Embrace Adventure, Capture Moments, Celebrate Life – For Hip Women Over 50
Illinois is the perfect balance of big-city energy and small-town charm. Chicago may be the City of Big Shoulders, but the whole state carries a giant load, offering everything from iconic landmarks to offbeat stops that make great road trip detours.
I’ve kind of accidentally fallen in love with scouring Northern Illinois’ back roads and looking for Roadside attractions. They give me a reason to hop out of the car, stretch my legs, and chat with fellow travelers. If you see me setting up my tripod for a selfie, wave hello! Illinois never disappoints when it comes to quirky stops and friendly faces.
The whole town looks like someone with too many extension cords had the time of their life, and Santa always makes an appearance. This year, I finally got to experience it myself with a visit to McHenry County for Christmas in Illinois during the most wonderful time of the year.
Southern Illinois doesn’t wait until you reach the deep South to bring the charm. Right along I-70, you’ll find a whole lineup of quirky roadside surprises worth tapping the brakes for. Pack a sunscreen stick if you’re traveling during sunny weather – all this hopping in and out of the car for selfies can lead to a powerful (and surprise) burn.
Good news! Central Illinois is full of quirky roadside finds! In fact, this part of the state of Illinois is where historic sites, small towns, and cheerful roadside weirdness all mingle together in a way that makes my heart happy!
So, in between the big attractions, I’ve tracked down some wonderfully weird and whimsical stops that show off Chicago’s quirky personality. These spots are perfect for a day trip, a solo adventure, or a detour between museums and shopping sprees on the Magnificent Mile.
You may know Illinois for Chicago and the big-city experience. Still, some of my favorite stops in the Prairie State are quietly tucked away along back roads and in the less urban corners. I mean, the city doesn’t even whisper Prairie, so right off the bat, you can expect more to explore than big-city life.
And boy, did I find a small town with a big story when I rolled into historic downtown Casey, Illinois, right off Illinois Route 49. I’ve seen plenty of quirky roadside attractions across the U.S., but none quite like Casey, Illinois, this small town that turned big ideas into an art form.
Who knew that the picturesque landscape of Southern Illinois is home to a fantastic wine trail? I sure didn’t until I stopped along my travels to explore the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. As I explored this beautiful area, I stopped at several wineries for a look around and a few quick sips of delightful Illinois wines. Let me tell you what I found, and I bet you’ll be as excited to check it out as I was!
could barely see my own hood ornament. I had no idea that one of the largest crosses in the United States was waiting for me at the top, and as I’d soon learn, it’s also one of the most powerful and faith-filled.