Illinois – mile after magnificent mile!

This week on the Travel Show we will explore the diverse State of Illinois. Discover Chicago and so much more - with scenic river towns, resorts and spas, outdoor activities and world class shopping and dining. Illinois is perfect for Girlfriend’s Getaways, Couples Escapes and outdoor adventure.

Chicago greets you with a sweeping skyline punctuated by the Willis Tower – the tallest building in America. View it from up high at 1,300 feet from the Willis Tower, at Skydeck Chicago. Or zoom up 1,000 feet for a 360-degree view of four states from the John Hancock Observatory. Or admire it from the Chicago River aboard the official Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. The tour is led by a certified Chicago Architecture Foundation tour guide and describes the history and design of over 50 fantastic buildings.

Walk miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan’s waters. Savour Michelin-starred cuisine. And browse works of art that begin in museums and spill into city squares and lakeside parks. Explore the Magnificent Mile—a veritable mecca for shoppers with all the stores you could wish for along stunningly beautiful Michigan Avenue. And when the sun sets, theatre and music are in abundance.

Chicago is also a great starting point to explore Route 66, Mississippi River Country, presidential history, and other Illinois attractions that reveal the American way of life.

Looking for rest and relaxation after a city break in Chicago? Galena is a picturesque resort town on the banks of the great Mississippi River. Pack your clubs for one of 10 scenic golf courses, soothe your body at a spa, and watch the sun rise or set from a hot air balloon. Galena's beautiful red brick Main Street boasts more than ninety 19th-century storefronts. Boutiques offer crafts and locally made products, local wines, confectionery, and more. The Trolley Tour is a great way to learn about Galena’s history and to see its elegant mansions, the Hotel Desoto (the oldest hotel in Illinois) and more.

Illinois’ western border is defined by the Mississippi River. Worlds old and new collide along a beautiful scenic byway known as The Great River Road. Between towns, take in mile after mile of sweeping vistas and a must stop is in Moline, part of the Quad Cities. The Quad Cities features family adventures, challenging golf courses, art galleries, wineries, and bike and hiking trails. Hop aboard a paddle boat or water taxi to really appreciate the Quad Cities from the vantage point of the Mississippi. For big kids and small – tour the John Deere Pavilion where you can get up close with monster combine harvesters and try your hand at driving them through exciting simulators.

An absolute must see in Illinois is the State Capital of Springfield. Illinois is the “Land of Lincoln” and you can step back in time and follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president. Visit the home where he lived, the law offices and the Old State Capitol where he worked and the Lincoln Tomb Historic Site where he finally came to rest. You can walk easily between these sites and they all provide rich “living” interpretation. The past moves into the present in the state-of-the-art Abraham Lincoln Museum and Presidential Library.

The famous Route 66 begins in Chicago at the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue, just steps from Buckingham Fountain. From there, you can explore more than 400 miles of the “Mother Road” in the Illinois countryside. A favourite stop in Springfield is Shea's Gas Station Museum. Visitors are still greeted by ninety year old Bill Shea, who has a charming and eclectic collection of gas station memorabilia that spans 50 years.

The town of Pontiac is a must-see destination along this historic byway as it offers the finest collection of memorabilia associated with the history of Route 66 in Illinois. The Hall of Fame features displays and plaques, plus many other attractions of historical interest - including the bus and van of Route 66 Artist and Icon, Bob Waldmire, and the World's Largest Route 66 shield. The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum & Resource Center recaptures the history of the Oakland and Pontiac car brands as seen through 15 classic cars, dealer artifacts and more.

Illinois Trip Showcase

Fly to Illinois with Porter Airlines – flying refined. Porter fly direct from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Chicago Midway Airport, with convenient connections from Montreal. Both Billy Bishop and Chicago Midway are smaller, more pleasant airports to navigate.

Stay at the Chicago Essex Inn, right downtown on the Michigan Avenue Cultural Mile. It combines breathtaking panoramas of Grant Park, the Museum Campus and Lake Michigan. From the steel and glass lobby to contemporary rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows to an all-season rooftop pool, the Essex Inn offers amazing views and amazing value, including free wifi throughout the hotel.

Buy a Chicago CityPASS booklet for entrance to five of Chicago’s finest attractions. One low price gives you admission to the Shedd Aquarium, the Skydeck Chicago at the top of the Willis Tower, The Field Museum, the John Hancock Observatory or the Museum of Science and Industry and The Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute of Chicago.

Dine at The Markethouse Restaurant, which offers American contemporary cuisine and uses fresh, seasonal herbs, produce, meat and poultry. Their Executive Chef, Scott Walton, has created a menu that marries Heartland basics with innovative cooking styles, distinctive ingredients and delectable influences from around the globe. Markethouse also supports the local farmers that practice sustainable agricultural techniques. The menu changes seasonally so there is always something new to try.