A Little Time and a Keyboard

18 Fall Favorites in the Chicago Suburbs for 2024

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

 

18 Fall Favorites in the Chicago Suburbs for 2024

18 Fall Favorites in the Chicago Suburbs for 2024

Time to plan for fall weekends in the Chicago suburbs! Enjoy this list of my favorite fall events for this year:

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Remnant Illinois Prairie and Wetlands, Nature Restoration, and Hiking at James "Pate" Philip State Park

Friday, August 23, 2024

 Remnant Illinois Prairie and Wetlands, Nature Restoration, and Hiking at James "Pate" Philip State Park in Bartlett, Illinois


Summer is prairie season here in the Prairie State of Illinois. Much of the original prairie was destroyed to make way for farming, industry, and settlement. Only about one tenth of 1% of native Illinois prairie still exists today.* However, due to the nurturing of remnant prairie as well as restoration efforts, we are able to once again enjoy the prairie's tall grasses and vibrant flowers. James "Pate" Philip State Park preserves sections of remnant prairie as well as maintains a restoration effort allowing Chicago area residents a perfect spot for experiencing this native ecosystem.

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Weekend Windup: {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs August 16-18, 2024}

Friday, August 16, 2024



The weekend is here and there are some great events to check out in the Chicago suburbs. Here are my picks:

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A Top Chicago Area Forest Preserve for Summer Prairie Flowers: Shoe Factory Road Prairie

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

 

A Top Chicago Forest Preserve for Summer Prairie Flowers: Shoe Factory Road Prairie

Summer brings brilliant displays of prairie flowers to the Illinois prairie. Recently, I visited Shoe Factory Road Prairie to bask in summer's joyful pink, purple, yellow, orange, and white flowers throughout the prairie. This was my first visit to this particular prairie and I was immediately enamored.

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Weekend Windup: {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs July 26-28, 2024}

Friday, July 26, 2024

 

Here comes the weekend! Below, find my picks for family fun this weekend in the Chicago suburbs:

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6 Places to See Prairie Flowers in the Chicago Suburbs

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

 

6 Places to See Prairie Flowers in the Chicago Suburbs

Mid to late summer presents the perfect time to visit the prairie here in the Prairie State. You will find our local prairies alive with brilliant hues -- pinks, yellows, and oranges -- and abuzz with butterflies, bees, and birds. Today, I am sharing a few spots I love in the Chicago suburbs for exploring the Illinois prairie:

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High Cliff State Park Fascinates With Lake Winnebago Views and Rock Formations in Sherwood, Wisconsin

Monday, July 8, 2024

 

Hiking in High Cliff State Park along Lake Winnebago was a must during our Oshkosh, Wisconsin getaway. While researching the trip, I learned about the preserve's rock formations and knew I had to make a visit. On a sunny Saturday morning, my daughter and I embarked on the 35-minute drive from Oshkosh to High Cliff State Park leading to a day of exploring a true natural treasure.

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Long Weekend Getaway to Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Friday, June 28, 2024

 

Long Weekend Getaway to Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Looking for a spot for a quick, long weekend getaway far enough away from home to feel like we truly got away yet close enough that we did not spend too much time on travel, my daughter and I honed in on Oshkosh, Wisconsin and Lake Winnebago for a summer adventure. On a recent June weekend, we made the drive up to Oshkosh and enjoyed a few days full of beautiful views, hiking, adventuring, great food, and restoration. Below is a snapshot of our exploration:

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