tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18530967788109428372026-05-06T05:56:15.048-05:00A Little Time and a KeyboardEmpowering families to travel while showing off hidden gems and small businesses of Chicago's suburbs, the Midwest and beyond.Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.comBlogger2308125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-89070003334271416792026-01-20T19:22:00.002-06:002026-01-20T19:57:39.257-06:007 Top Chicago Area Events for February 20267 Top Chicago Area Events for February 2026Chicago winters can be TOUGH, so events worth looking forward to provide an extra lift to make it through the season. Fortunately, we have some great events to look forward to in the Chicago suburbs this February:Downers Grove Ice Festival: While the Ice Festival does techinically begin in January, you can enjoy impressive ice sculptures lining the Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-82912763709554599152025-12-01T08:09:00.002-06:002025-12-02T21:44:56.549-06:00Celebrating an Old Fashioned Christmas in the Chicago Suburbs 202513 Ways to Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas in the Chicago SuburbsOld fashioned Christmas celebrations thoughout the Chicago suburbs offer charming peeks into yesteryear. Period holiday events add special experiences to the holiday season and bring back our own warm memories while learning a bit of history. Over the years, I have explored quite a few nostalgic Christmas events throughout the Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-3690559045749807902024-11-27T07:39:00.006-06:002024-11-30T08:35:10.768-06:0014 Old Fashioned Christmas in Events in the Chicago Suburbs and Nearby 2024Celebrating an old fashioned Christmas brings back all those warm fuzzies and the nostalgia of Christmases gone by. Fortunately, we have many opportunities here in the Chicago suburbs to recapture that magic. Here are 14 of my favorite Chicago suburban old fashioned Christmas experiences for 2024:November 27 - January 5 Christmas at Cantigny Park features dazzling light displays Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-9786486295004234512024-11-17T09:55:00.013-06:002024-11-17T10:02:22.756-06:00Lightscape 2024 Heralds the Chicago Holiday Season at Chicago Botanic Garden Disclosure: Thank you to Chicago Botanic Garden for accommodating my visit to Lightscape. All opinions are my own.Lightscape sparkles once again at Chicago Botanic Garden. In its 6th year, Lightscape crafts spectacular holiday magic with dazzling and imaginative light, music, and motion displays interwoven within the gardens. I was delighted to explore Lightscape this week and was Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-44397678931129274522024-11-05T10:48:00.003-06:002024-11-05T10:48:55.139-06:00Lightscape Adds Sparkle To Chicago Botanic Garden During The Holiday Season Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden adds sparkle to the holiday season during its sixth year beginning on November 15, 2024. The innovative Chicago holiday event has become a cherished tradition. Each year, I look forward to walking the new path through a joyful collection of engaging light displays. Despite being part of the Chicago holiday event scene since 2019, Lightscape still Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-20796096359656597352024-10-28T07:03:00.015-05:002024-10-28T19:40:41.647-05:00Open House Chicago Invites Exploration Of Historical and Architectural Marvels During an October weekend each fall, the Chicago Architecture Center welcomes the community to visit dozens of architecturally, historically, and culturally significant structures throughout the city for free. On October 19, we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day wandering through a number of truly interesting structures in Chicago.With dozens of structures beckoning for exploration throughout Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-26716779054590841282024-10-18T10:16:00.003-05:002024-10-18T10:18:29.641-05:00Weekend Windup: {Fall Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 18-20, 2024} Fall Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 18-20, 2024This weekend has some of my Chicago area fall favorites including Open House Chicago, Pinball Expo, Autumn Drive, All Hallow's Eve at Naper Settlement, and River Trail Nature Center's Fall Fest! Here are my picks for the weekend ahead:OngoingFebruary 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-53431829955475567842024-10-13T20:12:00.004-05:002024-12-02T20:45:59.839-06:00Columbus and Hocking Hills in Ohio Offer the Perfect City and Nature GetawayUrban Adventures and Natural Wonders: 72 Hours in Columbus and Hocking HillsA long weekend getaway to Columbus, Ohio and the Hocking Hills offers a perfect combination of city experiences and nature. Columbus, Ohio recently was ranked as a Top Best Big City in the US as part of Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards for 2024. So, Columbus should definitely be on your radar -- andMel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-46815768475048311542024-10-11T08:10:00.009-05:002024-10-11T08:16:03.350-05:00Weekend Windup {Fall Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 11-14, 2024} Fall Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 11-14, 2024Another wonderful fall weekend is ahead! This time of year is always bustling with activity and there is so much fun to enjoy. Here are my picks for this weekend in the Chicago suburbs:OngoingFebruary 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-25702772750731477792024-10-04T09:13:00.003-05:002024-10-04T09:13:59.866-05:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 4-6, 2024}Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 4-6, 2024This fall weekend is packed full of fun here in the Chicago suburbs. Here are my picks:OngoingFebruary 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.June 30 - October The Olmec Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-19189305314256599272024-09-27T07:31:00.002-05:002024-09-27T07:31:21.603-05:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs September 27-29, 2024}Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs September 27-29, 2024Fall events and activities, here we come! There are some great fall events here in the Chicago suburbs this weekend! Be sure to check the weather before going out. Here are my picks:OngoingFebruary 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese gardenMel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-73400038790737477462024-09-23T07:07:00.010-05:002024-09-23T07:20:43.305-05:0012 Unique Valley Forge Facts Highlighting General George Washington's Winter Encampment As the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment during 1777-1778, Valley Forge National Historical Park unfolds a key period during the Revolutionary War. Valley Forge has long been one of my favorite places to visit having explored the park about a dozen times. No matter how many times I visit, I still am learning more. After my most recent adventure to Valley Forge, I have put Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-59081588813318088012024-09-20T06:21:00.001-05:002024-09-20T06:21:40.881-05:00Weekend Windup {Fall Fun in the Chicago Suburbs September 20-22, 2024} Happy weekend! My picks for fall family fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend are:OngoingFebruary 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.June 30 - October The Olmec Trails, the work of 33 artists painted on sculptures Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-20031377588121983412024-09-03T08:00:00.007-05:002024-10-11T07:25:04.704-05:00 18 Fall Favorites in the Chicago Suburbs for 2024 18 Fall Favorites in the Chicago Suburbs for 2024Time to plan for fall weekends in the Chicago suburbs! Enjoy this list of my favorite fall events for this year:Shades of Autumn Festival: Shades of Autumn Festival at Stade's Farm Market has long been one of my favorite fall events -- apple picking, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, a pumpkin cannon, farm animals to meet, a hayride, and soMel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-18824932225016878892024-08-23T06:31:00.007-05:002024-08-23T06:37:07.588-05:00Remnant Illinois Prairie and Wetlands, Nature Restoration, and Hiking at James "Pate" Philip State Park Summer is prairie season here in the Prairie State of Illinois. Much of the original prairie was destroyed to make way for farming, industry, and settlement. Only about one tenth of 1% of native Illinois prairie still exists today.* However, due to the nurturing of remnant prairie as well as restoration efforts, we are able to once again enjoy the prairie's tall grasses and vibrant flowers.Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-5732051657119149892024-08-16T08:30:00.003-05:002024-08-16T08:34:26.189-05:00Weekend Windup: {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs August 16-18, 2024}The weekend is here and there are some great events to check out in the Chicago suburbs. Here are my picks:Ongoing:February 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.March 1 - August 18 Victory at Home: 1941-1945, Elmhurst Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-77274669804195269152024-08-07T23:05:00.005-05:002024-08-13T07:17:40.226-05:00A Top Chicago Area Forest Preserve for Summer Prairie Flowers: Shoe Factory Road Prairie Summer brings brilliant displays of prairie flowers to the Illinois prairie. Recently, I visited Shoe Factory Road Prairie to bask in summer's joyful pink, purple, yellow, orange, and white flowers throughout the prairie. This was my first visit to this particular prairie and I was immediately enamored.Yellow compass flowers rise above the prairie.Shoe Factory Road Prairie represents a rareMel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-90637288126736020322024-07-26T08:06:00.004-05:002024-07-26T08:07:07.826-05:00Weekend Windup: {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs July 26-28, 2024} Here comes the weekend! Below, find my picks for family fun this weekend in the Chicago suburbs:Ongoing:February 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.March 1 - August 18 Victory at Home: 1941-1945, Elmhurst History Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-63641559424750034942024-07-24T08:51:00.009-05:002024-07-24T08:56:13.846-05:006 Places to See Prairie Flowers in the Chicago Suburbs Mid to late summer presents the perfect time to visit the prairie here in the Prairie State. You will find our local prairies alive with brilliant hues -- pinks, yellows, and oranges -- and abuzz with butterflies, bees, and birds. Today, I am sharing a few spots I love in the Chicago suburbs for exploring the Illinois prairie:1. Deer Grove East Forest Preserve: Located in Palatine, Deer Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-61152438715258041232024-07-08T07:51:00.003-05:002024-07-08T08:03:35.285-05:00High Cliff State Park Fascinates With Lake Winnebago Views and Rock Formations in Sherwood, Wisconsin Hiking in High Cliff State Park along Lake Winnebago was a must during our Oshkosh, Wisconsin getaway. While researching the trip, I learned about the preserve's rock formations and knew I had to make a visit. On a sunny Saturday morning, my daughter and I embarked on the 35-minute drive from Oshkosh to High Cliff State Park leading to a day of exploring a true natural treasure.Lake Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-34549527313175488532024-06-28T23:19:00.017-05:002024-06-29T06:38:36.184-05:00Long Weekend Getaway to Oshkosh, Wisconsin Looking for a spot for a quick, long weekend getaway far enough away from home to feel like we truly got away yet close enough that we did not spend too much time on travel, my daughter and I honed in on Oshkosh, Wisconsin and Lake Winnebago for a summer adventure. On a recent June weekend, we made the drive up to Oshkosh and enjoyed a few days full of beautiful views, hiking, adventuring, Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-7590070960878360332024-06-28T08:44:00.003-05:002024-06-28T08:44:40.061-05:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs June 29 - 30, 2024} My picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:Ongoing:February 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.March 1 - August 18 Victory at Home: 1941-1945, Elmhurst History Museum, explore home front efforts Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-51107172704741097512024-06-21T08:06:00.001-05:002024-06-21T08:06:15.802-05:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs June 21-23, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs June 21-23, 2024My picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:February 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.March 1 - August 18 Victory at Home: 1941-1945, Elmhurst Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-11652089638858763202024-06-14T08:04:00.002-05:002024-06-14T08:04:28.528-05:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs June 14-16, 2024}Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs June 14-16, 2024My picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:February 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.March 1 - August 18 Victory at Home: 1941-1945, Elmhurst History Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-78955202876342269132024-06-09T22:49:00.016-05:002024-06-09T23:03:21.987-05:00Hiking the Echo Rock Trail at Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin A lovely spring day beckoned me to explore the trails of Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin. I have passed this particular preserve countless times over the years when visiting family but have not managed to find the time to stop and explore. I made it a goal on my last trip and finally wandered through the site's enchanting woodlands.Calm Mirror Lake framed by the soft green Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0