Illinois is not only a great Midwestern state, it’s also home to one of the finest cities in America, if not the world, the one-and-only Chicago! No list of attributes can really capture everything this city or state has to offer, but it’s worth a shot. First, it’s easy to get around in Chicago, whether by foot, elevated train, or taxi you’re never far from the next hot spot. As for food it’s easy to find food of all types, from American Kobe steak filets to Chicago-style hot dogs. The city’s Italian influence is evident in the number of tasty deep-dish pizzas, spicy Italian beef hoagies, savory sausages, and flavorful pastas, found on menus throughout the city. Shoppers will shop ‘til they drop on the Magnificent Mile. Here they’ll find some of the finest free-standing boutiques, jewelers, and clothiers on the planet, as well as fabulous retail giants like Macy’s, and even one-of-a-kind stores where bargains await. In the warm months, Millennium Park hosts a magnitude of shows and concerts, while in the winter, its ice-skating rink is a major attraction. Navy Pier along the coast of Lake Michigan is also a must-see and hosts events year-round. But alas, there’s more to Illinois than Chicago alone. Illinois is also home to the Illinois Railway Museum, the Ronald Reagan Home and Visitor Center, Lake Galena, and Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa boasts which boasts 63 holes of championship golf. And if you enjoy spectator sports, grab some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, because Illinois is home to the Chicago Bears, the White Sox at Comiskey Park, the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, Blackhawk’s hockey, the fighting Illini of the University of Illinois, and many, many others.

Illinois, Chicago, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, Magnificent Mile, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Fighting Illini, Blackhawks, Wrigley Field

Wine, Wine Tastings, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cheese, grapes, Jazz, goblets, hor dourves