Chicago, Illinois is the third most populous city in the United States. Each year, an additional 50 million tourists from all over the country visit the city of Chicago, and then are joined by another 1.3 million tourists from all over the world, making Chicago one of the planet’s most popular cities. Tourists visiting enjoy the upscale shopping, the long-standing theater tradition, the wealth of music of all styles, including world-class blues, jazz, gospel, soul and house. The fine dining and Chicago cuisine are world-renowned, the nightlife never quits, there are museums for art, science, natural history and more. And Chicago is also home to major sports teams, their historic arenas, and sporting events. The city’s history is quite rich: you will never run out of fun Illinois tourist attractions to visit while vacationing in Chicago.

While you’re on your Illinois getaway, get out of the big city for awhile, and take a tour of [...]

Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock Recreational Area is the jewels in the crown of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest of southern Illinois.

Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock/Pounds Hollow Recreational area are two must see locations on the eastern side of the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois. Both are located just off Karbers Ridge blacktop 30 minutes from Harrisburg. Garden of the Gods consists of spectacular overlooks and views of unusual rock formations. One formation, known as Camel Rock, and will be featured in the America the Beautiful Quarter Program representing Illinois in 2016. Garden of the Gods has been listed in “USA Today” as one of “Ten Great Places to Get Nature on Film”. There are two main trail systems. The “Observation Trail” is a .25 mile stone path featuring some of the most well known formations. The view [...]

Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind art, wine, or antiques, or exploring the great outdoors, Trails to Adventure in Southernmost Illinois can take you there.

The trails begin in the rolling Southern Illinois countryside where you can sip your way along and discover truly surprising and authentic wine culture on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

Bed and Breakfasts dot the region and are great launching pads for wine tasting, hiking or biking enthusiasts. Cabins in the area can offer a secluded getaway.

An old railway converted bike path, The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 45-mile trail winding through farmland, thick woods, lush wetlands and a tunnel for which it was named.

Nearby, the Shawnee National Forest offers, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and some of the best fishing around along with 5 miles of interconnecting trails and the popular Observation Trail where breathtaking views can be found.

You won’t want to miss the Garden of [...]

Come visit Jacksonville, Illinois, a community rich in historical treasures, with thriving arts, education, and culture, and wrapped in Midwest hospitality. Centrally located between St. Louis and Chicago and near Springfield, Jacksonville offers an excellent place to live, work, and play.

To the first time visitor, Jacksonville is full of the unexpected. From our Civil War and Abraham Lincoln connections, to the modern businesses of today, the area offers something for everyone. There is a small-town friendliness mixed with vibrancy from a richness of natural sites, intellectual institutions, and businesses.

Interested in history? Then Jacksonville is the perfect place to spend some time. The city’s rich heritage includes numerous interesting sites that help make history relevant to new generations. Destination choices include the murals of downtown Jacksonville that depict our history in a unique artistic fashion. Or, visit one of the many Underground Railroad sites, including Woodlawn Farm, or [...]

Located in a safe and exciting area this award-winning hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast with fresh waffles, free access to Bally’s Health Club next door, expanded cable TV with HBO and Lodgenet pay-per-view, USA Today newspaper, and duvets or triple sheeted beds. All rooms have 27″ TV’s, laptop safes, alarm clock radios, hairdryers, and voice mail. Business-class rooms offer extra amenities including 30% additional Wyndham Rewards points! Convenient valet parking is available.

Guests walk to Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park Zoo, Diversey Driving Range, DePaul University, Children’s Memorial Hospital and other world-renowned hospitals, Chicago Beaches and Chicago’s LGBT Community. Just minutes north of the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, the Chicago Loop, Millennium Park, The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, McCormick Place, and Merchandise Mart, the hotel is close to cultural institutions as well as world class shopping.

Days Inn Chicago

644 W. Diversey Pkwy

Chicago, IL 60614

Located in Central Illinois where Interstates 57 and 70 meet, Effingham has a little something for everyone. With 19 hotels and over 60 restaurants, Effingham provides the very best in service and hospitality and welcomes visitors to come spend a few days exploring what the city and surrounding communities have to offer.

Local attractions in the city include: The Cross at the Crossroads, which stands at 198 feet; The Rosebud Theatre, which hosts live performances by local, regional and national performers; Ballard Nature Center, where visitors can explore nature as they hike wooded trails; and Lake Sara, which is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline.

Effingham is also home to several annual events, such as the Corvette Funfest, Funfest for Air Cooled VWs, Wonderland in Lights, and Sculpture on the Avenues.

For more information about the city, visit http://www.visiteffinghamil.com or call 1-800-772-0750 to request a free Visitors Guide.

With so many choices, [...]