Summer is the season for adventure. Whether that means soaring through the treetops on a zipline, discovering a hidden hiking trail, relaxing on a sun-soaked beach, or exploring a new town, memorable experiences are often found just beyond the familiar.
In this Explore issue, Lincolnway City Lifestyle invites you to embrace the spirit of discovery and make the most of the season ahead. Adventure doesn't have to mean crossing oceans or checking off a bucket-list destination — sometimes it's as simple as trying a new activity, taking a spontaneous weekend road trip, or seeing a familiar place through fresh eyes. Summer offers endless opportunities to step outside, unplug from routine, and create lasting memories with the people who matter most. Whether you're drawn to scenic hiking trails, nights spent stargazing under open skies, family adventures at theme parks, snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, or simply savoring a slower pace in a beautiful setting, there's something inspiring waiting to be discovered. To help spark ideas for your own summer plans, we asked two local travel experts to share some of their favorite getaway recommendations and added a few of our own. We hope these destinations inspire your next adventure — and if they do, we'd love to hear where your travels take you.
Kristen Andretich with Magical Park Vacations (@magicalTAkristen)
“Some of the most memorable vacations I've helped plan for families started as a long weekend. A few days at Walt Disney World. A short Disney cruise. A few days at Disney’s Aulani while soaking in the beauty of Hawaii. What families discover almost every time is that a taste of this kind of travel only opens the door wider. Start with that 3-4 night trip. But don't be surprised when you start dreaming bigger.”
www.southernillinoistourism.org @do.soill
Whether you're a foodie, nature lover, craft beer fan, or casual adventurer, Shawnee National Forest has something for everyone. Just five hours from Chicagoland, you can trade suburbs for rolling hills, trees, and star-filled skies. Go glamping in a yurt or camp at one of the dozen campgrounds, then explore the Shawnee Wine Trail, Garden of the Gods, Cedar Lake, and Makanda Boardwalk. Catch live music at The Varsity Center, kayak the many lakes, shop boutiques, and unwind in Southern Illinois.
www.explorehockinghills.com @myhockinghills
Escape to Hocking Hills, Ohio, for a family getaway that blends outdoor adventure with upscale comfort. Just about a 6-to-7-hour drive from Chicagoland, the region offers stunning waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and scenic hiking trails. Explore Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls, then unwind in a luxury cabin with hot tubs and wooded views. Families can enjoy ziplining, canoeing, horseback riding, and stargazing, making Hocking Hills an unforgettable Midwestern retreat for all ages, year round fun.
Charlene Recio with Marvelous Mouse Travels (@charlenemmt)
"For Lincolnway area residents looking to maximize a long weekend, Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer an ideal escape. With multiple nonstop flights from Chicago each day, travelers can relax on a white-sand beach with a drink in hand just hours after leaving home. Whether you prefer a luxury adults-only resort, a family-friendly all-inclusive, or a boutique beachfront property, there are options for every travel style and budget. Best of all, an all-inclusive getaway makes planning simple, affordable, and stress-free."