Nina and Pinta Replicas Sail the Mississippi, Dock for Tours

Connie Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin September 30, 2017April 30, 2019Columbus ships, Nina and Pinta, Nina and Pinta replicas 1 Comment

We first wrote about the Nina and Pinta replicas in 2013, when we stumbled across the ships in Clinton, Iowa. The Nina and Pinta, replicas of two Columbus’ ships, offer tours to the public. A couple of weeks ago we visited Peoria, Illinois. As we walked down to the Illinois River to board the Spirit of Peoria for a moonlight cruise, we noticed the Nina and Pinta replicas docked there. Checking the schedule, we found the ships were in Peoria through September 24, 2017. Their next stop was Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where they’ll be from September 29 through October 8. Read further for our original experience and descriptions of the Nina and Pinta replicas. Read more

Do Cicadas Chirp During a Solar Eclipse?

Vernon Attractions & Events, Illinois, Road Trips August 22, 2017June 4, 2024nature eclipse, solar eclipse, solar eclipse 2017, Southern Illinois, southern illinois eclipse, total solar eclipse 2 Comments

When I first heard, several months ago, about the total solar eclipse crossing the United States this summer, I knew I wanted to go to a point of totality. It would be cool to watch the moon completely cover the sun and to experience total darkness in the middle of the afternoon.

In the weeks leading up to the eclipse I read several articles about the subject. One article suggested that scientists would be studying the effect of the eclipse on wildlife, including whether cicadas chirp during a total solar eclipse. Odd, I thought. It seems that would be a simple thing to find out. Scientists should already know that. I made a mental note to listen for cicadas myself.

A Stroll Through Anderson Japanese Gardens

Vernon Attractions & Events, Illinois July 26, 2017July 28, 2017anderson garden, anderson gardens, anderson japanese garden, anderson japanese gardens, anderson japanese gardens hours, anderson japanese gardens weddings, japanese anderson gardens, japanese garden in rockford, japanese gardens in rockford, Rockford attractions, rockford illinois attractions 6 Comments

A sense of serenity came over me as I strolled the paths of Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois. Walking through landscapes of meticulously manicured trees and flowing water, relaxation replaced my stress. What is it about a Japanese garden that differs from other gardens? Why does it feel tranquil? It’s because each element—every rock, every plant, every pond— is carefully placed to inspire calm and renewal.

I’ve felt that that sense of tranquility in every Japanese garden I’ve visited. However, it was intensified at Anderson Japanese Gardens because of the garden’s size and extensive use of water. The garden’s twelve acres includes two large ponds, a creek that winds through the property, and a tall waterfall.
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25 Ways to Have Fun at the Illinois State Fair

Connie Agritourism, Attractions & Events, Food & Drink, Illinois July 20, 2017July 28, 2024fairs in illinois, IL State Fair, illinois fairs, Illinois State Fair, state fair illinois 0 Comment

I went to my first state fair in 2015. I had been to county fairs many times but had never gotten around to going to the larger Illinois State Fair—or for that matter, any other state fair. I knew the gist of what to expect—farm animals, carnival rides, entertainment and such. What surprised me was the size of the fair. There was so much to see and do. We spent two days at the fair and didn’t get a chance to see everything. Here is a list of 25 things to do at the Illinois State Fair, and it is not all-encompassing.

6 Small Midwest Zoos Great for a Short Visit

Connie Attractions & Events, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri May 18, 2017Columbian Park Zoo, Dickerson Zoo, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Midwest zoos, Peoria Zoo, Potawatomi Zoo, Small Midwest Zoos, Washington Park Zoo 12 Comments

Large zoos are a fun all-day adventure. But there are times that you don’t have all day. Or perhaps you have little ones in tow who can’t yet handle a full day outing. You hate to pay the full price for a major zoo, deal with the hassle of a large parking lot, and leave after a few hours. Here are six Midwest zoos that are great for short visits. Read more

Blaum Bros Distilling Co: Top Galena Attraction

Connie Food & Drink, Illinois March 24, 2017May 23, 2025baum brothers, Blaum Bros Distilling Co, blaum brother distillery, blaum brothers, blaum brothers whiskey, craft distillers, distillery, distillery galena, finest whiskey, galena distillery, Galena IL, galena il things to do, galena ill, rye whiskey brands, small distillery, things to do in galena il, what to do in galena il 0 Comment

Since the first year Matt and Mike Blaum opened Blaum Bros Distilling Co, it’s been Galena’s top attraction, according to Trip Advisor. The craft distillery is so popular that just three years after opening their doors in 2014, they are having to expand. Although it was quiet on the single-digit day we toured the distillery this winter, Matt told us, “During the summer and fall months it’s just shoulder-to-shoulder in here.” Read more