Why to meet in the 'Southwest' - the I&M Canal Corridor

Just a few miles southwest of Chicago through Lemont, Bolingbrook, Lockport, Joliet and extending to Starved Rock State Park area is the nation's first Heritage Corridor. You're invited to "meet" in the "Southwest" for your next road trip, corporate meeting/training, wedding, or family reunion. The southwest has every kind of place for every kind of function.

With help from your resourceful I&M Canal Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau staff, meeting and retreat planning is easier and more enjoyable than ever, for both the planner and the participant!

Give your guests a reason to remember their road trip - along three of the nation's Scenic Byways: enjoy beautiful landscapes along Illinois River Road; visit charming downtowns along Illinois Lincoln Highway; and revel in the kitschy attractions along Illinois Route 66. Have your group dancing along the James Dean, Betty Boop and others at Polk-A-Dot Drive In (Braidwood).

Take your corporate meeting or conference beyond the confines of the congested big city and into the "Southwest." Enjoy the relaxing and refreshing atmosphere along the I&M Canal. There are many historic downtowns and experiences to choose from, with many conference and meeting options for you.

Easily accessible off major highways, including I-55 and I-80 are the following options:

• You'll love Lemont, for shopping, fine dining, outdoor recreation and history. Step back in time at Isle a la Cache Museum, or have your guests take a hike together along the Illinois & Michigan Canal trails and bike paths.

• Learn about Lockport. The picturesque Gaylord Building's famed Public Landing restaurant is adjacent to Lockport's Lincoln Landing. The National Register of Historic Places site also includes a wonderful exhibit exploring the creation and commercial value of the Illinois & Michigan Canal. And Tallgrass Restaurant will stand tall in the memories of your crew's taste buds.

• Bolingbrook goes beyond your expectations for shopping at the Promenade and conference and meetings spaces at the majestic Bolingbrook Golf Club and newly renovated Bolingbrook Holiday Inn.

• Get your meetings revved up as you try your luck at Harrah's Casino Joliet or Hollywood Casino Joliet, where you'll find hot gaming action, first-class dining and the area's best live entertainment. Speaking of racing, Joliet is home to Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway both featuring luxurious suites and meeting spaces. Enjoy the suite life at either Rialto Square Theatre or Silver Cross Field home of Joliet Slammers Baseball for your meeting or conference outing.

• Along I-80, let the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor lead you to an impressive range of facilities near picturesque and recreational retreat options, whether in Grundy or LaSalle counties. Finest steaks and chops at the Morris Chop House for your next board meeting.

Kayak Morris offers lessons and all you need for beautiful scenery and team bonding. Not to be missed is charming downtown Ottawa, at the intersection of two rivers, featuring the new Tangled Roots Brewery and Lone Buffalo Restaurant (with private meeting space) serving classic farm-to-table options with a portion of the Bison Weizen brew sales benefiting the buffalo at Buffalo Rock State Park.

• Known as Illinois' most visited State Park, another popular meeting option is Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center at Starved Rock State Park in Utica. Take your event down memory lane for a memorable event in downtown LaSalle, just off I-80. Score points for fun and creativity by considering a meeting hosted by the caretakers of the Hegeler Carus Mansion. Let your team take a historic canal boat ride in downtown LaSalle. Or wander to scenic Streator and utilize nearby Weber House and Gardens - a storybook Tudor amid an English garden, with cozy candlelit rooms that reflect the 18th century.

With so many great options, why go anywhere else? Come to the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor and relax, we've got you covered with tremendous options all along the historic 94-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal. Going the extra mile is always the best way to secure special event success and meeting memories.

• Robert Navarro is president & CEO of I&M Canal Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau.