NW Illinois Travel Blog
February 17, 2020
It's a bakery unlike any other. The small town of Oregon, IL has a bakery unlike any other. Located on the northeast corner of 3rd Street and IL Route 64 sits The Village…
January 13, 2020
The prairie story continues. “Prairies are rare. The tallgrass prairies of the Midwest are rarer still. Prairies support an irreplaceable variety of grasses and wildflowers along with a few species…
December 17, 2019
Come explore art in Rock Falls, IL and see what you’ll discover. See the world through an artist's eye on the banks of the Rock River. The Rock Falls Sculpture…
November 25, 2019
Illinois’ Largest Craft Distillery Rochelle is a thriving community offering an experience for all tastes – from relaxation to exhilaration – all with that hometown feel. It’s a community full…
October 17, 2019
Daydreams become reality I’m going to start by admitting that if you told me five years ago I would be traveling northwest Illinois, staying in a rustic cabin, and eating chocolate in a…
September 11, 2019
"Small town, BIG heart." I read this aloud as I stood in the heart of historic downtown Morrison. The light pole banners display powerful and descriptive words that describe this…
July 31, 2019
For those in need of a moment to breathe. If you’re looking for an escape from the daily hum around you – Pine Creek Escape in Mount Morris is it.…
July 17, 2019
Bringing the extreme to the mainstream Since 1968, Chicagoland Skydiving Center has been in the business of jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. They have since introduced more than 400,000…
June 14, 2019
There are times you need to clear your head. Nestled in a clearing deep in the forest of White Pines State Park -- less than 2 hours west of Chicago -- discover…
June 1, 2019
It's time for an adventure... Savanna, located on the Mississippi River, has always been known as an outdoor paradise offering exploration such as hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and boating. The…
April 30, 2019
Restaurant + Bakery + Inn = Perfection Molly’s in Mount Carroll, Illinois is known for their fresh ingredients, hand-crafted cocktails, beautiful ambiance, and top-notch customer service. Husband and wife team,…
April 30, 2019
UPDATE: Havencrest Castle in Savanna welcomes you to their realm of romance and dreams on weekends during the months of May & October. A combination of fantasy and reality The…
April 1, 2019
Sweetbean Café & Bakery in Byron, Illinois is one of those places that makes me appreciate getting to travel in northwestern Illinois. I get to write about places I’ve never…
March 8, 2019
Hairy Cow Brewing Company is the first brewpub in Ogle County Located in Byron, Illinois on the banks of the beautiful Rock River. I walked in and was immediately impressed…
January 20, 2019
A new life for the Oregon Coliseum A recently formed Oregon foundation has acquired three dioramas created by sculptor Lorado Taft (b. 1860 - d. 1936). In 1898, Taft was a…
January 8, 2019
Let's get lost in the woods It’s no surprise that when Illinoisans or Iowans want to escape the city or just get lost in the woods, they head to Mississippi…
January 5, 2019
Highest score in Illinois The Illinois Park & Recreation Association has announced that the 2018 Outstanding Facility and Park Award has been awarded to the Byron Forest Preserve District for…
December 17, 2018
Speechless. It would be impossible to exaggerate when I say the Lincoln Way Inn Bed & Breakfast is absolutely STUNNING. This historic property has been completely restored and brought back to…
November 23, 2018
If you know me, you know I love alpacas. When I found out that there was an Alpaca Ranch in Prophetstown, I knew I had to visit. The Deitrick's Alpaca…
October 26, 2018
This small business bursts with so much love and care, that you can feel it as soon as you are greeted at the door. Steam Anchor Coffee Company in Fulton, Illinois…
