Halloween is centuries-old tradition. The fall holiday has transformed from a day of remembrance to a fun celebration of the supernatural that supports a multi-million dollar horror movie industry and an almost equally lucrative candy-selling business. Spending on Halloween is expected to reach $7.4 billion this year. While that may pale in comparison to spending for other holidays, it still means Halloween is big business in addition to big fun.

Cooler temperatures, shorter days and colorful leaves are all a sign that fall has arrived in Illinois.

Illinois’ scenic byways are a great way to enjoy the fall, offering unparalleled views of changing tree canopies, wildlife sightseeing opportunities and other outdoor activities.

Good news: If you’re looking to travel and see priceless works of fine art, you don’t have to travel far. The Art Institute of Chicago may be just the ticket for you. The museum was recently awarded the title of No. 1 Art Museum in the world by TripAdvisor.com.

The Art Institute houses a world-class collection of artwork, ranging from antiquities to very modern pieces. The building is equally historic. And for those of you planning travel to Chicago, the museum is only closed three days out of the year: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

So the next time you are in the mood for a bit of art, remember: You don’t have to travel to Europe to see classic and modern art work. Your destination is right in your very own backyard.

Learn More:
See TripAdvisor’s full ratings.
Visit The Art Institute’s website.
Read all about it in the Chicago Tribune.

From museums and man-made marvels to the wonders of the natural world, Illinois has near-limitless opportunities for family fun. Check out this list for some of the top kid-friendly spots and activities in Illinois.

Much of the original alignment of the legendary Mother Road, which carried cars from Chicago to California, has been designated as part of the Route 66 Trail and is just a small part of the thousands of miles of bike routes in Illinois.

Whether you are planning an epic bike tour of the state or just want a leisurely ride with family, Illinois is home to a route that will meet the needs of any bicyclist. This excellent map, put together by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, shows the breadth of the state’s bicycling infrastructure.