This summer, our family was fortunate enough to discover the Holiday Inn and Suites-Bloomington Airport, for an overnight in Bloomington, Illinois, while on our way to points north for vacation. We thought it was going to be a quick in-and-out, but … [Read more...]
Midwest road trip: Perfect family-friendly suites in Bloomington illinois
July 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Southern Illinois pit stop: Jeremy Rochman Memorial Park
May 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Southern Illinois is an area with many beautiful natural parks, forests, and lakes to explore. Just south of Carbondale, Ill., home to Southern Illinois University, you’ll find a park you won't want to miss if you're traveling through the area. … [Read more...]
Exploring Garden of the Gods, Illinois
May 18, 2016 by Leave a Comment
One of the prime attractions in the Shawnee National Forest, which covers 280,000 acres in Southern Illinois, is Garden of the Gods, a collection of fantastic rock formations that towers above a vast expanse of wilderness. The short hiking trail … [Read more...]
Chicago Field Museum tips
January 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment
We love natural history museums and have visited versions of them all over the country. The Chicago Field Museum is in our top five! We loved this cavernous, elegant museum situated on the Museum Campus by Lake Michigan and Shedd Aquarium. Here’s … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Chicago: Westin Chicago River North
December 21, 2015 by 1 Comment
The moment we entered the elegant lobby of the Westin Chicago River North at the blustery, snowy start of our winter Chicago weekend, we felt awash in warm and hospitality. While our hands and feet warmed up quickly, that cozy feeling never went … [Read more...]
24-hour Chicago winter itinerary with kids
December 18, 2015 by Leave a Comment
On a snowy November weekend, my youngest son and I found ourselves in Chicago. Our trip there was accidental; we had been en route to Savannah, Georgia when we became stranded at O’Hare during the first snowstorm of the season. After 30-plus hours … [Read more...]
All-American pit stop: shopping at American Girl Place Chicago
June 30, 2015 by 1 Comment
Francesca Mazurkiewicz is a Chicago-based travel blogger and working mom of two young children. Along with her family, Francesca is out to prove that she can have it all - a family, a career, and a travel lifestyle. I’m not a girly-girl and never … [Read more...]
Key Lime Cove, Gurnee Illinois
September 21, 2011 by 2 Comments
The following pit stop is submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com. Heading to Wisconsin, north of Chicago, and stopping to shop at Gurnee? Or perhaps spending some time at Six Flags? We’ve got the perfect place to stay: Key Lime Cove, … [Read more...]
Starved Rock State Park
August 18, 2011 by 1 Comment
The following pit stop was submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Erica Smith. Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois' most beautiful natural landmarks. Located in Utica, Illinois and filled with canyons and waterfalls, Starved Rock offers … [Read more...]
Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm
October 9, 2009 by 2 Comments
40 W. Higgins Road South Barrington, IL In South Barrington, Illinois, you'll want to spend a fall Saturday or Sunday at Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm. Their fall festival, running from September 26th through October 31st, includes a haunted house and … [Read more...]
