What’s New in Illinois for 2018
Thursday, 02 Jan, 2018
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Illinois is set for an exciting 2018 with new flights from the UK, new hotels and attractions, plus a year-long celebration of the state’s 200-year anniversary.
New Flights
In March 2018, Norwegian Airlines will start flying from Gatwick to Chicago O’Hare airport (ORD) on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner four times a week. Flights will start at £179 one way, opening up the state to UK travellers on a lower budget and those who need to make a quicker trip.
New Hotels
Amongst the new hotels opening in Chicago in 2018 is the boutique, lifestyle Hotel Zachary. Inspired by visionary Wrigley Field architect and Chicagoan Zachary Taylor Davis, Hotel Zachary promises to be a genuine place of rest, revelry and rejuvenation, nestled in the heart of Chicago’s famous Lakeview Neighbourhood.
Additionally, construction will begin on the new Hotel V-«b by Best Western (pronounced Vibe) in downtown Champaign in early 2018. The boutique hotel is a new concept from Best Western targeting millennial travellers. The hotel will have 126 rooms, a rooftop bar and lounge, and a coffee shop. Located in downtown Champaign, hotel guests will have access to over 40 locally-owned bars and restaurants within walking distance, in addition to walking access to the Illinois Terminal with Amtrak.
New Attractions
In spring 2018, Six Flags amusement park in Gurnee will open the world’s largest loop coaster at 100 feet tall. The coaster will give riders record hang-time and 360 degree revolutions, whilst the 32 face-off style seats will allow them to see their fellow riders reactions. For more information visit,
www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/newfor2018.
The beautiful Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2018. The 12-acre garden is long recognized as one of the premier Japanese Gardens in North America and is planning a number of events to celebrate. Learn more: www.gorockford.com/listings/anderson-japanese-gardens/511/
Illinois’ Bicentennial
Illinois celebrates its 200th birthday with a year-long party from 3 December 2017 to 3 December 2018. A statewide multimedia campaign will celebrate Illinois’ influence on the world through music, sports, agriculture, literature, commerce, history, technology and innovation, transportation, and art and architecture. Events will take place over the 12 months looking at the people, places and moments that have made Illinois a great state.
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For further information, contact Fiona Pettitt, Cellet Marketing & PR on 01295 722816 or [email protected]
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.
Cellet Marketing & Public Relations
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