Push open the door at a Galena pub and Illinois quietly disappears. What's inside? Irish wood shipped overseas, crowd-pulling music, history-rooted stories and a sense of welcome that treats strangers like family.

Once a month, a Savanna museum comes alive after going dark. Candlelight, live music, poetry and neighbors share the room for a small-town concert series, turning the museum into one of Savanna’s most anticipated nights.

Illinois and Wisconsin boast a wealth of spa getaways, offering luxurious pampering and relaxation just a short trip away.

St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday, March 17 but there's plenty of Irish fun with parades and parties across northern Illinois this weekend.

The Dixon Historic Theatre will host two great shows this weekend: Circus of Bubbles LIVE on Friday, March 6, and Revolución de Amor – A Tribute to Maná on Saturday, March 7.

The Dixon Historic Theatre, which opened in 1922, continues to offer a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.

Performers in March include Celtic rock band Reilly, Guys in Ties Improv and more.

Hundreds of small, locally-owned boutiques and shops in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin will participate in this one-of-a-kind event March 6-7.

Guests will enjoy a full weekend itinerary, including a Friday night welcome reception with butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, intimate educational seminars, and a multi-course wine dinner paired with standout selections from the featured wineries.

The Vintage Shop Hop, featuring vintage, thrift and antique stores across northern Illinois and Wisconsin, is March 6 and 7.

As summer plans begin to take shape, Timber Lake Playhouse is inviting audiences to be part of a milestone year in 2026 – its 65th anniversary season at the Theatre in the Woods.

One proud papa: A Savanna restaurateur has taken on an alter ego and making a business out of his grandkids-inspired nickname. Meet "Papa Chubby" and his food – keeping customers coming back hungry, and leave full.

Country music star Ray Scott will perform at The Dixon Historic Theatre Saturday, Feb. 28.

Check out where Sauk Valley audiences go for the best pizza in the area.

Ray Scott will perform traditional, heartfelt country music at his Feb. 28 performance at The Dixon Historic Theatre.

Escape these brutal winter temperatures with a day or weekend at these indoor waterparks in northern Illinois.

If you're looking for a camping adventure this summer, check out Starved Rock Family Campground and other award-winning campgrounds across the country.

Clinton Symphony Orchestra’s annual Family Concert will be performed at 2 p.m. March 1 at the Camanche High School auditorium in Camanche, Iowa.

Check out these restaurants the next time you make plans for your weekend brunch.

The daylong celebration of percussion will feature student solo and ensemble performances, competitive events, awards presentations, and a highly anticipated large group showcase highlighting regional ensembles and collegiate performers.

MJ: The Illusion, the ultimate Michael Jackson experience, will be at The Dixon Historic Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 21.

National Margarita Day is Sunday, Feb. 22. Check out where you can find the best margarita in your area.

National Drink Wine Day is Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Years of collective work, vineyard refinement and expanded production capacity have elevated Stoller Family Estate's wines to their clearest expressions yet.

Two-time Celtic band of the year for Wisconsin, Reilly, will appear live at The Dixon: Historic Theatre on Saturday, March 14.

Axe throwing is a great way to have fun and blow off some steam. Here are are locations around northern Illinois.

The Dixon Historic Theatre will show the romantic comedy "Love Actually" on their big screen on Friday, Feb. 13.

The 2026 season at The Dixon Historic Theatre includes tribute artists, comedy, live rock and country music, Disney favorites and much more.

This unofficial holiday, celebrated annually on Feb. 13, is a time for ladies to ditch the romance and have an evening out with your best girls.

Step through the door at Basil Tree and time quietly rearranges itself. Inside one of Dixon’s oldest buildings, familiarity meets flexibility, from candlelit tables to hundreds of pasta possibilities, all built around making people feel at home.

Enjoy a romantic dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day at one of these restaurants in northern Illinois.

Thunderstruck – America's AC/DC Tribute will be at The Dixon: Historic Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 7.

For nearly 30 years, ye olde Red Knight Pub in Stockton has rolled out a welcome mat that gives people the Red-carpet treatment, with friends and hospitality from people on both sides of the bar.

Amboy’s own little Cookie Jar blends creativity, comfort and a sense of fun in every batch its owner bakes, proving dessert can be playful and welcoming, with just the right amount of over-the-top.

You don't need to travel too far to enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing.

Check out these beer festivals happening in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin this winter.

Windy City Dueling Pianos will perform at The Dixon: Historic Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani will join executive chef Noah Gümüstekin for an unforgettable culinary event Jan. 31-Feb. 1 to benefit the James Beard Foundation.

Sullivan Rutherford Estate's Cœur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon has hints of blueberry, plum, dark chocolate and dried flowers.

The 2026 season is designed to support local businesses, encourage city-wide engagement and celebrate all that Dixon has to offer, according to a news release.

The Rusty Alehouse & Wine Bar will host the 4th annual Hops on the Fox Beer Festival on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Looking to unplug and enjoy some time with friends and family? Game shops can bring a lot to the table, whether you like to roll with the roles, practice your skills and perfect your strategy, or go on an epic quest.

Rock Falls Tourism presents Flock to the Rock ’26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Rock Falls American Legion.

Not going to Soldier Field for the big game? Check out these sports bars in northern Illinois where you can catch all the action and enjoy food and drink specials.

The Next Picture Show in Dixon will host Dixon Poetry Night on Friday, Jan. 16.

Check out the Favorite Breakfast and Favorite Brunch winners in the Sauk Valley Favorites contest!

Outdoor ice rinks are a great way to have fun, fit in some physical activity and enjoy fresh air this winter.

The former schoolhouse in the tiny southwest Stephenson County town of Loran finds new life as the Slurp 'n Burp – serving hearty plates, cold pints and community spirit much larger than the small burg itself, keeping stories and beer flowing.

Update: After being closed since Thanksgiving week due to a water line break, Lanark's Hilldale Cafe and Catering is set to reopen Thursday, Jan. 15. Its cafe blends creativity and comfort to craft dishes that surprise and delight, each plate served with a dash of inspiration.

2025 saw a number of restaurants open across northern Illinois.