Black History Month in Illinois is underway! This year, we've partnered with Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas—Chicago's own urban historian—to showcase Illinois’ rich African American neighborhoods, historical
attractions and destinations throughout the state to potential Illinois travelers. Make sure to visit our hub for all things Black History Month, including a special video series with Dilla and a roundup of events, exhibits and attractions across the state. We also encourage you to check out the Enjoy Illinois winter TV spots that are currently airing, which showcase the top winter destinations and exciting activities Illinois has to offer this time of year:
Later this month, we’ll be joining Mississippi River Country (MRC) in Toronto for the Outdoor Adventure Show, where we’ll represent Illinois in the Adventure Travel Pavilion along with Heritage Corridor Destinations and Great Rivers & Routes. As part of the two-day sales mission, we also plan to meet with
Toronto-area travel trade and media representatives to explore strategic partnership opportunities and drive brand awareness for Illinois tourism.
Grant to Boost Tourism in Underrepresented Neighborhoods
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has awarded Choose Chicago $5.5 million in grant funding to expand tourism in 12 underrepresented neighborhoods across the city. The grant will support local organizations and allow Choose Chicago to add 12 new communities to its existing Neighborhood Strategy Team program. This is a great opportunity to drive visitors to parts of the state that may not traditionally receive as much
traveler attention. Southern Illinois Wineries Team Up for Winter Passport Program To draw visitors to local wineries, businesses and accommodations, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail has launched a Winter Passport program that will be available through February. The program features discounts and special offers at participating wineries, offering travelers a unique way to discover new wines and meet the talented local artisans behind them. More than 10 local wineries are participating, many of them Illinois Makers!
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so we put together this useful guide to help people find the ideal homemade gift from one of our Illinois Makers. From sweet treats to wine and handmade crafts, this is a great chance for people to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift while supporting local small businesses and their communities. In other Illinois Made news, Scratch Brewing of Ava in Southern Illinois has been nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar! Congratulations to the Scratch Brewing team—a well-deserved honor for a true Illinois gem. And don’t miss our spotlight on Black Illinois Makers—not only do these talented artisans have incredible stories, but they continue to create amazing products in every corner of the state. If someone you know is interested in becoming a Maker, please feel free to nominate them for next year’s class.
There’s nothing like a carefully curated road trip or a cozy weekend getaway to stave off the winter blues. Read through the Enjoy Illinois magazine for ideas on how to set the stage for a romantic Valentine’s Day hotel retreat, seek out bald eagles along the Great River Road or embark on a sightseeing tour of African American landmarks in celebration of Black History Month. Order your own copy at the link below orview it online. For bulk orders, please contact Brad.Strauss@illinois.gov.
