Our first destination was at the newly built and impressive Caterpillar Visitors Center, commonly known as CAT. Our visit started off well as we were warmly greeted by the staff and our guide Autumn. We were also there on a special day as it was the former CEO’s 93rd birthday and he and his family were visiting along with the current CEO. We stepped into the theatre, which is housed inside the bed of a massive dump truck replica. The seats even shake! After a short welcome film, we made our way to the floor to climb into the drivers seats of real CAT machinery. It is like immersing yourself into your sandbox toys. The kids had a blast and had to be pried and carried away to the next area. We tried our skills at the training simulators to learn to drive and maneuver the large, yellow equipment. After you are done learning about the past, present, and future of this worldwide company, take a few minutes to peruse the well stocked gift shop. It has something for everyone.

*#ILMileMarkers Tip*: Be sure have at least two and a half hours to take it all in, especially if you have kids and don’t want to feel rushed.

Somewhere south of the city of Ohio on Route 26

Overshadowed by an Earthmover

Trying to cover a pipe on the simulator

Kelleher's, a great pub in Peoria

Building a car to race at the Peoria Riverfront Museum

National Lincoln Highway Association Headquarters in Franklin Grove

1918 Gas Station and Welcome Center in Rochelle

Our Peoria CVB contact suggested lunch at Kelleher’s Irish Pub that is within walking distance of CAT and the Riverfront Museum. It was a great choice! The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the staff was accommodating. We learned a little local boxing history from the displays around our table, as the owner was a former boxer. They serve Traditional Irish pub and American pub food and stock a full bar that includes 20 micro or import drafts and 90 different bottled beers, in addition to a reserve wine list. We started off with an order of Provolone sticks with marinara sauce. They were a hit with the whole family. I chose the special of the day a pulled pork sandwich served on a toasted Brioche bun and creamy coleslaw. My wife and daughter split the breaded chicken strips and potato wedges platter (chicken & chips) and my son had the chicken hot pot: a pot pie with a puff pastry on top instead of a top crust. Everything was served hot, seasoned well, and our glasses were never empty. It was a wonderful dining experience.

After our filling lunch, we made our way back to the Peoria Riverfront Museum ready to explore this new facility. Both the Caterpillar visitor center and Riverfront Museum both opened in October 2012 and are connected via a covered parking garage. The PRM has a wide variety of things to do: IMAX 3-D theater, a planetarium, children’s discovery area, large interactive senses section, history of the river, Peoria city history, and currently a photo exhibition on Ansel Adams. We first tried out a Tornado experience booth for $2.00. It is like a phone booth that projects winds up to 80 MPH. It did not blow us away. We then made our way to the Peoria street view exhibit which was a static and non-static timeline relating to the city. Before we had gotten too far though the kids found the children’s discovery area. They really enjoyed the activities, including building a race car and using a USB enabled portable microscope. We learned about locks and dams using interactive water tables and boats, caught some flying fish, and industries along the river. We also watched the Stars Over Peoria planetarium show, where my daughter caught a nap in the darkness. We will definitely be returning and hopefully soon as I was unable to see the photography exhibit this time around.

*#ILMileMarkers Tip*: I suggest taking a few hours out of your day for some engaging, interactive family fun to see all there is to see. If you have more time, you can watch a show at the IMAX Theater.

Now it was time to embark on our course along the Illinois River Road aka Ronald Reagan Trail. It was late afternoon as we traveled along the swollen banks of the Illinois River on this grey and rainy day. We made good time as we didn’t make any stops on our way to Dixon to connect with the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway commissioned in 1913. While traveling along the Lincoln Highway, look out for colorful murals and informative kiosk displays inside wooden Gazebos pertaining to its history in Illinois. We were hoping to visit the National Headquarters of the Lincoln Highway Association in the town of Franklin Grove, but they were closed. However, I was able to get a picture of the 1860 historic building built by Henry Isaac Lincoln that they occupy.

Our next stop was in Rochelle and the first gas station built along the Lincoln Highway in Illinois. It is a beautifully restored 1918 Standard Oil Filling Station. The station doubles as a visitor center, but it was closed when we arrived. We moved on down the road toward St. Charles and our overnight stop at the Geneva Motel Inn. After a long day of adventure we were ready to relax. Our room suited our needs satisfactorily as is was clean and quiet.

Stay tuned to read about the rest of our Illinois Mile Markers trip!

–Josh Friedrich, Illinois Mile Marker

View Illinois Mile Markers: Scenic Byways Itinerary in a larger map

Rocky Waters Vineyard and its lodge-like tasting room seem to blend right in with the natural landscape of the northwest Illinois hills.  Owners Jared & Phyllis Spahn even built the tasting room deck around a tree – leaving the large trunk just as they found it rather than it cut it down.

Rocky Waters Vineyard focuses on a natural approach to winemaking

Located on 112 acres of land in Hanover (just outside of Galena), this is an ideal place to slide up to bar with its wooded tabletop still featuring the rings of the trees that made it.  Say hi to Cocoa and Razzy, the dogs that roam the tasting room and try to win a spot on the couch before they curl up on the deep cushions in front of the large fireplace.

Owners Jared and Phyllis Spahn named the winery Rocky Waters after challenging their grandchildren to a contest.  One grandson won after describing the rocky bottoms of the streams on their extensive land.

The vineyard is located just outside of quaint Galena in Hanover (Photo: Galena/Jo Daviess County CVB)

My favorite wine here also reflects the respect that the Spahn’s show to the land that makes their grapes.

The Pear Tree Blush contains no pears, but tastes strongly of the fruit because the vines were planted around a pear tree (rather than tear the tree down).  Now the fruit sweetens the soil and therefore sweetens the wine from its grapes.

Cheers to another great day along the Northern Illinois Wine Trail!

–Jen Hoelzle, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism

The soda fountain’s fantastic story began when two brothers, Lewis and Harry Deck, inherited Deck’s Drug Store after their father passed. Honored to continue the family business, Lewis and Harry became registered pharmacists and ran the drug store to support the wonderful people of Girard. In 1929, the Deck brothers were proud and excited to add one of their best features, the soda fountain, which is still a delight to visitors today.

Outside the American classic Route 66 stop, Doc’s Soda Fountain

From delicious candy and unique flavored Cokes, to Doc’s world famous milkshakes, you can still experience the very treats that solidified the soda fountain as a Route 66 favorite so many years ago.

The store was recently re-named after the Deck brothers retired, but the old charm remains the same. New owners, Bob and Renae Ernst, continue to keep the traditional styling and vintage ambiance of the soda fountain alive, while also offering scrumptious lunches and beautiful gifts.

Experience the authentic vintage décor and treats of Doc’s Soda Fountain

To keep the antique and special spirit of the soda fountain and drug store, Bob and Renae enlisted the help of the Deck brothers to move iconic pharmacy pieces into the building. What resulted is an Illinois favorite – the Drug Store Museum! With everything from old medicines, equipment and vintage advertisements, the Drug Store Museum bursts with nostalgic memories.

As you plan your legendary road trip along Route 66, make sure to spend some time at Doc’s Soda Fountain and Drug Store Museum. Order a scrumptious milkshake along with your lunch and check out the enchanting vintage treasures awaiting you at the Drug Store Museum.

– The Illinois Office of Tourism

Prairie State Farm owners Maria and Rick grow their own grapes near Genoa, Illinois

Prairie State Winery, Genoa, IL (Northern Illinois Wine Trail)

When I strolled into the Prairie State Winery on Main Street in Genoa – just about an hour northwest of Chicago – I was very surprised to find metal pails, filled with beach toys, alongside brightly colored streamers that weaved between bottles of wine and cans of preserves and pickled cauliflower.

“We’re planning a beach party to welcome the spring,” explained owner Maria Mamoser from behind the counter as she poured wines made almost entirely from Illinois grapes.

Maria and Rick Mamoser were once schoolteachers who traded in their long commutes to open a country store and winery.  Because they believe in “thinking globally and drinking locally,” they “import” many of their grapes from Illinois locations with a milder climate – places like Benton, Pittsfield and Lawrenceville.

They grow their own cold-hardy grapes in a vineyard near Genoa and the combination of these different Illinois grapes make for many award-winning wines at Prairie State.  In fact, Rick was recently named the 2013 Illinois Wine Maker of the Year by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association.

My two favorites were the Chambourcin Reserve for its smoothness and the Cabernet Franc for its bold kick.  Both award winning reds.  The latter even won “Best Wine in Illinois” two years in a row!

Maria and Rick also sell a variety of products made in Illinois, like jalepeno raspberry preserves and corn salsa made at Kathy’s Kitchen, a canning business based in a small town just west of Springfield called Virginia.

Prairie State Winery won “Best Wine in Illinois” two years in a row from the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association

The embrace of small-town living is felt throughout the cozy tasting room, where neighbors relax at tables built from barrels and listen to live music at the popular “Friday Night Wine Down.”

The production room here even uses Illinois wind.  It’s powered from a single wind turbine that Maria and Rick built in their ongoing effort to make their winery as sustainable as possible.

Check out the wind turbine in the back and don’t miss a chance to see one of the new Lincoln Highway murals just out front.

Thanks for the grape story, Maria and Rick!

Cheers!

-Jen Hoelzle, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism

The only problem is with all these schedules, where do you find the time to take that long, wonderful vacation?

I couldn’t find the time to take a “real vacation” so that is when I decided to take a “mini-vacation” and where better than in my hometown of Chicago? When on a vacation, we all seem to hit up certain iconic sites in a new city. But, unless relatives are coming in from out of town, I always forget to be a tourist in my own city! So, I decided to plan a “girl’s getaway weekend”! I planned this getaway not with my “mom friends”, but with my little girls, ages 10 and 8 and my sister and niece, age 7.

The JW Marriott is a family- friendly hotel located in the heart of downtown Chicago

The Shedd Aquarium is one of our favorite places in Chicago

Exploring the Shedd Aquarium's many interactive exhibits

Our girls were fascinated with the jellies, the Shedd's latest exhibit

Gorgeous skyline shot taken from Chicago's Museum Campus

Giordano’s is the perfect spot to fill up on Chicago's famous deep dish pizza

The Valeo spa provides a customized experience in a serene environment

The impressive Valeo decor

The delicious food at Chicago's Harry Caray’s restaurant

THE JW MARRIOT – beautifully appointed family- friendly hotel located in the heart of downtown

After we had packed up and picked the girls up from school, we headed downtown to the JW Marriott, located right in the heart of the city. Now, I’ve been to Marriott’s before, but I have to say that I was absolutely blown away by the JW Marriott. It was not only beautiful, but the level of service was unbelievable. I felt like I walked into one of the most luxurious hotels in Chicago yet the hotel was also super family friendly. When we walked in, we were greeted with a warm welcome and in the lobby the girls saw beautiful glass jars filled with water and fresh fruit. The kids got to fill glasses with this refreshing drink and the bellmen just smiled on. No one was worried about kids touching things. In fact, they encouraged it.

When we got to our rooms, the spaces were so relaxing and modern. I have stayed in many nice hotels in Chicago and I have to say this was top of the line in terms of accommodations. The girls loved the rooms with their view of the Willis Tower. We stayed in a suite with a dividing door for all 5 of us girls. This was great because we were all together but still had our own space. Plus, there was a living room in between where we could all chat and talk about our day. But, the biggest surprise was the bathroom. The JW Marriott suites have the biggest bathtub I have ever seen in a hotel…. especially in a city hotel. This was one splurge that was definitely worth it!

The Peninsula Lobby for Dinner – yes, it is kid friendly!

After the excitement of discovering the hotel, we headed off to dinner but had to decide where to go that the moms would love and feel relaxed but also was kid friendly. A good suggestion came from an acquaintance to try the 5 star Peninsula Hotel for dinner. Now, I know what you are thinking. A 5 star hotel kid friendly?! However, the key was to have dinner in the lobby of the Peninsula. Not only was it a beautiful setting but it was a warm and comfortable atmosphere. As we arrived, we heard a quartet playing on a balcony overlooking the lobby. I was a bit worried that it might be classical music and might have the girls bored but I didn’t say anything, hoping they might take a liking to classical. However, all of a sudden as we sat down, my daughter said, “Mommy they are playing Kelly Clarkson. It’s Blown Away”. They loved it and started mouthing the words. Every classical song was a pop song in disguise. The parents loved it because it was a string quartet and the kids loved that it was “their music”. The food was excellent and after eating dinner, the server surprised us and told us about the dessert table. Our girls eyes and mouths were wide open as they saw the 20 foot plus long table filled with the most beautiful little pastries and cakes. It was a kid’s dream and a mom’s too!

After a wonderful night at The Peninsula, we headed back to dreamland rested our heads on down-filled pillows at the JW Marriott dreaming about our adventure on Saturday in Chicago.

Breakfast at the JW Marriott’s Il Fortino restaurant– eclectic breakfast dishes and big orders of pancakes

We woke up to a beautiful sunny spring day! We had breakfast at the hotel’s Il Fortino. The Il Fortino had huge portions for breakfast. The girls all split the pancakes but my sister and I opted for something different, as the Il Fortino is known for twists on breakfast fare. They didn’t disappoint!

The Shedd Aquarium – Beluga whales, dolphins and jellies – all located on the shore of Lake Michigan

After filling up on breakfast, we headed over to the Shedd Aquarium. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this is one of my girls’ favorite places in Chicago. Our favorite attraction was a tie between the beautiful beluga whale and her baby (so cute) and the jellies….the latest exhibit at the Shedd. The jellies was so colorful and it amazing to see these unusual creatures up close. Also, it was a great educational experience because we learned about jellies from all over the world! Oh, and we couldn’t forget the sea otters, who loved to play and show off to us from behind the glass.

Giordano’s for lunch – Good ol’ Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Lunchtime at Giordano’s and their famous deep dish pizza. Before we headed to our next museum, we had to feed our hungry stomachs and what better way to do that than to have a legendary Chicago deep dish pizza. We headed over to Giordano’s located right off Rush Street. Something to keep in mind, Deep Dish Pizza takes about 45-50 minutes to cook, so on advice from a friend, I called ahead and ordered the pizza 40 minutes before we arrived. This is super helpful because kids do not like to wait long for food when they are hungry. And, that said, neither do us adults.

So, within 10 minutes of arriving at Giordano’s, we dug into our deep dish pizza and took a bite out of a Chicago legend! Another tip- order a small thin crust. My 10 year old enjoyed the deep dish but I guess the deep dish must have looked huge to my 8 year old daughter and 7 year old niece. As the minute they saw the deep dish, they wouldn’t even try it (must be the age). Luckily, I had ordered a small thin crust. The younger girls were happy and us parents and my 10 year-old all smiled and thought, “yeah more deep dish for us”!

VALEO SPA – JW Marriott – A customized experience in a serene environment

My sister, Catie and I switched off watching kids at the pool and getting a massage at the Valeo spa in the JW Marriott. I was glad I brought my sister because the kids were happy in the pool and switching off duties worked out perfectly for us to have some much needed “me time”. Catie and I both chose the massage and we were surprised by the level of service provided by the spa. Valeo’s concept is different from any other spa I have ever been to. They really want you to have a customized experience so several days before my spa appointment, they gave me a call and asked me all sorts of questions. As a result, the day I got my massage, I had a masseuse that knew exactly what I wanted, the perfect amount of pressure all complimented by the lovely lavender smells that I love. Only problem was, I didn’t want to leave!

However, dinner was around the corner and I was excited to experience the famous Chicago restaurant started by the legendary Cubs broadcaster, Harry Caray.

Harry Caray’s – not just a burger joint

I have to say that when I arrived at Harry Carey’s I was expecting a nice sit down “burger type of place”, so I was surprised to find white table clothes and steak and seafood on the menu. Of course, they do have hamburgers on the menu, but what I loved most was that is was in a casual atmosphere surrounded by sports memorabilia. So, I could have what I really wanted, which was a really nice sit down dinner, all while keeping the kids happy too. In addition to all the sports memorabilia, the girls loved looking around at all the photos of the celebs that had dined at Harry Caray’s. And, the service, I have to say, was outstanding. I ordered a beautiful Pinot Noir to go with my perfectly prepared steak with a baked potato and sautéed mushrooms. The girls had their kid’s menu and were entertained by all the fun things to see in the restaurant and my sister and I both had a nice glass of vino and a beautiful steak. Needless to say, we were in heaven! As I dined and looked around the restaurant, I got one last surprise. Dutchie Carey, the late Harry Caray’s wife, strolled into the dining room and sat down to dine two tables away from us. Of course, I thought to myself, only in down to earth Chicago would you see Dutchie Carey, a local Chicago celeb, in her own right, dine two tables away from us.

At the end of the meal, it was such a beautiful evening, we decided to take in the city and stroll through the flower lined streets back to the beautifully appointed kid-friendly JW Marriott. What a wonderful “girls getaway” it was. We bonded, we laughed and we enjoyed Chicago like true tourists!

Of course, the girls are already asking, “When can we do it again?”

– Colleen Kelly, Illinois Mile Marker

Thanks to our partners for making this trip possible, including the JW Marriott, the Valeo Spa and CityPASS. Want to follow in Mile Marker Colleen Kelly’s footsteps? Travel the below map!

View Illinois Mile Markers: Chicago Itinerary in a larger map

Blue Sky Vineyard is a Tuscan-inspired retreat along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

The only thing better than the wines of Illinois are the people who make it.  These are people who had a dream and saw it through. They plant, pick, and pour all year round in every corner of this state.

We now have two – two! – designated American Viticultural Areas in Illinois.  This is big time.  It means winemakers can put a geographic pedigree on their labels.  Translation: Illinois grapes are good enough to brag about.

Since I’ve challenged myself to visit all 102 counties of Illinois in one year, I figure I can get to most of the 100 wineries along our seven unique wine trails.

And, all along the way, I promise to post for you the stories behind the grapes.

I’ll begin this blog series with a trip to Blue Sky Vineyard, a Tuscan-inspired retreat along the magnificent Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

Blue Sky Vineyard (Shawnee Hills Wine Trail)

After lounging at this lovely winery with its live music and sprawling grape vines, I see why Blue Sky Vineyard bills itself as offering, “the romance of Italy in the hills of Southern Illinois.” I’m a believer.  Blue Sky brought me right back to the semester I spent in Italy, where my apartment overlooked a Tuscan vineyard.

But at Blue Sky, there was live music playing and the crowd was relaxed, but active.  Dancing and singing at times to the two country crooners based out of Tennessee (but claiming Illinois roots).

The beautiful Tuscan inspired façade of the winery

From the balcony of an overnight suite, I watched the crowd in the sprawling tasting room below and sipped an award-winning white wine that actually shocked me.  I enjoy a good white wine, but always settle on red when it comes to drinking a full glass.

Not this time.  The Vignoles is fresh and crisp with hints of grapefruit. I was in wine heaven – easy to channel from my perch high above the tasting room.  Apparently, the TODAY Show felt the same way about Blue Sky’s Vignoles, since co-hosts and legendary wine lovers, Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, raved about the wine during a recent on-air taste test.

Blue Sky is known for its unique labels, including the Misterioso, a medium-bodied rose` with a drawing of a statue gracing its bottle. You can actually see the statue in the tasting room.

The grapevines at Blue Sky Vineyard

While it’s hard to pull yourself away from this vineyard where you could easily spend the entire afternoon – and even the whole night in one of those lovely suites – I also recommend checking out nearby Giant City State Park Lodge.  The restaurant there is renowned for its all-you-can-eat family style chicken dinner.  And it is not to be missed.

For the adventurers, check out the new entirely tree-based, eco-friendly Canopy Tour featuring eight zip lines, three aerial bridges, and a bird’s eye view of 83 acres of Shawnee National Forest.  (Just do it before you drink the wine.)

Cheers!

-Jen Hoelzle, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism

Do you remember a family vacation from your childhood that stands out in your mind as extra special?

I bet you can vividly recall every detail of that trip, right down to the gigantic banana split your parents let you order all by yourself – because you were on vacation. Maybe it was your first time on an airplane. Maybe you remember playing road trip games in the car with your siblings to pass the time, like counting how many different state license plates you could spot.

Special vacation treats create memories that last a lifetime (Photo credit: Mark Segal)

Family vacations are an important part of keeping family members connected to each other, and memories created during those special family moments can often last a lifetime. In fact, according to the U.S. Travel Association, three quarters of vacationers older than 55 say they still have vivid memories of childhood vacations, more vivid than memories of school events or even birthdays. Even birthdays? Yes, that’s right. The things we do during vacations form the most lasting memories.

Not only does travel keep family members connected, but it also helps to strengthen romantic relationships. A survey by the U.S. Travel Association revealed that couples who travel together have better relationships – and better sex – than those who stay home. Of the 1,100 U.S. adults surveyed, 77% of those who travel as a couple say that have a good sex life, compared with 63% of couples who don’t travel together.

Public beaches in Chicago offer a convenient family playground complete with sand, water and sun! (Photo credit: Mark Segal)

The personal benefits of travel, including relationship building, happiness and engagement, make up the “Travel Effect” – this year’s theme for the U.S. Travel Association’s annual National Travel and Tourism Week. 2013 marks the 29^th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week, and we are excited to be celebrating once again in Illinois this year. Traditionally, the industry commemorates the week with rallies, special events and by encouraging legislatures to help make strides and improvements that will benefit travelers in their local and state communities.

This year, Illinois is showcasing how travel makes our lives better. To help celebrate the Travel Effect theme, we are encouraging people to share their greatest travel moments in Illinois with us, through the Magnificent Stuff campaign. Starting on May 6, participants can submit their favorite photos and videos to us via the Enjoy Illinois Facebook Page, our YouTube channel or a special website, for a chance to have their “stuff” featured in an Illinois advertisement later this summer.

As we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week and the “Travel Effect” here in Illinois, I urge you to take a step back from your busy schedule and the stressors of everyday life. Sit down with your family and carve out time to getaway on that family vacation you’ve been talking about for years.

Maybe it is discovering stunning wonders in Chicago, like world-renowned museums, magnificent skyscrapers and acclaimed restaurants. Or, it’s stepping back through time during a stroll down Galena’s historic and picturesque Main Street. Maybe it is zipping through the trees of the breathtaking Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois, or walking in the footsteps of one our nation’s greatest Presidents in the Land of Lincoln. Whatever it is, take the time to escape and spend quality time with your family.

Take your family to new heights in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest

I welcome you and your family to Illinois and hope your trip is filled with lots of laughs, fun and most importantly, great memories.

Happy travels!

–Jen Hoelzle, Deputy Director

Illinois Office of Tourism

With the help of the new 2013 Travel Guide, we’ve rounded up ten of the best shops for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Make sure to bring a bag big enough to bring home all of your new found treasures and treats!

1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Store

If you’re looking for a great place to find Abraham Lincoln memorabilia, start with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Store. Pick up a reprint of the famous Gettysburg Address or sample Honest Abe’s favorite eats with the A. Lincoln Cookbook.

Find historic treasures at the ALPLM

2. Art Institute of Chicago Shop

The extraordinary Art Institute of Chicago offers a great shop to find knick-knacks, such as a poster or notecards featuring your favorite artists’ work. Or, go home with your own piece of art with one of the shop’s hand crafted pieces of jewelry.

3. Cahokia Mounds Museum Gift Shop

At the dynamic Cahokia Mounds Museum Gift Shop, you can find authentic Native American crafts, books on cultural traditions and even replicas of the artifacts found at the site.

4. Caterpillar Visitors Center Store

Catch an insider’s look of the fascinating work of Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, at the brand new Visitors Center. Make sure to swing by the Visitors Center Store to pick up a “Cat hat” and so much more!

The new state-of-the-art Caterpillar Visitors Center

5. Chicago History Museum Store

Browse Windy City themed books, Chicago inspired gifts or take home a magic trick set from the Chicago History Museum Store.

6. Field Museum Main Store

At the Field Museum Main Store, find incredible treasures like the “Paint & Play SUE,” a take-home art kit of the museum’s famous dinosaur on exhibit.

7. Museum of Science and Industry Shops

The exciting toy maker is one of many specialties at the Museum of Science and Industry

Discover not one, but three unique shops at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Stop by The Kids Stop Shop to bring home fun science themed toys, like the best-selling “brain kits.”

8. John Deere Store

If you’re a John Deere fan, this store is an absolute must! It’s located next to the John Deere Pavilion, which offers an up-close look at the company’s history, products and solutions to provide food for the world’s growing population. Grab t-shirts with the iconic leaping deer logo or bring a toy home for your smaller farmers.

9. Museum Store at the Illinois State Museum

While visiting the state capital, visit the Museum Store at the Illinois State Museum to pick up wonderful and unique jewelry, ceramics and paintings by Illinois artists.

10. Super Museum Store

The home of Superman is filled with extraordinary gifts and tokens celebrating the Man in Steel. At the Super Museum Store, you can pick up a collectible comic book, kryptonite rock candy and even Wonder Woman themed gifts!

Classic Superman treasures you can’t wait to take home!

–The Illinois Office of Tourism

The incredible stone fort at Fort de Chartres

One town in particular, Prairie du Rocher, is a must-see for history buffs, families and curious travelers alike. Translated to “prairie by the rock,” Prairie du Rocher has a phenomenal story. The French village was founded in 1722 as the fourth European settlement in Illinois, after the establishment of Fort de Chartres on the fertile land beneath the Mississippi River bluffs. For years, Prairie du Rocher provided grain and other food resources to New Orleans and communities within the Louisiana Territory. Today, you can explore amazing historical sites such as Fort de Chartres and the Creole House.

At Fort de Chartres, experience 18^th Century living first-hand. The last of three 18^th Century forts in the United States, Fort de Chartres served as the epicenter for the for the Illinois County French Administration from 1720-1763. The archaeological remains of this remarkable stone fort are meticulously preserved for visitors to discover.

Watch the village come to life with live performances and activities at Prairie du Rocher

While you’re visiting, make sure to spend time at the picturesque Creole House, built in 1800 by Dr. Robert McDonald who migrated to Prairie du Rocher from South Carolina. Later on, the house served as the birthplace of Henry Clay Hansroughs, the first Congressman from North Dakota.

There’s nothing like spending time immersed in a rich and inspiring community, one that’s excited to share its American and Illinois History. When planning your trip, don’t forget to check out the calendar of events for reenactments and special festivals.

– The Illinois Office of Tourism

People are drawn to Chicago’s Farmhouse Tavern for a variety of reasons. Some visit for the 28 craft beers on tap, their local wine on draft, delicious homemade sodas, or fresh from the farm ingredients. Others go for the rustic heartland ambiance in the midst of the bustling city, or to be reminded of a simpler time. Whatever the reason, people continue go back to Farmhouse time and time again to be greeted by the Irishman at the door.

Raised in a fishing village in Ireland, Ferdia Doherty didn’t set out to be a restaurateur. He fueled his creativity in the design and marketing industry, running his own agency in Chicago for seven years. That all changed when Ferdia met TJ Callahan, a veteran in the restaurant turnaround business and fellow Irishman. TJ hired Ferdia’s company to work on a project with Irish pubs, admittedly because of Ferdia’s Irish roots.

Chef Eric Mansavage and Ferdia Doherty of Farmhouse Tavern

Ferdia and TJ’s strong Irish personalities instantly clicked and their business relationship morphed into an idea to co-own Chicago’s first farm-to-tavern restaurant.

Inspired by the bounty of the Midwest, and chef Eric Mansavage’s roots, Farmhouse specializes in locally sourced food and drink. As a child, Ferdia remembers eating his father’s catch of the day, meat from his neighbor’s farm, and vegetables and cheese from local farms. These early memories formed his belief that it’s important to know where your food comes from.

Farmhouse’s rustic ambiance is a cozy retreat in the heart of Chicago

“Beer Nuts” and craft brews offer an explosion of flavors

Farmhouse brings Ferdia’s belief to life. The tavern makes its burgers, condiments, desserts and sodas from scratch – a difference you can taste from the first mouthwatering bite to the last morsel of delicious goodness. All ingredients, beer and wine are sourced from states that border Lake Michigan, with a vast majority from right here in Illinois. The local flavors give diners a true taste of what Illinois is all about.

What’s not to love with signature dishes like the Farmhouse “Classic” pasture raised, Grass-fed Burger, sourced from Quarter Circle Seven Ranch in Marengo, IL, or the Indiana Duck Breast Schnitzel, served with warm potato salad and perfectly prepared with cherry demi-glace. Even better, all of the dishes at Farmhouse can be paired with craft brews from great craft beer houses, like the Chicago-based Revolution Brewing Company’s “Cross of Gold” ale or a fantastic glass of wine on draft from Fox Valley Winery in Oswego, IL.

Get a hearty taste of the Midwest with Farmhouse’s Beer Braised Grass-Fed Beef and Roasted Root Vegetable Pastie

Main Harvest dishes, like the Half Roasted Amish Chicken, highlight the best flavors of what’s in season

Next time you’re in Chicago, pay a visit to Ferdia at Farmhouse for a truly local dining experience. Farmhouse Tavern is located at 228 W. Chicago Avenue, just steps away from the CTA Brown Line Chicago stop. Reservations are accepted.

You can find Farmhouse on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube or by following the below map. And, check back next month for Part II of our Farmhouse feature in which we sit down with chef Eric Mansavage.

– The Illinois Office of Tourism

View Illinois Mile Markers: Farmhouse Chicago in a larger map