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 ...

They arrived as impoverished farmers, searching for new opportunities and a new place to call home. Now, almost 200 years later, they have made an indelible mark in the Fox Valley and central Wisconsin. ...

You’ll find turtles in wetlands all across the world, but there’s only one part of the globe where the Blanding’s turtle makes its home, and the Chicago area is one of its favorite places to dwell. Although development is creating challenges for this unique species, there’s plenty of hope in the work of local conservationists. ...

Those who know Lt. Col. Gina Stramaglio know that she doesn’t just fly for a living – she flies through life, in a tireless pursuit of serving others. From her experience in the military to her experience as a commercial pilot and a tireless volunteer, this South Barrington resident continues to inspire others in many ways. ...

When the summer air gets hot and muggy, there’s something cooling and refreshing about a getaway to the lake or river. Luckily, we have plenty of them nearby. Before you go planning your summer retreat, study up on some of the best ways to play, whether that’s staying at a resort, buying some property or planning your playtime. ...

At one time, nearly half of the residents of Geneva could claim ancestry from Sweden. While that’s not so much the case these days, the Swedes have left an indelible mark on this community, and it’s on full display during the annual Swedish Days Festival. Now going 72 years strong, this event is the best of traditions new and old. ...

Riverside Chocolate Factory, in McHenry, has long been attracting those who love a little sweet flavor. Take a tour inside and see how melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness comes together. ...

Every spring brings with it the arrival of new life. This miracle of nature comes in shapes big and small, and always right on time. Nature photographer David Olson has spent many years capturing the innocent moments between animals and their tender young, and here he displays some of his favorite aww-worthy scenes. ...

The right combination of function, color and accents makes these showstopping kitchens – and their adjacent spaces – a source of pride for these suburban families. ...