It's been a while since I've published a walking tour of historic homes. As it just so happened, hubby and I went to see Shen Yun in Aurora, Illinois, which has a lot of older homes. We decided to go back on Sunday to snap some photos of the west side Aurora historic district. There were so many historic homes to enjoy on our Sunday walk. I need to share all the beautiful homes in a few posts. I fell head over heals in love with this purple … [Read more...]

This past weekend hubby and I took a trip to Crystal Lake, Illinois. It's a medium-sized, quaint town that surrounds a serene lake with breezy sailboats and lazy sunbathers. We explored the neighborhoods lined with beautiful historic homes. The first house that caught my eye was this adorable blue bungalow with a sweet green door. I think the homeowner chose the perfect color scheme for their pretty dwelling.   A stately farmhouse bears … [Read more...]

Many of you, my readers, have told me how much you love my walking tours around neighborhoods that showcase beautiful homes. I typically focus on older homes because I find them unique and charming. But someday I'll feature newer homes so you can see the variety of architecture in my corner of the world. Today we're enjoy a tour of historic homes in my favorite town of Geneva, Illinois (my birthplace). I've admired this blue clapboard Victorian … [Read more...]

One of the many benefits of living in the Chicago area is the diverse architecture you'll find as you pass from neighborhood to neighborhood. It's no secret my favorite places to walk are historic districts with their magnificent homes. I love the details you find on these old and charming beauties. Today's walking tour features historic homes in Wheaton, Illinois - home of Wheaton College and the famed Billy Graham Center. This lovely home … [Read more...]

Easter weekend brought fabulous weather to our neck of the woods with sunshine and warm breezes. Mind you, we sometimes have snow on Easter Sunday. But it was so nice out that we took a walk in my home town of Geneva, Illinois before heading over to my sister's house for dinner. The historic homes are beautiful and I never tire of admiring them. Some of the older homes in Geneva have been converted to stores or offices. I love this old stone … [Read more...]

Want to take a vacation right from the comfort of your own home? Today I'm giving away a beautiful book with gorgeous photos of homes and gardens in the lowcountry region. I've flipped through the pages of this hardcover book and thoroughly enjoyed all the architecture and vegetation that the Southeast has to offer.  I've visited Charleston, South Carolina and the lowcountry is one of my favorite areas. Take a peek inside the pages of Historic … [Read more...]

Two weeks ago I took you through a tour of the Pottawatomie district of St. Charles, Illinois. Today we're finishing the tour with a few more charming old homes in the area. You'll see a mix of brick, clapboard, small, and spacious homes. My husband calls this part of St. Charles an "idyllic place to live" and I do believe he's right. This beautiful Victorian has been updated and is a shining star at the top of the hill. Down below flows the … [Read more...]

Some of you may know that I'm training for a half marathon, which is 13.1 miles. I've run them before, but they're always a challenge even if you're familiar with them. I do love the training, but running can be hard at times. What I love even more is walking. Walking lets you take in the sights more easily than when you're running, and recently hubby and I took a walking tour of St. Charles, Illinois. We chose the Pottawatomie Park area of town, … [Read more...]

Illinois is dotted with river and rail towns filled with beautiful architecture from days gone past. I love the variety of historic homes across the Land of Lincoln and enjoy exploring these little towns that are nestled near venues of transportation in the 1800s, such as rivers and railroad tracks. We recently visited the bustling town of Ottawa, tucked along the shores of the Illinois River. I'd love for you to take a walking tour of this … [Read more...]