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GREENUP: CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Greenup: Much To Do In The ‘Village Of Porches’
reenup, IL, is an opportunity to step back in time and experience a simpler way of life, while never leaving the amenities to which we have become accustomed. Platted by William C. Greenup in 1834, while he served in a supervisory capacity on the National Road, Greenup has a rich and interesting history. Residents and visitors alike can appreciate Greenup for its numerous elements of charm.
For those interested in seeing beautiful architecture up close, Greenup is also home to a modern covered bridge, built in 2000 and boasting no weight restriction on its use. The Greenup covered bridge has an observation deck as well as a nature trail along the banks of the Embarrass River. History lovers will enjoy that the original covered bridge that had occupied the site, used timbers laid by Abe and Thomas Lincoln. Of course, being the “Land of Lincoln,” the ties to the Lincoln family don’t end with the bridge. Greenup is just south of the famed “Lincoln Log Cabin,” home to the Lincoln’s after they moved to Illinois, as well as the Thomas Lincoln Cemetery, the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother. For those looking to make an extended trip of their visit to Greenup, there are options from which to choose. Greenup has two motels as well as a new bed and breakfast in a restored historical building along the National Road. During that extended stay, visitors may also want to visit two local museums or take in one of the two local parks. Whatever your reason for visiting, Greenup has your needs and your comfort covered. For more information about Greenup, This 200-foot-span covered bridge is located on the National Road west of Greenup. visit www.villageofgreenup.com or call 217-923-3401. The village of Greenup is a small community of just over 1,500 residents, located along Interstate 70 and at the junction of Illinois 2021 Greenup Calendar of Events Route 130 and Illinois Route 121. The National Road, U.S. Route Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for 40, runs through the southern edge of Greenup as well, providing specific information and additional activities. For more another source of tourism and transportation. Greenup is strategiinformation, visit villageofgreenup.com or call 217-923-3401. cally located 23 miles east of Effingham, IL, 25 miles southeast of Mattoon, IL, and 16 miles south of Charleston, IL, providing resJanuary through December: Hootenanny. Free entertainidents with numerous options for dining, entertainment and emment on the first Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. Greenup Muployment, all within a short commute. That is not to say that nicipal Building. Greenup doesn’t have an impressive offering of these services itAugust 14-21: Cumberland County Fair. Thoroughbred & self, particularly given its size. harness horse races, queen contest, tractor pulls, 4-H shows, muGreenup boasts a local winery, numerous antique stores, a statesical entertainment, carnival for the kids and demolition derby. of-the-art Love’s Travel Center, several restaurants and many small For more information, visit cumberlandcountyfair.com. shops to frequent. The locals appreciate that they have their own September 24, 25: Greenup Chamber of Commerce Fall grocery store, and various convenience options should they not Festival. Queen contest, crafts, city-wide rummage sales, car want to travel. The largest employer in Greenup is by far Evapco, shows, parade, food vendors, beer tent, musical entertainment, employing more than 400 skilled workers, building high-end induskids entertainment and fun. For more information, contact trial AC and refrigeration units that are utilized around the world. greenupchamber@gmail.com. Within the village proper, Greenup has eight restaurants to proDate and Time TBA: Halloween Celebration. Greenup Muvide a variety of choices. After dinner, residents or visitors can treat nicipal Building. Costume judging, cake walk, food and games. themselves to a unique downtown experience with the view of the Date and Time TBA: Cruise Night. Greenup Chamber of storefronts, which provide Greenup its title, “The Village of Commerce. Cruise IL RT 121 (Cumberland St.). For more inforPorches.” The porches have a style that would be perhaps as much mation, contact greenupchamber@gmail.com. at home in 1880s New Orleans as a rural community in Illinois. Date and Time TBA: Visit with Santa! Greenup Chamber The porches also give visitors an enjoyable look at the beauty of of Commerce. Contact greenupchamber@gmail.com for more historic architecture in the area. information. PAGE 40 | 2021 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
