"Travels with Darley" visits the Heritage Corridor

In 2016, Darley Newman brought her award-winning PBS program, Travels with Darley, to the Heritage Corridor region for two episodes of Season 2, "Illinois: Route 66 & Midewin" and "Illinois: Ottawa & Beyond." Both episodes are available on Amazon Prime!

In 2023, Darley returned to Illinois for an episode about the 300+ mile stretch of Route 66 in our state. In The First Hundred Miles of Route 66, Darley visited Harvester Park in Burr Ridge, the Old Joliet Prison, the Polk-A-Dot Drive In in Braidwood, the Texaco Station in Dwight, and the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac. Watch Season 11, Episode 5 - "Route 66: Illinois"

Travels with Darley Podcast

Darley returned again in 2024 to premiere the Route 66 episode and to record interviews in Starved Rock Country for her podcast. The first of these episodes dropped on April 10, 2024 and you can listen below!

1. Exploring the Natural Wonders of Starved Rock State Park in Illinois

Illinois may be called the Prairie State, but in this Travels with Darley podcast episode, you’ll discover parts of the state where rock canyons, waterfalls and rivers remind us of the diversity of the terrain in Illinois. Less than an hour and a half southwest of Chicago, join Darley Newman to explore Starved Rock Country with Kathy Casstevens, who has frequented the park since childhood. Uncover the cultural and geological history of this park, where canyons are named after French explorers and frozen waterfalls in the winter serve as a playground for ice climbers. Get practical tips on where to stay, eat and other attractions in LaSalle County, as you take an immersive hike through Starved Rock State Park.

2. Luxury Camping and Craft Cocktails: Camp Aramoni & Star Union Spirits in Illinois

How many times have had happy hour, bellied up to an Airstream travel trailer and surrounded by wildflowers? Or gone camping in a tent with high security? Explore luxury camping or “glamping” in Illinois by touring Camp Aramoni with entrepreneur Jennifer Bias. Located in LaSalle County close to popular Starved Rock State Park, travelers venture here to unwind in safari style tents, complete with s’mores and local spirits made from Illinois corn and popular for weddings. Learn about Camp Aramoni's transformation from a 19th-century brickyard to a haven for relaxation and adventure. Inside the camp’s luxe barn, meet Bob Windy of Star Union Spirits to taste a signature brandy old fashioned and learn about how he helped transform an old factory into the first licensed distillery in Peru in over 100 years. 

3. Streator Street Art & Sparkling Wine in Starved Rock Country, Illinois

Amid the Prairie State, street art, sparling wine and starved rock? Venture beyond popular Starved Rock State Park to discover Illinois wine industry at August Hill Winery in Utica. Entrepreneur and vintner Mark Wenzel shares the secrets behind Illinois sparkling wine and its unique character shaped by the region's soil and climate. Delve into the vibrant street art scene in Streator, where over 40 pieces of public art adorn the cityscape, thanks to the efforts of the Walldogs. Mayor Tara Bedei gives us insight into Streator's transformation and the community's unwavering spirit. From sipping sparkling wine to marveling at larger-than-life murals, this episode highlights the passion of locals who are shaping the cultural landscape of their communities, inviting travelers to experience the heart and soul of LaSalle County.

4. Exploring Ottawa: History & Hidden Gems Along the Illinois River

Uncover the rich history of Ottawa, Illinois, nestled along the banks of the Illinois River, by cycling, canoeing, and visiting small businesses. From American Indian heritage to the Irish immigrants who shaped its canal history, journey through this Midwestern gem close to Chicago, exploring its historic sites, charming neighborhoods, and vibrant local culture. Canoe the Illinois River and cycle along the I&M Canal and hear about the area’s history from Ana Koval of the Canal Corridor Association. Marvel at murals depicting American history and stroll Washington Square, the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas senatorial debate on August 21, 1858.