The Illinois Office of Tourism has just completed a seven-day shoot for the Middle of Everything campaign. The team visited eighteen locations across the state including Makanda, Savanna, Gurnee, Moline and more. The filming focused on showcasing the beauty of our natural offerings, as well as big city excitement and family fun. Several Illinois Makers will be featured including 17th Street BBQ, Virtue, Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch, and Navarro Canoe Co. The three new TV spots are scheduled to be in-market by mid-June (our current Spring/Summer spots have been in-market since mid-April).
The Enjoy Illinois & Choose Chicago presence at IPW in San Antonio was a great success with the team booking over 140 appointments. CVB partners also in attendance included DuPage CVB, Great Rivers & Routes, Heritage Corridor Destinations & Visit Springfield.
With Pride month now underway, Enjoy Illinois is busy promoting key festivals as well as LGBTQ+ activities, Illinois Makers, and destinations across the state.
A Partnership with Urban Historian,
Dilla
The Illinois Office of Tourism partnered with urban historian Shermann "Dilla" Thomas to share some of the untold stories behind Illinois' proud African American history. Exploring Alton, Springfield, and Jacksonville, a series of videos cover Dilla’s visit to key historic sites throughout Illinois. Explore the landing page and watch the videos here.
The NASCAR Enjoy Illinois 300 Roars into Life This Weekend
The Enjoy Illinois team is already on the ground at the NASCAR Enjoy Illinois 300 in Madison. At the activation, fans
will get the chance to race remote control cars around a custom track highlighting key attractions in The Middle of Everything.
Race fans will also have access to travel professionals onsite who will be sharing information on southwest Illinois and the rest of the state, and encouraging them to get out and enjoy Illinois this summer.
Explore Elgin Area Launches 2023 Taco Trail
Explore Elgin Area has teamed up with local taco restaurants in all 10 of its communities. Once taco aficionados have at least three restaurants checked off their digital passport, they’ll be entered for a chance to win gift cards. A special mystery basket will be awarded to a grand prize winner at the end of the trail.
IL Maker Rendleman Orchards Celebrates 150th Anniversary
State Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, honored Illinois Maker Rendleman Orchards on the Senate floor for their 150-year anniversary. Owners Wayne and Michelle Sirles are the fifth generation to operate the specialty farm near Alto
Pass. This impressive milestone is one only accomplished by 1% of American businesses.
In 1873, Rendleman Orchards’ founders, John and Isabelle Rendleman, staked a claim on 88 acres. Now, the orchard covers 800 acres and employs hundreds while feeding millions with fresh fruit and vegetables.
Meet Chicago Northwest CVB Celebrates 40 Years
MCNW celebrated its 40-year anniversary by sharing highlights from the year and exciting plans for the future. It also elected its board of directors and officers. Business and civic leaders from the eight municipalities that MCNW represents gathered in Schaumburg to pay tribute to the organization’s rich legacy of investing in the hospitality community and enhancing local economies through visitor spending.
New Videos
We are pleased to share the latest addition to our Illinois Made video collection: Dot’s Pots.
Be on the lookout for the launch of new videos on our YouTube channel in the coming days and weeks.
Illinois Made Submission Deadline If you know any amazing small businesses or expert artisans in Illinois, consider nominating them for the Illinois Made program. The nomination deadline for the 2023 class is August 1.
The Spring/Summer 2023 issue of the Enjoy Illinois Magazine is now available.
The magazine is an excellent biannual resource for tourists and travelers looking to experience all that your region has to offer. Each issue offers a mix of seasonal travel stories and special features that serve as inspiration for visitors.
If your are interested in becoming an advertiser, contact Kim Sommerfeldt at DotDash Meredith.
