One State, One Plate, One Story: Getting to Know your Illinois Farm Neighbors

**Disclosure: Illinois Farm Families invited my to enjoy a farm-to-table meal and meet local Illinois farmers. My meal was complimentary. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Last week, I attended an incredible farm-to-table dinner hosted by Illinois Farm Families in conjunction with Momma Cuisine at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The evening provided an opportunity to learn about farming in Illinois, where our food comes from and how it is produced.

Wednesday Weekend Windup {Taco Fest, Greek Fest, Hot Air Balloons and More}

The weekend is almost here! Fortunately in the summer weekends often start early! There is plenty of fun to be had this weekend in the Chicago suburbs! Here are my picks:

Hiking and Skipping Stones in Matthiessen State Park in Illinois

Canyons, bluffs, waterfalls, ponds, a lake, a stream, caverns and more make Matthiessen State Park in Utica, Illinois a natural wonder. We were immediately enchanted during a recent hike at Matthiessen a couple of weeks ago. Take a peek:

Relaxing at Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton, Illinois

On our recent visit to Alton, we were thrilled to discover Old Bakery Beer Company. I can tell you that had the microbrewery been in Alton when we lived there, we would have spent many an hour there. We stopped in for a lunch and immediately fell in love. I mean, any place where Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, Miles Davis, Robert Wadlow and the Piasa Bird settle at the bar has to be awesome!

Exploring Nature and Reveling in Views at Pere Marquette State Park

Pere Marquette State Park provides some of the best hiking trails in Illinois. Nature lovers know Pere Marquette as a spot where bald eagles nest in the winter. However, the preserve provides for a range of nature adventures year round.

Wednesday Weekend Windup {Irish Fest, Fan Con, Trolls and More}

Looking for Trolls at The Morton Arboretum

Family fun picks in the Chicago suburbs for this weekend:

Discovering Grafton, Illinois Along the Great River Road

When my husband and I lived in Alton, Illinois, we relished weekend rides along the Great River Road. The drive along the Mississippi River has some of the most incredible views that I have seen. The spectacular views of the river and the bluffs instantly transport you away from your daily worries.