A&J, Chicago Travel

06/11/2026

THE FORGE ADVENTURE PARK & ZIPLINES
📍 227 Heritage Quarries Dr, Lemont, IL 60439
Here you can find the largest aerial challenge course, tallest climbing towers, and longest ziplines in the tri-state area! Have you visited this spot in the Chicago subarbs before?

06/09/2026

ANDERSON JAPANESE GARDENS
📍 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107
One of the best Japanese gardens in the Midwest is hiding in Illinois! About 1.5 hours from Chicago it’s a great spot for a day trip. Have you been here before?

06/01/2026

TWO LANES GUEST HOUSE
📍 Le Claire, Iowa
Two Lanes Guest House is a beautifully restored BNB tucked in downtown Le Claire, only a few steps from Antique Archaeology and the Mississippi River.

The guest house is filled with vintage finds and unique antiques that were even featured on the show American Pickers.

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

Wilton Candy Kitchen
📍 310 Cedar St, Wilton, IA 52778
Stepping into this historic Iowa gem feels like a real-life time capsule. It’s one of the oldest continuously operating ice cream parlors, old soda fountain, and candy shops in the country. Have you been here before?

⏰ Wilton Candy Kitchen Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM (winter hours typically 10 AM–5 PM)

05/29/2026

STATION 51 TRUCK COMPANY BAR & GRILL
📍 883 Main St, Antioch, IL 60002
Footlong mozzarella cheese logs? Yes please.

🥞 Flavor Festival:
There’s only ONE WEEK LEFT of this February-only food celebration hosted by highlighting local restaurants with special menus, perks, and drink deals. It’s the perfect excuse to try new spots and support Lake County’s food scene all month long. Check in at five locations and you’ll be entered to win prizes — we won two gifts last year, so the chances are pretty good!

☕️ Flavor Festival Deal:
$25 Meal deal including a choice of one appetizer (such as the cheese log, fried cheese curds, or buffalo wings) and choice of one entree (smokehouse burger, chicken bacon ranch poutine, or brisket philly)

⏰ Hours:
Mon–Tue: Closed
Wed–Thu & Sun: 11 AM–9 PM
Fri–Sat: 11 AM–10 PM

05/29/2026

ANTIQUE ARCHAEOLOGY
📍 115 Davenport St, Le Claire, Iowa 52753
If you’ve ever watched American Pickers, you’ll recognize this place right away. Located in downtown LeClaire, Antique Archaeology is the original home base of the hit TV show and a must-stop for fans. Inside, you’ll find vintage treasures, unique collectibles, and exclusive merchandise. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it’s a fun place to browse and see a piece of picker history.

⏰ HOURS:
Monday–Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-4pm

05/28/2026

ELIZABETH’S GRAND ANTIQUE CO.
📍 300 West St, Elizabeth, IL 61028
A massive Midwest antique mall on the edge of Illinois & Iowa. There are multiple floors packed with thousands of hidden gems from local vendors.

⏳Open daily from 10am-5pm

Definitely a cool spot you could wander through for hours. Don’t forget to stop by the café tucked inside the building too. It typically opens in April so you can enjoy it out on the patio!