List your favorite things about Illinois (Chicago, Rockford: homes, theater, high school)

[stromssa]

I'm from Iowa, but my grandparents lived in Illinois and my mom's extended family is still there. Here are some of my favorite things:

1. From my childhood: Spending Christmas at my grandparents' beautiful Craftsman bungalow in Dixon.

2. Walking along Howell Park and Lowell Park (also in Dixon); having brunch at White Pines State Forest and Park with my grandparents when we visited.

3. Listening to the classical music radio station in DeKalb, because whenever we visited my grandparents, they had that on the radio.

4. Going to stay at White Pines with my husband for a weekend.

5. Walking along the streets in Galena at any time of year, staying at a Bed and Breakfast there, eating at Fried Green Tomatoes or having coffee at Kaladi's.

6. Exploring the beautiful downtown and river walk areas of Naperville.

7. Visiting Chicago with my mom's sister and her family.

[2beamissourian]

We do have landmarks - other than Chicago! lol

We have the Piasa Bird on the Great River Road

we have Pere Marquette State Park

We have the Illinois River

We have the Mississippi river

Fish stands with real fish that came out of the real river!

Carlyle Lake - Sail boating - Camping - Fishing

[Peachie]

Drinking on the Metra?

I may be able to handle this move after all (from TX)...

But I must admit, I am hoping to get a job in another suburb and not have to take public trans. to work at all! But at least I have something to look forward to if I work downtown! Hehe.

[Steve-o]

Yep, drinking is strangely allowed on the Metra. Want an interesting experience? Take the Metra on St. Patricks Day to downtown Chicago for the parade. You want to talk about a party on the train? On the way back it was absolute mayhem on our car. There were drunk Irish EVERYWHERE, singing songs and dancing around, it was awesome! LOL

Some of my other fave things about IL:

1. Sitting atop a hilltop ridge in Galena, watching eagles soar.

2. Strolling the flower gardens at Cantigny, absolutely beautiful!

3. Sitting in downtown Naperville and people-watching.

4. Hiking Starved Rock trails (some of which are incredibly dangerous).

5. The smell of a prairie after a rain...nothing sweeter on earth.

6. Taking a lakefront cruise, especially at night. Chicago is still the most beautiful city Ive seen, but seeing it at night from the lake is awe-inspiring.

7. Strolling along Michigan Avenue, with a neck-ache from staring up at the buildings all day. LOL that always sucks, but Im glad I get the oppertunity to live in Chicagoland and take it all in.

[KathyPabst]

Do you mean the Rogue River in Oregon? (Not rock river?)
Yeah, it is nice , BUT
I miss all the normal people in Illinois. I miss the mid-west values. I miss the work ethic. I miss Illinois. I miss Little Eygpt.

[M TYPE X]

Originally Posted by Paxtonian

BTW Cali, Chicago and many of the suburbs have draconian laws regarding gun ownership (I browsed through your old posts), that might be something to consider. Downstate isn't like that, we still respect our Constitutional Rights and Freedoms.

No toll roads in the exciting and otherworldly place called downstate either, you should mention that.
I second your mention of Larry Kanfer's work. He is an excellent photographer.

I think you are the guy who puts up all those "GUNS SAVE LIVES" signs along I-57 and I-74. Fess up!

[M TYPE X]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

IMO prairies are the most serene setting in the states. No amount of mountains or lakes or waterfalls or deserts or forests soothe the soul like a vast and vibrant prairie.

Being from Michigan, I have to say I love lakes. Pennsylvania waterfalls are great as well.

I do agree that the prairie is a special place.

[Visvaldis]

Some great things about Chicago:
1. Chicago! My home town.
2. Chicago's Public Library
3. Vienna Hot Dogs with everything on them
4. Walking downtown...Wacker Drive, Wabash, State Street.
5. Don't throw things at me, but the CTA is one of the best public transportation systems around.
6. Ethnic neighborhoods; Greek, Lithuanian, Korean, China Town, Polish Delis, etc. I still miss the many German bars that were on Lincoln Avenue in the 70s.
7. Chicago Cubs. (Forget all the other teams)
8. Walking on crunchy snow at nite when it's 10 below zero.
9. The radio stations: WZRD, WNUR, WFMT
10. The Art Institute (what a world class collection of masterpieces!!!!)
11. Checking out thrift shops for weird things.
12. Wanna buy something, someone, somewhere in Chicago will have it.

ILLINOIS is also interesting:
1. Mississippi Palisades State Park (by Savanna). Has a beautiful view of the River. Take North Avenue all the way, Route 64 for 165 miles.
2. Very scenic drive along River (both sides) from Savanna to Dubuque, also driving country roads thru little farm towns.
3. The Northeast part, by Turkey Mound.
4. Illinois State Beach Park.

Thanks to youse guys for reading this. I miss Chicago, but someday I'll be back.

[wv wildflower]

I love walking through Jurgensen Woods in Thornton. It is the most scenic forest preserve I have been to. Wampum Lake, also in Thornton, is a weekend favorite. The area is easily walkable, has fishing and picnic tables too. The trees around the lake are especially beautiful in autumn.

[ITChick]

Spring, Summer and Fall, not necessarily in that order.

Love visiting Downtown Chicago, Springfield, and all places in between.

I can order a "Pop" at any restaurant without anyone looking at me funny.

The Forest Preserves and Bike Routes set up throughout the city and suburbs to take in all the nice weather and beautiful natural scenery!

Taking Metra and "L" rides to Downtown and back "home" just for fun!