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Communities & Attractions Amish Of Illinois ..........................8 Arcola ........................................19 Arthur ........................................25 Atwood.......................................42 Bement ......................................72 Bethany .....................................52 Bloomington ..............................69 Casey.........................................56 Champaign County ....................42 Charleston.................................43
Chesterville ...............................31 Clinton .......................................60 Crawford County .......................58 Decatur .....................................67 Effingham ..................................62 Galesburg ..................................61 Greenup.....................................50 Greenville ..................................54 Jacksonville...............................66 Lake Shelbyville/Shelbyville .....41
Lincoln/Logan County ...............65 Marshall ....................................53 Mattoon .....................................46 Monticello .................................70 Oakland .....................................47 Paris ..........................................52 Parke County, IN .......................79 Pittsfield....................................74 Pontiac ......................................64 Robinson ...................................58
Rockome Garden Foods............18 Rockome Gardens.....................16 Springfield.................................76 Sullivan......................................38 Tuscola ......................................34 Vandalia ....................................55 Wineries, Central Illinois ..........48 Published by Rankin Publishing (217) 268-4959 drankin@consolidated.net
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KNOX • Galesburg
• Pontiac
LIVINGSTON
DISCOVER
McLEAN
These Central Illinois Communities DE WITT
CHAMPAIGN
LOGAN MORGAN
•
PIATT MACON
PIKE
•
Fairmount
DOUGLAS
MOULTRIE
SANGAMON
EDGAR
Parke County, IN
COLES
Pittsfield
SHELBY
CUMBERLAND CLARK Coffeen
•
BOND
FAYETTE
EFFINGHAM
Greenville
•
CRAWFOR D Alma
•
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Amish Of Illinois...........................8 Arcola .......................................19 Arthur ........................................25 Atwood ......................................42 Bement ......................................72 Bethany .....................................52 Bloomington ..............................69 Casey ........................................56 Champaign County .....................42 Charleston .................................43 Chesterville ...............................31 Clinton.......................................60 Crawford County.........................58 Decatur......................................67 Effingham ..................................62
Galesburg ..................................61 Greenup.....................................50 Greenville ..................................54 Jacksonville...............................66 Lake Shelbyville/Shelbyville .......41 Lincoln/Logan County .................65 Marshall ....................................53 Mattoon .....................................46 Monticello .................................70 Oakland .....................................47 Paris .........................................52 Parke County, IN ........................79 Pittsfield....................................74 Pontiac......................................64 Robinson ...................................58
PAGE 6 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Rockome Garden Foods ..............18 Rockome Gardens ......................16 Springfield.................................76 Sullivan .....................................38 Tuscola......................................34 Vandalia ....................................55 Wineries, Central Illinois............48
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2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 7
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AMISH OF ILLINOIS
Central Illinois Home To State’s Largest Amish Community
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mish lifestyles are far different from the everyday lives most Americans know. The Amish live humbly and simply, dedicating their lives to religious ideals. Nearly 4,500 Amish people populate Moultrie, Douglas and Coles counties in such communities as Arcola, Arthur, Lovington, Sullivan, Tuscola, Cadwell, Chesterville, Atwood and Cooks Mills. The Amish faith is based on Menno Simon’s break from the Roman Catholic Church during the Anabaptist movement in Europe in the early 1500s. The Amish later split from this group, known as the Mennonites, due to their belief in shunning those who leave the church, es-
tablished by Jacob Ammann. After suffering persecution for generations, the Amish and Mennonites set sail for the United States in the late 1600s and early 1700s. In 1865, Central Illinois saw its first Amish settlers in the families of Daniel Yoder, Daniel Otto and Moses Yoder. Today, Amish communities spring up across the United States, with large populations in Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio. In all, Amish communities are found in 27 states. In following with traditional customs, Amish people do not use electricity or operate automobiles and modern farm machinery. Instead, they travel by horse-drawn buggy, use propane to fuel their light fixtures and heat their ovens, and farm using teams of horses. While most American homes are now filled with the noises of modern-day technological devices, Amish homes remain much quieter. Amish people do not own radios or televisions and only use telephones outside their homes for business and in cases of emergency. Amish children begin working on family businesses and farms at ages as young as 5 years, performing chores typical of children who live on a farm or who are raised in a family business. As children grow, their responsibilities increase. CLOTHING The Amish wear solid colored clothing that is hand-tailored by family members. Men wear long, denim pants to work with plain colored shirts and suspenders. They wear a black, handsewn suit, a white shirt and black shoes to church. Outside, men almost always wear a hat — straw in summer and black felt in winter. Women wear plain colored dresses without trim and are void of jewelry and cosmetics. Their dresses are fastened with straight pins and their heads are covered at all times with white head coverings made of Swiss organdy. These white coverings are even worn under their black bonnets. Additionally, their garments have no buckles or zippers. Older women wear dark colors, such as navy blue, green or burgundy, with blue and black saved for religious occasions such as weddings and funerals. In cold weather, they add black wool shawls to their wardrobes. Amish ladies cover their heads with
PAGE 8 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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More than 4,500 Amish citizens populate Moultrie, Douglas and Coles counties, Illinois. white prayer coverings while indoors and add a black bonnet on top of the covering when outdoors. When women are working in the garden, they wear handkerchiefs. Girls dress like their mothers, with a few exceptions. Girls do not wear straight pins until they are older,
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Amish buggies are gathered for a social event in the area. and they are allowed buttons on their dresses. Without modern conveniences, the Amish wash clothing with a wringer/washer and hang them to dry on a clothesline. A line draped with clothes drying in the sun after a fresh washing is a common sight in any Amish community. SCHOOL Amish children learn a dialect of the German language, called Pennsylvania Dutch, before studying English. When children in Amish fam-
ilies attend school, they learn to speak English. In addition, most Amish children, by age 12, are able to operate a horse and buggy for trips to school and elsewhere. Some Amish children attend public schools, but most study in Amish parochial schools. There are 17 Amish schools in Central Illinois. Typically, each school includes two teachers, who tend to be unmarried Amish women. One teaches students first through fourth grade, while the other teaches students fifth through eighth grade. Amish schools feature courses in subjects such as math, social studies, spelling, writing and health.
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An Amish home and garden on laundry day. Science is not taught, however, because the Amish do not believe it is a necessary course of study. Likewise, the Amish believe that any knowledge attained past the eighth grade is “worldly� knowledge and is not required for the simple Amish lifestyle; therefore, Amish school teachers are also only educated to the eighth grade. School normally ends with the arrival of May. This allows children more time to work on the family farm. The Amish hold a large picnic to celebrate the end of each school year. Amish children usually spend their evenings in the family home, where reading and board games occupy leisure time.
Examining facial hair works well when trying to determine the marital status of an Amish man. Married Amish men have beards. Unmarried Amish men are clean-shaven. Amish men are not allowed to don mustaches. As in most Amish customs, religion plays a large role in the lives of married couples. Prior to marrying, Amish men and women must join the Amish church. This process includes baptism. Amish weddings, which are usually day-long celebrations that draw 200 to 500 guests, begin with 2-hour religious services followed by a wedding ceremony. The bride often wears a royal blue dress and a white prayer cap. Wed-
WEDDINGS Many Amish people marry at the age of 19 or 20. In past years, Amish newlyweds made a living from parcels of land given to them as gifts by one of the fathers. Today, that is less common and young married couples often purchase land upon which to build.
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dings normally take place in the home of a relative of the bride. Following an Amish wedding, a large celebratory meal is served. The crowd eats in shifts. During the celebration, the wedding couple usually sits in a corner of a room. The crowd then spends the afternoon singing hymns to the newly married couple. Newlyweds assist the hosts with cleaning their homes and washing dishes after the ceremony has ended. Amish people do not wear wedding rings.
the center of the settlement. While a bishop, two ministers and a deacon represent each district, there is no central authority. Families take great care in preparing their homes for the lengthy church services. A very thorough cleaning of the home takes place prior to hosting. During each service, the congregation sits on backless benches. Boys sit with men, while girls sit with women.
CHURCH Each Sunday, Amish families gather for church services conducted in German in homes across the countryside. A week prior to each church service, a green (sometimes gray or white) church wagon takes items such as hymn books, benches, hat racks and dishes to the home where the church service will be held. The wagons are also used for both weddings and funerals. There are 27 Amish church districts in the Arcola/Arthur area. The districts cover approximately 72 square miles, with Arthur in
THE HOME A typical Amish house has no carpeting, and plain “tied back” curtains hang at the windows during the day. The houses are usually painted white. Often, hardwood floors, wood cabinets and cupboards, scatter rugs, and beautiful quilts add to the warmth and decor of the homes. Amish homes are often large with several rooms opening into one large room where they may hold church services. Homes are furnished simply, but comfortably.
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PAGE 12 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
FARMS Although Amish farms vary in size, the norm is 80 to 100 acres. Each Amish farm family has approximately 12 Belgian horses, or working horses, which pull farm equipment in the fields. The families also own 2 to 3 horses which are used for pulling the buggies. Amish farmers often raise hogs, cattle, chickens, turkeys and goats. Typically, a farmer raises one kind of animal, while another farmer raises a different kind of farm animal. For example, one farmer may raise chickens, while another farmer may raise hogs, and so on. A common practice is to have a “butcher day,” during which several families will go together to purchase animals from a farmer — hogs for example. The families will then divide the meat among themselves. In addition, Amish women often plant large gardens, and many families pluck fresh fruit from orchards and gather berries from homegrown patches. The main crops planted by Amish families include wheat, oats, clover and corn. Until a few years ago, farming was a way of life for nearly all Amish families. In recent years, however, most Amish families have turned to woodworking, retail stores and other trades. In fact, several Amish people now travel to various manufacturing plants in the area to work. The largest meal of the day for an Amish farm family is usually lunch. A lighter supper is served. Soup is a popular supper meal. Family gardens supply much fresh produce for soups and other meals. BUSINESS Traditionally, Amish business assets were calculated by how much land a
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Well-kept flower/vegetable gardens dot the Amish countryside. family owned. With the Amish population growing and the land area remaining unchanged, however, many Amish today hold other business assets. As times have changed, more Amish businesses have opened to supplement the income generated from farming. As a result, many wonderful finds can be discovered at Amish businesses in the area. Signs along rural roads alert passersby of opportunities to purchase various foods, including many fresh produce
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2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 13
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items, during spring, summer and fall months. Among the local businesses operated by the Amish are grocery stores, health food stores, shoe stores, woodworking shops, lawn furniture stores, an orchard, tool stores, a meat packing plant, feed mills and a lamp shop. • Furniture Shops and Custom Built Cabinets: Round oak tables, roll-top desks, cabinets, home entertainment centers and wooden accent pieces are only a few of the many handcrafted furniture items available at numerous shops. Along with furniture craftsmen, Amish cabinet-makers can provide some of the finest and most attractive custom-made kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and other furniture. • Country Stores: Small rural stores are stocked with everything from home-baked items to handmade quilts. • Buggy and Wagon Repair Shops: Building or repairing
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buggies and wagons is a necessary part of Amish life. A number of Amish craftsmen have opened shops to perform this service for the public. • Harness Shops: Years of working with leather, brass, copper and silver have helped aid the craft of Amish harness making. • Upholstering: Several shops specialize in high-quality upholstering for both furniture and vehicle seats. Visitors can bring their own fabric into the shops or choose from a selection of materials. • Blacksmiths and Horseshoeing: The friendly smithers perform their craft throughout the year. • Cloth and Fabrics: Amish women make clothes, beautiful quilts and craft items. These shops feature everything needed for sewing. • Fresh Foods: The Amish advocate foods direct from nature. Vitamins, nut meats, herbs, flours, dried fruit, juice and grains all can be purchased at local shops. Locally raised natural beef, pork, mutton and chicken are sold in state-inspected Amish shops. Fresh eggs, apple butter, honey, sorghum, apple cider and fruits and vegetables are sold during certain times of the year on several Amish farms in the area. Visitors can also satisfy their hunger with the homemade cin-
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Amana/Amish Confusion
Travel by horse and buggy is the norm in Amish Country. namon rolls, donuts, cakes, breads and candy sold at several private Amish farmsteads. Businesses are closed each Sunday and the Epiphany (old Christmas), and on Ascension Day, which is 40 days after Easter. The Amish celebrate religious holidays, Thanksgiving and the New Year. WAY OF LIFE The Amish have an active social life built around auctions, picnics, quilting bees, softball and visits with neighbors. While many Amish subscribe to local newspapers, the Amish also read their own national newspaper, The Budget. They also subscribe to many magazines, sometimes reflecting their trade or sometimes just for leisure.
Amana A common misconception that most likely occurs due to pronunciation involves mistaking the Amish for the Amana. The Amana Colonies were established in 1855 by German and Swiss craftsmen and scholars belonging to a religious sect called the Community of True Inspiration, now known as the Amana Church Society. The Amana church has never been associated with the Amish nor with the Mennonite sects. Mennonites Mennonites, while often mistaken for Amish, honor different customs. They drive automobiles and use other modern-day amenities, and some do not follow some of the other customs of the Amish. Early Mennonites came to America to seek religious freedom in 1632. They settled in Pennsylvania and were divided into two groups.
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ROCKOME GARDENS: AMISH COUNTRY
Rockome Gardens: ‘Down Home’ Family Park Experience
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ocated on the Illinois prairie along the picturesque Kaskaskia River just 5 miles west of Interstate 57 at exit 203 (Illinois Route 133), Rockome Gardens offers a variety of family-oriented events and activities. Situated in the heart of Illinois Amish Country, the mission of Rockome Gardens is to preserve and display to visitors a simpler way of life. For more than 52 years, Rockome Gardens has been a jewel in Central Illinois. The park has offered generations of visitors a gentler and more peaceful family park experience, in contrast to many large amusement parks around the nation that feature a different kind of ambiance with high-tech midway rides, giant water slides and roller coasters, etc. At Rockome Gardens, visitors can go back in time and get a sense of how things used to be. In the “old town” section of the park, visitors can view demonstrations by a blacksmith, visit a gift shop and, tour an 1800s vintage school house and an Amish home. Other attractions include Elvan’s ice cream shop, an old-fashioned stable and buggy and train rides. One of the most enduring images of Rockome Gardens is its unique flower, shrub and rock displays. Visitors can take self-guided tours while walking through gardens with more than 36,000 flowers and plants, with an additional 19,800 annuals to be planted this year. For the children, there is a petting zoo with goats, rabbits, sheep and a donkey named “Festus.” Kids enjoy it when Festus brays loudly whenever he hears someone using the feed machine. Also planned are pony rides. Also located at Rockome Gardens is the Illinois Amish Museum dedicated to the Old Order Amish. The museum features exhibits on quilts, buggies, barns, homes and more. Visitors can enjoy an 18-minute video about the local Amish while sitting on Amish church benches. The museum also operates Amish Country Tours™, by reservation, inviting visitors to observe the lifestyles of Amish people in order to gain a better understanding of their unique lifestyle. Tours of an Amish home and an Amish dairy farm are available. Tours also include visits and demonstrations at an Amish woodworking shop and buggy shop. Other tours offered include a guided sightseeing tour of the Amish countryside, and a meal in an Amish home. For more information and reservations, visit www.amishcenter.com. Linked to one of the area’s most prominent native sons, Rockome Gardens’ Marcella’s Corner Gift Shop is the home of “official” licensed Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy items. The creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, Johnny Gruelle, was born in nearby Arcola, IL. The gift shop offers Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, collector doll box sets, books and other items. All items are signed by Joni Gruelle Wannamaker, Gruelle’s granddaughter. Items may also be ordered online at www.marcellasraggedyann.com. Rockome Gardens’ Opening Day is Friday, May 4, weekends only, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning Wednesday, June 6, the park will be open 4 days a week on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through October 27, except for holidays and special weekends. As a large part of Rockome Gardens’ mission is to preserve and educate, on the Saturday following the opening of the park full time (May 5), plowing demonstrations with mules, Haflingers, ponies and draft horses will take center stage during the “Spring Horse Plowing at Rockome Gardens‚” event. Surrounded by some of the most prized farmland in the world, visitors will be able to go back in time and see for themselves how fields were plowed before tractors and other modern farm machinery were available. The fall plowing demonstration event, also featuring mules, Haflingers, ponies and draft horses, is scheduled for Saturday, September 15. On May 12, Rockome Gardens will host the 1st Annual Rockome Gardens Car Show. The event will feature food, clinics, exhibits and a “Show and Shine Car/Truck/Bike Show.” Also featured will be five car audio system contests. For more information, contact Brian Stice at brian.stice@mecacaraudio.com. Proceeds benefit the Old Hickory Railroad Children’s Exhibit and Children’s Petting Zoo. Music played an important role in the social fabric of life in simpler times. PAGE 16 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
To help preserve American musical traditions, Rockome hosts the “2nd Annual Spring Bluegrass Jamboree Music-Festival” on June 9. While 2012 is the second year for the Spring Bluegrass Jamboree, the “18th Annual Bluegrass-In-The-Gardens-Music-Festival” will return again for a two-day summertime run August 18 and 19. This musical hoedown in the heart of Illinois Amish country, typically features some of the most recognizable names in the bluegrass field. Another popular form of recreation among the farm folk on the prairie was, and still is, various kinds of “pulls,” involving horses and tractors. On July 21, Rockome Gardens will present the “5th Annual Rockome Gardens Invitational Farm Horse Pull.” The “bragging rights only” event will feature two-horse teams competing in multiple weight classes. Also this summer, at a date and time to be announced, the Arcola Jaycees, from nearby Arcola, will host the “Illinois State Kiddie Peddle Tractor Pull Competition” at Rockome Gardens. The competition will be open to all boys and girls, ages 4 to 12. Contestants must be residents of Illinois. Another new event this year will be a Civil War re-enactment scheduled for September 1-3. Visitors can observe camp life of Civil War soldiers. Battle re-enactments will take place on Saturday, Sept. 1, at 1 and 3 p.m., and Sunday at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Other events featured during the weekend include a ladies tea and fashion show on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and a dance at 7 p.m. On Sunday following church services at 9 a.m., a town ball game will be played at 10:30 a.m. Topping off the season on October 6-8, Columbus Day weekend, will be the “Rockome Gardens Harvest Festival - Music, Craft & Antique Show.” The festival will feature demonstrations of apple cider and apple butter making over an open fire, hatchet throwing and soap and candle making. Under new ownership, Rockome Gardens is committed to offering the best in family-oriented entertainment, while highlighting and preserving the slower pace of yesteryear. 2012 Rockome Gardens Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities at 217-268-4106, visit www.rockome.com, or e-mail info@rockome.com.
May 4: Opening Day. Weekends only-10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 5: Spring Horse Plowing. May 12: 1st Annual Rockome Gardens RR & Zoo Car Show. May 25-28: Open for the Memorial Day weekend (Fri. Sat, Sun, Mon.) June 6-October 27: Open four days a week — Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, except for holidays and special weekends. June 9: 2nd Annual Spring Bluegrass Jamboree Music-Festival. Special admission fee includes festival music and Rockome’s attractions (buggy rides extra). June 30, July 1: World War II re-enactment. July or August TBA: Illinois State Kiddie Peddle Tractor Pull Competition. Hosted by the Arcola Jaycees. Contest is free and open to all boys and girls ages 4-12 who live in Illinois. July 4: Rockome open to the public. July 21: 5th Annual Invitational Farm Horse Pull. Two-horse teams, multiple weight classes. August 18, 19: 18th Annual Bluegrass-In-The-Gardens-Music-Festival. Special admission fee includes festival music and Rockome Gardens attractions (buggy rides extra). September 1-3: Civil War re-enactment. September 15: Fall Horse Plowing. Demonstrations with mules, Haflingers, ponies, draft horses & more. September 22: 3rd Annual Pony Pull. October 6-8: Rockome Gardens Harvest Festival. Outdoor apple cider and apple butter demonstration over an open fire, hatchet throwing demonstrations, soap and candle making. All Vendors welcome with reservation. For more information, contact info@rockome.com.
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Arcola, Illinois • 217-268-4106 • www.rockome.com
Amish History and Culture on Exhibit Raggedy Ann & Andy
Petting
Zoo
Open May 4 –Oct. 27 10:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. See Website for Scheduled Days
Rockome Restaurant
Amish Country Tours
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ROCKOME GARDEN FOODS: AMISH COUNTRY
Rockome Garden Foods Features Cheese-making/Grist Mill And More
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ocated at the entrance of Rockome Gardens, 5 miles west of Interstate 57 at exit 203 (Illinois Route 133), Rockome Garden Foods offers a wide variety of products, many of which are locally made and grown. Open year-round (there is no admission charge to enter the store) and situated in the heart of Illinois’ largest Amish community, many of the tasty treats available at Rockome Garden Foods are made and packaged by Amish hands. In keeping with Rockome Gardens’ theme of offering a family-oriented experience that is both educational and entertaining, Rockome Garden Foods offers visitors a window into how cheese and other products are made. The store, also known as the Cheese Factory, is the area’s only cheesemaking operation. On Tuesdays and Fridays, in a special viewing area, visitors can see cheese being made. While the full operation takes about six hours, guests can get a feel for how the cheese-making process works by watching for a few minutes, or as long as they like. The cheese is made from full-cream/grass-fed cow milk, fresh from a local dairy, often sought after by people who desire a healthy lifestyle. Cheeses offered include baby Swiss, bacon, brick, cheddar and colby. Also at Rockome Garden Foods, is a working grist mill that grinds corn into cornmeal. Visitors can also watch the process through a viewing window. Perhaps the most popular attraction at the store is a working beehive exhibit. Guests can also view Amish women making bakery
PAGE 18 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
and candy goods. Most of the candy the store offers is made locally, including fudge, turtles, caramels, buckeyes and divinity. Breads, cinnamon rolls, sweet breads, cookies and other locally made baked goods are available. Another popular item at the store is the nut butter grinder. Raw peanuts are loaded into a hopper at the top of the grinder. When the grinder is turned on, it grinds the nuts into butter. Rivaling the beehive display in popularity is Rockome Garden Foods’ fried cheese. The cheese is fried on a flat-top grill in butter until it is brown on both sides — a treat that customers love. Rockome Garden Foods’ friendly staff is always available to assist customers and to answer any questions about the many displays and activities at the store. Rockome Garden Foods also offers bulk foods, Amish jar goods, canned meats and several kinds of jellies and jams. Amish apple butters, including apple, black raspberry, peach butter, blueberry, strawberry and blackberry, are popular choices by customers. Other Amish jar goods include canned fruit, ciders, mustards/salsa, peanut butter, pie fillings, pure honey, relishes/pickles and sauces/syrups. Canned beans and ham, potato and vegetable soups are available, as are canned meats, including beef, chicken, turkey and pork. For more information, or to shop at Rockome Garden Foods’ online store, visit www.rockomefoods.com.
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ARCOLA: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Arcola Offers Festivals, Dining, Shopping And Walldogs For 2012
A
warm welcome greets visitors to Arcola, located just off Interstate 57 at Exit 203. Situated in the heart of Illinois Amish Country, visitors enjoy Arcola and the surrounding Amish countryside. Arcola is also proud to be the birthplace of Johnny Gruelle, creator of the much loved symbols of Americana, Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy. Many people also travel to Arcola to shop for antiques, Amish-made furniture, to dine in the fine local restaurants, shop the unique and friendly stores, purchase beautifully crafted furniture, stock up on sausage and cheese, participate in the town’s fabulous festivals, and learn more area history. The community hosts several major celebrations that annually draw thousands of guests to the community. Arcola’s Festivals include: The Annual Raggedy Friendship Gathering Arcola honors its famous son Johnny Gruelle, and his beloved creations, Raggedy Ann and Andy, annually during the Raggedy Friends Gathering. This year’s event is scheduled for June 1 and 2. Raggedy enthusiasts and collectors from all over the U.S. and foreign countries gather for a weekend of Raggedy related events such as a dinner, silent auction, and social, as well as sales of Raggedy themed merchandise.
Contact Susie Patridge at 217-268-3848 or patridge@consolidated.net for more information. Arcola Welcomes The Walldogs: 4 Days, 75 Artists, 14 Murals Through the efforts of the Arcola Beautification Committee, and a variety of fund raising projects involving numerous community volunteers, the famous Walldogs mural painters are coming to Arcola in June, 2012. The Walldogs include a group of sign and mural artists from all over the globe. There is a long and rich history of painting wall advertisements. These mural painters were often referred to as Walldogs, and the group adopted the name. The Walldog murals of today are designed to enhance the sense of nostalgia and history of the towns lucky enough to attract the artistry of the Walldogs. Paintings on the exterior of local businesses will feature topics unique to the rich history of Arcola. The prestigious Walldogs select just one city in the Midwest to transform each year. The Walldog movement was started by Nancy Bennet in Iowa. She is coming to Arcola as project leader for one of the Arcola murals, a painting dedicated to Arcola’s historic Opera House and “Ozzie and Harriett” during the 1935 homecoming event. Another celebrity, Mike Meyer, is painting the Arcola football mural. His work can also be seen in the University of Illinois’ press room at Memorial Stadium and the Dick Butkus mural he created there. Other murals proposed for Arcola include: a mural dedicated to Arcolan Joe Ernst (WWll French Medal of Honor recipient) and Ella Fitzgerald;
Discover why The Dutch Kitchen is one of Amish Country’s most popular dining spots. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in our nostalgic Main Street setting. Most of our menu favorites originate from authentic Illinois Dutch recipes.
Enjoy our famous fried chicken, Dutch sausage, fresh salad bar, warm breads with Yoder’s Apple Butter and shoo-fly pie. Come in during your visit to Illinois Amish Country.
• Open 7:30 - 7:00 • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner • Children’s Menu • Daily Specials • Banquet Room • Fresh Salad Bar 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 19
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into masterpieces that will be enjoyed by all who live and visit Arcola. For more information visit: www.arcolawalldogsproject.com. Arcola’s Annual Broom Corn Festival The Broom Corn Festival is the oldest of Arcola’s annual events. In 2012, Arcola celebrates the town’s 42nd Annual Arcola Broom Corn Festival. The annual festival lasts three days, beginning Friday afternoon, September 7, with the National Broom Corn Sweeping contest, and continues through Sunday, September 9. (The Festival is always held the weekend following the Labor Day holiday.) The annual Broom Corn Festival is one of the most popular annual events in Illinois. It draws more than 60,000 visitors to the city with its legendary stage acts, craft vendors, food booths and a huge parade featuring the nationally-recognized Arcola Lawn Rangers, (chosen to be an entrant in President Obama’s inaugural Arcola’s festivals draw huge crowds each year. parade) and as many as 150 other entrants. Raggedy Ann and Andy; the City of New Orleans train; Clayton Moore For decades, Arcolans referred to the community as the "Broom Corn and the Lawn Rangers; Pfeiffer Seed Company; broom corn and Arcola’s Capital of the World." Indeed, it was. Arcola stood as one of the nation’s famous annual Broom Corn Festival; historic Route 45; the local Amish top producers of broom corn, a tall, unusual variety of sorghum that is culture; the Candy Kitchen; and the Hispanic migration to Arcola. used as a raw material in the manufacture of brooms. Arcola’s Walldog Meet is scheduled for June 20-24, 2012, in coopThe modern parade rekindles the spirit of the times of yesteryear, when eration with Arcola’s Pop The Top Festival and will feature numerous farmers hitched their horses to wagons loaded with the year’s harvest and family themed events throughout the 4 days including a banquet and headed toward town. Once in Arcola, they rolled down Main Street auction of Walldog art. To be a spectator at the creation of the murals is proudly displaying their haul while enroute to one of the many local to be a part of Arcola’s history. Watch as the walls of Arcola transform broom factories. While broom corn is no longer grown in the fertile farm-
• Raggedy Dolls & Books • Gifts • Amish Dolls • Demdaco “Willow Tree Angels” • Pat Richter Gallery • Arcola Made Brooms • T-Shirts & Sweatshirts • Alfred Dunner Sportswear
(217) 268-3646 • ronvyverberg@consolidated.net
Serving Arcola For Over 50 Years. PAGE 20 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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For additional information on the festival, contact the land that surrounds Arcola, factories that were born of Arcola Chamber of Commerce at 217-268-4530 or those earlier times remain much the heart of the visit www.arcolachamber.com. community, and the local economy. The Arcola Chamber of Commerce annually Johnny Gruelle: Creator Of sponsors the popular family festival, and the orRaggedy Ann And Andy ganization has built a storied tradition of sucHere’s a bit of a history lesson: Johnny Gruelle, cess in bringing to Arcola entertainers who a well-known artist and illustrator who created seem to explode onto the national music scene Raggedy Ann and Andy, was born in Arcola in either just before, or just after, taking the stage at 1880 to artistic parents R.B. and Alice Gruelle. the Broom Corn Festival. R.B. was one of the famous Hoosier Group of ImProbably the most famous of the Broom pressionist artists. From his youth, art was a major Corn Festival stage acts is Garth Brooks, influence in Johnny Gruelle’s life. who entertained thousands during one of While Johnny Gruelle is best known for his fathe free Broom Corn Festival concerts in mous creations, Raggedy Ann and Andy, he was 1991 and went on to an incredible music certainly an artist with a true talent for cartooning career that transformed country music. and magazine/newspaper illustration. He was emMore recently, Kenny Chesney performed ployed by publications including the Indianapolis at the festival, and the ranks of those who Star, The Cleveland Press and The New York Herhave taken the Broom Corn Festival stage ald. Probably his most famous comic strip was Mr. also include Brad Paisley, Tracy Lawrence, Twee Deedle. His cartoons, illustrations and illusChris Cagle and Buddy Jewell. trated stories also appeared in well known magaAlong with the featured performer, several zines of the time such as McCall’s, The Ladies other musical acts highlight the festival, includWorld and The Illustrated Sunday Magazine. ing those performing in the Broom Corn Festival beer tent, which attracts a huge evening crowd. Gruelle continued his growth as an artist and, The festival also features a long list of events after struggling through a tragic event that affected celebrating the community’s heritage. These his own life, created the famed Raggedy Ann as Raggedies are a familiar sight during include broom-making demonstrations, a the central character in a series of children’s books. the Raggedy Friendship Gathering in broom sweeping contest, children’s entertainHis daughter, Marcella, is credited with findment, carnival rides and craft booths that line Arcola, the birthplace of Johnny Gruelle, ing the very first Raggedy Ann, a long forgotten creator of Raggedy Ann. the streets along with delicious festival foods. faceless rag doll, in the family’s attic. She became
2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 21
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one of Marcella’s favorite companions. The name Raggedy Ann may have come from a combination of two of James Whitcomb Riley’s (a friend) poems, “The Raggedy Man” and “Little Orphant Annie.” Marcella tragically died in childhood, and it is said to have been at this time that Johnny Gruelle began to write down the stories he had created for Marcella with the rag doll as its main character. He patented and trademarked Raggedy Ann in 1915. The first Raggedy Ann book was published in 1918 and was dedicated to “the millions of children who have loved a rag doll.” Gruelle published a total of 40 books for children. He included many of Marcella’s other dolls in the stories creating such characters as Brown Bear and Eddie Elephant. The story messages are happy, filled with a strong moral message and good deeds. Johnny Gruelle died in 1938. His son, Worth, and his brother, Justin, continued to publish Raggedy Ann stories. Today the Gruelle family remains strongly committed to the story themes and art created by Johnny. Johnny Gruelle’s granddaughter and her husband (Tom and Joni Gruelle Wannamaker) reside in Arcola where, for Tourists enjoy the vivid colors of Arcola’s magnificent fall foliage. over a decade, they owned and operated a museum dedicated to Johnny Gruelle. Joni, daughter of Worth and Susie Gruelle, is a tal- rope, and the Mennonites in the north of Europe. Anabaptists insisted on ented artist as well, and continues to work with publishers on new Raggedy baptizing believing adults rather than infants. Refusal to follow any government or to fight in armies led to persecution by Catholic and Protestant Ann and Andy merchandise. states. In 1693, the Amish separated from the Swiss Brethren, taking their name Arcola Area Amish Settlement Illinois’ largest Amish settlement is located just west of Arcola. The Illi- from Jacob Ammann, an early leader. The primary cause of the split with nois Amish are tied to their Reformation beginnings by their history, faith, the Swiss Brethren involved the Amish belief in shunning society members simple way of life and plain dress. The Amish grew out of the Reformation who broke the rules of the church. After the two split, Amish families began Anabaptist movement that began in Zurich, Switzerland in 1525. The moving to the United States in the early 1700s, and, today, there are no movement included the Swiss Brethren and the Hutterites in Southern Eu- Amish in Europe. After moving into small settlements, the Amish moved westward in the 1830s and reached Peoria, IL. That group later became Mennonite. The Old Order Amish who settled in the Arthur-Arcola area originated from Pennsylvania. Three Amish men from Pennsylvania came to Arcola by railroad in 1865 in search of land for a new settlement. They purchased land west of the Kaskaskia River in what was then known as the West Prairie area. The first three families to arrive were later joined by others. Today, the Amish com-
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PAGE 22 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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munity consists of approximately 4,300 people and is divided into 25 church districts. Living without electricity and using horses for transportation and field work, the Amish families were, at first, engaged primarily in farming. In recent decades, as it became increasingly difficult to acquire farmland, Amish men began establishing thriving businesses. With woodworking businesses and establishments based on other such trades, many tourists now are drawn to the area to fulfill desires to buy beautifully crafted Amish furniture, handmade Amish quilts and other products produced by local Amish families.
Photo by: Rachel Crane
Arcola’s normally bustling Main Street on a peaceful Christmas Eve.
Other Special Events: For antique enthusiasts, The Arcola Center on Main Street will host an Antique Show March 2 and 3; another antique show will be held Nov. 910 at The Arcola Center. The annual community wide garage sale to be held August 3 and 4, 2012 is also a popular event. Visit ‘Amazing Arcola’ Anytime Visitors throughout the year will find much more in Arcola. The community offers a warm welcome to visitors as well as unique shopping in
charming stores, friendly service, and ample storefront parking. There is just too much to see in one day. Spend the night in Arcola at a motel or B&B including the Knight’s Inn or Arcola’s Comfort Inn. Some of the shops on Arcola’s Main Street sure to please even the most discerning shopper include Vyverberg’s, The Arcola Emporium, My Favorite Things, The Primitive Goose, and more. In addition, shoppers will find Amish-crafted furniture and cabinets in Yoder’s Homestead Shop. During the autumn, Arcola’s great old maple trees are magnificent with fall foliage. Visitors will want to take advantage of the many area bike trails.
The Holidays Visitors will also receive a special welcome during the holidays when shoppers can enjoy holiday music played through speakers lining the side-
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Monday - Saturday 10 - 5, Sunday 12 - 5 Enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee while sampling a potpourri of gifts, collectibles, home accents and gourmet food… the ultimate in style and selection. 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 23
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The Arcola community is preparing for the future by making upgrades to some of its most historic buildings. The Arcola Public Library, built a century ago with funds provided by Andrew Carnegie, has undergone a remarkable renovation and expansion project to provide a solid educational and research base for the community’s population. Arcola’s progressive and diverse school district has completed a major building expansion that has brought many academic advantages for Arcola’s students. An all-weather track for use by both high school and junior high track athletes is complete, and local financial contributions also provided Arcola High School’s baseball teams with a new field that features cement dugouts and lighting. Sarah Bush Lincoln’s new Arcola Health Care facility was recently completed as well as a new facility for one of the community’s banks. The Arcola location of The Okaw Farmer’s Cooperative has added to the town’s southwest cityscape with a huge new grain bin. Total capacity at the facility now totals 2,914,000 bushels of grain, reflecting the vital role agriculture plays in the area. Douglas County (the flattest county in Illinois) is well known for its rich soil. The Broom Tent is a favorite stop for attendees of the Broom Corn Festival. A major housing addition which features condo living as well as single family dwelling at its best, is walks, festively decorated storefronts and windows, and small town Amerlocated on the southeast side of the town. Construction has begun just east ica hospitality often including caroling by local church choirs. The holiday of Arcola on a 68 room Best Western scheduled for opening in late summer season kicks off when store owners host their annual Open Houses, this year from November 2-11, featuring holiday treats, extended hours and of 2012. The hotel is being built and operated by Hotel Development Inc. on behalf of a local ownership group (Arcola Hotel Meeting, Inc.) Plans for special merchandise. The month of December is a busy one throughout the community as the hotel include an indoor pool and a 3,000 sq. ft. conference center. Visitors are also invited to enjoy Arcola’s beautifully maintained parks, local churches host such events as “A Night In Old Bethlehem.” Visitors can experience the old streets of Bethlehem complete with markets and as well as the Arcola Rotary Club Centennial Park and Gazebo. Altogether, stores including a live nativity and activities for all, a House Walk complete Arcola is a great place to visit and an even better place to live. For more information on Arcola, contact the Arcola Chamber of Comwith a visit to The Candy Cane Cafe, special music with an Annual Christmerce at (800) 336-5456 or visit www.arcolachamber.com. mas Cantata, school concerts, a live nativity and much more. Santa comes to town with great fanfare and treats for all. For more information, contact the Arcola Chamber of Commerce. A Special Community Arcola’s Main Street business district also features well-maintained, recently renovated historic buildings, including the Otto Building on Main Street. Recently, owner of the building and local businessman, Wilmer Otto, received national attention. He headed a group that arranged to have an authentic Mesker Bros. Iron Works storefront (located in the neighboring town of Stewardson) restored and moved to Arcola to replace the facade of the landmark Arcola building. The Mesker storefront in Stewardson had graced the quickly deteriorating former Opera Hall there. The Otto Building’s original Mesker storefront was destroyed by fire in 1950. A special community ceremony dedicated the restoration project made possible through the collaboration of the two towns. There are also several other historic Mesker storefronts in Arcola. Local restaurants feature mouth-watering specialties. You won’t want to miss dining at Arcola’s Dutch Kitchen, The Hen House, and Las Casuelas. On the northwest edge of the business district is the recently restored historic Arcola Depot, which once served as a welcoming center for train travelers, and today is a welcoming center for all visitors. The Depot houses the offices of the Arcola Chamber of Commerce and a museum of Arcola history as well as an information center featuring literature on local attractions. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Arcola Depot is available to assist visitors and answer questions. In addition, the countryside just west of Amazing Arcola serves as home to the state’s largest Old Order Amish settlement. The rural area is lined with Amish businesses, homes, and schools. Drivers share the roads with horse-drawn buggies and bicycles. PAGE 24 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
2012 Arcola Calendar of Events Dates of events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information, and additional activities.
March 2, 3: Antique Show, Arcola Center. March 16: Arcola Chamber Annual Ball (800 336 5456). March 16: Arcola Fire Department Annual Hog Roast. March 31: 24th Miss Arcola Pageant. April: Date TBA, Jaycees Annual Easter Egg Hunt. May 1: May Day Celebration, The Flower Patch. May 4: Rockome Gardens Opening Day. Weekends Only-10 a.m.- 5 p.m. June 1, 2: Raggedy Friendship Gathering. Raggedy enthusiasts & collectors gather. Susie Patridge: patridge@consolidated.net or 217-268-3848. June 6-October 27: Rockome Gardens Open 4 days a week, Wed-Sat. except holidays and special weekends. June 20-24: “Pop the Top Festival” and fireworks, Arcola welcomes the Walldogs. Visit www.walldogsproject.com. August 3, 4: Citywide Garage Sales. September 7-9: 42nd Annual Arcola Broom Corn Festival. Arcola Chamber Of Commerce. 217-268-4530 or visit www.arcolachamber.com. October Date TBA, Lion’s Club Annual Chili Supper. November 2-11: Downtown Holiday Open Houses. Local businesses welcome shoppers, (Arcola Chamber Of Commerce). November 9, 10: Antique Show, Arcola Center. November Date TBA: Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner, Arcola JCs. December Dates TBA: Santa Claus Comes To Town; Christmas House Walk and Candy Cane Cafe; Methodist Church Live Nativity, Caroling, Christmas Cantata. • Rockome Gardens, rural Arcola, offers a wide range of activities throughout the season. See pages 16-18 for events and dates.
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ARTHUR: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Amish Culture, Unique Shopping Abound In ‘Friendly’ Arthur And Surrounding Countryside
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hroughout the village of Arthur and its surrounding area, visitors will find a friendly, slowpaced atmosphere that lends itself to the town’s adopted motto, “You’re Only A Stranger Once.” With a population of only 2,300, Arthur possesses many distinctive qualities. Located less than 10 miles west of Interstate 57, Arthur provides a wonderful centerpiece for those looking for unique shopping or the enriching cultural experiences offered in the surrounding countryside. This includes the fourth-largest settlement of the Old Order Amish in the United States, and the largest such settlement in Illinois. The Illinois Amish community has been central to life around Arthur for more than a century. The Amish, who dress conservatively, travel in black buggies and work the soil the old-fashioned way by horse-drawn implement, own many farms and businesses around the Arthur area. Visitors travel from across the globe to experience the Amish lifestyle and enjoy the charm of Arthur’s many locally owned shops and cottage industries.
While the Amish community enjoys its privacy, all are invited to enjoy a whole separate world of commerce that springs to life early each morning. Many Amish families own specialty shops creating handmade quilts, crafts and rugs, baked goods, handmade solid wood furniture, lawn furniture and outdoor buildings, milling shops, pallet shops, buggy shops, canvas shops, butcher and poultry processing shops, food and spices in bulk and health food stores. Some of these shops are wholesale only, while many are open to the public. The Amish have large gardens and will share their bounty at roadside stands or through local auctions. Some have made a business with orchards, greenhouses and truck farms. They raise all kinds of farm animals and sell them at weekly auctions at the local sale barn. Visitors also come to Arthur to partake of delicious Amish foods, such as cinnamon rolls, breads and other delicious baked goods available at local bakeries and at the many benefit sales and auctions that fill the Arthur calendar. For a
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$rthur & Illinois Amish Country make an easy & fun day trip.. just a short trip away! Festivals, sales, markets, auctions, benefits, and other special events and activities fill our calendar from February to Christmas and you are invited to join us! Add in the good country food and all the unique places to shop and you’ll see what people are talking about. And why they want to tell their friends!
You’ll be telling your friends about the fun you had in Arthur...
www.
ArthurFestivals.com
IllinoisAmishCountry.com
www.
Arthur-Amish Country Welcome Center PH 800-72-AMISH (722-6474) 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 25
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truly cultural experience, visitors can schedule a traditional Amish meal on an Amish farm through ACM Tours or Amish Adventures Tour Services, both located in downtown Arthur. Amish cottage businesses are usually open Monday through Saturday throughout the year. Some open as early as 8 a.m. and close as late as 6 p.m. Those traveling to the area might want to seek information before making a trip to learn about certain holidays during which Amish workers close their shops to spend time with friends and family (visit IllinoisAmishCountry.com for more information.) Visitors to the Arthur area should take special precautions while traveling the area’s roadways. Buggies travel at about 10 miles per hour and generally follow buggy paths along the edges of the main highways to en-
sure safety. Slow down and be careful when passing one on a rural roadway. The Amish settlers of Central Illinois, as one might guess, are genuinely friendly people. Visitors are encouraged to wave and greet them as they would when greeting old friends. Since Amish customs prohibit the use of camera equipment, Amish community members prefer they not be photographed or video recorded. Photographing Amish farms, animals and buggies, however, is generally allowed with a few exceptions. Arthur History
• Homemade Baked Goods • Amish Fruit Butters & Jams • Noodles • Daily Lunch Specials • Sub Sandwiches • Soups & Salads
205 S. Vine, Arthur 61911 • 217-543-3544 Mon. - Sat 9 - 5 • Shipping • Gift Boxes
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The history of Arthur and the Illinois Amish dates back In summer, hanging baskets and to the mid-1800s. Arthur banners enhance Arthur’s Vine Street. was settled when three Amish gentlemen came to the area around 1865 looking for farmland that didn’t possess the same rocky quality as the land in their native states of Pennsylvania and Maryland. They found such land in what was then known as The Big Slough. The land, which was located nine miles west of the already established community of Arcola, was saturated with water.
Amish and Mennonite Homestyle Cooking Enjoy our lunch and dinner buffet or order from our full menu
oder’s Kitchen is a full service Y family restaurant offering the best in Amish/Mennonite cooking. Our full menu features our famous broasted chicken, smoked pork chops and much more. We also offer a lunch and dinner buffet that includes all of our mouth-watering favorites.
Homemade Baked Goods: Pies Cinnamon Rolls Breads Cookies Gift Shop!: Features over 2,000 sq. ft. of the area’s finest gifts. From quilts to china, crafts to framed art, you’re sure to find something for that special someone. Banquet Facilities: We can accommodate groups from 30 to 350. Let our experienced staff help plan your next special event. Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m Closed Sundays Saturday Morning Breakfast Buffet......... 7a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
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Once drained, however, the ground proved to be ideal for farming, with the flat, fertile fields of black soil representing some of the top land in the country. In the early 1870s, a switch-track was needed for the new railroad crossing the swampy land between Paris and Decatur. It was decided that it would be placed near today’s Vine Street, Arthur’s main street, and now the town’s primary commercial thoroughfare. The street separates the town into two counties, Douglas County to the east and Moultrie County to the west. With the combination of fertile farmland and the new railroad switchtrack, a small settlement soon blossomed. The owner of the railroad, Robert G. Hervey, named the new settlement Glascow. A short time later, fire destroyed the new village. When business owners rebuilt, their new shops were placed at right angles to the railroad straddling the two counties on either side of Vine Street. Then, in 1873, when the village fathers petitioned to incorporate the community, it was discovered that another Illinois community used the name Glascow. After hearing the news, Mr. Hervey changed the name to Arthur to honor his favorite brother. Events Visitors to Arthur and the surrounding area will notice many acres of flat, fertile farmland. Douglas County is the flattest county in Illinois. While it lacks undulating hills, however, it certainly doesn’t lack beauty. Broad vistas, sometimes stunning sunsets and the tree-lined banks of the nearby Kaskaskia River provide a wonderful backdrop to a land where beautiful horses graze in pastures. Arthur hosts many major events each year, beginning with Antique shows in March, Saturday Markets in April and the Annual Amish Country Quilt Show and Auction in April, as well. The days and weeks that follow are filled with events such as the Arthur Independence Day
2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 27
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Celebration, held the Saturday prior to the 4th of July. This gigantic fireworks display features a parade, entertainment, an air show with World War II aircraft, helicopter rides and skydivers, and a huge 16-inch firework shell amid the evening fireworks display. Other Arthur events include The June Strawberry Jam; the Freedom Celebration and the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair in July and the Mennonite Relief Sale in August. September brings the annual Amish Country Cheese Festival (held on
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Saturday, Sunday and Monday on Labor Day weekend); The Great Pumpkin Patch; an annual bicycle ride that attracts more than 700 riders who love the flat, quiet roads and the Amish meals served to them; and several special horse sales. Then in October, don’t forget the annual CIBR-BBQ Cook-off (Central Illinois Braggin’ Rights), which is designated as an Illinois State Championship and KCBS sanctioned event. Visitors and townspeople alike are lured to come to Arthur’s downtown just by the aroma of the BBQ cookers as it permeates the air. Listening to bluegrass music at the Chet Kingery Memorial Blue Grass Jam is also part of the Saturday attraction. The festival season winds down with another huge Antique & Primitive weekend and a lighted holiday parade during the Christmas Kick-off Weekend in November. Monthly Events: Recurring monthly events include 1st Saturday MoDo Market in Jurgens Park behind the Arthur High School on the south edge of Arthur. Antique, craft, and flea vendors fill more than 100 spaces for this six-month market, held on the first Saturday of April, May, June, August, September and October (none in July). Also, 3rd Saturday Craft and Flea Market in downtown Arthur are conducted the third Saturday of each month indoors and outdoors, depending on weather. More than 20 antique, craft and flea vendors are included. Shopping
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SPEND A DAY… OR TWO! SHOP DOWNTOWN ARTHUR, ILLINOIS
While Amish handiwork is prevalent throughout the shops that dot the countryside near Arthur, many special items can also be found for sale in Arthur’s downtown. Shop for Amish crafted furniture at The Wood Loft or the Calico Workshop or quality antiques at Yoder’s Lamps and Antiques. Quilters treasure Stitch ’N’ Sew or The Villa, Dick’s Pharmacy features an old-fashioned soda fountain that still offers Green Rivers and an antique bottle collection or visit the Gospel Book & Music Store, which is also a genuine Martin guitar dealer. Unique gifts are available in shops such as The Pewter Spoon, the Arthur Flower Shop or Miller’s Variety Store. And last, but certainly not least, Delbert’s Clothing in downtown Arthur offers a huge selection of men’s wear of the finest quality. Visitors who wish to stay overnight are greeted with warm welcomes at Arthur’s Country Inn on East Route 133, or stay in a charming B & B such as Marsha’s Vineyard. Visitors may also rent a furnished house in Chesterville for their stay at the Lil’ Cottage.
“Spend a Quiet, Relaxing Night in the Heart of Amish Country” Enjoy cable, HBO2, Wireless Internet • New updated rooms and friendly, local management I-57 exit 203, 9 miles west on Rt.133 785 E. Columbia • Arthur, IL • 217-543-3321 arthurinn@consolidated.net
www.arthurcountryinn.com PAGE 28 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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Arthur itself offers many interesting eating options. Yoderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen is Arthurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest restaurant with banquet facilities. For those in need of â&#x20AC;&#x153;rejuvenation,â&#x20AC;? just down the road is RoseLenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffees & Delights. Try out Paulyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BBQ for some of central Illinoisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; finest slow cooking. For lunch downtown you will find a â&#x20AC;&#x153;farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cafeâ&#x20AC;? at the R&I Restaurant, a bar and grill at The Berg, and made fresh daily soup and sub sandwiches at Country Cheese & More. Call the Arthur Welcome Center at 217-543-2242 or visit www.IllinoisAmishCountry.com or www.ArthurFestivals.com for additional area information and a complete schedule of events. 2012 Arthur Calendar of Events Dates of events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April 7: Easter Egg Hunt. Arthur Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club. April 7: Bi-Annual Fish Fry. Otto Center. April 7: County Line Standard-Bred Horse Sale. Arthur Sale Barn. April 8: Community Sunrise Service. April 13, 14: Central IL Woodworking Tool & Supply Expo. Otto Center. April 14: Breakfast for Baby Fold, 7-10 a.m. Arthur Methodist Church. April 20: Benefit Auction for the Moultrie Co. Beacon. Otto Center. April 21: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. April 23-28: Quilt Walk. Downtown Arthur. Maps at Welcome Center. April 25-28: 23rd Annual Arthur Quilt Show & Auction. Otto Center. April 28: Kelly Miller Circus. Arthur High School. May 5: Indoor Community Garage Sale. Moultrie-Douglas Fairgrounds. May 5: Arthur Produce Spring Tree & Landscaping Auction. May 12: East Central IL Standard-Bred & Pony Sale. Arthur Sale Barn. May 19: 2012 Miss Arthur Pageant. May 18: Shrinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auction. Otto Center.
Arthurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cheese Festival is held every Labor Day weekend. May 19: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. June 1: 2nd Strawberry Jam. Downtown Arthur. June 2: Strawberry Social. Otto Center. June 2: Homestead Bakery Open House at The Great Pumpkin Patch 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 2: The Great Gourd Gathering at The Great pumpkin Patch - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 2: Strawberry Porkchop Supper. Arthur Methodist Church, 5-7 p.m. June 2: Cushman Scooters Daze. June 8, 9: All-Around Town Garage Sales.
Phone (217) 543-2221 122 South Vine St. Arthur, IL 61911 Featured in
MARTHA STEWART LIVING
Over 400 Varieties of Pumpkins, Squash and Gourds. Located on a working family farm 2 miles south & a half mile west of Arthur.
BREADS, CINNAMON ROLLS, COOKIES, ANGEL FOOD CAKES AND MORE! /I><B:E HK=>KL ;R IAHG> HK >F:BE
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Come visit us on our 200-acre farm in Arthur, Illinois!
Your Headquarters for: Information and literature on the history and culture of the Amish and Mennonite people Traditional religious music books, tapes and CD's Sunday school and church supplies and gifts Keyboards, guitars, banjos, mandolins and other string instruments and accessories Our strings are 1/3 off list price Martin Guitars dealer s 'OLDTONE DEALER Kentucky Mandolins and Deering Banjos Professional Public address systems and microphones and stands Owners: Henry and Martha Plank Prices, Special Offers Expire Dec. 31, 2012
2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 29
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Arthur’s Visitor Center June 11, 12: 11th Annual Heart of America Pony Sale. Tri-County Auction Facility. June 16: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. June 16: 3rd Annual Amish Country Tractor Cruise. 40-mile cruise featuring pre-1980 tractors. June 22: “Movies Under the Stars”/Free Outdoor Family Movie. Vine Street Christian Church. June 30: Arthur Freedom Celebration Parade. June 30: Arthur Freedom Celebration. Arthur Rotary Club July TBA: Central IL Machinery Sale. Tri-County Auction Facility. July 6, 7: East Central Illinois Shop Hop. July 9-14: 82nd Annual Moultrie-Douglas County Fair. July 21: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. July 27: Free Outdoor Family Movie. Vine Street Christian Church. August 17: Free Outdoor Family Movie. Vine Street Christian Church. August 18: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market.
Marsha's Vineyard
Bed and Breakfast Owner: Marsha Bowyer
212 Chaise Lane • Arthur, IL 61911 217-543-4001 • mhersch@hotmail.com
August 24, 25: Arthur Mennonite Relief Sale. Otto Center. September 1: East Central IL Standard-Bred Auction. Arthur Sale Barn. September 1: 32nd Annual Men’s Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament. September 1: Ham & Beans Dinner. Arthur United Methodist Church. September 1: Ice Cream Social. Vine Street Christian Church. September 1-3: 40th Annual Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival. September 3: Rat Race 5K/10K Run, 1-Mile Fun Run, 5K Recreational Walk & Kids Cheese Chasers Race. Arthur Woman’s Club. September 14, 15: Fall All Around Town Garage Sales. September 14, 15: Arthur Homecoming Weekend. September 15-October 31: The Great Pumpkin Patch Open. September 15: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. September 15: Annual Bob Galloway Memorial Amish Bike Tour. September 21: Free Outdoor Family Movie. Vine St. Christian Church. September 28: Toy Auction & Farm Memorabilia. Tri-Co. Auction Facility. September 29: Consignment Sale. Tri-Co. Consignment Facility. October 12, 13: CIBR-BBQ KCBS, Thrill of the Grill Competition. October 15-31: The Great Pumpkin Patch open daily. October 19, 20: 19th Annual Haiti Auction. Otto Center. October 20: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. October 22-31: Lighted Pumpkin House Display. October 26, 27: Woodwrights Guild Fall Open House. October 27: Halloween Festival. Arthur H. S. Arthur Woman’s Club. November 3: Bi-Annual Fish Fry. Otto Center. November 3: Plow Day at Floyd Miller Farm. 465 N. CR 475E, Arcola. November 9, 10: “Spirit of the Holidays” Bazaar. Arthur United Methodist Church. November 9, 10: Homesteaders on the Prairie Antique Show. MoultrieDouglas Fairgrounds. November 10: Spirit of the Seasons/Gathering on the Prairie Antique Show/Sale. Otto Center. November 17: Amish Country Christmas Kickoff/Lighted Christmas Parade. November 17: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. November 23: Black Friday Business Promotion. December 1: Christian Women’s Fellowship Annual Bazaar. Vine Street Christian Church. December 1: Breakfast with Santa. December 8: Farm Memorabilia Auction. Tri-County Auction Facility. December 15: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. December 25: Free Community Christmas Day Lunch. Vine Street Christian Church.
Located in the heart of Illinois Amish Country • Open all year
While you’re in Downtown Arthur, stop in and enjoy one of our world famous sodas Ribs, Pulled Pork, Turkey 310 E. Columbia Arthur, IL 61911 217-543-2400 paulysbbq@gmail.com PAGE 30 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
DICKS PHARMACY MODERN PHARMACY
- HOMETOWN DRUGSTORE
118 S. Vine, Arthur, IL 61911 217-543-2913 • www.dicks-pharmacy.com Bruce D. Wood, R.Ph. • Martha A. Jones, R.Ph.
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CHESTERVILLE: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Chesterville: Amish Charm, Scenic River, Good Food And Shopping Await Visitors
A
long the banks of the Kaskaskia River and in the middle of Amish settlements, the charm of Chesterville greets visitors. In Chesterville, which is midway between Arcola and Arthur, visitors will discover an old-fashioned meat market, an outdoor furnishings business and a thriving restaurant that serves delicious and bountiful meals. While most travelers pass through Chesterville on Illinois Route 133 bound for Arthur, Arcola and other area destinations, Chesterville’s old iron bridge, located just north of Illinois Route 133, provides a picturesque view of the Kaskaskia River, which feeds into Lake Shelbyville. The bridge offers photographers a front row seat for snapshots of
Chesterville is midway between Arthur and Arcola, in the heart of Amish Country.
colorful autumnal foliage and the beauty of an icy stream in winter. Today, the 115-year-old bridge is commonly known as the Chesterville Bridge. According to Bill Harshbarger of nearby Arcola, IL, who has written about the structure’s history, citizens around Chesterville asked the county to build a bridge over the Kaskaskia River to take advantage of commercial advantages of the Illinois Central Railroad. In those days, it was called the Kaskaskia River Bridge. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in August or September 2012. In addition, travelers looking for a little adventure off the beaten path can visit the small Chesterville Cemetery, located just outside the village over an ancient, one lane bridge. In the
Indulge in a hearty meal in our friendly, homey atmosphere.
v
Full menu includes complete plate lunches with all the trimmings: soups, sandwiches, more! Mouth-watering homemade breads, pies, cakes and desserts
Soup & Salad Bar
v Full Lunch Buffet v Full Breakfast Served Daily v Daily Specials
Korner Cafe “The Place For Good Home Cookin’”
Rt. 133, Chesterville v 217-543-2457 (located between Arcola & Arthur) Monday-Saturday: 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 31
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Chesterville’s old iron bridge, just north of Illlinois Route 133, provides a picturesque view of the Kaskaskia River. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in August or September 2012.
cemetery is the mysterious witch’s grave. Local folklore has it the grave is that of a rebellious young woman who was thought to be a witch. At one point, she disappeared and was later found dead in a farmer’s field. Although authorities ruled that she died of natural causes, many were afraid she would come back to life and seek revenge. The body was placed in the local funeral home and people from all over the countryside came to view the witch’s body. She was buried in the cemetery and a tree was planted on her grave so her spirit would
PAGE 32 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
be trapped in the tree. As the tree grows directly from her grave, many local residents believe that if the tree is cut down or destroyed, the ghost of the witch will leave her grave and seek revenge on those who caused her death. Since that time, the woman’s ghost has allegedly appeared to passersby and visitors to the cemetery. The story goes that, thanks to the tree, the ghost is confined to the area around the grave. For hungry ghost seekers or other travelers, an option available in
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pressure-treated wood items and poly-vinyl products in seven different colors. Offerings include vinyl and wooden gazebos, arbors, swings, glider chairs, stationary chairs, benches, end tables, picnic tables, lighthouses, aluminum windmills and many more. Visitors and local residents are also invited to hunt for that special treasure from a bygone era at Chesterville Antiques & Collectibles located on the curve.
Old vs. modern is a common sight on the roads in the Chesterville area.
Chesterville is The Korner Cafe, which features Amish homestyle cooking including a hearty lunch buffet. Living up to its motto, The Place for Good Home Cookin’, The Korner Cafe also offers a full menu
“On the curve” in Chesterville Prices, Special Offers Expire Dec. 31, 2012
that includes plate lunches with all the trimmings, soups, sandwiches, in addition to homemade breads, pies, cakes and other desserts. A full breakfast is served daily. Meanwhile, Dutch Valley Meats in Chesterville, located on the north side of Illinois Route 133, invites both local campers and those heading for home to stop in for some of the finest, freshest selections available today. The business features a wide variety of fresh meats, including offerings that come from local farms, such as wood-smoked sausages and bacon. Looking for a variety of quality outdoor furnishings to decorate a lawn, porch or patio? If so, then visit EMC Outdoor Furnishings on Illinois Route 133. EMC offers shoppers a complete line of concrete ornaments, a selection of 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 33
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TUSCOLA: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Tuscola — Douglas County Seat Where ‘Can-Do’ Spirit Thrives section of U.S. Routes 36 and 45.
I
n Tuscola, people don’t beat around the bush much — they tend to get straight to the point. In that vein, they have worked hard as a community to make a point of offering high end shopping, world class golfing and a spirit of entrepreneurship that people don’t find just anywhere. Other towns have their charms; Tuscola’s got the cando spirit to make things happen and thrive. And that’s exactly the point.
Shopping A Shopper’s Dream: Shopaholic? Or just browsing? Either way, Tuscola has got shoppers covered. From big-name brands at Tanger Outlet Center to the corner stores downtown, Tuscola offers some of the best shopping experiences in the Midwest.
Dining Drive In & Eat Up: The county courthouse houses the Douglas County Civil War display. Handcrafted chocolate and candy? Check. Fresh boutique tea selection? You got it. Downtown farmer’s market? No probLocation Conveniently located along Interstate 57 at Exit 212 and at the inter- lem. Come to Tuscola hungry and enjoy some of the best food found any-
For lodging and visitor info, go to www.point2tuscola.org or call toll-free (800) 441-9111.
Horses & buggies. Skilled carpenters.
And world class golf? Think you know Amish Country? One visit to Tuscola may just change your point of view. Located in the heart of Central Illinois’ Amish Country, Tuscola boasts highend shopping, world-class golfing and a variety of community activities. From the Tanger Outlet shops and Ironhorse Golf Club to our beloved Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, we make it a point to offer what no one else does. Tuscola. Get right to the point.
Make Tuscola part of your visit to Amish Country! amishcountryofcentralil.com
PAGE 34 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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Downtown Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market is held from 8 a.m. to noon in Tuscola every Saturday, June-September. where â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just make sure to save room for dessert. Playing Something For Everyone: Tuscola takes pride in the activities it offers. Sports enthusiasts will love the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf course. Historians can explore the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and architecture, and families can spend all day at
area parks. Tuscola is centrally located between Lake Shelbyville, Walnut Point State Park, and Amish Country â&#x20AC;&#x201D; offering something for everyone. Staying Save Up Your Personal Days: People in Tuscola like to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once you visit Tuscola, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to leave.â&#x20AC;? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why the town offers all the
Website:
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2012 Calendar of Events Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
Downtown Tuscola. comforts of home at the drop of a hat. Visitors are encouraged to take time exploring Tuscola. When they realize they need a few extra days, a soft pillow and a warm cup of milk awaits.
March: Everything Animation. Douglas Co. Museum. April 13, 14: City-Wide Garage Sale. April 20-22: University of Illinois Momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Weekend Sidewalk Sale at Tanger Outlet . May 19: Tea Dance featuring Gene Trimbleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Combo Band at the Douglas County Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit: www.docomuseum.org. May 25-28: Memorial Day Weekend Sale at Tanger Outlet. June-September: Downtown Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays. June 2: Wheels Car Club Car Show in downtown Tuscola from 4 to 9 p.m. June 3: 3rd Annual Thrills for Mills Charity Car Show at Tanger Outlet Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4-8: 4th of July Weekend Sale at Tanger Outlet Center. July 6, 7: Sparks in the Park Celebration. Tuscolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4th of July event
COUPON
www.baymontinns.com
1006 Southline Drive, Tuscola, IL 61953
Phone: 217-253-3500 )D[ Â&#x2021; 5HVHUYDWLRQV 58 Completely Remodeled Rooms Indoor Pool & Whirlpool Fitness Center Complimentary Continental Breakfast In-Room Safes In-Room Coffee Makers 2 Luxurious Whirlpool Suites Free High Speed Internet Business Center In Lobby With Free High Speed Internet Refrigerator & Microwave In All Rooms
Must present coupon upon check-in. No other discounts apply. Coupon not valid on weekends. Coupon Expires Dec. 31, 2012
PAGE 36 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
â&#x20AC;˘ FREE WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICE â&#x20AC;˘ 82 Deluxe Rooms â&#x20AC;˘ King Bed or 2 Queen Bed Rooms â&#x20AC;˘ Free Local Phone Calls â&#x20AC;˘ Free Cookies/Coffee â&#x20AC;˘ Free Cable TVHBO, CNN, ESPN, Disney & Nickelodeon
â&#x20AC;˘ Free Deluxe Hot Breakfast Buffet â&#x20AC;˘ Free Parking â&#x20AC;˘ Free USA Today Delivered To Rooms â&#x20AC;˘ Heated Indoor Pool/ Hot Tub â&#x20AC;˘ Just Minutes To Area Attractions
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12Discover.FINAL_Layout 1 3/5/12 10:29 AM Page 37
The historic Tuscola Public Library.
in Ervin Park. July 14: Ballroom Dance featuring Gene Trimbleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Combo Band at the Douglas County Museum. For more information, visit: www.docomuseum.org. August 1-December 31: Music! Music! Music! Douglas County Museum. August 31-September 3: Labor Day Weekend Sale at Tanger Outlet Center. September 7-9: 42nd Annual Broom Corn Festival Sidewalk Sale at Tanger Outlet Center. September 8: Ballroom Dance featuring Gene Trimbleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Combo Band at the Douglas County Museum. For more information, visit: www.docomuseum.org.
October 5-8: Columbus Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale at Tanger Outlet Center October 20: Tea Dance featuring Gene Trimbleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Combo Band at the Douglas County Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit: www.docomuseum.org. October 31: Trick-or-Treat at Tanger Outlet Center from 5 to 7 p.m. November 9, 10: Rural Life Antique Show at the Douglas County Museum. For more information, visit: www.rurallifeantiqueshow.com. Friday, Nov 9 from 2 - 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. November 16-18: Deer Widows Weekend at Tanger Outlet Center. December 1: Tuscolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Christmastown Celebration. December 1: Breakfast with Santa at the Douglas County Museum from 8 to 11 a.m. December 8: Tea Dance featuring Gene Trimbleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Combo Band at the Douglas County Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit: www.docomuseum.org.
Visit the national award-winning
Douglas County Museum 700 S. Main St., Tuscola
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything Animationâ&#x20AC;? Through March 31, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Music! Music! Music!â&#x20AC;? August 1-December 31, 2012 Free admission; plenty of parking! Reference/genealogy library For hours and special events information call:
217-253-2535 â&#x20AC;˘ www.docomuseum.org
OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY: â&#x20AC;˘ Dr. Comfort Diabetic Shoes â&#x20AC;˘ Hallmark â&#x20AC;˘ Fanny May Candies â&#x20AC;˘ Willow Tree Angels â&#x20AC;˘ Beanpod Candles â&#x20AC;˘ Home Decor â&#x20AC;˘ Collectibles â&#x20AC;˘ Jewelry â&#x20AC;˘ Photo Lab/1 Hour or Next Day Service
Low Prices & Friendly Faces www.savmor.com
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SUNDAY: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
â&#x20AC;&#x153;New dealers & ideas always welcome.â&#x20AC;? Sandy Decker - Owner
104 E. Southline Road (Rt. 36) Tuscola, IL 61953
217-253-2309
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SULLIVAN: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Fine Furniture, Art, Antiques & Live Theatre All In Sullivan
I
n Sullivan, visitors will find people with a strong sense of community and connection to the traditions of their agricultural heritage. The town is well known for The Little Theatre On The Square, which brings in big stars to the small community. Local resident Guy Little Jr. opened the theater in 1957, and this professional quality theater continues to entertain audiences decades later. This summer’s productions are Grease, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Pirates of Penzance, The Music Man, and 9 to 5. The Little Theatre also offers plays for younger audiences. Visit The Little Theatre website at Since 1957, The Little Theatre On The www.thelittletheatre.org Square has been a Sullivan attraction. for show dates and times. The Little Theatre On The Square has played to more than 600,000 admissions, including over 130,000 admissions to the Theatre For Young Audiences series.
More Sullivan Attractions Visitors are also invited to shop in Sullivan. Yoder’s Handcrafted Amish Furniture offers custom furniture and cabinets, including kitchens, cabinets, chairs, tables, bedroom sets and outdoor furniture. For the best in primitives, cottage, country and painted pine furniture, shoppers will
Primitive + Cottage + Country & Colonial Pine Painted Furniture To view the store and products, visit
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 5 917 West Harrison, Sullivan, IL 61951 (217) 728-2725 briarwoodstore@gmail.com From Route 121, turn south at Railroad Track, go South 2 blocks
PAGE 38 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
enjoy a trip to The Briarwood. Sullivan’s blossoming art scene has several great galleries featuring multiple artists. Don’t miss The 2nd Act Gallery and New Prairie Gallery downtown, as well as The Factory Art Studios in the historic Brown Shoe building, for a variety of items by local and regional artists. Other shops not to miss include The Flower Pot, Hagens Family Pharmacy and My Garden. For outdoor activities, visit Okaw Valley Orchard to pick your own apples or peaches in season or sample apple doughnuts and slushies in the gift shop. Buxton’s Garden Farm always has a variety of produce, gifts, and cut flowers, as well as, pumpkins and Christmas trees in season.
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Moultrie County, IL Bethany, Dalton City, Lovington & Sullivan
Something for everyone... Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development 112 W. Harrison Street, Sullivan, IL 61951 For lodging information, please call 217.728.4223 or visit sullivanchamber.com www.amishcountryofcentralil.com
Sullivan hosts an annual Fourth of July Parade.
2012 Sullivan Calendar of Events Dates and events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and activities at 217-728-4223 or visit www.sullivanchamber.com.
April 20, 21: Spores ’n’ More Mushroom Hunt & Auction. April 22: Sullivan Civic Center Spring Tri-athalon. May 5: First Saturday at The Factory Art Studios. May 26: Sullivan Street Machines Association Memorial Day Car Show at Wyman Park. June 1: First Friday on the Square. June 6-17: The Little Theatre presents Grease. June 20-July 1: The Little Theatre presents How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Little Theatre On The Square
Summer Season
2012
Photo by: K. Sesko
Photo by: Clyde DeLao
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The Moultrie County courthouse, centerpiece of Sullivan’s square.
July 4: American Legion Post 68 July 4th Celebration with parade, carnival and fireworks. July 6: First Friday on the Square. July 4-15: The Little Theatre presents The Pirates of Penzance. July 18-29: The Little Theatre presents The Music Man. August 1-12: The Little Theatre presents 9 to 5. August 3: First Friday on the Square. September 28: Sullivan Homecoming. October: Shotgun Manor Haunted House on the Square every Friday & Saturday. October 18-19: Oktoberfest and 9th annual Chili Cook-off. Other activities are being added, so please visit the schedule of events at www.sullivanchamber.com.
June 6-17, 2012
June 20-July 1, 2012 July 5-15, 2012
July 18-29, 2012 August 1-12, 2012
&DOO WKH ER[ RI¿FH DW 217-728-7375 or SXUFKDVH RQOLQH DW www.thelittletheatre.org PAGE 40 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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LAKE SHELBYVILLE/SHELBYVILLE
Lake Shelbyville: Play, Stay And Enjoy July 21: Aquafest Water ake Shelbyville and its Safety Carnival at Lake Shelcommunities offer great byville. recreation, attractions, July 27, 28: Findlay Walleye events, and accommodations for Festival in downtown Findlay. a day or for a vacation. Shelby August 16-19: Windsor HarCounty plays host to the southvest Picnic at Windsor City ern two-thirds of Lake ShelPark. byville and the new U.S. Army August 24-26: Cowden PioCorps of Engineers Interpretive neer Days at Cowden City Park. Center and offices. Lake ShelSeptember 21-23: Tower byville was created by the U.S. Hill Fall Festival in Tower Hill Army Corps of Engineers in the Park. 1960s and offers many opportuOctober 5-7: Balloon Fest. nities for visitors. Hot Air Balloons take flight Lake Shelbyville is known over Lake Shelbyville. Balloon for great fishing and hunting. tasks, night glow, basket burn, There are hundreds of miles of food and more. shoreline, secluded coves and October 5-7: Scarecrow more than 11,000 acres of Hot air balloons take flight over Lake Shelbyville. Daze. Scavenger hunts, enterwater to enjoy. For hunters and naturalists, three designated wildlife management areas, totaling more tainment, and games in Forest Park and downtown Shelbyville. November 16-December 30: Shelbyville Festival of Lights in Forest than 6,800 acres, are located at the lake’s shores. There are five federal and two state parks with camping and boat launches. Some offer Park. Sunday through Thursday 6 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 6 to 10 beaches as well as equestrian campsites and trails for riding, hiking p.m. December 1, 8, 15: Hometown Holidays in Shelbyville. and biking. December 1: Holiday in Herrick in downtown Herrick. Shelbyville serves as the county seat for Shelby County and feaDecember 1: Old-Fashioned Christmas on Main in downtown tures Forest Park which includes an aquatic center that offers something for everyone in the family such as a zero-depth entry pool, Moweaqua. diving boards, slides, concession stand and sandbox area. The park also offers picnic areas, pavilions, baseball and softball diamonds, a soccer field, athletic center, sunken garden, fishing lagoon, and entrance into the General Dacey trail. Five Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibits tell the story of Abraham Lincoln’s time in Shelbyville. One honors the forgotten debate between Lincoln and Anthony Thornton and is graced by statues designed by John McClarey. Also in Shelby County, the village of Findlay is known as “The Heart of Lake Shelbyville.” The village of Moweaqua is home to the Coal Mine Museum, which houses many artifacts from the area’s 1932 Christmas Eve coal mine disaster, and a Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibit is displayed on Main Street. The village of Cowden is home to one of five covered bridges in the state and hosts a rodeo yearly in its park. The village of Windsor recently celebrated its sesquicentennial and is host to the longest running festival in Illinois, the Windsor Harvest Picnic. Strasburg is known for its gnomes and is host to a Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibit. Stewardson delights with their “Hoofin’ to the Cow” 5K and frightens with the Haunted Barn and Trail. Two Shelby County communities received 2011 Governor’s Hometown Awards, Stewardson for its Haunted Barn and Trail and Shelbyville for the Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest. The county also plays host to three wineries and offers plenty of family friendly and affordable events and attractions. Visit www.lakeshelbyville.com or call 800-874-3529 for updated event listings, attractions, and accommodations.
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2012 Shelby County Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April 20, 21: Spores ’N’ More Morel Mushroom Festival. June 7-10: Moweaqua Pow Wow Days at Moweaqua City Park. July 4: Fireworks at Forest Park in Shelbyville. 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 41
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ATWOOD: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE
Atwood: Country Ambiance, Apple Dumplings, Parades
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amed for the woods surrounding a railroad line 27 miles east of Decatur, Atwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history dates back to 1873, when the area served as a stop for steam train engineers who loaded the trains with water from Lake Fork River. The engineers spoke often of stopping â&#x20AC;&#x153;at-the-woods.â&#x20AC;? A small community began blossoming on both sides of the tracks. In search of a name for their new hometown, settlers chose Atwood. Since the villageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humble beginning, Atwood has grown considerably. Today, 1,400 Illinoisans call the land located in both Piatt and Douglas counties along Route 36 their home. Residents cherish the same wonderful ambiance of a Midwestern country town that brings visitors to Atwood each year. A line that runs through the heart of Atwood on Main Street serves as a boundary marker for the residents of the small farming community. Those living to the west are Piatt County residents, and those to the east of the marker comprise part of Douglas Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population. A history lesson is offered at the Harris Agricultural Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of agriculture and relive the past while observing the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many exhibits. Among other highlights of the community are the many shops. Atwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s businesses offer shoppers such items as clothing, jewelry, floral arrangements, crafts, meals, furniture and meat from an old-fashioned market. Area residents and visitors are urged to mark their calendars for August 17 and 18 when Atwood will host the annual Apple Dumpling Festival. Along with crafts, food, a large parade, a car show and various contests, festival attendees can bite into homemade apple dumplings that come garnished with homemade ice cream. Other community events include Atwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 84-year-old annual Halloween Parade, the All-Around-Town Garage Sale weekends, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kick-Off Christmas Festivitiesâ&#x20AC;? & Parade. For more information about the charming village of Atwood, call the Atwood Chamber of Commerce at 217578-2734 or e-mail at atwoodcoc@yahoo.com. 2012 Atwood Calendar of Events Dates of events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April 7: Easter Egg Hunt. June 1, 2: All-Around-Town Garage Sales. August 17, 18: Apple Dumpling Festival. October 5, 6: All-Around-Town Garage Sales. October 28: 84th Annual Halloween Parade. TBA: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kick-Off Christmas Festivitiesâ&#x20AC;? & Parade.
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PAGE 42 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY
Champaign Co.: Sports, Nightlife, Arts, Diversity
T
he nail-biting excitement of Big Ten Conference sports, the multicultural home of the University of Illinois, unique attractions and a wide variety of nightlife create a true and extremely diverse entertaining experience that awaits visitors to Champaign County. Take the time to sample a county combining the finest aspects of big cities with the values of the prairie. Diversity is reflected in cuisine, entertainment and intellectual stimulation. Whether it is downtown nightlife, Asian to Italian restaurants, blues to boogie, Champaign County has it all. Champaign County is the prime regional hub in east-central Illinois and home to over 100,000 residents. More than 50,000 students from over 100 nations attending the University of Illinois and Parkland College call Champaign County home as well. In addition, Champaign County is known for other recreational opportunities. Many top quality facilities are available to the public, including five forest preserves, pools, outdoor water parks, an indoor aquatic center and more. Quality golf courses are also available in Champaign County with many private courses and two public courses. The diversity within Champaign County has created an infrastructure capable of supporting a strong arts culture and entertainment community. The revitalized downtowns have become the birthplace of stores, galleries and shops allowing for the talent of local artists to come alive. Several local festivals are also growing every year. Visit www.visitchampaigncounty.org, or call (local) 217-351-4133, or (toll-free) 800-369-6151. 2012 Champaign County Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April 19-22: Boneyard Arts Festival, Champaign County. April 20, 21: Festival of Quilts. April 25-29: Roger Ebertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Film Festival, Virginia Theatre, Champaign. April 27, 28: Christie Clinic IL Marathon & 27th Mile Celebrate Victory Bash. May 5: Market at the Square opens for the season. June 4: Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour, Champaign. June 12â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15: Historic Farm Days, Rantoul. June 22â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24: Taste of Champaign, Urbana. June 29, 30: Blues Brew & BBQ, Champaign. July 4: Countywide Fourth of July festivities. July 20â&#x20AC;&#x201C;28: 160th Champaign County Fair.
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve | Mahomet Homer Lake Forest Preserve | Homer Middle Fork River Forest Preserve ÍŽ WÄ&#x17E;ŜĎÄ&#x17E;ĹŻÄ&#x161; River Bend Forest Preserve | Mahomet Sangamon River Forest Preserve | Fisher DĆľĆ?Ä&#x17E;ƾž ŽĨ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; 'Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; WĆ&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E; ,ŽžÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152; >Ä&#x201A;ĹŹÄ&#x17E; /ĹśĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x;Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; >Ä&#x201A;ĹŹÄ&#x17E; ŽĨ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; tŽŽÄ&#x161;Ć? 'ŽůĨ ŽƾĆ&#x152;Ć?Ä&#x17E; DĹ?Ä&#x161;Ä&#x161;ĹŻÄ&#x17E; &Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;ĹŹ Ä&#x201A;ĹľĆ&#x2030;Ĺ?Ć&#x152;ŽƾÄ&#x161; Ĺ˝Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;ĹśĹ?Ä?Ä&#x201A;ĹŻ 'Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ĺś ÍŽ Ĺ˝Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? ÍŽ &Ĺ?Ć?Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ,Ĺ?ĹŹĹ?ĹśĹ? ÍŽ WĹ?Ä?ĹśĹ?Ä?ĹŹĹ?ĹśĹ? ÍŽ tÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä¨Ĺ˝Ç ĹŻ Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;
www.ccfpd.org
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CHARLESTON/MATTOON: COLES COUNTY
Charleston: Rich In Lincoln History, Family Fun, Fine Arts And Culture
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ich in Lincoln history and full of family fun, Charleston is a great getaway destination all year long. Whether visiting for pleasure or business, the city's atmosphere is a perfect blend of historic past, modern culture and progressive growth. Rich Lincoln history is part of Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charm. Charleston was established as the Coles County seat in the 1830s.
The Doudna Fine Arts Center is Eastern Illinois Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest architectural landmark, designed by the internationally famous architect Antoine Predock. This newly renovated and greatly expanded facility boasts several public arts venues: The Theatre, which seats 300; the Black Box studio theater; the 600-seat Dvorak Concert Hall; the 180-seat Recital Hall; the 150-seat Lecture Hall; and several corridor art galleries. The Doudna Fine Arts Center also houses EIUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s departments of Art, Music and Theatre Arts. For more information, visit www.eiu.edu/doudna. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site Lincoln Log Cabin, operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, preserves the last home of Abraham Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father and stepmother, Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln. Although Lincoln was a resident of Springfield by the time his father, Thomas, bought this last farm in 1837, he remained in frequent contact with his father and ex-
Enjoy the famous architecture of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Old Mainâ&#x20AC;? on the EIU campus.
The community grew with the arrival of the railroad system. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas held one of their seven debates in Charleston. To commemorate this historic event, the community of Charleston completed the Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum in 2000 at the Coles County Fairgrounds. On the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Debate Museum, visitors can pose for a photo with the life-sized bronze sculptures of the candidates, watch a film that tells the story of the Charleston debate, explore interactive displays and even try on Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boots and hat. Charleston is also home to Eastern Illinois University, which was founded in 1895 as a teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college. Today, the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus boasts stunning architecture, beautiful landscaping and excellent collegiate sports and fine arts performances.
www.amberoantiques.com
514 Sixth St.,Charleston, IL 61920 (217) 345-4400 cell: (202) 236-9914 info@amberoantiques.com Thurs. - Mon. from 10 a.m.
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tended family in Coles County. As an up-and-coming lawyer, Lincoln traveled the eighth judicial circuit, which brought him through Coles County regularly in the 1840s. During his stay, Lincoln, always concerned for the welfare of his parents, would often make the eight-mile trip south of town for a visit. According to relatives, he regularly came bearing gifts including cash and notes due him for his legal services in Coles County. One such gift was Abraham Lincoln’s purchase of 40 acres of his father’s farm, which he promptly deeded back to him for a life tenancy. Today, Lincoln Log Cabin is an 86-acre historic site that is owned and operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Division of Historic Sites. The site includes an accurate reproduction of the Lincolns’ two-room cabin that was constructed on the original cabin site in 1935 as a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) project.
Historic crafts come alive as the town honors the famous Lincoln/Douglas debates, one of which was held in Charleston in 1858.
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A working living history farm has been developed around the cabin, and a second farmstead, the Stephen Sargent Farm, has been moved to the site to help broaden visitors’ understanding of 1840s rural life in Illinois. One mile north is the Moore Home State Historic Site, scene of president-elect Lincoln’s poignant farewell to his family in January of 1861 before leaving to assume the presidency. The centerpiece of the site is the reconstructed Lincoln farm where daily, between May and October, interpreters go about performing the multitude of tasks involved in maintaining a mid-19th-century farm. The interpreters represent Lincoln’s extended family and offer many insights on the man they know not as president but as a son, a brother, a cousin, and a favored uncle. In addition to experiencing an in-depth look at life in the 1840s, on select weekends throughout the year, a variety of special events showcasing period arts, crafts, and activities take place. For more information on Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, call 217-345-1845, follow the site on Facebook or visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org. 2012 Charleston Calendar of Events Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
April 20-22: Celebration: A Festival of the Arts. For more information, visit www.eiu.edu/~festival, or call 217-581-2113. May 5: Sheep to Clothing at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. For more information, visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org, or call 217-3451845. May 26, 27: 24th Annual Garden Ramble. For more information, visit www.coleshistory.net, or call 217-2356744. June 1: Corn Belt Shrine Club & Tractor Pull. For more information, visit www.itpapulling.com, or call 217-2321477. June 22: Charleston Chamber of Commerce 35th Annual Golf Outing. For more information visit www.charlestonchamber.com, or call 217-345-7041. July 3, 4: Red, White & Blue Days. For more information, visit www.charlestontourism.org, or call 217-345-7691. PAGE 44 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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August 27: Annual Coles County Air Show at Coles County Airport. For more information, visit www.colescountyairport.com, or call 217-234-7120. September 22: Charleston Challenge Duathlon. For more information, visit www.charlestonchallegeduathlon.com or call 217-3456897. November 12: Charleston Challenge 40 Mile Relay. For more information, visit www.charlestonchallengeduathlon.com or call 217345-6897. December 1: Christmas in the Heart of Charleston. Visit historic downtown Charleston filled with the Christmas spirit. For more information, visit www.charlestontourism.org, or call 217348-0430.
Mr. Lincoln often makes appearances in the Charleston area.
July 29-August 5: 159th Annual Coles County Fair at Coles County Fairgrounds. For more information, call 217-345-2656 or visit www.colescountyfair.com. August 12: Annual Bluegrass Jam at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. For more information, visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org, or call 217-345-1845.
For Information On The 2013 Edition Of
Discover Central Illinois Magazine Phone: 217-268-4959 or Email drankin@consolidated.net
2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 45
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CHARLESTON/MATTOON: COLES COUNTY
Mattoon: Lakes, Parks, Baseball & Bagels Draw Thousands Of Visitors
M
attoon traces its history to the mid-1800s, when railroaders constructed the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad. When word spread that the Illinois Central Railroad was also planning to roll its steam engines through the land that is now Mattoon, settlers began to arrive. By 1855, the area had been named for William Mattoon, a prominent railroad man involved in building the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad. Suddenly, land that had previously been home primarily to swamp and prairie grasses, was transformed. Homes and businesses were built at a rapid pace, and, in 1861, the city fathers established Mattoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charter, and growth continued. Today, Mattoon, located just a half-mile west of Interstate 57, is home to more than 20,000 citizens who enjoy an abundance of recreational opportunities. Seven parks serve the community Super 8 Motel by offering lighted tenI-57 & Rte. 16 East nis courts, a large outMattoon, IL 61938 door swimming pool, t Newly Decorated Rooms playgrounds and picnic t Free High-Speed Wireless Internet areas. For lovers of t 61 Clean Comfortable Rooms t Free Super Star Breakfast other outdoor activities, For t Free Local Phone Calls Mattoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two lakes, Reservations t Free Cable TV with HBO, CNN, ESPN Lake Paradise and Lake Call: 217-235-8888 t Non-Smoking Rooms With Queen Bed Mattoon, provide many t Restaurant Next Door or forms of recreation, in1-800-800-8000 t In-Room Safes cluding fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing and camping. Must present coupon upon check-in. No other discounts apply. Coupon Expires Dec. 30, 2012 Mattoon is famed
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PAGE 46 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Mattoon Holiday Lightworks in Peterson Park. for its baseball. Nearly 2,000 baseball and softball enthusiasts participate in leagues in Mattoon, making it the self-proclaimed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baseball Capital of the World.â&#x20AC;? In 2002, the city hosted the inaugural Cal Ripken World Series, a youth baseball tournament established by the great former Baltimore Orioles shortstop. The tournament featured visits by Ripken and many other well-known athletes, and teams from across the globe competed for the national championship. Mattoon is also passionate about bagels. The Mattoon-based Lenderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bagel plant gives Mattoon a unique nickname. Given that the plant regularly produces 1 billion bagels a year, using 80 million pounds of flour and 250,000 pounds of yeast, it was a natural progression when Mattoon was declared the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bagel Capital of the World.â&#x20AC;? To commemorate its status, community members established Mattoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bagelfest, an annual multi-day event held in late July. The festival annually draws about 30,000
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people. Collectively, the group consumes around 40,000 bagels, which are served by volunteers. In 1996, Mattoon’s own Lender’s bagel plant unveiled a 563-pound bagel creation that had been baked in a specially-designed Mattoon’s annual Bagelfest celebration brick oven. The feat draws about 30,000 people annually. was recorded in the 1997 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. 2011 will mark the 26th anniversary of the festival and is sure to be a great celebration. For those interested in Abraham Lincoln, Mattoon was a featured stop on one of Lincoln’s political campaigns. In 1858, Lincoln, then a lawyer, addressed a crowd of townspeople from the east window of the Essex House hotel in Mattoon. Just three years later, Lincoln, newly elected to lead the country, waved farewell to his stepmother, Sarah Bush Lincoln, as his train headed out of Illinois for the White House. By that time, Lincoln’s father, who had settled in the area in 1831, was at final rest in his grave at Shiloh Cemetery, which is located southeast of Mattoon in rural Coles County. Lincoln’s stepmother was buried next to Thomas Lincoln in 1869. Today, Mattoon continues to grow and flourish, but the city still has its small town charm. For example, Mattoon, which is home to the Green Wave, a nickname for Mattoon High School’s athletes that alludes to windswept stalks of corn and soybeans, is still surrounded by countryside where farm tractors till the fertile soil in spring and gather the harvest in the autumn. For more information, call 217-258-6286 or 800-500-6286, or visit www.mattoonillinois.org. 2012 Mattoon Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April 28: Herbfest. July 4: Independence Day Celebration. Call 800-500-6286 or visit www.mattoon.illinois.gov. July 17-21: Annual Bagelfest Celebration. For more information, visit www.mattoonbagelfest.com. July 20-23: Mattoon Bagelfest Softball Tournament. August 25: Coles County Airport Airshow. November 16-December 26: Mattoon Lightworks. Enjoy the lights of the season in beautiful Peterson Park.
OAKLAND: COLES COUNTY
Oakland: New Englandstyle Village Treat
History buffs will want to visit the Dr. Rutherford home.
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tep back in time and visit Oakland, a small New England-style village located in the heart of Central Illinois. Just minutes east of Interstate 57, exit 203, on Illinois Route HEBRON HILLS CAMPING 133, visitors will find a ✫ Fishing ✫ Camping ✫ Swimming potpourri of village activities to help them ✫ Relaxing ✫ All sites in the shade relax and unwind. May 15 - October 15 Visitors will find ✫ Cabins ✫ Seasonal sites golfing on the local golf course, swimming ✫ Full hookup sites at the Oakland Swim✫ Primitive tent sites ming Pool and camping 217-346-3385 at one of the parks or campgrounds. Visitors Reservations Required are also encouraged to 14349 N. County Rd. 2350 E. stop by Walnut Point Oakland, IL 61943 State Park just north of James & Dawn Cooper, owners Continued On Page 73
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“Father/Son Camp” At Walnut Point State Park For details: www.fathersoncamp.org 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 47
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WINERIES
Area Wineries: A Unique — And Tasty — Experience
W
hile many people may not associate Central Illinois with wine making, picturesque wineries and vineyards located in the region will delight visitors’ taste buds with their unique wine offerings. Visitors are welcome to “unwine” off the beaten path as wineries in the region offer entertainment, B&Ws (Bed & Wine) and other accommodations amid the beautiful scenery and peaceful ambiance of Central Illinois.
Forsee Vineyards & Winery A part of the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail, Forsee Vineyards and Winery, located at 18165 N. 4th Ave., Coffeen IL, in Montgomery County, opened in early 2008. The winery and vineyard are nestled in a landscape of rolling hills, peppered with oaks and vines. According to Diane Forsee, “We originally sold beef that we raised on our farm. We decided to find something to complement steak and wine was an easy choice. We planted grapes in 2003, built the winery in 2006 and began making wine. By 2008, the tasting room was opened and we have been open year-round ever since.” The cows have been replaced by 9 acres of vineyards, providing a relaxing atmosphere for visitors to enjoy a picnic basket and a glass of Forsee Vineyards & Winery Forsee wine. Forsee Vineyards and Winery is located on Route 185 between Hillsboro, IL, and Vandalia, IL. Visitors can see the copper roofs shining from the highway. Forsee Vineyards and Winery offers a beautiful wooded setting away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Patios and an open pavilion offer views of shaded woods and vineyards. Indoor seating is also available. Visitors may enjoy complementary wine tastings, choose their favorite from 15 wines, and then stroll the vineyards, glass in hand, with their favorite friend. Summer sausage, cheese and crackers are also available, as well as premium bottled beer and freshly made sangria. Live music is offered Saturday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. The schedule can be seen at www.forseevineyards.com or on the winery’s Facebook page. For information on accommodations, call 217-534-6347. Forsee Vineyards and Winery is open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 10 p.m.
Sleepy Creek Vineyards Wine country in east central Illinois? Sure, why not. At least that’s what Joe and Dawn Taylor said when starting second careers in the Illinois wine industry. Joe Taylor, having been self-employed most of his life, wanted to start something new and Dawn Taylor, having always worked for someone else, was ready to try something new, too. As a result, the pair started Sleepy Creek and opened the winery in 2007. According to the Taylors, growing 10 acres of grapes is hard but rewarding work, especially when the efforts result in a satisfying glass of wine and good company. Sleepy Creek Vineyards is located at 8254 E. 1425 North Road, Fairmount, IL, in scenic Vermilion County, near the Middle Fork, a National Scenic River, and the Salt Fork rivers. There is plenty to do during a visit to Sleepy Creek, as both rivers are great for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Also, Kickapoo Sleepy Creek Vineyards State Park, Middlefork Fish & Wildlife Area, and Kennekuk County Park are nearby. The parks offer hiking, biking, camping, hunting, horseback riding, bird watching and more for the outdoor enthusiast. Situated just 3.5 miles off Interstate 74 between Danville and Champaign/Urbana, the home of the University of Illinois, visitors are just a short drive from restaurants, museums, galleries, shopping, antiquing and a wide variety of entertainment. Another unique feature at Sleepy Creek Vineyards is its B&W (Bed & Wine). A perfect place to “unwine,” Sleepy Creek's B&W is located above the working winery and taste room in a rustic, timber frame barn. The scenic 10-acre vineyard is just steps away. Sleepy Creek Vineyards is open year round, seven days a week. For more information, call 217-733-0330 or email at info@sleepycreekvineyards.com or visit www.sleepycreekvineyards.com.
Tuscan Hills Winery Tuscan Hills Winery is a family-owned and operated business. The winery’s award winning winemaker and American Wine Society judge, Dr. Larry Jackson, has more than 30 years of wine making experience and is especially focused on creating well-balanced wines of the highest quality.
Wines produced from our own family orchard & vineyard
We can host your • wedding • corporate parties • birthday • anniversary 307 Second Street Alma, IL , 62807 • 618-322-3875 18165 North 4th Avenue, Coffeen, IL 62017 ZZZ IRUVHHYLQH\DUGV FRP
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In addition to offering award winning wines, Tuscan Hills Winery also focuses on creating an old world Tuscan feel in the heart of the Midwest — perfect for weddings, corporate or private events. Live entertainment on most weekends is also offered. An experienced, knowledgeable and friendly staff is on hand to guide visitors through the winery’s ever-changing portfolio of artistically crafted and well-balanced selection of wines. Along with Tuscan Hills Winery its wine selection, Tuscan Hills Winery also offers specialty beers and various non-alcoholic beverages. Visitors are encouraged to make sure to check the winery’s wonderful gift and gourmet food selections — which truly offers something for every palate. Visitors are welcome to visit the winery’s award-winning building, located conveniently off I-57/I-70 exit 162 behind the Harley Barn on Historic Hills Drive in Effingham, IL. Tuscan Hills Winery is open 7 days a week (excluding major holidays). For more information or to view an events calendar, visit www.effinghamwinery.com or call 217347-9463 (WINE).
Orchard View Winery Located at 307 Second St., in Alma, IL, Orchard View Winery’s story began in 2007, but stems from a family-owned peach and apple orchard business, which has been running more than 100 years. In 2007, Brad Mazanek, who owns the winery with his wife, Lisa, started on a journey to bring the finest wines to central Illinois. Located just a short trip off of Interstate 57, exiting at the Kinmundy, IL, exit, visitors can sample some of the wines that the winery has made using the best picked fruits from the family orchard and vineyard. “We have produced wines that you can enjoy with old friends while making new friends, Brad Mazanek said. “It’s a fun place to hang out, that’s for sure. We take pride in the fact that not many wineries can actually say that they produce the fruit that they make their wine from — this sets us apart from other wineries. I know exactly the right fruit to pick and when to pick it to make a perfect wine.” Mazanek had a dream in 2007 to take a barn in his backyard that used to house livestock and turn it into a winery. It seemed impossible and sounded like a lot of hard work, but Mazanek is no stranger to hard work. The Mazaneks are well known in the sleepy little community of Alma. The family name is synonymous in the area with fresh fruits since they have been a top producer of apples and peaches as well as
nectarines. Mazanek knew he had the best apples and peaches along with the desire to make a good wine. He then thought, “Why not grow grapes, too.” Coupled with his hard work ethic and knowledge, Mazanek began on a journey to slowly turn the cattle barn into a beautiful winery. He poured concrete in the old barn along with installing heat in the floors and put in a ceiling with beams and air conditioning. Another beautiful feature of the barn is the hayloft, which has been turned into an additional banquet hall. Several couples have been married in the hayloft area. The loft area offers atmosphere along with plenty of seating. In the back of the winery, Mazanek made a production room to start the wine making process. Just outside is a covered porch area where visitors can sit and look out at the vineyard while watching the sunset. A vast yard is available where people have set up huge tents and held their wedding receptions at the winery. A fire pit is also available. Brad and Lisa Mazanek have had great help along the way from friends and neighbors who have assisted in many tasks — from bottling wine, to putting on labels or lending a hand wherever needed. Brad Mazanek says that winemaking and owning a winery is a tricky business of balancing his love of farming, and running a huge peach and apple orchard. Lisa Mazanek takes an important roll in the business greeting clients and conducting wine tastings. She is employed as a full time teacher at Kinmundy. She also keeps the grounds looking great and her husband admits he couldn’t be successful in the winery business without her. The business has been Orchard View Winery growing steadily every year and now has a website, www.orchardviewwinery.com, and is also on Facebook. “People enjoy hosting parties at our place. We have the ability to hold anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, and corporate and political events,” Lisa Mazanek said. “It really keeps things exciting around here.” This year the Mazaneks hope to add to the winery’s hours. “We hope you can come by and share in our wine, and find this as relaxing of a winery as we do. It is really beautiful out here.” Brad Mazanek said. Brad Mazanek made his first batch of wine years ago, and he hasn’t looked back since. “We are excited about another great year coming up,” he said. “If you’re traveling through the area, it is well worth getting off the beaten path to visit Orchard View Winery.”
2200 Historic Hills Drive (From I-57/70 Exit 162) • Effingham, Illinois 62401 www.effinghamwinery.com • 217-347-WINE(9463)
Hours Of Operation Mon-Thurs; 12 - 7 pm Fri-Sat; 10 am - 10 pm Sunday; 1 - 6 pm
Try any one of our awardwinning wines, craft beers, cheeses, meats, and gifts. We also offer non-alcoholic beverages and have live entertainment most weekends.
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GREENUP: CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Historic Greenup: ‘Village Of The Porches’
Greenup’s business district is listed on the National Registry Of Historic Buildings.
Log Cabin and Fox Ridge State iscover historic Greenup, Park are located in Coles County, the “Village of the just 12 to 14 miles north of Porches” and the “GateGreenup. way to Lincoln Log Cabin State Greenup is beautiful throughPark,” as it looks toward a bright out the entire year. In the future built on its ties to the past. spring, blooming redbud trees Located along Interstate 70 on line Cumberland Street, and one side and the National Road the summer months find a va(U.S. 40) on the other side, riety of flowers in bloom on Greenup continues to climb into each corner. The fall foliage elite company as a tourist destiis gorgeous, and during the nation by combining its rich hisChristmas season, the overtory, beautiful landscape and hanging porches are decked plentiful arts and crafts shops with greenery and lights. with exciting new attractions. For information, please visit Greenup is a village of 1,532 This 200-foot span covered bridge is located www.villageofgreenup.com. residents with architecture that on the National Road west of Greenup. gives it a look from a bygone era. The business district is listed on the National Registry of Historic 2012 Calendar of Events Dates of events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities. Buildings. Many of the store fronts have over-hanging porches from April-December: Hootenanny. First Saturday of the month. Free the second story. Some think these porches suggest the look of a westmusical entertainment. ern town, and others see a New Orleans flair. The main street, or CumApril 7: Easter Egg Hunt. berland Street, is also part of the National Road. Greenup has the July 7: Tractor Pull. Cumberland County Fair Association, distinction of having one of the longest continuous drivable sections www.thecumberlandcountyfair.com. of the National Road still in existence. August 19-25: Cumberland County Fair. Thoroughbred and harOne mile west of downtown on the National Road is the Cumberland ness races, tractor pulls, 4-H shows, musical entertainment, DemoliCounty Covered Bridge. This 200-foot span timber bridge, built in 2000, tion Derby, kiddie carnival. Visit www.thecumberlandcountyfair.com. is a replica of the original “Jackson-style” covered bridge. History conOctober 4-6: Greenup Fall Festival. Craft fair and parade joined tinues to be preserved in Greenup with the 1870s Depot and Johnson together with food and fun. Building; both are restored and were relocated along Cumberland Street. December 7: Visit with Santa. Hotdogs, drinks, treat bags and picGreenup is also located in the heart of Lincoln territory. Several locations are marked with “Abraham Lincoln Visited Here.” Lincoln tures with Santa.
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Come to Greenup for a fun-filled weekend and experience small town charm. Greenup is rich in history, antiques, crafts, shopping and food. reenup is a village of 1,532 residents. Its architecture is lost in time. The business district is listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. Many of the store fronts have over-hanging porches from their second story. Some think these porches suggest the look of a western town, and others see a New Orleans flair. The main street or Cumberland Street is also a part of the National Road. Cumberland County Covered Bridge Greenup has the distinction of having one of the longest continuous driveable sections of the National Road still in existence. One mile west of downtown on the National Road is the Cumberland County Covered Bridge. This 200-foot-span timber bridge, built in 2000, is a replica of the original “Jackson-styled” covered bridge. History continues to be pre1870’s Depot served in Greenup with the 1870’s Depot and Johnson Building; both are restored and were relocated along Cumberland Street.
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Overhanging Porches of Greenup
Greenup Military Museum
Greenup is also located in the heart of Lincoln territory. Several locations are marked with “Abraham Lincoln Visited Here.” Lincoln Log Cabin and Fox Ridge State Park are located in Coles County just 12 to 14 miles north of Greenup. Greenup is beautiful throughout the year. In the Spring, blooming red bud trees line Cumberland Street, the summer months find a variety of flowers in bloom on each corner. The fall foliage is gorgeous and during the Christmas Season the overhanging porches are decked with greenery and lights. You’re invited to stay at one of our motels or bed & breakfast. Budget Host is at the Interstate 70 exit, the The Greenup Inn motel is located on South Route 130 only a short distance from downtown Greenup. For more information, visit www.villa geofgreenup.com.
Greenup 2012 Calendar of Events Dates of events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information.
April 07, 2012: Easter Egg Hunt 1:00 p.m.
July 07, 2012: Tractor Pull Cumberland County Fair Association
thecumberlandcountyfair.com
August 19-25, 2012: Cumberland County Fair thecumberlandcountyfair.com Thoroughbred and Harness races, Tractor Pulls, 4-H Shows, Musical entertainment, Demolition Derby and a Carnival for the kids
October 4, 5 & 6 2012: Greenup Fall Festival A craft fair and parade are joined together with food and fun.
December 07, 2012: Visit with Santa 6:00 p.m. Hotdogs, Drinks, Treat bags and pictures with Santa
1st Saturday evening of the month at 7:00p.m. Hootenanny Free musical entertainment
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BETHANY: MOULTRIE COUNTY
Village Of Bethany Growing Strong
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ethany, located seven miles west of Sullivan on Illinois Route 121, is a community that offers much to both visitors and residents. A unique feature of Bethany is that the city owns and operates all of its utilities. For visitors, another important feature is the village’s location. Bethany is located just 18 miles from the metropolitan commerce center of Decatur, but it still manages to offer a serene setting with close proximity to Lake Shelbyville, one of the top recreational lakes in Illinois. The residents of Bethany believe in continuing to provide a safe community, strong schools and opportunities for the benefit of all the residents. Families are welcome to enjoy the atmosphere of a small town. Bethany was originally known as Marrowbone. The name was established by two hunters who camped for a night in the area. Scattered bones left over from a meal of venison led them to call their camp Marrowbone. A short time later, in 1828, the first settlers came to Marrowbone Township and progress soon followed. By 1877, Bethany was incorporated as a village, and included brick store buildings, a grist mill, a water mill, churches and a railroad. By 1881, there were 1,595 residents in Bethany. With 1,352 current residents, Bethany has managed to maintain the peaceful ambiance of a small-town, middle-American community. In 2002, Bethany’s residents joined together to celebrate the village’s 125th birthday. Much of the celebration was held at one of the city’s top locations, Crowder Park. Built in 1977, the park includes 70 acres and features three pavilions, athletic fields, a playground, tennis courts, a bike trail, skate park and restroom facilities. For local events and information, visit myweb.cebridge.net/bethmayr/index.html. 2012 Bethany Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead at 217-665-3351 for specific information and additional activities.
May 4, 5: Spring Town-Wide Rummage Sale. June 22, 23: Bethany Celebration at Crowder Park. September 14, 15: Fall Town-Wide Rummage Sale. December 1: Santa Comes to Town, Area Events and Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
PARIS: EDGAR COUNTY
Paris In Illinois — A View To The Future
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aris, IL, is one of the Midwest’s best kept community secrets — a town whose values might have been painted by Norman Rockwell, but with eyes wide open to the best promises of the 21st century. After spending most of the 20th century with few changes, Paris began to grow in the 1980s and 1990s. Paris is as quick to show off its new industrial parks, retail areas and residential subdivisions, as it is to have visitors tour the historic courthouse square or meander through magnificent neighborhoods established in the 19th century. In late September, Paris sweetens the autumn season with a bit of honey during its annual Honeybee Festival. The three-day festival attracts throngs of folks looking for family fun and a bit of the sweet nectar. The festival is partly a celebration of the invaluable contributions of the honey bee to the area’s agriculture. Shoppers can enjoy the traditional downtown square surrounding the Edgar County Courthouse. Quilters won’t want to miss Lori’s Pins ’n’ Needles, where over 3,000 bolts of fabric, along with books and patterns, delight customers. For more information, call the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism at 217-465-4179. 2012 Paris Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April TBA: American Heart Association Heart Walk. June 8-10: Edgar County Shrine BBQ & Parade. June 23: Edgar County 4-H BBQ. July 4: Independence Day Celebration with parade at noon. July 20-25: Edgar County 4-H Fair. July 21-28: Edgar County Fair. August 4: American Cancer Society® Relay for Life. September 28-30: Annual Kiwanis Honeybee Festival. October 1-31: Pumpkin Works open daily. November 3: Community Prayer Breakfast. November 22-January 1, 2013: Holiday in the Park. December 7: Christmas in the Park, city of Paris.
Lori’s Pins ‘n Needles “Quilters’ Headquarters” Just 30 minutes from Arcola
Over 3000 Bolts of Fabric Books • Patterns • Classes ––––––––––––––––––
Authorized Husqvarna Viking and Baby Lock Sewing Machines Sales and Service
1122 North Main Street Paris, Illinois 61944 (217) 465-5541 Email: loris@comwares.net www.lorisviking.com
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MON - THURS 9 am — 6 pm FRIDAY 9 am — 8 pm SATURDAY 9 am — 5 pm
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MARSHALL: CLARK COUNTY
Marshall: History, Recreation, Art, Music
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arshall is situated a few minutes south of Interstate 70 at Exit 147 at the intersection of Illinois Route 1 and U.S. Route 40 (also known as the National Road). The National Road Welcome Center is situated in the upper level of Harlan Hall, located at 603 Locust St. in Marshall. The Welcome Center utilizes dioramas, mannequins and audio/visual displays, along with maps and kiosks, to depict the construction and history of the National Road. Brochures from communities along the Illinois National Road are available to travelers as well as souvenirs for purchase. Admission is free. Please call 217-826-2498 for current hours of operation. Other places of interest include The Gas Light Art Colony, located at 516 Archer Ave. The gallery hosts shows throughout the year. Visit www.gaslightartcolony.com or call 217-808-2115. Visitors are encouraged to view the Clark County Veteran’s Memorial on the northwest corner of the Courthouse Square, where bricks contain the names of those who served in the military. Close by is a life-size bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln as he looked in the 1850s when he practiced law in the Clark County Courthouse. Lincoln Trail State Park and Mill Creek Park attract thousands of visitors annually. Both parks offer traditional camping and water activities with ATV trails, horse trails and cabin rentals available at Mill Creek Park. For those who would rather spend the day golfing, the Marshall Golf Course offers a 9-hole course. The Marshall Bowling Alley is open year round for family fun. City band concerts, along with ice cream socials, are held Friday nights starting at 8 p.m., from mid-June through mid-August, on the Courthouse Square. The concerts are free. The City Band is the oldest continually performing band in the state. In addition, many community organizations host a variety of events during the year.
History buffs will find an impressive list of things to discover in Marshall. They can start by picking up a copy of the booklet “Tour of Historic Marshall, Illinois” from the Main Street office at 708 Archer Ave., or view it online on the city’s website, www.marshall-il.com. The booklet contains information about Marshall’s rich history, historic buildings and sites. Seven of these are on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Archer House, one of Illinois’ oldest hotels that boast stays by Abraham Lincoln and Grover Cleveland; Lincoln’s law papers in the Clark County Courthouse; and the Stone Arch Bridge, constructed in 1831 on the National Road that is still in use today. Visitors can stop at Marshall’s Log Cabin Visitor’s Center, located at the intersection of Illinois Route 1 and Archer Avenue, to pick up more information about Marshall’s sites and events. Visit www.clarkcountyilnow.com or call 217-826-8087. 2012 Marshall Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April 21: Ladies Tea sponsored by Marshall Main Street. May 12: Garden Fair at the Clark County Fairgrounds. June, July, August: City Band Concerts downtown on Friday nights. June 8, July 6, August 3: Main St. Downtown Markets prior to concerts. July 4: Fourth of July Celebration at the Clark County Fairgrounds. July 29-August 4: Clark County Fair. August 3: Main St. All American Night/Lemonade Stand Contest. September 14-16: Marshall Autumn Fest downtown. September 15: Marshall Main Street Great Ball Race downtown. October TBA: Marshall’s Halloween Frolic downtown. December 1: Hometown Holly Day downtown. December 1-31: Festival of Lights Drive-through at fairgrounds.
Experience Marshall, Illinois AREA ATTRACTIONS Gaslight Art Colony Lincoln papers displayed in the Courthouse Lincoln Statue on the Courthouse Square Lincoln Trail State Park Mill Creek Park National Road Welcome Ctr. at Historic Harlan Hall Stone Arch Bridge Veterans Memorial 2 Log Cabins
LODGING * DINING * SHOPPING * EVENTS To Request a Complete Schedule of Events or a Brochure, Call 217-826-8087 Or Visit www.marshall-il.com I-70 Exit 147 2 Miles South 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 53
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GREENVILLE: BOND COUNTY
Greenville: Museums, Antiques, Specialty Shops
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ocated where State Route 127 intersects with Interstate 70, Greenville was founded in 1815 and is the county seat of Bond County. Greenville College was founded in 1855 as the all-female school, Almira College. The original Almira College building, 315 E. College, now houses the Richard W. Bock Sculpture Museum. Bock’s sculptures were often incorporated into the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Greenville is also home to DeMoulin Bros. & Co., a factory founded in 1892 that is today the nation’s leading maker of marching band uniforms.
The DeMoulin Museum, 110 W. Main, provides a fascinating look at the company’s origin as a manufacturer of fraternal lodge initiation devices. The Bond County Historical Society’s HoilesDavis Museum, 318 W. Winter, showcases Civil War artifacts, vintage clothing and toys, and The Bond County Historical Society’s ephemera related to local Hoiles-Davis Museum showcases Civil history. The area’s agri- War artifacts, vintage clothing and toys. cultural heritage is spotlighted at the American Farm Heritage Museum, on Museum Avenue parallel to I-70. The AFHM is also home to a 15-inch gauge passenger train and a replica of Hill’s Fort, an early 19th century fort that served as the first county seat. The One Room School Museum, at Beaumont Avenue and Wyatt Street, is open by appointment. Abraham Lincoln’s 1858 U.S. Senate campaign and Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential run brought both men to Greenville. Each site is marked. Greenville offers a variety of antique and specialty shopping. A very popular draw is the Marcoot Jersey Dairy and Creamery, 526 Dudleyville Road. Operated by a family that has spent generations in the dairy business, the creamery has garnered national and regional coverage. Recreational opportunities include Governor Bond Lake, the Kingsbury Park District’s nature preserve, and Patriot’s Park. For more information, visit www.greenvilleusa.org or call 888-8628201. 2012 Greenville Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
March 31: Bond County Historical Society’s Quilt Show. May 4, 5: Agape Christian Music Festival. June 9: Summerfest Car Show. July 4: Fireworks Show. July 27-29: Farm Heritage Festival. August. 1-7: Bond County Fair. September Date (TBA): Our Common Ground’s Art Walk. October 6: Apple Day. November 23: “Come Home for Christmas” celebration. December 1: Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar.
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VANDALIA: FAYETTE COUNTY
Vandalia: Former State Capitol And More
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tanding in the foyer of the Old State Capitol, one might expect a young Abraham Lincoln to come bounding down the winding staircase after a House of Representatives session. The oldest remaining state capitol building in Illinois is located at the intersection of the National Road (U.S. 40) and U.S. Route 51 in the city of Vandalia. The beautifully restored building welcomes visitors who want to experience the early years of Lincoln’s legislative career (1834-1839). Ten new Lincoln Wayside Exhibits have been erected downtown at Rogier Park and the Old State Cemetery. These story boards feature little known facts from President Lincoln’s life and times in Vandalia. Visitors may not know that Lincoln proposed to a woman named Mary Owens before he met Mary Todd or that Lincoln and Stephen Douglas first met here, and that Lincoln’s first official stand against slavery was in Vandalia. At Lincoln Park, young and old alike can have their photo taken sitting next to young Mr. Lincoln with the capitol in the background. This sculpture was created by now famous sculptor, John McClary, and was his first. Directly north of the Statehouse is the Fayette County Museum, located in the historic Presbyterian Church built in 1867. This building is on the National Register of Historic Places and houses a collection of Vandalia and Lincoln-era historical items. Visitors can hold a hand tool traced back to Lincoln that are etched with the initials “A.L.” One block to the west on 5th Street, visitors can take delight in the only National Road Interpretive Center in Illinois. The Center reminds visitors that Vandalia was the terminus of the National Road, which began in Baltimore, MD. The Center routinely adds exhibits to its fine collection and has an audiovisual presentation room as well. Today, cars, trucks and motorcycles drive the same road once traversed by covered wagons and horses. Vandalia isn’t just a place for history buffs or those seeking heritage information, it is also a thriving community that just completed a downtown enhancement project of more than $4 million. Quaint shops, new restaurants, period style lights and benches make for a relaxing downtown experience. In addition, there are five hotels, cabins and plenty of interesting places to shop and dine throughout the city. While staying in Vandalia, visit The Dutch Prairie Mennonite Shops and Settlement area, which are southeast of Vandalia and home to many cottage industries. Handcrafted items are produced at more than 20 businesses on the Prairie, including fruits, flowers, vegetables, handmade cabinets, furniture and rugs. A variety of repair shops, harness and tack and other services can also be found, along with a country store that serves homemade lunches Monday through Saturday. Lake Vandalia, north of Vandalia on Route 185, is a 660-acre lake with camping, swimming, boating and fishing facilities the entire family will enjoy. Multiple fishing tournaments are conducted each year, as well as the Lion’s Club Fireworks on the weekend nearest the 4th of July. In addition, Vandalia has multiple day spas, Indian Springs, a four-star golf course nearby, Forsee Winery, the BuckStop 3-D Archery Range, Keck’s Marsh private hunting club and the Kaskaskia Supply fire breathing dragon. Visitors can enjoy the more than 60 acres of parks with walking trails, including the brand new Riverwalk, which takes visitors on a rustic nature trail hike to the banks of the Kaskaskia River via the former Illinois Central Railroad line south of town. Vandalia offers visitors truly a Lincoln, and so much more, experience. For a complete calendar of events, call 618-283-2728 or visit www.vandaliaillinois.com.
April-October: Cruise-In at Vandalia Sonic. First and third Fridays. Call 618-267-4960. May 27: Vandalia Memorial Day Service. Call 618-283-0832. May 31-June 2: Ramsey Daze. Carnival. Lion’s Park. 618-423-2509. June 9: Antique Tractor Pull. Ramsey Lion’s Park. 618-423-2509. June 16-24: Pro/Amateur Town & Country Art Show. 618-283-4866. July 3: Fireworks at Vandalia Lake. Call 618-283-1736. July 8-14: Fayette County Fair. Call 618-347-2429. August 24-26: Midwest All Ford Nationals-Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Car Show and Swap Meet. Vandalia Lake. Call 618-283-4458. August TBA: BuckStop Archery Customer Appreciation Days. Call 618-427-5264. August 24, 25: Prairie Days. Village of St. Peter. Call 618-349-6180. September 1-3: City of St. Elmo Labor Day Celebration. Call 618-8293319. September 22: Vandalia Alumni Weekend. Call 618-283-4251. September 29: Harvest Festival. Downtown Vandalia. 618-283-2728. September 28, 29: Grand Levee. Call 618-283-1161. September 29: Vandalia High School Marching Band Competition. Call Tony Hicks, 618-283-5155. October 25: Vandalia Halloween Parade. Call 618-283-4076. November or December TBA: Old Tyme Christmas. Call 618-2832728. November 11: Veteran’s Day Program. Call 618-283-0832. December 1: Rotary Christmas Parade. Call 618-283-1141. December 8: Vandalia Statehouse-Holiday Open House and candlelight tours of Illinois’ Oldest Capitol building. Call 618-283-1161.
2012 Vandalia Area Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April 7: Ramsey Lion’s Club Community Auction. Call 618-423-2411. April 8: Vandalia Lion’s Club Easter Egg Hunt. 2 p.m. 618-283-0084. April 30: Lion’s Club Circus. (www.kellymillercircus.com). 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 55
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CASEY: CLARK COUNTY
Casey’s Popcorn Fest To Celebrate 25th Birthday
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ome call it an end of summer festival and others think of it as the beginning of the fall season. Casey residents will tell you that the Casey Popcorn Festival is just good old-fashioned family fun. The 25th edition of the annual Labor Day event is scheduled for September 1, 2 and 3. Festival promoters are planning an extra special lineup of entertainment for the 25th birthday of the festival. Visitors are welcome to join in the celebration. www.popcornfestival.net.
Casey celebrates its 25th Annual Popcorn Festival. The festival is held in the beautiful and much used century-old Casey Fairview Park. Built in the late 1890s with the assistance of area Civil War veterans, the park has enjoyed a long history of events. Visitors comment about the beauty and the resources that the park provides. A tranquil pond divides the park. A water fountain on each side of the bridge sprays a fine mist as visitors cross the park pond. Sheltered picnic pavilions, a 50-unit capacity campground, swimming pool, girls softball and boys baseball diamonds, tractor pull arena, horseshoe courts, horse show arena and a large modern fenced playground keep this park busy all the time. The Casey Popcorn Festival has earned its reputation as “The Premier
Sept. 1-3, 2012 t $BTFZ 'BJSWJFX 1BSL $BTFZ *-
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Family Festival” in the two-state area. Activities that can be enjoyed by all ages have been the strength of the festival. Organizers provide a schedule of events that are family friendly with the emphasis on family. Visitors will not find a beer tent at the Casey Popcorn Festival. Festivalgoers will find kids, mom and dad, and grandpa and grandma all making memories of this generation’s good old days. Music fills the air almost continuously for three days. Live bands featuring oldies, classic rock, country and southern gospel can be found on the main stage and the audience sits in shade-covered comfort. Kids entertainment such as ventriloquists, magicians and illusionists, and animal shows are just some of the entertainment that has been offered in past festivals. Conveniently timed repeating shows ensure the festival visitor of being able to enjoy the acts. Many visitors will tell you that they will go to all three shows of each act during the day. A huge quality carnival provides rides and amusement for big or small. More than 60 craft booths set in a tree covered area makes for comfortable and enjoyable surroundings for vendors and visitors alike. The large car show and tractor pulls are well known in Illinois and Indiana. Lots of good festival food and let's not forget, FREE POPCORN — the official snack food of Illinois — are available. More than 1,500 pounds of popcorn will be popped and given away by local volunteers in a replica turn-of-the-century popper. Every family needs to experience the joy of the Casey Popcorn Festival. David Browning, nationally known Barney Fife impersonator and frequent festival performer, calls it the Mayberry of the Midwest. Call 217-232-2676, or visit www.popcornfestival.net. 2012 Casey Calendar of Events Dates of events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April 17: Culpepper & Merriweather Circus. Fairview Park. Call Debbie Hutton, Park & Recreation Director at 217-932-2600. May 19, 20: Relay for Life. Fairview Park. Call Traci Johnson at 217218-3158. May 26: Horseshoe Tournament. Fairview Park. For more information, call Wayne Davis at 217-932-2787. June 30 or July 7 (TBA): Illinois Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame Game & Induction Ceremony. Fairview Park. For more information, call Joe Snedeker at 217-932-5911 or 217-932-3911. July 1: Casey Corner Car Show. U.S. 40 & IL Route 49. For more information, call Bobby Staley at 217-932-3007. July 3, 4: 4th of July Celebration. Fairview Park. For more information, call Debbie Hutton, Park & Recreation Director, at 217-932-2600. July 4: Horseshoe Tournament. Fairview Park. For more information, call Wayne Davis at 217-932-2787. July 27-29: 2nd Annual Illinois ASA Men’s Wooden Bat State Tournament. Fairview Park. Call Joe Snedeker at 217-932-5911 or 217-932-3911. July 27-29: Casey Open Golf Tournament. Casey Country Club. For more information, call 217-932-2030. September 1-3: 25th Annual Popcorn Festival. Fairview Park. For more information, call Bernie Morgan at 217-232-2676. September 29: Casey Softball Classic Tournament & Local Induction Ceremony. Fairview Park. Call John McDaniel at 217-398-1197 or 217649-0475. December TBA: Live Nativity in the Park. Fairview Park. Call Debbie Hutton, Park & Recreation Director, at 217-932-2600. December 1: Breakfast with Santa & Christmas in the Park. Fairview Park. Call Debbie Hutton, Park & Recreation Director, at 217-932-2600. December 9: Casey Historical Society House Walk. For more information, call Patty Richards at 217-932-5463.
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ROBINSON: CRAWFORD COUNTY
Robinson/Crawford County: Rich In History And Birthplace Of Famous Candy Treat
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istoric Crawford County Illinois has something for everyone — historic sites, golf courses, camping, recreational lakes and rivers, unique shops, family-oriented annual events, museums, fine dining and excellent hotel/motel accommodations. The county offers three golf courses, including the beautiful Quail Creek Country Club, which has been host to PGA tour events. A forest preserve, hiking, biking and horseback trails, sports courts, beautiful parks, fishing lakes, a conservation area and campsites are located throughout the county. The free-flowing Wabash River serves as the winding eastern edge of Crawford County Illinois. Crawford County was formed on December 31, 1816, and is located in the central eastern portion of the state. The county was named in honor of William H. Crawford, a United States Senator from Georgia who also served his country as Minister of France, Secretary of War, and Secretary of the Treasury. He was also a prominent presidential candidate in 1824. Crawford County consists of several unique communities, each with its own distinguishing features. Robinson, the county seat, is home to the late writer James Jones, author of From Here to Eternity and The Thin Red Line, and well as boasting the birthplace of the Heath Candy Bar. Hershey Chocolate, producers of the Heath Bar, along with Marathon Petroleum, and Lincoln Trail College make their home in Robinson. Retail choices include clothing, jewelry, antiques, home décor, specialty foods, floral and garden shops. Oblong, located on the western edge of the county, also offers a variety of unique retailers. Collectibles, quilt and sewing supplies, handcrafted gifts, floral, and furnishings can be found along Main Street in Oblong. The Oil Field Museum in Oblong is one of only seven such facilities in the nation. It features two buildings of displays, tools, books and literature, working models and photographs regarding the boom days of oil discovery in Crawford County Illinois in the early 1900s. Palestine is the oldest town in the state of Illinois still Crawford County Courthouse in its original location. The entire business district is listed on the National Historic Register, and many turn-of-the-century buildings house art galleries, antique and collectable stores, and gift shops. Visitors come from all around to visit this historic village full of rich history. Palestine is home to the Fife Opera House, the annual Pioneer City Rodeo and Labor Day Festival, and many other history rich events throughout the year. Hustonville, at the Wabash River Bridge on the northeast edge of the county, features the Hutson Memorial Village. A “town” made up of original, furnished log cabins, a log barn, and log church, is named in honor of the Isaac Hutson family which was massacred by Indians in 1813. Each year, the event is re-enacted, and several other family oriented events are held at the complex throughout the year. Antique and specialty stores round out the village, along with a bookstore located in the house where Illinois’ ninth governor, August French, was married. PAGE 58 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Flat Rock may not be the retail mecca of the county, but it does get a big “thumbs up” when it comes to a great milk shake, fresh pie, and friendly conversation. The annual Flat Rock Homecoming is a great time to visit
The Annual Pioneer City Labor Day Festival features the “BullBash on the Wabash.” the village for memorable family fun. After a disastrous fire in 1912, an ordinance was passed that all new buildings must be constructed of brick. The town has more concrete sidewalk per capita than anywhere in the nation. Experience a lifetime of happiness in Crawford County. Everything is at a person’s fingertips — friendly neighborhoods, quality education, modern health care facilities, noteworthy recreation and premium shopping choices. Business opportunities are welcomed with open arms. Contact the City of Robinson at (618) 544-7616 or visit www.cityofrobinson.com/tourism. Visitors are always welcome in Crawford County. 2012 Crawford County Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information or additional activities, or visit www.cityofrobinson.com.
April 13-28: 24th Annual Crawford County Arts Art Show & Sale. Fife Opera House in Palestine. Original artwork of various mediums —some for sale. Contact: www.crawfordcountyarts.org. April 27-29: Fort LaMotte Rangers Reenactment & Festival. Relive the days of yesterday and witness history portrayed in period costume. See, taste and smell the trades and lifestyle of the early 1800s. Includes Encampment, shooting, cookout, traders, musicians. Vendors welcome. Contact: Leonard Sisil, 618-544-2990; Jim Keller, 618-544-7734; Charlie Coombs 618-544-7570; Greg Parrott 618-544-4488; Rob Byrley 618586-2493. May TBA: Annual Robinson Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing. Fundraiser and Golf Outing at Quail Creek County Club in Robinson. For more information, contact the Robinson Chamber of Commerce at 618546-1557. May 26: Palestine Lions Club Fish Fry, Car Club Cruise-In & Flea Market. Leaverton Park. Fish/sides/hotdogs/desserts served to help the Lions with their many projects. Crawford County Collectibles Car Club will provide the opportunity to enjoy automobiles from the past and present. Browse the selection of treasures from various vendors. Contact: Lion Bill Kite 618-584-3338 or Car Club Member Herb Hess 618-586-5472. July 3-7: Robinson 4th of July Celebration. Features carnival rides, food booths, nightly entertainment, baseball and softball tournaments, and a spectacular fireworks show in the Robinson City Park. Call City Hall at 618-544-7616 or visit www.cityofrobinson.com for more information and
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the nightly entertainment lineup. July 22-28: Crawford County Fair. Located at the Oblong Fairgrounds. 4-H exhibits, Crawford County Queen pageant, carnival rides, food booths, truck and tractor pulls, and a demolition derby highlight the week-long event ending with a large 4-H auction. Contact: Linda Price at 618-5573326, or www.crawfordfair.com or email secretary@crawfordfair.com. August 3, 4: Hutsonville Community Days. Car Show, entertainment, parade and food in downtown Hutsonville. August 10-12: Oblong Antique Tractor and Engine Show. Oblong Fairgrounds. This annual event draws visitors from all over to view actual working antique tractors and engines. August 30-September 3: 59th Annual Pioneer City Labor Day Festival and Pro Bull Ride. Pioneer City Arena, Leaverton Park & Main Street. Palestine plays hosts to a street fair, carnival, “Bullbash on the Wabash” (bull riding only) on Saturday & Sunday nights along with “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” and crowning of Miss Rodeo Illinois. Also once again this year, FMX East Freestyle Motorcycle Stunt Show will be here but this year on Monday. Chuck wagon breakfast, parade, camping, junior-sized tractor pull, remote control airplanes, lunch with clowns, flea market, mechanical bull rides, free entertainment at the band shell, town-wide garage sales, antique gas engine exhibit & swap meet and more. Contact: Palestine Chamber of Commerce 618-586-2222, www.pioneercity.com or email: PalestineCofC@verizon.net. Autumn 2012 TBA: Crawford County Forest Preserve Annual Festival. The Crawford County Forest Preserve will play host to its first annual festival paying tribute to the rich Indian history of our area. The festival will feature authentic Native American dancers, Indian huts, food, and entertainment. Visit www.crawfordcountycentral.com and click on the forest preserve link for more information. Or contact David Fulling at 618-5449337. October 5, 6: Annual Heath Toffee Festival and Parade. Located on the square in Robinson. Celebrating the delicious Heath Candy Bar, created in
1928 by Heath Brothers Confectionary in Robinson. Features Friday night entertainment, street dance, and car show, and Saturday craft show, live entertainment, toffee bake-off, and parade, capped off by a free chili supper. Call 618-546-1557 for more information. October 6, 7: 10th Annual Wabash Valley Wine & Arts Festival. Several wineries provide various wines for tasting as you stroll Main Street and enjoy artwork from numerous artists from the Wabash Valley area. Some may be purchased. Food booths and live entertainment. Contact: Susan Goodwine 618-586-2035. October 27: Oblong Fall Follies and “Spooktacular” Bandfest and Parade. Features nighttime parade, band field competition, food, crafts, and entertainment on the square in Oblong. Call 618-592-4355 for more information. November 16: “Bringing The Magic of Christmas.” Open house for retailers, and the lighting of the Christmas lights at 6 p.m. There will be food booths, games for kids, carolers, and much more. On the square in Robinson. Call the Chamber of Commerce for more information 618-5461557. November 17: Palestine Preservation Projects Society Cookie Walk. Fife Opera House. Browse table after table of homemade cookies for purchase. Contact: Nita Jochim 618-586-2427. November 17: Crawford County Retailer’s Holiday Open Houses. Travel Route 33 through Robinson and Palestine to find that perfect Christmas gift or secure that elusive item you’ve always wanted and even find great bargains for whatever your needing. Contact: Robinson Area Chamber of Commerce 618-546-1557. November 23: Leaverton Park Holiday Lighting Festival. At 5 p.m., Leaverton Park comes alive with over 40,000 lights and displays. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with Santa, listen to area church choirs and singing groups caroling. Watch the fireworks and enjoy corn bread and beans, hotdogs, and desserts served by the Lions Club. Contact: Palestine Chamber of Commerce 618-586-2222.
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CLINTON: DEWITT COUNTY
Clinton: Midwestern Charm Steeped In History
Stop and shop where you can lose yourself in the delights of yesterday
Clinton Antique Mall yesterday’s memories, today’s treasures
Junction Routes 51 & 54
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Clinton, Illinois 61727
Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm
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Sunday 11 am-5 pm
217/935-8846
100 Dealers displayed over 15,000 square feet Primitives l Books l Toys l Crockery l Coins Granite l Baseball Cards l Quilts l Jewelry Furniture l Glassware l Collectibles Visa and Mastercard Accepted
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Photos by Mark G. Woods, Woods Photography Studio
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rom its unique annual Apple and Pork Festival to the life-sized statue of Abraham Lincoln standing in the town square, Clinton is a classic midwestern town. Founded by a pair of land speculators, Clinton was one of a myriad of prairie towns platted and sold by the acre in the mid-1830s. Progress was slow at first. In 1837, Clinton was no more than two log homes and a log stable. By 1841, it had grown to provide a small hamlet for about 12 families. As Clinton began to blossom, DeWitt County enjoyed its early 1800s heyday as a stopping point along the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Now-famous lawyers and judges frequented Clinton, which is the county seat of DeWitt County. Among them were Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas and David Davis, all who left their mark on the community and provided fascinating memories for the city’s early residents. As significant as the presence of these luminous figures was, it pales in comparison to the influence of the Illinois Central Railroad on the history of Clinton. The first locomotive chugged into town in the 1850s and transformed the community, both economically and socially. By the end of the 1850s, Clinton had evolved from a rustic frontier settlement to a thriving community with a business district second to none in its time and place. The transformation became complete in the 1870s, when the Illinois Central’s shops and roundhouse moved into Clinton from Amboy and Wapella. For the next 80 years, Clinton was known as a railroad town, and was the hub of railroad operations in central Illinois. By 1920, more than 1,500 Clinton residents worked for the railroad, which brought 11 passenger trains through the town each day of the week. In addition, the Clinton railroad yards handled more than 107,000 freight cars each month. Today, many elegant homes, some from that pre-20th century and early 20th century era, fill the land near Mr. Lincoln’s Square in the heart of Clinton. The spectacularly maintained homes that extend throughout the heart of the city include Victorian-era mansions, frame bungalows, handsome Tudors, solid brick Cape Cods and big, boxy American Four Squares. Several houses in Clinton have been remodeled and are now home to unique businesses, such as the Victorian tearoom and the DeWitt County Museum Association’s C.H. Moore Homestead. DeWitt County’s agricultural roots run deep. The numerous historic barns scattered throughout the county stand as testament to this fact. Art, history, and agriculture come together in The Barn Quilts of DeWitt
Photo left: On the northwest corner of Mr. Lincoln’s Square stands a statue of Abraham Lincoln. Photo right: Clinton, IL, an official Looking For Lincoln community, located in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, has nine wayside exhibits. Pick up a Looking For Lincoln Walking Tour brochure or download it at www.lincolnheritageofdewittcounty.com. County driving tour. Annual tours will be held in the spring and fall, with additional sites being added each year. Individuals may also drive the selfguided tour route. More information will be available this summer at www.clintonilchamber.com. Many visitors come to the area for the pleasure of outdoor activities. Clinton Lake, located six miles east of Clinton, was created by the Illinois Power Company. The 15,000-acre area operated by the state of Illinois, includes 130 miles of shoreline that trace Clinton Lake’s 4,900 acres. The lake includes a beautiful 1,000-square-foot swimming beach, more than 300 camp sites, several boat and canoe launching points, a marina, and numerous hiking trails and picnic sites. Anglers frequently visit the lake to reel in some of its stock of striped bass hybrids. The stripers frequently exceed 10 pounds in weight and put up a noble fight when hooked. Water skiing, tubing and wakeboarding are also popular summertime sports at Clinton Lake. Hunters find recreational opportunities in more than 3,000 acres of land around Clinton Lake. Species hunted in this area include deer, turkey, rabbit and pheasant. For a second dose of outdoor enjoyment, visitors can travel 2 miles More Clinton Attractions Continued On Page 78 2012 Clinton Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
March 28: Clinton’s Business Expo from 3 to 7 p.m. at location TBA. May-October: Clinton Area Farmers & Artisans Market. Saturday mornings on Mr. Lincoln’s Square. Visit www.cafamil.com. May 17-20: Clinton MayDays Festival on Mr. Lincoln’s Square. June TBA: Barn Quilts of DeWitt County Guided Tour. June 26: Annual Golf Outing at Clinton Country Club July 4: Fourth of July Celebration; fireworks display at dusk. September TBA: Barn Quilts of DeWitt County Guided Tour. September 29, 30: Apple and Pork Festival. For more information, visit www.chmoorehomestead.org/apple-pork.htm. October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 31: Clinton’s Terror on Washington Street Haunted House. Visit www.clintonhauntedhouse.com. December 1: Clinton’s Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. December 1, 8, 15, 22: Santa’s House on Mr. Lincoln’s Square.
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GALESBURG: KNOX COUNTY
Galesburg: Historical Sites Abound
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alesburg, a city tied to Illinois by rails, is the location of one of the largest rail yards in the United States. This Midwest jewel has much to experience. The birthplace of Carl Sandburg, the noted poet and Lincoln biographer, is a state historic site in the community. “Old Main,” located on the Knox College campus, is the only building still in existence where a Lincoln-Douglas debate took place in 1858. Three museums await visitors: Discovery Depot Children’s Museum, Galesburg Railroad Museum and Stockdale Soldier Citizen Museum. The Ronald & Nancy Reagan Trail is also located in Galesburg, which is the only city in the United States where a former U.S. president and his First Lady have connections as children. A third century Roman martyr, Saint Crescent, is entombed and can be viewed at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Other popular sites include the vaudeville era Orpheum Theatre, the Central Congregational Church, Galesburg Civic Art Center, Historic Seminary Street Shops, numerous antique shops and the many large Victorian homes located throughout the community. Unique and interesting restaurants await the opportunity to have guests sample their food in the community. Galesburg also offers many local events throughout the year including Railroad Days in June, Heritage Days in August and the National Stearman Fly-in Days every September. These events, combined with the attractions, make Galesburg a wonderful getaway destination. The overnight accommodations offer great convenience to out-of-town guests with nearly 500 rooms available and 5 charming Bed & Breakfasts. Galesburg is easily accessed by way of Interstate 74 and Amtrak. To learn more about attractions and events, visit www.visitgalesburg.com, or call 800-916-3330. 2012 Galesburg Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
Carl Sandburg’s birthplace in Galesburg. September 8: Art in the Park. View the creations of regional artists working in a variety of media. For more information, visit www.galesburgarts.com. September 9: The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta. Annual competition held at Lake Storey Recreational Area. The Rubber Duck Race follows the regatta. September 13-15: Black Earth Film Festival. The Black Earth Film Festival will feature films made by independent filmmakers. For more information, visit www.galesburgarts.com. October 6, 7, 13, 14: Knox County Scenic Drive. Enjoy historic sites, displays, and country cooking while taking a self-conducted driving tour through Spoon River Valley. For more information, see www.visitgalesburg.com. October 6, 7: Galesburg Scarecrow Festival. Tenth annual Scarecrow Festival held in Standish Park Arboretum. November 23-25: Christmas at Walnut Grove Farm. Begin the winter holiday season with festive music, simmering foods and a visit with St. Nicholas. Take home natural Christmas trimming and exquisite one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends. For more information, visit www.walnutgrovefarm.com.
April 19-21: Sandburg Days — Festival for the Mind. Annual festival celebrating the life of two-time Pulitzer Prize winning poet Carl Sandburg. For more information, visit www.sandburg.edu/festival. June 16, 17: More on 34. 100-plus miles of yard sales through seven counties from Sandwich, IL, to Galesburg. For more information, visit www.moreon34.com. June 22-24: Galesburg Railroad Days. Annual event celebrating the city’s railroad heritage with a carnival, exhibits, a street fair, railyard tours, 5 and 10k runs and more. For more information, visit www.galesburgrailroaddays.org. July 26: Taste of Galesburg. Sample food from numerous area restaurants, enjoy live entertainment and a beer garden. July 27-29: Great Balloon Race. A colorfilled weekend of 25-plus hot air balloons flying overhead. For more information, visit www.galesburgballoonrace.com. July 31- August 4: Knox County Fair. Come celebrate the 162nd Knox County Fair. For more information, visit www.knoxfair.com. August 17: River 2 River Car Cruise. Food, entertainment and hundreds of vintage cars, street rods, trucks and antique cars. August 17-19: Heritage Days. Featuring Civil War Battle Reenactments and Pre-1840s Rendezvous. For more information, visit www.heritagedays.com. www.visitgalesburg.com September 3-8: National Stearman Fly-in Days. Annual event that hosts the largest gathering of Stearman bi-planes in the world. For more information, visit www.stearmanflyin.com.
2163 E. Main Street Galesburg, IL 61401 1-800-916-3330
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EFFINGHAM: EFFINGHAM COUNTY
Effingham: A Little Something For Everyone
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ocated in Central Illinois where Interstate 57 meets I-70, the City of Effingham has a little something for everyone. With 19 hotels and more than 60 restaurants, Effingham provides the very best in service and hospitality. The Effingham Performance Center, Cross at the Crossroads, Firefly Grill, Corvette Museum, Tuscan Hills Winery, Kluthe Aquatic Complex, Lake Sara and Ballard Nature Center are just a few of the many attractions that make Effingham a tourism destination for thousands of travelers each year. The city also hosts several annual events including the Corvette Funfest hosted by Mid America Motorworks in September, the Artisan Fair in April, Wonderland in Lights in December, and Funfest for VWs in June. Effingham and surrounding area attractions include: The Effingham Performance Center: Located on the north side of Effingham along Outerbelt West, is a 1,564-seat theater hosting 30 performances a year. Local, regional, and national acts are scheduled to perform, with categories including country, southern gospel, pop/top 40, contemporary Christian, comedy, jazz, dance, classical, and bluegrass. 2012 acts include Foreigner, The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley, Larry the Cable Guy, and Simply Sinatra. Visit www.theEPC.org or find tickets on Ticketmaster. The Cross at the Crossroads: Located on the south side of Effingham, the cross stands 19 stories tall alongside one of America’s most traveled Interstate corridors. Approximately 53,600 people view the 198-foot tall symbol of love and hope each day. The open arms of the Cross, which expand 113 feet, are a welcoming signal to the approaching travelers. For more information, visit www.crossusa.org. My Garage Corvette Museum: Located on the northeast side of Effingham, My Garage Corvette Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that houses vintage Corvettes and thousands of pieces of Corvette history and memorabilia. No admission, open 7 days/week. Visit www.mamotorworks.com. Sculptures on the Avenues: Sculptures on the Avenues is an annual outdoor art exhibit that brings an array of artwork to downtown Effingham and features some of the Midwest’s best known and unknown sculptors. In 1997, the Effingham Community Committee for the Arts formed and raised over $60,000 to commission Leonardo Nierman’s “Flame of Hope.” The Sculpture on the Avenues project followed less than two years later and now has grown into an exhibit featuring over 20 permanent pieces that are joined each year by selected pieces. For more information, visit www.visiteffinghamil.com or call 217-342-5310. Firefly Grill: The Firefly Grill is a modern roadhouse restaurant located on the shores of Kristie Lake. Chef Niall Campbell and his wife, Kristie, own and operate this oasis of American fresh cuisine in the heart of the Midwest. It has been recognized for its efforts in going green, its unique events, and its beautiful rural setting. Garden tours and cooking demonstrations make this a must stop. Visit www.ffgrill.com. Legacy Harley Davidson: Legacy Harley Davidson is located just off interstate 57 & 70, on Althoff Avenue. “The Harley Barn,” as it is known, houses new and pre-owned motorcycles, along with clothing, merchandise, parts, and much more. The folks at the Harley Barn invite visitors to attend their one-of-a-kind events they hold throughout the year. For more information on the store and events, visit www.legacyhd.com. Tuscan Hills Winery: Tuscan Hills Winery, recently opened in 2011, is located on Historic Hills Drive, directly behind the Harley Barn. This winery is located on eight picturesque acres which helps bring an Old World Tuscan feel to the heart of Effingham. The owners are focused on creating elegant, approachable, and perfectly balanced wines of the highest quality. Wine tastings, along with space available for reservations makes this a must stop for group tours. For more information, visit www.effinghamwinery.com. Effingham Visitor Center: The Effingham Visitor Center, located off PAGE 62 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
exit 160, offers services to travelers including maps, guides, and brochures. Also, stop in for a free Effingham souvenir. Coupon and discount books are also available at the Visitor Center. For more information, call 217-342-5310 or visit www.visiteffinghamil.com. Wonderland in Lights: The Wonderland in Lights display brings the holiday spirit to town each year. The city of Effingham hosts Wonderland in Lights in Community Park, located just off Temple Avenue, beginning Thanksgiving Day and extending to Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.visiteffinghamil.com. Evergreen Hollow Park: Evergreen Hollow Park is one of Effingham’s four parks and offers activities for visitors of all ages. The Kluthe Aquatic Complex, located in the park, includes a large leisure pool with water slide and water play equipment. The park also features a tree walk with approximately 85 species of trees indigenous to Illinois, with each marked with a plaque including the common and Latin name of each species. Visit www.effinghamparkdistrict.org. Wilhelmina Art Gallery: Wilhelmina Art Gallery features a variety of works by artist Wilma Woidt Krueger, who has received national awards for her art. Works include oils and limited editions. Works in photo-realism and impressionism depict landscapes, wildlife, history and celebrity subjects. For more information, call 217-347-5874. John Boos and Company: John Boos and Company is the oldest manufacturer of butcher blocks and metal tables in the industry. The first butcher blocks were made in Conrad Boos’ blacksmith shop in Effingham More Effingham Attractions Continued On Page 78 2012 Effingham Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April 7: Annual Lake Sara Dam Run. 217-347-5843 or 217-347-8799. April 16-22: Fine Arts Show. 217-342-9632, www.effinghamartguild.com. April 21: Nat. Fishing Lure Show. 217-644-2294 or 217-868-2427. April 27: Arts & Hearts. www.EffinghamArtisanFair.com. April 28: Artisan Fair/Wine & Beer Tasting. www.effinghamartisanfair.com. May 1: Swapfest & Cruise-In. 866-350-4541, www.mamotorworks.com. June 1-3: FunFest for Air-Cooled VW. 866-350-4541. June 6: Birthday Bash for Legacy Harley Davidson. 217-342-3494, www.legacyhd.com. July through mid-October: Farmers Mrkt. Fri. & Sat., 618-686-3518. July 4: Fourth of July Celebration. 217-536-6169. July 8: Farm Toy Show. 618-829-5783. July 20-22: The Annual Millroad Steam Thresherman’s Association Steam, Gas & Threshing Show. 618-483-5201 or 217-536-6400. July 21, 22: Annual Model Train Show. 217-536-6400. August 3-11: Effingham County Fair. 888-854-FAIR. September 8, 9: Crossroads Harvest of Quilts. 217-739-2250. September 14-16: Corvette Funfest. www.corvettefunfest.com. September 15: Wine on the Lawn at the Wright House, Altamont. 618483-6480, www.wrightmansion.org. September 14, 15: Altamont Schuetzenfest. 618-483-5532. September 21, 22: Effingham Vintage Cruise. Email effinghamcruise@gmail.com. October 6: Fall Swapfest & Cruise-In. 217-540-4200 or 800-500-8388. October 20: United Way Gala. 217-342-3824. October 28: Halloween Parade. 217-342-4173. November 18: Effingham Park District Turkey Trot. 217-342-4415. November 23-December 25: Wonderland in Lights. 800-772-0750. November 25: Santa Arrives & Old Fashioned Christmas. 217-342-4147. December 1-31: Twinkling Lights Tour. 800-772-0750 or 800-500-6286.
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PONTIAC: LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Pontiac: Museums, Murals, Merchants & More
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entrally located in Illinois, Pontiac offers visitors a unique collection of interesting places and great things to see and do. Home of the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum, the PontiacOakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center, the Livingston County War Museum, and the International Walldog Mural & Sign Art Museum, Pontiac has something to suit every taste. There are 20 large, outdoor murals that are conveniently located in the historic downtown shopping district, and nine “Looking for Lincoln” wayside story boards nearby. The Vermillion River frames several of the beautiful Over 20 murals depict public parks, and during the summer, the Vermillion Players present live theatrical performances at Chautauqua Park. In 2012, Pontiac will be celebrating its 175th birthday with a series of festivals and special events. June 29 and 30 will see the downtown area come alive with vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, roving musicians, historic apparel, and special period games for the kids as Pontiac remembers the preWorld War II years. In July, Pontiac will stage its city-wide birthday party with special guests, a community cookout, music, story-telling program for the children and much more. Heritage travelers who enjoy architecture will find much to like in Pontiac. The 1875 Livingston County Courthouse, the jewel of the historic downtown area, is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful courthouses
Museums, Murals, Merchants & More!
in Illinois. Additionally, there are several historic homes, including the Jones House, the oldest brick home in Pontiac, the Yost House Museum and Art Center, and the Strevell House, a carpenter gothic, wood-frame home which hosted Abraham Lincoln when he visited Pontiac as a lawyer traveling the judicial circuit. History lovers will be intrigued with Pontiac’s past. Pontiac’s early history includes visits from Abraham Lincoln, and a period of time when the city was one of the Midwest’s leading shoe manufacturers. Serving as the commercial, social and political center of the area, Pontiac offered riverboat service for passengers the history of Pontiac. and freight, early railroad service, and was strategically located on what was then known as the Pontiac Trail. Today, visitors typically arrive by car using either Interstate 55 or the more nostalgic Old Route 66. Amtrak service is available and overnight visitors will find a selection of hotels and bed and breakfasts. Visitors enjoy Pontiac’s small town hospitality, unique walking tours with cell phone guide, quaint parks and, perhaps a stroll through Humiston Woods, a stunning 300-acre nature preserve. Pontiac is the only Midwestern city to boast of having three swinging pedestrian bridges, and no visit is complete without crossing the Vermilion River on at least one of them. The downtown area buzzes with excitement with a variety of annual street festivals, live entertainment, classic car shows, and fairs. Softball tournaments, drama in the park, and other outdoor events are scheduled throughout the spring, summer and fall in Pontiac. Heritage travelers, antique hunters, and art lovers will always find something unique in Pontiac. The Pontiac Visitors Center has maps and brochures available, and every traveler should pick up a VIP button to receive special discounts from many of the local shops. For more information, visit www.visitpontiac.org, or call 800835-2055. Pontiac’s Top Attractions n Four great museums: Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum; the new Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center, the Livingston County War Museum; and the International Walldog Mural & Sign Art Museum. Admission is free to all museums. n Looking for Lincoln Story Trail Exhibits: Nine historic markers/sites, which explain Abraham Lincoln’s many and varied connections to the city. n Route 66 Scenic Byway Exhibits: Five wayside story boards telling the history of the Mother Road in Pontiac. n Three Swinging Pedestrian Bridges: The only place in Illinois to see three of these suspension bridges. n Historic Livingston County Courthouse, and downtown shopping district: Architecture dating back to the 1800s and wonderful shops. n Murals on Main Street: Walking tour of more than 20 large, colorful, outdoor murals depicting the social, economic, and cultural history of Pontiac. 2012 Pontiac Calendar of Events Dates of events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
For information on attractions, tours or retail space available in downtown Pontiac, contact: 815-844-5847 www.visitpontiac.org PAGE 64 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
May 5, 6: Red Carpet Corridor Festival. 90 miles of family fun on Route 66. June 16: Hang Loose Car Show: Chapter 27. June 29, 30: Pontiac’s Pre-War Festival - Celebrating life before 1942. July 27, 28: Pontiac’s 175th Birthday Party. August 30-September 2: Central States Threshermen’s Reunion. September 20-22: Threshermen’s Blue Grass Festival.
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LINCOLN: LOGAN COUNTY
Walk Where Lincoln Walked, Cruise Route 66, County Fair, Balloon Festival
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incoln, the county seat of Logan County, is located near many urban areas. Springfield, Decatur and Bloomington-Normal are all less than 30 miles away, while Peoria and Champaign-Urbana are a short distance farther. More than 15,000 people call Lincoln
cana. Abraham Lincoln’s circuit court ride often took him through Logan County. In addition, he owned property in the county and formally christened Lincoln as the only town named for him prior to his presidency. Lincoln and Logan County also serve as the sites for what may be the longest segment of historic Route 66 that remains today. Route 66 is famed for serving as the nation’s Main Street during the golden age of the automobile. Lincoln also serves as Logan County’s shopping center, with a busy downtown and commercial artery lined with stores, restaurants and motels. A courthouse is the dominant building on the square. The square’s shops are now joined by a commercial area that reaches beyond the square to encompass more than 100 stores. Additional commerce has positioned itself close to the interstate highway on Lincoln’s west side, firmly establishing the community as the economic heart of Logan County, and one of its chief tourist attractions. For more information about Lincoln, call the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau at 217-732-8687, visit www.abe66.com or call the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce at 217-735-2385. 2012 Lincoln Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
Shown is the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the front of the Lincoln College Museum. The front of the statue reads "I shall prepare myself, someday my chance will come." home, and more than 1 million Illinoisans live within 60 miles of the city. Lincoln offers visitors a wide range of attractions, from the memories of simpler times found along historic Route 66 to strolling where Abraham Lincoln once walked. Lincoln and Logan County, with various ties to the man for whom the city was named, share two slices of Ameri-
July 31-August 5: Logan County Fair. For more information, visit www.logancountyfairil.com. August 24-26: Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival. Fun for the whole family at the Logan County Airport and in downtown Lincoln. For more information, call 217-735-2385 or visit www.lincolnillinois.com. September 1-October 31: Logan County Autumn Rural Scenic Drive. This drive will highlight agri-tourism sites throughout Logan County. For more information, call 217-732-8687 or visit abe66.com. September 14-16: Annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival at the Logan County Fairgrounds. An educational event for all ages that includes rail splitting, corn shucking, tomahawk throwing, pioneer village, historical displays, Lincoln presentations and more. For more information, visit www.railsplitting.com. December 1: Elkhart Chapel Candlelight Service in Elkhart, IL. Candlelight service to kick off the holiday season, followed by a meal at the Wild Hare Cafe. For more information, call 217-947-2238 or visit www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.
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JACKSONVILLE: MORGAN COUNTY
Jacksonville: Follow In Lincoln's Steps 2012 Jacksonville Calendar of Events onveniently located between Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for Springfield, IL, and St. Louis, MO, specific information and additional activities. Jacksonville is a thriving community, rich in historical treasures, unparalMay 19: Downtown Celebration, a fesleled educational institutions, growing tive day of music, food, and fun in the heart businesses and hospitality all its own. of Jacksonville’s downtown. A recipient of the Governor’s Hometown June 15-17: General Grierson Days & Award and an Illinois Mainstreet CommuVeterans Remembered Historic Celebranity, the Jacksonville area has much to tion, Community Park. Largest mounted offer. Become an historian in Jacksonville. Civil War re-enactment in the Midwest, inFollow in the steps of Abraham Lincoln by cluding ceremonies and displays honoring taking the “Voices of Jacksonville” audio war veterans. tour — part of the “Looking for Lincoln” July 10-15: 65th Annual Morgan County experience, where you can see the actual Fair. Games, rides, and big band entertainplaces and hear the real stories of Lincoln ment, Morgan County Fairgrounds. as his friends and associates knew him. July 20-22: Crazy Horse Bluegrass FesTour the Underground Railroad includtival, Crazy Horse Campground. ing Woodlawn Farm. Jacksonville was a July 27, 28: River Country Quilt Show, major hub of the Underground Railroad. Jacksonville High School. Other historic sites include Gov. Duncan’s August 2: Annual DAR Ice Cream SoMansion, one of only two governor’s mancial on the lawn of the Gov. Duncan Mansions still standing in Illinois. Jacksonville sion. Benefits the maintenance/refurbishing was the home of three governors. Selfof the mansion. guided historic walking tours of JackAugust 10: Jacksonville Pilot Club’s 3rd sonville homes and Underground Railroad Annual “Dancing with the Stars,” HamilGeneral Grierson Days sites entertain while providing knowledge ton’s Banquet Facility. Civil War Re-enactment about the city’s unique history. August 25: Jacksonville Main Street’s Enjoy the community’s many annual Fine Arts Festival, Downtown Jacksonville. events. From Civil War re-enactments to steam shows, from car shows August 31-September 3: 13th Annual Prairieland Chautauqua, to music and art festivals, including monthly exhibits at the historic Community Park. Strawn Art Gallery, Jacksonville has something for everyone. September 15: Gov. Duncan’s Neighborhood Walking Tour. Features National brand hotels, as well as locally-owned properties, are sure to historically and architecturally significant homes in Jacksonville’s Hisprovide a good night’s sleep. A variety of banquet facilities provide space toric District. for small to large groups, all moderately priced. Jacksonville and South September 22, 23: 28th Annual Cruise Nite & Car Show, one of the Jacksonville restaurants offer everything from home-style country cookarea’s largest cruise nights. ing, to unique delights such as Italian, Mexican and Chinese cuisine. September 28-30: 43nd Annual Prairieland Heritage Museum Steam Jacksonville has several shopping centers and many locally owned Show & Fall Festival Days, Prairieland Heritage Grounds. one-of-a-kind stores, antique malls and gift shops. Round things off with October 27: Jacksonville Main Street’s Pumpkin Fest, come join us arts and entertainment, sporting events, outdoor recreation, golfing and in the Historic Downtown Square for a weekend of free family fun. camping — Jacksonville has it all. Further information is available by December 1, 2: Pilot Club 29th Annual Holiday Home Walk & Tea. calling The Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800Visit beautifully decorated homes. Event sponsored by the International 593-5678 or visit www.jacksonvilleil.org. Pilot Club of Jacksonville.
C
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DECATUR: MACON COUNTY
Discover Decatur/Forsyth â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Where Historical, Cultural And Recreational Opportunities Abound
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he Decatur/Forsyth area offers visitors a wide variety of leisure and sightseeing opportunities with outdoor activities, historic sites, family attractions, museums, art galleries and numerous festivals and events for all ages.
Gardens with exotic plants, waterfalls, ponds and winding trails. For more information, call 217-421-7435, or visit www.decaturparks.org/zoo. The African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois Museum: Located at 314 N. Main St., offers genealogy workshops, museum displays and storytelling. Call 217-429-7458, or visit www.african-amercancultural.org. Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum: Located at 3635 U.S. Route 36-E, features classic autos such as race cars, Indy 500 pace cars, original unrestored examples of some of their finest automobiles built and includes an extensive Chevrolet memorabilia collection. For more information, call 217-454-4583 or visit www.chevrolethalloffamemuseum.com. The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of Illinois: Located at 55 S. Country Club Road, the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum offers hands-on exhibits that encourage children of all ages to touch and interact. Focusing on people and cultures, the arts, physics/physical science, the ecosystem and health sciences, the museum is so much fun for everyone visitors tend to forget itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational. For more information, call 217-423-KIDS, or visit www.cmofil.com. Hieronymus Mueller Museum: The Hieronymus Mueller Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s namesake, called Decaturâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;unsung genius,â&#x20AC;? held over 500 patents. See such treasures as the seventh of only eight cars manu-
Mari-Mann Herb Farm has been designated as an official Illinois herb garden.
Mari-Mann Herb Farm: People who love the outdoors will enjoy Mari-Mann Herb Farm, 1405 Mari-Mann Lane, one of the Midwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest and largest herb farms. Mari-Mann offers luncheons by appointment, tours and a shop where all sorts of natural herbal and homeopathic items are sold. For more information, call 217-429-1404, or visit www.marimann.com. Governor Ogelsby Mansion: Richard J. Oglesby is best known both as a friend and political ally of Abraham Lincoln. Oglesby was also with Lincoln when he died in 1865. His beautifully restored Victorian home at 421 W. William St., is open for scheduled tours. For more information, call 217-429-9422 or visit www.ogelsbymansion.org. Rock Springs Conservation Area and Nature Center: At 3939 Nearing Lane, Rock Springs offers a glimpse of the natural forests and prairies that existed when early settlers first came to central Illinois. Included are birding and nature walks over woodlands and wetlands where visitors will find wildlife in abundance. For more information, call 217-423-4913, or visit www.maconcountyconservation.org. Scovill Park and Zoo: Located at 71 Country Club Road. At Scovill Zoo, one of the few accredited zoos in the area, visitors will see cheetahs, Bactrian camels, a socialized pack of wolves, and several more species of exotic mammals, birds and reptiles from all over the world. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an endangered species carousel, a zoo train and a state-of-the art playground on the zoo premises. Just a few steps away from the zoo are the Scovill House and Oriental
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The Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum features many classic autos.
factured by Mueller, located at 420 W. Eldorado St. For more information, call 217-423-6161. Macon County History Museum and Prairie Village: Located at 5580 N. Fork Road. Each building in the village replicates prairie life during the 1800s. This includes a replica of the log courthouse where Abraham Lincoln tried several cases, and one of only two matching chairs still in existence that he owned and used in his law office in Springfield, IL. For more information, call 217-422-4919, or visit www.mchsdecatur.org. Elwin Antique Mall & Raspberry Room: Located at Route 51S, Elwin, IL, 4 miles south of Decatur, features a converted motel with 14 individual rooms filled with antiques. Stop in for lunch at the Raspberry Room. For more information, call 217-865-3292. Forsyth Village Antique Mall: 690 South Route 51 is the location of this 10,000 square-foot mall featuring gift shop, sweet treats, primitives, glassware, pottery, furniture and lamps. Custom lamp shades available as well as lamp repair. For more information, call 217-876-8650. Never Forgotten Thymes Antiques: Visitors will find this converted warehouse, at 726 E. Cerro Gordo St., full of old, unique, vintage, and primitive collectibles, furniture and books. For more information, call 217-649-6590. Wabash Depot Antique Centre: The Wabash Depot Antique Centre, 710 E. Cerro Gordo St., is more than 10,000 square feet of beautifully restored marble floors and columns with stained glass windows and tube chandeliers. For more information, call 217-2330800. Harristown Depot Antiques: Located at 1190 N. Meridian Road, Harristown, IL. The Harristown Depot is a unique shopping experience with 10,000 square feet of shopping pleasure. The depotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vendors feature a wide variety of antiques, glassware, primitives, tools and books. For more information, call 217-963-3029 or visit www.harristowndepot.com. Anne Lloyd Gallery - Madden Arts Center: Located at 125 N. Water St. Showcases local exhibits and traveling collections, spotlighting an International Arts Experience exhibition over an eightweek period each summer. Call 217-423-3189, or visit www.decaturarts.org. Blue Connection Gallery: Located at 117 N. Water St., where Millikin University students and alumni market their own artwork. Call 217-428-0112 or visit www.millikinblueconnection.com. Gallery 510 Arts Guild: Located at 160 East Main St., a cooperative venue for professional and emerging artists, displaying PAGE 68 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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The Wabash Depot Antique Centre is over 10,000 square feet of beautifully restored marble floors and columns with stained glass windows and tube chandeliers. The depot is on the National Register of Historic Places. Wabash Depot Antique Centre in Decatur is truly a showplace with a lot of history. Macon County History Museum and Prairie Village includes a replica of the log courthouse where Abraham Lincoln tried cases.
paintings, sculptures, glass, textiles, pottery and fiber art. For more information, call 217-422-1509, or visit www.gallery510.org. Kirkland Fine Arts Center & Galleries - Millikin University: Located at 1184 W. Main St., features three galleries in one location. The Perkinson Gallery shows work by nationally known artists, the Lower Gallery focuses on photographic works and student artists display their works in the Studio Gallery. For more information, call 217-424-6318, or visit www.millikin.edu/art. To view a visitor’s guide or find out more about attractions, visit www.decaturcvb.com, or, call 217-423-7000. The smartphone mobile app, Visit Decatur, is available to download for free.
Railroad Memorabilia • Elegant Cut Crystal • Depression Glass • Dolls • Books • Porcelain • China • Art Pottery • Architectural • Furniture • Lighting • Paintings • Jewelry • Prints • Linens • Primitives • Vintage Hats and Clothing • Silver • Toys • Tools Open Monday thru Saturday 10 am to 5 pm & Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm Layaways, Visa & Mastercard • Ph: 217-233-0800 • Fax: 217-233-0801 780 E. Cerro Gordo Street • Decatur, IL 62523 Just North of Eldorado Street/Route 36
Bloomington: Home Of The American Passion Play The American Passion Play takes you to Palestine, 30 A.D. You'll travel with Christ, seeing the world as He saw it. You'll follow His ministry and life from the Sermon on the Mount to the Resurrection and Ascension. You'll hear His words, as vital to you now as they were to the people of his time. The American Passion Play, unlike other passion plays, dramatizes Jesus' entire ministry, rather than just the events from the Passion Week onward. His teachings on faith, love, justice and righteousness are still our best hope for solving today's complex problems. The message of his three-year ministry has a larger meaning for our daily lives than do the emotions of Passion Week alone. The play is historically accurate. The settings and costumes re-create the first century Galilee. The text is taken from the King American Passion Play James Version of the Bible, and the performers bring this magnificent language to life. 2013 will be the 90th season. The American Passion Play of Bloomington, Illinois was conceived by Delmar D. Darrah to show the life and ministry of Christ as a vital, living force. Although this is one of the oldest continuously performed Passion Plays in the United States, it is not a static drama. The production has changed to reflect modern historical knowledge of the era but has remained true to the teachings of Jesus. The actors are non-professionals with a spiritual dedication to their parts and to the American Passion Play. As performers, they share in a community of faith with the audience and give testimony to the contemporary power of Christ's teachings. The renovated Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Scottish Rite Temple) is the home of the American Passion Play.
Celebrating Its 90th Anniversary In 2013 2013 PERFORMANCE DATES: Saturday, March 9 Saturday, March 16
Saturday, March 23 Sunday, March 24
Saturday, April 6 All performances start at 2 p.m.
Visa/Mastercard
For March 2012 Performances, call for details: 800-354-9640 309-829-3903 s Fax: 309-828-5557
American Passion Play 600 N. East Street s P.O. Box 3354 s Bloomington, IL 61702-3354 www.americanpassionplay.org
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MONTICELLO: PIATT COUNTY
Monticello: Historic Downtown, Railroad History
M
onticello, the Piatt County seat, offers a breath of fresh air with a town square built around a refurbished courthouse in an area that invites guests to slow down and relax. The downtown was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On and off the Square, downtown Monticello’s one-of-a-kind shops, galleries and restaurants provide a diverse array of things to do and see. Don’t miss Skinner’s Coachhouse Antiques for its selection of antiques and collectibles. Visitors also will want to stop at Out Of The Blue for the largest selection of Polish pottery and gifts. Monticello was recently named a “Looking for Lincoln” community, and a Lincoln storyboard telling part of the Lincoln Monticello story is located in the downtown Rotary Park. In addition to the storyboard in Rotary Park, there are now two other storyboards; one at the downtown Wabash Depot
Skinner’s Coachhouse Antiques s Antiques s Collectibles s Lamp Restoration and Sales
We welcome guests to our coachhouse, which dates to the late 1800s. Here you will find a wide selection from which to choose. Northeast Corner of South Market & Sage Dr., Monticello, IL 61856 Tues.-Sat. 11-5 or by appt.
coachhouseantiques@gmail.com
217-762-8425
experience MONTICELLO
The Monticello Railway Museum and one at the Railway Museum. The unique charm of nearby Allerton Park, an extensively landscaped park mixed with ornaments, fine art and a manor house modeled after Ham House in England, provides visitors with a grand tourist destination. The park was donated to the University of Illinois for public use in 1946 by Robert Allerton, the son of a well-established banker and livestock baron. Today, the park, which is divided into two distinct sections, is open to the public from 8 a.m. until dusk. Formal gardens and more than 100 sculptures are located near the main house and in the woods and meadows north of the river. Allerton House is used as a retreat center. The main facade of the 40-room Georgian mansion overlooks a reflecting pool and meadow. A native forest, a 50-acre restored prairie, and the Lost Garden (a wilderness garden) are located to the south. The Allerton forest supports an extensive
Come see all that Monticello, IL has to offer. Great shopping, restaurants, a Railway Museum, and beautiful historic districts, in addition to the wonders of Allerton Park. It’s more than you imagined.
allerton park and retreat center the railway museum
shopping and dining
Monticello Chamber of Commerce | 800.952.3396 | www.monticellotourism.org
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animal population. Bird species unusual to the area can be seen in the forests, and the migratory bird population is impressive in the spring and fall. Allerton Park and Retreat Center is one of the “7 Wonders of Illinois.” The Monticello Railway Museum, an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, is another highly popular tourist attraction. The museum is located just north of Monticello at Exit 166 off Interstate 72. Since the museum’s founding in 1966, one of its goals has been to preserve and restore the nation’s railroad heritage, with a focus on the Midwest. Of course, the highlight of a visit to the museum is a train ride. Passengers may board the train at either the restored Illinois Central Depot at the museum grounds or the historic Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello for a roundtrip train ride. The museum is open weekends and holidays, May through October. For more information, visit www.mrym.org. Railroad history runs deep in the area. In 1880, the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad purchased the Chicago & Paducah Railroad, which was the north-south line through Monticello. Later in the decade, Jay Gould, known as the famous “Robber Baron,” purchased the line. Gould lost control of the Wabash in the late 1880s, and the subsequent owners found much financial success. After a few years, a new station was planned for Monticello and built in 1899. That depot was moved to museum property in the late 1980s. Eventually, the depot was restored and still stands today as a testament to a bygone era in railroading. Along with Allerton Park, the community features Nick’s Community Playground near the downtown area, and Lodge Park, which is a 500-acre park north of Monticello. Lodge Park offers camping, hiking and biking and serves as the site of the annual Independence Day celebration on July 3. Monticello has the added distinction of having two of its residential areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places. North State Street and South Charter Street each feature homes with a wide array of architectural styles. These designations were received after much work by Monticello’s Preservation Commission. The office of the Chamber of Commerce, located in the Old Wabash Depot, has guides available for those interested in walk-
ing tours. Call 800-952-3396 or visit www.monticelloillinois.net or www.MonticelloTourism.org. 2012 Monticello Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information & additional activities.
April TBA: Chamber Business Expo. Chamber. Call 217-762-7921. May 5: May Market. Monticello Main Street. Call 217-762-9318. May 12, 13: Throw Mama on the Train. Railway Mus. Call 877-762-9011. May 12: The Kirby Derby, Kirby Hospital. Call 217-762-6282. May 20: Sangamon Valley Bike Ride. Lion’s Club. Call 217-762-9881. May 31-June 3: JR Aerotow Model Airplane Event. Call 217-840-3400. June 16, 17: Father’s Day. Railway Museum. Call 877-762-9011. Late June through September: Farmers Market Downtown MontiMore Monticello Calendar Continued On Page 78
Monticello Railway Museum
www.mrym.org ŏ info@mrym.org ŏ 1-877-762-9011
2012 Special Events!
#401 in Steam See mrym.org for dates. Mother’s Day May 12, 13 Father’s Day June 16, 17 Fireworks Train (Reservations are recommended.)
July 3
Railroad Days Sept. 22, 23 Ghost Train Oct. 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 The Polar ExpressTM -
Come Ride Our Vintage Trains, Rain or Shine, Sat., Sun., & Holidays, May-Oct., I-72, Exit 166, Monticello, IL
Ask us about Cab Rides! Throttle Time! (Tickets go on sale June 1, 2012.) Nov. 23, 24, 25, 30, Dec. 1 Bring the family for Lunch with Santa (Reservations are recommended.) Train Rides. Dec. 1, 2 See our Exhibit Cars. STEAM has returned to MRM! Shop in our Ride behind #401 Gift Shop. Check our web site Relax in our at www.mrym.org for steam operation dates. Picnic Sites. 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 71
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BEMENT: PIATT COUNTY
Bement: Historic Sites Welcome Visitors
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he Village of Bement, situated in the heart of Illinois between Champaign and Decatur, owes its birth to the steel plow and the spread of railroading in the Midwest. The John Deere plow allowed farmers to churn the fertile soil near Bement at a time when tall prairie grasses hampered traditional tilling. On Christmas Day, 1853, three men on horseback, L.B. Wing, Joseph Bodman, and Henry Little, rode through the area. Inspired by what they saw, the three returned in 1854 to purchase as much land as they could afford, paying $1.25 an acre. The gentlemen worked closely with representatives of the Great Western Railroad to bring a railway linking Danville with Quincy through their land. In 1855 the site was surveyed, and a deed for the land was signed. Edward Bement, of New York City and secretary of the Great Western Railroad, offered to donate a bell to the first church built in the area if the villagers agreed to choose “Bement” as its name. Mr. Bement fell ill and died before he
B E M E N T A GOOD PLACE TO CALL HOME
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - BEMENT - 2012 March 24 Spring Extravaganza - Lions Club
April 1-8 Easter Egg Lane – Community Council/ Bryant Cottage April 7 Easter Egg Hunt – Lions Club/Bement Health Care
JUNE - JULY: SUNDAY BAND CONCERTS VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK June 9 Old Glory Festival – Bement Area Chamber of Commerce
Bryant Cottage State Historic Site could follow through with his offer. One hundred years later, however, in 1955 during the town’s centennial celebration, the Wabash Railroad, which inherited the lines of the Great Western RR presented the Village of Bement with a bell from a retired locomotive. The bell is displayed in the foyer of the Bement Township Library. Today, visitors are greeted by patriotic banners as well as American flags waving in the breeze. Veterans Memorial Park is located near the center of town. Here are found state-of-the-art play equipment, a pavilion for band concerts, picnic tables and a memorial dedicated to area veterans. It is inspiring to read the names of those local residents who served the country over the years. Directly south of the park are two houses. The first is the home of Francis E. Bryant, built in 1880, and the other is the single-story structure built for Bryant and his family upon their arrival to Bement in 1856. Although the 1880 structure, known as the Bryant House, remains a private residence, the owner invites people inside for a visit when convenient. The 1856 structure is now called the Bryant Cottage State Historic
July 4 Freedom Celebration – Community Council July 7 Civil War Event – Bryant Cottage/Bryant House July 8 Heritage Sunday/Ice Cream Social – Bryant Cottage Sept 28-29 Bement High School Homecoming & Alumni Banquet Nov 11 Veterans Remembrance – Albert Parker Post of American Legion Dec 8 Christmas in Bement – Community Council/ Bryant Cottage/Bement Area Chamber of Commerce
Visit Us Soon! Log on to www.bement.com or call 217-678-8184 for more information. PAGE 72 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
www.bement.com
Historic Site, Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibits, beautiful parks, Veterans’ Memorial, shopping, and restaurants. More information and maps available at www.bement.com. Located just 7 miles South of Monticello on Highway 105.
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Site. This home has been preserved to commemorate a meeting between Abraham Lincoln and U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas. Although no debate took place in Bement, the details for the Lincoln-Douglas Debates were agreed to in the parlor of this modest, yet comfortable structure. A tour offers a glimpse of mid-19th century life. Looking for Lincoln? Don’t miss the Path of Information, located on the grounds of the historic site. Here visitors will find three of the 210 wayside exhibits located in 50 communities across central Illinois. Each exhibit includes a “medallion.” Be sure to collect a rubbing from each Lincoln storyboard along the Trail — bring pencil and paper. 2012 Bement Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead at 217-665-3351 for specific information and additional activities.
March 24: Spring Extravaganza. Lions Club. April 1-8: Easter Egg Lane. Community Council/Bryant Cottage. April 7: Easter Egg Hunt. Lions Club/Bement Health Care. June-July: Sunday Band Concerts. Veterans Memorial Park. June 9: Old Glory Festival. Area Chamber of Commerce. July 4: Freedom Celebration. Community Council. July 7: Civil War Event. Bryant Cottage/Bryant House. July 8: Heritage Sunday/Ice Cream Social. Bryant Cottage. September 28, 29: BHS Homecoming & Alumni Banquet. November 11: Veterans Remembrance. Albert Parker Post of American Legion. December 8: Christmas in Bement. Community Council/Bryant Cottage/Area Chamber of Commerce.
Larry & Sondra Wooley Owners
For Reservations 117 S. Macon (RT 105) 800-636-2947 Code 44 Bement, IL 61813 (217) 877-6499 www.bementcountryopry.com (217) 678-8343
Oakland: Continued From Page 47 Oakland with its fishing, boating, camping, snack bar and beautiful scenery. History buffs will want to visit the Dr. Rutherford home and compound to step back in time to the mid-1800s. Visit the railroad depot, doctor's office, historic machinery display in the Mail Pouch Barn or ring Oakland's version of the Liberty Bell. Visitors are welcome to join the citizens of Oakland on Saturday, September 15 to celebrate Lincoln history with the “Trial and Tribulations” reenactment of the Matson Slave Trial. This exciting event includes a dramatic play and historic tour. Hear the story of the 1847 Matson Slave Trial as told by the people who lived through the event. The case involved Abraham Lincoln representing Robert Matson of Kentucky against the enslaved Bryant family. The story began in Oakland when the Bryants fled there to keep their children from being sent south. This story of bitPenn Central Depot at Rutherford Complex. tersweet daring and historical mystery, involves one of the most divisive issues of our country’s early history, slavery. It reveals hidden parts of our local history, affirms our faith in our legal system, raises questions about our moral bearing and actions, and reflects how we remember or mythologize our heroes. The tale will be unfold at Independence Pioneer Village, followed by a wedding and ball to celebrate the marriage of Dr. Hiram Rutherford and Harriet Hutcherson at the historic Rutherford home. The two met during the Matson Slave Trial, in which Dr. Rutherford, an early abolitionist, played a major role. On October 25-28, nearby Walnut State Park will be the site of the annual Father/Son Camp. What began in 1995 as an overnight outing for three dads and three sons, has grown into a four-day event accommodating around 600 fathers and sons. The camp endeavors to encourage the bond between fathers and sons through outdoor adventures, and to ignite a passion for Christian service. For more information and/or to obtain an application, visit www.fathersoncamp.org. While in Oakland, visit one or more of the local businesses, the true heart of the community. Stop by for a quick breakfast to start the day. Visitors will find everything from building supplies to farm machinery, furniture, carpet, floor tile, T-shirts, paint and groceries. 2012 Oakland Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call for specific information and additional activities.
Bryant Cottage State Historic Site B
uilt in 1856, this four-room structure is maintained in its original condition with original and period furnishings, providing a scene of typical family life in the mid-nineteenth century. 146 E. Wilson St.• P.O. Box 41 Bement, IL (217) 678-8184 hpa.bryantcottage@illinois.gov
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. Mar.-Oct. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. Nov.-Feb. Hours May Change - Please call to verify.
April 7: Easter Egg Hunt/Chalk Art for children on the Square. May 5: City-Wide Yard Sale in villages of Oakland and Hindsboro. May 12: Miss Oakland Pageant at Oakland High School. June 9: Run for the Health of It. 5K run/walk. Oakland Swimming Pool. June 23: Hummingbird Banding Event at Ethington Property. July 7: Jonah Fish Fry at Oakland Lake Park. August 25: City-Wide Yard Sale in villages of Oakland and Hindsboro. September 15: Trial and Tribulations. Lincoln represents slave owner, event held at the Landmarks Historical Compound and Pioneer Village. October 25-28: Father/Son Camp at Walnut Point State Park. October 31: Halloween Party/Costume Contest at Columbian Building on the Square. December 1: Breakfast with Santa at Lakecrest School. December 7, 8: Kings IV Christmas Concert at Columbian Building on the Square. 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 73
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PITTSFIELD: PIKE COUNTY
Pike County: Home Of Rich Lincoln And Civil War History, 24th Annual Fall Color Drive
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estled between the Mississippi River to the west and the Illinois River to the east, the rolling hills of Pike County provide a scenic backdrop to a variety of activities. Visitors will be warmly welcomed into this community that is rich in heritage and tradition. The community is proud of its ties to Abraham Lincoln and to the New Philadelphia site, which was the first town in the United State to be settled by an African American. Pike County is also home to an early Mormon settlement. Pike County leads the state of Illinois in trophywinning whitetail deer hunting and boasts a wide variety of outdoor activities with camping, golf courses, hunting, parks, trails, lakes and, of course, the two rivers. There are plenty of other activities for young and old alike in beautiful Pike County. The Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s website, www.pikeil.org, details the county’s history, businesses, amenities and events. The Chamber, along with Pittsfield Main Street, operates a Visitor Center with a 24-hour foyer at 224 W. Washington in Pittsfield, IL, which is the county seat. A number of festivals and other family-oriented events are held in the various communities in the county. Festivals celebrate everything from apples and corn to pigs. There are two county fairs in Pike County, and two open off-road events sponsored by the Two Rivers Jeep Club. These activities attract thousands of visitors that enjoy the warm hospitality. A downloadable calendar of events is available on the website.
square in Pittsfield, across the street from the William Watson Hotel. In addition to the 13 locations in Pittsfield, there are additional historic homes in the county with ties to Abe Lincoln. Lincoln’s spirit has become a visible part of Pike County, and visitors are welcome to come and enjoy. The Pike County Fall Color Drive
With the third full weekend in October comes one of the most exciting and important events in Pike County — the Pike County Fall Color Drive. This year’s event, which will be October 20 and 21, marks the 24th anniversary of the Color Drive. Begun as a way to promote local crafters, artisans and communities within Pike County by attracting visitors to the county during the peak fall foliage time, the Color Drive has grown dramatically. The Pike County Fall Color Drive is the only countywide event held annually. Area residents support participating communities by displaying their crafts, providing food services, and volunteering their time to assist with the event. In addition to spectacular fall scenery, Pike County also has a rich Lincoln and Civil War history and some communities will take advantage of their local connections to Lincoln and the war and promote them during the Fall Color Drive, thus appealing to history buffs as well. There’s something for everyone on the Pike County Color Drive. Along the drive, participants will find crafts, antiques and collectibles, and unique events. There are activities just for kids, including petting zoos, hay scrambles, and Pike County’s Ties To Abe Lincoln much more. Gentlemen can enjoy antique tractors and farm equipment, and observe demonAbraham Lincoln was a frequent visitor to Pike strations such as blacksmithing, wool spinning County because he had formed many close assoTravelers are welcomed to the and knife making. ciations with its citizens. He left his judicial circuit Visitor Center by this statue Shopping is a highlight, and visitors will find and crossed the Illinois River to practice law with of Abraham Lincoln. everything from handcrafted items and jewelry many of Pike County’s leading attorneys. John to T-shirts and baked goods. Vendors abound along the drive. Hay and John Nicolay, both from Pittsfield, became personal secretaries Did someone mention food? Visitors refer to this event as “eat your to Lincoln when he became president of the United States. way across Pike County,” and rightfully so. Start the day off with bisMany Civil War era homes still exist in Pike County. Moreover, there cuits and gravy or some homemade pastries. Lunchtime is full of many are more houses and sites associated with Lincoln in Pittsfield than in any different options. other place in the country. A car-radio audio tour, called “Abe Lincoln’s Visitors can plan their trip on the web at www.pikecolordrive.com. Talking House Tour” takes visitors to eight homes and five other sites Visitors are encouraged to stop at the welcome booth in each commuwhere they can hear the stories of the sites and the people who knew Linnity. Here visitors can pick up a map and find coln. A map brochure of this tour and a radio inadditional information. Tune the radio to 97.5 troduction is available at the Pike County Visitors FM (WBBA radio) and listen to Color Drive Center. broadcasts from the Pittsfield Rotary Club all Pittsfield is also a Looking for Lincoln Commuweekend long. nity and currently boasts four Lincoln Wayside exPike County has something of interest for hibits. Of the four Wayside exhibits, three are in everyone. Discover Pike County and let it befront of stops on the Talking House Tour. The come a “home away from home.” fourth is located on the southwest corner of the PAGE 74 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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24th Annual
Pike County Illinois
COLOR DRIVE October 20 & 21 “Home of Beautiful Scenery, Friendly People and Lincoln History”
Come enjoy the fall colors of autumn in Pike County, Illinois and discover our rich Abe Lincoln and Civil War heritage. Activities and events are planned in more than 20 Pike County communities during the weekend.
* CRAFTS * FAMILY ACTIVITIES * HISTORICAL DEMOS * FOOD & FARM PRODUCE Pike County Chamber of Commerce (217) 285-2971 www.pikecolordrive.com
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SPRINGFIELD: SANGAMON COUNTY
Springfield: A Mix Of History, Antiques & Recreation
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he Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is designed to fully engage the general public in the life and times of America’s 16th President. The overall size of the Library and Museum is 200,000 square feet, making it the nation’s largest Presidential Library complex. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is centrally located in downtown Springfield, IL, and is easily accessible by car, rail (Amtrak), or air (Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport). The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum complex includes the following: n Museum — The museum comprises an entire city block of state-of-theart, full-immersion experiences and galleries that guide guests into and through the life and times of Abraham Lincoln; n Library — The library is home to the world’s largest collection of Lincoln-related materials and new home of the Illinois State Historical Library; n Union Station — Union Station is a restored 1890 train depot that acts as the gateway to Lincoln’s life. It serves as a visitor orientation center where guests can purchase tickets, make reservations, obtain travel itineraries and learn about other Lincoln sites in Illinois; n Union Square Park — Union Square Park is a public park with two new Lincoln sculptures, a gazebo, flowers, benches, and outdoor performance areas; and n Parking Garage — The garage accommodates visitors with 600 parking spaces plus 26 spaces for tour buses and other large passenger vehicles. The Museum The 100,000-square-foot museum portion of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum redefines the possible in presidential complexes. The museum’s 40,000 square feet of exhibit space is considerably larger than exhibit space in any other presidential library. Size matters: What really sets the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum apart from every other historical museum is the scope, creativity and visitor engagement of its displays. Using advanced technologies normally reserved for theme parks, yet maintaining rigorous standards of scholarship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum presents a fully immersive theatrical experience enabling 21st century visitors to inhabit Lincoln’s life and times. Visitors encounter historical settings, interactive exhibits and theatrical special effects that make the history engaging, both intellectually and emotionally. Rather than duplicate sites important to Lincoln’s life, the Museum offers visitors a taste that encourages them to explore the Lincoln landscape of historic sites across Illinois and throughout the country. The Journey The Journey, a linear exhibit that takes visitors from Lincoln’s boyhood log cabin through his presidency and assassination, features:
n Slave Auction — The slave auction depicts a family being torn apart. This is a scene Lincoln almost certainly encountered as a teenager during a trip down the Mississippi River; n Law Office — Lincoln’s 25 years as a lawyer are crucial to his political success, and this scene in his Springfield office also shows that he was a very permissive parent; n Campaign of 1860 — If there had been television coverage of this most divisive election in U.S. history, it may have looked like this, complete with campaign commercials; n The White House Blue Room — Here Mrs. Lincoln is being fitted for a ball gown by her dressmaker and close friend, Elizabeth Keckley, as she fights her own private war for social acceptance in the nation’s capital; n Whispering Gallery — The wicked editorial cartoons and whispered comments from citizens in both the North and South surround visitors in this unsettling room that shows how unpopular the new President and First Lady were; n Rumors in the Kitchen — This is a reproduction of the Lincoln White House Kitchen where visitors hear black servants whispering rumors ranging from Mary Todd Lincoln’s sanity to the promise of emancipation; n The War Gallery — The War Gallery includes a number of displays and interactive exhibits describing the human tragedy and sacrifice of the Civil War. A stunning film compresses four years of conflict into four minutes, complete with an “odometer of death” synchronized to show mounting casualties on both sides; and n Ford’s Theater and Lying in State in the Old State Capitol — These two settings that are key to the assassination story are reproduced in nearly full-scale, one showing the moments before the fatal shot and the other Lincoln’s casket as it was viewed by mourners. Other attractions at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum complex include: n The Treasures Gallery displays the most important original items in the Lincoln collection, including a handwritten copy of the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln’s stovepipe hat, his glasses and shaving mirror, Mary Todd’s music box and jewelry, among other priceless artifacts; n Union Theater features the 17-minute “Lincoln’s Eyes,” a multi-screen, multi-media surround experience introducing the 16th president as seen through the eyes of supporters and detractors; n Ghosts Of The Library, Holavision® Theater show mixes a live actor and special effects to highlight the facility’s world-renowned collection; n Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic is an area just for children with period costumes in their size, plus games and activities from the 1800s; n Illinois Gallery is where world-class, temporary exhibits are hosted in more than 3,000 square feet of space; For more information, visit www.presidentlincoln.org.
Open Daily 9:30 - 5:30
50+ Shops • OPEN DAILY • 9:30 - 5:00 3031 Reilly Dr., Springfield (Just Off Dirksen) (217) 522-3031 • 800-215-6113
www.springfieldantiquemall.com PAGE 76 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Wide Variety Of Antiques & Collectibles In A Bright, Friendly Setting 5859 S. 6th Street Rd., Springfield, IL Exit 90, Toronto Rd, Highway 55
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Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure
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night’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure has long been “the” name in family fun for Springfield. The Knight family has owned and operated the popular amusement complex for more than 80 years in Springfield, IL. The family’s name has become synonymous with quality entertainment. Today, Audrey Knight, and her sons George Knight, III, and Douglas Knight, carry on the family name and family operation of the facility. At Knight’s Action Park, kids of all ages can practice and play on any summer day or night. Knight’s offers a 50-tee driving range, batting cages, putting green and two miniature golf courses. The fun doesn’t stop there, however. Knight’s is also home to kiddy rides, arcade games, go-karts, a Paratrooper, and the Big Wheel. Next to Knight’s Action Park is Caribbean Water Adventure, the place where summer fun is The hair-raising an adventure to remember. Devil Ray water slide. Guests can escape the summer heat by relaxing in the giant wave pool or floating around in the Caribbean Wild River. In addition, Caribbean Water Adventure is home to The Bermuda Triangle, a 53-foot-tall slide tower with three exciting water slides packed with surprises. Thrills and laughter await on the park’s other water slides, including the hair-raising Devil Ray water slide which sends visitors speeding down a nearly vertical incline and back up again, as well as the high-speed fun of the Royal Flush water slide, a bowl full of fun. Visitors can navigate the lake at the edge of Caribbean Water Adventure aboard a four-seat Peddle Boat. The Bumper Boats are a crash and splash good time that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Little ones will enjoy Seal Bay and other kiddy play areas.
Two miniature golf courses. Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure are located next to the Route 66 Twin Drive-In. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the Route 66 Twin Drive-In shows double features on both of its giant screens. Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure are at exit 96 off Interstate 72 in Springfield. A tradition for fun, excitement, sports, games, and entertainment, Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure continues to invite guests of all ages to come to “where the action is!” 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 77
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Clinton: Continued From Page 60 southeast of Clinton to Weldon Springs State Park. Early in Clinton’s history, the site was a 40-acre estate owned by Judge Lawrence Weldon. He opened the land to friends, associates, relatives and Clinton residents for picnics, family outings and other recreational activities. Since that time, the land has seen many uses. It served as the site of a popular education and entertainment program known as a Chautauqua, an open recreation space used by the public, and served as a city park before finally becoming a state-owned, 442-acre park, offering recreational opportunities during all seasons. Weldon Springs State Park provides 75 camper sites and some additional sites for tent camping. The park also includes a 29-acre lake stocked with bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, sunfish and bullhead. The lake’s 2 miles of shoreline is dotted with bank fishing platforms. Two amphitheaters in the park provide a wonderful setting for a host of outdoor events. Weldon Springs is home to the Veterans Point Memorial, which was dedicated in 2004. Donations made in honor of veterans are recognized in various spaces on the granite structure. Inscribed on the base of the sculpture are the words “Freedom is not free.” The memorial sits on a 4-foot high granite pedestal in the middle of a patio. The plaque on the sculpture pedestal reads, “Dedicated to the memory and honor of all veterans who have served, are serving, and will serve this great country for the cause of freedom.” During a visit to Clinton, a stop at the historic downtown Mr. Lincoln’s Square would be well worth the time. On the northwest corner of the square stands a statue of Abraham Lincoln. According to local lore, it was on Mr. Lincoln’s Square where he said: “You can fool all of the people part of the time, and part of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” Located in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, DeWitt County is an official Looking for Lincoln community and is home to 10 Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits. Eight of these are included on a self-guided walking tour spanning 9 blocks and featuring unique Lincoln-related stories and sites. A permanent exhibit, “Lincoln in DeWitt
County,” is housed at Clinton’s Warner Public Library. Lincoln’s connection to Clinton and DeWitt County is rich. He argued cases in DeWitt County on the Eighth Judicial Circuit and practiced law in an office he shared with a local attorney, Clifton H. Moore. Visit the Lincoln Heritage of DeWitt County website at www.lincolnheritageofdewittcounty.com. While touring Mr. Lincoln’s Square, visitors will find themselves amidst a variety of retail and service shops. Many more stores and restaurants line Van Buren Street a few blocks to the south. They include major discount department stores, nationally known drug stores and several popular fastfood chains. But notable to the community are the unique dining experiences and quaint shops which draw visitors from near and far. After dinner, visitors may catch a box office hit at the community’s fivescreen movie complex, which shows recently released movies and throws in some appealing extras. Guests will find free refills on popcorn and soda, discounted admission nights and free popcorn Thursdays. An excellent public school system serves the Clinton area, with neighborhood school buildings located only a short walk from homes. A school campus housing the Clinton High School facility, sports complex, and the Clinton Junior High School is located near Van Buren Street shopping. An in-town hospital assures residents of quick, professional medical care. Fourteen churches, representing most major denominations, dot Clinton’s neighborhoods. Clinton uses a mayor/council form of government. A countywide development council is available to work with new businesses and economic development in DeWitt County. Visitors are invited to treat themselves to some tasty food at the nationally recognized Apple and Pork Festival, scheduled for September 29 and 30. For a “howling good time,” visit Clinton’s Terror on Washington Street Haunted House held weekends in October. Contact the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau at 217-935-3364 or toll-free at 866-4-DeWitt (866-433-9488), or visit www.clintonilchamber.com. Visit the DeWitt County Visitor Center, State Route 54 West, open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Overnight accommodations include: Sunset Inn & Suites, 217-935-4140; Town & Country Motel, 217-935-2121; and Wye Motel, 217-935-3373.
Effingham: Continued From Page 62
Monticello: Continued From Page 71
over 100 years ago. John Boos Butcher Blocks are used by several celebrity chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Rachel Ray, who gave John Boos blocks away on her talk show. Tours are available by appointment. Ballard Nature Center: The Ballard Nature Center is located just minutes west of Effingham nestled into a wooded area near National Road, U.S. 40. Miles of wooded trails, dozens of species of birds, and the natural setting offer a true outdoor experience. Dioramas and interactive exhibits offer entertainment and effortless education on the flora and fauna of this region. The trails and outdoor area are open from dawn until dusk. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 618-483-6856. Lake Sara: Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline, encircled by a winding road. Also, visit nearby golf courses, Cardinal and Fore-Way. Visit www.visiteffinghamil.com. Dr. Charles M. Wright House: The Dr. Charles M. Wright House in Altamont was built in 1889. The 18-room mansion is now a museum that features original furnishings, including carpets. The doctor’s surgery, nursery and library are highlights of the tour. Visit www.WrightMansion.org. Monastery Museum: The Monastery Museum in Teutopolis is a prism into the history of the settlers of the Teutopolis region and the Franciscans who ministered to them. The museum houses antique bibles, hand-scribed books, furnishings, clothing, toys and elaborate documents that offer a glimpse into the past. For more information, call 217-857-6404. Frye Pottery: Frye Pottery is located in a beautiful country setting. Artists Tim and Pam Frye have been professional potters for nearly 30 years and produce award winning ceramic art, as well as functional stoneware pottery designed for everyday use. A restored dairy barn houses their working studios and gallery with a selection of pottery pieces for sale. For more information, visit www.fryepottery.com.
cello. Monticello Main Street. Call 217-762-9318. June 21-23: Piatt Co. Rodeo. Piatt Co. Trailblazers. Call 217-762-2663. June 23: Rodeo Parade. Piatt County Trailblazers. Call 217-762-2663. June 29, 30: Monticello 175th Year Celebration. Call 217-762-2853. July 3: Fireworks. Lodge Park. July 3: Open House and Airshow. Eli Field. Call 217-840-3400. July 3: Fireworks Train. Railway Museum. Call 877-762-9011. July 9: Garden Walk. Monticello Chamber. Call 800-952-3396. August 23-26: Illini SuperJets. Eli Field. Call 217-840-3400. August 30-September 3: Music Barn Concert Series. Allerton Park. Visit www.allertonmusicbarn.com. September 14, 15: Monticello Celebration. Monticello Main Street. September 15, 16 or 22, 23: NC IMAC Championships. Eli Field. Call 217-840-3400. September 22, 23: Railroad Days. Monticello Railway Museum. Call 877-762-9011. October 5: Pumpkins, Goblins & Brew … oh my. Call 217-762-1951. October 12-14: Barn tour. Piatt County Museum. October 20, 21, 26-28: Ghost Train and Haunted Boxcar. Monticello Railway Museum. Call 877-762-9011. November 23-25, 30-December 1: Polar Express. Monticello Railway Museum. Call 877-762-9011. November 30: Reds of Christmas. Call 217-762-1951. December 1: Monticello Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. Monticello Chamber of Commerce. Call 800-352-3396. December 1, 2: Lunch with Santa on the Train. Monticello Chamber of Commerce. Call 800-352-3396. December 15-23: Santa in the Depot. Monticello Chamber of Commerce. Call 800-352-3396.
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Indiana
Bridgeton Bridge & Mill
ATTRACTIONS Covered Bridge Festival Turkey Run State Park Raccoon Lake Rockville Lake Park Bridgeton Mill Mansfield Mill Billie Creek Village Sugar Valley Canoes Turkey Run Canoes Shades State Park Festivals & Events
Lakteion n o o a c Ratce Recreea r a St A
Rockville Lake Park
765-569-5226 765-597-2635 765-344-1412 765-569-6541 765-548-0106 765-344-1884 765-569-0252 765-597-2464 765-597-2456 765-435-2810 765-569-5226
AREA LODGING INNS Raccoon Lakeside Lodge Turkey Run Inn Billie Creek Inn
765-344-1162 877-500-6151 765-569-3430
MOTELS
Turkey Run and Shades State Parks
Parke Bridge Motel Motel Forrest Covered Bridge Motel
765-569-3525 765-569-5250 765-569-2833
BED & BREAKFASTS Grannyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm B & B Owl Nest B & B Ewbank Loudermilk B & B Bubble Gum B & B Mansfield Guest Inn Knoll Inn Old Jail Inn Parke County
Billie Creek Village
765-597-2248 765-569-1803 765-597-2255 765-569-6630 812-877-9831 765-569-5226 765-562-2056
CABINS The Cabins at Hobson Farms Sugar Valley Camping Cabins Wilkins Mill Guesthouse Fallen Rock Parke Rockville Lake Park Cabins Patâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pad Turkey Run State Park Cabins Turkey Run Cabins
Rockville Town Square
765-376-7663 765-597-2355 765-597-2046 765-672-4301 765-569-6541 765-569-2605 800-500-6151 765-597-2029
CANOE CAMP
Bike, Motorcycle, A
Sugar Valley
ntique Car & Tracto
r Tours
765-597-2355
RETREAT CENTER A. I. Campus Retreat
765-592-4702
PARKE COUNTY COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL
2012 Oct. 12-21 2013 Oct. 11-20
Canoeing
2012 EVENTS
Kayaking
Tubing
PARKE COUNTY MAPLE SYRUP FAIR -LIY\HY` 4HYJO
MANSFIELD MUSHROOM FESTIVAL AND BRIDGETON MOUNTAIN MAN RENDEZVOUS (WYPS
BRIDGETON ART & WINE FAIR, 4H` BILLIE CREEK CIVIL WAR DAYS, 1\UL ART AFFAIR ON THE SQUARE, 1\UL COVERED BRIDGE CHRISTMAS 5V]LTILY +LJLTILY
765-569-5226
www.coveredbridges.com Prices, Special Offers Expire Dec. 31, 2012
info@coveredbridges.com
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