Cha Cha Slide invented in Chicago

Did you know the Cha Cha slide, a world-wide classic appreciated by all ages, came from the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago? In 1999, everything came together and DJ Casper laid down the vocals that changed the world. The beat was a house track created by DJ Hudson “Hot Mix” Beauduy and played for DJ Casper in a basement studio at 64th Street and Parnell Avenue.

The song was originally written as a step aerobics routine for his nephew. The inspiration for the track comes from the culture of the Chicago stepping movement. This movement pulls from dance styles across the country and the Cha Cha Slide is one of many diverse iterations.

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National Hot Dog Day in Illinois

Every year the third Wednesday in July is National Hot Dog Day! Annually, the country comes together to honor the diverse types of sausage served in a bun. Hot dogs gained popularity in the United States during the early 1900s, especially in Chicago, where Chicago-style hot dogs are as iconic to the city as the Bean or the Bears.

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Best fishing spots in Illinois

Need an escape from city life or want to spend more time outdoors? Get in touch with nature this summer and spend a calm and relaxing day at one of the hundreds of fishing spots Illinois has to offer. Loved by local anglers and visitors from across the state, the following fishing spots offer beautiful scenery, additional outdoor activities and best of all – a great catch!

Northern Illinois – Shabbona Lake

Located in DeKalb County, Shabbona Lake is a 318.8-acre fishing lake within Shabbona Lake State Park. Dubbed as the “muskie capital of Illinois,” the lake is has produced six state record fish including four muskies. The lake is stocked with large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, black and white crappie, black and brown bullhead, channel catfish, walleye, muskie and perch.

Boat rentals and bait and tackle supplies are available on site at the park. Spend a full day at the park enjoying additional facilities for picnicking and hiking. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

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Discover stargazing at Illinois’ Middle Fork River Forest Preserve

Illinois is home to many incredible natural beauty landmarks, and one of its most captivating destinations is the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Illinois’ first and only International Dark Sky Park. Located in Champaign County, this preserve offers visitors a remarkable opportunity to experience stargazing in a truly dark environment, designated officially by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2018.

By day, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve delights visitors with its picturesque landscape featuring restored prairies, mature oak forests, river-bottom woodlands, and thriving wetlands. However, the genuine enchantment begins after sunset, when visitors are treated to spectacular views of star-filled skies. This park features exceptionally minimal light pollution, making it one of Illinois’ top destinations for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike.

To enhance the nighttime experience, the preserve offers a dedicated Dark Sky Trail equipped with designated hammock stations and special stargazing areas, providing an ideal setting for observing constellations and the Milky Way. The preserve’s solar-powered observatory, complete with a retractable roof, allows visitors to set up their own telescopes or gaze at the stars with the naked eye.

Visitors planning an overnight stay can take advantage of Harry L. Swartz Campground in the park with dark-sky-friendly lighting, providing the perfect setting to sleep beneath a canopy of stars. To make the most of this incredible experience, visitors are encouraged to come during the new moon phase or twilight hours, bringing red-filtered flashlights and binoculars or telescopes. However, even without special equipment, the views are breathtaking. The preserve also offers a host of other activities outside of stargazing, including swimming and fishing. In the winter, they provide the option to participate in cross-country skiing.

The Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is more than just an astronomy hotspot — it also serves as an essential educational resource. Local staff and volunteers regularly engage with visitors, educating them on the significance of preserving dark skies for both wildlife and human well-being. For those looking to connect with nature in a uniquely immersive way, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is undoubtedly an Illinois treasure.