A smiling woman in a white sweater sits at a table with a plate of cookies and a cup of tea.

Linze Rice

Linze Rice is an Illinois native and DeKalb County-raised journalist whose bylines have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago, among others, since 2014. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, chronicled historic Route 66 diners, and reviewed some of Chicago's most celebrated hotels — all while bringing a heartwarming, historically grounded perspective to every story. For Only In Your State, Linze covers Illinois with the rare authority of a working journalist who genuinely loves the state she grew up in.

State Pride
Need to Know

For The First Time In 221 Years, A Rare Double Emergence Of Cicadas Is Expected In 2024 In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Jan 17
Close-up of a cicada perched on a branch, showcasing its detailed wings and vibrant body colors.
State Pride
History

10 Unique Trivia Facts About Illinois You Might Not Have Heard Before

by Linze Rice
on Jan 16
Cooling towers release steam against a clear blue sky, with hay bales in the foreground and power lines in the background.
Nature
Waterfalls

The Little-Known Natural Wonder In Illinois That Becomes Even More Enchanting In The Wintertime

by Linze Rice
on Jan 15
A frozen waterfall surrounded by snow-covered rocks and trees, with a stone bridge above.
State Pride
History

A Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible Above Illinois This Spring

by Linze Rice
on Jan 12
An annular solar eclipse, showing a bright ring of sunlight around the dark silhouette of the moon.
Experiences
Activities

Millennium Park’s Ice Skating Rink Is The Perfect Midwest Winter Travel Destination

by Linze Rice
on Jan 11
A bustling ice skating rink surrounded by city skyscrapers, illuminated by colorful lights and a festive tree at night.
Stays
Camping

One Of The Best Campgrounds In Illinois Is Open For Adventure Year-Round

by Linze Rice
on Jan 10
A serene lakeside view with kayaks, a dock, and a picnic area under a clear blue sky.
Experiences
Events
Festivals

Explore An Illinois Natural Area And Enjoy Live Music At This Winter Festival

by Linze Rice
on Jan 9
Sign for Volo Bog State Natural Area, with a snowy landscape and a building in the background.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Cozy Small Town In Illinois That Comes Alive Under A Blanket Of Snow

by Linze Rice
on Jan 8
Four skiers on a chairlift, smiling and holding skis, with a snowy landscape and other skiers in the background.
Food
Restaurants

This 85-Year-Old Retro Diner Is One Of The Most Nostalgic Destinations In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Jan 5
A brightly lit diner, White Palace Grill, with a large sign stating "Open 24 Hours" and Coca-Cola branding.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

10 Incredible Hidden Gems In Illinois You’ll Want To Discover This Year

by Linze Rice
on Jan 4
A serene garden entrance with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and a traditional wooden gate.
Food
Breweries & Wineries

The Adults-Only Restaurant in Illinois Where You Can Enjoy a Peaceful Meal

Chicago's Hopleaf Bar is one of the best adults-only restaurants in the state.

by Linze Rice
on Jan 20
Hopeeaf Bar in Chicago
Nature
Parks & Gardens

This Little-Known Trail Is Quite Possibly the Best Horseback Riding Path in Illinois

The Palos Orange Trail in Willow Springs, Illinois, is the perfect way to get outside just outside of Chicago.

by Linze Rice
on Jan 6
A fall scene in a forest.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

Illinois Just Broke Ground On A Massive New Sports Park With A 190,000-Square-Foot Dome

by Linze Rice
on Dec 20
Aerial view of a sports complex featuring fields, courts, and a central building with outdoor seating and landscaping.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Enjoy A Picture-Perfect Weekend In Southern Illinois When You Visit Shawnee National Forest

by Linze Rice
on Dec 19
A spacious, modern house with a front porch surrounded by trees under a bright blue sky.
Food
Restaurants

This Regional Restaurant Is One Of Illinois’ Favorite Places To Dine

by Linze Rice
on Dec 18
A cozy restaurant with a sign reading "Underground" under a vibrant rainbow in the sky.
State Pride
Fun Facts

Most People Don’t Know That Oscar Mayer’s Gravesite Is Found Right Here In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Dec 15
Black and white portrait of a man with a mustache, wearing a suit and bow tie, set in an oval frame.
Nature
National & State Parks

This Little-Known Lake Is Perfect For Easy Fishing And Kayaking In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Dec 14
Aerial view of a serene lake surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Charming Community Might Just Be The Most Peaceful Place To Live In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Dec 13
Aerial view of a small town with a river, parks, and a grid of streets lined with buildings and parking areas.
Food
Cafes & Coffee Shops

This Pink-Inspired Illinois Cafe Has A Flower Wall, Fruit-Filled Croissants, And A Photo Booth

by Linze Rice
on Dec 12
Neon sign for "Pink Owl Cafe" featuring an owl graphic, illuminated against a brick wall at night.
Stays
Hotels & Resorts

Escape From The City To This Peaceful Getaway With An Apiary, Theater, And Award-Winning Restaurant

by Linze Rice
on Dec 11
Entrance of a Marriott hotel featuring a modern design with a large overhang and landscaped surroundings.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

There Is A Unique Man-Made Wonder Hiding In This Small Town In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Dec 8
A large, abstract sculpture of a face and arm emerging from a grassy hill in a park, surrounded by trees.
Experiences
Events

7 Light Displays in Illinois That are Pure Holiday Magic

Ready to be dazzled by the best Christmas light displays in Illinois? Then these glittering, glowing, and sparkling destinations are for you.

by Linze Rice
on Nov 11
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Trips & Routes
Day Trips

7 Christmas Towns In Illinois That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer

by Linze Rice
on Dec 6
Snowy street scene with shops and cars, festive lights, and falling snowflakes creating a cozy winter atmosphere.
State Pride
Fun Facts

8 Surefire Signs You Have Strong Roots In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Dec 5
A vast field of tall corn plants under a clear blue sky, with trees lining the horizon in the background.
Nature
Hiking

This Incredible Cross-Country Ski Spot In Illinois Is Perfect For Beginners To Enjoy A Day On The Snow

by Linze Rice
on Dec 4
A snowy path winding through a forest, with trees and bushes covered in fresh snow under a clear sky.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

Each Year This Small Illinois Town Turns Into The Eagle Capital Of America — And You Can Meet One Up Close

by Linze Rice
on Dec 1
A bald eagle glides above a snowy landscape, wings spread wide, preparing to land near the water.
State Pride
Need to Know

This Beloved Illinois Covered Bridge Was Damaged By A Semi

by Linze Rice
on Nov 30
A red covered bridge with a low clearance sign, surrounded by green trees and a winding road.
Experiences
Attractions
Markets

Discover The Magic Of A European Christmas Village At Illinois’ Beloved Holiday Market

by Linze Rice
on Nov 29
A horse-drawn carriage with passengers rides down a rainy street in front of a brick building.
State Pride
History

Take A Stroll Through Illinois’ Past At This Historic Farm Outside Chicago

by Linze Rice
on Nov 28
A red barn-style building surrounded by greenery and a pathway, with people walking in the area.
Food

The Brand New Restaurant In Illinois That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

by Linze Rice
on Nov 27
Exterior of Ella's restaurant featuring orange umbrellas, outdoor seating, and a stone facade on a sunny day.
Trips & Routes

The Stunning Landscape In Illinois That Appears As Though It Was Ripped From A Painting

by Linze Rice
on Nov 24
A sunset over a lush green field, with rows of crops and a colorful sky in the background.
Nature
National & State Parks

Exercise Extreme Caution When Hiking In This Dangerous Illinois National Forest

by Linze Rice
on Nov 23
A scenic view of rocky cliffs overlooking a lush green forest and rolling hills under a cloudy sky.
Experiences
Museums

With More Than 50 Christmas Trees From Around The Globe, This Display In Illinois Will Fill You With Holiday Cheer

by Linze Rice
on Nov 22
A festive atrium decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and holiday displays, bustling with visitors.
State Pride
Need to Know

An Earthquake Recently Shook Northern Illinois And Parts Of Neighboring States

by Linze Rice
on Nov 21
Aerial view of a river winding through green fields and farmland, with a small town and industrial area visible.
Experiences
Events
Festivals

Even The Grinch Would Marvel At This Incredible Lakefront Winter Wonderland In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Nov 20
A ferris wheel overlooks a city skyline at sunset, with snowflakes gently falling in the foreground.
Food
Restaurants

The Tiny Restaurant In Illinois That Only Serves 4 Tables At A Time

by Linze Rice
on Nov 17
Exterior of Huaraches Doña Chio restaurant with a green awning, wooden fence, and outdoor seating.
Experiences
Events

Ring In The 2023 Holiday Season Aboard The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train When It Comes To Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Nov 17
A large crowd gathers to watch a brightly lit holiday train display at night, surrounded by snow.
Experiences
Attractions
Markets

The One-Of-A-Kind Flea Market In Illinois That You Could Spend Hours Exploring

by Linze Rice
on Nov 10
A bustling indoor market with vendors selling clothing, art, and accessories, and shoppers browsing various stalls.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

The Under-The-Radar Scenic Drive In Illinois That Showcases Mansions, Lake Michigan, And Forests

by Linze Rice
on Nov 9
Aerial view of a coastal university campus with buildings, green spaces, and a lake shoreline under a blue sky.
Experiences
Events

Take Your Holiday Shopping On The Road Along This Illinois Barn Sale Trail

by Linze Rice
on Nov 8
A red barn decorated with a wreath, surrounded by snow and trees, with soft sunlight filtering through the falling snow.
Stays
Hotels & Resorts

These Unforgettable Hotels Are Perfect For A Weekend Getaway To Chicago, Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Nov 7
Cozy outdoor seating area with a fire pit, string lights, and greenery, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

This Art Deco Condo Is The Best Home Base For Your Adventures On Chicago’s Lakefront

by Linze Rice
on Nov 3
A three-story brick building with large windows, surrounded by greenery and a black iron fence.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

This Enchanting Reindeer Farm In Illinois Is One Of The Best Places To Enjoy Autumn

by Linze Rice
on Nov 2
Sign for Flying Reindeer Ranch with colorful flowers and trees lining a grassy path under a clear blue sky.
Stays

This Pet-Friendly Cabin In Ellsworth, Illinois Is Perfect For An Affordable Vacation

by Linze Rice
on Nov 1
A cozy A-frame cabin surrounded by lush green trees and a grassy yard, featuring a deck with chairs.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

There’s No Better Place To Go Glamping Than This Magnificent Luxury Cabin In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Oct 27
A rustic wooden house with a porch, surrounded by greenery and a cloudy sky in the background.
Food

The Small-Town Diner Where Locals Catch Up Over Homemade Pies, Soups, And Breakfast Skillets

by Linze Rice
on Oct 26
Sign for Sycamore Parkway Restaurant, featuring sunflowers and the tagline "Quality home cooking." Blue sky in the background.
Experiences
Tours

The Haunted Ghost Tour In Illinois Is A Paranormal Experience Like No Other

by Linze Rice
on Oct 25
Historic theater building with a marquee advertising a horror film series, illuminated at dusk.
Food

The Humble Mexican Restaurant In Illinois That’s Been Owned By The Same Family For More Than 50 Years

by Linze Rice
on Oct 24
A colorful building with arched windows and a sign, next to a historic structure, under a clear blue sky.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

This Cozy Cabin Is The Best Home Base For Your Adventures In Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest And Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

by Linze Rice
on Oct 23
A rustic wooden cabin surrounded by autumn trees, featuring a porch and a stone chimney.
Experiences
Tours

Experience A New Side Of Illinois On This One-Of-A-Kind Adventure

by Linze Rice
on Oct 20
A boat glides along the Chicago River, surrounded by tall skyscrapers under a clear blue sky.