A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date.
READ ON!Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!
READ ON!A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.
READ ON!The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you. Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.
READ ON!Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor? If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail? Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago. We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.
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When you’re looking to expand your palate or try something new, look no further than these restaurants in the Heritage Corridor. We have many unique restaurants in our area that will shock your taste buds with exciting flavors that you will sure enjoy. Check out a list of places you should add to your list for the next time you are dining out.
“The next evolution of Mexican food” Next-Mex is a fusion of modern twists on traditional Mexican cuisine and Tex Mex. Together the owners combined their vision of modern Mexican cuisine with the traditional recipes that have been handed down through generations to the husband and wife team that run the kitchen. In addition to delicious foods, craft cocktails are offered and highlight quality ingredients and twists on the originals.
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine. Try their mouth-watering dishes, carefully prepared with fresh ingredients of the highest quality. At Catrinas Mex their recipe for success is simple – Great food and care makes customers return every time.
Rubi Agave Latin Kitchen, Tequila and Whiskey Bar is a fusion latin bistro, cozy neighborhood bar, and small music venue. The world’s best selection of tropical classic cocktails scatter the table while you taste the savory Latin American cuisine.
Raised in the swamps near Lake Charles, Louisiana, owner and chef Ron McFarlain features family recipes and his perfected light Cajun batter. Cajun Connections “swamp to table” dishes are served to guests, with the attention Ron would give to anything cooked for his family. From Boudin, Red Beans and Rice and Alligator, all dishes are authentically Cajun.
If you’re looking to expand your seafood palate, look no further than the Red Dog Grill located at Heritage Harbor in Ottawa. Sit outside, right by the water and enjoy a specialty drink that will make you feel like you’re on vacation while you wait for your meal of fresh seafood.
Doc Watsons’ Smokehouse offers Central Texas Style Barbeque and know that its not about the sauce, but the flavor and texture comes from the low and slow cooking of the meat. Meats are smoked daily so you will want to make sure you get there early, as to not miss your opportunity to treat your taste buds!
Award-winning BBQ, Blues, and Bourbon bar/restaurant offering a variety of menu options, indoor and outdoor seating, carryout, live music, and kids' menu. Savory smoked brisket, ribs & other meats, plus classic sides & drinks, in a relaxed atmosphere.
If your mouth is watering, check out these and additional restaurants on the Heritage Corridor Site. Enjoy trying something new, and dining local!