Crystal Yednak - Explorers Guide Illinois

Welcome to the first edition of Illinois: An Explorers Guide. I spent two years driving around the statehiking, biking, swimming, eating, and taking in grand museums and parks (rough life, I know). Here, Ive laid out the best of the state. The book encompasses the entire state of Illinois, from dynamic Chicago to quaint historic towns to some of the most remote natural areas youll find in the Midwest. If youre a longtime Illinois resident seeking a fun weekend trip, a traveler looking for places to stop on your road trip through Illinois, or a visitor looking to extend a visit to a major destination like Chicago, this book is for you. Illinois: An Explorers Guide is based on my own travels, thoughts, and experiences. No paid ads or deals here. In most cases, I surprised the hosts with a visit so I could experience each place as you, my dear reader, are likely to. This is not a listing of every single tourist attraction in every single city in the state. Instead, Ive gone deeper into the areas I believe will truly lead to fun explorations. Ive structured the book in regional sections so you can easily build your own itineraries. I hope you enjoy.

WHATS WHERE

From Abe Lincoln to Zion, this alphabetical listing in the beginning of the book provides an overview of some useful terms. It also gives you an idea of what to expect during your travels.

PRICES

I took great care to make sure the prices listed in the book were accurate as of press time, but restaurants close, change their hours, and raise their prices without notifying me first. (The nerve!) So please be aware that the information is not static.

You should also know that Illinois has a statewide 6 percent tax on lodging. Then the picture gets confusing, as local governments can add their own additional taxes on top of that, so the total tax varies by city. The total hotel tax in Chicago is 15.4 percent. In Quincy, its about 14 percent, Galena 11 percent. So you see the confusion. Meal taxes also vary by municipality.

SMOKING

Illinois has a statewide ban on smoking in most public places and workplaces, including bars and restaurants.

KEY TO SYMBOLS

The wedding-rings symbol appears beside facilities that frequently serve as venues for weddings and civil unions.

The special-value symbol appears next to lodging and restaurants that combine high quality and moderate prices.

The kids-friendly symbol appears next to lodging, restaurants, activities, and shops of special appeal to youngsters.

The dog-paw symbol appears next to lodging that accepts pets (usually with a reservation and deposit) as of press time.

The wheelchair symbol appears next to lodging, restaurants, and attractions that are partially or fully handicapped-accessible.

The broadcast signal appears next to listings where there is WiFi access, free or for a small fee.

The leaf symbol appears next to lodgings, restaurants, and attractions that are eco-friendly.

The martini glass indicates a destination is a bar or nightspot.

The rainy-day activity symbol indicates a good place to go when the weather is foul.

LODGING

Ive tried to avoid the chain hotels, because they tend to be the same everywhere. But there are a few areas where Ive included one, especially if the chain hotel had a really great location or something that was difficult to find elsewhere. Each entry includes a range of prices for a standard, double occupancy room.

$ = Less than $100 per night

$$ = $100200

$$$ = $200300

$$$$ = Over $300

RESTAURANTS

Establishments in the Eating Out section are generally less expensive than those in the Dining Out section. Eating Out is for grabbing a quick bite or sampling some high-quality local fare in a very casual space. Dining Out restaurants are a little bit more expensive. Look to Dining Out if youre planning a fun night out and want to sit and enjoy your meal without hurrying. The prices in this category range from $15 entrees up to gourmet experiences that may cost you a couple hundred dollars. Each entry includes a range of prices for main dishes.

$ = $010

$$ = $1020

$$$ = $2030

$$$$ = Over $30

M any helpful people reinforced the stereotype that Midwesterners are genuinely nice, and in this case, I could not be more grateful to them for filling that role. To all of the friendly tourism folks, resort owners, tour guides, wait staff, and state park volunteers, thank you for taking the time to talk with me and answer my questions.

This project would have been impossible without my husband, Rob Kent, who hiked many a path alongside me, drove many, many miles, and gave many a pep talk. Now we can add navigator, proofreader, editor, and researcher to the long list of tasks at which you excel. I want to thank you and our two little adventure-seekers, Harry and Maxwell, for bringing even more fun than I thought possible to our road trips, and to my life.

To my sister and friend, Stephanie Yednak Norton, for listening, reading, and accompanying me on a grand adventure to the Mississippi River. I would not have been able to do this without your invaluable photographic advice.

To my parents, Steve and Linda Yednak, thanks for cheering me on as you always do, and for proofreading while doing so. My mother-in-law Carol Kent deserves special thanks for her support and editing. Thanks also to the rest of my excellent family for their help: Kathy and Jeff Knurek, Joe Norton, Angie and Aaron Pettis, Sue and Maggie Barney, and Bob and Phyllis Kent.

And to the amazing group of friends who listen, inspire, and are always there to tell me that I can do it: Jeannie Taylor, Beth Tidmarsh, Lara Flint, Mindy Johnston, and Heather Flett. Thank you. Id also like to thank my good friends Shia Kapos and Peter Behle for connecting me with The Countryman Press, and Kim Grant, for sharing her wisdom.