Illinois
Places to Visit in Illinois
Illinois
Things to Do in Illinois
Explore the beautiful state of Illinois on your next weekend getaway.
Ideas
Romantic Weekend Getaways in Illinois
Plan a weekend trip to one of these beautiful inns to relax with spa treatments, great food and wine tasting.
More Feature Stories
Illinois offered more than I expected—and it revealed itself slowly. From the creative energy of Chicago to the stillness of river towns and prairie trails, I remember thinking, “This is a place that lets you settle in, one layer at a time.” It wasn’t always loud, but it stayed with me in ways that mattered.
What stayed with me were the contrasts: a blues tune echoing down a side street, a cornfield glowing at sunset, the hush inside a historic home that had weathered generations. I felt rooted in the land and lifted by the culture. Illinois didn’t try to impress—it just unfolded, with depth and ease. I left with a sense of place that felt both grounded and quietly rich.
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Whether you're craving a weekend in Chicago, small-town charm along the Great River Road, forest hikes, historic sites, or scenic drives through farmland and fall colors, these guides reflect the Illinois I came to know. It’s a place that gives more the closer you look.
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