A smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing a black blazer and a necklace, against a white background.

Daisy Dow

Daisy Dow is a contributor to Only In Your State whose published work highlights the hidden gems, local flavors, and unique experiences that make each destination worth exploring.

Stays

Sleep In A Wooden Shoe Shop When You Book A Stay In This Small-Town Airbnb In Illinois

Spend the night in a wooden shoe shop in the village of Teutopolis, an unexpected but worthwhile destination for Illinoisan history buffs.

by Daisy Dow
on Sep 3
A cozy room with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, a ceiling fan, and a TV on a wooden cabinet.
Experiences
Attractions
Antiques Shops

This Antique Mall Along Route 66 in Illinois Is the Epitome of Americana

Stop by The Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston for a trip back in time and a side of all things Americana.

by Daisy Dow
on Sep 12
a massive pink elephant made of fiberglass stands in front of a trailer used as a sign for the pink elephant antique mall on route 66 in illinois
Food

A Historic Church Is Now Illinois’ Best New Mediterranean Restaurant

by Daisy Dow
on Aug 14
Aerial view of a modern triangular building surrounded by trees and a park at dusk.
Experiences
Attractions
Shops & Boutiques

The Eclectic Neighborhood In Illinois You Could Spend Weeks Exploring

by Daisy Dow
on Aug 12
Bright yellow flower shop with "Wild Pansy" sign, adorned with plants and flowers, set against a clear blue sky.
Experiences
Museums

I Saw Georgia O’Keeffe’s “My New Yorks” And Here’s What It Taught Me About Chicago, Illinois

by Daisy Dow
on Aug 9
A spacious gallery with large text on walls: "MY NEW YORKS" on the left and "GEORGIA O'KEEFFE" on the right. Visitors walk through.
Trips & Routes
Travel Preparation & Advice

8 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Illinois Summer Bucket List

by Daisy Dow
on Aug 7
A sandy beach with a lifeguard stand, wooden walkway, and a sign, overlooking calm waves under a clear blue sky.
Experiences
Attractions

The Tallest Pendulum Ride In The Midwest Just Opened In Illinois And It’s The Perfect Summer Adventure

by Daisy Dow
on Aug 2
A tall amusement park ride with a circular top, set against a dramatic sunset sky.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

6 Last-Minute Getaways In Illinois For A Fun, End-Of-Summer Retreat

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 31
A cozy wooden cabin with a porch, surrounded by green grass and trees, near a calm body of water.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

With A Clubhouse And Zipline, This Family-Friendly Park In Illinois Is The Best Summer Day Trip

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 29
A large tree with a prominent branch and a wooden ladder leading up, surrounded by lush green foliage.
Food

The Outdoor Cafe In Illinois That Is The Prettiest Place To Enjoy A Warm Afternoon

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 26
Outdoor seating area with tables and umbrellas, surrounded by greenery and people enjoying the space on a sunny day.
Food

I Watched Single-Engine Planes Take Off While Dining At This Aviation-Themed Eatery

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 24
Exterior of Pilot Pete's Restaurant & Bar, featuring a brick facade and colorful landscaping under a cloudy sky.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

Sinnissippi Park Is A Hidden River-Walk In Illinois Worthy Of A Day Hike

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 22
Sign marking the location of Indian Mounds, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, surrounded by trees.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Natural Water Park in Illinois Is a Summer Dream Come True

With cliffs to jump off and ropes to swing on, Bell Smith Springs is like a natural water park in Illinois-- only admission is free!

by Daisy Dow
on May 6
A serene swimming hole in Illinois, surrounder bby are boulders and unique rock formations.
Experiences
Activities

The Quarter-Mile Long Lazy River In Illinois Where You’ll Find Us All Summer Long

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 17
Aerial view of a winding lazy river with colorful shade sails and people enjoying the water and surrounding green areas.
Nature
Waterfalls

Dells Canyon And Bluff Trail Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In Illinois

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 16
A serene natural scene featuring stepping stones in a calm waterway, surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery.
Food
Cafes & Coffee Shops

Enjoy A Breakfast Of Champions At This Delicious, Historic Restaurant In Illinois

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 12
Sign for "The Vault Café on the Square" with a clock tower in the background under a cloudy sky.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

These 6 River Activities Will Take You To Parts Of Illinois You’d Never See Otherwise

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 10
Four people relax on colorful inner tubes in a river, enjoying a sunny day with trees lining the shore.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

Touring This Alpaca Farm In Poplar Grove Might Be The Most Extraordinary Animal Encounter You Can Have In Illinois

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 8
Sign for Alpaca Pines Farm and Fiber Mill, featuring trees and alpacas, with a patriotic banner and sunlight in the background.
Food
Breweries & Wineries

The Brewery In Illinois That Features A Beer Garden And Pinball Machines

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 5
Exterior of Obscurity Brewing Company, featuring a brick building and a large silver brewing tank beside it.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

This Illinois Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Bird-Themed Day Trip

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 3
A serene river bends through lush greenery, with trees reflecting in the calm water.