Hardy's Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, Illinois was a two hour drive from where we were staying in Litchfield, but it was worth it. We'd originally planned on staying in Champaign while on our 5 year, 50 state road trip, a city 20 minutes to the south of Rantoul. We ended up … [Read more...] about Visiting Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch In Rantoul, Illinois
Things To Do
Review: The Ariston Cafe On Route 66, Litchfield IL
While staying in Litchfield IL on our 50 state road trip, we went for dinner at The Ariston Cafe, a restaurant that was a short distance from our hotel. We'd had a few people recommend eating there, so we were looking forward to checking it out. The Ariston Cafe is an almost … [Read more...] about Review: The Ariston Cafe On Route 66, Litchfield IL
Visiting Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Springfield IL
Springfield, Illinois is perhaps best known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln before he became President. As a result, the Illinois state capital is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. We visited while on our 50 state road trip and were extremely … [Read more...] about Visiting Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Springfield IL
18 Free Things To Do In Springfield, Illinois
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
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
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
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