Spring has sprung and we are beginning to get cabin fever. This has been a particularly nasty wintertime, but hopefully, we’ll have some good weather that will stick. Are you looking for some great places to get away to this spring break? Well, then you’re in luck! Here are 5 wonderful places to visit that are just a short road-trip away: 1. Starved Rock State Park is a great place to go. It boasts of 18 canyons and 13 miles of marked hiking. Great for the outdoor enthusiast and there’s a lovely lodge, Starved Rock Lodge, in case you’d like to spend more time there. 2. There’s so much to do in Kalamazoo! Who knew? We did, that’s who! Okay, okay. Enough with the rhyming. But, truly, there are a lot of great things to see and do in Kalamazoo and it’s less than three hours from Chicago. From hik ... read more

Chicago, IL Of course, there’s always something to see and do in Chicago. That goes without saying. But if you want to play tourist, drive the short distance to Chicago and treat yourself to a weekend getaway. Here are a few places to consider visiting in Chicago: The Chicago Mural in Logan Square The National Hellenic Museum in Greektown Some of the ethnic restaurants Paseo Boricua in the Humboldt Park neighborhood or Little Vietnam near Broadway in Uptown Watch comedy improvisation from The Second City at Chicago Mainstage   Geneva, IL With its boutique shops, fabulous cuisine, lovely weather, and plenty of activities, Geneva is a terrific place to drive. You can meet with friends, visit the Fabyan Windmill, or take a long bike ride along the Fox River Trail.   Milwaukee, WI If you like beer, you need to go here. The people are friendly and there are plenty of family-friendly activities. Top picks are the Harley-Davidson Museum, Discovery World, and the Milw ... read more

Before you hit the highway with your family this summer, make sure your vehicle is up to the driving task ahead. A pre-trip inspection helps to help reduce the risk of being stuck on the side of the road and trying to keep your kids safe and entertained while you wait for a tow truck and then repairs to be made. Not to mention, breaking down on vacation can put an expensive damper on the family trip. Whether you’re heading to Mackinac or the west coast, make sure a pre-trip car check is on your pre-trip to do list. The best time to schedule your pre-trip check is a week or two before you leave. Here’s why: You’ll be sure to get an appointment. Summer is the busiest season for auto repair shops. Scheduling a week or two in advance ensures you can pick an appointment time that’s convenient for you. And if you ... read more

Even if a flight to Disneyland or trek to Walley World is on your summer vacation agenda, a day-long road trip here and there sure can cut the monotony. Illinois boasts plenty of road-trip-worthy destinations, so whether your starting point is Glenview or Evanston, the Land of Lincoln provides the ticket to cool times during the warm weather. We present our Top 5 picks: Volo Auto Museum—Fanatic about all things four-wheeled? This is the place for you. The museum in Volo includes such iconic vehicles as Herbie, Fred Flintstone’s stone-age ride, the Batmobile, Speed Racer’s Mach 5 and much more. In addition, there’s an antique mall on the grounds and the site is host to many special events throughout the year. Starved R ... read more

Many of us are still trying to forget the chill of this year’s harsh winter, and there’s no better way to put it behind than by fully embracing summer. That’s why we put together a list of our favorite weekend getaways. Whether you’re looking for quality time with your family, your significant other or your best girlfriends, these Midwest getaway destinations offer something for travelers of all ages. So pack up the car, wave goodbye to Glenview and head on out to: Mackinac Island, Mich: If you’re looking for pure relaxation, try Mackinac Island, which is located in Lake Huron off the coast of Michigan between the state’s upper and lower peninsulas. No motor vehicles are allowed on the island (except for some service and emergency vehicles) so you have to take a ferry and the rely on your feet, bikes, carriages or horses to get around. There are a variety of lodging options, in ... read more

Fall is a wonderful time for a fun adventure that will delight all the senses. Cooler temperatures, all the beautiful colors of nature, and let’s not forget the season’s bounty of apples and pumpkins, all make this season a favorite for many. Why not take a drive and bask in the autumn sun? Here’s a few ideas to consider: Spoon River Scenic Drive, Canton, IL Made famous by Edgar Lee Master’s Spoon River Anthology, the Spoon River Valley features nearly 100 miles of scenic routes to be explored. Along the way visit arts and crafts fairs, taste local specialties and find a bargain at the flea market. There’s much to discover in the area, which is about 45 minutes west of Peoria. Your choices include conservation areas, a wintering site for bald eagles, the restored Ellisville Opera House and many farms offering an array of delectable goods. The Great River Road, Fulton, IL Along the mighty Mississippi River, about 45 minutes n ... read more

Now that the days are longer and there’s sunshine to spare, it’s time to think about heading out on the road for some fun. For the next several months we’ll be highlighting some road trip possibilities to jump start your trip planning! Here are a few to consider. Did you know there are more than 100 wineries and 450 vineyards located throughout Illinois? There are six official wine trails that wine lovers can traverse and discover a variety of wines in just one trip. The wineries offer a variety of experiences: classes, tours, tastings, restaurants, comedy shows, music festivals and more. Pick a trail close to home or venture to the other end of the state. If that’s not enough wine for you, you can continue the tasting into Michigan and tour the ... read more