A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date.
READ ON!Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!
READ ON!A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.
READ ON!The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you. Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.
READ ON!Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor? If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail? Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago. We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.
READ ON!Add a little more flavor to your Thanksgiving dinner with the right wine to pair for every side and dessert on your plate. Here are some wine pairings from our local wineries and wine shops for you to try this season.
Start the afternoon off with a fabulous Brut Sparkling Wine from Illinois Sparkling Wine Co. from August Hill Winery. Not only does it start a celebratory feel of the holiday, it will taste nice with your appetizers.
Turkey - try a full bodied Chardonnay from Sable Creek Winery! The buttery taste of the Chardonnay pairs perfectly with a moist Turkey. Don’t like a white wine? You can also try a medium-bodied red like the Cabernet also from Sable Creek Winery. It has the medium tannins, that will compliment your main course on the Thanksgiving table.
Vegetables - Whether your family tradition is Brussel sprouts, corn or green beans pair them with a Pinot Noir or Zinfandel from Clark’s Run Creek Gifts & Wine. You don’t want to have too full-bodied of a red to compete with the earthy tastes of the vegetables.
Potatoes - Are you like my family and we all like a different kind of potato? So no matter if you have mashed, au graten, or scalloped potatoes on that table. Try a crisp Reisling from PK Unkorked. It will offset the dryness of your potatoes.
Cranberries - Homemade or from the can with the rivets and all?!? A light Rosé from Wine & Cheese Co. would absolutely seal the deal for either.
Dessert - What is your favorite dessert? Try a glass of homemade Autumn Sangria from Bishop's Hill Winery. The sangria has a mixture of their red wine, apple brandy, pear liqueur, apple cider and cinnamon infused simple syrup. It can either be served chilled or slightly warmed in a crockpot, like a mulled wine.
Hope you found a little inspiration along the Wine through the Corridor. Which ever way you decide to celebrate, with one or all of the wines and do a fun tasting, we hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving.