One Unforgettable Airbnb Experience in Illinois You’ll Want to Book ASAP

They lined my favorite part of the playground when I was little: tiny, juicy-looking red berries dotting green leaves—red baneberries. "They'll make you very sick," my parents would chide. So I would dutifully collect them and set some aside in a pile. The birds liked them, even though they were highly poisonous to humans. Ever since those frequent reminders as a young kid, I've been nervous about wild plants being harmful. That's where this Airbnb Experience in Illinois really comes in handy—breaking down the fear barriers we have about the unknowns of nature.

Why This Unique Airbnb Experience in Illinois Is Worth Booking

While I love a nature walk on its own, this Airbnb Experience lets you enjoy a 5-kilometer hike while learning about edible plants in the Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, Illinois. Guided by nature guide and plant expert Lateefah, participants will find 20 or so edible plants on the excursion through the preserve. Not only are these plants edible, but some even have medicinal properties. As part of the tour, participants go home with a digital copy of a recipe using one of the wild plants identified on the hike.

Host Lateefah Stanford is trained in identifying Illinois native wild edible plants by The Resiliency Institute. She can identify 200 species of edible wild plants across the seasons and knows how to properly prepare them for consumption. The Resiliency Institute is a nonprofit organization that offers courses on resilience and food security. They empower individuals through knowledge about "gardening, food forests, and nature connection."

Who This Airbnb Experience Is Perfect For

For nature enthusiasts or folks who want to be more attuned to the wild world, this experience is perfect for you. By learning what plants are safe to eat on your forest adventure, you may discover flavors you've been looking for or just new ways to stretch a grocery budget. Plus, edible plants can be a huge benefit if you're out in nature and find yourself in need of sustenance. It's always good to be overprepared.

What To Know Before Booking

Since this hike takes place in a forest preserve, it is crucial to be prepared for the elements. Each experience is about two hours long, taking place at different times of day depending on the date. Tours are $40 per person, and children ages two and up are permitted to attend. There are a few things to consider packing for the adventure:

• Water bottle (there is a water fountain on site)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Boots, if the conditions are muddy

Being out and about in Aurora, Illinois, is easy. It is a stunning area, not too far from downtown Chicago, even if it feels worlds away. Aurora is loaded with nature trails and every excuse to just be outside. If you're around for a while beyond the Airbnb Experience, there are some excellent dog-friendly hikes here. Or, if you'd rather get off the trail, Blackberry Farm in Aurora is a living history museum that is perfect for the whole family. No matter how you top off your time in this lovely little city, this Airbnb Experience will ensure that you'll walk away with handy knowledge about the wild world all around us.