Today is Mies’ 126th birthday, and as my reader knows, we are a bit obsessed with the Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe.

We visited the house three years ago with a group from work, and it is amazing. Tours of the Farnsworth House begin on April 1st, and I would suggest going with a group of your friends, especially on weekdays where you are allowed to take photos inside. Be warned that the Fox River tends to overflow its banks, causing occasional flooding of the Farnsworth House.

Also, take some time to eat in Plano, where there is a great greasy spoon and drive around rural Illinois – it is beautiful.

See also: Farnsworth House photos.