Searching for Forest Fairies During The Grove's Fairy Quest
The Grove National Historic Landmark in Glenview unfolds a diverse nature oasis year round. We love periodic adventures to observe changes in the flora and fauna. Today, I learned that The Grove has an app with a few tours including the newest The Grove's Fairy Quest. I thought it would be fun to look for little woodland fairies, so my husband and I set out on the trail on a beautiful fall day!
Water Views, Cliffs, Forest Trails and a Waterfall Charm at Kankakee River State Park
The striking natural features of Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais, Illinois have long been celebrated. Evidence of several different prehistoric sites have been located within the preserve. Both the Illini and Miami inhabited the area during first contact with Europeans in the 1670's and 1680's.
16 Chicago Suburban Craft Breweries to Support for the Holidays
'Tis the season for extra special craft brews and other fun from our local craft breweries! The past few winters, my husband and I have had fun focusing on visiting our local microbreweries trying samples. What could be better than a beer flight on a cold Chicago day? This year looks a little different, so I thought I would highlight the holiday offerings of some of our favorite microbreweries in the Chicago suburbs. Pick up something special for the holidays or create your own flight! Please check each brewery for their pick up procedures. Some may have limited hours and special ordering/pick up procedures. Additionally, some do have outdoor igloos or tents. Others have nibbles available. Make this holiday season a little tasting adventure and check out these local microbreweries:
For me, the holidays always involve some outdoor time enjoying fresh air, being thankful for nature and wandering in calm outside scenery. This season is a great one to spend some time outdoors not only reveling in nature's gifts but in festive decor as well. I have put together a little scavenger hunt for entertainment as you meander on nature walks the next few weeks. The scavenger hunt is a little bit nature, a little bit holiday and a lot of fun! I mixed it up with some easier finds and some more challenging. See if you can find everything over the course of your walks throughout the holidays. Have fun!
Evening Views of the World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota
As a gift for my eighth grade graduation, my grandparents took me on a trip from Wisconsin to the Black Hills of South Dakota. On the way, we stopped at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. By a stroke of fate, we found ourselves in South Dakota after rerouting a trip several times this summer. So, we had to visit the Corn Palace again for my grandfather!
Woodlands, Wetlands and Prairie Enchant at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete, Illinois
We capitalized on one of late fall's bonus warm days by exploring a range of hiking trails at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete, Illinois near Beecher. The Will County forest preserve was indeed quite busy during our weekend visit and we soon learned why.
Lighting Up The Night with Joy at Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape
**Disclosure: Thank you to Chicago Botanic Garden for accommodating my visit to Lightscape. No other compensation was received for this review. All opinions are 100% my own.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden returns to dazzle families with holiday light displays intertwined with as well as inspired by nature. While it seemed to be a tough feat to beat last year's show, we were even more delighted by 2020's rendition of Lightscape. Chicago Botanic Garden included an array of new designs crafted by Chicago artists alongside favorite displays from last year truly adding more of the WOW factor!
Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs November 14-15, 2020
The weekend is nearly here! There is a nice mix of outdoor and Zoom experiences this weekend -- plus holiday lights! Additionally, there is an opportunity to work with glass. Take a peek at my picks:
Peppermint Treats for the Holidays in the Chicago Suburbs
Holiday memories delight each year and the sparkle grows brighter and brighter as the season approaches! Peppermint treats evoke cherished holiday memories enjoying brilliant white and red candy canes or hot cocoa with peppermint. Over the years, I have enjoyed a few delicious peppermint treats here in the Chicago suburbs. So, I thought I would provide a little holiday magic by collecting some ideas for enjoying special peppermint treats from small businesses in our Chicago suburbs! Take a peek at my spots for peppermint treats. Our small businesses have some incredible and even some totally novel peppermint creations for the holidays! Before visiting, verify that the items are available -- since they are seasonal, their availability may flux over the next few weeks. Take a peek at these fantastic treats for the season:
Outdoor Art Gallery in Evanston: Admiring the Garage Door Murals of Artist Teresa Parod
Art truly sprouts everywhere and our recent adventure to Evanston whimsically displayed this in the form of a strikingly beautiful garage door art gallery! Local artist Teresa Parod has been infusing vibrant and playful murals onto garage doors in two Evanston alleys. Murals featuring flowers, animals and landscapes create a bright spot that anyone can enjoy.
16 Family Fun Events in the Chicago Suburbs November 7-8, 2020
I hope that you have been enjoying this fantastic weather we have been having! While shorter, the days have been beautiful. The weekend is nearly here, so here is my picks on what to do this weekend:
A Nest of Trails, Lake Views and Forest Treasures at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton, Illinois
Often, our hiking adventures have taken us to preserves all around Herrick Lake Forest Preserve. My interest piqued every time we drove past on our way to a different destination. On a sunny fall day, we finally adventured to Herrick Lake Forest Preserve and certainly were dazzled. Immediately upon parking, I was ready to soak in lake views. Herrick Lake presents a striking yet tranquil landscape. We noted a few visitors quietly sitting by the lake, some reading books. How could you not want to sit for awhile soaking up this view:
C.I.T.Y. of Support Online Rockin’ Shoppin’ Event Bolstering Support for Families with Children in Therapy
Recently, I learned about the fantastic Chicago suburban nonprofit C.I.T.Y. of Support after connecting with founder Beth Deiter. C.I.T.Y. of Support provides families of children in therapy with important resources and a nurturing community for sharing experiences and celebrating their journeys. Currently, C.I.T.Y. of Support is busy spreading cheer while raising vital funds during Online Rockin' and Shoppin' in the C.I.T.Y. featuring a virtual small business shopping experience. This special event runs from November 1-14 allowing shoppers time to peruse and purchase from a unique collection of 50 small businesses, each offering a special discount. Additionally, there is raffle the first week (November 1-7, 2020) only.
Beth has shared with me a little more about the mission of C.I.T.Y. of Support as well as how you can help this remarkable organization during Online Rockin' and Shoppin' in the C.I.T.Y. What a wonderful opportunity to get ahead on holiday shopping while supporting small businesses and an incredible organization!