Illinois Travel Guide 2008 - (Page 25) In Illinois you’ll find plenty of interesting places that will get you out into nature and in touch with the environment. Whether you’re a green thumb who can’t get enough of gardens and organic farms, a wine aficionado on the hunt for that next great discovery or an outdoor enthusiast ready for an exciting eco-adventure, you’ll find it all right here in Illinois. COURTESY OF THE MORTON ARBORETUM Head to Glencoe on Chicago’s North Shore for a nature walk or guided tram tour through the Chicago Botanic Garden. More than 20 beautiful garden settings include the lovely English Walled Garden and the seasonal Model Railroad Garden, featuring garden-scale model trains that chug past miniature scenes of some of America’s favorite landmarks, including Chicago’s own Wrigley Field. Hop aboard the Acorn Express tram or walk the trails at Lisle’s Morton Arboretum, located in Chicago’s western suburbs. The arboretum is home to 1,700 acres of gardens and worldrenowned plant collections. Explore the Maze Garden or take the kids to the Children’s Garden, where little ones are encouraged to play and learn. Special summertime events include twilight concerts and theater hikes with strolling actors. Take your time and enjoy the tranquility of Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford. Open from May 1 to October 31, one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan features tumbling waterfalls, formal gardens, koi ponds and a 16th century Sukiya-style teahouse. Anderson plans to open a new visitors center in spring 2008 that will include a restaurant, art gallery and gift shop. The Mari-Mann Herb Farm in Decatur is one of the largest herb gardens in the Midwest. Wander among the colorful wildflower fields and formal gardens. Then visit the quaint Gingerbread House gift shop, where you’ll find all-natural products that include fragrant oils, baked goods, herbal teas, homeopathic remedies and dried herbs. Creative cooking classes are offered regularly. During the spring and summer you’re welcome to visit Lavender Creek Farm in Mackinaw, where you can tour the purple flowering fields and even pick your own bouquet during the annual Harvest Fest in July. Plus, the Country Barn Gift Shop sells g ARDENS & FARMS WINE TRAILS Wine lovers will want to linger on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, located in the Carbondale area along a 25-mile scenic drive through the Shawnee National Forest. The Wine Trail is made up of nine different wineries, many featuring decks and patios where you’re welcome to relax and drink in the lush forest scenery. Be sure to stop at the Tuscan-style Blue Sky Vineyard, offering two romantic suites upstairs from its popular tasting room; COURTESY OF RACVB/DAVID ANDERSON lavender plants and products, including bath salts, candles, teas and even lavender fudge. Eckert’s Farms, family owned and operated in Southwest Illinois since 1837, now boasts three locations in Grafton, Belleville and Millstadt. All of the farms offer loads of fun family activities, homemade goodies and fresh produce plus u-pick orchards where you can pluck your own apples and pumpkins in the fall. In Moline, make it a John Deere day in honor of the man who revolutionized farming with his innovative plow. Start at the John Deere Pavilion, a striking glass-walled complex housing vintage and modern Deere equipment, along with agricultural exhibits. Nearby is the Collectors Center, where Deere fans revel in watching antique machines undergo restoration. Left to Right: An oasis of green at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, fiery fall colors at Lisle’s Morton Arboretum, a lush waterfall at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford 800/2CONNECT ILLINOIS. MILE AFTER MAGNIFICENT MILE. 25
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