10 Things You Always Take With You When You Leave Illinois
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
Whether you come here to visit family or just to explore one of America’s best states, it is impossible to leave Illinois with less than you came with. Between souvenirs and leftovers, you always need extra space to get home any goodies you find while you’re here.
There are just some things you can’t pass up when you stay in our great state. Keep scrolling for 10 things you can’t go home without.
There's no denying that one main reason people visit Illinois is to check out one of the greatest cities in the nation. Whether it's memorabilia from a play, a museum, or just the city in general, everyone goes home with something Chicago-themed to help them remember the experience.
If you're driving through the state or camping out at any hotels, there's a good chance you'll see your fair share of brochure kiosks. This is one of the best ways to learn about some of the goings on around where you're staying, and you'll likely grab more than you need.
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No matter the time of year, there's always a farmer's stand, orchard, or other produce market open for business. Sweet corn and cider are popular in the fall while spring brings berries, vegetables, flowers, and many other fresh goods. Everyone has their favorite place to get these seasonal foods, and for some, it's their sole reason for visiting the state.
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Even visitors who aren't huge sports fans often leave the state with some memorabilia from the Cubs, the Blackhawks, the Bulls, or any other professional or college-level team. For many, this is another main attraction that makes Illinois so wonderful.
Especially if you plan to do any hiking (and how could you not?), you're likely to take home a scrape or two. Illinois is a wonderland of nature preserves and parks that are available for use year round. Go skiing, sledding, hiking, biking, and even swimming just about anytime of year.
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Whether it's deep dish, Quad city style, or any other local design, you can't help but take home pizza from Illinois. It's done so much that many restaurants now offer to ship pies to people's doors across the country.
There's the leftovers you really want to take home, and then there are the leftovers your family insists you take when you leave. You'll understand this one especially if you visit Illinois to visit home. Mom always has to make sure that you have enough food to last you until the next time she sees you, which means the whole back seat will be loaded with plastic containers.
Again, if you visit Illinois to visit home, you'll likely go home with a disheveled pile of mail too (most of which is junk, of course). No matter how many times you try to remember to switch your address on all your accounts, there's always something that goes to the wrong place.
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Not to be corny, but you cannot escape Illinois without a memory or two, some bad and some good. Take pictures to help keep the most positive and fun moments in mind.
There's no way you can visit Illinois without asking yourself, "When can I come back?" There's so much going on in this state that there are countless reasons to return.
One of the leftovers you might leave with is an iconic Midwest sandwich. Check out the biggest and baddest tenderloin in all of Illinois.
What else do you always leave with when you return from Illinois? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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