Illinois Destinations

Beyond Chicago: Urban Discoveries in Rockford, Illinois' Second City

The autumn leaves were performing their annual color symphony as I stepped off the bus in Rockford, Illinois – a city that perpetually lives in Chicago's shadow yet pulses with its own distinct heartbeat. I've spent years sketching urban landscapes...

48 Hours in Peoria: The Perfect Illinois River City Weekend Itinerary

When most people plan an Illinois getaway, Chicago typically steals the spotlight. But nestled along the Illinois River sits Peoria - a mid-sized city that captured my heart with its perfect blend of riverside charm, surprising astronomical attractions, and incredible...