December Illinois Tourism Monthly

In November, we had an incredible turnout at our 2nd annual Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show in the UK. This was the show's 200th anniversary and it was great to showcase the amazing aspects of historic Route 66 to a motor-loving audience. The famed Regent street was traffic-free between Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus, and the road was filled with a glittering collection of dazzling cars. The Illinois Route 66 stand display featured Dodge Challengers, a Mustang Bullitt replica, a Police Trans Am, a Blues Mobile replica plus some stunning Harley-Davidsons.

In November, six CVB partners joined us at our sales missions in London and Dublin. Across the two cities, we did six in-house training sessions with 68 sales agents, met with 16 media across two events, including an event for trade and media at Optimo Hat's London pop up store. We also met with 15 product managers, Visit USA Ireland and Brand USA UK & Ireland. A big thank you to the partners who joined us on this mission: Choose Chicago, DuPage CVB, Heritage Corridor, Rockford Area CVB, Great Rivers & Routes and Visit Springfield.

Big news from Grafton: the long-awaited Grafton Sky Tour at Aerie's resort is now officially open! From the foot of Grafton’s Main Street to the top of the river bluffs overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, visitors will soar 300 feet high on a leisurely ride. More notable news from around the state:

• The world's largest Starbucks is now open on the Magnificent Mile
• Holiday in the Park at Six Flags is returning for the second year
• The East Peoria Festival of Lights is celebrating their 35th anniversary
• Hardy's Reindeer Ranch is open through Christmas

There are so many great events going on around the state for the holidays, so be sure to make your list, check it twice, and get out there to enjoy this amazing season in Illinois.

We are happy to welcome five brand new makers into our Illinois Made program. Each of these makers provide visitors and locals with authentic Illinois experiences and contribute to making the state an incredible destination. The new class includes:

Endiro Coffee, a complete tree-to-cup operation beginning with coffee grown by women-led cooperatives in Uganda.

The Great American Popcorn Company, a family-owned business since 1994 specializing in fresh gourmet popcorn and handcrafted confections.

Locavore Farm, a small, family-run farm that serves the local community with organically grown vegetables and pasture-raised pigs, chickens, goats and sheep.

Riggs Beer Company, the first brewery to be awarded the Illinois Sustainability Award.

Swoon Living, a company that designs and produces hand-blown glassware and wood products.

Be sure to also check out this year's Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide!