Join the Midwest Travel Discussion at Travel the Midwest and Beyond

Please join us on Facebook at Travel the Midwest and Beyond -- a place where Midwest travel writers, CVBs and travelers can interact! In the forum, you can share Midwest travel stories, new attractions in the Midwest, events in the Midwest and more. It is also the best place to ask travel questions about the Midwest and bordering states or even general travel questions. Please join us on this fun, new adventure! 

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Summer Afternoon Enjoying Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Last week, we visited Kenosha for an afternoon and decided to explore Petrifying Springs Park for the first time. Immediately when we arrived, I thought "what has taken us so long?" A balance of tree covered areas and open expanses as well as the lovely Pike River intrigued us. Additionally, quite a few families were enjoying gatherings in various shelters demonstrating how beloved the park is. This is the place to be!

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Wandering Through Nature at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens

Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens in Palos Heights, Illinois provided us with a lovely nature escape last week. The landscape at Lake Katherine offers several different nature experiences to the delight of visitors. The setting with a lake, waterfalls and variety of brilliant blooms creates a lovely spot for a variety of functions and some visitors were in fact scoping it out while we were there.

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Tasty Tidbits from Taste of Wisconsin

On the spur of the moment, we visited Taste of Wisconsin in Kenosha yesterday. Of course, the sunny weather and the added plus of beautiful views of Lake Michigan further inspired our visit. We really enjoyed a lovely summer afternoon and I thought that I would share a few tidbits with you.

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Nonie's Bakery and Cafe in Utica, Illinois

After hiking in Matthiessen State Park, we worked up an appetite. While researching places to visit Matthiessen, I learned about a sweet little bakery/breakfast/sandwich shop called Nonie's Bakery and Cafe in Utica, IL. I was immediately in love. So, of course, we had to take a peek!

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Wednesday Weekend Windup {Dragonboats, Reeanctment, Magic and More}

The weekend is almost here! Here are my picks in the Chicago suburbs to look forward to:

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Knoch Knolls Nature Center and Hiking in Naperville, Illinois

Knoch Knolls Nature Center and its hiking trails present a wealth of nature explorations for families. The preserve is at the confluence of the West Branch of the DuPage River and the East Branch of the DuPage River. The rivers along with another pond near the nature center yield beautiful views. The preserve also includes forest and prairie ecosystems as well as a selection of outdoor activities.

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Tips for your Vacation Hiking Adventure

When hiking is a portion of your vacation, it is important to be prepared. Sometimes, hiking is a portion of our vacation and not the whole vacation itinerary. So, it is easy to overlook an important detail.

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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.

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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 Oglesby, Illinois a natural wonder. We were immediately enchanted during a recent hike at Matthiessen a couple of weeks ago. Take a peek:

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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!

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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.

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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:

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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.

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Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site near Collinsville, Illinois marks the remains of the most sophisticated native settlement north of those found in Mexico. The site is so significant is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Half Day Forest Preserve and Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve {Vernon Hills and Mettawa}

The Chicago suburbs are full of incredible forest preserves making it easy to embark on a variety of hiking adventures. A couple of weeks ago, we explored two new preserves that abut against each other -- Half Day Forest Preserve and Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve. The two preserves provide for a wide variety of nature adventures and feel quite a world away from surrounding suburban life.

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An Evening with the Animals at Grant's Farm in Missouri

We visited Grant's Farm often when we lived in the St. Louis area. We loved riding on the tram through the Deer Park where we delighted in splendid views of animals roaming freely. Often, you will see multiple types of animals in close proximity nibbling on grass or drinking water. A wonderful way to escape!

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Playitforward Kids of Arlington Heights and Borne2Dance, Inc. Host Service Project for Kids July 10

Playitforward Kids in Arlington Heights is a charitable organization that helps kids play it forward and work on meaningful projects that help their community! As a parent, I know how much young children want to help but sometimes can't think of a way that they are able to.  Playitforward Kids tailors activities to their ages and allows young children to spread their kindness and joy in the community. For activities, the organization often pairs with local businesses. On July 10 12PM-1PM, Playitforward Kids will be partnering with Borne2Dance, Inc. in Palatine to make a craft and record a song for inpatients with dementia at Alexian Brothers Hospital. The event is free but you must register here: http://playitforwardkids.org/event/craft-and-song-for-alexian-brothers-hospital-inpatients/ A great opportunity for kids this summer!

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Ice Cream Treats at Riverbottom Ice Cream

Summer for my family usually means exploring ice cream! A couple of weeks ago, we tried Riverbottom Ice Cream Co. a local shop in Algonquin, Illinois that churns its own ice cream.  In addition to scooping up delicious ice cream, Riverbottom also is a coffee shop and has a whole range of coffee concoctions. I love the ice cream - coffee combo because there is a larger range of temptations depending on mood.

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