The Civil War General and 18th U.S. President lived in northwest Illinois for only a few years, yet two centuries after his birth his story remains enshrined in his former hometown. ...

We all feel the call in different ways, but for these Kane County women there was an undeniable pull to help others. With a little soil, some seed and lots of helping hands, Glory Gardens and the Rising Lights Project are feeding body, mind and soul – not just for a growing base of volunteers but also for the communities ...

A weekend’s journey is closer than you might think. Check out these fun destinations that are close to home but feel far enough away. ...

Special programs and facilities in the greater Aurora area keep people of all ages invested in healthy habits – and they share with those who live in nearby communities. ...

From a summer estate to a country club, a boys school, a church and now a community hub, this landmark in Crystal Lake continues to make its mark. ...

Playing off its sister restaurant a few blocks away, this newcomer on Geneva's downtown dining scene is gaining plenty of notice for its casual atmosphere and its classy event venue. ...

They add a touch of the wild to any backyard landscape, and they can be as big or as simple as you like. Get the skinny on what goes into making a water feature that truly stands out. ...

Summertime spells grilling. Or is it barbecuing? Is there a difference? What about smoking? And what about all those sauces and rubs Americans feel so strongly about? Whew. Grill skills can be complicated, but the result can be oh-so-tasty. Test your knowledge on some basics. ...

Check out these amazing images captured by our local photographers. ...

Check out these unusual and inventive stores around our area. ...