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.
Experiences
Events

Here Are The 8 Best Fourth Of July Fireworks In Illinois

by Daisy Dow
on Jul 2
Colorful fireworks burst in the night sky above a river, with a bridge silhouetted in the foreground.
Trips & Routes

Spontaneous Weekend Road Trip in Illinois You Can Take Anytime

If you are wanting to change up your routine, this spontaneous weekend road trip itinerary through Illinois can help guide your journey!

by Daisy Dow
on Apr 21
A fiery sunset over Rend Lake in southern Illinois.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

4 Incredible Airbnbs In Illinois That Offer Resort-Style Amenities

by Daisy Dow
on Jun 24
A log cabin home with a pool in the foreground, surrounded by trees and autumn foliage.
Food
Restaurants

Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Illinois

by Daisy Dow
on Jun 21
A spacious outdoor dining area with blue tables and chairs overlooking a calm lake, surrounded by screens.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Reconnect With Nature When You Stay At These 5 Charming Rentals In Illinois

by Daisy Dow
on Jun 19
A rustic wooden house on a grassy hill, surrounded by trees and a cloudy sky, with a deck and gazebo nearby.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

This Historical Landmark’s Trails Are The Perfect Place For An After-Work Walk

by Daisy Dow
on Jun 17
A historical sign about the Potawatomi and a replica longhouse in a wooded area, showcasing Native American heritage.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Gorgeous, Little-Known Lake Is One of the Most Underrated Fishing Spots in Illinois

Discover a hidden Illinois fishing spot at Osprey Lake. Enjoy peaceful views, clear water, and great catches in this underrated destination.

by Daisy Dow
on May 6
Wooden fishing dock overlooking the quiet, tree-lined waters of Osprey Lake in Illinois.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Hidden Nature Park In Illinois With Its Very Own Cave And So Much More

by Daisy Dow
on Jun 12
A serene cave entrance by a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and dappled sunlight.
Nature
Waterfalls

You’ll Fall In Love With The Tiny Waterfall Hiding Along This Breathtaking Illinois Trail

by Daisy Dow
on Jun 10
A narrow gravel path winds through a dense forest of tall trees and greenery.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Discover 4 Unique and Exceptional Airbnbs Across Illinois

Have you ever wanted to stay in an exceptional Airbnb in Illinois? From candy shops to silos, there is no shortage of quirky rentals to try.

by Daisy Dow
on Jan 14
A tall, rustic metal grain silo transformed into a unique multi-story living space with a modern front door.