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Abraham Lincoln's Home

At Home With President Abraham Lincoln: A History Lesson in Springfield.

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Starved Rock Lodge

Whether it be for fall leaf-peeping or a long drive for breakfast, Starved Rock Lodge offers a peaceful reprieve.

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City Museum: Where found objects become a ton of fun

The world's largest pencil, a Ferris wheel on the roof and an indoor tree house are just a few of the sights at this wondrous museum for kids and adults alike.

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Fox Theatre delights with Broadway shows, concerts

The Fox Theatre continues more than 80 years of entertaining St. Louis audiences. The one-time movie palace now presents Broadway shows and concerts.

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Gateway Arch: must-see monument in St. Louis

No visit to St. Louis is complete without a stop at the Gateway Arch, the iconic symbol of St. Louis and the tallest monument in the United States. The arch was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

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Cathedral Basilica: A local wonder to behold

This St. Louis cathedral houses the world's largest collection of mosaic art, with soaring domes and wondrous images made from colored glass.

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Missouri History Museum: Explore local past, present and future

Focusing on the history of Missouri - from frontier to modern metropolis - this museum's exhibits feature artifacts from famous residents and events throughout the state.

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St. Louis Art Museum: A fantastic - and free - city spot

This world-class collection of art, housed in the only remaining building from the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, is free to the public year-round.

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St. Louis Zoo: among top U.S. zoos - and it's free!

With 5,000 animals from 800 species, the St. Louis Zoo has an endless supply of wonders for animal lovers of all ages. And, amazingly, for the most part, it's all free!

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Saint Louis Science Center: Education and fun, wrapped into one

This metropolitan museum features hundreds of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, OMNIMAX theater and tons of entertainment for the entire family.

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Anheuser-Busch Brewery: beer behind the scenes

The original Budweiser brewery offers tours of beer production from start to finish, along with free samples and a stop off with the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

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Route 66 Raceway Pays Homage to a Historic Road.

Get your kicks and more at Route 66 Raceway where speed, world-class motorsports and funny cars rule the road.

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The Magic House: A delightful learning playground

This St. Louis children's museum uses hands-on exhibits and experiments to entertain and educate visitors of all ages.

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Grant's Farm: free, top-notch family fun

Ulysses S. Grant's historic home now includes more than 1,000 animals, rides, shows and entertainment guaranteed to make the whole family smile.

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Six Flag St. Louis: Refill the thrill

If it sometimes feels like the thrill has drained out of your life, Six Flags St. Louis may be a great place for a recharge. With a plentiful assortment of heart-pounding rides and show-stopping live performances, the 132-ac ...

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The Morton Arboretum: The great outdoors just outside the city

This 1,700 acre natural wonderland includes gardens, streams, trails, mazes and a whole lot more guaranteed to entertain visitors of all ages.

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Willowbrook Wildlife Center brings local animals up close

This west suburb treatment, rehabilitation and education center looks after local wildlife and teaches visitors what they can do to help.

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Historic Pullman is packed with railway past

The Historic Pullman District of Chicago offers great history about railroading, labor and community living in the late 1800s.

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Brookfield Zoo: "barless" habitats brings animals up close

This city zoo is considered one of the best in the country, with massive indoor habitats and more than 200 acres of entertainment.

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Schaumburg Flyers: Big league fun, minor league price

The northwest suburban Schaumburg Flyers minor league baseball team brings big-time entertainment with talented players, a plush home field and inexpensive ticket prices.

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Lynfred Winery: A sweet surprise in the suburbs

The oldest and largest continuously operating winery in Illinois is much closer than you might think. Just 45 minutes from downtown, the winery offers tastings, tours and a beautiful backdrop.

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Ernest Hemingway Museum: A glimpse into greatness

This Oak Park attraction boasts authentic memorabilia - including letters, diaries and photos - from one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

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Ernest Hemingway Birthplace: Where history sparked imagination

The childhood home of an American legend has been beautifully restored, bringing the past back to life in Oak Park.

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Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio: A modern architecture mecca

The early 20th century Oak Park home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright shines light on the beginnings of modern design.

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DuSable Museum of African American History

The nation's first museum charting African American History began in Chicago.

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Spring Valley: like a visit to the 19th century

A living museum in the northwest suburbs shows visitors what life was like in the 19th century. Explore a working farm, log cabin and more than 135 acres of preserved land just 45 minutes from downtown Chicago.

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Museum of Science and Industry: a colossal experience in Chicago

See bay chicks hatch, study the cockpit of a 727, journey into a working coal mine and board a World War II submarine — all under one roof at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.

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Legoland Discovery Center: building blocks of fun

The first in the United States, Chicago's Legoland Discovery Center mixes interactive exhibits with amazing Lego models, rides and 4D shows for full family fun.

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Fitzgerald's: A classic music joint with loads of charm

This popular west suburb music venue has a bar, restaurant, patio and sprawling live performance area made famous in several Hollywood films.

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Woodlawn Tap: a nobel spot to belly-up for a beer.

Woodlawn Tap, a nostalgic Hyde Park pub that has been the watering hole for University of Chicago students since 1948.

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Printer's Row Lit Fest: a gathering for the bookish

Voracious readers, unite! The Printer's Row Lit Fest on June 6–7 is a bookworm's utopia.

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23rd Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Dust off your kilt and whet your appetite for some haggis. It's time for the Highland Games on June 19–20.

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Highland Games bounce back from big storm

Oak Brook's 23rd annual Highland Games saw significant damage from storms, but thousands still turned out for this yearly festival dedicated to all things Scottish.

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Father's Day Classic Car Show rolls in June 21

Oakbrook Center's 41st annual Father's Day Classic Car Show will appeal to the whole family, with more than 100 vintage cars set among beautiful gardens, shops and restaurants.

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The Bandits vs. The Flyers: a battle of the sexes

Men of the minor league take on Chicago's Women's slow-pitch softball team in what is billed as "The Battle of the Sexes."

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Annual World Music Festival: Chicago 2009

The "World is a Stage" for Chicago's Annual World Music Festival 2009. The fest is the largest of its kind in the U.S.

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Fountain on Locust: eclectic eats in a retro eatery

In addition to fine eats, ice cream and chocolates, the Fountain on Locust serves up retro cocktails in an Art Deco interior to match. Be sure to revel in one of the Fountain's signature ice cream martinis.

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Feasting Fox: fine German cuisine in historic ambiance

The Feasting Fox Restaurant & Pub played a key part in St. Louis' history and that of Anheuser Busch. But today's visitors come for the great German food, extensive selection of German beer and wines and lively entertainment.

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Wonderburger: The name alone sparks the imagination.

A secret sauce tops the Wonderburger makinig it unlike any other hamburger. Founded in 1954, one bite and you'll be hooked and left well, wondering how it is made

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Mapleberry Pancake House: No dinner, but great dishes and deals

This west suburb strip mall surprise offers friendly service and delicious breakfast and lunch dishes for a downright steal.

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Five great reasons to love The Original Rainbow Cone

There's a reason thousands flock to this historic ice cream parlor in the summer. Palmer House Cherry, Pistacio, Chocolate, Vanilla and Orange Sherbert--all stacked sideways on one cone.

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Omega Restaurant: Plentiful portions for a puny price

Omega Restaurant, a northwest suburban favorite, is packing patrons in with big meals, delectable desserts and reasonable prices.

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Lalo's Restaurant: big, bold Mexican meals

With sauces that seem to elevate the typical fare to something special,12 Lalo's locations offer authentic Mexican flavors and mammoth margaritas.

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Mama Thai: Authentic flavors abound in Oak Park

Chicago may have loads of Thai restaurants, but Mama Thai proves the real deal thanks to delicious and delicate dishes, reasonable prices and a comfy atmosphere.

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Poor Phil's: a neighborhood bar and grill done right

Sizzling seafood, a massive beer menu and outdoor summer seating make this Oak Park eatery a stand-out.

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Marion Street Cheese Market: eat, drink, shop and be merry

Oak Park's Marion Street Cheese Market packs a punch with its wide culinary offerings.

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Grape Leaves Restaurant: a world away in Oak Park

A little eatery offers a big taste of the Middle East in a historic northwest Chicago neighborhood.

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Johnnie's Beef: an Elmwood Park institution

A local joint packs patrons in with a mini menu of tasty treats, like juicy beef sandwiches and tangy Italian ices.

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The Medici in Hyde Park: 'Obama Eats Here'

Once a small art gallery, coffee house and Hippie Haven, The Medici has grown into one of Hyde Park's most popular restaurants.

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Indian Garden: A sublime strip mall surprise

This hidden gem offers a mammoth menu, delectable dishes and very reasonable prices. It's a fun find for Indian food fans in Chicago's northwest suburbs.

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