10 Places To Go When It Is Rainy Out in the Chicago Area

The last few days we have had less than desirable weather. So, I thought that I would put together a quick list of 10 places to check out when rain---or dare I say snow--has crept in.

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Family Nature Exploration at The Regenstein Learning Campus at Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden has recently opened a new educational facility, the Regenstein Learning Campus, complete with exploratory children's gardens and elements of just plain fun with nature earlier this month. A sunny Sunday invited us to explore these new features.

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Fall Bird Migration and Reminder to Stock Up on Bird Food for Winter

Cedar waxwings who will be migrating soon!

**Disclosure: I do help The Wildbird Shack with their social media outreach. All opinions in this post are 100% mine.

While we have still been enjoying some summer-like days, I am sure you have felt some of fall's crispness in the air on others. Just as we are beginning to turn our minds to weather changes to come, our wildlife is also preparing. In fact, my resident chipmunk has been sporting seed-filled jowls quite regularly the past few weeks. Birds are already migrating to their winter homes. During this migration period, we all have a chance to see birds that we do not normally see in the area. This is a great time of year to go on a bird walk--many of which are offered through the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

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Argentinian Flare at Artistic Cuisine

Artistic Cuisine Argentinian Restaurant in Palatine, IL. Image courtesy of Artistic Cuisine.

Artistic Cuisine is a gem hiding in Palatine. A friend recommended it to me a few years ago and I am sad that it took us about a year to visit--it is that good. The menu is quite creative and a fresh departure from much of what we see in the Chicago suburbs. The Argentinian flavors are amazing and the care in crafting each dish is evident.

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September Degustabox Goodies and Fresh Made Tortilla Strips!

This month, I experimented with my third Degustabox and found it full with just as many goodies as during the previous two months. Once again, I have been introduced to new products that I would not have tried on my own and have found that I love so many of them! (Keep reading to learn about Degustabox AND how I make tortilla strips!)

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5 Places in Northern Illinois That Are Not Flat

Living in Northern Illinois, I sometimes get a little bored with the flat landscape. Good thing there are a few places we can visit that have a little more topography. Here are five ideas for refreshing and recharging with slightly different topography than what is typical in Northern Illinois:

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Introducing Winnie the Mini Horse and Heartland Mini Hoofs Charity

A lovely new children’s book, Winnie the Mini Horse by Andra and Morgan Ebert introduces children to the world of therapy mini horses and what it is like to face changes. The book helps children feel more comfortable when they are in a new situation and learn how to navigate new relationships and situations. The Ebert’s goal in writing Winnie the Mini Horse was to diminish the fear children have in change and to show them that change can be good. The book is really a lovely story and very accurately depicts some of the feelings we all have about change through the eyes of Winnie. The story of Winnie is very relatable for children and the beautiful illustrations quickly grab readers.

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Take a Historical Ride on a Kenosha Electric Streetcars

Kenosha's Electric Streetcars not only provide an easy way to move about downtown  Kenosha, WI but also treat visitors to a unique piece of history. Riding the electric streetcars was quite popular during or visit, so I am sure it is a much loved mini-adventure for people of all ages!

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Kenosha Public Museum: An Adventure through Natural History and Art

The Kenosha Public Museum combines both the early and natural history of Kenosha with a creative arts museum. Thus, the museum easily intrigues visitors with a variety of interests. Located near the waterfront and adjacent to The Civil Museum, Kenosha Public Museum is an easy addition to any Kenosha trip.

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The Civil War Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin

1841 6 pounder gun used at the beginning of the war.

I am a big Civil War buff and always jump at the chance to visit pretty much any attraction focusing on the war. While researching our Kenosha trip, I immediately placed The Civil War Museum on my list. What a wise choice I made! The museum really reflects the experience of the Midwest during the conflict shedding light on what people living our region encountered--something you don't really learn about when visiting the battlefields.

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Our Family Day Trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin

Kenosha is just a short drive from the Chicago area--only about an hour from our home in Arlington Heights. So, the city provides a nice little day trip escape making it easier to fit into your schedule. During our recent day trip, we had a very well-rounded experience but quickly noted there is a lot to experience in Kenosha. Our proximity will certainly make it easy for us to return and enjoy more that is truly Kenosa!

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The Little Traveler in Geneva, Illinois: A Treasure Trove Found

If you ever need an excuse to visit Geneva, Illinois, The Little Traveler is it! Ok, Geneva is adorable and has plenty to do so you probably don't need an excuse for a visit. But, if you ever need a little more motivation........

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Adorable Kids Camping Package at Radisson Blu Aqua in Chicago

Time to camp in the hotel room!

If you are looking for a weekend staycation idea to enjoy the city and have a little escape from school year stress, the Radisson Blu Aqua has a fun Kids Camping Package. I want to share this because it does look like one of the cutest family packages I have seen.

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Apple River Fort Historic Site on the Illinois Frontier

The Black Hawk War often receives little mention in our history books. So, we were surprised to learn about the Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois commemorating frontier life during this period. The site consists of an interpretive center and a reconstruction of the fort.

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