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This Fun Family-Friendly Destination Awaits, Located Just 525 Miles South, a 7-Hour Drive Embark on an exciting weekend road trip from the western suburbs of Chicago to Branson, Missouri, for a memorable family getaway. This short but sweet journey covers 570 miles and approximately 9 hours of travel time, offering the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Here's a curated guide to make your trip unforgettable: MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN BRANSON, MO: Silver Dollar City: Dive into the charm of this 1880s-themed amusement park with thrilling rides, live entertainment, and artisan crafts. Titanic Museum: Explore the world's largest Titanic museum for a captivating experience filled with history and interactive exhibits. Table Rock Lake: Relax by the picturesque lake, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic nature walks. BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRANSON, MO: Chateau on the Lake Resort: Luxurious accommodations overlooking Table Rock Lake, featuring upscale amenities and stunning views. Big Cedar Lodge: A rustic retreat nestled in the Ozarks, offering cozy cabins, outdoor activities, and a tranquil setting. PLAY AND DINE RECOMMENDATIONS IN BRANSON, MO: Dolly Parton's Stampede: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind dinner show experience with live entertainment and delicious Southern cuisine. Top of the Rock: Indulge in fine dining at this cliff-top restaurant with panoramic views, perfect for a romantic evening. Adventure Ziplines of Branson: Get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling zipline adventures amidst the beautiful Ozark Mountains. For more information and to plan your itinerary, visit ExploreBranson.com This month’s Trendy Traveler feature aims to inspire families from the western suburbs of Chicago to embark on an unforgettable road trip to Branson, filled with excitement, relaxation, and cherished memories. Start planning your adventure today! www.ExploreBranson.com

One-of-a-Kind Places that Local Moms Love...and For Very Good Reason! These suburban hot spots that have captured the hearts of local moms everywhere. From thrilling outdoor escapades to high-flying adventures, and the sheer joy of splashing the day away at an award-winning waterpark, here are 7 Spectacular Summer Spots Local Moms Love. Happy planning! 1. Phillip’s Park Zoo A DELIGHTFUL ESCAPE AURORA– Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora offers a delightful escape with its free admission and family-friendly atmosphere. Local moms cherish the zoo for its educational wildlife exhibits, interactive experiences for kids, and serene picnic spots. The zoo's commitment to conservation and community engagement further endears it to families seeking a fun and enriching outing right in Aurora. For more information, you can visit Phillips Park Aurora. www.phillipsparkaurora.com 2. Naper Settlemement A FUN HISTORICAL PLACE NAPERVILLE–A captivating outdoor history museum that enthralls visitors with 13 acres of educational experiences, exhibits, tours, and events. Local moms adore it during summer for its enriching programs that blend learning with fun. From blacksmith demonstrations to interactive exhibits like Building Naperville: Tallgrass Prairie to Today, Naper Settlement offers a unique way for families to connect with the past while creating cherished memories in the present. www.napersettlement.org 3. Butterfly House at Peck Farm Park OPENING MAY 18, 2024 GENEVA–Peck Farm Park in Geneva is a beloved destination among local moms for its picturesque nature, family-friendly amenities, and engaging activities. The beautifully engaging Butterfly House opens to the public May 18. Enjoy hundreds of non-native butterflies that fly, feed, and land around you. Admission to the Butterfly House is free; however, there is a suggested donation of $3 per person / $9 per family and all guidelines must be followed. Afterwards, enjoy some playtime at Hawks Hollow Nature Playground. www.genevaparks.org/facilities/peck-farm-park/ 4. JoJo’s Shakebar DINING FUN IN DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE NAPERVILLE–A modern dining experience with a nostalgic twist, showcasing creative desserts and elevated diner favorites. Local moms love it during summer for its vibrant ambiance, family-friendly setting, and refreshing shakes that perfectly complement the warm weather. This hotspot provides a welcoming environment where families can enjoy quality treats and create lasting memories, making it a go-to spot for summertime fun. www.jojosshakebar.com 5. Raging Waves Waterpark A SUPER FUN PLACE IN THE COUNTRY YORKVILLE–Offering a thrilling experience with attractions like Aussie Mat Dash and delicious treats such as Walking Tacos and Funnel Cakes, it provides a fun-filled day out for families. Opening day is set for June 1, 2024, Raging Waves ensures a safe, exciting, and memorable waterpark adventure for all. www.ragingwaves.com 6. Engstrom Family Park A 50 FT ZIP LINE & MORE BATAVIA–Engstrom Family Park is a beloved summer destination for local moms. The park offers a range of family-friendly activities and amenities, including a playground with a 50-foot zip line that the kids love, picnic areas, walking trails, and sport courts. Moms appreciate the park's scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor fun, making it an ideal spot for quality family time during the warmer months. For more information, you can visit the Engstrom Family Park website. www.bataviaparks.org/engstrom-family-park 7. Dragonfly Landing AN ADORABLE PLACE TO PLAY LISLE–Dragonfly Landing features a shelter with a living “green” roof and a free, fun splash pad with interactive water jets and giant, colorful flowers that mist water. Nature-themed play structures such as a tree house, leaping lily pads, and cat tail swingers inspire creativity, encourage exploration, provide conservation education opportunities, and are just plain fun! www.villageoflisle.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Dragonfly-Landing-6

LEARNING FUN IN NAPERVILLE Explore the Power of Play Together SO MUCH FUN AWAITS AT DUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM NAPERVILLE–Build, create, wonder, discover, think, and PLAY at DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM)! Play leads the way to building more confidence, practicing important problem-solving skills, learning to cooperate, and strengthening the bond between child and caregiver. Make a splash in AWEsome Water, put on a cape and “fly” through the Wind Tunnel in AWEsome Air, build a fantastic pancake arch like Iggy Peck or engineer the farthest soaring paper airplane like Rosie Revere in The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY!, and so much more. There’s no need to pack a lunch, refuel for more play in Bean Sprouts Café on the Museum’s lower level. Plan a visit and explore ways to harness the power of play and experience it with your child at DCM. www.dupagechildrens.org

Barn Babies Weekends MAY 11 & 12 • SIEGEL’S COTTONWOOD FARM LOCKPORT–Gear up for a super cute escapade at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm! The Barn Babies event at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm is back, and it’s cuter than ever! Dive into a day of “Affordable Fun on the Farm”® where you can cozy up to the most adorable critters in town. From pint-sized chicks to fluffy little lambs, playful baby goats and get ready to bask in farmyard bliss with your crew. www.cottonwoodfarms.net

Now Offering One of the Most Exciting Breakthroughs We’ve Seen In Years… Naperville, Get back to doing the things you love faster…without injections or surgery! StemWave can help relieve your pain by breaking up scar tissue & activating your own stem cells! Naperville StemWave – Knee pain, shoulder pain, back pain and other muscle and joint pain permeates into every aspect of daily living and interrupts the ability to live in the moment. If you’ve tried addressing the pain in the past and believe surgery or injections are the only option, they aren’t. Long-term medications and surgical procedures are not the only option when it comes to managing or “masking” the pain. A natural, non-invasive treatment with no down-time is now available in the western suburbs! Find out if StemWave treatment can help you get rid of pain and improve function by simply signing up for our limited time StemWave Treatment Special. Also Offering.... • Spinal Decompressions • Acupuncture Clinic • Chriopractice Care See Our Website for Special Offers & Deals Synergy Institute Acupuncture & Chiropractic – Chiropractor in Naperville, IL – Are you looking for a Chiropractor & Acupuncture clinic all in one? We are the Best Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic in Naperville. Our services include Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage, Spinal Decompression, Laser Therapy, relief from back pain, neck pain, knee pain & other body alignments. Call us at (630) 355-8022. Sign up for our New Patient Special. (synergypainrelief.com)

KNOW YOUR UNIVERSE June 17-21 For Ages: 7-14 Drop Off/ Pick Up: Aurora, IL. Time: 8:30-5:30pm M-F Price: $550 included 3 organic meals, daily science take homes, traveling expenses & science materials This is not your average summer camp! We will be exploring the Universe and diving deep into what it means to be human in this dynamic and super FUN camp! We will visit 3 of Chicago’s best museums, swim in Lake Michigan, go hiking in Forest Preserves, train at the best Ninja Park in IL and do mind bending science experiments. Students will finish camp inspired, motivated, and well prepared to live in a future of their own making. Contact Shivani Rhea at (224) 318-6065 FIND YOUR ZEN In-person, tech-free, close-to-nature. Date: June 10-14th Age: 3-7 Drop off/ Pick Up: McDowell Grove Forest Preserve Time: 8:30 - 12:30pm | After Camp: 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM Price:  $220 HALF DAY: 1 organic meal & organic snacks included |  $440 FULL DAY includes 3 organic meals and a Zen Kit. Our main focus with this age group is to deepen children’s connection with nature and themselves. We will do Movement & Breathwork with Ninja Games, Meditation through Imaginative Storytelling, and Art, Music & Dance through Nature-Based Play Skills we will be focusing on: 🦋Wellness 🦋Problem Solving 🦋Creativity 🦋Persistence 🦋Empathy 🦋Focus 🦋Communication Contact Shivani to sign up for NSA Summer Camp! (224) 318-6065

Aurora’s Blues on the Fox Festival is June 14 and 15 at RiverEdge Park featuring Big Head Todd and The Monsters, Robert Randolph,Toronzo Cannon, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Guy King and Wayne Baker Brooks AURORA–Chicago’s largest suburban summer blues fest, downtown Aurora’s annual Blues on the Fox Festival is back, Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15 at RiverEdge Park. The Fest promises a two-day outdoor live music jam featuring world renowned blues stars playing live on the banks of the beautiful Fox River. Friday night starts at 7 p.m. with Chicago blues star and city bus driver Toronzo Cannon, celebrating the release of his new album, “Shut Up & Play!” Friday’s headliner is internationally acclaimed pedal steel guitar blues master Robert Randolph, “One of the Greatest Guitarists in Music History” (Rolling Stone Magazine), at 9 p.m. Tickets for Friday night are $15 early-bird pricing through May 31; $5 starting June 1 through showtime. Saturday kicks off in big style with the legendary Wayne Baker Brooks, son of Chicago’s legendary Lonnie Brooks, at 3 p.m. Guy King follows at 5 p.m. with his one-of-a-kind blend of blues, jazz, soul, rock and R&B – which includes his full band. Then get set at 7 p.m. for Joanne Shaw Taylor, the UK’s premiere blues rock guitarist who is blowing audiences away on this side of the pond as well. Closing Aurora’s Blues on the Fox Festival at 9 p.m. is one of the most celebrated bands in music, the hard drivin’, dyed-in-the-wool blues-rock revivalists Big Head Todd and The Monsters. Tickets for Saturday’s shows are $20 early-bird pricing through May 31; $25 June 1 through showtime. RiverEdge Park is located at 360 N. Broadway in downtown Aurora, right across the street from Metra’s Aurora Transportation Center. For tickets and information, visit RiverEdgeAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, stop by RiverEdge’s satellite box office, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and until show time on show days, or purchase day-of at RiverEdge Park. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older and pick up a free ticket on-site, day-of-show, at any RiverEdge ticket booth. All tickets are general admission and bring your own bag chairs or blankets. There will be limited bench seating (on a first come, first served) near the stage. Fees not included. Blues on the Fox is sponsored by Rush Copley Medical Center and the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce.

This Not-to-Miss Concert Series Will Feature Six Nights of Music and So Much More! NAPERVILLE— Naper Settlement’s 2024 Naper Nights Community Concert Series will feature tributes to some of the greatest musicians in pop, rock, disco, country and more from the 1960s to today, as well as performances by nationally-recognized artists A.J. Croce and Samantha Fish. Visitors will enjoy six nights of music along with a variety of local cuisine and alcoholic beverages on June 14-15, July 19-20, and August 16-17 from 5-10 p.m. Tickets are now on sale, with admission $20 adults and $15 youth 4-12. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit NaperNights.org. “Naper Nights is a community celebration of influential musicians and bands from the past and present, and this year we’re excited to introduce a few original artists to our lineup,” said Adison Glick, special events senior team leader at Naper Settlement. “With picturesque Naper Settlement as the venue backdrop, concertgoers can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while experiencing the sounds of incredible musicians, chowing down on delicious bites from local restaurants, and sipping on refreshing drinks.” Naper Nights 2024 lineup: June 14: 6 p.m. Tina Turner Tribute (Simply the Best); 8 p.m. Disco Night (Boogie Wonder Band) June 15: 6 p.m. Flaming Lips Tribute (Sun Stereo); 8 p.m. Coldplay Tribute (Fix You) July 19: 6 p.m. Country Hits (Hillbilly Rockstarz); 8 p.m. Garth Brooks Tribute (The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute) July 20: 6 p.m. Soulful Sounds (The Heavy Sounds featuring Gina Bloom & Renaldo Domino); 8 p.m. Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour August 16: 6 p.m. Americana Rock (Old Shoe); 8 p.m. Samantha Fish August 17: 6 p.m. Pop Hits Party (One Night Band); 8 p.m. Taylor Swift Tribute (Sparks Fly) Naper Settlement thanks the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for providing support for its special events season through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program. LEARN MORE

Today, TIME reveals the 2024 TIME100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world The issue has 4 worldwide covers, each highlighting a member of the TIME100: singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actor Taraji P. Henson, and Yulia Navalnaya, a leader of Russia's opposition movement. The TIME100 list includes surprising pairings of the list members, and the guest contributors TIME selects to write about them. The twenty-first annual list features: Alex Rodriguez on Patrick Mahomes, Burna Boy on 21 Savage, Maren Morris on Jack Antonoff, Blake Lively on America Ferrera, Kate Hudson on Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Obama on Thelma Golden, Jon Huntsman on William Lai, Naomi Watts on Tory Burch, Tom Brady on A'ja Wilson, Mark Zuckerberg on Jensen Huang, Ryan Reynolds on Michael J. Fox, Richard Branson on Jigar Shah, Joe Biden on Shawn Fain, and more. TIME Chief Executive Officer Jessica Sibley said: "The influence recognized on this year's TIME100 list of the world's most influential people spans industries and continents. With our TIME100 partners, we are proud to convene the newest members of the TIME100 community for a day of conversation at the TIME100 Summit and for our annual TIME100 Gala, which we will once again bring viewers inside with a primetime special on ABC." Of the 2024 TIME100 list, TIME Editor in Chief Sam Jacobs writes in his letter to readers, "Influence, we know, is complex: it can be for better and for worse, it can span generations, categories, and perspectives…Now in our 101st year, TIME continues to evolve. Today, we convene our TIME100 community across the globe, with events spanning 12 cities and four continents…. TIME100 is an unparalleled way for us to tell essential stories about the people and ideas that shape and improve the world." https://bit.ly/3JeuKJE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2024 TIME100: Other notable writers include Kamala Harris, Mary J. Blige, Amy Poehler, Padma Lakshmi, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Anderson Cooper, Ashton Kutcher, Anthony Fauci, Zoe Saldaña, Tarana Burke, Salma Hayek, Lenny Kravitz and more. This year's list features 51 women, including Sofia Coppola, Kylie Minogue, Dua Lipa, Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Yulia Navalnaya, Jenny Holzer, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Norah Weinstein, Joanne Crevoiserat, Alia Bhatt, Lauren Groff, Kelly Ripa, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and others. The list features world leaders and other U.S. political figures including William Burns, Greg Abbott, Ajay Banga, Diana Salazar Méndez, Jack Smith, Elise Stefanik, Donald Tusk, Andriy Yermak, Marina Silva, Mohammed bin Abdul­rahman Al Thani and more. Over a dozen entertainers are featured on this year's list, including Elliot Page, Burna Boy, Dua Lipa, 21 Savage, Jeffrey Wright, Kylie Minogue, Fantasia Barrino, America Ferrera, Taraji P. Henson, Maya Rudolph, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Colman Domingo, Dev Patel, Alex Edelman and more. Athletes on this year's list include: Max Verstappen, Patrick Mahomes, Siya Kolisi, A'ja Wilson, Jenni Hermoso and Sakshi Malik. Fashion, visual and literary arts icons featured include: Jenny Holzer, Tory Burch, Jonathan Anderson, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Thelma Golden, James McBride and more, as well as media figures and journalists including Kelly Ripa, Connie Walker, Motaz Azaiza and E. Jean Carroll. Satya Nadella and Patrick Mahomes are both on the list for the 3rd time, more than any other person on the list this year. Other repeats include: America Ferrera (2), Taraji P. Henson (2), Hayao Miyazaki (2), Michael J. Fox (2), and Jensen Huang (2). Motaz Azaiza, 25 years old, is the youngest person on this year's list. The oldest person on this year's list is Joel Habener,  who is 86 years old. THE 2024 TIME100 SUMMIT AND GALA: TIME will celebrate the 2024 TIME100 list of the world's most influential people at the TIME100 Summit on April 24 and the TIME100 Gala on April 25 in New York City. The gala will air as a primetime television special on May 12 on ABC. The fourth-annual TIME100 Summit will convene leaders from the global TIME100 community to spotlight solutions and encourage action toward a better world. Speakers for the day-long event include: singer-songwriter, actor and entrepreneur Selena Gomez, actor and producer Elliot Page, actor and activist Jane Fonda, Tory Burch executive chairman and chief creative officer Tory Burch, professional basketball player A'ja Wilson, 68th U.S. secretary of state John Kerry, comedian, writer, producer and actor, Alex Edelman, and many more. The 18th annual gala will be hosted by Taraji P. Henson, and feature performances by Dua Lipa and Fantasia Barrino, the presentation of a TIME Impact Award to Michael J. Fox, as well as special appearances by Patrick Mahomes, Maya Rudolph, Kelley Robinson, 21 Savage and other members of this year's list, remarks from TIME CEO Jessica Sibley and Editor in Chief Sam Jacobs, and more. The 2024 TIME100 Summit and the TIME100 Gala are presented by premier partner Booking.com, signature partners Citi, Merck and Northern Data Group, supporting partners Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Verizon. For the fifth year in a row, TIME Studios and ABC will present a "TIME100" primetime television special; and for the third year in a row, the television special will bring viewers inside the 18th annual TIME100 Gala, airing Sunday, May 12 (10:01-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC, which will be available to stream the next day on Hulu. The 2024 "TIME100: The World's Most Influential People" television special will be created by TIME Studios, the Emmy Award®-winning television and film division of TIME, produced in partnership with P&G, and presented by supporting partner Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Annual List of 100 Most Exciting Hotel Openings of the Year Now Includes Cruise Ships for the First Time This week, Travel + Leisure announces the 19th annual It List, a meticulously curated list of the best new and renovated hotels across the globe, which for the first time includes newly launched luxury cruise ships. In-depth coverage of this year's It List is now available online, and in the May 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure, which hits newsstands April 19. Travel + Leisure May 2024 Issue This year, Travel + Leisure's guide to the can't miss openings (and re-openings) covers everything from boutique hotels in Morocco and Portugal to grand resorts along the serene beaches of Mexico and Greece. The selected hotels and cruise ships span 39 countries across six continents and represent a variety of categories such as Best New City Hotels and Best New Affordable Luxury Hotels, showcasing the broad spectrum of travel experiences. "The 2024 It List is a celebration of transformation and discovery, spotlighting hidden gems and reborn icons across the globe, as well as luxury cruises for the first time," said Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure. "Each selection on this year's list–including our cover star, the Hotel Vermelho in Melides, Portugal, designed by Christian Louboutin–represents the transformative power of travel. These hotels and ships are destinations in their own right, providing not just accommodation but a profound sense of connection, comfort, and delight far from home." Spotlighting the 100 best new hotels, resorts and luxury cruise ships that made the biggest impressions on Travel + Leisure editors and contributors, the 2024 It List features 4 cruise lines, 36 hotels in North America, 26 in Europe, 7 in the Caribbean and Central and South America, 10 in Africa and the Middle East, 14 in Asia, and 3 in Australia. To see the full list of all 100 hotels along with descriptions about why each one made this year's list, visit travelandleisure.com/it-list. How the It List hotels and cruise ships are selected: over the past year, the editors reviewed hundreds of new and renovated properties across the globe, which were then narrowed to just 100 in total. Each hotel has been vetted by Travel + Leisure editors and contributors.

Plans Unveiled During a Presentation at Soldier Field Wednesday CHICAGO–The Chicago Bears unveiled plans for a new lakefront stadium Wednesday during a presentation at Soldier Field. The Bears will invest $2 billion of what's reportedly a $4.6 billion project, according to the Sun-Times. Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson said the building of a new Bears stadium will "result in no new taxes on the residents of Chicago." “This is not an easy project, but Chicago doesn’t like it easy," said Bears president/CEO Kevin Warren. "We like to do the difficult things ... the things that resonate with people for generations to come,” Bears President Kevin Warren told a news conference Wednesday afternoon at Soldier Field. The Bears shared renderings of a state-of-the-art, domed stadium along Chicago's lakefront atop the current South Parking lot of Soldier Field. The renderings feature an all-glass roof, keeping the historic colonnades in place and shares some similarities with Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas) and U.S. Bank Stadium (Minnesota). Here are the renderings, along with a video, released by the team, via ChicagoBears.com. VIEW STADIUM This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: LOOK: Renderings for Bears' new lakefront stadium in Chicago

$1,650,000 Elegant New Construction Property at 461 Aurora Ave, Naperville Nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL, the new construction property at 461 Aurora Ave epitomizes elegance and luxury. Boasting meticulous attention to detail and modern design aesthetics, this residence is a true gem in the vibrant Naperville real estate market. Featuring spacious interiors with high-end finishes, this property offers the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. From the sleek gourmet kitchen to the stylish master suite, every corner of this home exudes quality craftsmanship and refined living. The location of 461 Aurora Ave further enhances its appeal, situated in a sought-after neighborhood known for its charm and convenience. Residents can enjoy easy access to downtown Naperville's shopping and dining scene, top-rated schools, and picturesque parks, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quintessential Naperville lifestyle. This property perfectly aligns with the essence of Naperville living, offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life while still being within reach of urban amenities. Whether you're relaxing in the beautifully landscaped backyard or taking a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, 461 Aurora Ave provides a tranquil sanctuary that harmonizes with the laid-back yet vibrant Naperville atmosphere. In conclusion, 461 Aurora Ave stands out as a premier new construction property that embodies elegance, luxury, and the coveted Naperville lifestyle. Don't miss the opportunity to make this exquisite residence your own and experience the best of Naperville living firsthand.