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Aikman Wildlife Adventure.............22 Amish Of Illinois ...............................6 Arcola .............................................15 Arthur .............................................24 Atwood............................................35 Bement ...........................................39 Bloomington ...................................64 Casey..............................................52 Charleston......................................42 Chesterville ....................................30 Clinton ............................................50 Crawford County ............................54
Communities & Attractions Decatur...........................................60 Effingham .......................................56 Fairbury..........................................70 Galesburg .......................................69 Greenup..........................................48 Greenville .......................................63 Jacksonville....................................65 Lake Shelbyville .............................38
Litchfield ........................................68 Marshall..........................................59 Mattoon ..........................................46 Monticello.......................................40 Oakland ..........................................45 Paris ...............................................64 Parke County, IN ............................79 Pontiac ...........................................73
Robinson.........................................54 Springfield......................................74 Sullivan...........................................36 Tuscola ...........................................32 Urbana............................................76 Vandalia..........................................66 Wineries, Central Illinois ...............78 Published by Rankin Publishing (217) 268-4959 drankin@consolidated.net
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KNOX • Galesburg
• Pontiac
LIVINGSTON
•
Fairbury
DISCOVER
McLEAN
These Central Illinois Communities
LOGAN
DE WITT
CHAMPAIGN
PIATT MORGAN
MACON
•
Rochester
DOUGLAS
MOULTRIE
SANGAMON
EDGAR
Parke County, IN
COLES SHELBY
CUMBERLAND CLARK
MONTGOMERY • Litchfield
BOND
Greenville
FAYETTE
EFFINGHAM
•
CRAWFOR D
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Aikman Wildlife Adventure.......................22
Galesburg .................................................69
Sullivan.....................................................36
Amish Of Illinois .........................................6
Greenup ....................................................48
Tuscola .....................................................32
Arcola .......................................................15
Greenville .................................................63
Urbana ......................................................76
Arthur .......................................................24
Jacksonville..............................................65
Vandalia....................................................66
Atwood ......................................................35
Lake Shelbyville .......................................38
Wineries, Central Illinois .........................78
Bement .....................................................39
Litchfield ..................................................68
Bloomington .............................................64
Marshall....................................................59
Casey........................................................52
Mattoon ....................................................46
Charleston ................................................42
Monticello.................................................40
www.rankinpublishing.com/discover
Chesterville ..............................................30
Oakland ....................................................45
Published annually by
Clinton ......................................................50
Paris .........................................................64
Crawford County ......................................54
Parke County, IN ......................................79
Decatur.....................................................60
Pontiac .....................................................73
Effingham .................................................56
Robinson...................................................54
Fairbury ....................................................70
Springfield ................................................74
PAGE 4 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Rankin Publishing, Inc. 204 E. Main St. • P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910 Phone 217-268-4959 • Fax 217-268-4815 drankin@consolidated.net Publishers of: Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine Maintenance Sales News Magazine Busline Magazine Discover Central Illinois Magazine
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AMISH OF ILLINOIS
Central Illinois Is Home To State’s Largest Amish Community
A
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, established 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.
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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 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,
A large Amish community populates Moultrie, Douglas and Coles counties, Illinois.
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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 it 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.
BUSINESS Traditionally, Amish business assets were calculated by how much land a family owned. With the Amish population growing and the land area remaining unchanged, however, many Amish today hold other business assets.
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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.
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Without modern conveniences, the Amish wash clothing with a wringer/washer and hang it to dry on a clothesline.
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 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 cabinetmakers can provide some of the finest and most attractive custommade 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 buggies and wagons is a necessary part of Amish life.
MISS ION
Auction begins ~ 8:00 A.M. Children’s Auction ~ 10:00 A.M. Silent Auction ~ 10:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. Petting Zoo
FOOD: 6:00 - 10:00 A.M. ~ Pancakes and Sausage 11:00 - 2:00 P.M. ~ Chicken Dinner, HAND-CRAFTED %XWWHUĂ€\ 3RUN &KRSV 5LYHU )ULHV FURNITURE AND QUILTS Peadros & Baked Goods
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2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 9
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• 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 homeSunset in Central Illinois Amish Country. made cinnamon rolls, donuts, cakes, breads and candy sold at several private Amish farm- Christmas), and on Ascension Day, which is 40 days after Easter. The Amish celebrate religious holidays, Thanksgiving steads. Businesses are closed each Sunday and the Epiphany (old and the New Year. SCHOOL Amish children learn a dialect of the German language, called Pennsylvania Dutch, before studying English. When children in
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259 N CR 200 E • Arthur, IL 61911 • Voice Mail: 217-543-3447 • Fax: 217-543-3450 PAGE 10 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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Amish families 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. 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.
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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
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common and young married couples often purchase land upon which to build. 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 daylong 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. Weddings 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 the dishes after the ceremony has ended. Amish people do not wear wedding rings. 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 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.
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HOME IS CENTRAL TO THE AMISH FAMILY 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. 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
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Waiting for school to dismiss.
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
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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. THE AMISH 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/Amish Confusion 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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ARCOLA: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Arcola, Birthplace Of Raggedy Ann Creator, Festivals, Murals, Unique Shopping, Delicious Food special Life Estate Sale at 2Ts Estate Sales on Arcola’s A warm welcome greets visitors to Arcola, located just off Main Street, Raggedy themed merchandise sales in the Interstate 57 at Exit 203. Situated in the heart of Illinois Arcola Community Building, a Friday night banquet/aucAmish Country, visitors enjoy Arcola and the surroundtion at Yoder’s restaurant in Arthur, IL, a Raggedy ing Amish countryside. Arcola is also proud to be the Makeover Contest and Raggedy Rewards. The theme birthplace of Johnny Gruelle, creator of the much loved character for this year’s event is Johnny Gruelle’s symbols of Americana, Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Cheery Scarecrow. For more information, check the Andy. Many people also travel to Arcola to shop for anRaggedy Gathering At Arcola on Facebook, visit the tiques, Amish-made furniture, to dine in the fine local Arcola website www.arcolachamber.com. restaurants, shop the unique and friendly stores, purchase beautifully crafted furniture, stock up on ARCOLA’S BROOM CORN FESTIVAL sausage and cheese, participate in the town’s fabuThe Broom Corn Festival is the oldest of Arlous festivals, and learn more area history. The comcola’s annual events. In 2016, Arcola celebrates the munity hosts several major celebrations that town’s 46th Annual Arcola Broom Corn Festival. annually draw thousands of guests to the community. The annual festival lasts three days, beginning Fri2016 RAGGEDY ANN GATHERING day afternoon, September 9, with the National Broom Corn Sweeping contest, and continues through SunArcola honors its famous son, Johnny Gruelle, and day, September 11. (The Festival is always held the his beloved creations, Raggedy Ann and Andy, annually weekend following the Labor Day holiday.) with a weekend jam-packed with events for Raggedy enthusiasts. The 2016 event is scheduled for Friday, June 10 The annual Broom Corn Festival is one of the and Saturday, June 11, in Arcola. You are invited to a most popular annual events in Illinois. It draws part of this very special themed weekend where you can more than 60,000 visitors to the city with its legmeet collectors, make new friends, and renew reendary stage acts, craft vendors, food booths lationships. and a huge parade featuring the nationally-recThe 2016 Raggedy Ann Gathering Events planned for the 2016 event include a ognized Arcola Lawn Rangers, (chosen to be will be held June 10 and 11.
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Locally Crafted Furniture 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 15
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an entrant in President Obama’s first inaugural parade) and as many as 175 other entrants. For decades, Arcolans referred to the community as the "Broom Corn Capital of the World." Indeed, it was. Arcola stood as one of the nation’s top producers of broom corn, a tall, unusual variety of sorghum that is used as a raw material in the manufacture of brooms. The modern parade rekindles the spirit of the times of yesteryear, when farmers hitched their horses to wagons loaded with the year’s harvest and headed toward town. Once in Arcola, they rolled down Main Street proudly displaying their haul while enroute to one of the many local broom factories. While broom corn is no longer grown in the fertile farmland that surrounds Arcola, factories that were born of those earlier times remain much the heart of the community, and the local economy. The Arcola Chamber of Commerce annually sponsors the popular family festival, Arcola’s Broom Corn Festival draws a huge crowd each year. and the organization has built a storied tramusic. More recently, Kenny Chesney performed at the festival, and the dition of success in bringing to Arcola entertainers who seem to explode ranks of those who have taken the Broom Corn Festival stage also include onto the national music scene either just before, or just after, taking the Brad Paisley, Tracy Lawrence, Chris Cagle and Buddy Jewell. stage at the Broom Corn Festival. Along with the featured performer, several other musical acts highlight One of the Broom Corn Festival stage acts is Garth Brooks, who enterthe festival, including those performing in the Broom Corn Festival beer tained thousands during one of the free Broom Corn Festival concerts in tent, which attracts huge evening crowds. 1991 and went on to an incredible music career that transformed country The 2013 festival featured the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, along with their complete entourage. The Clydesdales, staff, equipment and semis were in Arcola for three days. The festival also features a long list of events celebrating the community’s heritage. These include broom-making demonstrations, a broom sweeping contest, children’s entertainment, carnival rides and craft booths that line the streets along with delicious festival foods. For additional information on the festival, contact the Arcola Chamber of Commerce at 217-268-4530 or visit www.arcolachamber.com.
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ARCOLA
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130 ARTISTS CREATE ARCOLA’S 15 WALLDOG MURALS Through the efforts of the Arcola Beautification Committee, and a variety of fundraising projects involving numerous community volunteers, the famous Walldogs mural painters came to Arcola in June 2012. The group included 130 artists from across the United States as well as Canada, New Zealand, Scotland and Australia. There is a long and rich history of paint-
The Walldogs creating one of the 15 Arcola murals. ing 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 feature topics unique to the rich history of Arcola. The prestigious Walldogs select just one city in the Midwest to transform each year.
Murals include: a mural dedicated to Arcolan Joe Ernst (WWll French Medal of Honor recipient) and Ella Fitzgerald; Raggedy Ann and Andy; the City of New Orleans train; Clayton Moore and the Lawn Rangers; Pfeiffer Seed Company; broom corn and Arcola’s famous annual Broom Corn Festival; an Arcola football themed mural; historic Route 45; the local Amish culture; the Arcola Candy Kitchen; the Hispanic migration to Arcola; The Arcola Sweet Shop, and a painting dedicated to the Arcola Opera House and “Ozzie and Harriett” during the 1935 Homecoming event. Visit www.arcolawalldogsproject.com. ARCOLA NATIVE JOHNNY GRUELLE: CREATOR OF RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY Here’s a bit of a history lesson: Johnny Gruelle, a well-known artist and illustrator who created Raggedy Ann and Andy, was born in Arcola in 1880 to artistic parents R.B. and Alice Gruelle. R.B. was one of the famous Hoosier Group of Impressionist artists. From his youth, art was a major influence in Johnny Gruelle’s life. While Johnny Gruelle is best known for his famous creations, Raggedy Ann and Andy, he was certainly an artist with a true talent for cartooning and magazine/newspaper illustration. He was employed by publications including The Indianapolis Star, The Cleveland Press and The New York Herald. Probably his most famous comic strip was Mr. Twee Deedle. His cartoons, illustrations and illustrated stories also appeared in well known magazines of the time such as McCall’s, The Ladies World and The Illustrated Sunday Magazine. Gruelle continued his growth as an artist and, after struggling through a tragic event that affected his own life, created the famed Raggedy Ann as the central character in a series of children’s books. His daughter, Marcella, is credited with finding the very first Raggedy Ann, a long forgotten faceless rag doll, in the family’s attic. She became 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.”
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 PAGE 18 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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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 over a decade, they owned and operated a museum dedicated to Johnny Gruelle. Joni, daughter of Worth and Susie Gruelle, is a talented artist as well, and continues to work with publishers on new Raggedy Ann and Andy merchandise. ARCOLA AREA AMISH SETTLEMENT Illinois’ largest Amish settlement is located just west of Arcola. The rural area is lined with Amish businesses, homes, and schools. Drivers share the roads with horse-drawn buggies and bicycles. The Illinois Amish are tied to their Reformation beginnings by their history, faith, simple way of life and plain dress. The Amish grew out of the Reformation Anabaptist movement that began in Zurich, Switzerland in 1525. The movement included the Swiss Brethren and the Hutterites in Southern Europe, and the Mennonites in the north of Europe. Anabaptists insisted on baptizing believing adults rather than infants. Refusal to follow any government or to fight in armies led to persecution by Catholic and Protestant states. In 1693, the Amish separated from the Swiss Brethren, taking their name from Jacob Ammann, an early leader. The primary cause of the split with
the Swiss Brethren involved the Amish belief in shunning society members who broke the rules of the church. After the two split, Amish families began moving to the United States in the early 1700s, and, today, there are no 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
“GOOD
HOME COOKIN”
That’s What You Get At The
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FAMILY RESTAURANT & GIFT SHOP s ARCOLA
OPEN DAILY 5:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 19
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cola, where 40 acres have been dedicated to offerin search of land for a new settlement. They puring a car/or horse-drawn wagon drive-through exchased land west of the Kaskaskia River in what was perience viewing and personally interacting with then known as the West Prairie area. The first three over 90 animals from all over the world. Visit families to arrive were later joined by others. Today, www.aikmanwildlife.com. the Amish community consists of approximately The annual community-wide garage sale, sched4,300 people and is divided into 25 church districts. uled August 5 and 6, is also a popular event. Living without electricity and using horses for transVisitors throughout the year will find much more portation and field work, the Amish families were, at in Arcola. The community offers a warm welcome first, engaged primarily in farming. to visitors as well as unique shopping in charming In recent decades, as it became increasingly diffistores, friendly service, and ample storefront parkcult to acquire farmland, Amish men began estabing. There is just too much to see in one day. Spend lishing thriving businesses. With woodworking the night in Arcola at a hotel including Arcola’s businesses and establishments based on other such Comfort Inn or The Arcola Best Western Plus Hotel trades, many tourists now are drawn to the area to and Conference Center. buy beautifully crafted Amish furniture, handmade Some of the shops on Arcola’s Main Street sure Amish quilts and other products produced by local to please even the most discerning shopper include Amish families. The Arcola Emporium for home decor, gifts, jewAMAZING ARCOLA elry and antiques. In addition, visitors will find AND SPECIAL EVENTS: Amish-crafted furniture and cabinets in Yoder’s For antique enthusiasts, Arcola will host a CounHomestead Shop and Country Charm. A friendly try Spirit Antique Show March 4 and 5. The event welcome awaits at even more Arcola businesses. has expanded and is housed in two locations, the ArLocal restaurants feature mouth-watering specola Center at 107 West Main Street and The Best cialties. Dine in local favorite restaurants including Western Hotel and Conference Center at 917 Green A warm welcome awaits Arcola’s Dutch Kitchen, The Hen House, McDonMill Road. Both locations feature American counin Arcola. ald’s, Monicals, Sweepers, Carriage Crossing, Subtry antiques. A second Country Spirit Antique Show way and Dairy Queen. and Sale is scheduled for Nov. 11 and 12. Green Mill Village welcomes you to Amish Country of Illinois, a region Arcola merchants welcome spring with an annual Spring Open House with so much to do including excursions to the countryside to see the in March (date TBA) when they celebrate the end of winter with special Amish shops and farmsteads, walking down the historic brick streets and pricing for shoppers. shopping for new and vintage goods, or sampling farm-fresh food from New to the area in 2016 is Aikman’s Wildlife Adventure Park, rural Ar-
DA I
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SUN 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday Specials 126 North Oak Street Arcola, IL 61910 (217) 268-6211 sweepersrandb @consolidated.net
Arcola Emporium Antiques Arcola Emporium Antiques Prairie Peddler AEA
8,000 sq. ft. multi-dealer mall Antiques, Collectibles & Vintage Art 217-268-4523 DECORATE FOR TODAY, TREASURE THE PAST %#• * 35
“Prairie Peddler” HOURS Wednesday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Sunday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
PAGE 20 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Home Decor, Kitchen & Specialty Foods Jewelry • Gifts • Handmade Items 217-268-3311
% Mon-Sat 9-5
* Sun 12-5 5
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local eateries. Whatever brings you to the region, Green Mill Village provides the perfect landing point to Live, Stay, and Play. This year, Green Mill Village Theatre and Events brings a summer, fall and Christmas lineup at its theatre-in-the-round venue that is sure to tickle your funny bone and have you tapping your toes inside the Best Western PLUS Hotel and Suites Convention Center. Last year, Green Mill Village Theatre brought thousands of tourists to see Blue Gate Musical’s production of “Half-Stitched the Musical,” and its new lineup of entertainment pays tribute to Patsy Cline, the bluegrass legends and Christian comedians sure to open hearts and soothe the soul. For ticket information and the current schedule, go to www.gmvtheatre.com. Guests looking for Amish Country of Illinois hotels can get away from it all while still enjoying the best of modern conveniences at the Best Western PLUS hotel. The furniture in the rooms was made by local Amish craftsmen from Simply Amish, plus the artwork is from a local photographer with Amish ancestry, Richard Hershberger. As visitors walk through the serene property, canvases adorn the walls depicting the beauty of the prairie and the tradition and vitality of Amish life. Visitors deserve a property that's clean, comfortable and affordable with the best hospitality in Central Illinois. Located in the middle of Illinois Amish Country, Best Western PLUS regularly C welcomes guests who are looking for a true escape and experience. Whether it's Amish experiences or one of the near-by university campuses
that bring visitors to this part of Illinois, comfort is key. Shop for Amish handcrafted furniture by day, head to the Broom Corn Festival or a Green Mill Village event, explore the area with the family and rest knowing a luxurious pillow-top mattress will be waiting in a spacious guestroom with all the modern amenities including complimentary breakfast, WIFI, microwave and fridge. Green Mill Village, is where tradition meets vitality. To make your reservations, call 217-268-5000 or go to www.gmvdevelopment.com. THE HOLIDAYS Visitors will also receive a special welcome during the Christmas holiday season when shoppers can enjoy holiday music played through speakers lining the town’s sidewalks, festively decorated storefronts, streets and windows, and even a lighted tree at the four-way stop on Arcola’s Main Continued On Page 77
Arcola
By Choice Hotels
Phone: 217-268-4000 www.choicehotels.com Exit 203 at I-57 & Rt. 133 Opposite Dairy Queen
v Free Continental Breakfast v AARP Discount v 25” Cable TV with Remote Control v Jacuzzi Rooms v Pets with Permission v Outdoor Pool Best Place For a Layover in Amish Country For reservations only:
1-800-228-5150 “Feels Like Home”
Great Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches, Salads & Breadsticks! Home of The Family Pleaser Villa Grove
Shelbyville
Arcola
Tuscola
102 N. Sycamore
1900 W. Main
528 E. Springfield Rd.
900 S. Court
(217) 832-2361
(217) 774-4100
(217) 268-4141
(217) 253-4749
Open Daily at 11 a.m. • Famous for thin-crust pizza! 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 21
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AIKMAN WILDLIFE ADVENTURE: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Family Fun On The Prairie At Aikman Wildlife Adventure
B
ringing a touch of the “exotic” to the heart of Illinois Amish Country is Aikman Wildlife Adventure. Beginning its first year of operation in 2016, the 40-acre park is located on the Illinois prairie along the picturesque Kaskaskia River just 5 miles west of Interstate 57 at exit 203 (Illinois Route 133), at the site of the former Rockome Gardens. Aikman Wildlife Adventure offers visitors and their families an outdoor experience viewing and interacting with a variety of animal species from many parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, Africa and Central and South America. Two years in the making, owner James Aikman visualized Aikman Wildlife Adventure as a park where families could enjoy a special outdoor experience together, as well as a place where “rescue” animals and other animals in need could call “home.” “There are many kids these days who seem to always be on their phones and computers, and not going outside anymore,” Aikman said. “Most people are innately drawn and are curious about animals. Aikman Wildlife Adventure is designed to help young people to be motivated to want to be outside. It is a place where families can come together and hang out and enjoy God’s amazing creations whenever they desire. “The park is different from a zoo because visitors have more personal interaction with the animals, as opposed to just seeing them behind some kind of barrier.” There are several ways visitors can enjoy the about 90 animals in the park. The “drivethrough” section of the park covers about 20 acres. Visitors can drive their cars through the area, view and take photographs of the animals up close. Federal rules do not allow feeding the animals from a car, however, those wishing to feed the animals can take the park’s horse-drawn wagon tour through the drive-through area. The wagons hold about 25 people. A guide narrates the adventure and relays information about the animals the wagon encounters. Each rider is given a small tub of feed for the animals that approach the wagon. Those taking the drive-through adventure can view “up close and personal” many species of animals. They include llamas, alpacas, emus and Scottish Highlanders, a type of cattle often called “hairy cows” because of their shaggy coats. Also, wild turkeys and exotic sheep can be seen. In addition, also in the drive-through area are bison, water buffalo and the two types of camels. The Arabian camel, also called dromedary, has one hump, while the Bactrain camel has two humps. Arabian camels’ native habitat is the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, while Bactrain camels can be found in Central Asia. Brown, white and blackish-colored fallow deer, about the size of white-tailed deer, also roam the drivethrough section. Families who enjoy nature films will be excited to see one of the most well-known animals found on the Serengeti plains and other areas of Africa brought to the Great Plains of Central Illinois — the blue wildebeest. Indeed, Serengeti is derived from a Maasai word that means “endless plains.” What is known as the “Serengeti Wildebeest Migration” is an annual natural phenomenon that takes place between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, where up to 2 million animals, mostly wildebeest and zebra, Pictured is James Aikman, feeding a nilgai, an antelope native to India. PAGE 22 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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move in a clockwise rotational route determined by the availability of grazing and water. In addition to the blue wildebeest, other African animals in the drive-through area are a zebra and an eland, Africa’s largest antelope. The park has two Scimitar oryxs, also known as the Sahara oryx. This species of oryx, which formerly inhabited all of North Africa, is now extinct in the wild. Also an addax, also known as the white antelope and the screwhorn antelope, calls Aikman Wildlife Adventure home. Native to India, a nilgai, a species of antelope, also lives in the drive-through area. Another type of adventure that can be experienced at the park is the “walk-through”section. This area more resembles a traditional zoo, in that the animals are housed in their own particular habitat, which, however, is much larger than what can be found in a typical zoo. Visitors cannot interact with the animals in this part of the park, except for in the petting zoo area. Animals found in the walk-through area are a coatimundi, which is a racoon-like animal found in Central and South America. There are also African porcupines and an African genet, which is a kind of a small ferretlooking animal, gray in color with black spots. KinkaForeground, a Scottish Highlander, also known as a “hairy cow,” jous also call the walk-through area home. The kinkajou and in the background a watusi. is a rainforest mammal, also known as the “honey bear.” The grand opening of Aikman Wildlife Adventure is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. The drive-through section will open earlier, on March 12. Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. One ticket gives visitors access to both the drive-through and walk-through areas of the park. There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase a souvenir of their “wildlife adventure.” For more information, visit the Aikman Wildlife Adventure’s Facebook page and/or www.aikmanwildlife.com or by calling 217-268-3500. The email address is info@aikmanwildlife.com.
2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 23
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ARTHUR: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Arthur: In The Heart Of Amish Country
T
hroughout the village of Arthur and its surrounding area, visitors will find a friendly, slow-paced 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 fewer 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 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 experience 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 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 www.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 ensure 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.
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Arthur History The history of Arthur and the Illinois Amish dates back to the mid-1800s. Arthur was settled when three Amish gentlemen came to the area around 1865 looking for farmland that didn’t have 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. 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, the Annual Amish Country Quilt Show and Auction in April, and listening to bluegrass music at the Chet Kingery Memorial Blue Grass Festival on a Saturday afternoon/evening in May. The days and weeks that follow are filled with events such as the Arthur Independence Day Celebration, held the Saturday prior to the 4th of July.
Yoder’s Kitchen is a full service 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
Banquet Facilities
• Pies • Cinnamon Rolls • Breads • Cookies
We can accommodate groups from 30 to 350. Let our experienced staff help plan your next special event.
Visit Our 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.
We’ll make your dining experience special!
See Us For All Your Catering Needs Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m • Closed Sundays • Friday & Saturday Morning Breakfast Buffet. 7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 1195 E. Columbia • Arthur, Illinois 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 25
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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 Festival; the Freedom Celebration and the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair in July; and â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Touch of Arthurâ&#x20AC;? and the Mennonite Relief Sale in August. September brings the annual Amish Country Cheese Festival (held on Saturday, Sunday and Monday on Labor Day weekend); The Great Pumpkin Patch; an annual bicycle ride that attracts more than 800 riders who love the flat, quiet roads and the Amish meals served to them; and several special horse sales. Then in October, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the A warm welcome awaits during every season. annual CIBR-BBQ Cook-off (Central Illinois Bragginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rights), which mas Kick-off Weekend in November, followed by the annual Central is designated as an Illinois State Championship and KCBS sancIllinois Outdoor Expo held in February at the Otto Center. tioned event. Visitors and townspeople alike are lured to come to Monthly Event: The 3rd Saturday Craft and Flea Market in downArthurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown just by the aroma of the BBQ cookers as it pertown Arthur is conducted the third Saturday of each month indoors meates the air. and outdoors, depending on weather. More than 20 antique, craft and The festival season starts to wind down with another huge Antique flea vendors are included. & Primitive weekend and a lighted holiday parade during the Christ-
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PAGE 26 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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Shopping Picture yourself in the Arthur Amish Country shops. Out in the Amish countryside you’ll find country grocery stores, quilt and fabric shops, bakeries, orchards and fruit stands, buggy shops, woodworking shops and more. These “Country Shops” are unique opportunities to interact directly with the Amish shopkeepers and find special treasures to take home. While Amish handiwork is prevalent throughout the shops that dot the countryside near Arthur, you can also spend a day in the unique shops in downtown Arthur. Visitors can 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, Dicks Pharmacy features an old-fashioned soda fountain, as well as cheese and baked goods at Country Cheese & More. Unique gifts are available in shops such as The Pewter Spoon and the Arthur Flower Shop that also has fresh fudge. 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 or Prairie Sunset. Visitors may also rent a furnished house in Chesterville for their stay at the Lil’ Cottage. Arthur itself offers many interesting eating options. Yoder’s Kitchen is Arthur’s largest restaurant with banquet facilities. For those in need of “rejuvenation,” just down the road is RoseLen’s Coffees & Delights. Try out Pauly’s BBQ for some of central Illinois’ finest slow cooking. For breakfast and lunch downtown you will find a “farmer’s cafe” at the R&I Restaurant, a bar and grill at The Berg, and made fresh daily soup and sub sandwiches at Country Cheese & More. The Country Kitchen, located in Watkins Estates on Route 133, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including daily specials, and don’t forget La Casada Mexican Grill on East Route 133 in the Yoder Center. Call the Arthur Welcome Center at 217-543-2242 or visit www.arthuril.us or www.ArthurFestivals.com for additional area information and a complete schedule of events.
April 1: Toy Auction. Tri-County Auction Facility. April 2: Semi-Annual Consignment Sale. Tri-County Consignment Facility. April 2: Bi-Annual Fish Fry. Otto Center. April 2: County Line Standard-Bred Horse Sale. Arthur Sale Barn. April 15: 12th Annual Benefit Auction for the Moultrie County Beacon. Otto Center.
2016 Arthur Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. March 24-26: C.A.M.S. Rummage Sale. Otto Center. March 26: Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m., Arthur High School. Arthur Woman’s Club. March 27: Community Sunrise Service.
Cable, HBO2, Free WIFI, Updated Rooms & Friendly, Local Management I-57 exit 203, 9 miles west on Rt.133 785 E. Columbia • Arthur, IL
217-543-3321 Find us on Expedia & Booking.com
www.arthurcountryinn.com 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 27
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Right: In summer, hanging baskets and banners enhance Arthurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vine Street. April 16: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. April 16: Miss Arthur Pageant. April 18-23: 6th Annual Quilt Walk. Downtown Arthur. Maps at Welcome Center. April 21-23: 27th Annual Arthur Quilt Show & Auction. Otto Center. April 23: Kelly Miller Circus. Arthur High School. April 29: Arthur Produce Auction opens for season. One-half mile south of State Route 133 on County Road 100E. Every Tuesday and Friday in May: Flowers and produce at Arthur Produce Auction at 10 a.m. May 5: Ascension Day. All Amish businesses closed. May 6: Arthur Produce Annual Spring Tree & Landscaping Auction at 10 a.m. May 7: Arthur â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clean-Upâ&#x20AC;? Day. May 16: East Central Illinois Standard-Bred & Pony Sale. Arthur Sale Barn. May 21: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. Every Tuesday and Friday in June: Flowers and produce at Arthur Produce Auction at 10 a.m. June 2-4: Cushman Scooters Daze. Moultrie-Douglas County Fairgrounds. June 3, 4: Strawberry Jam Festival. Downtown Arthur. June 4: Strawberry Social. Otto Center. June 4: Tyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dash & Splash Memorial 5K/10K Run. June 4: The Homestead Bakery 10th Anniversary Open House at The Great Pumpkin Patch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 5: Central Illinois Lions Club/Arthur Lions Club â&#x20AC;&#x153;Walk for Sight.â&#x20AC;? Jurgens Park at 4 p.m. June 6-10: Arthur Community Vacation Bible School at Arthur Mennonite Church from 9-11:30 a.m. June 10, 11: All-Around Town Garage Sales. Maps at Welcome Center. June 12, 13: 14th Annual Heart of America Pony Sale. Vernon Yoder Farm/Tri-County Auction Facility.
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June 18: 7th Annual Amish Country Tractor Cruise. 50-mile cruise featuring pre-1980 tractors. June 18: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. Every Tuesday and Friday in July: Flowers and produce at Arthur Produce Auction at 10 a.m. July 2: Arthur Freedom Celebration Parade. Downtown Arthur at 1 p.m. July 2: Arthur Freedom Celebration/Fireworks. Arthur Rotary Club.
Paulys BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings, Pulled Pork, Ribs, Turkey, Tenderloin, Grilled Chicken, Hog Trough 310 E Columbia St. Arthur, IL 61911 217-543-2400 paulysbbq@gmail.com
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July 11-16: 86th Annual Moultrie-Douglas County Fair. July 7-9: East Central Illinois Shop Hop. July 15: Vine St. Christian Church “Movies Under the Stars.” Free outdoor family movie. July 16: 2nd Annual Summer Pickers Auction. Tri-County Auction Facility. July 16: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. July 29: Vine St. Christian Church “Movies Under the Stars.” Free outdoor family movie. Every Tuesday and Friday in August: Flowers and produce at Arthur Produce Auction at 10 a.m. August 12: Vine St. Christian Church “Movies Under the Stars.” Free outdoor family movie. August 20: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. August 26, 27: Arthur Mennonite Relief Sale. Otto Center. Every Tuesday and Friday in September: Fresh local produce, pumpkins and mums at Arthur Produce Auction at 10 a.m. September 3-5: 44th Annual Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival. Rat Race 5K/10K Run, 1-Mile Fun Run, 5K Recreational Walk and Kids Cheese Chasers Race. Arthur Woman’s Club. Slow Speed Tractor Races/Antique Tractor Show. September 3, 4: Annual Chet Kingery Bluegrass Festival. The Great Pumpkin Patch. September 3: Annual East Central Illinois Standard-Bred Auction. Arthur Sale Barn. September 9, 10: Fall All Around Town Garage Sales. Maps at Welcome Center. September 10-October 31: The Great Pumpkin Patch Open for 27th season. September 16, 17: Arthur Homecoming Weekend. Parade, game and coronation. September 17: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. September 17: Annual Bob Galloway Memorial Amish Country Bike Tour. September 23: Toy Auction. Tri-County Auction Facility. September 24: Semi-Annual Consignment Sale. Tri-County Consignment Facility. Every Tuesday and Friday in October: Fresh local produce, pumpkins and mums at Arthur Produce Auction at 10 a.m. October 1-31: The Great Pumpkin Patch open daily. October 14, 15: CIBR-BBQ KCBS Competition, Thrill of the Grill Competition.
While you're in Downtown Arthur, stop in and enjoy a treat from our old fashioned soda fountain
118 S. Vine, Arthur, IL 61911 217-543-2913 Fax: 217-543-2943 8 - 6 Mon - Fri 8 - 4 Sat See us at facebook.com/arthurpharmacyatdicks
October 15: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. October 21-23: Annual Haiti Auction. Otto Center. October 24-31: Lighted Pumpkin House Display. October 29: Halloween Festival. Arthur High School. Arthur Woman’s Club. November 5: Vine Street Christian Church Holiday Bazaar. November 5: Bi-Annual Fish Fry. Otto Center. November 11, 12: Woodwrights Guild Fall Open House. November 11, 12: “Spirit of the Holidays” Bazaar. Arthur United Methodist Church. November 11, 12: Homesteaders on the Prairie Antique Show/Sale. Moultrie-Douglas Fairgrounds. November 11, 12: Country Spirit Antique Shows & Sale. Arcola Center and Best Western Plus Arcola. November 12: Spirit of the Season/Gathering on the Prairie Antique Show & Sale. Otto Center. November 18: Christmas Auction. Otto Center. November 19: Amish Country Christmas Kickoff/Lighted Christmas Parade. November 19: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. November 26: Small Business Day Promotion. November 26: 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Auction of Farm Toys/trucks. Tri-County Auction Facility. December 3: Breakfast with Santa. December 9, 10: Farm Collectibles, Advertising & Memorabilia Auction. Tri-County Auction Facility. December 10: Central Illinois Rabbit Breeders Association Show. Moultrie-Douglas Fairgrounds. December 17: Downtown 3rd Saturday Market. December 25: Free Community Christmas Day Lunch. Vine Street Christian Church.
• Guided Tour of the Amish Countryside • Meal in an Amish Home • Amish Home Tours • Amish Woodworking Shop Tour 24 - 48 hours advance notice required for reservations. Groups of 4 to 200+ are Welcome. 1071 CR 1200N, Sullivan, Illinois 61951 Ph: 217-543-2734 Email: stellartours@gmail.com Website: www.amishadventures.net
SPEND A DAY… OR TWO! SHOP DOWNTOWN ARCOLA & ARTHUR, IL. 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 29
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CHESTERVILLE: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Chesterville: River Scenes, Good Food, Local Folklore In The Heart Of Amish Country
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 new 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 colorful autumnal foliage and the beauty of an icy stream in winter. The new bridge was constructed recently to replace a 115-year-old iron bridge that was commonly known as the Chesterville Bridge. Citizens around Chesterville asked the county to build the original structure 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. 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 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
PAGE 30 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Above: Chesterville’s popular Korner Cafe, and below, Dutch Valley Meats, “on the curve” in Chesterville. 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
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buried in the cemetery and a tree was planted on her grave so her spirit would 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 womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 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 Cookinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, The Korner Cafe also offers a full menu that includes fried chicken 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 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.
EMC
Outdoor Furnishings
Located on Rt. 133 In Chesterville
(217) 543-2894 Poly Furniture In Many Sizes Colors & Styles 7JOZM (B[FCPT BOE 4XJOH 4FUT t 8PPE (B[FCPT "SCPST t 1PSDI 4XJOHT t 0VUEPPS 'VSOJUVSF 3PDLFST BOE (MJEFST t -JHIUIPVTFT t #SJEHFT (BSEFO 0SOBNFOUT BOE 0VUEPPS %FDPSBUJPOT We Also Carry Inspirational Art Gifts and Home Decor.
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2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 31
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TUSCOLA: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Tuscola: Get Right To The Point
T
uscola is a community large enough to offer world-class golf, eclectic artisan collectives, antique treasures and fabulous name brand shopping, yet it maintains a warm, small-town charm amid its quaint, rural setting. Tuscola’s centralized location in the heart of the Midwest makes it the hub of a diverse array of offerings — whether planning to spend a day, or a year, or a season, or a lifetime. The community is ready to provide all the resources available to make time spent in Tuscola a success —and that’s exactly the point. LOCATION Conveniently located along Interstate 57 at Exit 212 and at the intersection of U.S. routes 36 and 45. SHOP Brand-name items, great prices. From Coach and JCrew to UnderArmor and Chico’s, outlets at Tuscola offer a big-city shopping experience without the big-city hassle.
The county courthouse houses the Douglas County Civil War display. ENGAGE In Tuscola’s quaint downtown, several specialty shops can be found, including Winterberry and the stylish Kelsey Furniture. Downtown Tuscola has no shortage of local artisans. Vintage
PAGE 32 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Karma offers handmade goods, funky antiques and unique jewelry. The Vault Arts Collective is a unique and eclectic collection of more than 80 artists, with a diverse range of talents and mediums, working, showcasing and selling their work.
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GOLF Play a few rounds at Ironhorse Golf Club. An 18-hole links style championship course, it is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest magazine . Ironhorse provides a challenge to the low handicapper and a fun, playable golf course for the high handicapper. EAT Whether in the mood for a hearty, made-from-scratch meal at The Pantry, an old-fashioned soda or the world-famous chocolate at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, or farm-fresh produce at the summer farmers’ market, come to Tuscola hungry. STAY Not only does Tuscola have small-town charm, it also offers all the modern amenities. Stay at one of the several reliable chain hotels, including the Baymont Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Super 8, located in town. Tuscola 2016 Calendar of Events Dates subject to change. For more information, visit www.point2tuscola.org/calendar. March 5: Miss Tuscola Pageant. Tuscola High School at 6 p.m. March 5: The Vault Arts Collective Event. Meet the artists, live entertainment and refreshments. From 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.thevaultarts.com. March 5, 6: Rural Life Antique Show. Douglas County Museum and Tuscola Community building. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.rurallifeantiqueshow.com. March 18: Kiwanis Fish Frye. Forty Martyrs Church Hall. March 19: Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt. Ervin Park at 9 a.m. April 2: The Vault Arts Collective Event. Meet the artists, live enter-
Wheel’s Car Club Spring Fling Car Show tainment and refreshments. From 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.thevaultarts.com. April 15, 16: Spring City-Wide Garage Sale. See the Tuscola Journal for map. May 7: The Vault Arts Collective Event. Meet the artists, live entertainment and refreshments. From 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.thevaultarts.com. May 22-25: Memorial Day Weekend Sale. Outlets in Tuscola. Every Saturday in June: Downtown Farmers’ Market. Downtown Tuscola from 8 a.m. to noon. June 4: Relay for Life of Douglas County. Tuscola High School from
2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 33
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noon to midnight. June 4: The Vault Arts Collective Event. Meet the artists, live entertainment and refreshments. From 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.thevaultarts.com. June 4: Wheels Car Club Car Show. Downtown Tuscola from 4 to 9 p.m. June 4: Erin Hettinger-Lindelof Annual 5K Run/Walk. Ervin Park at 8 a.m. Every Saturday in July: Downtown Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market. Downtown Tuscola from 8 a.m. to noon. July 2: The Vault Arts Collective Event. Meet the artists, live entertainment and refreshments. From 6 to 10 p.m. For more inforHistoric downtown Tuscola.
Super 8
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mation, visit www.thevaultarts.com. July 3-5: Fourth of July Weekend Sale. Outlets in Tuscola. July 9: Sparks in the Park Celebration â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuscolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4th of July Event. Ervin Park. Every Saturday in August: Downtown Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market. Downtown Tuscola from 8 a.m. to noon. August 1: The Vault Arts Collective Event. Meet the artists, live entertainment and refreshments. From 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.thevaultarts.com. August 29-September 1: Labor Day Weekend Sale. Outlets in Tuscola. Every Saturday in September: Downtown
Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market. Downtown Tuscola from 8 a.m. to noon. September 5: The Vault Arts Collective Event. Meet the artists, live entertainment and refreshments. From 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.thevaultarts.com. September 19, 20: Fall City-Wide Garage Sale Weekend. See the Tuscola Journal for map. October 3: The Vault Arts Collective Event. Meet the artists, live entertainment and refreshments. From 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.thevaultarts.com. October 22: Fall Flea Market. Tuscola Community Building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. November 7: The Vault Arts Collective Event.
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Must present coupon upon check-in. No other discounts apply. Coupon not valid on weekends. Coupon Expires Dec. 31, 2016
PAGE 34 | 2016 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
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ATWOOD: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE
Atwood: Midwestern Country Charm
N Soda fountain at Flesorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Candy Kitchen. Meet the artists, live entertainment and refreshments. From 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.thevaultarts.com. November 11, 12: Rural Life Antique Show. Douglas County Museum and Community Building. For more information, visit: www.rurallifeantiqueshow.com. November 26-29: After Thanksgiving Sales. Outlets in Tuscola. December 5: The Vault Arts Collective Event. Meet the artists, live entertainment and refreshments. From 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.thevaultarts.com. December 2-4: Tuscolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Christmastown Celebration. For more information, visit www.point2tuscola.org. December 3: Breakfast with Santa. Douglas County Museum from 8 to 11 a.m.
amed for the heavily wooded area surrounding a railroad line 27 miles east of Decatur, IL, Atwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history dates to 1873, when it 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. Those 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. Atwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s businesses offer shoppers such items as antiques, furniture and dining. Mark calendars for August 19 and 20, the dates of the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 23rd 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 87-year-old annual Halloween parade, the All-Around-Town Garage Sale weekends, and breakfast with Santa. For more information about the charming Village of Atwood, call 217-578-2221 or follow the Atwood, IL, Chamber of Commerce facebook page. 2016 Atwood Calendar of Events Dates of events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. March 26: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Annual Easter Egg Hunt. May 13, 14: All-Around-Town Garage Sales. August 19, 20: 23rd Annual Apple Dumpling Festival. September 16, 17: All-Around-Town Garage Sales. October 29: Halloween Festival & 87th Annual Halloween Parade. December 10: Kick-Off Christmas Festivities. TBA.
101 E. Southline Rd. (Route 36 & Main Street) Tuscola, Illinois 61953 ÂĽ (217) 253-9150
)BSSJT "HSJDVMUVSBM .VTFVN 4HE MOST AUTHENTIC AGRICULTURAL DISPLAY IN THE AREA
s 'ROUP INDIVIDUAL TOURS GIVEN s 0LEASE CALL AHEAD s $ONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED
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SULLIVAN: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Sullivan: Enjoy Specialty Shops And Quality Theater Productions
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 historically brought 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. The Little Theatre On The Square has played to more than 600,000 admissions, including more than 130,000 admissions to the Theatre for Young Audiences series. This summer’s productions are Shrek the Musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Chicago, All Shook Up, Sister Act and Shear Madness. The Little Theatre also offers plays for younger audiences. Visit The Little Theatre website at www.thelittletheatre.org for show dates and times. Visitors are invited to stop by the specialty shops in Sullivan. The Astoria Company Store offers amazing homemade soaps, lotions and gifts and Gypsy Soul Revival has unique jewelry, gifts and clothing items. For the best in primitives, cottage, country and painted pine furniture, shoppers will enjoy a trip to The Briarwood and Yoder’s Handcrafted Amish Furniture, which offer custom furniture and cabinets. Other shops not to miss include The Flower Pot and Simpler Thymes, located next to the new Sullivan Bakery. When you’re ready to relax, head over to the 5 West Coffee & Wine Lounge, which is connected to Cathrine’s Gallery & Gifts. For outdoor activities, visit Buxton’s Garden Farm, which always has a variety of produce, gifts and cut flowers, as well as pumpkins and Christmas trees in season. Stop by Okaw Valley Orchard to pick your own apples and peaches in season or sample apple doughnuts and slushies in the gift shop. Sullivan Marina & Campground, as well as Sullivan Beach and
Since 1957, The Little Theatre On The Square has been a Sullivan attraction. Bo Wood Access Area, are just a mile south of town with outdoor recreation for everyone. For updated information, visit www.sullivanchamber.com and “like” the Facebook page, “Show Me Sullivan.” 2016 Sullivan Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. March 4-14: Beehive — The’60s Musical. A musical tribute to the women of ’60s rock, pop and soul at the Little Theatre On The Square. For more information call 217-728-7375 or visit www.thelittletheatre.org. PAGE 36 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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Photo by: K. Sesko
March 6: Chic Studio & Boutique Crafting project. Coyote Cabins Retreat. For more information, email at coyotecabins@gmail.com. March 12: Sullivan Singers Invitational. Sullivan High School. March 16: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most Likely to Succeedâ&#x20AC;? screening. The Little Theatre On The Square. Doors open 6 p.m. Screening begins at 6:30 p.m. Free admission, but must have a ticket. To reserve tickets, visit www.thelittletheatre.org. April 8-10: Willy Wonka Jr. The Little Theatre On The Square. Presented by the Students of the STAR Dance & Drama Program. The delicious tale of Willy Wonkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mysterious chocolate factory lights up the stage in this captivating fantastical story. For more information, call 217-728-7375 or visit www.thelittletheatre.org. April 17: Chic Studio & Boutique Painting class. Coyote Cabins Retreat. For more information, email at coyotecabins@gmail.com. May 28: Memorial Day Block Party. In front of 5 The Moultrie County Courthouse, centerpiece of Sullivanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic square. West Coffee & Wine Lounge and The Toy Bar. For more information, call 217-728-4500. July 27-August 7: The Little Theatre presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sister Act.â&#x20AC;? June 1-12: The Little Theatre presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shrek the Musical.â&#x20AC;? August 10-21: The Little Theatre presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shear Madness.â&#x20AC;? June 3: 2016 SCED Golf Outing. Eagle Creek. For more information, October 14, 15: Oktoberfest. Downtown Sullivan. For more informavisit www.sullivanchamber.com or call 217-728-4223. tion, visit www.sullivanchamber.com or call 217-728-4223. June 15-26: The Little Theatre presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;How to Succeed in Business October 31: SCED Safe Trick or Treat for Sullivan. Without Really Trying.â&#x20AC;? November 18, 19: Christmas Open Houses in Sullivan. For more inJune 29-July 10: The Little Theatre presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chicago.â&#x20AC;? formation, visit www.sullivanchamber.com. July 4: July 4th Celebration. Carnival, parade and fireworks. December 3: Hometown Holidays Christmas Parade at noon. July 13-24: The Little Theatre presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;All Shook Up.â&#x20AC;?
THE LITTLE THEATRE ON THE SQUARE Summer 2016
June 1 - 12
June 15 - 26
June 29 - July 10
Aug. 10 - 21 July 13 - 24
July 27 - Aug. 7
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217-728-7375 or online at thelittletheatre.org for tickets Prices, Special Offers Expire Dec. 31, 2016
Sullivan, Illinois
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LAKE SHELBYVILLE
Lake Shelbyville: Beaches, Parks, Fishing, Hunting, Aquatic Center, Festivals Await picnic areas, pavilions, baseball and ake Shelbyville and its comsoftball diamonds, a soccer field, munities offer great recreathletic center, sunken garden, fishation, attractions, events, and ing lagoon and entrance into the accommodations for a day or for a General Dacey trail. vacation. Shelby County plays host The park also features the Chauto the southern two-thirds of Lake tauqua Auditorium, which is the Shelbyville and the U.S. Army largest of its kind in the United Corps of Engineers Interpretive CenStates. Five Looking for Lincoln ter and offices. Lake Shelbyville was Wayside Exhibits tell the story of developed by the U.S. Army Corps Abraham Lincoln’s time in Shelof Engineers in the 1960s and offers byville. One exhibit honors the “formany opportunities for visitors. gotten debate” between Lincoln and Lake Shelbyville is known for Lake Shelbyville offers miles of shoreline Anthony Thornton, and is graced by great fishing and hunting. There are and 11,000 acres of water. statues designed by John McClarey. hundreds of miles of shoreline, seAlso, in Shelby County, the village of Findlay is known as “The Heart cluded coves and more than 11,000 acres of water to enjoy. For hunters of Lake Shelbyville.” The village of Moweaqua is home to the Coal and naturalists, three designated wildlife management areas, totaling Mine Museum, which houses many artifacts from the area’s 1932 Christmore than 6,800 acres, are located at the lake’s shores. There are five mas Eve coal mine disaster, and a Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibit federal and two state parks with camping and boat launches as well as is displayed on Main Street. equestrian campsites. Four public beaches, three campground beaches, The village of Cowden has one of five covered bridges in the state, plus numerous recreation areas offer picnic areas, pavilions, as well as and hosts a rodeo as part of Cowden Pioneer Days annually in the vilplaygrounds. There are also more than 60 miles of trails for hiking and lage park. The village of Windsor recently celebrated its sesquicentenbiking enthusiasts to enjoy. nial and is host to the longest running festival in Illinois, the Windsor Shelbyville’s Forest Park includes an aquatic center that offers someHarvest Picnic, going strong for 120 years. Strasburg is known for its thing for everyone in the family, such as a zero-depth entry pool, diving adorable garden gnomes and is host to a Looking for Lincoln Wayside boards, slides, concession stand and sandbox area. The park also offers Exhibit. Stewardson delights with its “Hoofin’ to the Cow” 5K (cow attire welcomed but not mandatory), and Lions Club Celebration. Three Shelby County communities have received Governor’s Hometown Awards — Stewardson, Strasburg and Shelbyville. Shelby County’s three wineries provide an enjoyable experience. The communities of Shelby County offer plenty of family friendly and affordable events and attractions, perfect for a getaway. Visit www.lakeshelbyville.com or call 800-874-3529 for updated event listings, attractions and accommodations.
L
2016 Shelby County/Lake Shelbyville Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. April 9-10: Shelby County Art Show. COE Visitor Center, Shelbyville. April 22, 23: Spores ’N’ More Morel Mushroom Festival. June 2-5: Moweaqua Pow Wow Days. Moweaqua City Park. June 10-12: Chautauqua Days. Forest Park, Shelbyville. July 2-4: Herrick Lions Club Celebration. Tom Davis Park. July 4: Fireworks. Dam West Recreation Area. July 18-20: Shelby County 4H & Junior Fair. Fairgrounds, Shelbyville. July 29, 30: Findlay Walleye Festival. Downtown Findlay. August 6: Aquafest Water Safety Carnival. Dam West Recreation Area. August 18-20: Windsor Harvest Picnic. Windsor City Park. August 26-28: Cowden Pioneer Days. Cowden City Park. September 17: Village Hog Roast & Gnome Fest. Strasburg. October 7-9: Scarecrow Daze. Downtown Shelbyville. November 18-January 1: Shelbyville Festival of Lights. Forest Park, Shelbyville. PAGE 38 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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BEMENT: PIATT COUNTY
Lincoln Historic Sites And Family Activities Await
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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 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 Railroad, presented the Village of Bement with a bell from a retired locomotive. The bell is displayed in the foyer of the Bement Township Library. Veterans Memorial Park is located near the center of town. In the park are state-of-the-art play equipment, a pavilion for band concerts, picnic tables and a memorial dedicated to area veterans. 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 1856 arrival in Bement. 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 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. Be sure to collect a rubbing from each Lincoln storyboard along the Trail — bring pencil and paper. Another famous American icon visited Bement 61 years ago, and that is Marilyn Monroe. Bement native Carleton Smith met Monroe when he was president of the National Arts Foundation in New York City. He urged her to travel to Bement to become a part of the Village’s Centennial Celebration in 1955, which was put on by Smith and the Bement Centennial Committee. American icon and Lincoln biographer, the late Carl Sandburg, also visited Bement.
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.
2016 Bement Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. For specific details and additional activities, email bementchamber@bement.com. March 20-27: Easter Egg Lane. Annual event to welcome spring. Exhibit reaches along the boundaries of Route 105, north and south. Featured exhibit is located on the lawn of the Bryant Cottage State Historic Site. For more information, call 217-678-8184. March 26: Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Bement Health Care Center at 9 a.m. April 2: Alumni Volleyball and Basketball Tournament at Bement High School. For more information, visit www.bement.com. June-July: Sunday Band Concerts. Veterans Memorial Park. June 11: 9th Annual Old Glory Festival. Food, entertainment, kid games, shopping, vendors and more. For more information, email bementchamber@bement.com or visit www.bement.com. July 4: Freedom Celebration. For more information, call 217-678-8491. July 10: Heritage Sunday. Bryant Cottage State Historic Site. For more information, call 217-678-8184. September 30, Oct 1: Bement High School Homecoming. For more information, call 217-678-4200. November 11: Veterans Remembrance. For more information, call 217678-7121. December 10: Christmas in Bement. For more information, call 217678-8491 or email bementchamber@bement.com. December 10: Bryant Cottage Holiday Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Past events have featured period music and horse drawn carriage rides. For more information, call 217-678-8184.
B E M E N T A GOOD PLACE TO CALL HOME
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - BEMENT - 2016 March 20-27 Easter Egg Lane – 217-678-8184 March 25 Fish Fry - American Legion
Ê
March 26 Ê AnnualÊEaster Egg Hunt – Bement Health Care Center
March 27 Easter Sunday Sunrise Service With Potluck To follow April 2 Breakfast Buffet – Bement United Methodist Church Alumni Volleyball & Basketball Tourney – Bement High School
JUNE-JULY: SUNDAY BAND CONCERTS VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK June 11 9th Annual Old Glory Festival July 4 Freedom Celebration July 10 Heritage Sunday – 217-678-8184 Sept 30, Oct 1 Bement High School Homecoming – 217-678-4200 Nov 11 Veterans Remembrance – 217-678-7121 Dec 10 Christmas in Bement – 217-678-8491 Bryant Cottage Holiday Open House – 217-678-8184
FOLLOW THE PATH OF INFORMATION ON THE GROUNDS OF BRYANT COTTAGE HISTORIC SITE VISIT US SOON! Log on to www.bement.com or call 217-678-8184 for more information. 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 39
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MONTICELLO: PIATT COUNTY
Monticello: Railway Museum, Allerton Park Midwest Gems
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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 and enjoy its new location. 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 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. The park is open to the public daily until sunset. The new bridge on the south side of the park opened in the fall of 2012 and is a super entrance to the park. Formal gardens and more than 100 sculptures are located near the mansion. Allerton House is used as a retreat center and is the perfect place for a wedding or conference. The main facade of the 40-room Georgian mansion overlooks a reflecting pool and meadow. The native forest, a 50-acre restored prairie, Lost Garden (a wilderness garden) and 1,500 acres of woodland following the Sangamon River with numerous hiking trails make the park a great attraction.
experience MONTICELLO
The Monticello Railway Museum The Allerton forest supports an extensive animal population. Bird species unusual to the area can be seen in the forest, 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 round trip train ride. The museum is open weekends, May through October. For
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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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Robber Baron,â&#x20AC;? 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 Nickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. The downtown area, Courthouse Square, has also been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These designations were received after much work by Monticelloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Preservation Commission. The office of the Monticello Chamber of Commerce, located in the Old Wabash Depot, has guides available for those interested in walking tours. For more information, call 800-952-3396 or visit www.monticelloillinois.net or www.MonticelloTourism.org.
June 4: Polar Express Tickets go on sale. Monticello Railway Museum. June 16-19: Horizon Aerotow. Eli Field/Piatt County Airport. June 18, 19: Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Weekend. Monticello Railway Museum. June 23-25: Piatt County Trailblazer Rodeo. Piatt County Trail Blazers. July 3: Open House & Fireworks. Eli Field. July 3: Monticello Freedom Fest. Monticello Freedom Fest Folks. Lodge Park. July 3: Fireworks Special. Monticello Railway Museum. September 17, 18: Railroad Days. Monticello Railway Museum. September 17, 18: Monticellobration. Monticello Main Street. November 11: Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Ceremony. November 25: Reds of Christmas. Monticello Main Street December 3: Monticello Christmas Parade. Monticello Chamber. December 3, 4: Lunch with Santa on the Train. Monticello Chamber.
2016 Monticello Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. April 19: Monticello Business Expo. Sponsored by Monticello Chamber. May 14: Kirby Derby. Kirby Medical Center. May 7, 8: Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Weekend. Monticello Railway Museum.
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CHARLESTON: COLES COUNTY
Charleston: Progressive Community With Links To An Historic Past
R
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. Lincoln history is part of Charleston’s charm. Charleston was established as the Coles County seat in the 1830s. The community grew with the arrival of the railroad system. In 1858, Candidates 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 Lincoln’s boots and hat. Charleston is home to Eastern Illinois University, which was founded in 1895 as a teachers college. Today, the university’s campus boasts stunning architecture, beautiful landscaping, and excellent collegiate sports and fine arts performances. The Doudna Fine Arts Center is Eastern Illinois University’s architectural landmark. Designed by the internationally famous architect Antoine Predock, the renovated and greatly expanded facility boasts several public arts venues: The Theatre, which seats 300; the Black Box studio theater, seating 150; 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 houses EIU’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 Lincoln’s father and Mr. Lincoln often makes appearances stepmother, Thomas in the Charleston area. and Sarah Bush Lincoln. Although Abraham Lincoln was a resident of Springfield by the time his father, Thomas, purchased this last farm in 1837, he remained in frequent contact with his father and extended family in Coles County. 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. 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 Charleston 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
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April 14: What Women Want and more. Unique Suites Hotel, 920 W. Lincoln from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event focuses on promoting, encouraging, and entertaining women. Visit www.charlestonchamber.com. April 22: Area 9 Special Olympics Spring Games. EIU O’Brian Stadium For more information, contact Vanessa Duncan, vduncan@soill.org. April 22-24: Celebration: A Festival of the Arts. EIU Doudna Fine Arts Center. Blacksmithing to watercolor, accompanied by live performances and a variety of unique food vendors. visit www.eiu.edu/~festival. April 22-24: Children’s Art Activities at Celebration. 7th Street (between Tarble and Doudna Fine Arts Center) Hands-on art make-and-take activities for children. April 30: Sheep to Clothing. Lincoln Log Cabin, all day. Discover how raw wool from the Lincolns’ own sheep is turned into finished cloth for use on the farmstead. Watch interpreters as they weave on the site’s mid-19th
Enjoy the famous architecture of “Old Main” on the EIU campus. back to Thomas Lincoln for a life tenancy. A working, living history farmstead has been developed around the cabin. 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. A second farmstead, the Stephen Sargent Farm, has been moved to the site to help broaden visitors’ understanding of 1840s rural life in Illinois. 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. One mile north of Lincoln Log Cabin 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. 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. For more information on Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, call 217-345-1845, follow the site on Facebook or visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org. 2016 Charleston Calendar of Events Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. April 9: Girls on the Run 5K. EIU O’Brian Stadium. A noncompetitive 5K, with a family friendly celebration afterwards. Register online at www.girlsontheruneci.org or call 217-234-9494.
Discover the Treasures of
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coln Ave. For more information, century Sargent and Martin visit www.charlestonredwhitealooms. ndblue.com or call 217-232May 7: 18th Street Spring 1485. Block Party. 18th Street. ConJuly 7: Community Band tact Home Again Consignment Concert. Kiwanis Park Amat 217-345-4700. phitheater from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 7: EIU Commencement For more information, call 345Ceremonies. EIU Lantz Arena. 6897. May 13, 14: IHSA Girls July 25: Christmas in July State Badminton Tournament. Trivia Night. Fundraiser for EIU Lantz Arena and SRC. For Christmas in the Heart of more information, visit the Charleston. Location TBD. For IHSA website. more information, call 217-348May 14: Lake Land College 0430. Commencement. July 31-August 7: 162nd AnMay 19-21: IHSA Girls State nual Coles County Fair. Coles Track Meet. EIU O’Brian StaCounty Fairgrounds. For more dium. For more information, visit information, visit www.colethe IHSA website. scountyfair.com. May 21-October 1: 18th Historic crafts come alive as the town honors the famous August 14: 39th Annual Street Farmers Market. 825 Lincoln/Douglas debates, one of which was held in Charleston in 1858. Bluegrass Jam. Lincoln Log 18th St., Saturdays only, from 8 Cabin from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. a.m. to noon. Fresh produce, Bluegrass and traditional musicians from Illinois and Indiana will conbaked goods, flowers, and homemade items (as space permits). Live verge at the site for an afternoon of jamming. music. Interested vendors or musicians should contact athomeaAugust 20: Illinois 2016 Run for the Fallen. Charleston High School gain1@consolidated.net. track, 920 Smith St., from 7 a.m. to 1 pm. For more information, contact May 21: Tour de Exchange. Courthouse Square. A 10-, 25- or 40-mile Vivian Bales at 217-549-0117, Carolyn Cloyd at 217-234-8022 or Bill cycling race. www.exchangeclubofcharleston.org/programs.html. Lair at 217-345-9580. May 26-28: IHSA Boys State Track Meet. EIU O’Brian Stadium. For September 4: Grill on the Hill. Trojan Hill and Charleston Middle more information, visit the IHSA website. School, Smith Drive, from 4 to 7 p.m. Block party that includes live reJune 1: Charleston Farmer’s Market Square. Every Wednesday from mote from 104.3 “The Party,” radio station, 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. throughout summer and fall. Fresh produce, baked September 17: Charleston Challenge Run. Hilly, scenic course. Start goods and music. Call 217-345-8018 at Roc’s Blackfront. time 9 a.m. For more information, call 217-348-0430. June 9, 16, 23: Community Band Concert. Kiwanis Park Amphitheater September 23-25: EIU Family Weekend. EIU campus. For more inforfrom 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 217-345-6897. mation, visit www.eiu.edu/ union/family_weekend_schedule.php. June 20: Muse Fest 2015. Between 7th and 8th streets on Jackson AvSeptember 24: 18th Street Fall Festival. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For enue from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrating local art, artists, music and enmore information, call 217-345-4700. tertainment. Bands Play all day long. Visit www.ctfillinois.org September 24, 25: Harvest Frolic Fall Celebration. From 10 a.m. to 4 June 24: Charleston Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Outing — p.m. both days. The Frolic 5K run and mile walk will kick off the festiv“Buy Local-Play Local.” Charleston Country Club. Registration form ities. Experience 19th century life on the farm. available at www.charlestonchamber.com, 217-345-7041. October 21-23: EIU Homecoming. EIU campus and Charleston comJune 26: Red, White, and Blue Days Bingo. North pavilion, Morton munity. For more information, visit www.eiu.edu/homecoming. Park, Division and Lincoln Ave., from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, October 28: Torchlight Halloween Hike, Pumpkin Carving Contest, visit www.charlestonredwhiteandblue.com or call 217-345-7691 or email and Wiener Roast. Lincoln Log Cabin from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy Lincoln Log at charlestonrwb@gmail.com. Cabin in the dark. Event begins at the Visitor Center for a bonfire and June 30: Community Band Patriotic Concert. Kiwanis Park Amwiener roast. phitheater from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call 217-345-6897. November TBD: Yuletide Tunes & Treats, Dessert Buffet, Silent AucJuly 3, 4: Red, White, and Blue Days. Morton Park, Division and Lintion & Music. Charleston Moose Lodge, 615 7th St., Call 217-348-0430. November 11: Charleston Chamber Lootery. Unique Suites Hotel from 5 to 9 p.m. For tickets, call the Chamber of Commerce at 217-345-7041. November 18: Band Together for Kids. Charleston VFW, 1821, 20th St. November 20, 21: Festival of Trees. Sarah Bush Lincoln. Enjoy the glitter and glitz of the holiday season with fully decorated 7-foot trees, 4foot tree wreaths and centerpieces, specialty items, live greenery and trees, entertainment, live and silent auction, and more. December 3: Christmas in the Heart of Charleston. Courthouse Square Holiday parade, carriage rides, refreshments, window displays, entertainment, photos with Santa and more. For more information, visit Facebook under “Christmas in the Heart of Charleston,” or call 217-348-0430. December 10: Old Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie. Lincoln Log Cabin. Get away from the bustle of holiday chores and come out to the farms to relax. Let the kids make some crafts, enjoy hot wassail and cookies in the Visitor Center, walk to the Lincoln Farm, smell gingerbread baking and listen to Christmas stories. PAGE 44 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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OAKLAND: COLES COUNTY
Oakland: Small Town Charm, History, Outdoor Activities School Gym at 6 p.m. njoy a visit to small town life in OakMay through October: Main Street Chilland, IL, located just minutes east of drenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theater Productions. On southeast corner Interstate 57 between Arcola and Paris of Oakland Square, East Main Street. on Route 133. Relax and unwind on the village June 11: Run for the Health of It. 5-K green, which marks the center of community run/walk at Oakland Pool. activity. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a plethora of things to see and July 2: Chamber of Commerce Annual Jonah do, including golfing, swimming at the OakFish Fry. Oakland Lake Park from 4 to 7 p.m. land pool and camping at one of the many Fireworks at Oakland Swimming Pool and Norcampsites in the area. Drive north to visit the ton Knolls Golf Course at dusk. scenic area surrounding Walnut Point State Penn Central Depot July 30: Hummingbird Happening at Happy Park, one of the most visited parks in Central Illinois where visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, boating, and a snack Haven. Ethington Property from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call bar. Additional camping is available at Hebron Hills Camping, located (217) 346-3363. August 27: City-Wide Yard Sale. Villages of Oakland and Hindsboro. south of Oakland from May 15 to October 15. Call 217-346-3385. September 16: The Kings IV, 8th Anniversary Concert with â&#x20AC;&#x153;The History buffs will want to visit the Landmarks Historic Compound, which is the location of Oaklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home and office. Dr. Lesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.â&#x20AC;? Columbian Building, Oakland Square visit www.thekingsiv.com. September 23, 24: Trials & Tribulations Dinner/Theater. Oakland Rutherfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home and office gives visitors a feel for what life was like for a prairie doctor in the mid-1800s. Dr. Rutherford was Oaklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s con- United Methodist Church. October 20-23: Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Camp. Walnut Point State Park. For nection to President Abraham Lincoln. Dr. Rutherford and Lincoln were on opposite sides of a court trial. Oakland re-enacts this story each year more information, visit www.fathersoncamp.org. October 31: Halloween Party/Costume Contest. Lake Crest Elemenwith the Trials and Tribulation event, held this year on April 29 and 30 tary School All Purpose and September 23 and 24. Visit www.matsontrial1847.org. Attend any one of the many other events held throughout the year. Room. HEBRON HILLS CAMPING November 5: OakVisit the kick-off to spring with the Easter Egg Hunt in March or visit â&#x153;Ť Fishing â&#x153;Ť Camping â&#x153;Ť Swimming one of the City-Wide Yard Sales held on the first Saturday in May and land United Methodist â&#x153;Ť Relaxing â&#x153;Ť All sites in the shade Church Annual Soup the last Saturday in August each year. Oakland hosts the Run for the Health of It on June 11, a 5-K fun Supper and Silent AucMay 15 - October 15 run/walk that begins at the Oakland Swimming Pool. Join the Oakland tion. 13 E. Wash. St. â&#x153;Ť Cabins â&#x153;Ť Seasonal sites December 2, 3: Chamber for the annual Jonah Fish Fry on July 2 at the Oakland Lake â&#x153;Ť Full hookup sites Park, and then enjoy the fireworks at the Norton Knolls Golf Course. The Kings IV Christâ&#x153;Ť Primitive tent sites Visit Hummingbird Haven during the annual Hummingbird Happenings mas Concert. Columbia Building on the event on July 30. 217-346-3385 Fathers and sons are invited to attend the 21st Annual Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Square at 7 p.m. Reservations Required December 3: BreakSonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekend on October 20-23. This four-day event encourages the 14349 N. County Rd. 2350 E. bond between fathers and sons through outdoor adventures. Visit fast with Santa Claus. Lake Crest Elementary www.fathersoncamp.org for more details. Oakland, IL 61943 Plan to attend the Methodist Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Soup Supper and Silent Auc- School. James & Dawn Cooper, owners tion on November 5 at the Oakland United Methodist Church. For music lovers, join the Kings IV for several concerts â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the 8th Anniversary concert with The Lesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on September 16, and their Christmas concert on December 2 and 3. Santa arrives in Oakland on December 3, during Breakfast with Santa at the Lake Crest Elementary School All Purpose Room. While in Oakland, visit one or more of the local businesses, the true heart of the community. Visitors will find everything from building supplies to farm machinery, furniture, carpet, floor tile, paint and groceries. Those who love the outdoors and like a challenge may want to visit "QSJM t 4FQUFNCFS the first-rate sporting clays facility east of town and try their hand at â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trial & Tribulations Dinner Theatreâ&#x20AC;? shooting sporting clays. Visitors will find it the best in the area. Visit Oakland, IL, where there is always something to see or do.
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2016 Oakland Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call 217-276-2232 for specific information and additional activities. March 26: Pancake Breakfast and Auction. Lake Crest School. March 26: Easter Egg Hunt and Chalk Art. Oakland Square. April 29, 30: Trials & Tribulations Dinner/Theater. Oakland United Methodist Church. May 7: City-Wide Yard Sale, Villages of Oakland and Hindsboro. May 15: Little Miss, Jr Miss & Miss Oakland Pageant. Oakland High
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MATTOON: COLES COUNTY
Mattoon: Baseball, Bagels And Downtown Renaissance
Mattoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown mural.
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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.
Today, Mattoon continues to grow and flourish, but retains its small town charm. In the last decade, downtown Mattoon has experienced its own renaissance, as the Mattoon Depot has been chosen as the home of the Mattoon Tourism and Art Department, completing a more than 10-year
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renovation of the historical structure. The depot is just one example of a focus on downtown. Other examples are murals, streetscapes and thriving businesses that are locating in the downtown area. 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 by offering lighted tennis courts, a large outdoor swimming pool, playgrounds and picnic areas. For lovers of other outdoor activities, Mattoon’s two lakes, Lake Paradise and Lake Mattoon, provide many forms of recreation, including fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing and camping. Mattoon is famed for its baseball. Nearly 2,000 baseball and softball enthusiasts participate in leagues in Mattoon, making it the self-proclaimed “Baseball Capital of the World.” 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, while teams from across the globe competed for the championship. Mattoon hosts thousands of youth athletes each year, not only for baseball, but also softball, soccer, basketball, football and more.
Mattoon’s two lakes, Lake Paradise and Lake Mattoon, provide many forms of recreation. 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. For more information or to sign up for the weekly event calendar, call 217-258-6286 or 800-500-6286, or visit www.mattoon.illinois.gov. 2016 Mattoon Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
Mattoon Holiday Lightworks in Peterson Park. Mattoon is also known for its hospitality and bagels. Get the best of both during the annual Bagelfest each July. After Murray Lender, of Lender’s Bagels, held a free bagel breakfast to introduce bagels to the city, the community leaders established Mattoon’s Bagelfest, an annual multiday event. The festival annually draws about 40,000 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 brick oven. The feat was recorded in the 1997 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. This year will mark the 31st 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 Super 8 east window of the I-57 & Rte. 16 East Essex House hotel in Mattoon, IL 61938 Mattoon. Just three © All Newly Renovated Rooms years later, Lincoln, © Free High-Speed Internet newly elected to lead © 61 Clean Comfortable Rooms the country, waved © Free Super Start Breakfast For farewell to his step© Free Local & Long Distance Phone Calls Reservations mother, Sarah Bush © Free Cable TV with HBO, CNN, ESPN Call: Lincoln, as his train 217-235-8888 © King & Double Beds © Business Center In Lobby or headed out of Illinois 1-800-800-8000 © Restaurant Next Door for the White House. By that time, Lincoln’s father, who had Must present coupon upon check-in. No other discounts apply. settled in the area in Excludes special events. Coupon Expires Dec. 30, 2016
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April 23: Mattoon’s Annual Herbfest. June 11: Mattoon Artworks in downtown. July 4: The Independence Day Celebration. Fireworks at the Coles County Airport. July 19-23: 31st Annual Bagelfest Celebration. For information, visit www.mattoonbagelfest.com. July 21-24: Mattoon Bagelfest Softball Tournament. November 18-December 25: Mattoon Lightworks. Enjoy the lights of the season in Peterson Park. November 19: Mattoon Holiday Art and Craft Sale in the Lone Elm Room of the Mattoon Depot. November 19: Mattoon Christmas Parade and Santa Chase 5k/half marathon.
Hunan Specializes In Fine Asian Cuisine & Catering. Since 1984 For Private Functions, Our Banquet Facility Seats 165 People And Is Perfect For Business Meetings & Family Gatherings Of Any Occasion
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GREENUP: CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Greenup: Porches With A New Orleans Flair, History And Shopping
Greenup’s business district is listed on the National Registry Of Historic Buildings.
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iscover historic Greenup, the “Village of the Porches” and the “Gateway to Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site,” as it looks toward a bright future built on its ties to the past. Located along Interstate 70 on one side and the National Road (U.S. 40) on the other side, Greenup continues to climb into elite company as a tourist destination by combining its rich history, beautiful landscape and plentiful arts and crafts shops with exciting new attractions.
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 entire year. In the spring, blooming redbud trees line Cumberland Street, and 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. For information, visit www.villageofgreenup.com. 2016 Greenup Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
This 200-foot span covered bridge is located on the National Road west of Greenup. Greenup is a village of 1,532 residents with architecture that gives it a look from a bygone era. The business district is listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. Many of the store fronts have over-hanging porches from the 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 part of the National Road. Greenup has the distinction of having one of the longest continuous drivable 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-style” covered bridge. History continues to be preserved in Greenup with the 1870s Depot and Johnson Building; both are restored and were relocated along Cumberland Street. PAGE 48 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
January-December: Hootenanny. First Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. Greenup Municipal Building. Free musical entertainment. March 26: Easter Egg Hunt. Cumberland County Fair Association. For more information, visit www.cumberlandcountyfair.com. April 23: Spring Craft Vendor & Car Show. Greenup Municipal Building. For more information, call 217-259-5301. August 21-27: Cumberland County Fair. Thoroughbred and harness races, tractor pull, 4-H shows, musical entertainment, demolition derby and a carnival for the kids. For more information, visit: www.cumberlandcountyfair.com. September 29, 30-October 1: Fall Festival. Greenup Chamber of Commerce. Queen contest, craft fair, garage sales, parade, food, music and entertainment. For more information, call 217-923-0100 or 217-923-3401. October 1: Demolition Derby. Cumberland County Fair Association. For more information, visit www.cumberlandcountyfair.com. October 29: Halloween Celebration. Costume judging, cake walk, food and games. Greenup Municipal Building. December 9: Visit with Santa. 6 to 8 p.m., Chamber of Commerce. Pictures and treat bags for children. December 10, December 17: Visit with Santa. 1 to 3 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.
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Duska Cornwell
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.
Max McCullough Max McCullough
Greenup Military Museum
January through December Hootenanny: 1st Saturday of the month @ 7:00 p.m. Free musical entertainment
March 26, 2016
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Overhanging Porches of Greenup
Greenup 2016 Calendar Of Events Dates of events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information.
Easter Egg Hunt: Cumberland County Fair
Kathy Perkins
Association. Visit: www.cumberlandcountyfair.com
April 23, 2016 Spring Craft Vendor & Car Show. Greenup Municipal Building. For more information, call 217-259-5301.
August 21 – 27, 2016
Max McCullough
Cumberland County Fair
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.
Thoroughbred and harness races, tractor pull, 4-H shows, musical entertainment, demolition derby and a carnival for the kids. For more information, visit: www.cumberlandcountyfair.com.
September 29, 30 – October 1, 2016 Greenup Fall Festival Greenup Chamber of Commerce. Queen contest, craft fair, garage sales, parade, food, music and entertainment. For more information, call 217-923-0100 or 217-923-3401.
October 1, 2016 Demolition Derby: Cumberland County Fair Association. Visit: www.cumberlandcountyfair.com
October 29, 2016 Halloween Celebration Costume judging, cake walk, food and games. Greenup Municipal Building.
December 9, 2016 Visit with Santa 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Chamber of Commerce. Pictures and treat bags for children.
December 10, 17, 2016 Visit with Santa 1 to 3 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.
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CLINTON: DEWITT COUNTY
Clinton: Classic Midwest Town Rich In Lincoln, Railroad History lake includes a beautiful 1,000-square-foot swimming beach, more than rom its unique annual Apple and Pork Festival to the life-sized 300 campsites, several boat and canoe launching points, a marina, and nustatue of Abraham Lincoln standing in the downtown known as Mr. merous hiking trails and picnic sites. Anglers frequently visit the lake to Lincoln’s Square, Clinton is a classic Midwestern town. Founded reel in some of its stock of striped bass, crappie, stripers, catfish and by Jesse Fell and James Allen, a pair of land speculators, Clinton was one walleye. Clinton Lake is well known for many lake-friendly fishing tourof a myriad of prairie towns platted and sold by the acre in the mid-1830s. naments. Water skiing, tubing and wakeboarding are also popular sumProgress 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 settlement 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, Clifton H. Moore 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 were, 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 town 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 C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, Clinton, IL Amboy and Wapella. For the next 80 years, mertime sports at Clinton Lake. Hunters find recreational opportunities in Clinton was known as a railroad town, and was the hub of railroad opermore than 3,000 acres of land around Clinton Lake. Species hunted in this ations in central Illinois. area include deer, turkey, rabbit and pheasant. By 1920, more than 1,500 Clinton residents worked for the railroad, For a second dose of outdoor enjoyment, visitors can travel two miles which brought 11 passenger trains through the town each day of the week. southeast of Clinton to Weldon Springs State Park. Early in Clinton’s hisIn addition, the Clinton railroad yards handled more than 107,000 freight tory, the site was a 40-acre estate owned by Judge Lawrence Weldon. He cars each month. Today, many elegant homes, some from that pre-20th opened the land to friends, associates, relatives and Clinton residents for century and early 20th century era, can be found near Mr. Lincoln’s Square picnics, family outings and other recreational activities. Since that time, in the heart of Clinton. the land has seen many uses. It served as the site of a popular education The spectacularly maintained homes that extend throughout the heart and entertainment program known as a Chautauqua, an open recreation of the city include Victorian-era mansions, frame bungalows, handsome space used by the public, and served as a city park before finally becomTudors, solid brick Cape Cods and big, boxy American Four Squares. ing a state-owned, 442-acre park, offering recreational opportunities durSeveral houses in Clinton have been remodeled and are now home to ing all seasons. unique businesses, such as a Victorian tea room and the C.H. Moore Weldon Springs State Park provides 75 camper sites and some addiHomestead DeWitt County Museum. For more information, visit tional sites for tent camping. The park also includes a 29-acre lake stocked www.chmoorehomestead.org. with bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, sunfish and DeWitt County’s agricultural roots run deep. The numerous historic bullhead. The lake’s two miles of shoreline is dotted with bank fishing barns scattered throughout the county stand as testament to this fact. Art, platforms. Two amphitheaters in the park provide a wonderful setting for history and agriculture come together in The Barn Quilts of DeWitt County a host of outdoor events. Weldon Springs is home to the Veterans Point driving tour. Annual tours are held in the spring and fall, with additional Memorial, which was dedicated in 2004. Donations made in honor of vetsites being added during the span of the program. Individuals are also enerans are recognized in various spaces on the granite structure. Inscribed couraged to drive the self-guided tour route. Visit Barn Quilts of DeWitt on the base of the sculpture are the words “Freedom is not free.” The meCounty’s website at www.barnquiltsofdewittcounty.com or follow their morial sits on a 4-foot high granite pedestal in the middle of a patio. The progress on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BarnQuiltsofDeWittCounty. plaque on the sculpture pedestal reads, “Dedicated to the memory and Many visitors come to the area for the pleasure of outdoor activities. honor of all veterans who have served, are serving, and will serve this Clinton Lake, located six miles east of Clinton, was created by the Illinois great country for the cause of freedom.” Power Company. The 15,000-acre area operated by the state of Illinois, inDuring a visit to Clinton, a stop at the historic downtown Mr. Lincoln’s cludes 130 miles of shoreline that trace Clinton Lake’s 4,900 acres. The
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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 nine blocks and featuring unique Lincoln-related stories and sites. A permanent exhibit, “Lincoln in DeWitt County,” is housed at Clinton’s Vespasian 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 or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lincolnheritageofdewittcounty. 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, located a few blocks to the south. They include major discount department stores, nationally known drug stores and several popular fast-food 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. For more information, visit www.eagletheater.net. 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 Elementary School, Junior High School, High School, as well as the Maroons Sports Complex is located near Van Buren Street shopping and restaurants. An addition to the educational campus is the Richland Community College Clinton Education Center. The expansion of the extension center is part of Richland’s continued commitment to serve the students in Clinton and DeWitt County. The Vespasian Warner Public Library is located in the heart of Clinton. The Frank Lloyd Wright prairie-style brick building was built in 1906. In 1991, an addition was built to the original library building. Through the years, the facility continues to provide the community with informational, recreational, cultural and educational resources and services, as well as meeting rooms, public computer access, free Wi-Fi and more. For more information, visit www.vwarner.org. The John Warner Hospital assures visitors to the area prompt and professional medical care. For more information, visit www.djwhospital.org. Fourteen churches, representing most major denominations, dot the Clinton community. The Clinton Community YMCA is a full facility YMCA, offering many services for all ages, including an indoor pool. Clinton uses a mayor/council form of government. For more information, visit www.clintonillinois.com. For economic development, the county-wide organization of DeWitt County Development Council actively works to stimulate economic development with new and existing businesses in DeWitt County. For more information, visit www.dcdc-illinois.net. Visitors are invited to treat themselves to some tasty food at the nationally recognized Apple ’n’ Pork Festival, scheduled for September 24 and 25 (always the last full weekend in September). For a “howling good time,” there is Clinton’s Terror on Washington Street Haunted House in
Beautiful Clinton Lake. October. Visit the event website at www.clintonhauntedhouse.com. 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. Brochures are available 24/7 from the outdoor brochure holders at the Clinton Visitor Center, 1439 West State Route 54, Clinton. Overnight accommodations in Clinton are offered at Sunset Inn & Suites at www.SunsetInnandSuites.com or 217-935-4140, Town & Country Motel at www.threestarsrestaurant.com or 217-935-2121, and Wye Motel at www.clintonilchamber.com/members/wyemotel.htm or 217-935-3373. 2016 Clinton Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities or check the online calendar of events at www.clintonilchamber.com. March 30: Clinton Chamber’s Business Expo. Clinton High School from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. May-October: Clinton Area Farmers & Artisans Market. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, Mr. Lincoln’s Square, downtown Clinton. May 19-22: Clinton MayDays Festival. Mr. Lincoln’s Square, downtown Clinton. June 4: Barn Quilts of DeWitt County Spring Bus Tour. For more information, visit www.barnquiltsofdewittcounty.com or find on Facebook. June 25: Tour DeWitt. For more information, visit www.TourdeWitt.weebly.com or find info on Facebook. June 28: Annual Golf Outing. Clinton Country Club. July 4: Clinton’s 4th of July Celebration. Sponsored by Celebrate Clinton. Mr. Lincoln’s Square, downtown Clinton. July 4: 4th of July Fireworks. Sponsored by Celebrate Clinton. At dusk on southwest edge of Clinton. September 24, 25: Apple ’n’ Pork Festival. Vendor information can be found at www.clintonilchamber.com/newsletter/Apple-PorkVendor.pdf. For Apple ‘n’ Pork Festival information, visit www.chmoorehomestead.org. October 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 31: Clinton’s Terror on Washington Street Haunted House. For more information, visit www.clintonhauntedhouse.com or find on Facebook. November 10: Lincoln Heritage Committee of DeWitt County’s Thanksgiving Dinner with President Lincoln. November 26: Clinton Annual Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. November 26, December 3, 10, 17: Santa’s House on Mr. Lincoln’s Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 51
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CASEY: CLARK COUNTY
Casey: Popcorn Festival Attracts Satisfied Visitors
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asey’s 29th Annual Popcorn Festival is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, September 3-5, in Fairview Park. Following are comments from people who have attended the festival.
“The park is so pretty and clean. The people are so friendly. I loved the pond and the fountains. Most of it is in the shade. I wish our town had a park like this. We were able to park close. We went all three days. It is the most fun our family has enjoyed together. We will be back next year. We come from St. Louis every year — there is nothing like this there.”
“We like everything, especially the free popcorn. We came early for the city-wide sales. The town has many of the world’s largest items. We will come back after the festival to see them all. There were also historic points of interest in the neighboring towns.” No flowery descriptive phrases, just people like you and me describing why they come to the Casey Popcorn Festival. We think they say it better than we could. There is nothing out there quite like the festival. Bring your family this coming Labor Day weekend to Casey, IL, for the Casey Popcorn Festival. See ad for a list of activities. Visit www.popcornfestival.net for the 2016 schedule.
“Our kids loved it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. I can’t believe all the entertainment is free. No beer tent. It is a family festival. There was so much to do. I liked the craft show. It was a quality show. We come for the entertainment shows. The show acts appealed to all ages and repeated all afternoon. We saw them all several times. We drove from Kankakee, IL, got a motel and returned the next day. My husband likes the chainsaw carvers.” “I can’t believe that such a small town has a park like this and puts on a festival of this scale. We will come back next year. The music is so good and is different each day. We loved the ’80s band. The One Man Band guy was fantastic. The band seating area is shaded — unbelievable. We go to a lot of festivals. This is the best by far.”
Casey celebrates its 29th Annual Popcorn Festival.
“It reminded be of the old days. Everything was so laid back. I liked the food, and the same people are here every year in the same place. Many of the food booths are local. We come every year for the Jonah Fish Fry all-you-can-eat and it is economical. We come every year for the car show. It is huge and it is in the shade.”
SEPTEMBER 3-5, 20 2016 16
F Popree cor n
Casey Fairview Park • LIVE BANDS
• Carnival
• FAMILY
• Arts and Crafts
ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS
• ROVING
WALKAROUND PERFORMERS
• Car Show
• Food Booths • Jonah Fish Fry • Chainsaw
Carvers
217.232.2676
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2016 Casey Calendar of Events Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. March 26: Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt. Fairview Park. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 217-232-3430. April 8, 9: 12th Annual Moonshine Lunch Run. Moonshine, IL. For more information, visit www.moonshine-run.com or call Jason Garver at 217-962-0195. April 19: Culpepper-Merriweather Circus. Fairview Park. For more information call Debbie Hutton, park & recreation director, at 217-9322600. May 28: Horseshoe Tournament. Fairview Park. For more information, call Wayne Davis at 217-932-2787. June 24-26: Casey Open Golf Tournament. Casey Country Club. For more information, call 217-932-2030. July 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. September 3-5: 29th Annual Popcorn Festival. Fairview Park. For more information, call Bernie Morgan at 217-232-2676. December 1-31: Christmas in the Park. Fairview Park. For more information call Debbie Hutton, park & recreation director, at 217-932-2600. December 3: Breakfast with Santa. Casey Fire Dept. For more information call Debbie Hutton, park & recreation director, at 217-932-2600. December 3: Candy Canes on Main. Downtown Main Street. For more information, call Marsha Shonk or Jeanette Huisinga at 217-232-4955.
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HOME TO THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD LARGEST WIND CHIME, GOLF TEE, KNITTING NEEDLES, CROCHET HOOK, AND THE ILLINOIS ASA HALL OF FAME MUSEUM, THE POPCORN FESTIVAL AND FAIRVIEW PARK!!!! NOW FEATURING: THE WORLD’S LARGEST ROCKING CHAIR! Fairview Park features sunken and memorial gardens, ball diamonds, horseshoe pitching arena, picnic shelters, bandstand and beautiful ponds stocked for fishing. Our beautiful campground has electrical and water hook ups, a bathhouse and fire pits. Make plans to join us Labor Day Weekend at Fairview Park for the 29th Annual Popcorn Festival, a premier family event, featuring a carnival, food and craft vendors, family entertainment and top-notch music performances. Don’t forget all the FREE popcorn you can eat!
Contact the City of Casey Park Activity Director at 217 932-2600 for more information. www.cityofcaseyil.org
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ROBINSON: CRAWFORD COUNTY
Robinson/Crawford County: Outdoor Recreation, Historical Sites, Shopping, Fine Dining And More
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elebrating its 200th birthday in 2016, Crawford County Illinois has something for everyone — historical sites, golf courses, camping, recreational lakes and rivers, unique shops, family-oriented annual events, museums, fine dining and excellent hotel/motel accommodations. Visit www.cityofrobinson.com regarding events throughout the year commemorating the county’s birthday.
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. Crawford County was formed on Dec. 31, 1816, and is located in the east central 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 is also the birthplace of the Heath Candy Bar. Hershey Chocolate, producers of the Heath Bar, along with Marathon Petroleum and Lincoln Trail College, all have facilities 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 in the early 1900s. Palestine is the oldest town in the state of Illinois still 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. People 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. The “town,” made up of original furnished log cabins, a log barn and log church, is named in honor of the Isaac Hutson family, who were 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 54 | 2016 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 milkshake, fresh pie and friendly conversation. The annual Flat Rock Homecoming is a great time to visit 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 your fingertips — friendly neighborhoods, quality education, modern health care facilities, noteworthy recreation and premium shopping choices. Business opportunities are welcomed with open arms. Visitors are always welcome in Crawford County. Contact the City of Robinson at (618) 544-7616 or visit www.cityofrobinson.com/tourism. 2016 Crawford County Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead or visit www.cityofrobinson.com for more information. Throughout 2016: Crawford County’s 200th Birthday. Visit www.cityofrobinson.com for updates regarding events in the county commemorating the 200th birthday of Crawford County. April 8-10: Community Revitalization & Beautification Committee Antique and Collectables Show. Robinson Community Center. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 618-546-1557. May TBA: 28th Annual Crawford County Arts Art Show & Sale. Fife Opera House in Palestine. Original artworks of various mediums – some for sale. For more information, visit www.crawfordcountyarts.org. May 28: Memorial Day Weekend Palestine Lions Club Fish Fry, Car Club Cruise-In & Flea Market. Leaverton Park from 8 a.m. until the fish runs out. Fish/sides/hotdogs/desserts served to help the Lions Club with its 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. For more information, contact Lion Bill Kite at 618-584-3338 or Car Club Member Herb Hess at 618586-5472. June 23: Annual Robinson Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing. Fundraiser and golf outing at Quail Creek County Club in Robinson. Contact the Robinson Chamber of Commerce at 618-546-1557. June 30-July 4: Robinson 4th of July Celebration. Features carnival rides, food booths, nightly entertainment, car show, baseball and softball tournaments, and spectacular fireworks show in the Robinson City Park. For more information and the nightly entertainment lineup, call City Hall at 618-544-7616 or visit www.cityofrobinson.com. July 23-30: Crawford County Fair. 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. Visit www.crawfordfair.com. August 6: Hutsonville Community Days. Car show, entertainment, parade and food in downtown Hutsonville. August 12-14: Oblong Antique Tractor and Engine Show. Oblong fairgrounds. Annual event that draws visitors from all over to view actual working antique tractors and engines. September TBA: Fort LaMotte Rangers Re-enactment & Festival in Palestine. 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 and musicians. Vendors welcome. For more information, contact Leonard Sisil at 618544-2990, Jim Keller at 618-544-7734, Charlie Coombs at 618-544-7570, Greg Parrott at 618-544-4488 or Rob Byrley at 618-586-2493.
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September 1-5: 63rd Annual Pioneer City Labor Day Festival and Rodeo. Pioneer City Arena, Leaverton Park and Main Street, Palestine plays host to a street fair, carnival, and the return of the PRCA full rodeo. Chuckwagon 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. For more information, contact Palestine Chamber of Commerce at 618-586-2222 or visit www.pioneercity.com or email at PalestineCofC@verizon.net. September 30-October 1: Annual Heath Toffee Festival and Parade. 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. For more information, call 618-546-1557. October 1, 2: 14th Annual Wabash Valley Wine & Art Festival in Palestine. Several wineries provide various wines for tasting. Stroll Main Street and enjoy artworks from numerous artists from the Wabash Valley area. Some may be purchased. Food booths and live entertainment. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Susan Goodwine at 618-586-2035. October 29: 50th Annual Oblong Fall Follies and “Spooktacular” Bandfest and Parade. Features nighttime parade, band field competition, food, crafts, and entertainment on the square in Oblong. For more information, call 618-592-4355. November 18, 19, 20: Christmas displays lighting on the square in downtown Robinson. Santa arrives, food booths, games for kids, train ride, silent auction of decorated Christmas trees, and more. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 618-546-1557. November 19: Weekend before Thanksgiving Palestine Preservation Projects Society Cookie Walk. Fife Opera House. Begins at 9 a.m. Browse tables of homemade cookies for purchase. Contact Nita Jochim at 618-586-2427.
Pelican Cove Aquatic Park at the Robinson City Pool November 19: Weekend before Thanksgiving Crawford County Retailer’s Holiday Open Houses. Begins at 9 a.m. Travel Route 33 through Robinson and Palestine to find that perfect Christmas gift or secure that elusive item. Find great bargains. For more information, contact Robinson Area Chamber of Commerce at 618-546-1557. November 25: Leaverton Park Holiday Lighting Festival at 5 p.m. Leaverton Park comes alive with more than 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 cornbread and beans, hotdogs and desserts served by the Lions Club. For more information, contact Palestine Chamber of Commerce at 618-586-2222. December 31, 2016: Crawford County’s 200th Birthday. Visit www.cityofrobinson.com regarding events throughout the year commemorating the county’s birthday.
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EFFINGHAM: EFFINGHAM COUNTY
Effingham: A Potpourri Of Sites And Activities Await Visitors Corvette history and memorabilia. No admission charge, open seven days ocated in Central Illinois where Interstate 57 meets I-70, the city a week. Visit www.mamotorworks.com. of Effingham has something for everyone. With 18 hotels and Heartland Classics: Located off Exit 160, is a 30,000-square-foot more than 65 restaurants, Effingham provides the very best in showroom filled with over 200 classic cars service and hospitality. and motorcycles. Heartland Classics has The Effingham Performance Center, Cross items that are available for purchase as well at the Crossroads, Firefly Grill, Corvette Muas museum items. The showroom is open seum, Tuscan Hills Winery, Hodgson Mill Monday through Friday and is free of charge. Store, Kluthe Aquatic Complex, Lake Sara Sculpture on the Avenues: Sculptures on and John Boos & Co. Showroom are just a the Avenues is an annual outdoor art exhibit few of the many attractions that make Effinthat brings an array of artwork to downtown gham a tourism destination for thousands of Effingham and features some of the Midtravelers each year. west’s best-known and unknown sculptors. The city also hosts several annual events Going into its 18th year, Sculpture on the Avincluding the Corvette Funfest hosted by enues is a self-guided walking tour that winds Mid America Motorworks in September, through downtown Effingham. Come explore Wonderland in Lights in December, the Artithe sculptures that have transformed the city’s san Fair in May and Funfest for VWs in avenues into an art gallery. Visit www.visitJune. Also, don’t miss the Moccasin Creek effinghamil.com or call 217-342-5310. Festival in June and the EffinHAM JAM in Firefly Grill: Firefly Grill is a modern July. Effingham and surrounding area attracroadhouse restaurant located on the shores of tions include: Kristie Lake. Chef Niall Campbell and his The Effingham Performance Center: wife, Kristie, own and operate this oasis of Located on the north side of Effingham American fresh cuisine in the heart of the along Outerbelt West, is a 1,564-seat theater Midwest. It has been recognized for its efthat hosts 30 performances a year. Local, reforts in going green, its unique events, and its gional, and national acts are scheduled to beautiful rural setting. Garden tours and perform, with categories including country, cooking demonstrations make this a must southern gospel, pop/top 40, contemporary stop for group tours. Firefly Grill was reChristian, comedy, jazz, dance, classical, and cently named a “Delicious Destination” by bluegrass. This year’s acts include REO Enjoy Illinois. For more information, visit Speedwagon, Styx, Last Comic Standing and www.ffgrill.com. Branson on the Road. Visit www.theEPC.org Legacy Harley Davidson: Legacy Harley or find tickets on Ticketmaster. The Cross At The Crossroads Davidson is located just off Interstates 57 and The Cross at the Crossroads: Located 70, on Althoff Ave. “The Harley Barn,” as it is on the south side of Effingham, the cross known, houses new and pre-owned motorcycles, along with clothing, merstands 19 stories tall alongside one of America’s most traveled Interstate chandise, parts, and much more. The folks at the Harley Barn invite visitors corridors. Approximately 53,600 people view the 198-foot tall symbol of to attend one-of-a-kind events held throughout the year. For more inforlove and hope each day. The open arms of the cross, which expand 113 mation on the store and events, visit www.legacyhd.com. feet, are a welcoming signal to approaching travelers. Visit Tuscan Hills Winery: Tuscan Hills Winery is located on Historic www.crossusa.org. Hills Drive, directly behind the Harley Barn. This winery features eight My Garage Corvette Museum: Located on the northeast side of Effpicturesque acres, which helps bring an Old World Tuscan feel to the ingham, My Garage Corvette Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that heart of Effingham. The owners are focused on creating elegant, aphouses vintage Corvettes and Volkswagens and thousands of pieces of proachable and perfectly balanced wines of the highest quality. Wine tastings and tours, along with space available for reservations, makes this a must stop for group tours. Check out the winery’s website for its live events each week. For more information, visit www.effinghamwinery.com. Effingham Visitor Center: The Effingham Visitor Center, located off 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. Call 217-342-5310 or visit www.VisitEffinghamIL.com. Wonderland in Lights: Each year, the city of Effingham and the Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau turn the Community Park on E. Temple Avenue into a winter wonderland. The Wonderland in Lights is a drive-through light display that features a variety of lighted holiday scenes. Santa visits the Wonderland in Lights each Saturday to hand out toys to the children. The display opens on Thanksgiving Day and ends on Christmas Day. Visit www.visiteffinghamil.com.
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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. Each tree is marked with a plaque including the common and Latin name of each species. For more information on activities at the park, visit www.effinghamparkdistrict.org. Stang ARTs Studio & Gallery: Nestled in downtown Effingham, Stang ARTs features art classes for both children and adults, along with events throughout the year, such as paint parties. Make sure to stop by and check out the art gallery or book an event. Call 850-960-0106. John Boos & Co.: John Boos & Co. 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 over 100 years The Effingham Performance Center is a 1,564-seat theater ago. John Boos & Co. Showroom is open to the public that hosts 30 performances a year. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. John Boos Butcher Blocks are used by several celebrity chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Rachel Ray, who gave John Boos’ 2016 Effingham Calendar of Events blocks away on her talk show. The butcher blocks can also be found on Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead popular Food Network shows such as Chopped. Tours are available by for specific information and additional activities. appointment. Call 217-347-7790. Hodgson Mill Store: The Hodgson Mill Store was opened in 2014. Since April TBD: Blessing of the Bikes. 217-342-3494, www.legacyhd.com. 1882, Hodgson Mill has been grinding whole grains and making nutritious April 2: Lake Sara Dam Run. Lake Sara, www.lakesaradamrun.com. foods that are full of natural flavor but free of artificial additives and coloring. For more than a century, its customers have been enjoying the taste April 15, 16: Nat. Fishing Lure Collector Show. www.nflcc.org. and reaping the health benefits of whole grains. The new store features May TBD: Motorcycle & Auto Show. Legacy Harley Davidson, 217Hodgson Mill products, other local products and hard to find cooking gadg342-3494, www.legacyhd.com. ets. Along with the retail store, an education center will offer a wide variMay-October: Farmer’s Market. Saturdays. Downtown Effingham, ety of classes from baking to healthy eating. The cooking center is now nanopanko@gmail.com. open and cooking classes are available. For a schedule, visit www.hodgMay 13, 14: Artisan Fair. Downtown, www.effinghamartisanfair.com. sonmill.com. Call 800-347-0105. www.hodgsonmill.com. May 14: Spring Fling. Downtown Effingham, 217-342-4147. Ballard Nature Center: The Ballard Nature Center is located just June 24-26: Moccasin Creek Fest. Lake Sara, www.moccasincreekminutes west of Effingham, nestled into a wooded area near National festival.com. Road, U.S. 40. Miles of wooded trails, dozens of species of birds, and June 3-5: VW Funfest. Mid America Motorworks, www.funfesthe natural setting offer a true outdoor experience. Dioramas and intertacvw.com. active exhibits offer entertainment and effortless education on the flora June 17: Taste of Freedom. Downtown, 217-342-4147. and fauna of this region. The trails and outdoor area are open from dawn July 4: 4th of July Celebration. 217-342-5310. until dusk. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through July 22, 23: EffingHAM-JAM BBQ Cookoff, 217-342-4147. Friday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Call 618-483-6856. Lake Sara: Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a July 22-24: Mill Road Threshermans Show, www.millroadthresherwooded shoreline, encircled by a winding road. Also, visit nearby golf man.org. courses, Cardinal and Fore-Way, just minutes from the lake. Visit August 29-September 6: County Fair. Effingham County Fairwww.visiteffinghamil.com. grounds in Altamont, IL. www.effinghamcountyfair.com. Dr. Charles M. Wright House: The Dr. Charles M. Wright House in September 9, 10: Hobnob Harvest Market. www.hobnobmarket.com. Altamont was built in 1889. The 18-room mansion is now a museum that September TBD: Altamont Schuetzenfest. www.altamontchamfeatures original furnishings, including carpets. The doctor’s surgery, ber.com. nursery and library are highlights of the tour. The museum is open SunSeptember 17: Wine on the Lawn at the Wright Mansion. Wright days from 2 to 4 p.m., April through October. For a tour on other days, Mansion, 618-483-6397, www.wrightmansion.org. call 618-483-6397. Visit www.WrightMansion.org. September 15-18: Corvette Funfest. Mid America Motorworks. 866Monastery Museum: The Monastery Museum in Teutopolis is a prism 309-3973, www.corvettefunfest.com. into the history of the settlers of the Teutopolis region and the Franciscans October 14: Chili Fest. Downtown Effingham, 217-342-4147. who ministered to them. The museum houses antique bibles, hand-scribed October: 15: United Way Gala. Thelma Keller Convention Center, books, furnishings, clothing, toys and elaborate documents that offer a 217-342-3824, www.effinghamunitedway.org. glimpse into the past. For more information, call 217-857-6404. October 24: Halloween Parade. Downtown, 217-342-4147. Frye Pottery: Frye Pottery is located in a beautiful country setting. Artists Tim and Pam Frye have been professional potters for nearly 30 November 24-December 25: Wonderland in Lights. Community years and produce award winning ceramic art, as well as functional Park, 217-342-5310, www.visiteffinghamil.com. stoneware pottery designed for everyday use. A restored dairy barn November 27: Hometown Christmas. Downtown Effingham, 217houses their working studios and gallery with a selection of pottery pieces 342-5310, www.visiteffinghamil.com. for sale. Visit www.fryepottery.com. PAGE 58 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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MARSHALL: CLARK COUNTY
Marshall: Historical Sites, State Parks, Music On The Square
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xperience Marshall — From the history buff to the outdoor enthusiast, Marshall has an experience waiting just for you. There are many attractions and sites to see throughout. Visitors can start their journey by stopping at the Historic Harlan Hall. Pick up a copy of Tour Historic Marshall. In it, visitors will find their way to seven sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A few of these include Lincoln’s law papers at the courthouse, a stone arch bridge, constructed in 1831, on the National Road that is still in use today, and a 1938 Works Progress Administration mural in the post office. Harlan Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to The National Road Welcome Center. It is located in the heart of downtown. The Welcome Center contains memorabilia from “the road that built the nation.” There are dioramas, interactive mannequins, displays and kiosks depicting the rich history of the road in Marshall. The Hall is also available to rent for events such as weddings, reunions and corporate trainings. Visitors won’t want to miss seeing the beauty of this restored building. In addition, the Marshall Public Library is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2016. If it is outdoor recreation you’re looking for, Marshall has an abundance of options. Lincoln Trail State Park and Mill Creek Park bring in thousands of visitors each year, and for good reason. These parks offer camping amenities, fishing and walking trails. Mill Creek also offers ATV trails, horseback riding trails and cabin rentals. Both parks retain natural habitats that are sure to provide a break from the daily grind. While visiting in the summer, join the fun at the Friday night band concerts and ice cream socials at 8 p.m. on the courthouse square, midJune through August. Marshall boasts the oldest, continually performing municipal band in the state. Other recreational opportunities available in Marshall include nine holes at the Marshall Golf Course. In the case of a rainy day, stop into the Marshall Bowling Alley. It’s fun for the whole family and is open year round. Marshall has great activities all year. Visit www.marshall-il.com or call 217-826-8087.
2016 Marshall Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. March 19: Gaslight Art Colony Artists Reception. April 7: Astronomy Program. Marshall Public Library. April 11-29: NASA Exhibit. Marshall Public Library. April 13: Career Fair at Harlan Hall. April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, Sept. 17, October 15, November 19, Dec. 17 : Gaslight Art Colony Artists Reception. May 14: Community Wide Yard Sale/Downtown Side Walk Sale. May 14: Evening Thyme Garden Fair. June 3: 1st Band Concert for 2016. Courthouse Square. June 4: Lincoln Trail Open Water Swim. June 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5: Band Concert. Courthouse Square. June 22-26: Marshall Walldogs Project. July 8: Band Concert-Lemonade Stand Contest. July 9: Community-Wide Yard Sale. August 5: Last Band Concert-Marshall’s Night Out on the Nat. Rd. August 13: Community-Wide Yard Sale. August 14-20: Clark County Fair. August 26, 27: Clark County Antique Tractor Power Club. September 16-18: Marshall Autumn Fest. Month of October: Marshall Public Library 100 Year Anniversary. October 20: Halloween at Marshall Public Library. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. October 31: City of Marshall Frolic, Trunk or Treat and Trick or Treat. November 26: Festival of Lights begins at Fairgrounds. December 3: HollyDays.
w w w.marshall-il.com
S t a y. . . S h o p. . . P l a y !
NATIONAL ROAD WELCOME CENTER
LINCOLN WALKED HERE
FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS
COMMUNITY POOL
MARSHALL GOLF CLUB
MARSHALL BOWLING ALLEY
FAST FOOD/RESTAURANTS
ANTIQUESTATIONS SHOPS SERVICE
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS
BOATING/CAMPING
FISHING
WILDLIFE
International Mural Painting Event
June 22nd to the 26th 2016
A fun filled weekend for all ages
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DECATUR: MACON COUNTY
Decatur: Variety Of Attractions For All Ages
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such treasures as the seventh of only eight cars manufactured by Mueller, located at 420 W. Eldorado St. For more information, call 217-423-6161.
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 the finest automobiles built, and includes an extensive Chevrolet memorabilia collection. Call 217-791-5793 or visit www.chevrolethalloffamemuseum.com.
Macon County History Museum and Prairie Village: Located at 5580 N. Fork Road E., 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. For more information, call 217-422-4919, or visit www.mchsdecatur.org.
he Decatur area offers so much to see and do with antiques, family attractions, historic sites, museums, nightlife, outdoor fun and recreation, shopping districts and numerous events for all ages. Visit www.decaturcvb.com or call 217423-7000 for a free Visitors Guide.
Each year, visitors to Scovill Zoo enjoy a train ride.
The Children’s Museum of Illinois: Located at 55 S. Country Club Road, the Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits that encourage children 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 that visitors tend to forget it’s educational. For more exhibit details, call 217-423-KIDS, or visit www.cmofil.com.
Rock Springs Conservation Area and Nature Center: Located 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. For more information, call 217-423-7708, or visit www.maconcountyconservation.org.
Hieronymus Mueller Museum: The Hieronymus Mueller Museum’s namesake, called Decatur’s “unsung genius,” held over 500 patents. See
Scovill Park and Zoo: From cheetahs and camels to meerkats and monkeys, an exciting adventure awaits visitors at Decatur’s Scovill Zoo, located at 71 Country Club Road. Take a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel and climb aboard the Z.O.& O. Express. Just a few steps away from the zoo are a state-of-the art playground, the Scovill House, and Oriental Gardens with exotic plants, waterfalls, ponds and winding trails. For more information, call 217-421-7435, or visit www.scovillzoo.com.
Mari-Mann Herb Farm is 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 Midwest’s oldest and largest herb farms. Mari-Mann offers luncheons by appointment, tours and a shop where a wide variety of natural herbal and homeopathic items are sold. For more information, call 217-429-1404, or visit www.marimann.com. Wabash Depot Antique Centre: Located at 780 E. Cerro Gordo St., the center is a 10,000 square-foot restored train depot with beautiful marble columns and floors, stained glass windows, tube chandeliers and antiques of every kind. For more information, call 217-233-0800. PAGE 60 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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Mini Abe's Decatur/Forsyth Mini Vacation!
Mini Abe: “Don't Miss These Fantastic Summer Events!” Mini Abe loved visiting the Decatur/Forsyth area. Abe experienced quaint shops in a charming historic downtown business district; a full weekend of family fun; and a wide variety of unique, quality restaurants.
Decatur/Forsyth Classic Symetra Tour Tournament
Qualifying tour to the LPGA August 8-14, 2016
The Decatur-Forsyth Classic is the longest-running tourname nt on the LPGA Symetra Tour. Thi s year, the tournament will take place at Hickory Point Golf Clu b.
Go to Deca turC VB.c om to see all of Mini Abe’s photo scrapbook! Come over to the Decatur/Forsyth area and walk in Mini Abe’s foot steps, be careful though, they’re small! Don’t forget these other great events:
Decatur Celebration!
Giant Street Festival August 4-7, 2016
Razzle Dazzle Goodtimes Parade, Film Festival, Wine Garden, 3 blocks of Arts & Craft Booths, 60 Unique Food Vendors, Street Performers, 10 Live Show Stages and a Carnival!
202 East North Street • Decatur IL, 62523 217-423-7000 • 800-331-4479 • Tourism@decaturcvb.com
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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.
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, Discover • Ph: 217-233-0800 • Fax: 217-233-0801 780 E. Cerro Gordo Street • Decatur, IL 62523 Just North of Eldorado Street/Route 36
NOTABLE EVENTS TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR INCLUDE: Central Illinois Jazz Festival: Held annually on the weekend of the first Sunday in February at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. This three-day festival, features professional bands from all over the United States playing Dixieland Jazz, Chicago and New Orleans styles, Swing, Ragtime, Zydeco and Gypsy Jazz. Highlights are: “Patron Party,” Festival Grand Opening, New Orleans-style Umbrella Parade, Pianorama and Banjorama, evening dance sets, late-night jam session, Jazz Brunch and Clarinet Clambake. For more information, visit www.juvaejazz.com or call 217-423-7000 for a detailed brochure. Farm Progress Show: Progress City, USA., adjacent to Richland Community College in Decatur, is the epicenter of farm technology during the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday prior to Labor Day biennially in odd-numbered years. More than 450 exhibitors bring their best new tools and technology to show visitors from all over the world. For more information, visit www.farmprogressshow.com. Decatur Celebration: Free family street festival covering 22 square blocks of downtown Decatur, which are closed from Friday night through Sunday on the first full weekend in August of each year. Festival features 10 stages with continuous live entertainment, a square-block area with activities just for kids, Razzle Dazzle Goodtimes Parade on Saturday morning, over 150 acts and attractions to enjoy, food from every corner of the world, craft and souvenir stands, games, carnival rides and big name headline entertainment. Visit www.decaturcelebration.com. Arts in Central Park: Features art in every form, available for sale or just to see. Paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor; photography; pottery; textile art; handmade jewelry; and sculpture can all be found Friday evening through Sunday the third weekend in September every year. The fair also features food vendors, beverage service, live music and other forms of entertainment. Visit www.decaturarts.org. PAGE 62 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
The Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum features many classic autos. 2016 Decatur Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. For more events and information, visit www.decaturcvb.com and click on “What To Do.” April 7-9: Pride of the Prairie Spring Marble Show. Country Inn & Suites. April 16, 17: Gem and Mineral Show. Progress City, USA April 16, 17: Spring Train Fair. Decatur Civic Center. April 28-May 1: Cluster of Dogs Show. Progress City, USA. May 12-15: Illinois Junior Academy of Science. Millikin University. May 13, 15: MidState Soccer Classic Cup. Decatur Soccer Complex May 21, 22: Millikin University Spring Commencement. Kirkland Fine Arts Center (Millikin University). May 28: Forsyth Disc Golf Open. Forsyth Disc Golf Course. June 7-12: Macon County Fair. Macon County Fairgrounds. June 13-16: Optimists International Jr. Golf Tournament. Red Tail Run Golf Course. June 16: Blues in Central Park. Central Park, downtown Decatur. July 7-10: ASA 12U Girls Tournament. Rotary Park. July 9, 10: Rodney T. Miller Triathlon. Nelson and Fairview parks. July 21: Blues in Central Park. Central Park, downtown Decatur. July 22-24: ASA Men’s D&E Slowpitch Tournament. Rotary Park. July 29-31: ASA Men’s Fast Pitch State. Forsyth Park August 1-7: USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic. Fairview Park Tennis Complex. August 4-7: Decatur Celebration. Downtown Decatur. August 5-7: ASA Wooden Bat National. Forsyth Park. August 8-14: Decatur Forsyth Classic. Hickory Point Golf Course. August 18: Blues in Central Park. Central Park, downtown Decatur. September 10, 11: Special Olympics Outdoor Sports Festival. Rotary Park and Hickory Point Golf Course. September 16-18: Arts in Central Park. Central Park, downtown Decatur. September 17-18: Decatur Fall Train Fair. Civic Center Arena. September 30-October 2: Millikin Homecoming. Millikin University. October 14, 15: IHSA Girls Class A & AA state golf tournaments. Hickory Point and Red Tail Run golf courses. October 28-30: America’s Next Soccer Star Tour. Decatur Soccer Complex. November 3-5: Pride of the Prairie Fall Marble Show. Country Inn and Suites. November 19, 20: Midwest Taekwondo Championship. Decatur Conference Center and Hotel. December 7: Christmas Walk. Downtown Decatur. December 11: Millikin University Winter Commencement. Kirkland Fine Arts Center (Millikin University).
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GREENVILLE: BOND COUNTY
Greenville: Museums Offer Windows To Local History
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ocated where State Route 127 intersects with Interstate 70, less than an hour’s drive from downtown St. Louis, Greenville was founded in 1815 and is the county seat of Bond County. The town’s roots in agriculture and religion have shaped its reputation as a hardworking, caring community. A 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. Tour the farm’s cheese-making operations and dairy barns year round Monday through Saturday. The American Farm Heritage Museum, on Museum Ave. parallel to I-70, provides a hands-on historic view of American farming. It 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 Ave. and Wyatt St., is open by appointment. Greenville College was founded in 1855 as an 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, today, is a leading maker of marching band uniforms. The DeMoulin Museum, 110 W. Main, offers a look at the company’s origin as a manufacturer of fraternal lodge initiation devices. The Bond County Historical Society’s Hoiles-Davis Museum, 318 W. Winter, showcases Civil War artifacts, vintage clothing and toys, and ephemera related to local history. 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. Recreational opportunities include Governor Bond Lake, the Kingsbury Park District’s nature preserve, and Patriot’s Park. Visit www.greenvilleilchamber.org, www.greenvilleillinois.com or call 844-404-9272. Local attractions on the Web: American Farm Heritage Museum: www.americanfarmheritagemuseum.com. Bond County Fair: www.bondcofair.com. Bond County Historical Society: www.bondcountyhistorical.org. The Family Vine Winery: www.facebook.com/TheFamilyVineWinery. Kingsbury Park District: www.kingsburyparkdistrict.com. Marcoot Jersey Creamery: www.marcootjerseycreamery.com. Richard W. Bock Museum: ww.greenville.edu/about/visit/bock_museum.html. 2016 Greenville Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. May 7: Car Cruise on the Greenville square. June 11: Train Collector’s Show. American Farm Heritage Museum. June 18: Greenville Graffiti Car Show. June 25: Hummingbird Festival. Stoecklin’s Orchard. July 4: Fourth Fest with fireworks. July 29-31: Farm Heritage Days. Amer. Farm Heritage Museum. August 4-9: Bond County Fair. September 10: Car Cruise on the Greenville square. Early October: Fall Fest on the Farm. Marcoot Jersey Creamery. October 1: Apple Day. Downtown Greenville. October 8: Fall Family Festival. American Farm Heritage Museum. November 24-January 1, 2017: Annual Christmas Lights Display. November 26: Come Home for Christmas downtown celebration. December 4: Annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”
GreenvilleIllinois.com 844.404.9272
Classic Americana Celebrating 200 years of community history! Downtown Square Classic Car Shows Sears Kit Home Tour DeMoulin Museum
Proud Rural Heritage From farm to table... Farm Heritage Museum Orchards & Tree Farms Marcoot Jersey Creamery Wineries
Outdoor Adventure Get back to nature. Lake Sports Nature Preserve Hiking Trails Country Roads for Biking
World-Class Fine Arts Find unexpected treasures! William K. Bock Museum College Art Gallery Handel’s Messiah and Other Performances Factory Theatre Productions Fall Art Walk
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BLOOMINGTON: MCLEAN CO.
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 American Passion Play Galilee. The text is taken from the King James Version of the Bible, and the performers bring this magnificent language to life. This year, 2016, is the 93rd 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 94th Anniversary In 2017 2017 PERFORMANCE DATES: Saturday, March 25
Saturday, April 1
Saturday, April 8 Sunday, April 9 Saturday, April 22 All performances start at 1 p.m.
Visa/Mastercard
For 2016 Performances, call for details: 800-354-9640 309-829-3903 • Fax: 309-828-5557
American Passion Play 600 N. East Street • P.O. Box 3354 • Bloomington, IL 61702-3354 www.americanpassionplay.org
PAGE 64 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
PARIS: EDGAR COUNTY Paris: Lincoln Stories To Share
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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, Paris has been recently designated as a Looking For Lincoln community and has many Lincoln stories to share with tourists. We have added many new and exciting events and activities to our annual calendar. Please visit our community, and be sure to stop by the Chamber of Commerce office, 105 N. Central Ave., for brochures, maps and information, or call the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism at 217-465-4179. 2016 Paris Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. March 19: Chamber St. Patricks Celebration. May 21: Shakespeare In the Park. Twin Lakes Park, hosted by Paris Public Library at 6 p.m. Each Thursday June-August: Music in the Park. Each Saturday June-Sept.: Downtown Paris Farmer’s Market. June 10-12: Shrine BBQ. Parade at 2 p.m. on June 11. June 25: 4-H BBQ. Edgar County Fairgrounds from 4 to 7 p.m. July 4: 4th of July Fireworks at Twin Lakes and activities at the American Legion. July 9: Chamber Edgar County Crazy Dayz. July 22-27: 4-H Fair. Edgar County 4-H Fairgrounds. Extension office 465-5379. July 23-30: Edgar County Fair. Edgar County Fairgrounds. August 6: Cancer Relay for Life. September 18: Little Honeybee King and Queen Pageant. Twin Lakes Pavilion at 2 p.m. September 23-25: Honeybee Festival. Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday -Roger Thomas (217-466-1175). Honeybee Downtown (217-8229283) – Richard Yates (217-465-8402). Food – Joe Scheiner (217-8080028). Fairgrounds General Information (217-822-1896). November 24-January 1, 2017: Thanksgiving-Holiday in the Park. Twin Lakes Park. November 26: Chamber Christmas In Paris/Mistletoe Market Place.
Lori’s Pins ‘n Needles “Quilters’ Headquarters” Just 30 minutes from Arcola
Over 3000 Bolts of Fabric Books • Patterns • Classes ––––––––––––––––––
Authorized Husqvarna Viking, Baby Lock, & Handi Quilter Sewing Machines Sales & Service
1122 North Main Street Paris, Illinois 61944 (217) 465-5541 Email: loris@comwares.net www.lorisviking.com
MON - THURS 9 am — 6 pm FRIDAY 9 am — 8 pm SATURDAY 9 am — 5 pm
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JACKSONVILLE: MORGAN COUNTY
Jacksonville: Visit Lincoln And Civil War Historical Sites Choices are numerous and visitors will be sure to have fun, and maybe onveniently located between Springfield, IL, and St. Louis, MO, even learn a few things, too. Further information is available by calling Jacksonville is a thriving community, rich in historical treasures, The Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-593-5678 or unparalleled educational institutions, growing businesses and hosvisit jacksonvilleil.org. pitality all its own. For the history lovers, the city’s rich heritage includes numerous inter2016 Jacksonville Calendar of Events esting sites that help make the past relevant to all Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead to generations. Come follow in the footsteps of Abraspecific information and additional activities. ham Lincoln through historic Jacksonville. See the actual places and hear the real stories of Lincoln as May 14: Downtown Celebration. A festive day told by his friends and associates, while Looking For of music, food and fun in the heart of Jacksonville’s Lincoln in Jacksonville. Or, visit one of the many downtown. Underground Railroad sites, including Woodlawn June 24-26: The Crazy Horse Bluegrass FestiFarm and also some of our historic homes. Jackval. Crazy Horse Campground. sonville was one of the many stations along the UnJuly 3, 4: 4th of July Celebration and Parade. derground Railroad and one of the busiest during the Nichols Park. Two-day celebration beginning at 6 mid-1800s. Although most are private residences, p.m. on July 3rd and ending after fireworks on July many of the homes used in the Underground Rail4th. Parade, concessions, kid’s events, live enterroad can still be seen in Jacksonville, including tainment, fireworks and more. Woodlawn Farm, the showcase homestead of JackJuly 6-10: 69th Annual Morgan County Fair. sonville’s extensive Underground Railroad network, Games, rides and big band entertainment, Morgan which visitors can experience first-hand. Lastly, a County Fairgrounds. Check calendar at www.jacktrip to Jacksonville is not complete without a visit to sonvilleil.org for concert information. the historic Gov. Joseph Duncan Mansion, the only July 29, 30: River County Quilt Show. Jackgovernor’s mansion still standing in the state (other sonville High School. than in Springfield, of course). Experience real stories of Lincoln. August 4: DAR Annual Ice Cream Social on the For visitors who would like to explore their “artsy” lawn of the Gov. Duncan Mansion. Benefits the maintenance/refurbishside, visit the beautiful grand structure of the David Strawn Art Gallery. ing of the mansion. This gallery features monthly changing art exhibits and permanent colAugust 5: Jacksonville Pilot Club’s 7th Annual “Dancing with the lections which include displays of Miriam Cowgur Allen doll collections. Stars.” Hamilton’s Banquet Facility. The Jacksonville Symphony Society is one of the top orchestras in the August 5, 6: Jacksonville Main Street’s Fine Arts Festival. Downtown state, and visitors can even catch a live theater production with the famous Jacksonville. Jacksonville Theatre Guild. September 3-5: 18th Annual Prairieland Chautauqua. First Christian No visit in Jacksonville is complete without visiting the newly restored Church, Jacksonville. downtown. Visitors will find entertainment, dining and shopping all in the September 17: 32nd Annual Cruise Nite and Car Show. One of the heart of this downtown community. area’s largest cruise nights. There is no lack of sports and recreation in the Jacksonville Area. MulSeptember 23-25: 47th Annual Prairie Land Heritage Museum Steam tiple golf courses, an award winning lake for fishing, parks, campgrounds, Show & Fall Festival Days. Prairieland Heritage Grounds. and athletic opportunities are just moments away. Visitors will find much October 1: Oktoberfest. Morgan County Fairgrounds. to do, both night and day. October 22: Jacksonville Main Street’s Pumpkin Fest. Join us in the Staying one night or even a week? Jacksonville offers national brand hohistoric downtown square for a day of family fun. tels, as well as a locally-owned bed and breakfast in the historical part of December 4: Pilot Club’s 33rd Annual Holiday Home Walk & Tea. town. Want to camp? Jacksonville has three great locations that individuEvent sponsored by the International Pilot Club of Jacksonville. als and/or family can enjoy. All provide a good night’s sleep.
C
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VANDALIA: FAYETTE COUNTY
Vandalia: Rich In Lincoln, Illinois Historical Sites tanding in the foyer of the Old State Capitol, one might expect a young Christian Supply, Habitat for Humanity Resale Shop, L&M Antiques, Lulu’s Abraham Lincoln to come bounding down the winding staircase after Stuff and Such, Something Special Florist and Old Capitol Wine Cellar, a House of Representatives session. The oldest remaining state capitol Tiffany’s House of Style, Tiger Lily Florist & Gifts, and Words, Wicks and Wood. In addition, there are five hotels, cabins, a building in Illinois is located at the intersection of bed and breakfast and plenty of other interesting the National Road (U.S. 40) and U.S. Route 51 in places to shop and dine throughout the city. the city of Vandalia. The restored building welJust south of the downtown area visitors can comes visitors who want to experience the early walk along the former historic Illinois Central Railyears of Lincoln’s career (1834-1839). road to the beautiful scenery that is the Kaskaskia Ten new Lincoln Wayside Exhibits have been River. Visitors can enter the trail behind the Fayette erected downtown at Rogier Park and the Old County Health Department at 416 W. Edwards State Cemetery. These story boards feature litStreet. They can enjoy the “Did You Know” signs tle known facts from President Lincoln’s life that are spread throughout the trail to learn the hisand times in Vandalia. Visitors may not know tory of the railroad, and about Abraham Lincoln’s that Lincoln proposed to a woman named Mary involvement with the railroad in Vandalia. Owens before he met Mary Todd, or that LinWhile staying in Vandalia, visit The Dutch coln and Stephen Douglas first met here. Also, Prairie Mennonite Shops and Settlement Area, Lincoln’s first official stand against slavery was which are southeast of Vandalia and home to in Vandalia. The Vandalia Statehouse is open many cottage industries. Handcrafted items are May through Labor Day, Tuesday through Satproduced at more than 20 businesses on the urday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. post prairie, including fruits, flowers, vegetables, handLabor Day. made cabinets, furniture and rugs. A variety of reLocated across the street from the capitol is pair shops, harness and tack and other services Lincoln Park, featuring a life-size bronze statue can also be found, along with a country store that of Abraham Lincoln designed by worldserves homemade lunches Monday through Satrenowned Lincoln sculptor, John McClarey. urday with its Saturday special being the amazing Directly north of the old Capitol is the Fayette soft pretzels. County Museum, located in the historic PresbyLake Vandalia, northwest of the city on Illinois terian Church built in 1867. The building is on the Looking for Lincoln? Route 185, is a 660-acre lake with swimming, National Register of Historic Places and houses A visit to Vandalia is a must. camping, boating/fishing facilities, and nature Lincoln-era memorabilia and artifacts of the people living in the county. Of special interest is an original paper press from the walks that the entire family can enjoy. The beach has a bathhouse and picCapitol, and visitors can hold a hand tool traced back to Mr. Lincoln that is nic area. Many fishing tournaments are conducted each year, as well as the etched with the initials, “A.L.” The museum is open Monday through Satur- Lions Club Fireworks on the weekend nearest to the 4th of July. Camping at the lake is available May through mid-October. day, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ramsey Lake State Park, 12 miles north of the city, has more than 1,900 One block west on 5th Street, visitors can see the only National Road Interpretive Center in Illinois. The National Road was the first and only totally acres for hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, campfederally funded road in the country. ing, picnicking and more. There are shelters, cabins and trailer spaces for Here visitors can learn the history of rent. A small concession business is located in the park. In addition, Vandalia has multiple day spas and Indian Springs Golf travel and transportation in the early days of the country. The Center re- Course. Foresee Winery, the Buckstop 3-D Archery, and Sandy Run Hunt minds visitors that Vandalia was the Co., a hunting club with upland bird hunting and trophy whitetail, are also in terminus of the National Road, the area. At Sandy Run, special birds are chokers, pheasants, and quail. Dogs which began in Baltimore, MD. The can be provided. The Kaskaskia Supply fire breathing dragon can be visited Center routinely adds exhibits to its at Veterans Avenue and Rock Island Avenue. Visitors can also enjoy more fine collection. The Interpretive Cen- than 60 acres of parks and walking trails in the area. For a complete calendar of events, call 618-283-2728, or visit ter is open Tuesday through Saturwww.vandaliaillinois.com. day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the corner of the Old State 2016 Vandalia Calendar of Events Capitol Lawn visitors can find the Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead Madonna of the Trail Statue. This is for specific information and additional activities. one of 12 statues in the United States on the National Road honoring the Lincoln Park features March 19: United Methodist Men’s Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. Wespioneer women who walked behind a life-size bronze statue of the wagons to open the west. The ley Hall, FUMC 127 N. 4th St. from from 7 to 10 a.m. No admission fee, doAbraham Lincoln. statues were donated by the Daugh- nations are appreciated. Sponsored by First United Methodist Church Methodist Men Organization. For more information, contact Bill LaDage at ters of the American Revolution (DAR) and dedicated in 1928 and 1929. Vandalia isn’t just a place for history buffs or those seeking heritage in- 618-367-2977 or email at bladage@gmail.com. March 19: Family YMCA of Fayette County $10,000 Raffle & Auction. formation, it is also a thriving community of quaint shops, new restaurants, period style lights and benches, making for a relaxing downtown experience. Theme is Kentucky Derby. American Legion, 321 S. 7th St. at 5:30 p.m. For Downtown shops include: Ali Marie’s on Gallatin, Country Folk, Gloria’s more information, contact Amber Daulbaugh at 618-283-1258.
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March 19: Illinois Trekkers Volkssport Club Walk. Rogier Park. Start Time 9 to 11 a.m. Finish at 2 p.m. Start at Rogier Park Pavilion - 5K & 10K Walk. Leisurely walk through a scenic, historic, and/or interesting area over a designated trail. Map will be provided. Family oriented, non competitive walk. Entry Fee: $3 per participant. Event open to everyone. Sponsored by Illinois Trekkers Volkssport Club. Event is held regardless of weather conditions. For more information, contact Andy and Sue Bacon at 571-345-8301 or by email at bacon@gmail.com. March 25-29: Fayette County School Art Show. All types of art produced by school youth K-12. Artworks Gallery, 301 W. Main St. Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission free. Sponsored by Artworks Gallery. For more information, contact Marilyn Beyes at 618-283-4866. March 27: Lions Annual Easter Egg Hunt, 2 p.m. at Sonneman Park, W. Fillmore. Children ages pre-school and up. Free. Sponsored by Vandalia Lions Club. For more information, contact Bette Stolte at 618-283-3529. April 19: Okaw Vocational Center Open House and Job Fair from 4 to 7 p.m., Vandalia Community High School gymnasium. Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. at Okaw Vocational Center, 1109 N. 8th St. Event sponsored by Priority Staffing Group and the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce. Event will include meet-and-greet/interviews with Okaw Vocational grads and tours of the Okaw Vocational Center. April 30: Healthy Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. YMCA at 9 a.m. Vendors welcome to help plan the event. For more information, contact Amber Daulbaugh at 618-2831258. May 7: Special Olympics Illinois Individual Soccer Skills Competition. YMCA at 11 a.m. For more information, contact Amber Daulbaugh at 6182883-1258. May 14: Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run. Registration at 9 a.m. Vandalia Community High School softball and baseball fields. Sponsored by YMCA. For more information, contact Amber Daulbaugh at 618-2831258. June 6: Mobile Hearing Unit. Vandalia Walmart, 201 N. Mattes Ave., from 1 to 5 p.m. Free hearing tests. Children welcome w/parents. Sponsored by Vandalia Lions Club. For more information, call 618-283-3529. June 18-26: Professional Art Show. Professional Art Competition. Artworks Gallery, 301 W. Main St., Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission free. Sponsored by Artworks Gallery. For more information, contact Marilyn Beyes at 618-283-4866. June 18-26: Area Town & Country Amateur Art Show. Amateur adult and youth art competition. Artworks Gallery, 301 W. Main St. Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission free. Sponsored by Artworks Gallery. For more information, contact Marilyn Beyes at 618-283-4866. June 30, July 1, 2: Carnival sponsored by Vandalia Lions Club. Late afternoon. Vandalia Lake, Route 185NW. For more information, contact: Bette Stolte, secretary at 618-283-3529. July 2: Vandalia Lions Club Fireworks Display. Vandalia Lake, Route 185NW. at dusk. Sponsored by Vandalia Lions Club. For more information, contact: Bette Stolte, secretary at 618-283-3529. July 9, 10: Lincoln Heritage Festival. Rogier/Rummelin/Sonneman Parks. Dramatizations and pageants portraying citizens and dignitaries of the Capital Era. Civil War re-enactors. 17th Corps Field Hospital Overview of Civil War Medicine and Army of Tennessee Field Hospital. 1800s baseball tourney, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, magic show, games and much more. Various vendors. Battery G with historic artifacts, demonstrations, etc. Dance from 8 to 10 p.m. at the American Legion. Event sponsored by Abraham Lincoln Heritage Area Committee of Tourism Commission. For more information, contact Sandra Leidner at 618-283-2176. July 10-16: Fayette County Fair. Brownstown Fairgrounds, 386 Cumberland Road, phone 618-427-5285. For more information, visit www.fayettecofair.org. October 27: Lions Club Annual Halloween Parade at 7 p.m. in downtown Vandalia. November 11, 12: Olde Tyme Christmas. Downtown Vandalia.
VANDALIA HAS IT! Vandalia Statehouse Early Lincoln Sites Museums & Galleries Historic National Road Restaurants & Lodging Golf Courses Parks, Lakes & Trails
For a Schedule of Events or a FREE Brochure:
VandaliaIllinois.com 618.283.2728
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LITCHFIELD: MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Litchfield: Historic Route 66 — The Mother Road — Beckons all three floors of the building. itchfield, IL, is conveniently loIf a nature retreat is more your style, cated on Interstate 55 and Route Litchfield has what you need. Grab 66, 45 miles south of Springfield, binoculars as well as a camera and head IL, and 60 miles north of St. Louis, MO. five miles west of Route 66 into the This tourist destination satisfies the needs heart of Litchfield and visit Lake Lou of both nature lovers and Route 66 fans. Yaeger. There visitors will be engulfed While traveling on Route 66, visitors by the picturesque scenery of a 1,400do not want to miss the opportunity to acre public lake complete with picnic stop at Litchfield. Grab a doughnut at areas in multiple locations. Self-guided Jubelt’s Bakery & Restaurant, which has hiking trails are available in Shoal provided tasty treats to Mother Road visCreek Conservation Area, where visiitors since 1922, or have a delicious meal tors have the opportunity to spot many at the Ariston Café, one of the oldest species of butterflies, birds, and other restaurants along Route 66. With satisfied wildlife. Campgrounds are conducive appetites, visitors can walk across the for both RVs and tents, and personal street and become immersed in Route 66 cabins are available for renting. and local history at the Litchfield MuThe Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center For equestrians, Lake Lou Yaeger is seum & Route 66 Welcome Center. equipped with horse trails and a newly People cruising the Mother Road on a renovated equestrian campground. Lake Lou Yaeger is a public city lake motorcycle are invited to make a pit stop at Niehaus Cycle Sales, which with two marinas for easy boat access, many points for shore fishing, and is just down the road. As dusk approaches experience a true drive-in Milnot Beach for swimmers and sun bathers. movie at the Litchfield Skyview Drive-In, the oldest continuously operWith all of these fantastic sites, plus six hotels and an endless supply of ated drive-in on Route 66. Do not worry, if you are not able to make a dining options, Litchfield is a must-see destination along the journey through movie, stop when you can and view the roadside exhibit. Make sure to Central Illinois. take a picture of yourself with the giant screen behind you. 2016 Litchfield Calendar of Events When venturing into the heart of Litchfield’s historic downtown, visitors Additional events may be added throughout the year. For the most up-towill see the Litchfield Carnegie Library, completed in 1905. The library maindate information, visit www.VisitLitchfield.com or call 217-324-8147. tains its original façade and renovations in 1995 allow the library to utilize
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April-October: Litchfield Pickers Market. Second Sunday of each month, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Downtown Litchfield at State and Union. Open-air market, specializing in items prior to 1980 and refurbished vintage and antique items, attracts hundreds of vendors. For more information, visit www.VisitLitchfield.com/events. May 7: Transportation Show. Lake Lou Yaeger: Picnic Area 3. A showand-tell event focusing on all types of transportation. June 11, 12: Blue Carpet Corridor-Route 66 Celebration. Multi-town scavenger hunt with stops at many famous Route 66 locations. June 25: Fit for Life Series: Healthy Heart 5K. St. Francis Hospital. Race held by M&M Multisport Club. www.mmmultisport.com/races. July 2: 5K Freedom Fun Run/Walk. Lake Lou Yaeger: Picnic Area 3. For race details and to register, visit www.VisitLitchfield.com/events. July 4: Independence Day Fireworks Display at 9:30 p.m., Lake Lou Yaeger. Fireworks launch will be from Marina 1. July 16: Big Dawg Dare. Wolff Farms (15th Avenue). An extreme 5k run through mud and over obstacles. Register at www.bigdawgdare.com. July 22, 23: Party in the Park. Downtown Litchfield. Carnival complete with rides, food, vendors, pageants and entertainment. August 6: Fit for Life Series: Quadruple ByPass Hill Challenge 4K. Lake Lou Yaeger: Beach House. Race held by M&M Multisport Club. Register at www.mmmultisport.com/events. August 27: Fit for Life Series: Life Changing 10K. Litchfield High School. Held by M&M Multisport Club. www.mmmultisport.com/events. September 9-11: RC Jet Rally. Litchfield Municipal Airport. Remote control Jet Rally showcasing performances by scale model jets. September 11: 7th Annual Triathlou. Lake Lou Yaeger: Beach House. Sprint/Olympic distance triathlon. www.racemaker.org/litchfield-triathlou. October 1, 2: 5th Annual West Fork Encampment. Lake Lou Yaeger: Picnic Area 4. Historic reenactment of life in the 1800s. October 29: Harvest Hootenanny. Lake Lou Yaeger: Picnic Area 3. Race held by M&M Multisport Club. www.mmmultisport.com/events. November 13: Route 66 Half Marathon, 5K, Mile Dash. Historic Route 66-Litchfield Skyview Drive-In. www.racemaker.org/route66.
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GALESBURG: KNOX COUNTY
Galesburg: Lincoln History, Fine Dining, Outdoor Activities in downtown Galesburg. www.rungalesburgrun.com. alesburg, a wonderful destination in the heart of the Midwest, is June 17-19: More on 34. 100-plus miles of yard sales through seven affordable, contemporary and nostalgic all at once. Walk in the counties from Sandwich, IL, to Galesburg. footsteps of Abraham Lincoln and visit “Old Main” at Knox ColJune 16-18: Galesburg Junelege, the sight of the fifth Lincolnteenth Festival. The occasion is Douglas debate. The newly remembered with a variety of renovated Alumni Hall includes a events throughout the community. wonderful museum of artifacts in June 25, 26: Galesburg Railthe Heritage Center. road Days. Annual event celebratThen, visit the birthplace and ing the city’s railroad heritage. museum of Pulitzer Prize winMore than 40 events — most of ning Lincoln biographer Carl them free. Sandburg. Walk in the Standish July 6-10: Knox County Fair. Park Arboretum and enjoy the Knox County Fairgrounds. tree-lined streets filled with VicJuly 28: Taste of Galesburg. torian-style homes and friendly Sample food from numerous area Midwesterners. restaurants, live entertainment and Seminary Street Historic Disbeer garden. trict in downtown Galesburg is July 29-31: Great Balloon filled with unique shops, fine dinGalesburg is a rail fan’s paradise. Race. Color-filled weekend of 25ing, and is a short distance from plus hot air balloons flying overhead. the Amtrak Depot, Railroad Museum and newly redesigned Discovery August 19, 20: River 2 River Cruise Night. Hundreds of vintage cars, Depot Children’s Museum. Visitors will find the Vaudeville-era Orpheum street rods, trucks, antiques, special interest vehicles, with a cruise on Main Theatre, the Galesburg Antique Mall, the Galesburg Civic Art Center and Street Friday night. many wonderful pubs and restaurants. August 19-21: Galesburg Heritage Days. Experience the history of two Galesburg is a wonderful destination for foodies. Unique local restautime periods in America, featuring Civil War Battle Re-enactments and rants range from fine dining to home cooked meals. Q’s Café on Main Pre-1840s Rendezvous. Street was recognized as a “Delicious Destination” by the Illinois Office September 5-10: National Stearman Fly-In. Annual event that hosts of Tourism in 2014. the largest gathering of Stearman bi-planes in the world. Galesburg is a rail fan’s paradise with one of the largest hump yards in September 10: Art in the Park. Downtown Galesburg Standish Park Arthe world. Peck Park has over 150 trains a day on two intersecting tracks boretum. View the creations of regional artists working in a variety of media. that present unique photo opportunities. October 1, 2, 8, 9: Knox County Scenic Drive. Enjoy historic sites, disOutdoor adventures are also plentiful at Lake Storey Recreational Area plays, demonstrations and country cooking. that features fishing, camping, beach swimming, paddle boats, walking November 25-27: Christmas Begins at Walnut Grove Farm. trails and an outdoor water park. Snake Den Hollow State Wildlife Area December 1: Festival of Trees — Discovery Depot. An annual adulthas 2,500 acres to hunt, fish or hike. There are also three public and sevonly evening full of festive holiday spirit. eral private golf courses in the area. Galesburg is easy to find on Interstate 74. Travelers from the East Coast, West Coast and Chicago can visit by Amtrak. To learn more, visit the Galesburg Area Convention & Visitors Bureau on Facebook, Twitter, at www.visitgalesburg.com, or call 800-916-3330.
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2016 Galesburg Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. April 14-16: Rootabaga Jazz Festival. Fat Fish Pub, 158 N. Broad St., Orpheum Theatre and Galesburg Public Library. April 25-30: Carl Sandburg Days. 21st annual festival. Includes three days of literary, history, sporting and children’s events. June 4: Semi Truck Cruise In. The Sandburg Mall in Galesburg will host the 2nd Annual Western Illinois Semi Truck Cruise-in. June 5: Run Galesburg Run. Half mar athon, 5k, and 1 mile options. Starts and ends 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 69
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FAIRBURY : LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Fairbury: Farm To Table Tours, Chef-Prepared Dinners, Stock Car Racing, Historic Buildings And Specialty Shops
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ooking for a trip that takes you to the roots of wholesome country life, with large and small farms dotting the landscape? This trip could include unique shopping experiences, historic homes or dirt-track racing. Do you want a taste of a life that is uniquely separated from the hectic, chaotic world most know? Take a trip to Fairbury. Visit this small town in the heart of Illinois, surrounded by family farms and situated conveniently between Bloomington, Peoria, Champaign and Kankakee, flanked by two major interstates (Interstates 55 and 57), with a renowned and historic National Highway (Route 24) running right through the middle of it. Although lively in its own right, Fairbury boasts a tranquility that can only be imagined in many places in the world, and is only a 15-minute drive from Pontiac, the center of historic Route 66 museums and memorabilia. With local farmers weekly supplying farm-raised products to awardwinning Chicagoland restaurants, this is a place where people live close to the land. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises are an everyday occurrence. Birds and wildlife skirt around its edges, and history comes to life. Add to all this, recreational resources that include parks; fairgrounds with a dynamic, nationally-known stock car race track; swimming pool; golf course; bowling facility; museum; a well-appointed library; and a sprawling wooded nature preserve. All together, these create a multitude of amenities — Fairbury formula for success in “small town” living. Visit The Farm Visiting the farm is a highlight as it will take you back in time a bit to an era where folks lived quietly and independently. More than 45 small farms, nestled throughout the countryside, weekly provide over 100 Chicagoland restaurants with farm-raised products. Every week, multiple shipments are transported to these “farm to table” restau- Tours of the Farm and rants and the locally raised Chef-prepared dinners food is enjoyed by the folks using locally-raised in the city. products.
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Some of these chefs periodically come down to Fairbury, where from June to October, one of the farms offers a four-course, chef-prepared dinner. This dinner is paired with a tour that introduces you to the people behind the product and the product itself from start to finish. A couple of working farms offer tours and products that are all produced locally with pride. Tour the barns and walk the barnyards, and you can see Jersey cows, chickens, goats, Berkshire hogs, lambs, turkeys, rabbits, and all of the animals that are synonymous with rural farm life. Visit historic downtown Fairbury with Visit the country store where local its many shops and restaurants. products are sold, and you can see how shopping was done in the day when life was simple and everyone knew their neighbors. This special group of farming interests also hosts the only single source milk bottling plant in Central Illinois. Watch milk being bottled and getting ready for shipment throughout the state.
Above: Sunset on the pasture. One of our farms hosts the only single source milk bottling plant in Central Illinois. Come view the bottling on Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 8 am. Left: Baby goats are so interesting to watch!
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Fairbury Speedway: America’s Dirt Track For summertime fun there is the American Legion Speedway. This features a quarter-mile dirt track that attracts many of the area’s top racing names with thousands of fans. There is a full summer schedule that is dotted with special big money racing events that brings them in from all over the map. The track and stands are in the Fairbury Fair Grounds. It is a spacious and well-appointed facility that is comfortable and easily accessible, and it has all the necessary accompaniments in food and drink that you need. For more information, visit www.fairburyspeedway.com.
Wildlife And Nature On the northeast edge of town along Indian Creek is the Fugate and James Woods Nature Preserve. This 150 acres of wooded natural terrain has been protected and cared for to preserve the native woodlands and prairie indigenous to the area. Take a walk through some of nature’s finest displays, while absorbing the fresh air and sights that only a country setting like this can provide. On a given day, up to 98 species of birds have been spotted in these woods. Other native wildlife abounds. Wildflowers and native grasses are prevalent, and the public is invited to enjoy, discover, listen and explore. There are plenty of trails to take you on an adventure to see how the land and the wildlife that goes with it, used to look. Spending time there allows people to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the joys of the beautiful and simple things of life. For more information, visit www.fugatewoods.org.
Above: Fairbury’s America’s Dirt Track’s Saturday night races from May to September attract top racing names with huge crowds of fans. Left: Aerial view of the city with the racetrack at the center of the photo.
Woods during different seasons, complete with trails, benches and picnic area - flush with bluebells in the springtime!
Indian Creek Country Club Then you have Indian Creek Country Club. This golf course offers nine challenging holes of golf along meandering Indian Creek, a driving range, practice greens, electric and pull cart rental, and a clubhouse with a restaurant, bar, and banquet facilities. What a great way to spend time moving through some of the nicest manicured landscape you’ll find anywhere. For more information, please visit www.indiancreekcc.net.
Nine hole golf course with clubhouse, restaurant and bar. 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 71
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Fairbury’s History And Historic Buildings Fairbury’s history started in 1857 with the TP&W railroad running a new line from Peoria, IL, to Indiana. The railroad line allowed farmers to ship their goods to market and agriculture thrived. By 1875, there were 12 passenger trains and numerous freight trains passing through Fairbury every day and, by 1880, there were three coal mines, creating jobs in Fairbury. The railroad and coal mining industries were a perfect industrial match. The trains needed the coal to run, and the coal mine owners needed the trains to move the coal to buyers. John Marsh created the first of three coal mines. Bat Masterson worked a few years at one of the Fairbury coal mines. He then moved west and gained fame as a lawman in Dodge City, KS. One of Marsh’s legacies is a beautiful wooded park on the west side of Fairbury. A newer park and swimming pool are located on the north side of the town. Thomas Beach was a banker and business entrepreneur. In 1872, he built a beautiful home in Fairbury. It is a fine example of Italianate architecture. The Thomas Beach Home home was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It is estimated that Thomas Beach was worth $50 million in today’s dollars. The agricultural nature of the area led to the creation of the Fairbury Union Agricultural Board in 1876, and the Fairbury Fair, now celebrating its 140th anniversary. For more information, Claudon Bank Building visit www.fairburyfair.com. The city hall was built in 1892, and was later added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Other architectural sites include the historic 1893 Claudon Bank building, which now hosts an attractive restaurant/tea room, a huge attraction in Fairbury. Donation of a library by the Dominy family, in 1904, added to Chamber-sponsored Christmas Parade the cultural needs of the community. Still serving the community today, the Dominy Library’s architecture is unique with its dome roof. Many other stately homes can be seen by driving or taking a walking tour of Fairbury. For more information, visit www.dominymemoriallibrary.org. Much of Fairbury’s history is captured in the FairFairbury Fair bury Echoes Museum at PAGE 72 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
126 W. Locust St. Visit the museum for a close look at how things were, and how Fairbury and the surrounding area came to be what it is today. For more information, visit www.historicfairbury.com.
Unique Specialty Shops With more than a dozen shops, “The Specialty Shops of Fairbury” provide special events almost monthly. These events are full of discounts, sales, sampling, and interesting spins on shopping fun that have their patrons looking forward to each one. Many of these events are aligned with other special events in the area, so that residents and visitors alike optimize their time visiting Fairbury. These shops represent a vast arena of interests, including antiques; unique gifts; crafts and hobbies; groceries; country fare and products; gently used personal and household items; and greeting cards and related message products. Plus, visitors will find plants and flowers, special food groups, deli's, baked goods, engraving, embroidery, and home decor and boutique items. You would think with all of that having a presence within the scope of the town that you would be looking at a small city. However, it’s really just a charming small town — with only one stoplight and easy access to everything. Come for a visit. You can judge for yourself why so many people continue to make the trip to do their shopping, looking, and eating or satisfying their recreational desires. All-in-all, Fairbury is a role model for Small Town USA, and is very proud of the success that has been achieved. Enjoy a trip to the country. Experience the tranquility and uniqueness of a life that is closer to nature and the simple things, the important things. You’ll see why it is not only a great place to visit, it’s also a great place to live.
2016 Fairbury Calendar of Events
Dates are subject to change. Please visit www.FairburyILAttractions.com for specific information and additional activities. Download a map at top left-hand corner.
March 14: April 15, 16: April 23: April 29, 30:
Specialty Shops’ “Spring Open Houses.” 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. “Meet Us in Fairbury!” Specialty Shops Event Fairbury Speedway Opening Day. All-Town Garage Sales. “$2 Tag” Specialty Shops Event.
May 6, 7: May 7: May 7: June 4: June 24, 25: June 24, 25: July 29, 30: July 29, 30: July 29, 30: August 17-20: August 17-20: Sept. 16, 17: Sept. 23, 24: Sept. 23, 24: Oct. 7, 8: Nov. 7: Nov. 24, 25: Dec. 3: Dec. 3: Dec. 3: Dec. 3:
“Mother’s Day” Specialty Shops Event. Chamber-Sponsored Community Sale. Fairbury Speedway Fan Frenzy. 9th Annual Cruise-In at Marchelloni’s. UMP Summer Nationals at Fairbury Speedway. “Sizzling Summer Sales” Specialty Shops Event. Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury Speedway. All-Town Garage Sales. “Race to Fairbury” Specialty Shops Event. Fairbury Fair. “Ride the Shops” Specialty Shops Event. “Fall Open House” Specialty Shops Event. All-Town Garage Sales. “$2 Tag”Specialty Shops Event. “Meet Us in Fairbury!” Specialty Shops Event Specialty Shops “Holiday Open House.” 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Black Friday/Small Business Saturday. Fairbury Christmas Parade Day. Specialty Shop’s “Shopping Celebration” Event. Indoor Holiday Market. Relay for Life Event.
1st Saturday May-October: Local Craft & Vendor Market. Downtown Fairbury from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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PONTIAC: LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Pontiac: A Route 66 Experience And Many Other Attractions Downtown shopping is always fun t is not the Great Pyramids of Egypt, in Pontiac. Whether looking for annor is it the Brooklyn Bridge. Howtiques and collectibles, or the perfect ever, Pontiac is fast becoming a souvenir of Route 66, the stores world traveler destination. Many people around the courthouse square have come to Pontiac to discover first-hand the some exciting choices. New to the authentic Route 66 experience. Some Pontiac shopping experience is the come to spend a few hours walking Pontiac Charm Trail. Visitors can crethrough Pontiac’s four great museums ate a keepsake charm bracelet as they and exploring historic homes. And others travel from store to store. With over 25 travel to Pontiac to see the remarkable different charms available, each priced collection of outdoor murals that grace at $3 or less, the Charm Trail has the downtown shopping district. In every proven to be a “charming way to excase, those who visit the city of Pontiac, plore the shops of Pontiac.” take away their own unique set of great Annual events in Pontiac include the and lasting memories. Red Carpet Corridor Festival, the Pontiac is located just 100 miles Pictured is Pontiac’s first 3-D sidewalk mural, painted in GTOAA Regional Meet and Car Show, south of Chicago and 100 miles north 2012 by Chinese artist Tang Dongbai. The sidewalk shark the Threshermen’s Reunion and the mural is just one of the 23 large, colorful, outdoor murals of Springfield, IL, in Central Illinois. Threshermen’s Blue Grass Festival. found in the downtown Pontiac shopping district. By car the city is accessible via InterThere are also a number of retail sales state 55 or Historic Route 66. By rail, events planned throughout the year. Amtrak makes several daily stops in Pontiac, with the train depot located Pontiac is happy to welcome both individual adventurers as well as travel just a few blocks from the city center. groups. For more information on Pontiac, visit www.visitpontiac.org. The city offers interesting places to see and a wide variety of things to In Pontiac, visitors can pick up maps, brochures and other local infordo. There are four spectacular museums in Pontiac: The Route 66 Assomation at any of the city’s four museums. Every traveler should be sure ciation of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum, the Pontiac-Oakland Auto get a Pontiac VIP button to take advantage of special discounts with tomobile Museum and Resource Center, the Livingston County War local merchants. Museum, and the Society of Gilders’ museum featuring the history of gold and silver leaf manufacture and use. Add to those attractions over 20 painted outdoor murals, the Pontiac Art Cars, the Walldog Mural and Sign Art exhibit, the Life in the 1940s exhibit, and so much more. Pontiac has nine Looking for Lincoln story boards, five Route 66 heritage sites, and a downtown shopping district with some breathtaking historic architecture featuring one of the state’s most beautiful county courthouses. Recently added to Pontiac’s list of attractions is the Eagle Performing Arts and Conference Center. A 1930s-era movie house has been lovingly refurbished to become the central focus of the performing arts in the area. Dinner theater, musicals, dramas, dance, and music groups will grace the stage of the Eagle, and the space is flexible enough to accommodate conferences, meetings, special events, and more. For outdoor adventurists, Pontiac has wonderful city parks and the Humiston Woods Nature Center. Humiston Woods is 335 acres of hardwood forest and eight acres of restored prairie along the Vermilion River. The Nature Center offers seven trails, two pavilions, four picnic areas, a fishing pond, a canoe dock, and includes three handicapped-accessible areas. For the sports enthusiast, there is a new disc golf course, two traditional golf courses, baseball fields, boating and fishing on the Vermillion River, and other sporting venues. Visitors will also enjoy strolling across the river on one of the city’s three pedestrian suspension bridges.
I
2016 Pontiac Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. May 7, 8: 10th Annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival. September 1-5: Annual Threshermen’s Reunion. September 17, 18: GTOAA All Pontiac Regional Cruise and Car Show. September 22-24: 24th Annual Threshermen’s Bluegrass Music Festival.
For information on attractions, tours or retail space available in downtown Pontiac, contact:
815-844-5847 · www.visitpontiac.org 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 73
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SPRINGFIELD: SANGAMON COUNTY
Lincoln And Other Historic Sites Abound In Capital City
A
braham Lincoln’s hometown, a stop along Route 66 and the capital of Illinois, Springfield is a charming and historic city filled with world-class sites and attractions combined with a friendly small-town atmosphere. Some of the many historic sites and museums tourists will want to visit include the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Old State Capitol, the Lincoln Tomb and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana-Thomas House. The National Park Service turns 100 years old in 2016, and throughout the year you can enjoy special anniversary activities at Springfield’s own Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Springfield is the home of the Abraham Lincoln Historical Old Route 66 Presidential Library and Museum. runs through the center of town. Travelers along the “Mother Road” often stop at the Cozy Dog Drive In or attend the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, held the last weekend of September. The beautiful Illinois State Capitol building is the center of Illinois government, and the perfect place to see lawmaking in action. For more information about Springfield, visit www.visitspringfieldillinois.com or call 800-545-7300. Union Station Park 2016 Springfield Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information, and additional activities. For a complete listing of things to see and do in Springfield, visit www.visitspringfieldillinois.com.
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May 21, 22: Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair. Old Capitol Square in downtown Springfield, 5th and Adams streets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 217-415-5518, or visit www.socaf.org. August 11-21: Illinois State Fair. Illinois State Fairgrounds. For more information, call 217-782-6661 or visit www.IllinoisStateFair.info. August 25: 100th anniversary of the National Park Service at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. For more information, call 217391-3221 or visit www.nps.gov/liho. September 23-25: 13th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival. Downtown Springfield. For more information, call 866-783-6645 or visit www.route66fest.com. October 7-8: Old Capitol Blues and BBQ. Downtown Springfield. For more information, call 217-544-1723 or visit www.downtownspringfield.org.
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Knight’s Action Park: Where Fun Is A Family Tradition up again. Don’t miss un is a family tradition at Knight’s Action Park, the high-speed fun of a fully equipped amusement park that’s open all the Royal Flush. Need a year long. Knight’s is the place where fun rules. few moments to relax? With a dry park, water park, and endless outdoor enEscape the summer heat tertainment — including a twin drive-in theater — in our 400,000-gallon Knight’s Action Park is Illinois’ leading destination for wave pool or float local family fun. around in our lazy river. At Knight’s Action Park, kids of all ages play and You can also navigate practice all year. Knight’s offers a 50-tee driving range the lake aboard a four(including 10 heated tees), batting cages, arcade seat Paddle Boat or games, and two miniature golf courses. The fun doessplash and crash on our n’t stop there. Rev your engines and race on our Go Bumper Boats. Have Kart track or deEngines rev along the Go Kart track. smaller children? Let light your family them enjoy Seal Bay and other kiddie play areas made just for with fun at exciting heights them. At Knight’s Action Park, there is something for everyone. aboard the Paratrooper and the Like movies? Watch current films throwback style at our Big Wheel. Route 66 Twin Drive-In Theater. From Memorial Day weekend During the summer months, through Labor Day weekend, the Route 66 Twin Drive-In shows join us at Knight’s Action double features on two giant screens. Park’s Splash Kingdom. Check Knight’s Action is located at exit 96 off out our Bermuda Triangle slide Interstate 72 in Springfield. A tradition tower with three exciting and for fun, excitement, sports, games and thrilling slides. Test your entertainment, Knight’s Action Park nerves on the hair-raising welcomes guests of all ages to WHERE Knight’s Action Park Devil Ray as you speed down a FUN RULES! synonomous with family fun. nearly vertical incline and back
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URBANA: CHAMPAIGN COUNTY
Urbana: Shops, Restaurants Highlight Diverse Downtown Scene
U
rbana is located in east central Illinois, with easy access by car (from Interstates 74, 72 and 57), and by air, train or bus. The city is the home of the University of Illinois, and features a wide array of shopping opportunities. The city’s downtown is known for its diversity, and visitors will enjoy the many shops and restaurants. The walkable downtown features more than a dozen high-quality, locally-owned restaurants and taverns, including restaurants offering Thai, Indian and Korean food, as well as barbecue and gourmet pizza. Sports fans flock to the sprawling U of I campus (parts of which are also located in Champaign, Urbana’s twin city) to view Big Cinema Gallery is located Ten Conference sports, in the landmark 1870 while cheering on the FightBusey’s Hall/Princess Theater ing Illini. The campus feain downtown Urbana. tures such attractions as the Spurlock Museum, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and Krannert Art Museum. Other popular attractions include the Market at the Square in downtown Urbana every Saturday from mid-May through mid-November. The market features more than 130 vendors. Over 127,000 visitors shop at the market each season. Market at the Square offers
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fresh produce, meat, dairy, wine and cheese, in addition to arts, crafts and food trucks. In the city, can be found more than 600 acres of parks and natural areas. Two of Urbana’s most popular parks are Crystal Lake Park and Meadowbrook Park. Crystal Lake Park, just north of downtown Urbana, includes an 8acre lake. Meadowbrook Park is located along Windsor Road, and includes more than 80 acres of native Illinois tallgrass prairie, a perimeter walking path and Wandell Sculpture Garden. For those seeking the arts, culture and entertainment, Urbana is home to several downtown art galleries, theaters and a unique variety of music and entertainment venues. Premier events in downtown Urbana include the Uncork Wine Festival, which celebrates the diverse and delicious wines Illinois has to offer. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon and evening of wine, music and food. Also, the annual Urbana Sweetcorn Festival features two nights of live music, featuring performances by local favorites, regional acts and nationally-renowned headliners.
To Advertise In The 2017 Edition Of
Discover Central Illinois Magazine Phone: 217-268-4959 or Email: drankin@consolidated.net
PAGE 76 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
2016 Urbana Schedule of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. March 12, 16, April 9, 23: Middle Market. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown inside Lincoln Square. Fresh produce, bakery goods, sweets, meats, eggs, artisan cheeses, jams and jellies, arts and crafts, gifts and more. Mid-May-Mid-November: Market at the Square. Downtown. Every Saturday. Features fresh produce, meat, dairy, wine and cheese, in addition to arts, crafts and food trucks. June 18: Uncork Wine Festival. Downtown. Celebrating the diverse and delicious wines Illinois has to offer. Enjoy an afternoon/evening of wine, music, and food. August 26: Sweetcorn Festival. Live music and plenty of sweetcorn. Features performances by local favorites, several regional acts, and nationallyrenowned headliners.
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Arcola: Festivals, Murals, Unique Shopping, Delicious Food Arcola: Continued From Page 21 Street. Small town America hospitality often includes caroling by local church choirs. The holiday season kicks off in November when store owners host annual holiday Open Houses. Specific dates and events will be announced. Traditionally, the open houses feature holiday treats, extended hours, caroling, special merchandise and more. The month of December is a busy one throughout the community as local churches host such events as a House Walk complete with a visit to The Candy Cane Cafe, special music with an Annual Christmas Cantata, school concerts, and much more. Santa comes to town with great fanfare and treats for all. For more information, contact the Arcola Chamber of Commerce.
Tourists enjoy the vivid colors of Arcola’s magnificent fall foliage. HISTORIC BUSINESS DISTRICT 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. THE ARCOLA ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD TRAIN DEPOT The Depot should be the first stop for visitors who come to the area. The historic brick building (circa 1885) is a welcome center, tourist information center, museum and home of the Arcola Chamber of Commerce offices. It contains visitor information about points of interests in Arcola, the nearby Amish settlement and the surrounding areas. After use of the building as a depot ended in 1973, the building was closed and fell into disrepair. When rumors reached community members that the railroad was considering tearing the building down, the then Arcola Chamber of Commerce president, Mrs. Mary Monahan, and other citizens asked her son, Pat, to contact the Illinois Central Railroad and try to arrange purchase of the building and lease of the surrounding land. The “Save The Continued On Page 78
2016 ARCOLA CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information, and additional activities. All Year: Rockome Foods: Monday thru Saturday, closed on Sunday. All in one building: cheese factory, bakery, candy kitchen, deli, bulk foods, ice cream, sandwiches, live bee hive and grist mill. 125 N. CR 425 E, Arcola, IL 217-268-4107. TBA: Arcola Annual Community Dance: Arcola C of C sponsored. March 4 & 5: Country Spirit Antique Show & Sale: Two locations: Arcola Center, 107 W. Main St. and at Best Western PLUS, 917 Green Mill Road (off I-57 on Rt. 133 east of the interstate.) Visit countryspiritshow@gmail.com or call 312-957-1065. March 15: Aikman Wildlife Adventures: Opening day. Open weekends only in March. www.aikmanwildlife.com or 217-259-9603. March 18: St. John’s Fish Fry: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church annual fish fry at Arcola Community Center. March TBA: Arcola’s Downtown Spring Open Houses: Shop for unique gift-giving, home decor and handcrafted Amish furniture. www.arcolachamber.com. March TBA: Arcola Fire Department Annual Hog Roast: Arcola Community Center, 107 W. Main at 6 p.m. Call 217-268-4966. April 1: Tri-County Spring Toy Auction: 1000 lots including trucks, farm toys, cast iron, horse-drawn toys, pressed steel. Tri-County Auction Facility, 10 a.m., 650 E. CR 400 N., rural Arcola. 217-268-3444. April 2: Tri-County Spring Consignment Auction: Tri-County Auction facility, 650 E. CR 400 N., rural Arcola. 217-268-3444. April 16: Strides Against Hunger: Fundraiser for the Arcola Food Pantry. Race/walk. Register online at runsignup.com/race/il/arcola/ stridesagainsthunger. For more information call 217-508-9262 or Email kutz04@consolidated.net. April 24: Scholastic dinner: Sponsored by the Arcola Chamber. Event honors Arcola High School juniors & seniors who have excelled academically during the school year. 217-268-4530. May 21: Pop The Top Car Show: Downtown Arcola, adjacent to Moomaw American Hippie Memorial. Visit www.arcolachamber.com. June 10 & 11: Raggedy Ann Gathering: Exchange merchandise, renew Raggedy friendships and visit Arcola, once the home of Johnny Gruelle. For list of events, call 217-268-4530 or visit www.arcolachamber.com, also check the Raggedy Ann Gathering in Arcola on Facebook. July (date TBA): 4th of July Celebration, 217-268-4400. August 5 & 6: Arcola City Wide Garage Sales. September 9, 10 & 11: 46th Annual Broom Corn Festival. Downtown Main Street. Broom related activities, arts/crafts, free entertainment, great food, and gigantic parade, 5K and 10K race. The event, always held the weekend after Labor Day, honors Arcola’s position in the nineteenth century as a center of broom corn production. Call 217-268-4530 or visit www.arcolachamber.com. September 19: Sun Shine Rotary Golf Outing, Kaskaskia Country Club. November 11-12: Country Spirit Antique Show and Sale: Quality dealers offering country antiques, primitives & Americana. Two locations: Arcola Center, 107 W. Main St. and Best Western PLUS, 917 Green Mill Road (off I-57 on Rt. 133 east of the interstate), Arcola, IL, Friday 1-4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information: visit countryspiritshow@gmail.com or call 312-957-1065. November TBA: Historic Arcola’s Downtown Holiday Open House: Shop historic brick-paved downtown Arcola streets full of ideas for unique gift-giving, home décor and handcrafted Amish furniture. Preview Christmas décor and take advantage of special pricing. Call 217-268-4530 or visit www.arcolachamber.com. December 3: Santa Parade: Welcome Santa to Arcola. Parade scheduled for Main Street Arcola. 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 77
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WINERIES
Walnut Street Winery: A Notable Experience
W
alnut Street Winery offers fine wines, using raw materials from some of the best vineyards in the world. Located in Rochester, IL, off of Route 29, four miles east of Springfield, the state capital, the winery now features a full bar and video games. “We make all our fine wines with ingredients from California, except one that uses produce from Argentina,” said owner Loren Shanle. The winery offers several Shanle wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sau vignon Blanc, Pink Grapefruit Blush, Shiraz, Rosie Red, Applelicious, Grandpa Grape, Just Peachy, Blackjack, Tropical Breeze, Crantastic, Razzle Dazzle and Big Daddy Red Malbec. To order wines online, visit www.walnutstreetwinery.com. Walnut Street Winery is located in an attractive old house in downtown Rochester at 309 S. Walnut St. The building once housed Shanle’s insurance agency. The winery’s wine garden features a bocce ball court that is 60 feet long and 13 feet wide, which is very popular with customers, especially in the warmer months. In the wine garden, visitors can enjoy wine in the open air, along with pizza or Walnut Street Winery some of the Wisconsin cheeses that are available. The wine garden is also a unique setting for the hosting of wedding receptions, class reunions, office parties, Christmas parties and other group events. “The bocce ball court is a big attraction. During warm weather we have leagues three nights a week,” Shanle said. “We also have Wisconsin cheeses and crackers. When the wine garden is open, we grill brats, hot dogs, and burgers.” The winery is also a popular music venue, often featuring major bands and performers. “We feature live music each week,” Shanle said. “During the colder months, the winery is open fewer hours and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. In the warmer months, the winery is open seven days a week and for more hours.”
Arcola: Continued From Page 77 Depot” project is one of many success stories of Arcola citizens pulling together to accomplish a community goal. Two years after the project began, an Open House was held August 17, 1986, to celebrate completion of the project. This historic restored railroad depot now houses a museum containing a display of railroad memorabilia and an exhibit of old and new Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls. It holds books on the history of Arcola, broom corn, and the depot itself. Visitors will also find the largest brush and broom collection, donated by Louis Klein, who traveled the world collecting all kinds of brushes and brooms. There is also Arcola memorabilia from the schools, the old pharmacy—including the Coffee Club Cups (the club was made famous on Charles Kuralt’s Sunday Morning) and lots of photos, potbelly stoves and much more. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to greet visitors and help with information for an Amazing Arcola experience. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday and some holidays. IPADS IN THE HANDS OF ALL ARCOLA STUDENTS Arcola’s progressive and diverse school district has completed a major building expansion that has brought many academic advantages for Arcola’s students. With an eye toward the importance of technology in today’s education, The Arcola 1:1 Individual Learning Program has raised more than $642,877. The program was spearheaded by Arcola native Tim Monahan, local businessman and community leader, to support an initiative whereby each student, K-12, in the Arcola school district has his/her own iPad. The Arcola community is also preparing for the future by making upgrades to some of its most historic buildings. The Arcola Public Library, PAGE 78 | 2016 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Offer Expires Dec. 31, 2016
built over a century ago with funds provided by Andrew Carnegie, has undergone a remarkable renovation and expansion project. The school athletic motto, “Winning Is Our Tradition,” is representative of the importance athletics have played, not only in the history of the community, but in the lives of current students and fans. In 2015, the Arcola football team won the class 1A state championship. Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Arcola Health Care facility, a chiropractic center as well as a new facility for one of the community’s banks, have changed the landscape of the west side of town. The Arcola location of The Okaw Farmer’s Cooperative has added to the town’s southwest cityscape with a huge 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. Work has been completed on Arcola’s new westside fire station, and construction is in progress in the downtown area for the community’s new Masonic Temple, which will also house an additional community center available for community and private events. A new housing addition, which features condo living as well as single family dwelling at its best, is located on the southeast side of the town. Visitors are also invited to enjoy Arcola’s beautifully maintained parks, as well as the Arcola Rotary Club Centennial Park and Gazebo. During the autumn, Arcola’s great old maple trees are magnificent on Main Street with beautiful fall foliage. Visitors will want to take advantage of area bike trails. Altogether, Arcola is a great place to visit and an even better place to live. Contact the Arcola Chamber of Commerce at (800) 336-5456 or visit www.arcolachamber.com.
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