2012 Illinois Travel Guide now available

[April 03, 2012]  CHICAGO -- The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism, announced Monday that the 2012 Illinois Travel Guide is now available to consumers. The all-new guide combines a newsstand magazine look and feel with the practical information visitors expect from a travel guide.

In addition to statewide listings, the guide's features bring whimsical information and interesting sites to life, including:

• "Illinois by the Numbers" -- Travelers can find out how many grape varietals are grown in vineyards across the state, how many feet the Willis Tower soars above Chicago and much more.

• "Happy Trails" -- Provides consumers with insights on unique experiences throughout the state. From chocolate to chili, golf to wine, visitors can pick their passion. Add the state's seven scenic byways, and travelers have even more reasons to get on the road.

• "Let's Eat!" -- The guide's food feature captures the quintessential flavors of Illinois. Signature pizzas and award-winning chefs are known far and wide, but Illinois' farm-to-table offerings may surprise even the most discerning palate.

• "Steps Through Time" -- Takes readers on an expedition through statewide historic sites, museums and the era of the open road preserved along Route 66.

• "Presidential Paths" -- Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, offers amazing attractions for history enthusiasts. Along with Abraham Lincoln, three other U.S. presidents have called Illinois home.

"We are pleased to offer consumers a brand-new travel guide," said Jan Kostner, deputy director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. "It's always exciting to show the variety of things to do and see throughout the state, and our travel guide is a great showcase for that. We're confident that visitors will find so much to do and see that they will stay longer and enjoy even more of Illinois this year."

The new travel guide highlights the top attractions across the state by four regional sections, where visitors can find the activities and accommodations to plan their ideal Illinois getaway. The new guide also integrates with the Enjoy Illinois mobile app and www.enjoyillinois.com to bring immediate travel resources to visitors. A digital edition and tablet app give travelers more options to plan their trip to Illinois.

To view, download or order a free copy of the 2012 Illinois Travel guide, visit www.enjoyillinois.com or call 1-800-2CONNECT to order a copy.

___

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Office of Tourism, manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.

[Text from Illinois Office of Tourism file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]