Admiring Bluffs and The Big Muddy River Hiking the Little Grand Canyon Trail in Shawnee National Forest in Illinois
Shawnee National Forest presents a natural cornucopia inviting visitors to explore a range of nature adventures. During our recent hiking trip to Shawnee National Forest, the view from the Little Grand Canyon really stood out.
Magical Experience Wandering the Unique Bald Cypress Swamp of Shawnee National Forest
Heron Pond represents an incredibly distinctive collection of ecosystems for Illinois. Bald cypress trees only grow natively in Illinois in Southern Illinois. The many hundred year old bald cypress trees inside of Heron Pond inside Cache River State Natural Area craft a mysterious scene within the wetland. Wandering the paths of the Heron Pond unfolded an almost otherworldly experience during our recent visit to Shawnee National Forest -- one not to be missed!
Chicago Suburban Family Fun April 17-18, 2021
The weekend is here and spring is sharing its cheer! Here are my picks for fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:
An early spring hike took us to the trails of Bowes Creek Woods Forest Preserve in Elgin. Bowes Creek boasts a natural fabric of prairie, woodland and a bubbling creek. Immediately upon embarking on the trail, we were greeted by red-winged blackbirds. We knew we would enjoy this preserve!
Welcoming Cooper's Hawk's Newest Addition to the Chicago Suburbs
**Disclosure: I did receive a complimentary meal in order to bring this review to you. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
We began visiting Cooper's Hawk not too long after an early location of the winery and restaurant blend opened in Wheeling. The growth of this fine eating establishment and wine tasting room has been incredible to watch from the first location in Chicago area Orland Park to the recent opening in Morton Grove, Illinois. While Cooper's Hawk has been expanding to locations throughout the country, we enjoyed take a peek at a more local new location here in Morton Grove!
Walking Among the Giants Through Natural Rocky Streets in Giant City State Park
Before the lofty 12,000-year-old sandstone formations emerged before us, we heard the utter glee and delight of children exploring a nature crafted wonderland at Giant City State Park in Shawnee National First. As we wound around the Giant City Nature Trail, a short time would find us awestruck at chunky and distinctly carved rock formations all around.
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**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary meals to bring you this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
Butter + Vine began as a Chicago area catering and events company however quickly found new roots while adapting to the challenges of the pandemic. While still a catering and events company, Butter + Vine grew to include a fresh prepared meal delivery service. This new vision provides such an incredible treat for all of us busy people out there that would LOVE a beautifully prepared meal but find ourselves short on time. With Butter + Vine, we can enjoy flavorful, well prepared meals that arrive requiring just a simple step or two before serving.
Appreciating a Mosaic of Ecosystems at Bluff Spring Fen
Bluff Spring Fen offers a nature adventure through a blend of ecosystems nestled in a rolling 160-acre preserve. The preserve includes a mosaic of wetland, woodland, prairie and savanna environments. Working our way through the preserve, we found ourselves ambling over a rolling landscape full of kames and gravely hills left by glaciers. We were a bit hesitant to visit on a recent windy day but quickly found ourselves fully engaged in wandering this wonderland!
