Illinois: Mile After Magnificent Mile

Although I have lived in several states, Illinois is now my home. It’s where I’ve been for the last 10-years and where my husband and I are raising our children. Family and friends often visit us since we are in a suburb of Chicago. The Windy City does have so much to offer, but so does our entire state. So, if you were to visit, I would recommend trying all of Illinois.  But first, you must understand a few things about us to make the trip even more worthwhile!

We here in Illinois boast many firsts:

* Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery in        1865.
*The first aquarium and skyscraper were both built in Chicago.
*The first McDonald’s opened in Des Plaines in 1955.

Now, on with your trip! I highly suggest you try our food, sports and other fun activities. Most importantly, let’s discuss food. We’re known for our great food and take it very seriously:

*Our state snack food is popcorn. (Preferably Garrett popcorn’s Chicago Mix)
*Evanston is the home of the ice cream sundae. Love Evanston!
*We pride ourselves on the best pizza, hot beef sandwiches and hot dogs.
*Chicago is home to the world's largest cookie and cracker factory, where Nabisco made 16 billion Oreo cookies in 1995.

Maybe you want to take in some sporting events:

Our state dance is square dancing! But, we also cheer on the Bears, the Bulls, the Blackhawks and we each must choose between the Cubs or White Sox, unless you are in southern Illinois where there are a few Cardinal fans! We have some great golf courses; just ask my husband who is an avid golfer.

We have so many activities throughout our beautiful state, so see where the road takes you!

*Hike, bike and zip line and bring your camera!
*Go eagle watching in Galena, Alton and Cypress. Again, bring your camera.
*Take a trip down the Mother Road, otherwise known as Route 66.
*Looking for some thrills?  Visit Six Flags in Gurnee!
*Visit out state capitol and The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.
*Check out the Haunted Decatur Ghost Tour
*Go for on an excursion aboard the Celebration Belle in Moline, a deluxe, 800-passenger, vessel on the Upper Mississippi River.
*Oh, and if you are a train fanatic, like my son, make a trip to the Galesburg railroad museum.
*Visit Bald Knox Cross of Peace at the top of the Shawnee National Forest in Union County.
*Murphysboro annual cook-off offers the best BBQ.
*Take in many county fairs and festivals with rich traditions!
*And…whether it is Ravinia, Millennium Park, the Oriental Theater or Majestic Theater…go to one our gazillion venues and you will be able to catch a show somewhere in Illinois! Second City has launched the acting careers of many!

Other known trivial facts I personally find worth bragging about:

*Chicago Public Library is the world's largest public library with a collection of more than 2 million books.
*We are home to the Stanley Cup champions. Go Hawks!
*Illinois has some of the most down-to-earth people!

There is so much more you can do and enjoy here in the Land of Lincoln. Click on the link below and discover it for yourself.  Just tell them I sent you!

Be the change,

Amy Gregorio
You Mrs. International 2013

www.enjoyillinois.com