A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date.
Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!
A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.
Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor? If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail? Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago. We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.
11/15/2022 by Lauren Las
There are countless holiday markets happening around the Heritage Corridor this winter season. From Christkindl to Chris Kringle to Christmas Market, you'll find the perfect place to shop and celebrate the season.
Ottawa, IL - Chris Kringle Market
Dates: November 2...READ MORE
04/27/2022 by Mariah Scott
Stroll the streets of downtown Morris for their Girls Night Out event May 6, 2022. Grab all the ladies and come enjoy shopping, deals, delicious food and stuck around for the after party.
Start the day explore all the unique shops in the area from 4 PM – 8 PM, then...READ MORE
04/12/2022 by Mariah Scott
Stroll the streets of downtown Pontiac and be a part of a collaborative celebration of the arts for their Swinging Bridges Arts Festival, May 7-8, 2022. There will be many activities planned for the full weekend such as music, food, interactive arts-related display...READ MORE
04/07/2022 by Mariah Scott
Support Lockport’s very own Thimbles Quilts during the Seeds of Friendship Shop Hop on April 14, 2022. This is a virtual event and begins this Friday, April 8, 2022, and includes 7 quilt shops from around the US. Each quilt shop will go live on Facebook at 7P...READ MORE
04/07/2022 by Mariah Scott
Mabel’s Market is kicking off their 10th Market on Canal on May 1st and you do not want to miss out! Cruise the charming downtown of Lemont while exploring 40 different vendors, selling beautifully handcrafted and vintage items. Stick around and enjoy live music, beer ...READ MORE
02/09/2022 by Mariah Scott
It's Black History Month and around the Corridor, we would like to highlight our Black-owned businesses in the area that you must visit. From one of the very few Black-owned breweries in Illinois to tasty handmade treats and fashionable styles at a lo...READ MORE
01/19/2022 by Mariah Scott
Now that 2022 is here, it’s time to refresh your bookshelves with new and exciting reads for the year. Around the Corridor, we have a couple of bookstores that gave us an insight on popular must-read books for 2022, and we have the list to share with you. There...READ MORE
12/16/2021 by Mariah Scott
We know how busy things can get around the holidays and with Christmas coming up this weekend, we wanted to share with you last minute gift ideas for you to pick up today, wrap it up with a bow and place under your Christmas tree just in time for Christmas morning.
These...READ MORE
11/29/2021 by Mariah Scott
Looking for family fun or are you wanting to get your friends together before the holiday, well explore downtown Morris where they have plenty of holiday fun for you to enjoy:
Midnight in Morris
December 3-4, 2021
Shop downtown Morris with many sales, dr...READ MORE
11/16/2021 by Mariah Scott
Celebrate all the local boutiques, antiques, breweries, wineries, coffee shops and more in your area for Small Business Saturday on November 27, 2021. This holiday season, find something unique and special to gift your loved ones.
Around the corridor, we have so many ama...READ MORE
09/08/2021 by Mariah Scott
Join Thimbles Quilts virtually next Thursday, September 16 for a special class on paper piecing and enter to win a $50 gift card drawing! Thimbles has partnered with School of Sewing this month where you can tune in with 10 unique shops to learn the very basics of quilting. ...READ MORE
09/08/2021 by Mariah Scott
Fall is near so it’s time to switch things up and get festive! Shop small downtown Lemont with unique and fun décor to cover your home from head to toe. Join Mabel's Market for a special vintage and handcrafted street market featuring over 40 hand selec...READ MORE
05/28/2021 by Mariah Scott
This Sunday, June 6, 2021 kick off your summer by making your way to downtown Lemont to explore their Market on Canal event. Shop over 35 vintage and handcrafted vendors while enjoying the beautiful weather.
Not only can you find some amazing unique items to take home, bu...READ MORE
05/13/2021 by Mariah Scott
There’s no question that down the Heritage Corridor, you can find some of the most unique shops in the Chicagoland area. One that truly stands out is a local gift shop in Ottawa, IL known as Jobst Monument & Gifts.
This family-owned business has been around sinc...READ MORE
05/10/2021 by Mariah Scott
Many of us began to pick up new hobbies to help pass time during COVID-19. Around the Heritage Corridor we have a few special craft shops that were busier during quarantine, and one specifically that was in high demand.
Thimbles Quilts in Lockport, IL is a great pla...READ MORE
04/29/2021 by Mariah Scott
This Mother’s Day, make the most important women in your life feel special in a fun and floral way this Saturday, May 8th, 2021 with Canal Street businesses in Lemont, IL.
This day will include floral windows and décor, a free floral photo op, fresh...READ MORE
04/13/2021 by Mariah Scott
Be a Different Maker and help put a smile on a child's face by sewing and donating drawstring bags with Baby Lock sergers to the Guardian Angel Community. You can drop off you donations to Thimbles in Lockport, IL on April 20 and 21. Thimbles is a proud sponsor of the Be...READ MORE
04/06/2021 by Mariah Scott
Shopping down the Heritage Corridor is always an experience. Our many shops are truly one-of-a-kind, and sometimes you never know what to expect until you visit. One such hidden gem is True North, located in Morris, IL. They are more than an antique shop, they are a true roa...READ MORE
03/30/2021 by Mariah Scott
Nominate the Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau as “Best CVB” for the 2021 Daily Herald’s Readers’ Choice. It only takes a minute of your time.
Visit https://dhcontests.secondstreetapp.com/Readers-Choice-2021
...READ MORE
03/08/2021 by Mariah Scott
Around the Heritage Corridor, we have several amazing antique and boutique shops to explore. In Downtown Morris, Betty’s is a clothing and home décor boutique. This shop specializes in clothing and accessories, as well as vintage home décor and ...READ MORE
01/26/2021 by Mariah Scott
Senator Bernie Sanders has become an internet sensation over the past several days from his infamous picture at the inauguration last Wednesday.
From his causal mittens, to the comfortable pose as he sat patiently during the event, Bernie stole t...READ MORE
01/19/2021 by Kate Meehan
With the assurance of cold and snowy days ahead, now is the perfect time to grab a warm drink from your favorite shop (like Drip Coffee from Krema, hot tea from Jitters, or yummy Hot Chocolate from Liberty Street Café) and cuddle up with a good book. As some...READ MORE
01/13/2021 by Dan Mulka
Buffalo Run, the latest August Hill Wine, will be released at the August Hill Winery Tasting Room in Utica, IL on January 18. This new limited release wine is a collaboration with Rudy's Liquors in LaSalle, who will also carry bottles of the wine.
The wine is a ...READ MORE
01/12/2021 by Dan Mulka
On Saturday, January 16, your stomach may draw you to the Pop-Up Shops setting up across from Mabel's Market in Lemont, IL. The stores will be set up in the space of the upcoming children's bookshop that will be coming soon.
The three pop-ups will be:
...READ MORE
01/12/2021 by Mariah Scott
Pull an all-nighter with True North this Friday, January 15th through Saturday January 16th for their all night 33-hour event!
They will be keeping their doors open all day Friday into Saturday evening. Come by to explore endl...READ MORE
12/15/2020 by Mariah Scott
Shop the perfect gifts for your loved ones with these stylish, unique ideas from our antiques and boutiques down the Heritage Corridor.
There are so many awesome gifts for everyone on your list! Surprise someone with one-of-a...READ MORE
11/25/2020 by Mariah Scott
Have some holiday fun this weekend by participate in the Home for the Holidays Window Walk contest downtown Morris.
Stroll through the downtown area and search each store window for items listed on a clue sheet. Find all items on the list...READ MORE
11/03/2020 by Mariah Scott
Spend your weekend at The Promenade Bolingbrook for their 3rd Annual Holiday Market and get an early jump on holiday shopping this year!
From Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, there will be both inside and outside vendors set up on Row St...READ MORE
10/27/2020 by Dan Mulka
Halloween Weekend is fast approaching, and whether you are making plans or wanting to change your plans, there are some great events coming up to celebrate. Keep up to date with any changes to the calendar by visiting https://www.hcdestinations.com/...READ MORE
10/26/2020 by Mariah Scott
I don’t know about you but fall is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons.
The sounds of leaves crunching underneath my feet. The way the trees fill the sky from a distance with such a beautiful array of colors, and the fun f...READ MORE
10/20/2020 by Mariah Scott
From fashion to antiques, home décor and even fun crafts to do as a family, the Heritage Corridor has you covered! We’ve created a new specialty page called Antiques & Boutiques for those who love to shop and discover those unique items you can’t find ...READ MORE
10/13/2020 by Mariah Scott
Bring your best ghoul-friends and strut the streets of downtown Morris this Friday, October 16th for Ghouls Night Out.
Shop the night away with the members of the Morris Retail Association as they stay open late until 7 pm with lots of creep...READ MORE
09/22/2020 by Dan Mulka
The Morris Retail Association https://www.hcdestinations.com/Morris-Retail-Association is hosting the Corntine Fall Fest September 23rd – 26th. Visit all the amazing shops downtown Morris has to offer. With over 40 locally owned shops & restaurants to visit, t...READ MORE
09/22/2020 by Beth Rosenbaum
Boggio’s Orchard has an amazing event you won’t want to miss out on. Mark your calendar for the 21st Annual Pumpkin Harvest Craft Event September 26th and 27th. Bring the whole family for hay rides, peddle carts, a petting zoo, corn mazes and more fun ...READ MORE
07/27/2020 by Dan Mulka
Lemont's own Mabel's Market was featured on Fox 32 on Thursday, July 23. Mabel's owner Sommer talks about running her business during the pandemic. We've got the clip embedded in this article.
You can find out more about Mabel's Market at https://www.m...READ MORE
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