Cellar's Vineyard (Galena). From the outside of this stunning Resort and all throughout, couples will be engulfed in a romantic ambience from arrival until departure. Galena is a beautiful historic city in northern Illinois with a wide range of things to see and do. Activities. Explore Illinois Architectural Oddities 27 Statues 25 Museums And Collections 25 Shops 25 History 23 Art 23 Sculptures 21 Monuments 20 Collections 20 Abandoned 17 Cemeteries 14 Illinois Obscura. Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. You won't taste quite the same bread there today, but your stay includes a full breakfast made with seasonal ingredients, which can be enjoyed on the patio or in the dining room. These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. The Burpee Museum of Natural History is an amazing three-floor museum full of interactive exhibits and unique pieces of history. Activities 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. Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages screams romance, as it sits on a stunning 10 acre property with valley views, a gorgeous garden, walking trails, and a pond. For your overnight stay, check out the circa-1930s Starved Rock Lodge, which has an indoor pool and trails on the property. With the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. 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. Amusement parks and theme parks are always as hit with kids and luckily, Illinois has a great range to choose from. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. Perhaps the most well-known is the now world-famous Lollapalooza 4-day music festival, held in Grant Park. Winter hiking can prove to be a very different experience from hiking during the warmer months, with stark landscapes and frozen scenery. There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. Fall is the ideal time to attend a festival and Illinois has you covered. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. The list goes on with many interesting and quirky towns to be found all across Illinois. Not a hiking or biking fan? Another top pick is Matthiessen State Park, which is located close to the aforementioned Starved Rock. This owes to its great combination of neatly planned . For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. Illinois' lakeshore offers couples the chance to unwind on the waterfront. The giant silver bean is embedded in the public consciousness. Stroll through Chicago Botanic Garden. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. Head into the Rustic and Reclaimed Market for home and decor finds or the Great Lakes Antiques & Boutique, which also features the work of local artists. The more than 60 restaurants ensure your sweetie won't go hungry or thirsty, since the Old Bakery Beer Company is a certified organic craft brewery with seasonal taps and a hearty menu. This is a great experience for older children and can be useful for keeping them interested in exploring nature and the forest. Back in the 21st century, couples can stroll downtown Bloomington to browse the storefronts with a possible detour back in time at the Arcadia arcade, which charges just a quarter for more than half of its vintage games. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. What is Seoul Known For? These range from hiking to horse-riding to picnicking. You can also check out the Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery for farm-fresh goat cheese and goat's milk gelato tremendous additions to any picnic. 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. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. Eleven of the state's best wineries, including some of the oldest vineyards in Illinois, are dotted along a 40-mile trail for you to discover at your own pace. Luckily, many buildings and sites have been preserved from this history and are now available to be observed and learned from in the modern day. Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. To see more of the top canyons to explore in Illinois, check out our previous post here. These include Lincolns house, the presidential library, and more. There is a quarter-mile observation trail, or hikers can go all in on the 5.5-mile trek along interconnecting trails; each boasts views of the forest's unique rock formations. Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. 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 Inn at 835, just a mile from the museum, was founded in the late 19th century by local businesswoman Bell Miller, a florist for Springfield's high society. You can read our complete privacy policy here. If you make it all the way down to the southern tip of the state, the Cairo Custom House Museum is a historically significant stop along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. Some overnighters say the accommodations may feel a bit kitschy (you can sleep in a train) but they enjoyed walking along the trails during the day. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick . This luxury escape sits on Millionaires Row in Alton, where you can choose from Jacuzzi or fireplace rooms, HDTV with premium movie packages, and both a 24 hour hot beverage service and a 24 hour hot chocolate bar. This state park has some beautiful waterfalls and rock formations with fewer people than Starved Rock. Many places with hiking trails also allow biking, and in some ways, biking can be more versatile with the area you are able to cover. If you prefer a day trip to the spa mixed in with other activities, visiting one of Illinois many day spas could be perfect for you. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. Chicago, Maybe an unstructured road trip is what you seek to infuse a little spontaneity into your relationship. Illinois is ideal for family vacations with everything from theme parks and water parks to educational yet fun museums and tours. Tandem bike along the Chicago lakefront trail. 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. The institute is located in one of the most well-known buildings in Chicago with two impressive bronze lions flanking the entrance. From Ridge Cemetery, the cemetery to a ghost town, located at the highest point of a mountain to the Woodstock Opera House, an architecturally beautiful building supposedly haunted by the resident ghost Elvira. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. If you are interested in abandoned places, history, or urban exploration, Cairo is an ideal place to visit. 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