Travel Tuesday, October 16

Can you believe this fall season? There is never a dull autumn day in Illinois, and what a treat it was to have those warm, summer-like days last week.

I hope you have had a chance to get out and enjoy the dazzling display of colors throughout the state. Our fall color reports are getting more exciting by the week. Saffron hues are showing up in Southern Illinois, the hickories in McHenry County are turning bright yellow, and in western Illinois, the maples are showing more color by the day.

There are so many ways to experience the shades of the season. Drive the Great River Road and take in the array of fall colors along the mighty Mississippi. Cruise down the Illinois River on the Spirit of Peoria’s Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise. Or, get out for a hike in any one of our amazing state parks or wine trails.

Fall is peak time for seasonal flavors. I love seeing how people get into the autumn spirit with bushels of apples picked straight from the orchards, and locally-grown pumpkins festively displayed outside their homes.

If you haven’t visited one of Illinois’ Bicentennial Corn Mazes yet, this is a great time to do so. Speaking of Bicentennial, I’m extremely excited that we’re now less than two months away from Illinois’ Bicentennial Celebration. This will be the party of the century with a
star-studded line-up. You don’t want to miss it.

Your friend in Illinois Tourism,

As part of the Illinois Bicentennial celebrations, we're unveiling 200 Years, 200 Stories — a collection of stories that reveal the rich history to be found everywhere in Illinois. Along with blog posts, we've recently released a series of short videos that show the charming stories of Illinois, including:

The story of one of the original occupants of the Cocoa Blue Chocolates building in Rochester: a real live bear
A profile of a young Ronald Reagan, the only U.S. president to have been born in Illinois
A taste of the elegant art of dressage found at Tempel Lippizans in Old Mill Creek

Head to EnjoyIllinois.com/illinois-200 to see some of the latest videos and read the rest of 200 Years, 200 Stories. We'll be posting new stories through December 3, 2018.

Europe and Asia Are Driving Global Tourism Growth in 2018

International tourism arrivals have grown faster than expected. Much of that growth is attributed to Southern Europe and Asia, which both saw 9 percent increases. But, the U.S. has contributed, too. Our 5 percent growth in arrivals this year is significant, given that in 2017, North American arrivals only saw 2 percent growth. A strong finish is projected for the year, which means people are continuing to cross international borders, fueling further growth for destinations.

Have you ever wondered what life was like in the 1700s? The Fort Massac Encampment is a historic tribute to Illinois’ rich frontier history. This annual reenactment takes place October 20–21 at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis. Historical re-enactors representing French, British and Americans will demonstrate the skills and lifestyles of late 1700s Illinois life on the frontier prairie. Expect to see blanket traders, merchants, military units, fife and drum corps. Plus, more than 20 vendors will be there with period-style food. The encampment also offers military drills, mock battles and children's activities.