Illinois travel

Southern Illinois is a road-tripper's paradise, especially if you're the type who loves hidden gems that feel like your own private discovery. Recently, Cheapism scoured the country to compile a list of “hidden gem destinations” that every curious traveler should explore.

Discover the best NEW way to eat your way around the city of Chicago. Stop in to eat, drink, or both at one of the restaurants featured on the first two seasons of FX's hit show, The Bear.

Turns out, happiness isn't just for sunny beaches and palm trees—it’s right here in the Midwest too! Believe it or not, both Illinois and Wisconsin have cities that made the cut on the 2024 "Happiest Cities in America" list. So, while we may deal with polar vortexes and cheese curd overloads, there's still plenty to smile about in our neck of the woods. Let's dive into what makes our Midwest charm unbeatable when it comes to living the good life.

Unwind in the midst of Illinois' wildlife at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City.

As someone who's proudly called Rockford home for the past 30 years, I can tell you firsthand that it's a city full of character, charm, and a few quirks that even lifelong residents can't help but laugh at. But sometimes, it's good to poke a little fun at the places we love. Below is a roast of Rockford that had me cracking up, courtesy of ChatGPT—it's all in good fun, so don't take it too seriously!

Embark on a wine trail journey in Illinois this fall to elevate your seasonal celebrations.

Guy Fieri has traveled across the country, but some of his most memorable food adventures have happened in Chicago. From smoky BBQ to creative fusion dishes, here’s a look back at five of his favorite Windy City spots featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

Even die-hard spring and summer fans will admit that fall trips to apple orchards are pretty much unbeatable. Luckily for us, Illinois is blessed with plenty of amazing options for those apple-picking adventures, including one just ranked amongst the 20 best in America.

All this time, I've been doing the usual orchard stuff—sipping cider, munching on donuts, picking apples, and hauling home goodies—yet missing out on something pretty spectacular at this orchard 45 minutes from Rockford

As the air gets crisper and the days shorter, it's time to harness all the cozy, feel-good vibes that fall has to offer. But why settle for a simple walk in the park when you could hijack your brain’s feel-good chemicals in hilarious and questionable ways?