http://www.metro-east.com Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:11:15 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en In this era of over $4.00 a gallon gas, people are looking closer to home for summer vacations. My husband and I did just that recently. We headed down to southern Illinois and checked out just a few of the activities the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. ... http://www.metro-east.com/erin/shawnee-national-forest-vacation/ Summer is officially here, and the urge to get out into the community and do something new and fun is huge. As far as getting out in the Metro-East area this summer, I've yet to be so lucky. Right now, I'm waiting on pins and needles to get ... http://www.metro-east.com/erin/the-1820-colonel-benjamin-stephenson-house/ While I now gladly call the Metro-East my home, it wasn’t always so. It took me awhile to feel comfortable here. I’m originally from Northern Illinois, where the winters are colder, the summers aren’t as humid, and the land is even flatter. But, a lot of important things ... http://www.metro-east.com/erin/im-finally-home/