Illinois Archives - Olio in Iowa

August 13, 2018

Plan an Outdoor Adventure to the Morton Arboretum Troll Hunt

Trolls have taken up residence in Lisle, Illinois to champion the trees! These gentle yet mischievous giants are hiding in one of the city’s most beautiful natural areas, but you can find them for yourself. The Morton Arboretum Troll Hunt is the perfect way to opt outside and enjoy the beauty of nature.

These six giant sculptures, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, resemble the trolls of traditional European folklore. You can find them tucked amongst the trees of Morton Arboretum, protecting the forest and causing occasional antics, through the end of the year.

Last month, I spent an afternoon wandering the arboretum with my family and experiencing this incredible installation. Before you head to Morton Arboretum, learn a bit about the trolls, read my tips for troll hunting success, and plan your visit.

May 25, 2018

Find Your Zen at Rockford’s Anderson Japanese Gardens

Disclosure: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Rockford, IL, and my visit to Anderson Japanese Gardens. However, all opinions are my own.

When I visited Rockford, Illinois last fall, I learned that the city is full of incredible outdoor spaces. From the riverside Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens to the rustic Rock Cut State Park, there are all sorts of places in Rockford to connect with nature, and Anderson Japanese Gardens is another of them. This serene space is the perfect place to step away from the stress of your day-to-day and find some peace.

The beautiful 12-acre garden is an incredible outdoor oasis tucked into one of the city’s residential neighborhoods. The traditional Japanese garden is the perfect place to reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy some solitude. The next time you’re in the Rockford region, take some time away to experience this truly tranquil outdoor space.

January 10, 2018

Step Back in Time with a Visit to Historic Macktown

Disclosure: Visit Beloit hosted my trip to Beloit and visit to Macktown Living History Education Center. However, all opinions are my own.

On a beautiful autumn afternoon, I headed south from Beloit, Wisconsin, across the border back into Illinois to experience a unique piece of the region’s history. On a wooded plot of land overlooking the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers, the historic Macktown settlement is nothing short of a living, breathing time capsule.

While Native Americans lived on the land as early as 8,000 years ago, Macktown is recognized as the first settlement in Illinois’ Winnebago County. Early settlers inhabited the community originally known as Pecatonic from about 1834 until 1850. Even though Stephen Mack founded the community more than 180 years old, it’s easy to imagine early settlers inhabiting this sprawling plot of land.Continue Reading…

December 6, 2017

One Fine Day in Rockford, Illinois

One Fine Day is a series inspired by my favorite now-defunct Chicago Tribune column of the same title. The posts in this series are short, sweet, sometimes themed, and always a charming snapshot of a city.

It’s not difficult to plan the perfect day in Rockford, Illinois. This northern Illinois community is bursting with cultural attractions, breathtaking outdoor areas, and culinary delights. This one-day itinerary shares some of my favorite places to eat, drink, and explore around the Rockford region.

Start your day with an expertly made coffee at Rockford Roasting Company. This cozy coffee shop is located in the heart of downtown is the perfect place to prepare for a day of exploring.

December 4, 2017

7 Sensational Places to Eat in Rockford, Illinois

Disclosure: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Rockford, IL, and some of my meals at the restaurants mentioned below. However, all opinions are my own.

When I travel, I always enjoy seeing how a city’s restaurants represent its community. When it comes to finding places to eat in Rockford, Illinois, it’s easy to see that this community is one that’s proud of its heritage and the legacy it has created.

Not only does Rockford have an incredible variety of restaurants to enjoy, but I was also delighted by the amazing stories behind so many of them. While some have been community institutions for more than 50 years, others have sprung up more recently in places that are historically significant to the city.

From fresh, seasonal fare to traditional family favorites, you won’t want to miss these seven sensational spots the next time you’re searching for a restaurant in the Rockford area.Continue Reading…

December 1, 2017

Sips: Prairie Street Brewing Company in Rockford, IL

Disclosure: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Rockford, IL and visit to Prairie Street Brewing Company. However, all opinions are my own.

In my opinion, a visit to a craft brewery (or two) is an essential part of any trip. So I was delighted that we were able to fit in a stop at Prairie Street Brewing Company during our time in Rockford, Illinois. Not only does this brewery serve some seriously delicious beers, but it’s also located in a beautiful historic building on Rockford’s riverfront. Continue Reading…

November 29, 2017

4 Ways to Explore the Unique History of Rockford, IL

Disclosure: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Rockford, Illinois and tours of the Coronado Performing Arts Center, Midway Village, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House, and Tinker Swiss Cottage. However, all opinions are my own.

When I travel, there are few things I love doing more than learning a bit about the local history. Not only is history an incredible way to connect with a community but it also provides a unique perspective to discover how a city has grown and changed.

During my time in Rockford, Illinois, I was lucky enough to explore four of the community’s incredible historical sites. From personal homes to museums and performance venues, these local attractions help give visitors a full picture of how Rockford came to be the city it is today.Continue Reading…

November 27, 2017

Step Inside the Historic Tinker Swiss Cottage in Rockford, IL

Disclosure: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Rockford, IL and tour of the Tinker Swiss Cottage. However, all opinions are my own.

Whether I’m traveling or exploring my own neighborhood, I love to seek out historic homes. Maybe it’s a curiosity to discover how other people once lived. Or maybe it’s the simple desire to peek inside an elaborate house. Regardless of the reason, I always find myself drawn to old homes, and the Tinker Swiss Cottage is one of the most unique I’ve ever visited.

This ornate 27-room cottage was built in the 1860s on the limestone bluffs overlooking Rockford, Illinois’ Kent Creek. From the outside it’s easy to see the detailed Swiss influence on the home, but once inside the design is even more delightful and inspiring. What began as a one-room cabin has since evolved into a sprawling mansion with elaborate woodwork, hand painted murals, and an incredibly rich history.

During our visit we were lucky enough to receive a delightful tour from the cottage’s Executive Director Steve Litteral. Not only is Steve extremely knowledgeable about the home and its former residents, but he is also one of the funniest tour guides I’ve ever met. It was wonderful addition to my time in Rockford to spend a few hours exploring this unique home and learning about one of the most influential families in the community’s local history.

November 20, 2017

Finding a “Little Gem” in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House

Disclosure: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Rockford, IL and visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House. However, all opinions are my own.

Growing up in suburban Chicago, I was no stranger to Frank Lloyd Wright. A few towns over in nearby Oak Park, Illinois, homes the architect designed were plentiful. Over the years, I’ve visited a fair number of his buildings, but none of them are as impressive and inspiring as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House in Rockford, Illinois.

The Laurent House is a beautiful example of a Usonian home. But it’s also the only home that the famed architect ever designed for someone with a disability. While the architectural changes may seem subtle to some, to wheelchair-bound Kenneth Laurent Frank Lloyd Wright’s inclusive design made all the difference.Continue Reading…

October 27, 2017

Experience Autumn at Edwards Apple Orchard West

Disclosure: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Rockford, IL and visit to Edwards Apple Orchard West. However, all opinions are my own.

I guess you could say I’m a bit of a fall fanatic. I’ve never been much of a pumpkin spice person, but when it comes to apples I’m all in. So when I heard that I’d be visiting Edwards Apple Orchard West as part of my exploration of Rockford, Illinois, I was elated.

Located about 20 minutes northwest Rockford, Edwards Apple Orchard West has been a community tradition for more than 25 years. With an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, family play area, farm animals, and a historic barn boosting with tasty treats, this Illinois orchard has something for everyone to enjoy.