shopping

Apache is functioning normally

While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

Tennis fashion certainly isn’t new to mainstream style, but this season, athletes and celebrities alike are helping to breathe new life into the trend (hi Zendaya). Ever since the “Challengers” press tour kicked off earlier this spring, social media has been abuzz watching Queen Z pay homage to her superstar character through a range of tennis outfits — from sporting a crisp halter-style mini frock that resembles a tailored tennis dress to strutting the (black) carpet in a pair of Loewe pumps that were fitted with a tennis ball on each heel (swoon!).

Zendaya’s sporty ensembles might be in theme with her new film, but the outfits also mark a much larger shift happening in fashion — one that’s merging sportswear with everyday athleisure pieces. Tenniscore fashion pulls inspiration from on-the-court icons like Coco Gauff or Serena Williams and blends it with everyday styles that are designed to be worn anywhere — think pleated tennis skirts, visors, and preppy vests.

How to Shop the Tenniscore Trend

Those viral Loewe tennis ball pumps might not be within your shopping means (cue the collective sigh), but fortunately, dozens of major brands are embracing the tenniscore trend with their own affordable collections that are designed to help you earn major style points — in your home, wardrobe, and even on the court.

Nike tennis skirts are all the rage on TikTok at the moment, but other athletic apparel labels like Athleta, Girlfriend Collective, and Lululemon have debuted new tennis-inspired styles that’ll help you serve up looks this season. You’ll find sporty prints and tennis-themed coffee table books from home retailers like Serena & Lily or West Elm. And if you’re hoping to take your athletic talents to the tennis court, you can shop out bestselling tennis gear online — including tennis rackets and workout shoes — from affordable brands like Amazon and Nordstrom.

Ahead, we curated a guide for how to shop the tennis trend, with products that’ll help you ace the preppy aesthetic, regardless of your interests or budget.

Source: popsugar.com

Apache is functioning normally

Summer break is in full swing, and with it, back-to-school shopping season. According to a new NerdWallet survey, those who are parents of K-12 or college students and who plan to do back-to-school shopping this year will spend $541, on average, on school supplies and clothing for their kids’ upcoming school year.

The survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults — among whom 478 are parents of children in K-12 or college for the 2024-25 school year and who will do back-to-school shopping — was commissioned by NerdWallet and conducted online by the Harris Poll in May 2024. We asked these parents, referred to throughout this report as “back-to-school shoppers,” how they plan to pay for school supplies and clothes and how they’re saving money on these expenses.

Key findings

  • Debit and credit cards are the most popular payment methods for back-to-school shopping: The survey found that 3 in 5 back-to-school shoppers will use a debit card (60%) to pay, and 58% will use a credit card. Shoppers could choose more than one payment method option.

  • Few say they’ll take on debt for back-to-school shopping, but their payment methods suggest otherwise: Despite just 10% of back-to-school shoppers saying they’ll likely go into debt to pay for school supplies this year, 20% report that they’ll use “buy now, pay later” services to shop. That combined with the number of shoppers using a credit card suggests consumers may not view short-term borrowing as debt.

  • Some shoppers are setting budgets and discussing them with their kids: More than a third of back-to-school shoppers (35%) say they’ll set a firm budget for back-to-school shopping this year. Likewise, 31% have talked or will talk to their children about the budget for back-to-school shopping.

  • Still, some parents say they’d go into debt for their kids’ social lives: The survey found that 42% of parents of K-12 or college kids — a slightly broader survey group than back-to-school shoppers — say they’d go into debt to pay for back-to-school items that would help their children fit in at school. More than half of parents of school- or college-aged kids (53%) say they’d go into debt to pay for the extracurriculars their children want to participate in.

“Back to school is a hectic time for everyone. Kids are adjusting to new teachers and classmates, while parents are scrambling to get the necessary clothing and supplies,” says Sara Rathner, a NerdWallet personal finance expert. “The cost of setting up kids for the school year only adds to the stress.”

Most back-to-school shoppers using debit, credit cards

Back-to-school shoppers will primarily use a debit card (60%) or credit card (58%) to pay for their kids’ supplies, clothes and school-related items for the upcoming school year. And 1 in 5 back-to-school shoppers (20%) say they’ll use buy now, pay later services as a payment method.

Just 10% of back-to-school shoppers say they’ll likely go into debt to pay for school supplies this year. But 20% of shoppers plan to use buy now, pay later services, which are often short-term, interest-free borrowing, much like using a credit card and paying it off by the due date. Whether you use BNPL or a credit card, keep in mind that even if it’s not costing you in interest, it is money you owe. It’s a good idea to keep your borrowing in check so you don’t overextend yourself financially.

Savvy shopping tip: Avoid overextending yourself with short-term borrowing

Using a credit card or BNPL service to pay for back-to-school purchases may be the best option for you, but it could encourage overspending. According to the survey, 35% of back-to-school shoppers will set a firm budget for purchases this year, which can be a good idea to keep spending in check, no matter your payment method.

“Setting a budget and mapping out your spending for clothing, supplies, and even more expensive items like computers, can help you limit debt or avoid it entirely,” Rathner says. “You may be able to cut costs by planning ahead and shopping when items are discounted.”

Back-to-school spending can add up, but many shoppers are taking steps to lower their costs. More than half of back-to-school shoppers (52%) plan to shop during sales this year, and 32% plan to only purchase things required or requested by their child’s school in order to save money. Others plan to use coupons (32%), purchase some back-to-school clothes secondhand (23%) or seek out free options for this year’s school supplies (22%).

Some back-to-school shoppers are getting ready early. More than 2 in 5 shoppers (42%) say they’ll save ahead of time this year, and 21% have already started back-to-school shopping (as of the time of survey fielding in May 2024). Close to a third (31%) have talked or will talk to their children about the budget for back-to-school purchases this year, and 9% expect their children to contribute to some of the costs.

Savvy shopping tip: Take steps to save money on back-to-school buys

Getting your kids ready for the upcoming school year can be expensive, especially if you have multiple children or are struggling to afford everyday essentials. Shopping back-to-school sales or your state’s tax-free days are great ways to save money on supplies and clothing purchases. But if you’re looking to save more, there are other ways to keep spending in check.

Secondhand shopping for clothes and certain supplies, or even looking into free options can take the pressure off your back-to-school budget. Ask around to see if your local community — maybe your school district, religious organization or neighbors — facilitate backpack drives, supply swaps or something similar to help families who need assistance getting access to school supplies. Community support, financial and otherwise, can be a great asset for parents year-round.

“This year’s school supply list might not come out in time to take advantage of tax-free days where you live, but one tip I got from a fellow parent is to shop based on last year’s list,” Rathner says. “There may be some changes from year to year, but many supplies are timeless, like backpacks, pencils and scissors.”

Some parents would take on debt for kids’ social standing

Supply lists may dictate back-to-school shopping needs, but some parents say they’d go into debt in service of their kids’ social lives this upcoming school year. According to the survey, 42% of parents of children in K-12 or college say they’d go into debt to pay for back-to-school items that would help their child fit in at school. Likewise, more than half of parents of school- and college-aged children (53%) say they’d go into debt to pay for the extracurriculars their kids want to participate in.

Savvy shopping tip: Reconsider taking on debt for kids’ nonessentials

Parents generally want to provide a good life for their kids. But going into debt for nonessentials can put your family in a financially precarious position, which can be stressful for everyone, kids included.

A frank, age-appropriate conversation with your kids about what your family is willing to prioritize financially can be a good lesson in budgeting and making hard choices. Perhaps you can either do sports fees or the expensive sneakers they’ve had their eyes on, but not both. Let them decide what’s most important to them, a useful skill to hone as they enter adulthood.

“It’s natural to want to give your kids everything, but just like you make choices to buy or not buy things, your kids can use back-to-school shopping as a time to learn how to prioritize needs versus wants,” Rathner says. “Those budgeting lessons might be met with some eye rolls now, but they’ll pay off when your kids are out on their own making spending decisions.”

Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from May 7-9, 2024, among 2,098 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 507 are parents of kids in K-12/College, among which 478 will back-to-school shop this year. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].

Disclaimer

NerdWallet disclaims, expressly and impliedly, all warranties of any kind, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or whether the article’s information is accurate, reliable or free of errors. Use or reliance on this information is at your own risk, and its completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed. The contents in this article should not be relied upon or associated with the future performance of NerdWallet or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as indicated by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should” or “anticipates” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may materially differ from NerdWallet’s presentation of information to analysts and its actual operational and financial results.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

And with home prices rising more than double the pace of inflation since the 1960s, making the place you live look great is as important as ever, whether it’s a rental or your expensive dream abode.

Here are the 10 decor mistakes she hates to see in other people’s homes.

Advertisement

Moreira said she always notices when a room has a rug that’s too small

“Select a rug as big as possible for the space, allowing it to anchor the furniture in the room,” Moreira said. “This will also make the space feel bigger and help with the acoustics.”

Your rug should also be flat enough that it fits under the gap of doors as they swing open and closed, she added.

Nightstands should never be way taller or shorter than the bed they’re next to

Your nigthstand shouldn’t be much lower or higher than your mattress.

Woko / 500px / Getty Images



She also dislikes when nightstands are not the right size for the bed they’re anchoring

“The height of the nightstand should be within 2 inches from the top of your mattress,” Moreira told BI. “This allows for easier reach and looks more proportionate.”

Advertisement

A blank ceiling is a missed opportunity

Always consider the ceiling when designing your space.

“Adding wallpaper or contrast paint to the ceiling allows you to add height, depth, and draw the eye up,” she said.


Related stories

The ceiling is also an opportunity to add another texture to the room.

By thinking of light fixtures only as functional, you’re missing out on decor opportunities

A lamp isn’t just a light source — it can also be a decorative element in your space.

sellbetter/Getty Images



According to Moreira, thinking of light fixtures strictly as functional is a big mistake.

Advertisement

“Light fixtures are a great way to add an artful element to a room,” she told BI. Choose fixtures that are sculptural, but also complement the architecture.

By hanging drapery hardware too low, you’re sabotaging your own space

Draperies should be at a height that allows them to just kiss the floor, the designer explained. This gives them a very custom look.

“The drapery rod should be hung as high up as possible, close to the ceiling,” Moreira said. “This adds height to the window.”

Repeating too many of the same wood tones can make the room look one-dimensional

It’s not ideal to buy furniture in matching wood tones when decorating a room, Moreira told BI.

Advertisement

In fact, your furniture should never look like you purchased it all at once or that it’s part of one set.

“Consider staying within the same hue but playing with the tone or texture of the woods to add dimension and look curated,” the designer said.

A boring powder room is a missed opportunity to make a statement

A funky mirror can give a bathroom personality.

Fiordaliso/Getty Images



“A powder room is a great place to get creative, take risks, and go bold,” she told BI. “Use wallpaper, paint the millwork, and/or the ceiling.”

Special details, like a really cool light fixture or an interesting mirror, can make a statement and be something that your guests will talk about.

Advertisement

A space with warm and cool light temperatures will look busy

The designer hates to see warm- and cool-toned light bulbs within a single space.

“It’s important to make sure the color temperature of the light bulbs or architectural lights are all the same within the space,” Moreira said. “Otherwise, it will look like the lights were an afterthought and look very busy.”

Buying the wrong-sized furniture for a space can make it feel too empty or crowded

The scale of your furniture is so important. When shopping, she said, consider the floor space you’re working with as well as the architecture of the room.

“You should have good traffic flow within the space, but it should never feel like it’s missing a piece or feel empty,” Moreira told BI.

Advertisement

Try to avoid completely matching metal finishes within a space

“Many people are very afraid of mixing metals and prefer all of the finishes to match exactly,” she said. “I always encourage my clients to mix metals.”

This allows the space to evolve over time and gives you more flexibility when introducing new items into the space.

Source: businessinsider.com

Apache is functioning normally

Although the perfect day may not look the same to everyone, we’re pretty confident we’ve put together a great choose-your-own-adventure itinerary for great things to do in Salt Lake City, UT. Whether you’re visiting on vacay or just moved into your new SLC apartment, peruse this guide for having the best day ever. Imagine that classic rom-com music playing (or actually put it on as you go about the day) as you enjoy these 24 hours in Salt Lake City. And who knows, maybe you’ll enjoy our recommendations so much you’ll want to move into a new home in SLC if you haven’t already.

The first step to the perfect Salt Lake City day is by stopping at a local coffee shop and fueling up. We’ve outlined a robust day so you may need some caffeine, but if that’s not your style, a pastry for breakfast never hurt anyone. 

In the heart of Salt Lake Valley, Honeysuckle Coffee Co. has two locations to choose from for your morning meal. With their specialty coffee and tea beverages, house-made pastries, and light brunch items, you’re sure to find something to enjoy. The perfect start to your day begins with “relaxing on one of the patios with an iced lavender latte and avocado toast under a striped umbrella, shaded from the sun,” describes owner Jennifer Biffert.

If you’re located in the West Jordan area, stop by Canyons Coffee for your morning sip. “Their outdoor seating is the perfect place to sip an iced latte or espresso tonic as you chat with a friend,” says co-owner Steven Swank. Espresso tonics are extremely ‘in’ right now, but they also have several classics to choose from and enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Canyons Coffee

“Located on the 900 line in Downtown Salt Lake, Loki Coffee is your friendly neighborhood specialty coffee shop serving up your classic coffee & espresso drinks,” says Loki’s Helen. Here you can find an array of pastries, breakfast items, desserts, and seasonal and signature drinks alongside a serving of hospitality and community. If you happen to have more time in your day or don’t see something that piques your interest in this itinerary, consider coming back here for one of their classes, community bike rides, coffee demos, or other community-focused events. 

For the first half of the afternoon, pick a Salt Lake City neighborhood and explore! Pop into local shops for a new outfit, gifts for friends back home, or decor for your SLC rental home, grab another coffee (we don’t judge), and really get a sense of the unique character each neighborhood offers.

According to Steven Vargo of Vargo Photography, “Locals know 900 South is where it’s at.” He suggests a walk or bike ride (easy to rent) along the newly paved bike paths to explore all this long street has to offer. His favorites include The Pearl, Water Witch, and Central 9th Market for food or drink, The Stockist, Acre, and Essential Photo Supply for shopping, and Liberty Park, The Whale Art Installation Roundabout, Tracy Aviary, and 9th West Peace Gardens for things to see. 

If you’re looking to explore a more “hippie” area with that Salt Lake artisan flair, look no further than the Sugar House District. This area has incredible local art galleries, bookstores, and boutiques to explore – all of which have that diverse and eclectic feel. For a break in between stores or after a little shopping extravaganza, stopping at Sugar House Park is a must. This park features several acres of luscious hills, trees, a picturesque lake, and a gorgeous view of the Wasatch Mountains making it the perfect afternoon spot. 

Located in Downtown Salt Lake City, the Historic Trolley Square is a great way to spend the afternoon. Originally the home of the Utah Light and Rail Company’s trolley cars, this area now features several stores while also maintaining the beautiful architecture, nostalgic ambiance, and preserved history of the area. While we of course recommend strolling in and out of local boutiques, we can’t suggest paying a visit to the Trolley History Museum or taking a tour of the Trolley Square Tower enough. 

After hours of exploring, it’s time to stop for a break and recharge (yourself and your cell phone). Although there are several sweet little treats and sweet little spots to choose from, try one of the options below!

Sweet sodas

Utah is known for its soda shops, so stopping for a fizzy drink is a must. Thirst Drinks is a SLC staple and has been in the community for over eight years. Located in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City, this shop not only has mixed sodas, but also some tasty bites like fresh baked soft pretzels, beignets, and popcorn (which is free)! 

Photo courtesy of Thirst Drinks

In the walkable Harvard/Yale neighborhood, Crema Coffee & Soda is a hub for residents. This spot serves up infamous Utah dirty sodas alongside locally roasted coffees, espressos, and a variety of treats. “With its cozy outdoor patio and convenient drive-thru, Crema has a combination of offerings that is sure to delight,” says Crema’s John.

If you’re looking for even more of a grab-and-go option, you can pick up SodaBeers at all local grocery stores and head to a park to decompress and recharge for the next activity. These alcohol-free craft sodas are a local favorite that offer a “taste of tradition and community spirit in every sip,” says CEO ​Ashley Simmons. She especially recommends their award-winning apple flavor to enjoy on your perfect day.

Best (alcoholic) bevies

If you’re more in the mood for an alcoholic beer or cocktail, we have a couple great spots to head to – as long as you’re over 21. These spots are uber fun and the perfect way to enjoy your day the adult way. 

Our first recommendation is none other than Kiitos Brewing in Downtown Salt Lake City. Blogger Georgina D’Angelo of Alpacka My Bags notes that Kiitos Brewing is the perfect place to wind down: “with a wide selection of beers brewed in-house and friendly staff, Kiitos offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.” This spot also has a variety of pinball machines to enjoy alongside your brew.

Photo courtesy of Alpacka My Bags

If you’re craving something a little more upscale or want to bar-hop, we suggest stopping by UnderCurrent Bar. Also just a couple blocks outside Downtown Salt Lake City, UnderCurrent is a casual bar with an original and classic cocktail program. “We feature seasonal craft cocktails, a unique spirit collection, oysters, and other small bites,” says general manager Lyssa Story. We especially recommend checking out their Farmers Market Series for drinks and dishes made with local ingredients, but be warned, you may not be able to get your new favorite cocktail again since this menu rotates weekly.

In our eyes, the perfect day includes a little bit of art. After all, art is such a great way to immerse yourself in a city’s culture. Whether it’s taking a class to learn a new craft or catching a show to get a feel of the local music scene, taking a moment for art is a great way to start winding down the day.

Create at a community art class

With several different art options to choose from, The Art Cottage is the perfect way to spend part of your day. Located at the Gardner Village Shopping Center in West Jordan, this charming art studio “provide(s) art classes for all ages, fun paint parties, and delicious gelato to enjoy,” says owner Kayley Miller. They offer a variety of classes like watercolor, acrylic, and clay alongside unique and affordable art, art-related gifts, and art kits if you want to take some of that art magic back home with you.

Photo courtesy of The Art Cottage

Located in the Rose Park neighborhood, the Clever Cucumber is Salt Lake City’s free community art studio. Available to all, they invite you to “come work on any creative project in the company of new friends during Open Studio, or try one of their classes like stained glass or printmaking,” says director and teaching artist Kate Jarman Gates. If a class isn’t your speed for the day, they have a “free makerspace full of unique equipment and supplies, and a professional artist always on hand to help,” making it the perfect place to let your creativity run free. 

See a stunning show

For all you music lovers, the Sandy Amphitheater is THE place in SLC for a concert experience. This venue “offers a wide variety of concerts and events not found anywhere else in Utah – from large national tours and music icons, to local music artists, to free community events,” says Elyse George, head of marketing and development. This venue is not only an award-winning outdoor amphitheater, but also has stunning views of the “Wasatch Mountains to the east and…sunset over the Salt Lake Valley to the west.” Whether you’re into rock or indie, you’re sure to enjoy the show as there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Photo courtesy of Sandy Amphitheater

We assume the day’s activities have worked up quite the appetite, so our last stop is supper. We’ve compiled six great dining options below, but feel free to pick two and go to one earlier for lunch instead – after all, it’s your perfect Salt Lake City day.

Our first restaurant recommendation comes from SLC Bookkeeping, a Salt Lake City bookkeeping service. Marketing director Austin Walker raves about Red Iguana on North Temple, especially for large dinners: “Their food is incredible. We purchase mole by the bucket. Even if there is a wait, so what? It’s absolutely worth it every. Single. Time.” Voted the best Mexican restaurant in SLC 25 years in a row, this spot not only serves the especially coveted mole, but also authentic Mexican food and killer cocktails.

If you’re more in the mood for Italian, Caffé Molise in Downtown Salt Lake City is truly one of the best. Great for both lunch and dinner, this place offers “fresh Italian cuisine inspired by the Molise region of Italy since 1993,” according to Caffé Molise management’s Carol. This full service restaurant focuses on regional specialties and uses local ingredients. Whether you’re at a table in the dining room or on the garden patio, we especially recommend hitting up this place on a Friday evening for their live jazz with the John Flanders Trio. You really can’t go wrong with a great Italian dish, a glass of wine (if you’re drinking), and some smooth jazz.

Photo courtesy of Caffé Molise

The SLC Eatery located in Downtown Salt Lake City has a rotating menu full of flavor. This small local restaurant creates contemporary comfort food like ricotta dumplings, french onion croquettes, and yuzu curd cake to name a few. If you can’t make it for dinner, they also offer brunch with favorites such as their Utah scone, kimchi rice bowl, and tres leches french toast. With their tasty menu, you’re sure to find something you love– and maybe are willing to share with your dinner/brunch partners.

Wherever your day leads you, Taqueria 27 has your Mexican cravings covered with five locations across the Wasatch front. This joint makes a point to use fresh ingredients with their cooks preparing meals fresh to order. We especially recommend checking out their taco bar and peeping at their taco, guacamole, cocktail, and dessert of the day.

Located in the 9th and 9th neighborhood, Pago has been serving seasonal New American Cuisine since 2009. Their innovative farm-to-table cuisine and world-class wine program has earned them several local and national titles like Best Wine Restaurants in the Country (from Wine Enthusiast) and Best Restaurant in Utah (from SL Magazine). This place celebrates small production, local ingredients, and sustainability which can be seen through every incredible dish.

Photo courtesy of Pago

Our last dinner recommendation is none other than Zest Kitchen & Bar located in Downtown Salt Lake City. We especially suggest this place if you subscribe to the vegan lifestyle since they offer healthy plant-based fare made with fresh locally sourced ingredients. If you’re dining alfresco in their outdoor space, owner Rahul Vaidya assures that your thirst will be quenched with their array of freshly squeezed juices or craft cocktails. He also suggests “treat[ing] yourself to our decadent dairy-free desserts,” like strawberry bundt cake or chocolate raspberry tart to finish your meal on a sweet note.

We hope you enjoyed our recommendations and found some things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah. Whether you’ve purchased a new trinket in 900 South, got a sugar rush from a soda, learned a new art skill, or have some dinner leftovers for later, our aim is that your main takeaway was some unforgettable memories. So, if you’ve lived in SLC for ages, just moved, want to (we’d love to help), or were just visiting, we’re happy to have played a role in your perfect Salt Lake City day.

Apache is functioning normally

From the architectural marvels of the Windy City to the historic charm of Springfield, Illinois is a state bursting with attractions. But what is Illinois known for? Whether you’re considering renting a home in Shelbyville, looking to settle into an apartment in Peoria, or just planning a visit, you’ll soon find that Illinois has much more to offer than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Illinois truly special and why so many people are drawn to this dynamic state.

1. The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile in Chicago stands as one of Illinois’ most iconic landmarks. This bustling section of Michigan Avenue stretches for 13 blocks, offering a premier shopping experience with over 460 stores. Sightseers flock to see landmarks like the historic Water Tower and the John Hancock Center, which provides stunning views from its observation deck. Besides shopping, the area features upscale restaurants and world-class hotels, making it a memorable destination for anyone in the state.

2. Deep dish pizza

Illinois, particularly Chicago, is renowned for its delectable deep dish pizza. This pie features a thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and various toppings. Pizzerias like Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, and Pequod’s have become household names, drawing food enthusiasts from around the globe. Unlike other pizzas, this one is eaten with a fork and knife, making each bite a savory experience. Locals and visitors alike enjoy deep dish pizza, often considering it a must-try dish when in Illinois.

3. The Illinois State Fair

Held annually in Springfield, the Illinois State Fair is a highlight of the state’s cultural calendar. This event dates back to 1853 and celebrates Illinois’ agricultural heritage with livestock competitions, carnival rides, and food stalls. People gather to enjoy concerts by famous musicians, rodeo shows, and fireworks displays, making it a beloved tradition for many.

4. Abraham Lincoln’s legacy

Abraham Lincoln’s legacy is deeply rooted in Illinois, earning it the nickname “The Land of Lincoln.” In Springfield, you can explore the Lincoln Home National Historic Site where Lincoln lived before becoming the 16th President of the United States. Additionally, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers a comprehensive look at his life and presidency, featuring interactive exhibits and rare artifacts. While in this state, don’t miss the chance to learn about Lincoln’s significant contributions to American history and his lasting impact on the nation.

Fun facts Illinois is famous for

  • Home of the first skyscraper: Illinois is home to the world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, which was built in Chicago in 1885.
  • First McDonald’s: The first McDonald’s restaurant was opened in Des Plaines in 1955 by Ray Kroc.
  • Largest inland system of rivers and waterways: Illinois has the largest inland system of rivers and waterways in the U.S. The Illinois Waterway connects the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, facilitating significant commercial and recreational boat traffic.

5. Route 66

Route 66, famously known as the “Main Street of America,” starts in Chicago. This historic highway, which originally stretched from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA, played a crucial role in America’s transportation history. Travelers often begin their journey at the Route 66 starting point sign in downtown Chicago, then explore classic diners, retro motels, and quirky roadside attractions along the way. Landmarks like the Gemini Giant and the restored Pontiac Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum offer nostalgic glimpses into the past.

6. Anderson Japanese Gardens

Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford is considered one of the finest Japanese gardens in North America. This 12-acre landscape features tranquil streams, koi-filled ponds, and meticulously maintained plants and trees. Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls along winding pathways, visit traditional Japanese structures, and participate in cultural events like tea ceremonies and festivals. The gardens provide a serene escape from everyday life, offering a place for reflection and appreciation of Japanese horticultural artistry.

7. Navy Pier

Navy Pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan is one of Illinois’ most visited attractions. This 3,300-foot-long pier features entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences for all ages. Visitors enjoy the iconic Centennial Wheel, which offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and lakefront. The pier also hosts seasonal events such as the Chicago Air and Water Show and Winter WonderFest. With its theaters, museums, and numerous restaurants, Navy Pier is a bustling hub of activity, making it a top destination for both locals and tourists.

8. Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is one of the oldest and most beloved zoos in the country. Opened in 1868, it offers free admission to visitors and features a wide variety of animals from around the world. The zoo’s highlights include the Kovlr Lion House, the Regenstein Center for African Apes, and the immersive Farm-in-the-Zoo experience. While visiting, be sure to enjoy the interactive exhibits and seasonal events, such as ZooLights during the winter holidays.

9. Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods, located in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, is a breathtaking natural wonder. This area is known for its stunning rock formations, sculpted by millions of years of erosion. People can hike the Observation Trail, which offers panoramic views of the towering cliffs and unique rock structures like Camel Rock and Devil’s Smokestack. Photographers and nature lovers flock to capture the dramatic scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset.

10. Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is located along the Illinois River and is a natural wonder known for its stunning canyons and waterfalls. Outdoor enthusiasts visit the park to hike its 13 miles of trails, explore sandstone bluffs, and enjoy breathtaking views. The park is especially popular in the fall when the foliage transforms into a vibrant display of colors. Visitors can also partake in activities like fishing, boating, and camping.

11. Willis Tower Skydeck

The Willis Tower Skydeck offers breathtaking views from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can take an elevator to the 103rd floor, where they step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending four feet outside the building. This thrilling experience provides panoramic views of the city and beyond, reaching up to four states on a clear day. The Skydeck attracts millions of tourists each year, providing a unique perspective on Chicago’s stunning skyline and architectural beauty.

12. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio in Oak Park is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. Wright is one of America’s most influential architects and lived and worked here from 1889 to 1909. The home and studio offer guided tours that showcase Wright’s innovative design concepts and personal life. Patrons can see where he developed his Prairie Style architecture, which emphasized horizontal lines and organic forms. This site provides a unique glimpse into the early work of a genius who reshaped modern architecture.

Jenna is a Midwest native who enjoys writing about home improvement projects and local insights. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking, crocheting, or backpacking with her fiancé.

Source: rent.com