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. ...

Just because the fields are bare in winter doesn’t mean our local farmers have nothing to do. Step inside any of our region’s top indoors markets and you’ll be tempted by a wide array of fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, and much, much more – all of it offered by local businesses that pride themselves on offering fresh-from-the-farm goodness. ...

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. ...

Have you ever had a dish or meal that was so amazing you just had to share it? In preparation for this year's holiday feasts, we present you with a full menu of delicious dishes. ...

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. ...

As the curtain rises and the stage lights shine once again, visitors to this St. Charles landmark are greeted by a venue that’s at once both familiar and different. Behind an aggressive renovation is the indomitable Ron Onesti, who’s spent years reviving this historic venue for the enjoyment of a new generation. ...

Perhaps you know him as the soft-spoken jeweler in Barrington whose work has appeared at the Field Museum in Chicago and on the hands of celebrities. Or, perhaps you recognize his unmistakable tenor on soundtracks by the likes of rock legend Jim Peterik. It’s all in a day’s work for Marc Scherer. ...

Every detail of a wedding is important and requires months of planning, but few are as significant a choice as the venue. Whether you dream of a Midwest destination wedding or a hometown setting, our area offers many choices. Meet a few local couples as they share their own stories of how they got to “I do.” ...