From 1858-2002, the Joliet Correctional Center was in operation. It is known around the world because it is the prison at the beginning of the movie "The Blues Brothers," when Jake Blues is released. Also, it was the location for the first season of the show "Prison Break." Why was it chosen? Well, just look at the building. It's constructed of a gorgeous limestone (built by convicts, of course). It has been famous since years before its appearance in pop culture, however. In 1872, there were 1,239 prisoners. This was a record number of prisoners inhabiting a single prison. Although it had a lot of prisoners, it eventually closed in 2002. This was due to budget cuts and the fact that the buildings were just so old and decrepit. What remains on the outside, however, is gorgeous. For now, there are no tours of the inside (although there may be in the future). So these incredible photos that were collected in this YouTube video give you access you just can't get otherwise.
The holidays in Illinois are a special time of year. Every corner of our state embraces the season, from the small towns to the bigger cities and just about everywhere in between. This holiday season, hop aboard for an Illinois Christmas train adventure at the Happy Holiday Railway - a beloved annual event hosted by the Illinois Railway Museum. Then fully embrace the holiday spirit at the Embassy Suites Riverfront in Rockford, where the halls are decked and good tidings await.
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Train Tracks and Railroad Ties in winter Landscape
Begin your adventure by making your way to the Illinois Railway Museum's depot to get your tickets for your ride on the Happy Holiday Railway. You can purchase tickets in advance, as well. Cookies and hot chocolate are available while you wait to board, and the museum is completely decked out for the occasion! The train runs on most Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday season. Rides are scheduled for 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 6:00 pm. Tickets are $25, with ages two and under riding for free. You'll want to arrive approximately 30 minutes before your departure time.
The Happy Holiday Railway rides last about 40 minutes, but you'll feel as if you've been transported into a magical holiday world. You may even run into one very special conductor's helper. (Actually, he rides along on every train!)
After your Christmas train adventure, chug on over to the Embassy Suites Riverfront in nearby Rockford, which is at the very center of all of Rockford's holiday festivities. And with the way the hotel gets decked out, you can tell it takes its role very seriously. Enjoy all of the hotel's uplifting holiday decor. Boost your own spirits with a seasonal cocktail -- or hot cocoa -- at The Top, the hotel's aptly named rooftop bar and lounge.
While you're sipping a cup of cheer, you'll enjoy views out over the river and Davis Park, which is always festively lighted for the holidays.
This image captures the essence of winter comfort, with a close-up of two hands gently cradling a cup of hot chocolate. The frothy beverage is in sharp focus, highlighting its rich texture and inviting warmth against a blurred outdoor backdrop, suggesting a chilly but cozy atmosphere
Head to the Illinois Railway Museum online for times, dates, tickets, and more. And be sure to visit the Embassy Suites Rockford's Facebook page to see what the hotel has in store for this holiday season.
Have you boarded the Happy Holiday Railway or had a chance to discover why Rockford is the most festive Christmas town in Illinois? And speaking of Christmas in Illinois, be sure to take a look at our ultimate gift-giving guide for all the travel enthusiasts on your list this year.
When I turned 40, I made a promise to myself that this would be my best year yet. I would get reacquainted with the "me" that existed before becoming a partner, mom, and coworker; I would tap into my truest self and embrace the awesome and wise woman I am. I would travel to the places I write about, alone and with my kids. I would get out of my own way; making "yes, and" my mantra and see where that got me.
My spontaneous "yes and" mindset was put to the test a few weeks ago, when I got a text on a random weekday asking if I'd be up for seeing P!INK the following weekend in Chicago. I thought about it for less than a minute; I was in. I found a cheap (and direct!) flight from CVG to Midway, and Jackie used her budget traveling stealth to secure us a room at the Congress Hotel, a historic hotel right on Michigan Avenue just minutes from the stadium.
Navy Pier and city skyline with the John Hancock Center from Lake Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Packing for such a quick trip was a breeze; I was able to fit everything into a sleek backpack. I'd never flown into Chicago before; the waters of Lake Michigan are a brilliant cobalt blue and the cityscape -- with its striking architecture and iconic attractions -- is breathtaking. My 10-year-old is super into baseball right now and was delighted at this photo I snapped flying over the White Sox stadium:
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
I landed around 3 p.m. and took an Uber to the hotel. After a quick shower, we decided to make the most of a beautiful Saturday afternoon and take in the (iconic) views along Lake Shore Drive. Chicago is an incredibly walkable town and it's easy to get around on foot or with public transportation, which kept this trip extremely affordable, especially as we split the bill (and our concert tickets were just $40).
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
The concert itself was awesome - if you ever get the chance to see P!INK, do it. She put on an incredible show that brought me back to high school in all the best ways. More importantly, though, if you ever get the opportunity to drop everything and rendezvous with a lovely friend for a night in the city, do it. This kind of spontaneous travel makes way for the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
Soldier Field (formerly Municipal Grant Park Stadium), dedicated to men and women of U.S. armed forces, located on Lake Shore Drive, in the Near South Side, Chicago, Illinois, USA. 1924 landmark football field, home to NFL’s Chicago Bears.
Writing for Only In Your State has awakened a curiosity about the world for which I'm incredibly grateful. Travel fuels my soul and makes me a more inspired writer and better human. The perspective that comes with age has let me embrace a "Yes and" mantra and the opportunities that come my way. Adventures are all around us and sometimes, a spontaneous getaway with a friend is all you need to be reminded of just how awesome life is.
