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Trip start
June 21, 2025
Chicago Illinois Traveler
Rest stop beauty
June 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
These flowers at my pitstop were beautiful!
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Wind power in indiana
June 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
There’s something about driving through Indiana and seeing the big air windmills, they just fascinates me.
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Chocago skyline
June 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 33 °C
6 Hour drive today which included four states. Started in Kentucky, went through Ohio and Indiana, and eventually ended in Illinois.
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Street art in Chicago
June 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 33 °C
The street art is already finding me!!
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
A Bloomfield escape at Lilacia Park
June 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 26 °C
I ended today’s exploration with a peaceful stroll through Lilacia Park in nearby Lombard-and oasis of color, calm, and fragrant blooms just minutes from downtown Glen Ellyn
Famous for its stunning display of lilacs and tulips in spring this 8 1/2 acre botanical park is a sensory delight year-round. Winding paths led me past sculpted gardens, shaded benches, and curated flower beds that invite you to slow down and soak in the beauty.
A fitting into a day filled with art history and unexpected beauty
#AliciaPark #FlowerLoversParadise #GardenWalk #HiddenOasis #LombardIllinois #NatureEscape #FindPenguins #FloralPhotography #ExploreIllinois#LensesAndLatitudesRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Glen Ellyn, art walk, color, creativity,
June 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
This morning I wandered through the heart of Glen Allen, Illinois on a self guided art walk where every turn revealed the splash of color culture and creativity from vibrant, murals and sidewalk sculptures. The town came alive with artistic expression.
Each piece told a unique story from local heritage to modern imagination and the walk was the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and artistic exploration. If you’re looking for an inspiring and accessible day trip near Chicago Glen Ellen‘s public art scene is a hidden gem worth discovering.
This walk reminded me that art is everywhere. You just have to slow down and
#GlennEllenArtWalk #streetArtLovers #PublicArt #FindPenguins #ArtInUnexpectedPlaces #ExploreIllinois #HiddenGems #WalkableArtTour #TravelJournal #LensesAndLatitudes #TravelPhotographyRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Volunteer spirit flag memorial in Glen E
June 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Standing tall in the heart of Glenn Allen is a powerful tribute to the volunteer spirit that helped shape this village honoring 150 years of community, service, and pride
This flag memorial, erected in 1984, Mark Glen Ellyn’s sesquicentennial and celebrates the everyday heroes who have given their heart, time, and hands to build something bigger than themselves
A bronze firefighter stands watch honoring the volunteer fire companies Centennial from 1907 to 2007 and those who served with courage, pride, and commitment
It’s more than a statue or a flag pole. It’s a reminder that behind every beautiful town are the people who stepped up when it mattered most

#GlenEllenIllinois #VolunteerSpirit #FlagMemorial #CommunityPride #PublicService #FirefighterTributeMidwestHistory #ExploreIllinois #HiddenGems #TravelWithPurpose #LensesAndLatitude #WanderOftenWanderAlwaysRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Stepping back in time at Glen Art theate
June 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Well, wondering through downtown Glen Ellyn, I stumbled upon a true vintage gem – the Glen art theater, a beautifully preserved movie house that’s been entertaining local since the 1920s.
With its iconic marquee and retro charm, this historic theater instantly transport you to another era. It’s one of the few remaining single screen Cinemas from that golden age, and it continues to show independent, foreign, and classic films, keeping its legacy alive in the heart of town.
This theater isn’t just a place to watch a movie. It’s a cultural landmark, a community hub, and a reminder of how timeless storytelling can be.
They must see for film, buff, architecture, lovers, and anyone who appreciates a bit of small town Americana with big screen nostalgia.
#GlenArtTheater #VintageCinemaVibes #HistoricTheaters #GlenEllenHistory #Filmlovers #Indie #Penguins #TravelThroughTime #ExploreIllinois #LensesAndLatitudesRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
The Grove mural – hidden art beneath Gle
June 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Tucked beneath the tracks in the Taylor Avenue tunnel, I discovered the Grove mural – a colorful and unexpected burst of nature inspired street art right in the heart of Glen Ellyn
Stretching across the tunnel walls this community mural transforms a simple underpass into an immersive walkway of vibrant greens, sweeping trees and earthy textures. It’s a peaceful almost secret space that turned your every day walk into an artistic experience. I love how public art like this invite you to reflect and appreciate the creativity energy , rooted in a community.
Whether you’re an art lover, a mural hunter, or just passing through, this spot is worth a detour
#TheGroveBureau #GlenEllynArt #TunnelArt #Gems #streetArtDiscovery #FindPenguins #PublicArtMatters #ExploreIllinois #ArtWalk #LensesAndLatitudesRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Drips of joy – mural discovery on Main S
June 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Just what I thought the day was winding down, a splash of bold color cut my eye while cruising through Lombard. On Main Street, I stumbled across this dripping paint, mural, a playful, vibrant piece that instantly grabbed my attention.
The mural is a cascade of color, like someone tipped over a giant paint can, and let creativity spill down the wall. It’s whimsical, bold, and bursting with personality and unexpected find that perfectly wrapped up a day of artistic exploration.
#LombardStreetArt #DrippingPaintMirror #UnexpectedArt #PublicArtFines #MainStreetLombard #ColorPop #FindPenguins #CreativeDetours #ExploreIllinois #MuralHunter #LensesAndLatitudesRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
More murals, more magic in Glen Ellyn
June 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
Just my thought I’d uncovered all the Lynne Allen had to offer. The town revealed even more visual gems tucked between storefronts and side streets. First up a bold and colorful Frida KO Miro at Olive and Vinny‘s – a fierce tribute to a fearless icon. A few blocks away on Dwayne Street, it’s about time you’re caught my eye – an abstract, yet thoughtful blend of movement, shape, and color. It feels like a visual meditation on change, time, and perspective. And the highlight? The series of Tony Fitzpatrick, Merrill‘s outside Lewey Q‘s tap. Known for his poetic, layered style, these words are bursting with Chicago grit, symbols, and storytelling. It felt like discovering a gallery while right there on the sidewalk.

#Art #FridaKahloMural #GlenEllynIllinois #It’sAboutTimeMural #TonyFitzpatrickArt #PublicArt #HiddenGems #FindPenguins #Merrell’sMatter #ExploreIllinois #LensesAndLatitudesRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Sweet escape from the heat at Oberweis
June 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C
With the sun, blazing and the summer heat in full swing, there was only one logical choice – ice cream. And not just any ice cream… A double dip, waffle cone from Oberweis, the kind of treat that instantly makes the day feel a little cooler and a lot more joyful.
Stepping inside, I was greeted not just by the sweet aroma of freshly made waffle cones, but also by a playful cow mirror that adds the perfect touch of whimsy to this classic creamery experience.
Highly recommend the cone, the mural, and the air conditioning!

##Oberweisicecream #SweetEscape #DoubleDipKindOfDay #GlenEllynEats #Ice creamLovers #WaffleConeJoy #CowMuralFun #FindPenguins #TasteLikeSummer #LensesAndLatitudes #WanderOftenWonderAlwaysRead more
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Behind the scenes at the historic Tivoli
June 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 25 °C
Today staff brought me to the Beautiful in historic Tivoli theater in Downers Grove, Illinois – a true architectural treasure, and one of the oldest continuously operating movie palace in a country.
Built in 1928, this art deco gem is more than just a place to catch a film. It’s a living piece of cinnamon history. I had the rare opportunity to explore the theater before it opened for the day, capturing its vintage charm without the crowds.
One of the highlights? Getting a behind-the-scenes peek inside the projection room – a space usually hidden from view, filled with old reels, modern upgrades, and the magic that brings the big screen to life.
The ornate details, classic marquee, and nostalgic glow of the Tivoli make it a dream for photographers and film lovers alike. Can’t wait to return tonight when the lights are on the marquee is glowing and the curtain rises for movie night.
#TivoliTheater #DownersGroveIllinois #HistoricTheaters #ProjectionRoomAccess #ArtDecoArchitecture #CinemaHistory #MoviePalace #ExploreIllinois #BehindTheScenes #LensesAndLatitudes #FindPenguins ##HiddenGems #VintageVibesRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Art around every corner in Downers Grove
June 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
After visiting the stunning Tivoli theater, I wandered around Downers Grove, and the town surprise me again, this time with a creative streaking into every day places
Inside the Downers Grove post office, I discovered a classic mural that tells a story of the town roots. It’s quiet, tucked away in a government building, but it speaks volumes, reminding visitors that history lives in unexpected places.
Then came burst of color and imagination in the kids room at the Downers Grove public library. Right, playful artwork lined to the curved wall, creating a welcoming and imaginative space for young readers and budding artist alike.
And finally, thanks to Pokémon go, I stopped at Eiffel waffle, where bold wall art meets dessert, heaven. The mural here is bright, modern, and totally Insta worthy-just like they’re over the top waffle creations.

#DownersGroveIllinois #PublicArtFines #EveryDayArt #LibraryMerrills #EiffelWaffleVibes #Post officeMural #HiddenGems #FindPenguins #ArtInUnexpectedPlaces #LensesAndLatitudes #ExploreIllinois #SmallTownBigArtRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Morning calm at the Morton Arboretum
June 24, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
I started the day early at the Morton Arboretum in Lyle, Illinois – hoping to beat the summer heat, and ended up walking into pure peace

This 1700 acre sanctuary is home to more than 222,000 plants from around the globe, and today it felt like each one was quietly waking up with the sun. From winding Woodland trails to open prairies dotted with wildflowers, every corner reminded me how grounding nature can be, especially in those early, undisturbed hours.

Highly recommend an early arrival if you want to soak in the serenity before the crowds and the temperatures rise.

#MortonArboretum #EarlyMorningWalks #LyleIllinois #BotanicalBeauty #TreeMuseum #NatureEscape #ExploreIllinois #HiddenGems #LensesAndLatitudes #FindPenguins #StartYourDayOutside #ForestTherapyRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Vivid creatures at Morton Arboretum
June 24, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
Today’s walk-through the Morton Arboretum felt like stepping into a dream thanks to the magical new vivid creatures exhibit.

Scattered throughout the landscape, our five towering, brightly colored sculptures – each one honoring a creature native to northern Illinois. From the moment I saw generosity the Whitetail deer, with antlers blooming into tree branches, I knew this wasn’t just an art exhibit – it was a conversation between nature and imagination.

Other statues include cadence the sandhill crane, the fox squirrel, the blue Dash or dragonfly and spectra the brittle button snail.

The exhibit runs through spring of 2027

#MortonArboretum #VividCreatures #OutdoorArtExhibit #GenerosityTheDeer #CadenceTheCrane #ScampTheSquirrel #NatureInspiredArt #ExploreIllinois #TreeMuseum #LensesAndLatitudes #FindPenguins #ArtAndNatureTogetherRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Graffiti gold mine in a Cicero Alley
June 24, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
While driving through the Cicero area today, a flash of bold color out of the corner of my eye made me hit the brakes. I turned down an alley behind a retail shopping center, and found an entire stretch of wall, exploding with graffiti art.

Is Allie turned out to be an open air gallery, full of personality, edge, and expression. It’s one of those places that remind you street art isn’t just decoration, it’s dialogue rebellion culture, and creativity, rolled into color and concrete.

#StreetArtCicero #GraffitiAlley #UrbanArtScene #HiddenArtGems #WallArtDiscovery #SprayCanStories #CiceroIllinois #UnexpectedArt #LensesAndLatitudes #FindPenguins #BoldBrushStrokes #GraffitiCultureRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Burgers, trains and chocolate malts
June 24, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
Dinner last night was a delicious step back in time at two toots train whistle Grill in Glen Ellyn and I couldn’t stop smiling from the moment I walked in.
This place is all about classic diner vibes with a twist: your food is delivered by a model train that circles the counter! Yep, my meal rolled up to me on a miniature locomotive horn at all.
The atmosphere is pure Americana – fun for kids, adult adults, and anyone who gets excited by the sound of a train whistle in a good old-fashioned burger.

#TrainDeliveredFood #GlenEllenEats #ClassicDinerVibes #BurgerNight #ChocolateMaltHeaven #FamilyFunDining #FoodWithAWhistle #RetroEats #FinePenguins #LensesAndLatitudes #MidwestEats #DinerStyleDiningRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Thrift thing for good at the treasure ho
June 25, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
Today’s adventure led me to a charming and purpose driven resale shop called treasure House in Glen Ellyn, and it truly lives up to its name.
This nonprofit resale boutique is filled with beautifully curated treasures everything from vintage decor and cozy HomeGoods to stylish clothing and unexpected fine. But what makes it really special? Every purchase supports Metropolitan family services of DuPage, helping fund programs that serve families in need across the community.
It’s more than a shopping experience. It’s a way to give back while uncovering something meaningful. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, treasure house as well worth a stop.

#TreasureHouseEllen #ThriftForACause #ShopWithPurpose #HiddenGems #FindPenguins #NonprofitResale #LensesAndLatitudes #CommunityMatters #VintageVibes #SupportLocal #thriftstorefindsRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Fried chicken and open roads
June 25, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
Did they mark the official start of my route 66 adventure, and there was no better way to begin that then with a stop at the legendary Dell Rhea’s chicken basket in Willowbrook, Illinois-a true route 66 icon.
This place is everything you hoped for in a roadside classic: vintage neon, retro booth, and the best fried chicken I’ve had in ages crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor.
They have been serving travelers since the 1940s, and you can feel that history in every bite. Sitting there, surrounded by vintage signs and Route 66 memorabilia, it felt like the perfect lunch point for the miles of adventure ahead.

#Route66Begins #DellRheaschickenbasket #FriedChickenFix #RoadsideEats #HistoricRoute66 #WillowbrookIllinois #StartOfTheMotherRoad #ClassicDiners #FindPenguins #LensesInLatitudes #EatTravelRepeat #MidwestRoadTrip #VintageAmericaRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Pub food perfection st Two Hound Red
June 26, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
After my shopping trip today, I popped into two hound red for lunch, which included a delicious burger and fries. The pub atmosphere was great, with friendly and efficient staff. The perfectly cooked and juicy burger was paired with some really good fries. It was a perfect burger experience. The chill, laid-back atmosphere added to the experience

#2HoundRed #GlenEllen #PubFood #BurgerAndFries #Foodie #SupportLocal #CraftBeer #ChillVibe #LensesAndLatitudesRead more
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A treasure hunt at gather and collect
June 26, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C
Gather and collect offers a wide variety of vintage items. The store features, vintage clothing, furniture, gifts, and home decor. The store is divided into sections, such as living room and a kitchen stocked with thrifty China. I would call the store very fun and sassy. The staff is known to be friendly and helpful. They certainly were. I picked up several eclectic items here

#VintageStore #VintageShopping #VintageFines #ThriftStore #Glenellen #Illinois #ShopLocal #SmallBusiness #UniqueFines #TreasureHunt #LensesAndLatitudes #SassyRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Intrigued by a neon sign
June 26, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
The eye catching neon sign for the seven dwarfs family restaurant immediately grabs attention while passing through the Wheaton Glenellen area. This classic diner, which has been in the community since the 1950s, warrant a visit to see the interior. The interior is reminiscent of a trip back in time, with them, decor and murals. It’s a charming location with a unique atmosphere.

#7DwarfsRestaurant #WheatonIllinois #RetroDiner #VintageRestaurant #RoadsideAttraction ##Hunters #Nostalgia #Chicagoland #DinerLife #NeonSign #BlastFromThePast #7Dwarfs #LensesAndLatitudesRead more
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Chicago Illinois Traveler
Custom rides and Route 66 vibes in Crest
June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
On my way to the next stop on Illinois Route 66 journey, I took a quick detour and stumbled upon this amazing auto themed mural tucked along Broadway Street in Cresthill.
Painted across the side of a local repair shop, the mural is a celebration of custom cars, classic rides, and route 66 pride. From vintage cruisers and hot rods to motorcycles, flying across painted pavement, it’s got that perfect blend of Americana and roadside charm.
Is unexpected fine was a great reminder of what this trip is all about; slowing down and appreciating the stories painted into small towns, one mirror at a time.

#Route66Murals #CresthillIllinois #MerrellHunting #HiddenArtJams #ClassicCarArt #CustomRide #FindPenguins #Route66RoadTrip #WonderOftenWonderAlways #LensesAndLatitudes #ExploreIllinois #PublicArt #AutoArt #Route66Vibes #UnexpectedStops #AmericanRoadsideCultureRead more
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Trip end
June 26, 2025