Are you looking for a fun, cheap and family-friendly event this weekend? This Sunday, Feb. 23, check out the Southern Illinois Reptile Show in Marion, IL!

The show will include thousands of scaly animals for guests to observe, touch or even adopt! There will be reptiles, amphibians, mammals (including kangaroos) and more. Feeders and pet supplies will be available for those looking to treat their pets at home.

Did you know there is a 3,000 mile long road that follows the entirety of the Mississippi River? This scenic route winds all the way from Lake Itasca in Minnesota, to Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. Of all the territory the road covers, Illinois has by far the most picturesque stretch of the river.

Pro tip: the stretch of River Road between Alton and Grafton Illinois is unlike any other place in Illinois. This area is the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers. Complete with a full view of the Mississippi and towering white cliffs, you would hardly think you were in the Midwest. There are many memorable stops along the way including the Loading Dock, Pere Marquette State Park, Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower, and Historic Downtown Alton.

Today is National Popcorn Day and a perfect way to celebrate is to enjoy this classic treat as your state snack! National Popcorn day may have popped up on the National Holiday calendar in 2013, but this time-honored snack has been celebrated since 1988. From a traditional movie theatre food to a gourmet sweet, popcorn is a national and local staple.

With approximately 333 popcorn farms across Illinois, the state is recognized as the third largest grower of the product. In 2003, this “Official Illinois Snackfood” was voted as a state symbol thanks to the support of second and third grade students and their teacher, Fran Hollister, at Cunningham Elementary in Joliet, which was sponsored by former State Senator Larry Walsh.

Kick off the new year by exploring flavors of food scenes in cities across Illinois this month.

With hundreds of options from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, Illinois restaurant week celebrations offer options for every taste and budget and provide the opportunity to find your new local favorite.

Aurora Restaurant Week

Aurora will be hosting its first-ever restaurant week, highlighting the city’s rapidly growing and diverse culinary scene. Aurora Restaurant Week will run from Jan. 21 through Feb. 4. View a list of participating restaurants here. 

Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week

The 9^th annual Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week will be held Jan. 24 through Feb. 1. The nine-day celebration will feature restaurants serving cuisines from across the world. View a list of participating restaurants here.

Illinois’ favorite holiday market is back in Chicago and the suburbs. The Christkindlmarket, an annual holiday tradition that brings European customs to Illinois, is a favorite among Chicagoans and visitors.

The famous open-air market is inspired by holiday markets in Germany that date back to the 16^th century in Nuremberg. The Christkindlmarket has been an annual tradition in Chicago since 1996 and this year, the market will be in Aurora for its third year.