11 Things Every Illinoisan Wants The Rest Of The Country To Know
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Amanda Glandon
Author
There are quite a few misconceptions about life in Illinois that we Illinoisans constantly explain to outsiders. As much as we love surprising people with the good news that Illinois is a lot more interesting than they might think, there are a few things that we’d like everyone to know once and for all!
Try hitting the slopes in Galena or climbing the cliffs at Garden of the Gods, and you'll see what we mean. We may not have huge mountains, but we spend plenty of time above sea level.
Alinea, a highly creative restaurant in Chicago, has been named the Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler five years in a row - and we're proud of it! And if $500 per meal isn't your style, our state is full of amazing restaurants that serve some of the best food in the country in a more casual environment.
Alinea: 1723 N. Halsted Street, Chicago
Alinea: 1723 N. Halsted Street, Chicago
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When spending time at some of the beaches along Lake Michigan, you might forget that you're looking at a lake instead of an ocean. And, we've got more small, but beautiful beaches than we can count!
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For Illinoisans, this is an indisputable fact. The architecture is amazing, the food is delectable, and the museums are world-class. What more could you ask for?
From charming small villages to mid-size towns with a special flair, there are so many amazing places to visit across Illinois. Once you spend some time in the Windy City, head over to visit some of our beautiful state parks, sparkling lakes, and quirky towns.
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We are completely spoiled when it comes to fresh, local produce. Our farms grow berries, tomatoes, root vegetables, leafy greens, and so much more.
Chicago Cubs fans waited a very long time to be winners - 108 years, to be exact. Try to be patient with us; we might take awhile to get used to it!
The Cardinals' fan base in Illinois is very strong, especially in the Southern part of the state. And when the two teams play one another, look out - it's going to get tense!
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Our farmland is gorgeous, but that's not all we have. Dense forests like the Shawnee National Forest and amazing parks like Starved Rock State Park are spread all across the Prairie State.
It's true that we all belong to the same state, but you might not know it because of how differently Illinoisans from each region live, eat, and talk. We may all call Illinois home, but that doesn't mean that all regions of the state are the same.
We might complain about the weather or a bad crop season, but at the end of the day, there is so much to love about Illinois. The best part for those that don't live here? We're very welcoming to visitors, so come on over!
While you’re gaining a better understanding of Illinois and its residents, you should learn the 15 Sure-Fire Ways to Make an Illinoisan Mad. Good luck!
Illinoisans, what do you want the rest of the country to know about our fair state? Let us know in the comments.
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