Celebrating Illinois agriculture on National Farmer’s Day

National Farmer’s Day serves to honor the hard-working farmers that dedicate their lives to supplying food across the nation. Farmers are responsible for the plowing, sowing, growing and harvesting of crops while maintaining the sustainability of the land and securing the safety of consumers.

In Illinois, farmland accounts for 75% of the total land area equaling 27 million acres. Farms in Illinois are the leading producers of soybeans, corn and swine. Illinois farms also produce other grains, livestock, fruits and vegetables including pumpkins.

In the spirit of the fall season, Illinois is the top pumpkin producing state and has been for many years. The pumpkins grown in Illinois are shipped across the country and are used for all our favorite fall activities such as carving, painting, baking and more. Thanks to Illinois farmers, families can enjoy the best parts of the fall season.

Thank a farmer today!

Ten must-visit Haunted Houses in Illinois

Halloween is just around the corner – and thrill seekers couldn’t be more excited. Below is a list of the ten must-visit haunted houses across Illinois that are not for the faint of heart. Be prepared for creepy, eerie and ghoulish experiences when visiting one of these haunted attractions this season!

• Bartonville - Aura Haunted HouseAura Haunted House has been operating for four decades providing its visitors with a chilling horror experience. The haunted house is part of the old Bartonville Hospital Complex and is claimed to be truly haunted.
• Bloomington - Mind Trap Haunted Attraction Mind Trap Haunted Attraction is celebrating 10 years of frights. The haunted house also has a rapid escape room and a zombie paint ball experience.
• Creal Springs - Hile Farms Haunting in Little Egypt Hile Farms Haunting in Little Egypt is an outdoor experience that includes a walkthrough the haunted woods and a tractor ride to the entrance of the trails. This will be their third year open.
• Effingham-Night Terrors of EffinghamNight Terrors of Effingham is central Illinois’ newest haunted attraction. This year they will present their main attraction Carn-evil along with other spooky sights.
• Lockport - Hells Gate Haunted House Hells Gate Haunted House is the No. 1 rated haunted house in the Chicagoland area. This season the cast from Statesville Prison will be featured alongside the house staff of Hells Gate for the ultimate experience.
• Montgomery - Massacre Haunted HouseMassacre Haunted House is the largest haunted house in Illinois. With over 35,000 sq. ft. of fear, it is one of the highest rated houses in Illinois and features dozens of areas for photo-ops and almost 100 actors.
• Orion - Torment at Twelve HundredTorment at Twelve Hundred has been a top rated haunted house in Illinois for multiple years. Celebrating 20 years of making nightmares, they are prepared to reach the depths of our minds.
• Rantoul - Necrosis Haunted House Necrosis Haunted House has been a top rated attraction since its opening in 2018. This year will be their best show yet with live actors, professional sound and more for their fifth season.
• Roodhouse - 217 Terror haunted house217 Terror Haunted House features four haunted houses in one location and an escape room. This season visit Molly’s Play House, the Vampires of the Nest and more.
• Round Lake Beach - Realm of Terror Haunted HouseRealm of Terror Haunted House is the No. 1 rated haunted house in Illinois. It has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, the Huffington Post and more. It is the only haunted house in Illinois to have an onsite bar.

Happy haunting!

Chicago named the Best Big City in the U.S. for seventh year

For the seventh year in a row, Chicago has been named the Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine. Since its establishment, Chicago has been an enchanting city that has created an undeniable presence not only in Illinois and in the U.S., but across the globe. Chicago is a leader in higher education, business markets, architecture, history and culture.

The recognition was given to Chicago based on multiple surveys that recorded the responses of 520,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine. The article attributes the win to Chicago’s impressive architecture, first-rate museums, food and brewing scene, as well as its 77 neighborhoods available to explore. Chicago has taken first place since 2017.

This past summer, Chicago reported record highs for hotel revenue following multiple events including sold out concerts and the first-of-its-kind NASCAR street race. Chicago continues to bring fresh experiences for locals and travelers across the world.

To find the best food, bars, art, and shows across the world, visit Chicago!

Melissa McCarthy: From Plainfield to celebrity actress in Hollywood!

“Gilmore Girls,” a very popular comedy-drama television show, premiered 23 years ago, on Oct. 5, 2000.

But, did you know that Melissa McCarthy, who plays Sookie St. James in the show, is from Plainfield, Illinois?

McCarthy was born on Aug. 26, 1970, in Plainfield. She was raised on a corn and soybean farm in a large Catholic family. She graduated from St. Francis Academy, now Joliet Catholic Academy. She also attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

McCarthy began her performing career as a stand-up comedian in New York City. She worked on her acting skills at the Actors Studio, and appeared in stage productions. Later, McCarthy moved to Los Angeles. But McCarthy’s big break came when she was cast as Sookie St. James, Lorelai Gilmore’s best friend in the show “Gilmore Girls.”

McCarthy’s success on “Gilmore Girls” may be her claim to fame, but her most notable role is the character Megan in the 2011 film “Bridesmaids.”

McCarthy has received several nominations and awards for her roles in the CBS sitcom “Mike & Molly” and “Bridesmaids.”