Soaring skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and improv comedy may be what the city is best known for, but they are only the beginning of Chicago’s story. It could take a lifetime to experience everything this one-of-a-kind town has to offer. But what if you only have a few days to explore? You're in luck! The one hundred adventures in this candid insider’s guide promise an authentic taste of the Windy City whether you’re taking a weekend-sized bite or sticking around for the buffet of a lifetime. You’ll find seasonal and themed itineraries to make planning your explorations easier. Discover which blues club locals swear by, pay a visit to a quiet green space hidden in plain sight, or dig in to an ice cream cone piled high with five different flavors! If you’re visiting for the first time, or you’re lucky enough to call Chicago home, these one hundred iconic experiences should top your to-do list. No matter when you visit or how long you stay, as you cross off each item, you’re certain to learn something new and have fun in the process.

You may know Illinois as the former home of Abraham Lincoln or Chicagoland. But Illinois is more than just the Land of Lincoln or the location of one of the US’s largest cities. 100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die introduces you to the state’s rich history, showcasing the places with some of the best food and entertainment Illinois has to offer. Discover Cahokia Mounds and Dickson Mounds State Museum, which reveal sacred sites and customs of indigenous tribes who dwelled here before it became the United States. Experience Mark Twain–style paddleboats, world class museums, and unique lodgings like a train caboose or a treehouse. There are boulders for climbing, hot air balloons for riding, and some of the best spectator sports to enjoy—all just beyond the borders of your neighborhood or region. Local author Melanie Holmes shares her favorite tips about her home state. Whether you’re a lifelong Illinoisan or visiting for the weekend, you’ll find something in these pages to add to your bucket list. From sandstone-lined waterways to the best of theater, dance, and comedy clubs, Illinois has it all.

From a hip urban downtown brimming with arts and culture, to endless recreational opportunities, Rockford, Illinois, might be the coolest place you never anticipated. Just eighty miles northwest of Chicago, you’ll find world-class botanical exhibits, a thriving arts scene, and an impressive dinosaur named Jane. And with 100 Things to Do in Rockford Before You Die as your guide, you’ll discover all of the exciting places and events that make Rockfordians proud. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of trails in the Winnebago County Forest Preserves or Rock Cut State Park. Water sports abound, like boating on the majestic Rock River or standup paddleboarding on tranquil Pierce Lake. Thrill seekers can catch air by wakeboarding or BMX racing. Bringing the kids? Soak up the sun at Magic Waters Waterpark, or soak up the science at the Discovery Center Museum. Don’t forget your appetite! Included you’ll find recommendations for more than fifty unique, locally owned restaurants from high-end dining to trendy brew pubs to iconic joints that residents love. Local author and architect Tamara Gaumond’s unique appreciation for the city comes through on every page, and even longtime residents will find something new to do among her suggestions. With her insider tips and itineraries, you’ll want to join her in catching the Rockford vibe.

Springfield owes a lot to Abraham Lincoln and the Illinois Capitol Building. They put Springfield on the map in a way that few other cities of 115,000 can match. Yet Springfield is much more than Lincoln’s hometown or Illinois’ capital. It boasts parks and nature preserves, war memorials and museums. It has one of Frank Lloyd Wright greatest homes and one of the world’s largest carillons. Music and shopping flourish in intimate settings. Even when it comes to Lincoln, there’s more than meets the eye. Sure, you can visit his home and presidential library, but you can also see where he shopped and played handball and visited friends – all the little things of day-to-day life. This book serves as a guide to explore the educational, inspirational and exciting moments that Springfield offers.

What Are You Waiting For? Looking for a guidebook that isn't full of tired, lame, or even BS travel information? 101 Places to Get Fucked Up Before You Die brings together the most irreverent and legit accounts of drinking, nightlife and travel culture around the world. Part guide, part social commentary, part party invitation, 101 Places gives you all the info and inspiration you'll need to: * Blowout one (or several) of the year's biggest festivals * MacGyver your way into underground clubs and backcountry raves * Throw down with people from the Himalayas to the salt flats to Antarctica * Travel in every conceivable style—from baller to dirtbag—to some of the most epic spots on earth Do you really know where to go out in San Francisco or Tel Aviv? How about preparing for Burning Man or Oktoberfest? The award-winning journalists and photographers at Matador Network let you know what's up at each spot, whether it's drug policies, how to keep safe, special options for LGBT travelers, or simply where to find the kind of music you like to dance to. No matter if you want to rage at Ibiza or just chill on some dunes smoking shisha, 101 Places has something for you. So, hop a flight, raise a glass, and join us as we breach security, ride ill-recommended ferries, and hike miles into the wilderness all in search of the parties and places going off right now.

Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the trails of the Timucuan preserve, Jacksonville, Florida is a vibrant multicultural city with great weather nearly year-round and the largest urban park system in the country. Known by its many visitors for its rivers and beaches, it also has a treasure trove of unique experiences for young and old to discover. 100 Things to Do in Jacksonville Before You Die is your cheat sheet to Jacksonville’s most iconic destinations. Discover insider knowledge on exciting festivals, shopping hot spots, and the tastiest pizza in town. From historic theatres to state-of-the-art robots, Jacksonville is a city worth exploring. Treat yourself to the smallest donuts at Mini Bar Donuts, and the biggest jumbotrons with the Jacksonville Jaguars game day experience. Hop on the Jacksonville Ale Trail and discover the First Coast’s growing craft brew scene, head to the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens for a wild time, or carve out an afternoon for a walk on Skeleton Beach. Jacksonville is often underestimated, but travel expert and Jacksonville resident Amy West is on a mission to expose all of her hometown’s charms. Follow along as she takes you behind the scenes of some of her favorite places and discover Jacksonville with a local.

Located right in the middle of Illinois lies the metropolitan city of Peoria which invites its visitors to experience the best the midwest has to offer. With 100 Things to Do in Peoria Before You Die, get the best ideas for a memorable visit or rediscover the city you’ve known for years. Drive down historic Grand View Drive, with a breathtaking view of the Illinois River Valley, grand homes, and gorgeous views of fall colors. Visit the trendy Warehouse District and throw an ax while enjoying a cocktail, climb an indoor rock wall with the kids, attend a cultural festival along the Peoria Riverfront, or a concert at the Peoria Civic Center. Outdoor enthusiasts can canoe in a 16.4 mile HLC River Jaunt while enjoying the spectacular views of the Illinois River and a variety of eagles, herons, cranes, and flying fish, or visit the Banner Marsh or Emiquon Nature Reserve to see spectacular wildlife, or hike at one of Peoria Park District’s 9,000 acres of park land. Molly Crusen Bishop is a writer and local historian who is thrilled to share 100 Things that make Peoria a special place to live, work, and play. Let her be your personal guide to this charming city with a small-town feel in the heart of America.