From busy cityscapes to quiet countryside, tidy subdivisions and bedroom communities to major thoroughfares, our region is an amazing patchwork of places, each with its own culture, its own identity and its own fascinating history. Take a tour through six communities that really put the Windy City into perspective. ...

There's a big advantage to the shopper who's well prepared – and even more so this year. So, why not get a head start and support local businesses in the process? Our latest guide has more than 100 ideas to get you started. ...

Are you ready to come home for the holidays? In that magical time between the Thanksgiving turkey and the arrival of Santa Claus, our communities go all-out in welcoming this magical season. ...

Jacek and Gretchen Peczkowski love to share their metal artwork and some incredible stories with devoted customers. Since moving to one of Harvard's oldest properties, the couple have fully embraced the story of House of Seven Gables. ...

Galena, Dubuque and the rolling terrain in this tri-state area blends history, tradition and new attractions with ease. ...

Since long before French explorers settled the banks of the Illinois River, the Peoria area has beckoned to the adventurous. From native tribes to whiskey stills, vaudeville performers and giant earthmoving equipment, this city’s rich history is baked into its culture – and its top destinations. ...

A prolific collector of Rolls-Royce autos, Rodd Sala has found a true calling in these one-of-a-kind cars. ...

Though gradually disappearing from the landscape, family farms remain a treasured institution in our region. Meet a Sugar Grove family whose members have been farming the same land for nearly 175 years. ...

Torn between two very different passions, Al Zielinski chose both worlds. Meet the energetic president of Niles-based Better Kitchens, a man who's following his own flight plan. ...