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What’s new to discover in Illinois
From mild to wild, discover Illinois’ natural wonders and best kept secrets.
2023 welcomes a host of new outdoor adventures, sights, landmarks and entertainment venues. Here are just a few of the new experiences check out.
Alpine Coaster has opened at Aerie’s Resort in Grafton. This thrilling new ride is the first of its kind in Illinois. It travels down the hillside over 3,000 feet of track at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.
Stroll with a glass of wine in hand and a goat by your side at the new Hoof It & Sip It in Galena. Return from the walk to enjoy tastings from local vineyard and winery, Fergedaboudit, while overlooking incredible views of Galena Country.
The small town of Casey is home to 12 of the world’s largest things as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, including the World’s Largest Teeter-Totter, Wooden Gavel (in Marshall) and Barbershop Pole. This year, a big taco, a big pink piggy bank and a big Poké Ball join the collection.
Walker Bluff Casino Resort will open this year as Southern Illinois’ premier dining and entertainment venue. It houses a first-class casino with a spacious gaming floor, comprising 650 slot machines and 14 live table games.
Foodie tours
Sample Illinois’ burgeoning food scene with these new wine, coffee, and chocolate trails.
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 award-winning wineries located along a 35-mile scenic drive in the Shawnee National Forest. Along the way, have a picnic, go on a hike, visit a shop, and stay in a cosy B&B.
Coffee lovers won’t be able to get enough of Southern Illinois Coffee Trail. This one-of-a kind trail featuring 27 different coffee shops throughout the region’s 21 counties.
Those with a sweet tooth are invited to take a journey along the Blackhawk Chocolate Trail to experience a chocolate escape in Northwest Illinois. From candy stores and gift shops, to cafes and bakeries, there are plenty of tasty locations to choose from.
Visit www.enjoyillinois.com
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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