Enjoy Illinois – The Official Blog of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism

Enjoy Illinois is the official blog of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism and is dedicated to keeping you updated with insights about everything from events and festivals to quirky restaurants and fun wineries in the Land of Lincoln. Best of all, we’ll feature guest posts from people just like you that enjoy learning more about our wonderful state.

To learn more about travel in Illinois, visit www.enjoyillinois.com.

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Contact an author: enjoyillinois@gmail.com

Jan Kostner – Deputy Director, Illinois Bureau of Tourism

Hi, I’m Jan Kostner, deputy director of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism.

My love of travel in Illinois started when I was 8-years-old. Lucky for me, I now have the fortune and opportunity to incorporate travel into my everyday life, as I spend much of my time exploring and getting to know many of the great hidden gems throughout Illinois.  Whether it be a delicious new restaurant, a quaint antique shop, a fun attraction or a breathtaking view, I am constantly surprised by the variety of wonderful spots in our state.

You’ll also come to know that I love music and I hope you will indulge me while I offer some road trip soundtracks every now and then.  An avid reader, I also love to share insights and trends that I come across, especially those pertaining to travel.  It is my extreme pleasure to be sharing this space in the blogosphere with some very interesting, creative and knowledgeable Illinois travelers who can offer tips on anything from family and weekend travel to budget trips and traveling green.  I think that you’ll find everything you’ll need to know right here and, if you don’t, please let us know!

Faten Abdallah – Rochelle

A Jill of all Trades, not only am I a wife and mother, I am an educator, writer and blogger, as well as a small business owner. I love trying new things at least once.  In fact, to the point it has become my philosophy and motto “Try it at least once.”

I have traveled to different parts of the United States, even ventured into Canada, have lived in the Middle East, but always returned to Illinois, the state where I was born and raised.  Although I have lived in northern Illinois most of my life, there is always something new to be discovered by not only me, but other residents.  As my family and I explore Illinois, I will be sure to share my travels and adventures with you.

Follow Faten on Twitter and check out her blogs, Connecting Women and Global Arts.

Kelly Aiglon – Chicago

I’m a longtime Chicagoan that’s lucky enough to write about the city and surrounding area for a living. I work as the Chicago Kids editor at DailyCandy.com and, when not covering the latest family-friendly attractions, products, and services, I’m in full-tilt mom mode to two-year-old twin boys. Judging from the smiles on their faces when they lick a Rainbow Cone or watch the El thunder overhead, they love Chicago as much as I do.

Ed Baumgarten – Stewardson

I am a professional photographer, working as full time staff photographer for Mid America Motorworks doing product, automotive and event photography and every other minute of the day for my own business, Ed Baumgarten Photography. I love to explore Illinois, admire its natural beauty and meet its hard working and honest people. I hope to bring to light some of the interesting places and people of downstate Illinois.

Feel free to add me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter and check out more of my photography on Flickr.

Kristen Campagna – Woodridge

I have been living, learning and having fun in Illinois for the past 23 years. I was born and raised in Chicago’s Southside neighborhood and currently live in the suburbs with my husband. I attend school in busy downtown Chicago, some of my interests are writing, travel, cooking, reading, trying out new restaurants and bars with friends and enjoying the outdoors.

I love taking advantage of all the wonderful things Illinois has to offer. With a mix of invigorating outdoor activities, plenty of historic landmarks, unforgettable nightlife and eating experiences and a flare for culture, Illinois is a great place for the adventure seeker. Whether it’s the delicious restaurants in one of Chicago’s ethnic neighborhoods, kayaking or fishing in one of Illinois’ many scenic rivers or lakes, or shopping down Michigan Avenue, Illinois has something to offer everyone.

Kristin Celing – Montgomery

My husband and I built a house in the far Western Suburbs a few years ago – not far from where I grew up.  I work for a university in the Chicagoland area, but most importantly I am a new mother of a beautiful baby girl named Madison.

I truly enjoy all types of travel but have a special place in my heart for road trips and exploring new towns.  Growing up, my Dad and I would take a road trip every year to meet my Mom at her annual work conference.  We drove from coast-to-coast – from California and Vancouver to Maine and Massachusetts – always following one basic rule: we would only take interstate highways until we were out of the Midwest.  We would stop at different landmarks and eat in small cities and towns.

I now bring my love of exploring new places to my own family. While we aren’t always able to take grand road trips like my father and I took every year, we’re discovering there are a lot of neat places to go and explore that are not too far from home!  I’m looking forward to sharing some of our trips with our new baby girl, particularly highlighting places that are kid and baby-friendly!

You can follow Kristin on her blog or Twitter.

James Currie – Des Plaines

I help businesses and organizations develop elegant, easy-to-use and easy-to-update Web sites utilizing social media to build relationships of value. I bring more than a decade of marketing and creative experience to the winery and travel industries.

In my spare time, I  enjoy finding new adventures throughout Illinois and the Midwest including trail biking, photography, exploring wine trails and any outdoor activity that requires gear.

Follow James on Twitter.

Annie Durkin – Chicago

I am the editor of Museumist, a blog focused on all things museums. I live in Chicago but root for the Twins and am currently on a mission to explore even the most obscure museums the state has to offer.

Interests – to name a few – include travel, mystery novels, British history, Badger football, the relationship between the Digital Age and History, pizza and maps.

Follow Annie on Twitter.

Linda Gardner Phillips – Mettawa

Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved the open road. My family traveled between Georgia and Wisconsin every summer and Chicago was a thrilling stop. As an adult I could never decide which coast, state or country suited me best until sinking my roots into the beautiful Midwest. My husband, architect Frederick Phillips, created the Deerpath Farm conservation community, where we live with our kids. I’m a vision and strategy consultant, and have worked on many Web sites, big and small. I love to distill complex ideas into bright snapshots and am fascinated by the forgotten stories and off-the-beaten path places of northeast Illinois and Chicago.

Meet me here and on Twitter at the intersection of history, nature and the built environment. I’m excited to explore Illinois and share it with you.

Gina Jones – Springfield

Residing in Springfield, I am a soap, candle and paper craft artisan, and have been known to dabble in other arts and crafts mediums as my muse dictates.  I also love the craft of writing, both non-fiction and fiction and am thrilled with the opportunity to combine my two passions together, here.

When I’m not working at my ‘real’ job, I spend a lot of my free time traversing central Illinois attending and participating in various local arts and craft fairs, festivals, and farmers markets; discovering innovative ideas, forging new friendships, and simply enjoying life.

Follow Gina on Twitter and check out her blog.

Shannon Sankstone – Chicago

I have lived in Chicago for most of my life, having grown up in the Uptown and Rogers Park neighborhoods.  I’m now a resident of Edgewater, and am loving every second of lakefront living.

When I was 14, I promised myself that I would travel the world.  I have kept that promise as I’ve been to over 20 countries on four continents, and have lived in England and Japan.  I especially enjoy the tropics and developing countries.  I’m currently pining to return to Peru and India, and trying to convince a friend that we simply must go to Colombia.  Now.

I love being a local traveler.  I am on a mission to discover and blog about all of the wonderful experiences Chicago and Illinois have to offer.  Some of my favorites include scuba diving in Lake Michigan, camping and hiking in the state parks, Chicago’s many museums and galleries and ethnic dining in the city.

Check out Shannon’s personal blog or follow her on Twitter.

Scott Troehler – Springfield

I suppose, legally, I’m allowed to cross state lines but for some reason (with the exception of my high school years), I’ve lived in Illinois practically my whole life.

However, living here hasn’t kept me from wanting to explore the world.  The travel bug got to me while growing up in Mt. Prospect, one of the northwest suburbs of Chicago.  Camping trips in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan were part of the routine, with day trips as a kid into the city during summer break on the C&NW to meet mom for lunch then walk around the Loop taking pictures and exploring the world until 5 o’clock rolled around.

After returning to Illinois, I spent a few years in the northern Chicago suburbs, and in 1992, moved to Springfield.  One of my first jobs out of college had me traveling throughout the state, racking up some 50,000 miles the first year.  From Paris to Palestine, Gibson City and even a stop in Time, I think it’s possible I saw more of the state than Dan Walker.

While some of my travels have taken me to the United Kingdom and Asia for my job as a television producer/director, in covering central Illinois from Quincy to Decatur, I’ve discovered  there’s a lot to experience right here in Illinois.  From its people to its places, we’ll look for the interesting stories you probably won’t find in a brochure, and might be worth your time to check out in person.

Follow Scott on Twitter.

Tanya Ward – Chicago

I am a marketing professional, writer, researcher and lover of music. I work in the arts and entertainment community as a publicist, social media addict and popular culture blogger. As a lifelong Chicagoan I have seen the city change with the times and love to share my unique experiences in the world’s greatest city. When I’m not lurking online, I can be found rubbing shoulders with some of Chicago’s finest musicians and artists at hot spots around town.

Check out my blog and follow me on Twitter.

Jim Watkins – Chicago

I’m a banker by trade.  I toil away at one of the largest financial institutions in the world, using the left side of my brain to analyze the financial statements and market trends.  It’s fascinating work; I get to hang around great co-workers, meet interesting people from all over the country and satisfy my obsession for the predictive capabilities of mathematic equations.  Yeah, I like my job.

However, my true passions lie in travel and photography.  Ever since my first trip to Paris in 1991, I’ve been addicted to the wonders of discovery both can bring.   Starting out with 11 disposable cameras traipsing around the City of Light, I was amazed at what those little cardboard-plastic boxes could do and the sense of accomplishment they gave me.  I just had to find out what a real camera could do.  Two years later, on another trip to Paris, I brought back another set of images taken from my little Minolta; they hooked me for good.

Since then, I’ve taken many trips in the U.S. and abroad, seen some amazing things and taken thousands of images.  However, I’m still fascinated by the discoveries in my own backyard.  As a lifelong Chicagoan, I’m pleasantly surprised by what I discover here in the great state of Illinois.  With my wife and best friend Tricia, I’m seeking out all fascinating stuff I can find to see and do in this state – in all seasons – and I hope to whisk you away with us on this journey.  This makes the right side of my brain very, very happy!

Katie Olson- Blog Manager

I moved to Chicago from St. Paul, Minn. looking for a new adventure and love exploring the city. I especially like the restaurants, festivals and amazing music venues Chicago has to offer. During my time here, I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the different neighborhoods and am now ready to branch out to the rest of the state.

I caught the travel bug when I studied in Mexico during my junior year of college and have been traveling as much as possible ever since. Most of my trips have been to the Caribbean (I like the beach, what can I say?) and I’m anxious to explore other countries. During my free time, I like to eat, travel, read, spend time outside, listen to music and practice yoga.

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About the Photographers

Gareth Glynn Ash – Kenosha, WI

I am a freelance performance, publicity, event and fine art photographer in Southeast Wisconsin (The Celtic Camera Photography) and I also work as a photographer and design-drafter for Northwestern University in Evanston, Ilinois.

Chicago, my city of birth and rearing, still calls me home once in awhile and my travels take me back often to shoot. When I’m not behind a camera I enjoy following the Blackhawks, listening to music and just hanging with my wife.

Tonia Blair – Chicago

I grew up on a farm in Northwest Ill. and have always loved my small town life. After attending college in Iowa I moved back to Illinois and currently live in Hoffman Estates. I’ve always loved to take pictures, even as a child. My mom tells me that I even used my Barbies and younger brothers for portrait sessions. A few years ago I started a part-time business, Timeless Photography by Tonia Blair, mostly as a hobby. I have shot weddings, senior pictures, kids, families and engagement sessions. And I really love just taking pictures of the area where I grew up.

I married my high school sweetheart in 2005 and we have a son, Carter, who was born November of 2008. We also have a rabbit named Gracie who has been part of our family since 2006.

Erin Cowan – Stockton

Born and raised in Stockton, Ill. I developed my passion for photography in high school. In 2007, I received my diploma from Stockton High School and was named class salutatorian. Upon graduation, and after eliminating nuclear physics as a career choice, I decided to pursue the field of art at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.

I am currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and will graduate in the fall of 2010. As a photographer, I seek to capture beauty in ordinary moments. Besides photography, I enjoy singing, meeting new friends, surfing the Internet for photography and design inspiration and traveling all over Illinois and the United States.

Follow Erin on Twitter and check out her Facebook Fan Page.

David Vernon – Peoria

I am a photographer living in Central Ill. where I work as a freelance commercial and fine art shooter. I am also an instructor at the Peoria Art Guild. I founded and operate the Central Illinois Photoblog and also founded the Peoria Flickr group. In addition, I run eScapes Photo, a business that specializes in selling landscape photos from Illinois and beyond.

In the 10 minutes a day I’m not thinking about all things photographic, My wife and I like to get out and travel, see a little Illinois Shakespeare, have a little chow at One World in Peoria, or just hang our feet in the lake out back.

Follow Dave on Twitter.

Jeremy Wilburn – Springfield

I spend most of my time staring at glowing rectangles.  Through them, I frame the emotions of the people and the world around me.  I have been blessed with a love for life and my beautiful wife.  Together we go on adventures throughout the great state of Illinois, documenting along the way.

My work has been featured nationally both online and in print for various magazines and newspapers, and in publications printed by the University of Illinois (both Springfield and Urbana campuses).  I have also worked with the city of San Diego, the American Cancer Society and with the Smithsonian Institution on a secondary level science book for the National Science Resources Center.

My work in photography and advertising has gained accolades from the Illinois College Press Association winning me two first-place awards.  I also hold a fourth-place award from the Chicago Tribune’s annual Shoot Chicago photography competition.

View some Jeremy’s photos on his Flickr page.