Springfield, Illinois is perhaps best known as being the home of Abraham Lincoln, but there's a lot more to it than that. We recently spent ten days in Illinois' state capital while on our 5 year, 50 state road trip. We're on a tight budget, so we're always on the lookout for … [Read more...] about 18 Free Things To Do In Springfield, Illinois
Illinois
Hotel Review: Candlewood Suites Springfield IL
After spending five nights in Springfield IL at a spacious home we found on Airbnb, we stayed in the city for another five nights, except this time at the Candlewood Suites. The hotel was good value using our IHG Rewards Club points, so we figured it'd be a good way to save … [Read more...] about Hotel Review: Candlewood Suites Springfield IL
Best Day Ever: Meeting Doug The Pug At Claire’s
I can now die a happy girl. I've met (and PET!) Doug the Pug! For anyone who isn't as cool as me and already in the know, Doug the Pug is probably one of the most famous dogs on the planet. I've now met almost all of the famous dogs on my bucket list. I met Pikelet and … [Read more...] about Best Day Ever: Meeting Doug The Pug At Claire’s
Turtle Racing At Big Joe’s In Chicago, Illinois
We rocked up at the nondescript Chicago pub at 8:30pm on a Friday night, about 90 minutes before the action started. We've bet on hermit crab races in Jamaica. We've cheered on goats racing in Ohio. But turtle racing at Big Joe's was the first time we'd get to experience … [Read more...] about Turtle Racing At Big Joe’s In Chicago, Illinois
Hotel Review: Hyatt House Chicago/Schaumburg, Illinois
After leaving Marion where we visited Little Grand Canyon, Garden Of The Gods and the Franklin County Historic Jail Museum, we headed back up to northern Illinois. We'd originally planned to stay in Lisle at a hotel opposite The Morton Arboretum. However, Shae found out that … [Read more...] about Hotel Review: Hyatt House Chicago/Schaumburg, Illinois
Visiting Franklin County Historic Jail Museum, Benton IL
A road sign we saw on our way to the city of Marion was a little unusual, saying something along the lines of: Visit our jail museum - includes displays about George Harrison from the Beatles. This was intriguing. I knew various members of the Beatles had drug-related brushes … [Read more...] about Visiting Franklin County Historic Jail Museum, Benton IL
Visiting Garden Of The Gods (& More) In Southern Illinois
When I saw that there was somewhere called Garden Of The Gods in southern Illinois, I'll admit - I was a little dubious. Shae and I had visited Garden Of The Gods in Colorado several years ago and it was beautiful. I'd figured that the Illinoisan version wouldn't be as nice as … [Read more...] about Visiting Garden Of The Gods (& More) In Southern Illinois
Road Trip Mistake #5: Getting Lost In Little Grand Canyon
Little Grand Canyon in Pomona IL is a great place to go hiking. It's not a great place to get lost. It's been a while since we made an egregious road trip mistake, but not following trail blazes and so getting lost deserved to make it on the list. Here's what … [Read more...] about Road Trip Mistake #5: Getting Lost In Little Grand Canyon
Hotel Review: Super 8 Marion, Illinois
After leaving Naperville, we headed about five hours south to the relatively small city of Marion. We picked Marion as it placed us in the center of southern Illinois and close to everything that Shawnee National Forest had to offer. Marion is near the slightly larger city of … [Read more...] about Hotel Review: Super 8 Marion, Illinois
Hunting Lighthouses On The Mag Mile, Chicago IL
While staying in Chicago for our anniversary, Shae and I went for a wander around the city and headed up to The Magnificent Mile. Shortly after crossing over DuSable Bridge, we spotted a decorated lighthouse. When we spot a colorful piece of public art like this, we know it … [Read more...] about Hunting Lighthouses On The Mag Mile, Chicago IL