GETAWAYGUIDE To C en t ral Illinois 2015-2016
FREE ISSUE!
Cruisin’ with Lincoln on Area store one of 10 'top shops' in country
Plus...
Micro Breweries | Museums | Zoos | State Parks | Golf Spots
2 – Getaway Guide
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HISTORY is here...
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL
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Experience ILLINOIS
in B
l loomington-Norma
The internationally recognized highway runs through both the Town of Normal and the City of Bloomington. Running about 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, Route 66 has become an American and international icon and pilgrimage. Our new Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitor Center located in the McLean County Museum of History includes one wing dedicated to Route 66 and one wing dedicated to Abraham Lincoln with cohesiveness in décor. Interactive exhibits, video monitors, a gift shop, a children’s play area and visitor information are all available in the center.
Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
VisitBN.org \ 800.433.8226
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Getaway Guide – 3
4 – Getaway Guide
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Arcola … Coming to Amazing A
Coming June - October 2015 Six loose threads and an Amish widow …
Group tickets and adventures in Amish Country of Illinois packages available now!
217 268 4400
Visit www.gmvtheatre.com or call 217 268 4400 to reserve your group tickets today. 917 Green Mill Road • Rt. 133 and Egyptian Trail Rd. (Co Rd 1000E) Arcola, Illinois 61910 • info@gmvtheatre.com
217 268 4400
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Getaway Guide – 5
GETAWAY GUIDE REGIONAL PUBLISHER
Dwight
Beaverville
55
Gilman
Pontiac 24
Fairbury
74
Lincoln
Petersburg 55
Athens
Springfield
Clinton
Mt. Pulaski
De Witt
51 72
Pana
Bunker Hill
Nokomis Litchfield
Bethany
57
Mattoon
Findlay
Windsor Shelbyville Strasburg
Georgetown
36
Arcola Oakland Paris
Sullivan
Kansas Charleston Marshall Lerna 70
Greenup
Coffeen Staunton
Effingham 57
Hutsonville Newton
Palestine
Features 29 Safety Tips For Outdoor 36 Quilting 46 Acclimating Pets 47 Pointers for Pet Owners 48 Getaway Parks Museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-19 Amish Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2021 Drive-In Movie Theatres . . . . . . . .23 Hiking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-28 State Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31 Kids’ Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . .32-33 Zoos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38-41 Camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42-45 Race Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50-51 Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52-55 Jumbo Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56-57 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58-61 Micro Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 6 – Getaway Guide
Articles Index
NEWS MANAGERS
Penny Weaver 217-238-6863 Dave Dawson 217-421-7980 Mark Pickering 309-820-3252
150
Arthur
55
Carlinville
Danville
Tuscola
Decatur
51
SALES MANAGERS
Shawna Lawrence 217-421-6905 Michelle Wojcik 309-820-3362
74
Oakwood
45
36
Rochester Chatham Taylorville
Tammy Jordan 217-238-6835
Champaign Monticello Bement
72
Plainview
Rantoul
Mahomet Urbana
I N D I A N A
LeRoy
Heyworth
Middletown
1
57
136
136
Craig Rogers ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
45
Bloomington 150
JG-TC PUBLISHER
Watseka
Normal Shirley Atlanta
Julie Bechtel
52
SALES SHERRI ALDRICH CONNIE ANDERSON JEANETTE COLLIER KAREN COLLIER COREY CONROY ANNAMARIE HANES AMANDA JONES MICHAEL KATZ PAIGE KRUTSINGER ROB SCHEFFER ADAM SIMPSON AMANDA SLIFER KEITH STEWART
EDITORIAL DAWN JAMES BILL LAIR ALLISON PETTY PHOTOGRAPHY JIM BOWLING JIM FINCH KEVIN KILHOFFER CARLOS T. MIRANDA B. MOSHER DAVID PROEBER
PRODUCTION & DESIGN: LAURA KAZMER
Getaway Guide to Central Illinois is published by the Journal Gazette/Times-Courier Address: 700 Broadway Avenue East, Suite 9A, Mattoon, IL 61938 www.jg-tc.com Phone: (217) 235-5656 Fax: (217) 238-6886 Advertising e-mail: advertising@jg-tc.com Newsroom e-mail: editorial@jg-tc.com
ADVERTISER INDEX BY TOWN Arcola 4-5, 11-12 Arthur 8, 12-15, 16, 18, 21, 23 Bloomington 3, 23, 25-26 Chesterville 19, 21 Casey 27, 29-30, 32 Charleston 32-33 Decatur 37 Effingham 2, 38 Greenup 37 Greenville 7
Mattoon 40, 44-45, 47-48, 64 Monticello 49 Neoga 50 Normal 34-35 St. Elmo 24 Shelbyville 51 Springfield 53 Sullivan 55-56 Tuscola 57-61
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GREENVILLE BICENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION SEPT. 5 AND 6
Free concerts, Food, hIstorIc re-enactors, bIG parade the bIrthday bash 200 years In the makInG!
bIllQTR bLOK. pILfOLTiSg sQJ. sINJ. 5 • 8NT LiJJlI rivIL bQSP pILfOLTiSg suS. sINJ. 6 • 8NT
GLIISvillI, IL • ISJILKJQJI 70 QJ JHI 45 IxiJ • 888-862-8201 • www.gLIISvillIuKQ.OLg
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Getaway Guide – 7
“GOOD HOME COOKIN” That’s What You Get At The
DAILY LUNCH
Specials
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
FAMILY RESTAURANT & GIFT SHOP • ARCOLA
Yoder’s Homestead Shop 117 E. Main St., Arcola, IL 61910 217-268-3841
Calico Workshop 228 South Vine St., Arthur, IL 61911 217-543-2312
www.yodershomesteadfurniture.com
OPEN DAILY • 5:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. 8 – Getaway Guide
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ravelers looking to take to the road this season can get their kicks on Route 66 in a big way in the Bloomington-Normal area. The new Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center located on the ground level of the McLean County Museum of History in historic downtown Bloomington is your ticket to the Mother Road. This new site is a partnership of the McLean County Museum of History, the Illinois Office of Tourism and the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau. The center serves as a gateway - the only one of its kind in the area, an information hub for all area attractions and sites including restaurants, historic Route 66 sites, parks and historic communities. There is a large kiosk that features area attractions with a focus on things to see and do in the area. The partnership anticipates national and international travel to increase along the Route with the addition of this new site to the community. At the plaza entrance you will be greeted by the iconic work of Rick Harney’s sculpture, the Lincoln Bench. The Abraham Lincoln connection with Route 66 is underscored by Lincoln’s push for a railroad from Alton to Springfield in 1840, defining the first leg of what would eventually become Route 66. The Abraham Lincoln theme also signifies the 16th president’s ties to the Bloomington-Normal area. Before being elected president, Lincoln practiced law in McLean County as part of his circuit. The Route 66 theme represents the stretch of the Mother Road that runs through McLean County and highlights points of interest along Route 66 in McLean County. The stories and sites are highlighted through a series of ten 48 inch billboard styled exhibit panels. Executive director, Greg Koos served as curator for the exhibit, which were designed by Frank
T
Madsen of Teller-Madsen with graphics by Andy Yamashiro. Exhibit themes cover stories about Dining, Lodging and Travel, which were experienced by both Lincoln and Route 66 travelers. There are two 42 inch screen minitheaters, one featuring Lincoln impersonator, George Buss who introduces the visitor to area Lincoln sites and another screen hear what life was like on Route 66 in its hay day with retired state trooper Chester D. Henry , a Route 66 Hall of Famer who paroled the Route between 1958 and 1984. The gift shop features Abraham Lincoln and Route 66 publications, souvenirs, route maps and items unique to the area including artwork and Museum publications. The shop will also offer Steak and Shake non-perishables, Beer Nuts snacks and other locally produced products. There will are also seasonal events of interest to both the Route 66 traveler and Lincoln enthusiasts planned for the visitor Center. The Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center is free to visit. Located at 200 North Main Street, the Visitor Center’s hours will be the same as the Museum of History. May through October: Mon, Wed, Thur., Fri., 9am - 5pm; Tue, 10am - 9pm; Sat., 8:30am 5pm. November through April: 10am - 5pm. Use Washington Street entrance. Visit www.cruisinwithlincolnon66.org or call 1.309.827.0428.
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Memory Lane Calendar of Events 9th Annual Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival 5/2/15 - 5/3/15 - Joliet Pontiac Cruise Nights 5/16/15 - 8/15/15 - Pontiac Lenore Weiss Memorial & Standard Oil Gas Station Car Show 5/23/15 - Odell 2015 Route 66 Association of Illinois Motor Tour Miners, Mobsters and the Mother Road 6/12/15 - 6/14/15 - Berwyn Inaugural Blue Carpet Corridor Festival 6/13/15 - 6/14/15 - Chatham Auburn Brick Road Festival 6/13/15 - Auburn 2nd Annual Get Your 6.6 on Route 66 8/15/15 - McLean 1st Route 66 Kiwanis Art Fair in Romeoville features Bob Waldmire Tribute 8/22/15 - Romeoville 2015 Berwyn Route 66 Car Show 9/4/15 - 9/5/15 - Berwyn GTO AA Regional All-Pontiac Cruise and Show 9/19/15 - 9/20/15 - Pontiac 14th Annual International Mother Road Festival 9/25/15 - 9/27/15 - Springfield Miles of Possibility - The Edwardsville Route 66 Conference 10/29/15 - 10/30/15 Edwardsville
Getaway Guide – 9
http://www.illinoisroute66.org
10 – Getaway Guide
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Largest Amish Furniture Outlet in Downstate IL Location: Conveniently located just 1/4 mile west of I-57 on Rt 133 in Arcola, IL Phone: 888-268-3355 Website: www.countrycharmfurniture.com Hours: Mon through Saturday 9-5; Sunday 10-3
100’s of items in stock at 30-50% off
Locally Crafted Furniture
Illinois Dutch-Style Cooking 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 Tues thru Sun 7:30 - 7:00 (Closed Mon) • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner • Children’s Menu • Daily Specials • Banquet Room • Fresh Salad Bar jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com
Corner of Locust & Main, Downtown Arcola 217-268-3518 Getaway Guide – 11
Museums Central Illinois
rom industry to history, a tourist in Central Illinois may choose from a variety of museums and historic sites to suit their interest. Not into history? Don’t worry. These sites also have many exhibits that focus on the present and future, as well.
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Altamont Dr. Charles M. Wright House
Corner of North Main Street and Jackson Avenue (618) 483-6397; www.wrightmansion.org Hours: 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays Prices: $5 adults, $1 children The house is on the National Register of Historic Places.
(217) 268-4106; www.rockome.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prices: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children Visitors can also tour Rockome Gardens stores, take a train or buggy ride and walk through gardens.
Arcola Illinois Amish Museum Rockome Gardens 125 N. County Road 425E
My Favorite Things Gourmet Coffee Beans Fireside Coffee Wind & Willow Home Accents Jewelry, Scarfs and Gifts The Ultimate in Style and Selection Hours: Monday - Saturday 10-5pm; Sunday 1-5pm 124 E. Main, Arcola, IL 61910 • (217) 268-3576
Morning Song Collections • Housewares • Nothinz • Battery Candles • Primitive Decor
• Rhythm Motion Clocks • Fuller Brush • Stanley • Toys • Gifts
Atwood
Bloomington Children’s Discovery Museum
101 E Beaufort St. Normal, IL 61761 309-433-3444 http://www.childrensdiscovery museum.net/ Admission is $7 per person ages two and above. Children under the age of 2 are free.
Harris Agricultural Museum
521 N. Illinois St. (217) 578-3040; www.harriscompanies.com/ima ges/HarrisMuseum.htm Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday Free. Exhibits include agriculture displays such as a Model “T” Ford grain truck, early grain elevator office and farming exhibits.
The Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center
200 North Main Street 1.309.827.0428 www.cruisinwithlincolnon66.org The Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center is free to visit. The Visitor Center’s hours will be the same as the Museum of History. May through October: Mon, Wed, Thur., Fri., 9am - 5pm; Tue, 10am - 9pm; Sat., 8:30am 5pm. November through April:
Kuntry Treasures
Scrapbooking Supplies
• Rubber Art Stamps • Cardstock • Punches, Die-Cutting Tools, Etc.
Fabrics and Notions •Wooden Toys •John Deere Toys •Gifts The Greatest Dot to Dot Books Some pictures have over 1,000 numbers • Ages 8 - 108
Hours: 431 E CR 200 N • Arcola, IL 61910 8-5 4 miles west of Arcola • 217-268-3677 Mon-Fri. Sat. 8-3 Formerly Country Variety
12 – Getaway Guide
Monday-Friday 8-5 Saturday 8-3 Closed on Sunday
400 E. Cty Rd. 200 N. Arcola, IL 61910 217-268-5144
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10am - 5pm. Use Washington Street entrance. David Davis Mansion
1000 Monroe Drive (309) 828-3493; www.daviddavismansion.org Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Prices: $4 adults, $2 children. David Davis was a judge whose influence on Abraham Lincoln’s career was fundamental to the future president’s success. McLean County Arts Center
601 N. East St. (309) 829-0011; www.mcac.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday Free. Visitors can experience educational programs, exhibits and area festivals. McLean County Museum of History
200 N. Main St. (309) 827-0428;
HERALD & REVIEW, Jim Bowling Celebrating at the Happy Noon Year event at the Children’s Museum of Illinois. www.mchistory.org Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday; Closed Sunday Prices: $5 adults, $4 seniors, children free The museum houses exhibits, programs and photos, as well as archived historical material.
Prairie Aviation Museum
2929 E. Empire St. (309) 663-7632; www.prairieaviationmuseum.org Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Prices: $5 adults, $2 ages 6 to 11, Free age 5 and younger. Visitors are encouraged to
touch the displays and aircrafts while visiting with members of the aviation community.
Champaign Champaign County Historical Museum
102 E. University Ave. (217) 356-1010;
www.yoderskitchen.net
2000 SQ. FT.
BAKERY
GIFT SHOP
HOMEMADE PIES, BREADS,
AMISH & MENNONITE HOME COOKED DISHES
COOKIES, CINNAMON ROLLS,
SERVED IN A
NOODLES, & MORE!
COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE!
We Cater! Small to Large Groups
Call Today! Lunch Buffet • Dinner Buffet Breakfast Buffet Fridays and Saturdays - Year Round
1195 E. Columbia, Arthur, IL • (217) 543-2714 • Monday thru Saturday 7 am to 8 pm Order Baked Goods Online at www.amishbakedgoods.net jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com
Getaway Guide – 13
www.champaignmuseum.org Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Free. Memorabilia from throughout the county is studied, interpreted and exhibited for visitors. Krannert Art Museum
g
500 E. Peabody Dr. (217) 244-0516; www.kam.illinois.edu Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday Free. Exhibits and collections from all over of the world are on display to encourage learning. Orpheum Children’s Science Museum
346 N. Neil St. (217) 352-5895; www.orpheumkids.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Prices: $4 adults, $3 children The museum is designed to educate and inspire children through science and the arts. William M. Staerkel Planetarium
2400 W. Bradley Ave. (217) 351-2568; www2.parkland.edu/planetarium Show hours: 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Prices: $5 adults, $4 children and seniors The 50-foot dome is offers visitors the opportunity to view the stars, the sun and the moon, as well as views from any point on earth.
Charleston Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum
Coles County Fairgrounds Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (217) 348-8043 Free. The museum is an exhibit documenting the 1858 debate between Illinois senators Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. Tarble Arts Museum
14 – Getaway Guide
On the campus of Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. (217) 581-2787; www.eiu.edu/tarble The Tarble Arts Museum offers a changing art exhibit, as well as educational programs, demonstrations, concerts and plays.
Clinton C.H. Moore Homestead/DeWitt County Museum
219 W. Woodlawn St. (217) 935-6066; www.chmoorehomestead.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday Prices: $3 adults, $1 children ages 12-18, free for children 12 and younger. Clifton Haswell Moore was the first lawyer to practice in Clinton and a friend to Abraham Lincoln.
Danville Vermilion County Museum
116 N. Gilbert St. (217) 442-2922; www.vermilioncountymuseum.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Prices: $2.50 adults, $1 ages 13-17 Also available for tours is the 19th century Fithian Home, located in the back yard of the museum. Vermilion County War Museum
307 N. Vermilion St. (217) 431-0034; www.vcwm.org/ Hours: noon to 3 p.m. TuesdayFriday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Prices: $2 adults; $1 children The historic building houses artifacts from wars from more than 200 years.
Decatur African-American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois Museum
314 N. Main St. (217) 429-7458; www.african-
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americancultural.org Hours: 1:30 to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday Price: $2 adults, $1 students The museum provides visitors with resources of African American history through workshops, displays, contests and special events. Birks Museum
Campus of Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St. (217) 424-6337 Hours: 1 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday Free. Located in the universityís historic Gorin Hall, the museum houses works of art and crafts.
ED BAUMGARTEN, Mid America Motorworks Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum
3635 U.S. Route 36 East 1-888-926-9843; www.chevrolethalloffamemuseum.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday Prices: $7 per person or $35 for season pass Children’s Museum of Illinois
55 S. Country Club Road (217) 423-5437; www.cmofil.org Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday Prices: $5 ages 2 and older The museum is an interactive experience for children of all ages. Through hands-on activities, visitors will try out experiments with science, arts and humanities. Hieronymus Mueller Museum
420 W. Eldorado St. (217) 423-6161; www.muellermuseum.org Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. ThursdaySaturday Hieronymus Mueller was an immigrant from Germany who founded the Mueller Co. Find out the history of this famous inventor/innovator and his family. Macon County History Museum and Prairie Village
5580 N. Fork Road (217) 422-4919;
www.mchsdecatur.org Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. TuesdaySaturday Prices: $2 adults, $1 children 12 and younger Visitors will experience life in the prairie during 1800s through interactive displays and exhibits.
www.lincolnlogcabin.org Hours: November through March: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; April and May: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; Memorial Day through Labor Day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week; September through October: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-
Sunday The site offers visitors the experience of 19th century life. A short film about the life of the Lincolns precedes the tour.
Lewistown Dickson Mounds Museum
10956 N. Dickson Mounds Road
Effingham Cross at the Crossroads
1904 Pike Ave. (217) 347-2846; www.CrossUSA.org Hours: November through March, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; April through October, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Volunteers are usually at the site during these hours, but call ahead to make sure. Travelers can visit the Midwest’s tallest cross, located near Interstates 57 and 70.
Covering your investments with custom canvas Boat Covers & Enclosures Awnings Roll-Up Garage Door Screens Room Dividers
Mid America Motorworks
17082 N. U.S. Highway 45 1-800-500-1500; www.mamotorworks.com Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday This collection of vehicles has been rated one of the top 50 in the country.
Lerna Lincoln Log Cabin
402 S. Lincoln Highway (217) 345-1845;
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Custom Projects 1749 B State Hwy. 133 • Arthur, IL 61911
(217) 543-3007 M-F 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat. 7 - Noon • Closed Sunday Getaway Guide – 15
Monday through Saturday; noon to 4 p.m., Sunday Free. The museum is staffed by military veterans and history buffs. Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum
THE PANTAGRAPH, David Proeber The Children’s Discovery Museum, Normal, is the first children’s museum in the nation to earn a Silver Rating in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design from the US Green Building Council. (309) 547-3721; www.experienceemiquon.com/cont ent/dickson-mounds-museum-2 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Free As a unique archaeological museum, this museum offers visitors opportunities to explore the American Indian travels through the Illinois River Valley.
Lincoln Heritage in Flight Museum
1351 Airport Road (217) 732-3333; www.heritageinflight.org During World War II, Campus Ellis housed the barracks in the current museum. Military and aviation displays from all military wars and conflicts are shown along with various aviation artifacts. Call for hours of operation.
Mahomet Museum of the Grand Prairie
950 N. Lombard (217) 586-2612; www.museumofthegrandprairie.org Hours: March 1 to May 31: 1 to 5 p.m. daily; June 1 to Aug. 31: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondaySaturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; Sept. 1 to Dec. 31: 1 to 5 p.m. daily. Free. Interactive stations, exhibits and educational programs are just a few programs visitors
16 – Getaway Guide
can experience while visiting this museum.
of the city’s development such as the railroads, coal mines and greenhouses.
Monticello Monticello Railway Museum
Paris
992 Iron Horse Place Opened weekends only from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No holidays. (217) 762-9011; www.mrym.org From May through October, the museum offers train rides at two locations, at the museum site and in downtown Monticello. Visitors can walk through the railway cars and other exhibits. Special events are held throughout the year. For the train schedule or the list of events, call the museum or visit the website.
Bicentennial Art Center and Museum
Pana Carnegie-Schuyler Library
303 E. Second St. (217) 562-2326; www.panalibrary.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday The library was designed by Andrew Carnegie, but is still a current library with exhibits and programs.
132 S. Central Ave. (217) 466-8130; www.parisartcenter.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday Free. Abraham Lincoln and his rival, Stephan Douglas, were friends and visitors to this historic home’s original owner, Milton Alexander.
Petersburg Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
15588 History Lane (217) 632-4000; www.lincolnsnewsalem.com Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closed Monday and Tuesday during the off season Free. The site portrays the lifestyle of Abraham Lincolnís life as a young adult. The park has a full restaurant, performance theater and walking trails.
Pontiac Pana History Museum
2nd and Oak streets (217) 820-1429 The museum houses many artifacts that show the impact
Livingston County War Museum
321 N. Main St. (815) 842-0301 Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
205 N. Mill St. (815) 842-2345; www.pontiacoaklandmuseum.org/ Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Free. The largest collection of Pontiac and Oakland vehicles are housed at the museum, along with artifacts, maps and original designs. Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum
110 W. Howard St. (815) 844-4566; www.il66assoc.org The Hall of Fame features memorabilia from the historic Mother Road.
Rantoul Chanute Air Museum
1011 Pacesetter Drive Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Prices: $10 adults, $8 seniors and active or retired military, $5 students, Free to children ages 4 and younger (217) 893-1613 ext. 22; www.aeromuseum.org. The former Chanute Air Force Base is home to military and civilian aviation and aerospace artifacts. Visitors can learn about air travel through flight simulators, exhibits, special air events and more.
Springfield Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
212 N. Sixth St. (217) 558-8934; www.alplm.org Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prices: $12 adults, $9 seniors and students, $7 active military, $6 children ages 5-15, free to children younger than 5 The museum chronicles the life and legacy of the United States 16th president with exhibits, performances and artifacts.
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Wednesday-Sunday Prices: $10 adults, $5 children, $15 families Frank Lloyd Wright designed the famous house for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana in 1902. The house has the largest collection of Wright art glass and furniture collection. Illinois State Fire Museum
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Old Firehouse (217) 524-8754 Hours by appointment Free The museum houses several fire vehicles dating back to 1857, as well as exhibits and memorabilia.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibits throughout the year.
p.m. October through March Prices: $20 for a guided tour The museum displays combat aircraft and military vehicles.
Air Combat Museum
835 S. Airport Road (217) 522-2181 Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April through September; 7 a.m. to 4
Dana-Thomas House
301 E. Lawrence Ave. (217) 782-6776 Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
located in downtown Arthur Primitives, Glassware, Feed Sacks, Crocks Antique Furniture Farm Collectibles a variety of old and new -
1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. (217) 782-9365 Hours: 1 to 4:30 p.m., TuesdaySaturday Free The museum houses the history of the Illinois military through displays, unusual artifacts and stories. Illinois State Museum
Korean War National Museum
214 South Vine St. Phone: 217- 543-2108
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• Frappes • Lattes • Ice cream • sandwIches • pastrIes
Specializing in old Aladdin and traditional oil lamps LP and Natural Gas lights Lamp Repair & Service Open: M-F 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Illinois State Capitol
Second and Capitol streets (217) 782-2099 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free Visitors are allowed to watch when lawmakers are in session. The offices of the governor, secretary of state and other heads of state are housed in this building.
Illinois State Military Museum
HERALD & REVIEW, Jim Bowling Vivian Reising, 4, dances with her mother Paige Reising on the museum dance floor during Happy Noon Year event at the Children’s Museum of Illinois.
502 S. Spring St. (217) 782-7386 or www.museum.state.il.us/ Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m., Sunday. Free According to the website: “The Illinois State Museum is a system of museums and galleries serving the people of Illinois. The Museums foster an appreciation of the living world, introduce the art of Illinois, open windows to education, and protect irreplaceable state treasures.”
“pOUrInG a “Latte” cheer, One cUp at a tIme.” Saturday 8 am - 5 pm
Arthur, IL 61911 Fax: 217-543-2110
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1045 e. coluXbiV sOQLLO (rouOL 133) aQOKuQ, IL 61911 / 217.543.3106 Getaway Guide – 17
9
WE CUSTOM BUILD TO FIT YOUR NEEDS • • • •
Hunting Gardening Storage Play
Old State Capital Plaza 1-888-419-5053 or www.kwnm.org/ Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Free. According to the website: “The museum is far beyond a collection of war memorabilia and artifacts rather a collection of historically significant pieces and supporting stories that bring to life a conflict that partnered nations from around the world
to combat the expansion of communism.” Lincoln Home National Historic Site
413 S. Eighth St. Visitor Center, 426 S. Seventh St. (217) 391-3226; www.nps.gov/liho Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Free, but a ticket is required from the Visitor Center. Visit the home of Abraham Lincoln and his family before he left for Washington D.C.
Hunting Blinds
• Many Styles • Colors • Options
Cabins
217-543-3206 1955 CR 1700E Arthur, IL 61911
1 Mile West and 1½ Miles South of Arthur
Rent to Own Available • Call Today!
FAMILY HEALTH FOODS - Established in 1973 • Natural Herbal Remedies
• Gluten-Free Products
• Whole Food Supplements
• Herbal Teas
• Liquid Herbal Formulas
• First Aid Supplies
• Fresh Farm-Raised Chickens (Hormone-Free)
• Wisconsin Cheese
• Non-Toxic Soaps, Cleaners, Creams and Lotions
• Gift Items • Glassware
2008 CR 1800 E. • 1 Mile South of Arthur VM: 217-543-3189 HOURS: 7AM to 5:30PM • Sat. 7AM to 4:30PM
Melrose Quilts
& SEWFORTH Heirloom l Quality l Q Quilts l A Are F Forever H Q • Large array of patterns and colors • Styles in King, Queen, Twin and Full sizes • Custom-made quilts • Hand-made baskets
Open Spring to Fall, Winter by appointment. Closed Sundays. Buses by appointment. At Grandma’s House • ¼ Mile south of Arthur 2088 CR 1800 E. • Arthur, lllinois 61911 • 217-543-2844
Over 3,000 bolts of high quality fabrics at low prices! Quilting Classes Custom Machine Quilting Pre-Stamped Embroidery Blocks
Stitch & Sew Fabrics Fabric • NotioNs • QuiltiNg supplies
220 S. Vine • Arthur, IL • Mon-Sat. 8:30 - 5:00 stitchandsew@consolidated.net
217-543-2287 or 1-888-502-2287 18 – Getaway Guide
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Lincoln Tomb
Oakridge Cemetery, 1500 Monument Ave. (217) 782-2717; www.lincolntomb.org Hours: March through October: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; November through February: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final resting place for the countryís 16th president is located in the Oakridge Cemetery, as well as war memorials honoring the troops sent from Illinois. Old State Capitol
Old State Capitol Plaza, Sixth and Capitol streets (217) 785-7960 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday From 1839 to 1876, the building housed the Illinois government during Lincolnís time as a politician.
Teutopolis Teutopolis Monastery Museum
St. Francis of Assisi Church, 110 S. Garrott St. (217) 857-3586 or
www.stfrancischurch.com/news ite/wordpress/?page_id=173 Hours: 12:30 to 4 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month, April through November Prices: $3 adults, $1 children Located on the second floor of the church, the museum has more than 30 rooms with articles, books and Bibles on display.
Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Free. Exhibits representing cultures from around the world can be view through five different galleries. The museum also offers tours, educational programs and events.
Vandalia Fayette County Museum
Tuscola Douglas County Museum
700 S. Main St. (217) 253-2535; www.docomuseum.org Hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday Free. The museum features exhibits, special events and programs.
301 W. Main St. (618) 283-4866; http://www.vandaliaillinois.co m/museum.html Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday Free. Artifacts and memorabilia from Vandalia’s days as the state capitol are on display in the museum.
Urbana Spurlock Museum
On the University of Illinois campus, 600 S. Gregory St. (217) 333-2360; www.spurlock.illinois.edu Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. WednesdayFriday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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National Road Interpretive Center
106 S. Fifth St. (618) 283-9380; www.nationalroadvandalia.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
National Road was America’s first highway built by the federal government. Visitors will learn the story of the “Road that Built the Nation.” Vandalia State House
315 W. Gallatin St. (618) 283-1161 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday Free. Visitors can tour the oldest Illinois State Capitol building and view the historic structure.
Watseka Old County Courthouse Museum
103 W. Cherry St. (815) 432-2215; http://www.iroquoiscounty.net/ museum/ Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday Free. Prices: $10 per person or $15 per family The old courthouse houses exhibits dating back to the 1800s, as well as current exhibits.
Getaway Guide – 19
Amish isitor and interpretative centers in Arthur and at Rockome Gardens help inform travelers about the Amish. The Arthur Amish Country Visitor Center is at Vine and Progress in Arthur. The Illinois Amish Interpretative Center is at Rockome Gardens a few
V
Photo by: Jay Grabiec
Facts
miles south of Arthur. Some interesting facts about the Amish: • Do the Amish speak English, or just Pennsylvania Dutch? All Amish are bilingual. They hear both languages as children. They may have a slight accent from the Pennsylvania Dutch.
• The Amish also dress differently from the “English” as they refer to anyone not Amish. Amish men wear homemade plain shirts, dark colored vests, and coats, all fastened with hooks and eyes. Married men wear beards. • Amish women wear solid colored ankle length
dresses, black stockings and flat shoes. They wear white prayer caps during church services or inside and black bonnets when outside. Children dress the same as their parents except girls do not wear prayer caps until they have joined the church. • What about the Amish and telephones? In a compromise with the need for quicker communication in medical emergencies or with business customers, there are strategicallyplaced phone sheds near Amish areas. • What is rumspringa for Amish youth?
Teenagers are encouraged to explore new ways before becoming full members of their church community. The elders prefer the teens attend other churches before they decide whether to become full members in the Amish church. • Arthur area Amish are “home Amish” who hold their church services in different homes with each family taking turns hosting. Although the Amish settled in the area as farmers, and many do continue to farm using draft horses and hand tools, others have developed businesses in building, kitchen cabinetry and beautiful “Amish-made” furniture. • The Amish continue to pursue their “plain” way of life today. Families are usually large and many homes house intergenera-
tional families in large homes and smaller houses built on the property. When a young Amish couple marries, one of the families generally gives them a parcel of land of their own to farm. The Amish are famous for their fine horses. Both draft horses and driving horses are bred, raised and sold in the Arthur area. • Travelers should keep their eyes open for the Amish distinctive black buggies, horse-drawn agricultural equipment and pony carts. • Amish living rooms are large and usually open into other rooms for the benefit of the church services. During those services, furniture is either removed or pushed to the side, and long benches from the traveling “church wagon”
are put in place for the worship services. The Amish are generous, hosting benefits and relief sales for mission work around the world. • Amish gardens are generally the domain of the women and girls in the family. The gardens are
often bordered with flowers, not for decoration, which would be worldly, but to distract bugs and bees from the vegetables.
EMC Outdoor Furnishings Located on Rt. 133 In Chesterville
(217) 543-2894 Poly Furniture In Many Sizes Colors & Styles Vinyl Gazebos and Swing Sets • Wood Gazebos Arbors • Porch Swings • Outdoor Furniture Rockers and Gliders • Lighthouses • Bridges Garden Ornaments and Outdoor Decorations We Also Carry Inspirational Art Gifts and Home Decor.
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Made From Recycled Milk Containers
Getaway Guide – 21
217-784-8770 (or toll-free: 877-546-6843) Route 47 South located at 1123 South Sangamon (Old Rte.34) Originally a solo screen when it opened back in '54, the Harvest Moon is presently a twin, open seasonally, April thru September. Audio: FM stereo radio broadcast. During June and July open 6 nites (closed on Thursdays). Admission: $5 per person (children 5&under are free).
Litchfield Skyview Drive-in 217-324-4451 located on Route 66 North Well-maintained Drive-in with a solo screen which has passed the half-century mark, lit since 1950. The Skyview is open seasonally, April thru October. Audio: FM radio broadcast, as well as some traditional Drive-in speakers. Admission: $1 per person for ages 7 and up; Thurs: $3/carload - any number of passengers.
Newton Fairview Drive-in 618-455-3100 located on Route 33,
character of the former Green Meadows. Everything old is new againminus classic car window speakers (movie audio being provided by local FM (89.1) radio broadcasting). The Route 66 is screening double features 7 nites from Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day, and then weekends only September/October. Admission: $5 (ages 13&up); $2 for ages 12&under; age 3&under free.
Tours Wed.-Sat. 9a.m. – 4p.m. 2015 Special Events
May 31 Champagne British Car Show June 19/20 Glorious Gardens Festival July 18/19 Civil War Days
August 1 Antique Auto Exhibit
September 12 All Car Community Show November 7 A Bountiful Feast
Springfield Route 66 Drive-in 217-546-8881 located adjacent to Knight's Action Park, 1700 Recreation Drive (1 block south of I-72); *If you're in Springfield, you can go straight out on the Old Chatham Road; they're on the left as you cross I-72. Originally, the Green Meadows Drive-in Theatre, when it first opened in 1978, this deuce in central Illinois was lit for only 4 years before closing in 1982. It then remained 'dark' for two decades by the time that the Knight family (the owner's of an adjacent theme park attraction) had acquired and restored it. Re-christened The Route 66 Drive-in, after the historic
November 4-21 Thanksgiving at Clover Lawn
David Davis was a US Supreme Court justice, appointed by his friend, Abraham Lincoln. In 1872, Davis, and his wife, Sarah, built this elegant Victorian Mansion. Tours of the site also include a formal garden and an exhibit on Lincoln and the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
December 12 Christmas at the Mansions Nov. 27 – Dec. 31 Christmas at Clover Lawn
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site 1000 Monroe Dr., Bloomington (309) 828-1084 / daviddavismansion.org
FUN!
...for the whole family! Photo Courtesy Joel Sartore
Gibson City Harvest Moon Drive-in
5 mi east of town The most rural of Illinois' remaining outdoor cinemas is located in southern Illinois, about 220 miles south of Chicago, and 60 miles south of Terre Haute, Indiana .. this single (72' x 36') screen venue that opened amidst cornfields in 1953, was purchased forty years later by its current owner. The Fairview is open 4 nites of the week: Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon; seasonally, April 1st - Sept 30th; screening double features for 1 low ticket price. Audio is provided primarily by local (88.5 FM) radio broadcast; some traditional speakers remain. Admission: $4 adults; $2 children aged 3-12; free under 3 yrs.
"Mother" road which passes a few blocks to the south, 1 of its 2 screens was re-lit on May 24th (2002), with a special screening for the Drive-in's grand reopening Grease and Hollywood Knights (they're considering lighting the Drive-in's other screen in 2003). And speaking of Hollywood Knights, the Knight family has gone to considerable effort and expense in not simply re-opening the old Drive-in, but in making many improvements, yet while still trying to maintain and preserve the
Fabrics – Notions – Gifts and More also We are s of or distribut nd Usana a lth a Sozo he s. product
Baby Room! Blankies Burp Towels Booties • Bibs Handmade & Personalized
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 7:30 – 5:00, Sat. 8:00 – 3:00
1020 S. Morris Ave. • Bloomington, IL 61701
217-543-2800
(309) 434-2250
1957 CR 1700E Arthur, IL 61911
Open daily from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
1 Mile West and 1 ½ Miles South of Arthur
Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas
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Getaway Guide – 23
24 – Getaway Guide
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theatre / live music / tours / dance rentals / comedy / student series
ARTSBLOOMING.ORG
Mac Inte rnation kinaw Music & al Wine & Beer Fest ay M ival ay 3 0, 11 am to 11pm, Sunday May 3 1, Noo
Sa t urd
n to 6 pm
309.434.2778
600 NORTH EAST STREET in H I S T O R I C D O W N T O W N B L O O M I N G T O N
Open Skate
Open Hockey Synchro Team
Learn to Skate Birthday Parties
Hockey Leagues Freestyle Sessions
Learn to Play Hockey
201 S. Roosevelt Ave. • Bloomington, IL 61701 Phone: (309) 434-2737 jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com
Getaway Guide – 25
... Two blocks East of Illinois State University at the Crossroads of I-74/I-55/I-39 ... SHOP. DINE. PLAY... ..........
AND BE ENTERTAINED! UptownNormal.com
Mesmerize Her
Uptown Normal • 309-452-1612
Mon. 9-6 p.m. • Tues. - Fri. 9-5 • Sat. 9-3 p.m.
Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 10am-8pm Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. 12pm-4pm
206 S. Linden St., NL
309-454-1541 www.vitessecycle.com
Call us for more information regarding our Family & Golf Packages
Uptown Gifts because.... ~ Alex and Ani ~ Spartina ~ Cinda b ~ Vera Bradley ~ Ginger Snaps
114 W. North Street, Normal IL | (309) 452-7999
WHY GARLIC PRESS... • CAfe • KitChen Store • LoCALLy MAde JeweLry • UniqUe BooKS • fLAX CLothing • ArtiSAn ChoCoLAteS
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Uptown Normal • 309-452-8841 thegarlicpress.com
ShopUptownNormal.com 26 – Getaway Guide
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Normal 1-5-0
Railroads, Route 66, the Circus and Jesse Fell are among historical people, places, and things to be celebrated during Normal 1-5-0, the observance of the Town’s founding in 1865. Normal 1-5-0 committees are planning a series of events for 2015 culminating in a weekend celebration in Uptown on September 11-13.
Visit Normal.org for details.
Longstanding businesses, organizations, and families are invited to participate in the Town’s 150th through the Legacy Program, the History Presentation Board Program, and/or the History Fair. Check the Website for details!
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Getaway Guide – 27
Hiking t’s the climb. Fifteen great places in Illinois to hike hills, climb mountains, explore caves and see amazing bluffs, cliffs and waterfalls. Whether you are in Carbondale, Chicago, Peoria, Rockford or Springfield; here are scenic parks and forests that offer elevation and beautiful vistas. There are wheel-friendly trails at some of the parks and forests. Parks and forests allow pets so look for signs at the park, because they may need to be on a leash. Sometimes bad weather occurs and trails are closed, so check before you travel. Grab your gear and get
I
in Central Illinois
ready to hit the trail. Here is a list of places to visit:
Apple River Canyon State Park Activities: camping, fishing, hiking (five trails), sledding, stargazing Location: Apple River, Ill. Lodging: campsites in Canyon Ridge camping area What to see: canyon, limestone bluffs, River, historic Galena, and the park is a popular location for astronomers Buffalo Rock State Park Activities: camping, hiking (two trails), fishing Location: Ottawa, Ill. Lodging: campsites at the
park What to see: Illinois River; Effigy Tumuli mound sculptures; sandstone bluffs, and nearby Illinois Waterway Visitors Center for information great waterfowl photographs. Pecumsaugan Creek-Blackball Mines is located near it, with dolomite cliffs; there are tours of the mine with a large bat colony.
Castle Rock State Park Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking (six trails), hunting Location: Oregon, Ill.
Lodging: campsites at park What to see: Castle Rock, Rock River, St. Peter sandstone cliffs, Rock River, and a 50-foot statute dedicated to Chief Black Hawk statue in nearby Lowden Memorial State Park
Cave in the Rock State Park Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking (two trails) Location: Cave-in-Rock, Ill. Lodging: cabins, camp and RV sites What to see: fifty-five foot cave, bluffs, and ferry boat
FOURWINDS RV Maroa • U.S. 51 8 Miles North of Decatur (217) 794-2292 East Peoria • I-74 Exit 95 • North 3 Miles (309) 699-6231 www.fourwindsrv.com
100’S of RV’s at Low Prices!
Exp 3/31/2016
28 – Getaway Guide
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rium, General Dacey Trail and Memorial Sunken Garden Matthiessen State Park Activities: boating, fishing, hiking horseback riding, model airplane flying Location: Utica, Ill. Lodging: none at park What to see: Upper and Lower Dells, waterfalls, Vermillion River and a golf course
Photo by: Eric Hiltner Fox Ridge State Park
rides on the Ohio River Dixon Springs State Park Activities: camping, hiking (two trails), swimming Location: Golconda, Ill. Lodging: camp and RV sites What to see: Illinois Ozark Mountains, mineral springs, Album Rock, Alligator Rock, Lover’s Leap, Pluto’s Cave, and Glen Lake Ferne Clyffe State Park Activities: camping, fishing, hiking (ten trails), hunting, rock climbing Location: Goreville, Ill. Lodging: camp sites What to see: Hawk’s Cave, Rocky Hollow, waterfalls, Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge, and Little Grassy Lake
Giant City State Park Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, rock climbing Location: Makanda, Ill. Lodging: cabins, camp sites, horse camping, lodge, RV sites What to see: giant sandstone cliffs that it was named for, Devil’s Kitchen, Little Grassy Lake and Crab Orchard Lake Hidden Springs State Forests Activities: camping, fishing, hiking (three trails), hunting Location: Strasburg, Ill. Lodging: camp sites What to see: Lake Shelbyville, Park Pond, Richland Creek, Chautauqua Audito-
Mississippi Palisades State Park Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking (five trails), hunting, rock climbing Location: Savanna, Ill. Lodging: camp and RV sites What to see: Mississippi River, Ozzies Point, Louis Point, and Mt. Carroll Historic District Pere Marquette State Park Activities: biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting Location: Grafton, Ill. Lodging: cabins, camp and RV sites, lodge What to see: Illinois River, bald eagles, River Road Red Hills State Park Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking (four trails), horseback riding, hunting
Location: Summer, Ill. Lodging: camp and RV sites What to see: Chauncey Marsh, Red Hill, and Red Hills Lake Shawnee National Forest Activities: biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, rock climbing, and swimming Location: Harrisburg, Ill. Lodging: camp sites What to see: Just a few include the Illinois Ozarks Mountains, Little Grand Canyon, Burden Falls Wilderness, Pounds Hollow Lake, Ox-Lot Cave and Garden of the Gods. Starved Rock State Park Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking (twelve trails), horseback riding, hunting Location: Utica, Ill. Lodging: cabins, camp and RV sites, lodge What to see: Starved Rock, Illinois River, waterfalls, and six canyons Trail of Tears State Forest Activities: camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting Location: Jonesboro, Ill. Lodging: camp and RV sites Ozark Hills Nature Preserve and Southern Illinois Wine Trail
607 NE 13th St., Casey, IL 62420
217-932-5300 • richardsfarm.com sign up free for our royalty rewards program
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CASEY IL 62420 Getaway Guide – 29
30 – Getaway Guide
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O
Safety tips for outdoor enthusiasts utdoor enthusiasts typically cannot wait to get outside and make the most of a beautiful day. But in their haste to enjoy the great outdoors, men and women can easily overlook safety precautions that protect them from potential hazards. Though it's easy to get excited about a sunny day, it's important for outdoor enthusiasts to take safety seriously. No matter your activity, always bring adequate sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, and remember to bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day. In addition to packing sunscreen and water, outdoor enthusiasts can employ various additional safety methods depending on which activity they choose to enjoy.
O
Cycling Cyclists must always be on alert for those with whom they are sharing the road. While many motorists respect cyclists, there are some who see cyclists as a nuisance, and such motorists may drive recklessly around cyclists in an attempt to scare them off the road. Cyclists are oftentimes at the mercy of motorists, so it pays to stay as attentive as possible. Never listen to an MP3 player or another music player while riding a bike. Such a distraction could prove deadly if it takes your attention away from the road. Alertness is important when cycling, as are the following precautionary measures: * Always wear a helmet and reflective clothing that makes it easy for motorists to see you. * Obey the traffic laws.
* Always ride with traffic. * Inspect your bicycle and address any mechanical issues before each ride.
Hiking When the weather permits, few activities combine the benefits of physical activity with the aesthetic appeal of nature as well as hiking does. Hikers should never hike on poorly developed trails or trails that are too difficult for them to handle, and they should have at least a basic understanding of the symptoms of altitude sickness. Always share your route with friends or family members before embarking on a hiking trip. This protects you if you should get lost or injured and you need a rescue team to find you. Hikers should also pack the following supplies before hitting the trails: * Compass * Flashlight and extra batteries * Whistle and signal mirror * Map of the park that includes the trails you plan to hike * Waterproof matches * First aid kit * Blanket
Inline skating and skateboarding Inline skating and skateboarding are popular activities for adults and children alike. But even though you may associate such activities with your childhood, that does not mean the risk of injury is insignificant. In fact, even seasoned skateboarders and veteran inline skaters have suffered broken bones or head injuries while skateboarding or skating. Proper attire is essential for
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skaters and skateboarders hoping to prevent injury, so be sure to wear the following gear the next time you hit the halfpipe or go skating by the boardwalk: * Helmet * Knee pads * Wrist guards * Elbow pads
Water sports Water attracts the sun, so it's imperative that anyone planning to spend ample time on or around the water take steps to protect their skin. Wear appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15. Never take to the water after you have consumed alcohol. Alcohol can dull your senses, making you less likely to recognize a dangerous situation should one present itself. If you plan on entering the water, always enter feet first and do your best to avoid swimming alone. When you employ the buddy system while swimming, you are ensuring there is someone there to help you should you begin to struggle or to alert lifeguards or other safety personnel should something go awry.
Family owned serving homemade Italian favorites.
When participating in water sports like rafting, adults and children alike should wear flotation devices at all times.
If you to plan to fish on a boat, let your loved ones staying behind on land know where you plan to fish so they can share this information with authorities if your boat has problems or you don't return on time. While on the boat, always wear a flotation device and make sure the boat is not running as you board and dismount. The great outdoors can be enjoyed throughout the year. But outdoor enthusiasts will have a much better time if they take the necessary steps to reduce their risk of injury.
THE GREATHOUSE OF PIZZA
904 N RT. 49 • Casey, IL 62420
217-923-2220 www.greathouseofpizza.com
Getaway Guide – 31
State ith its sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, historic lodge and the Illinois River forming part of its border, Starved Rock State Park in north-central Illinois tends to get a lot of attention – and understandably so. The park, across the river from Utica, not far from interstates 39 and 80, is among the most visited parks in the state.
W
It offers 13 miles of marked hiking trails, camping and boat ramps with access to the Illinois River. The trails lead to several tall overlooks with names such as Eagle Cliff, Lovers Leap and namesake Starved Rock. The visitors’ center has displays about the area’s history and frequently offers programs and guided hikes. Its sister park immediately to the south, Matthiessen
Moraine View State
Recreation Area This site near LeRoy is the
home of 158-acre Dawson Lake, which has a beach/swimming area in addition to fishing and boating. The camping facilities include backpacking and equestrian camping areas. A self-guided nature trail is part of the hiking trail system. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Three miles east of Clinton, the 9,300-acre site is operated under a long-term lease with Exelon Nuclear, which operates a nearby nuclear power plant. The site has a beach, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping and equestrian trails. Although the lake attracts the most attention, the miles of hiking trails are another way to view the area. The 9.3-mile
THE PANTAGRAPH, David Proeber Paige Cooper, Amelia Creech, Addison Creech, and Mattie Cooper, Dawson Lake. Moraine View State Park.
August 30. 31. & Sept 1 2014
TH
2
State Park, has hiking and equestrian/mountain biking trails. Hikers can explore a deep canyon with a creek fed by Matthiessen Lake, which feeds into the Vermilion River. East-central Illinois has a fair share of state parks and natural areas offering a variety of activities, from boating and fishing to camping and hiking as well as horseback riding.
8
F Popree cor n
Casey Fairview Park • LIVE BANDS
• Carnival
• FAMILY
ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS
• Tractor Pulls
WALKAROUND PERFORMERS
• Food Booths
• ROVING
• CAR SHOW
• Arts and Crafts • Jonah Fish Fry
217.232.2676
WWW.POPCORNFESTIVAL.NET
32 – Getaway Guide
THE PANTAGRAPH, Jim Finch Pilot Paul Reynolds of Mansfield applies fungicide to 380 acres on Larry Borhart's farm 1/4 mile East of Morain View State Park.
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rest if you climb the 144 steps to the Eagle’s Nest observation deck. The park also offers picnicking, camping, fishing and boating. Lincoln Trail State Park
Boating, fishing, camping and hiking are available at Lincoln Trail, two miles south of Marshall. Outboard motors are limited to 10 horsepower. Sam Parr Fish & Wildlife Area
The lake at Sam Parr is limited to boats with motors of
10 horsepower or less and is popular with canoe paddlers. There are 13 miles of equestrian trails in addition to hiking trails, picnic shelters and campsites. Fishing is also allowed. The site is three miles northeast of Newton. On the Net: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/land mgt/parks/ Contact Lenore Sobota at lsobota@pantagraph.com or 309-820-3240.
The Pantagraph, Carlos T. Miranda Lenny Glaub, of LeRoy, fixes the bib on one of his dogs while out on Dawson Lake Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, at Moraine View State Park near LeRoy.
North Fork Trail is particularly challenging, rising and falling steeply through ravines and heavily wooded areas. Weldon Springs State Park
Just southeast of Clinton, the park offers boating (electric motors only), fishing, hiking and camping, including a few backpacking sites. The old Union School, built in 1865 and used as a school for 80 years, continues its educational function as an interpretive center with “hands-on” learning. The schoolhouse trail includes 80 bluebird houses and surrounds a prairie undergoing restoration, which attracts butterflies and dragonflies.
camping and equestrian trails. Hidden Springs State Forest
Ten miles southeast of Shelbyville, Hidden Springs offers picnicking, camping, fishing and hiking. There are access trails to Rocky Spring and Quicksand Spring. Fox Ridge State Park
This park, eight miles south of Charleston, is known for its rugged, scenic hiking trails – some of which are steep – along the Embarras River. There are 18 picturesque wooded bridge and numerous rest benches. You might need a
AP, Shannon McFarland Melissa Blasen, from Clinton, Ill., walks along a two-mile loop through Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton.
Walnut Point State Park
Boating is limited to boats with electric trolling motors only at this park 20 miles east of Charleston. Fishing, hiking and camping are among other activities. Eagle Creek State Recreation Area and Wolf Creek State Park
Located near Lake Shelbyville, Wolf Creek is eight miles east of Windsor and Eagle Creek is four miles east of Findley. In addition to boating and fishing on the 11,000-acre lake, the sites have hiking, picnicking,
Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Competitors and attendees stand for the playing of the National Anthem before the start of the first day of the Bassmaster’s Evan Williams Bourbon All-Star Championship at Eagle Creek State Park on Lake Shelbyville.
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Getaway Guide – 33
the yarn studio 20720123
TWICE IS NICE
M - F 9a - 5p & Sat 10a - 4p
Merchandise accepted by appointment only
960 18th Street, Charleston, IL 61920
217-348-5803 34 – Getaway Guide
ONLY THE BEST IN CONSIGNMENT RESALE FOR FAMILY & HOME
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Discover the Treasures of Charleston, Illinois Commerce
History
Arts
Recreation
Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum Eastern Illinois University Rotary Community Aquatic Center Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site Fox Ridge State Park Lake Charleston
City Of Charleston 217.345.5650 Tourism Office 217.348.0430 Parks & Recreation 217.345.6897 Charleston, your place to kick back, relax and enjoy! www.charlestonillinois.org
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Getaway Guide – 35
Area store one of 10 'top shops' in country HELBYVILLE -- A local business will be featured in an upcoming issue of Quilt Sampler magazine after being selected as one of the top quilting shops across the country. The company will be showcased in the Spring/Summer 2015 issue. "It was really a lengthy application process," said Kate Laskowski, co-owner of the Shelbyville store, located at the corner of Morgan and Main streets. "We were really glad and excited to get picked. It was a dream come true." The shop is one of just 10 chosen to be highlighted in the bi-annual publication. Laskowski said she's been quilting since 2000. After reading a fictional book that had quilters in it, she said she decided to give quilting a try."I just fell in love with the whole process of it," she said. Since then, she has studied quiltmaking in depth. As her passion grew, she and husband, Walter, in 2008 opened Main Street Quilt Company at 200 E. Main St., along Illinois Route 16. Mrs. Laskowski said that quilting has really changed over the years. She said there are online tutorials that have drastically changed not only how a quilt is made but also who makes them. "There are a lot of younger people getting into quilting," she said. Main Street Quilt Company employs three and has six people who teach quilting
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classes from basic to advanced. For those interested in taking a class, a sewing machine is needed as well as the basic supplies to get started, said Mrs. Laskowski. "One of our teachers, who is masterful, still takes classes. She says you can always learn something new," said the quilt store owner. The Laskowskis purchased the former Corner Drug Store building on Shelbyville's main thoroughfare for their business. During the past seven years the couple has renovated and expanded into the next building, increasing the store's fabric inventory and shop offerings as they grew. At Main Street Quilt Company, quilters can find a wide array of styles to suit virtually any preference, from traditional, to modern and contemporary. "I like to design my own quilts," Mrs. Laskowski said. "I write the patterns." The patterns are self-published and sold in the store. The quilter has designed dozens of patterns. Also, she has made hundreds of quilts, finding them difficult to part with upon completion. She prefers to give them as gifts to family and friends, but finds it hard to sell them to people she doesn't know. She said with the many hours put into making them, she has a personal attachment to them. One of the ways she has expanded her knowledge throughout the years was by
studying techniques offered in Quilt Sampler magazine. She has kept every magazine since she first started the hobby. Quilt Sampler, published by Better Homes and Gardens, has been profiling North America's top quilt shops for the past 20 years. Quilt shops must submit a detailed application on their history, business promotions, charitable work, teaching schedules and design philosophies. A panel of quilt experts, led by Linda Augsburg, editorial content chief of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine, narrows down the applications to 10 featured shops for each issue. The names of the selected shops were kept under wraps until Jan. 2, and the shops will be officially unveiled at spring International Quilt Market. Competition to be included in the publication is keen. Nearly 3,000 quilt shops are eligible to apply. Main Street Quilt Company and the nine other shops selected this year were photographed and staffers interviewed by a team from Quilt Sampler, and a multi-page profile of the shop will appear in the issue to be available on newsstands on May 5. In addition to her shop being featured, Laskowski was also asked to design an original quilt, make it and write the pattern to be included along with the shop's profile. Her quilt titled "In Perfect Harmony" is a queensize pieced and machine
appliquĂŠd quilt featuring rich colors in a scrappy layout. A smaller sample of the quilt she designed is on display now at the shop and Laskowski is now taking orders for kits. Quilt Sampler has proven to be a huge success, and early, out-of-print issues are collectors' items, according to a press release. Chosen shops are inundated with visitors and requests for the shops quilt patterns and fabrics, something many surrounding businesses will also see the benefit from. Laskowski said she appreciates the support of the Shelbyville community and credits the Shelbyville area as a component in the magazine's decision to include her shop as a Top Shop. "Throughout this process I've learned the magazine's editorial staff looks at more than the quilt shop when selecting its Top Shops to feature," she said. "They looked at the whole picture of our location, nearby recreational opportunity and, of course, Main Street Quilt Company, and decided we made the cut as a Top Shop. I think that is something the whole area can be very proud of." Main Street Quilt Company offers quality fabrics and sewing and quilting notions. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Upcoming Quilt Shows and Events According to the website, quiltersresources.net, the following activities are available for quilters.
June 6-7, 2015 Hearts 'n' Hands Quilt Guild Biennial Quilt Show
Whiteside Middle School 111 Warrior Way, Belleville, IL 62221 www.heartsnhandsquilt.com For additional details, contact darlene.pratte@yahoo.com.
June 21 - September 8, 2015
July 2015 TBD 33rd Annual Midwest Heritage Quilt Show
Vermilion County Museum, 116 N Gilbert, Danville, IL 61832 www.vermilioncountymuseum. org
September 15 December 31, 2015 30 Quilts for 30 Years: Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mt. Vernon, IL www.saqa.com/calendardetail.php?ID=4066
September 2015 TBD Super City Quilt City Connection Annual Quilt Show sponsored by Metropolis Tourism, Harrah's, NQM
100 Front St, Metropolis, IL 62960 www.metropolistourism.com
July - September 2015 TBD Illinois Row By Row Experience
www.rowbyrowexperience.com/ illinois-row-by-rowexperience.htm
Row By Row Experience
www.rowbyrowexperience.com/ illinois.htm
Travel with Fourwinds behind You!
A “Grand” Place to Shop! Home Decor, Antiques/Vintage, & Gifts
28 Years In Business
Grandma’s Place I & II 105 & 107 S. Kentucky • Greenup, IL 62428 217-923-9233 • Mon-Sat: 9am to 5pm
MAROA and EAST PEORIA, IL Get Away while keeping the comforts of home!
15277 N.Wood St. Maroa, IL 61756 Maroa Exit off U.S. 51 | 217-794-2292 www.fourwindsrv.com
simply for you boutique 20720278
5580 N. Fork Rd., Decatur IL Open Tues. - Sat. • 1-4 pm Admission Fees: $2 adults/$1 children
WABASH DEPOT ANTIQUE CENTRE Elegant Glass Furniture Jewelry • Porcelains Collectibles Tobacciana Linens • Primitives & much more!
780 E. Cerro Gordo, Decatur, IL 62523 Just North of Eldorado Street 217-233-0800
village mercantile 20720275
Monday-Saturday 10-5 • Sunday 12-5 Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
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Getaway Guide – 37
ZOOs
Area
By Allison Petty H&R Staff Writer
hree years after fundraising efforts began, a group of warm-
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weather penguins found a home at Scovill Zoo. The birds arrived in late summer or early fall of 2013. The exhibit was built where
guinea pigs, barn owls, box turtles and crowned crane had been housed. The crane will move to a new exhibit. Some box turtles went to the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, while the guinea pigs and barn owls will remain off exhibit until zoo staff can find another place to display them. It will have room for 15 birds, though the zoo will start with 10, Scovill Zoo director Dave Webster said. They came from zoos across the country: Seattle; Santa Barbara, Calif.; Syracuse, N.Y.; St. Louis;
Philadelphia; and Wichita, Kan. Penguins cannot be moved during the summer, Webster said, because that is when they undergo the stressful process of molting. After losing all their feathers, the penguins do not enter water, and in the wild do not eat until their feathers grow back again. “Our No. 1 thing is we want to make sure that we get them in here, get them healthy and keep them healthy. We don’t want to do anything that’s going to jeopardize that,”
union jack 20720139 village wine and java 20720138
38 – Getaway Guide
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HERALD & REVIEW, Hugh Sullivan Scovill Zoo penguins relax after the official ribbon cutting for their exhibit.
Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Scovill Zoo peacocks make themselves comfortable during the construction.
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Getaway Guide – 39
THE PANTAGRAPH, Carlos T. Miranda
Matt and Amy Edwards photograph Lana a barn owl held by zoo keeper, Katie Glatfelter, during Miller Park Zoo Do Zootoberfest 2013 in Bloomington.
Scovill Zoo, such as alligators, camels, wallabies and penguins, reside at Scovill Zoo.
Springfield Henson Robinson Zoo
for children and seniors Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Highlights include bears, reindeer, sea lions, bald eagles and more. Other exhibits include a tropical rainforest, Animals of Asia and a Zoolab.
Webster said. apetty@herald-review.com (217) 421-6986
Bloomington Miller Park Zoo
1020 S. Morris Ave. (309) 434-2250 Prices: $5.95 for adults; $3.95
Hotel Preferred by Leisure & Corporate Travelers • • • • •
Decatur Scovill Zoo
71 S. Country Club Road (217) 421-7435; www.decaturparks.org/scovill-zoo/ Prices: $5.50 for adults; $4.50 for seniors; $3.50 for children ages 2-12; children under 2 are free. Spring hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A variety of animals live at
1100 E. Lake Drive (217) 585-1821; www.hensonrobinsonzoo.org Prices: $5.25 for adults; $3.75 for seniors; $3.50 for children ages 3 to 12; children ages 2 and under, free Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The zoo is home to animals from all over the world. According to the website, over 90 species are housed among naturalistic exhibits.
Indoor Pool Free Hot Breakfast Free Internet Free Local Calls Fitness Center
1416 Broadway Ave. East • Mattoon, IL
217-234-4267 mattoon.hamptoninn.com MATTOON’S FINEST IN: STEAKS CHOPS
BBQ-RIBS FAJITAS
PRIME RIB COCKTAILS
SPORTS BAR WITH BIG SCREEN PLASMA TVs
Brighton jewelry, handbags, leather watches, home decor (complete line of Brighton)
Florals
berries, grasses, flowers and custom made arrangements
Gourmet
OPEN 4:00PM DAILY AT THE CROSS COUNTY MALL
FOR RESERVATIONS:
234-7337
www.Alamo-Steakhouse.com
coffee and teas, dips, cheese balls, soups, cocoas, salsa, etc
Home Decorations 901 Broadway Ave 40 – Getaway Guide
Mattoon, IL
217.258.6364 JG-TC • Herald&Review • Pantagraph
HERALD & REVIEW, Danny Damiani A penguin swims over to the glass at the Scovill Zoo’s new penguin enclosure.
• Meeting Room for up to 40 People - Graduations - Business Meetings - Anniversarys
- Wedding Showers - Baby Showers
Can bring in food & beverage - Call for Availability & Rates
THE PANTAGRAPH, Lori Ann Cook-Neisler Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington.
• Free Continental Breakfast - Hot & Cold • Free High Speed Wireless Internet • Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Room • 24 Hour Business Center
100 % Smoke Free
217-235-2060 121 Swords Drive • Mattoon, IL 61938 • hiexpress.com/mathi
Home of the Elephant Ear Tenderloin!
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irport teakhouse
Breakfast served all day • Daily specials • Homemade pies
Coles Co Memorial Airport • Mattoon, IL THE PANTAGRAPH, David Proeber Miller Park Zoo zookeeper Carol Pagluica trains Gremlin the sea lion in her habitat at the Miller Park Zoo. The new sea lion habitat is at the heart of the zoo's new master plan.
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Open 7am to 8pm daily • 234-9433 www.charlestonairportsteakhouse.com Getaway Guide – 41
Camp Lakewood 1217 W. Rickelman Ave., Effingham, on Lake Pauline; from Interstate 57, take exit 162, turn north (right) on U.S. Route 45 to the traffic light near Pilot Truck Stop. Turn left at the light on to Rickelman Avenue and go straight for 2 miles, turn left at sign. 62 RV sites, three tent sites, water, cable, electric, sewer, wireless Internet; two cottages; one cabin; playground; lake for fishing; for reservations call 800-961-1198 or 217-342-6233; information also can be found at www.camplakewoodcampground.com.
Casey KOA Kampground Exit 129 at Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 49. Camper service, hayrides, recreation building, shower house with flush toilets, fishing, ice cream socials, pancake breakfast, bingo and a pool for campers. 80 hookups with water and electricity, 15 of these also include sewer hookup. Three camping cabins and boat rentals available. Ask about special KOA discounts and group rates by calling 800-5629113.
Eagle Creek State Park Four miles southeast of Findlay on Lake Shelbyville. Park hours are dawn to dusk. 163 vehicular campsites, including 148 Class A sites with electricity, picnic tables and showers. Tent camping area, organized group camping. Sites are regularly $20 and holiday rates are $30. Five marked nature trails, 12-mile trail and 3-mile cross-country ski trail. Picnic areas, boating, fishing, golf course, woodlands. For reservations and information call 217-756-8260.
Fox Ridge State Park Seven miles south of Charleston on Illinois Route 130. Park hours 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., office open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. 12 miles of trails, hilly terrain, picnic shelters and tent and motor home camping sites for $20 a night; holiday rates are $30/night. All sites have electric, with water available. Shower house with flush toilets. Call 217-345-6416 for more information or reservations for sites and pavilions. Visa and Mastercard accepted.
Hebron Hills Camping 14349 N. County Road 2350E, Oakland, half-way between Oakland and Ashmore on Oakland-Ashmore Road. 60 acres for camping, located in the woods, quiet, relaxing; sewer/water/electric hookups, some tent-only areas, shower house, hiking trails, pond with bass, bluegill and catfish, sand swimming area on pond, no alcohol allowed, family-oriented, cabins for rent, reservations required, no credit cards or debit cards, campsites for rent for $14-$22, call 217-346-3385.
Hidden Springs State Forest Southeast of Shelbyville off Illinois Route 32 about 4 miles, 7 miles of hiking trails, five fishing ponds, archery range and 926 acres for hunting. 28 pads for campers, but no electrical hookups or shower facilities. Camping $8 per night (Class C site). Water is within walking distance. More information can be obtained by calling 217-644-3091.
HEAD TO
Lake Mattoon Marina and Campground
42 – Getaway Guide
Take U.S. Route 45 to Etna Road, turn west and go to stop sign. Turn left and go 4 miles. Turn right at sign. Electric and water at every site, shower/bath houses, playground, beach, basketball court, fishing, $20 per night for electric, $15 per night for tent, full marina right next door, with tackle, live minnows, fishing licenses, snacks, gas, etc. For information call 217-254-6680.
Lake Sara Campground 15482 N Wildwood Drive, Effingham, on Lake Sara; from Interstate 57, take exit 160 toward Illinois Route 32/33, turn right on Route 32, left on County Road N. 1000th St., right on County Road E. 1600th Ave., left on Beach Road and right on Wildwood Drive. Full camper hookup (electricity, water, sewer, cable) $25/night; tent hookup (water/electricity) $20/night. For reservations and information, call 217-868-2964.
Lincoln Trail State Park Three miles south and 1 mile west of Marshall on Illinois Route 1, 146 acres of fishing. There are more than 1,023 acres in the park. 35 tent sites are available for $8 a night as well as a picnic area; showers are open. For $20, trailer campers can choose from more than 170 Class A sites with elec-
JG-TC • Herald&Review • Pantagraph
Central Illinois Lakes Lake Sara: www.visiteffinghamil.com/recreation.htm Journal Gazette-Times Courier, Kevin Kilhoffer A couple relaxes in the quiet at Wolf Creek campground on Lake Shelbyville.
tricity (prices $30/night during holiday weekends). For $10, tent camping is available at 10 non-electric Class B sites. Monday through Thursday, camping for Illinois seniors, 62 and older, is $15. No reservations accepted for dates prior to July 7; go to www.reserveamerica.com to make online reservations with a $5 reservation fee. Bait and boat rental and full-service restaurant (call 217-826-8831). Phone 217-826-2222 for information.
Mill Creek Park On Clarksville Road east of Westfield, 7 miles northwest of Marshall. Six cabin units, first is a double unit with upper and lower levels available each three bedrooms for $115 a night or $690 a week for upper and $115 a night or $690 a week for lower. Launch cabin, one-bedroom, $90/day $540/week; a cabin with three units, upper level (studio) $65 a night or $400 a week, ground level (handicapped accessible) one-bedroom $90/night or $540 a week; lower level, 2 bedrooms $110 a night and $660 a week; Hickory Cabin, $50 daily or $290 a week, queen bed and one set of bunk beds. Concession stand available daily beginning at 11 a.m. 139
campsites with water and electricity for $18 and under per night (weekly and monthly rates available). Senior citizen rate available on specified nights. Showers, playground, picnic areas with three shelters, volleyball court, basketball court, soccer field, 5½ miles of nature trails, 15-mile horse and separate ATV trail and horseshoe pits. Fishing and skiing is the main attraction on this 800-acre lake. Rental boats available, pontoon boats, free fishing pole use from gate house. For more information, call 217-889-3601 or 217-889-3901, or visit the Web site at clarkcountyparkdistrict.com or on Facebook.
Riverfront Campground One mile south of the Lake Shelbyville dam off Illinois Route 16. Permanent sites only available. Showers, playground, covered pavilion, amphitheatre, on Kaskaskia River. For more information on the campground, call 217-7744442.
Robin Hood Woods East of Lake Shelbyville dam on Illinois Route 16. 200 sites: water and electric $25 a night; water, electric and sewer $28/night. Shower house avail-
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Lake Charleston: www.charlestontourism.org/Outdoor_Recreation.html
Mill Creek Park/Lake: www.clarkcountyparkdistrict.com/default.htm
Lake Mattoon: www.mattoonchamber.com/maps/lakemap.cfm
Lake Shelbyville: www.lakeshelbyville.com/ and www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Shelbyville/
Lake Shelbyville Marinas Findlay Marina (217) 756-8595 Findlay Marina is located at the heart of Central Illinois’ Lake Shelbyville, which features over 11,000 acres of water and 172 miles of shoreline. The lake is a perfect host for a great variety of activities. Findlay Marina is 30 minutes away from Mattoon, Decatur, and I-57; Champaign and Springfield are 1 hour away.
Lithia Springs Marina (800) 447-4121 Lithia Springs Marina is the “Gateway to Water Paradise” on beautiful Lake Shelbyville. The lake’s innumerable coves were created for hours of enjoyable cruising, fishing, swimming, or relaxing in the warm summer rays and gentle breezes.
Sullivan Marina and Campground (888) 728-7338 Located on a serene wooded hilltop that gently slopes into a full-service marina and restaurant situated on Lake Shelbyville, Sullivan Campground & Marina satisfies the needs of campers, boaters and fishing enthusiasts alike with a wide array of lakeside amenities.
Getaway Guide – 43
able. Three rental cottages, fully furnished for $80 a night and log cabins from $80-$140 a night, all nine cabins have satellite. RV parts store, camp store, laundry facilities, large game room, pool and hiking trails, playground, pavilion and stocked fishing pond. For information, call 217-774-4222 or visit the Web site at www.robinhoodwoods.com.
Sullivan Marina and Campground Across from Sullivan access area beach south of Sullivan on Illinois Route 32. Full-service marina, small playground, in-ground pool, volleyball court, bank fishing, a marina pump-off. Skeeters, a floating, limited-menu, patio restaurant and lounge. Rental boats available. Efficiency, 700square-foot kitchenette suites or lodging. Shower/restroom. Seasonal non-transient campsites available through Nov. 1;
The
overnight camping. 142 sites with water, electric and sewer $33 per unit per night, 70 sites with water and electric $29 per unit per night, and 25 primitive sites $23 per night per tent. For more information, call 217-728-7338.
Walnut Point State Park From Oakland go 3 miles north. Look for signs. 60-acre fishing lake. Electric motors only on lake. Camping facilities. Electric hook-up available. Drinking water, shower facility and dump station available for $20. Tent camping available at $8. Organized adult groups are $4 per person with $40 minimum and youth groups are $2 per person with a $20 minimum. Picnic areas, pavilions, horseshoe pits, playground equipment and walking trails. Rowboat rental. For park information, call 217-346-3336.
Wolf Creek State
Original
Journal Gazette-Times Courier, Kevin Kilhoffer Hicking and casual walking trails abound at many area camping sites.
Park Eight miles northwest of Windsor on Lake Shelbyville. Park hours are from dawn to dusk. 304 Class A campsites with restrooms and showers, electricity and picnic tables. Two family tent camping areas, an organized group camp, and an equestrian campground. The sites that include electricity are $20. Holiday fees are $30 nightly. Rent-a-Cabin program offers one cabin at $45/$55. Seven hiking trails, as well as snowmobile and equestrian trails; family picnic areas, shelters, woodlands, trails, horse-
back riding, beach, boating, fishing, more. For reservations and information call 217-7568260.
Wood’s Woods Five miles east of Tuscola, 1 mile south off U.S. Route 36. Open May 1-Nov. 1 with 80 sites for $15 a night. Sevenacre campground is bordered by Embarras River. Pavilion on the grounds. For more information, call 217-253-2487; for reservations, call 217-2533170.
BURGER KING Proud to be an original piece of Mattoon’s History!
1508 Charleston Ave. • Mattoon • 234-8122 USE OUR FAST FRIENDLY DRIVE UP! 44 – Getaway Guide
Herald & Review/Jim Bowling Competitor Randy Howell of Springville, Alabama, the Bassmaster’s Evan Williams Bourbon All-Star Championship, Eagle Creek State Park on Lake Shelbyville.
JG-TC • Herald&Review • Pantagraph
Hooks, Lines & Sinkers llinois has lots of lakes, rivers, channels and ponds filled with all sorts of fish and water-based critters. Here, thanks to our friends at IFishIllinois.org, are some of the bigger and best ones: Carlinville Lake No. 2: 105 acres, five miles south of Carlinville in Macoupin County; boat fishing, gravel ramps, trolling motors, picnicking, camping. Carlyle Lake: 24,580 acres, northeast of Carlyle in Clinton, Bond and Fayette counties; boat fishing and rental, ramps, unrestricted motors, water skiing, swimming, picnicking, camping. Clinton Lake: 5,000 acres, three miles east of Clinton in DeWitt County; boat fishing, ramps, motors, picnicking, camping. Coffeen Lake: 1,100 acres, one mile west of Coffeen in Montgomery County; boat fishing, ramps, restricted motors, picnicking, camping. Dawson Lake: 158 acres, four miles north of LeRoy in McLean County; boat fishing, ramps, restricted motors, picnicking, camping. Evergreen Lake: 886 acres, 10 miles north of Bloomington in McLean County; boat fishing, ramps, 10 hp. Motors, picnicking, camping.
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Kinkaid Lake: 2,750 acres, three miles northwest of Murphysboro in Jackson County; boat fishing, ramps, unrestricted motors, picnicking, camping. Kincaid Reservoir: 31 acres, four miles east of Kincaid in Christian County; boat fishing, ramps, picnicking. Lake Bloomington: 635 acres, 10 miles north of Bloomington in McLean County; boat fishing, ramps, restricted motors, picnicking. Lake Centralia: 450 acres, northeast of Carlyle in Marion County; boat fishing, ramps, water skiing, swimming, picnicking, camping. Lake Decatur: 3,093 acres in Decatur in Macon County; boat fishing, ramps, water skiing, unrestricted motors, swimming, picnicking, camping. Lake Mattoon: 1,050 acres south of Mattoon in Shelby County; boat fishing, ramps, water skiing, unrestricted motors, swimming, picnicking, camping. Lake of the Woods: 25 acres, one mile north of Mahomet in Champaign County; picnicking. Lake Shelbyville: 11,100 acres, east of Shelbyville in Shelby and Moultrie counties; boat fishing and rental, ramps, water skiing, unrestricted motors, swimming, picnicking, camping.
Lake Vermilion: 900 acres, east of Danville in Vermilion County; boat fishing, ramps, picnicking, camping. Mount Pulaski Park District Lake: 20 acres, two miles south of Mount Pulaski in Logan County; picnicking. Newton Lake: 1,750 acres, eight miles southwest of Newton in Jasper County; boat fishing, ramps, 25 hp. motor, picnicking. Paris Twin Lakes: 220 acres, north edge of Paris in Edgar County; boat fishing, ramps. Rend Lake: 18,900 acres, three miles east of Sesser in Franklin and Jefferson counties; boat fishing and rental, ramps, unrestricted motors, picnicking, camping. Weldon Springs: 29.4 acres, two miles east of Clinton in DeWitt County; boat fishing, ramps, restricted motors, picnicking, camping.
Mattoon Dairy Queens
Dairy Queen Queen No. No. 2 2 Dairy Queen No. 1 Dairy 913 913 Charleston Charleston Ave. Ave. 320 N. 19th
234-3644 234-3644 235-0911 235-0911 jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com
Getaway Guide – 45
Acclimating pets to long car trips hort jaunts in the car can be a special treat for pets who spend the majority of their time at home. Although car trips sometimes mean appointments at the vet, frequently such trips involve visits to family members or opportunities to romp and socialize in the park. Pets that may be perfectly fine on short trips may not be as amenable to longer excursions. Pet owners should have a thorough understanding of their pet's traveling proclivities and prepare accordingly when the animal will be riding along on a vacation.
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46 – Getaway Guide
Animals can experience motion sickness or stress from being in a moving vehicle, and this can result in vomiting or accidents in the car. Furthermore, anguished animals may attempt to jump into the front seat with the driver, which can cause distraction and/or lead to an accident. So it's best for owners to acclimate their pets to traveling in a car before going on any especially long trips. The ASPCA recommends acclimating pets to the car in a series of steps. The first may be sitting inside a parked vehicle with your pet. Owners can then gradually progress to short trips around the neighborhood, all the while paying attention to pets to see how they are
responding to time in the car. Keep the temperature in the car cool and open the window to allow fresh air to flow in. Do not let your pet hang his or her head out of the window, as debris can blow in the pet's eyes or ears and pets may be tempted to jump out while the car is in motion. Owners can reward pets who survive long trips by choosing a final destination that pets will find fun. If you are always putting the cat or dog in the car to go to the vet or groomer, your pet may associate the car with bad experiences and never truly adapt to trips in the car. When traveling, pets must be properly secured in a vehicle to prevent injury to drivers, their passengers and even the pet itself. If a dog or cat finds comfort in a crate, use that to secure the animal during the ride. Otherwise, dog seatbelts and other restraint systems are helpful. Pets should ride in the back seat where they will be most
safe and less likely to distract drivers. Drivers should resist the urge to have small pets sit on their lap while driving. Should an accident happen, a deployed airbag can injure or kill a pet that's sitting on a driver's lap. As a pet gradually acclimates to longer trips, vary the route and subject pets to different sights, sounds and smells. Animals that are particularly skittish or simply do not do well in the car should not be forced to make road trips. Veterinarians can prescribe tranquilizers or motion sickness medication to make car rides tolerable. Pet owners often enjoy taking pets on car rides or vacations. But not all companion animals are fans of riding in cars, and they may need some practice before they get used to life on the road.
JG-TC • Herald&Review • Pantagraph
Pointers for pet owners traveling with pets in tow any individuals and families simply cannot part with their companion animals for long periods of time. As a result, it's become much more common for pets to accompany their owners on vacations. A study by AAA and Best Western International found more than half of American pet owners take their cats and dogs with them when they travel. Pet owners traveling with their four-legged friends in tow can make the experience a fun and safe one by planning ahead. Be sure the pet is up-todate with immunizations and bring documentation of those immunizations with you when
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traveling. Update any dated information on secure tags so pets can be returned promptly and safely should they become lost. Take frequent breaks on road trips to allow the pet to get some exercise and relieve itself. Some pets do not fly well and certain airlines no longer transport certain breeds in the cargo hold, so inquire with airlines before planning a getaway. For those traveling outside of the country, recognize that some countries initially quarantine animals from other countries for a certain period of time to ensure the pet is in good health. Look for petfriendly hotels and verify that pets are allowed before booking.
Check Out Our Daily Specials 230 E. Broadway • Mattoon (217) 235 - 1139 www.donsolmexicangrill.com Hours: Sun - Thurs 11am - 9pm Fri - Sat 11am - 10pm
Shop These Fine Stores J.C. Penney Christopher & Banks The Shoe Dept. Kirlin’s Hallmark Journal Gazette/Times-Courier Carson’s Radio Shack Regis Hair Stylists
Pro Nails General Nutrition Center Claire’s Boutique Payless Shoes Jumbo Buffet Bath & Body Works maurices Alamo Steak House
Taco Bell H & R Block Community Blood Services Mattoon Medical Center TitleMax rue21 Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store Grinders Gourmet Cafe
See Our Upcoming Events at www.crosscountymall.com Cross County Mall Is Conveniently Located at 700 Broadway East in Mattoon With Easy Access From I-57 On Rt.16, Exit West to 3rd Stop light, Mall on North Side
Mall Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am - 9pm • Sunday Noon - 5 pm Some stores have extended hours. Cross County Mall Gift Certificates are available for any occasion.
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Getaway Guide – 47
PARKS
By BILL LAIR
GET AWAY
MATTOON Lytle Park is one of several large parks in Mattoon. Lytle Park, operated by the Mattoon Township Park District, boasts one of the largest public swimming pools in Downstate Illinois. It has a water slide, two low-level diving boards, zero-depth entry and water-splash toys for all ages. Lytle is located over three city blocks at the intersection of Western Avenue and 32nd Street on the city’s west side. A children’s garden is in the northwest part of the park. That garden includes a plastic dinosaur and a sand box bordered by a concrete snake. Statues of children playing also are in that area. Playground equipment includes log-cabin and fire truck climbing areas, slides and more. Another children’s favorite is the big fountain that invites kids to climb and play with the water spouts. For more structured play, Lytle Park has horseshoe pits, tennis and basketball courts, soccer field and roller hockey rink. This park also is unique in that a working oil well is part of the landscape. Drilled in 1946, the well
brings in some supplemental income for the park district. Recently, Lytle Park was recognized by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association for having safe and well-kept grounds and playgrounds. Peterson Park long has been the site on family reunions, championship baseball tournaments and more. Located in the heart of Mattoon at Sixth and Broadway, Peterson Park has been providing outdoor fun for families since 1903. The DeMars Center is available for large gatherings indoors while there also are several pavilions for groups. Several memorials to veterans of wars are on the grounds. The Rotary Bandshell was built a few years ago to provide a venue for summer music concerts. Bagelfest, Mattoon’s summer tribute to the frozen bagel made locally, also takes place each summer in Peterson Park. In addition to playground equipment for the kids, Peterson Park also is home to a miniature golf course and a World War II tank.
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48 – Getaway Guide
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Greenspace is part of every East Central Illinois community with acres of city parks offering family friendly activities. Swimming pools, modern playground equipment, miniature golf, tennis courts, walking trails and more are part of the major parks available in each community in the region. Large public swimming pools are offered in Mattoon, Charleston, Effingham, Oakland, Shelbyville, Casey and Arthur with most featuring splash-toy equipment to enhance the refreshing hot weather experience for families. A third major park in Mattoon is Lawson Park, along Marion Avenue at 14th Street on the south side. A youth baseball field dominates the landscape but it has a large picnic area and tennis courts to go with playground equipment. Other Mattoon parks include Van Laningham, Cunningham and Little Kinzel. CHARLESTON The city that is home to Eastern Illinois University also has three major parks. Morton Park is in the center of town on Lincoln Avenue (Illinois Route 16) between Division and Second streets. Morton has a youth baseball diamond, huge playground area plus a second, smaller play area and a fenced-in play area just for toddlers. On the north side of the park is a large horseshoe toss pit where as many as a dozen games can be played at once. Three large pavilions are ideal for large gatherings. The southeast pavilion includes a massive stone fireplace that came from a log cabin built nearby in the 1830s. One unique feature of Morton Park is a replica of the Liberty Bell that hangs in the center of the park. It is one of two replicas of the Revolutionary War symbol that each state was awarded during America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. Kiwanis Park, at Division and Jackson, is the city’s newest park, opened in 1972. It features a permanent bandshell with a spectator area dug into the side of the hill that overlooks the entertainment venue. It hosts the Charleston Community Band concerts on summer Thursday evenings as well as other musical performances. A new pavilion with restrooms was completed in 2011 while the park along Charleston’s Town Branch creek also has playground equipment for the youngsters. The newest Charleston park is Sister City Park. It is located on South 18th Street (Illinois Route 130) on the city’s south side. Sister City Park offers
playground equipment, a large pavilion, a basketball court, sand volleyball courts, a baseball/softball diamond, a soccer field and a roller-hockey rink. Sister City Park is located a few blocks from the Rotary Aquatic Center, 920 17th St., which features a water slide, two lowlevel diving boards and a zero-depth entry area with splash toys for the younger ones. The Rotary Aquatic Center also has a regulation-size eight-lane competitive swimming area. Other Charleston parks include North Park, VFW Park, Reasor Park, Lafferty Nature Center and the Woodyard Conservation Area. EFFINGHAM Four city parks are offered to visitors and residents of Effingham. Evergreen Hollow Park is just a few minutes off the interstate on Evergreen Avenue at Maple Street and features the Kluthe Memorial Pool with a large water slide, splash toys and a regulation-lap lane competitive swimming area. Evergreen Hollow offers a pavilion close to the playground equipment and also has a tree walk. The tree walk is part of the walking path. Those walking can learn the identities of about five species of trees native to the Midwest. Each species is identified with a small marker. Evergreen Hollow also has a miniature golf course. Community Park, on the east end of Temple Avenue, has ball diamonds, lighted tennis courts, a basketball/roller hockey court and Frisbee golf course plus playground equipment. Hendelmeyer Park is the home to a skateboard area with permanent fixtures. The park on South Fourth Street also has playground equipment and ball diamonds. Four lighted tennis courts also are available. Bliss Park, on South Fifth Street between Clark and Lawrence in Effingham, has an old brick pavilion, horseshoe pit, picnic area, playground, basketball court, fountain and a flower garden. The park has plenty of shady
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areas with sturdy benches to enjoy the “bliss” of a summer afternoon. SHELBYVILLE Long before Lake Shelbyville became a recreational magnet, Forest Park was a gathering place for local folks. It still is. Located on Ninth Street, a few blocks north of Illinois Route 16, Forest Park is home to the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, a new aquatic center/pool, lagoon with a foot bridge, four pavilions, playground, ball diamonds, senior center and Boy Scout/Girl Scout cabin. The aquatic center features zero-depth entry, lap lanes, a diving board, water slides, wet playground, sand playground, concession stand with food court area and shaded picnic area. Another new part of Forest Park is a skateboard area with five permanent pieces for testing skateboard skills. In addition, Forest Park is linked to Lake Shelbyville by the seven-mile General Dacey Trail, which walkers, bikers and others can access at the north side of the park. There is a selection of wildlife, plants, flowers and insects on the route. It is common to see deer, birds, butterflies and turtles along the trail. Three areas of outdoor exercise equipment, featured adjacent to the Dacey Trail and overlooking Lake Shelbyville, add up to 18 different ways to exercise, stretch or tone up. The outdoor fitness center was added to the trail in 2010. The equipment allows users to work on
chin-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, balancing and more. The trail is named after Gen. Robert Dacey, who was the lead engineer for the construction of the Lake Shelbyville dam and lived in Shelbyville during the construction phase. The trail also can be accessed from the Ninth Street boat ramp parking lot and at the Dam West trailhead overlook. There is parking at each of the trailhead locations. The exercise equipment was supplied by the Army Corps, and the trailhead has a new bathroom facility, a water fountain, benches and a picnic shelter. SULLIVAN Wyman Park is more than 40 acres of recreation area on North Main Street, just east of the Sullivan High School. On Wyman’s east border, Worth Street, Tabor Park almost doubles the size of parkland. Wyman features four pavilions for picnics, playground equipment, ball diamonds, basketball court, a skate park and a pond for fishing. While Wyman Park has been a part of Sullivan for 100 years now, Tabor Park was founded in the 1970s after 40 acres of land was donated by Ruth Tabor. Tabor Park includes walking trails, a pavilion and natural prairie grass. Bicycles are not allowed on the trails so walkers and joggers have complete use of the area. CASEY Fairview Park is the site of the annual Casey Popcorn Festival
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each Labor Day weekend. The park opened in 1902 and has been a gathering place ever since. It boasts a public swimming pool, horse show ring, tractor pull track, campground and pond with a footbridge in addition to playground equipment, ball diamonds and horseshoe pit. The Casey swimming facility offers a main pool with a diving well and three slides, plus a baby/youth pool. It also includes a covered picnic pavilion. Fairview Park hosts a big bluegrass music festival each June and the Clark County Shrine Club’s Fourth of July celebration annually. ARCOLA Moore Memorial Park is on Illinois Route 133 just west of the Interstate 57 exit on the edge of Arcola. The Monahan Memorial Arch welcomes visitors to the 26.5-acre park that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2013. The park hosts the community’s softball and baseball leagues as well as soccer competitions on the fields. Moore Memorial Park also offers tennis and basketball courts, 12 horseshoe pits, a skate park, pavilion and picnic shelter as well as plenty of playground equipment for the kids. ARTHUR Jurgens Park includes the Arthur Community Swimming Pool, a T-ball diamond, two softball diamonds, tennis courts, and camping. Located near the intersection of
Illinois Route 133 and Main Street, Jurgens Park was established in 1952 through a land acquisition of 12 acres of farmland. This park is named for E.L. Jurgens, president of the first city park board in 1952. Camping is on a first come, first served basis. It includes seven electrical and water hookups. Also, there is a bath house within walking distance from the camp sites. Jurgens Park is also the location for the Moultrie/Douglas County Fair and the annual Fireworks Display, one of the biggest in East Central Illinois. The Arthur Community Pool is open seven days a week from Memorial Day to mid-August. Another park in Arthur is Eberhardt Park, located on the southwest edge of Arthur. This nine-acre park was established in 1951 and includes three pavilions, playground areas, sand volleyball, and plenty of open space. OAKLAND While not part of a community park, Oakland’s swimming pool is open to the public. The Oakland pool, located in the northwest part of the city, features a main pool with two slides, a diving area and a baby/youth pool. The concession stand offers a variety of hot sandwiches, ice cream and even salads. The Oakland pool is located next to a ball field and across the street from the Norton Knolls Public Golf Course.
Getaway Guide – 49
s k c a r T e c a R s i o n i l l Central I Charleston Speedway
This dirt oval, three-eighths of a mile in length, has three UMP-sanctioned classes (Modified, Street Stock and Hornet), in addition to several other part-time offerings (Pure Stock and Sprint, to name two). Last year marked the return of popular Late Models to the Speedway. The season kicks off in April and ends in September. A number of national champions have raced here, including
Denny Schwartz, Jeff Leka and Jason Feger. The track is located between Charleston and Ashmore on Illinois 16. Contact: 217-3452929 Online:www.myspace.com/geocob Coles County Speedway
Known as the oldest micro sprint race track in the U.S., the Coles County Modified Midget Racing Association’s season gets under way for five different classes (Multi, Non-
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THE PANTAGRAPH, B. Mosher Late Model driver Jimmy Dehm, of Lexington, competes during the qualifying round of the 20th annual UMP dirt car summer nationals at Farmer City Raceway Friday night (June 20, 2008).
Wing, Restrictor, Sportsman and Junior Sprint) at the beginning of May. Three national championships have taken place here in the past half-century, the last one in 2006, and the club is currently affiliated with the 600 Micro Sprint USA organization. The track is located between Mattoon and Charleston on Illinois 316.
featured on an eighth-mile strip, with dragsters, junior dragsters, motorcycles and street cars competing alike. It is also home of one of the area’s marquee events, Thunder on the Prairie, which takes place every June. Top drivers vie to reach the region finals in Indianapolis and eventually the NHRA nationals in Pomona, Calif. For a $10 fee, anyone can bring a
Photo courtesy Dennis Krieger Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark., turns in a top qualifying lap of 13.307, during qualifying for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series Illini 100 at Farmer City Raceway.
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217-895-2238 | savmorneoga@gmail.com 50 – Getaway Guide
Contact: 217-348-8035 Online: www.ccmmra.com Coles County Dragway
Voted by the NHRA as the Track of the Year in the North Central Division for both 2007 and 2008, the dragstrip maintains a busy schedule from March until November. Elapsed time bracket racing is
car to the track for the Street Legal series, which runs on Fridays throughout the summer. The Dragway is located on Illinois 316 between Mattoon and Charleston. Contact: 217-345-7777 Online: www.colescountydragwayusa.com
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Lincoln Trail Motosports
Used as a popular recreational facility as well as a competitive one, LTM has the longest calendar year of any area track, starting in February and ending near Halloween. Two- and four-wheeled bikes and off-road vehicles compete in motocross and hare scramble events, mostly during two-day weekends. The Illini Super Series brings together riders from different tracks for a season-ending points race. The track is west of Casey, just off U.S. 40. Contact: 217-932-2041 Online: www.lincolntrailmotosports.com
THE PANTAGRAPH, Carlos T. Miranda Gary Cook races in the modified division at Fairbury American Legion Speedway.
Fairbury American Legion Speedway
¼-mile Location: Third Street at Route 24, Fairbury Phone: 309-532-7862 Racing every Saturday night: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stocks Opening Night: Saturday April 27 Key Late Model Dates: June 22 – UMP Summer Nationals, $10,000-to-win main event; July 26-27 – Prairie Dirt Classic, World of Outlaws Late Model national touring series, $20,000-to-win main event. Farmer City Raceway
¼-mile Location: Highway 150, Farmer City Key Late Model Dates: April 56 – Illini 100 World of Outlaws Late Model national touring series, $20,000-to-win main event. 2013 Schedule to be determined.
Lincoln Speedway
¼-mile Location: Logan County Fairgrounds, 11th and Jefferson, Lincoln. Phone: 217-899-3727 Racing every Friday night: Pro Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, 4-cylinder Compacts. Opening Night: Friday April 19 Key Late Model Dates: June 30 – UMP Summer Nationals, $10,000-to-win main event. Macon Speedway
1/5-mile Location: 9 miles south of Decatur off US 51 Phone: 217-764-3000 Racing every Saturday night: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stocks, 4cylinder Compacts. Opening Night: Saturday April 6 Key Late Model Dates: UMP Summer Nationals, $5,000-towin main event. NASCAR Nights: TBD
Peoria Speedway
¼-mile Location: 3520 W. Farmington Road, Peoria. Phone: 309-357-3339 Racing every Saturday night: Late Models, Modifieds, Steel Block Late Models, Street Stocks, 4-cylinder Compacts, Lightning Sprints. Opening Night: Friday April 12 Key Late Model Dates: June 24 – UMP Summer Nationals, $5,000-to-win main event.
MINUTES MINUTES FROM THE
LAKE! New aNd Used • service • Parts HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 8-12 and 1-5 p.m • Sat. 9-3 p.m. • CLOSED SUNDAYS
Macon Speedway
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(217) 774-3960 2601 WEST MAIN STREET, SHELBYVILLE, IL 62565 www.mcelroyrec.com
Getaway Guide – 51
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL AREA The Den at Fox Creek
Bloomington 309-434-2300 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,422 Greens fees: M-Th $32; F-Sun $42 (Frequent player card: MTh $24; F-Sun $31) Practice range: Yes
Prairie Vista G.C.
Dwight Country Club
Bloomington 309-434-2217 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,427 Greens fees: M-Th $32; F-Sun $34 (Frequent player card: M-Th $24; F-Sun $26) Practice range: Yes
Dwight 815-584-1399 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,306 Greens fees: M-F $17, $21 weekends Practice range: Yes
www.prairievistagc.com
www.thedengc.com
El Paso Golf Club Weibring Golf Club at ISU
Highland Park G.C.
Bloomington 309-434-2200 Par: 70 Yardage: 5,539 Greens fees: M-Th $17; F-Sun $19 (Frequent player card: MTh $13; F-Sun $15) Practice range: No www.highlandparkgc.com
Normal 309-438-8065 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,160 Greens fees: M-F $32, Weekends $36; Seniors: M-F $23, Weekends $26; Juniors: M-F $21, Weekends $23 Practice range: Short game area www.isugolf.com/golf
Ironwood G.C.
Normal 309-454-9620 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,456 Greens fees: M-F $24, Weekends $26; Seniors (60-older) and juniors (17-under) $17 after 2 p.m. on weekends Practice range: Yes
Anderson Fields G.C.
www.golfironwood.org
Streator 815-672-3702 Par: 35 Yardage: 2,682 Greens fees: 9 holes: $10 (resident), $12 (non-resident); 18 holes: $17 (resident), $20 (nonresident) Practice range: No
The Links at Ireland Grove
www.ci.streator.il.us/andersonfields.php
Bloomington 309-661-8040 Par: 29 Yardage: 1,590 Greens fees: $10, $5 under age 6 Practice range: Yes www.thelinksatirelandgrove.com
www.dwightcountryclub.com
Bluegrass Creek G.C.
Minier 309-392-2094 Par: 36 Yardage: 3,044 Greens fees: $13 (all day); Juniors $8 (15-under) Practice range: No
Kappa 309-527-5225 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,111 Greens fees: $27 for 18 holes, $13.50 for 9 holes, closed to the public Sunday and holidays Practice range: Short game area www.elpasogolfclub.com Fairlakes Golf Course
Secor 309-744-2222 Par: 67 Yardage: 5,052 Greens fees: M-F: $9 (9 holes), $16 (18 holes); Weekends: $11 (9 holes), $18 (weekends) Practice range: No www.fairlakesgc.com Four Willows G.C.
Mason City 217-482-3349 Par: 35 Yardage: 3,000 Greens fees: $9 for 9 holes, $6 for replay Practice range: No Hazy Hills G.C.
Hudson 309-726-9200 Par: 35 Yardage: 2,900 Greens fees: $9 Practice range: No Indian Creek G.C.
Fairbury 815-692-2655 Par: 72 Yardage: 5,840
52 – Getaway Guide
Greens fees: 9 holes: $10, M-F, $12 weekends; 18 holes: $16 MF, $18 weekends Practice range: Yes www.indiancreekcc.net Indian Springs G.C.
Saybrook 309-475-4111 Par: 36 Yardage: 3,255 Greens fees: $16 M-F, $19 weekends (18 holes) Practice range: Yes Kaufman Park G.C.
Eureka 309-467-2523 Par: 34 Yardage: 2,767 Greens fees: 9 holes: $10; 18 holes: $16 Practice range: No Lake of the Woods G.C.
Mahomet 217-586-2183 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,044 Greens fees: M-F $24 (resident), $26 (non-resident); Weekends $25 (resident), $27 (non-resident) Practice range: Yes www.golfthelake.com LeRoy Country Club
LeRoy 309-962-3421 Par: 71 Yardage: 5,681 Greens fees: 9 holes $7, 18 holes $14 Practice range: Chipping area Lick Creek G.C.
Pekin 309-346-0077 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,308 Green fees: Weekdays $21.25, Weekends $24 Practice range: Yes www.pekinparkdistrict.org/lic kcreek.html
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Lincoln Elks C.C.
Lincoln 217-732-4010 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,100 Greens fees: 9 holes $15, 18 holes $26 Practice range: Yes Metamora Fields
Metamora 309-367-4000 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,209 Green fees: Weekday $45, Weekends $55 Practice range: Yes www.metamorafields.com North Greens G.C.
Atlanta 217-648-5500 Par: 36 Yardage: 3,290 Greens fees: 9 holes $10, 18 holes $16; Seniors: 9 holes $8, 18 holes $13 (M-F) Practice range: Yes Pontiac Elks C.C.
Pontiac 815-842-1249 Par: 72
Yardage: 6,579 Fees: M-F $20, Weekends $24 Practice range: Yes www.pontiacelks.com Railside Golf Club
Gibson City 217-784-5000 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,755 Fees: M-F $18; Weekends $23 Practice range: Yes www.railside.com Twin Creeks G.C.
Streator 815-672-4220 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,133 Greens fees: 9 holes: M-F $12, Weekends $15.50; 18 holes: MF $17, Weekends $22.50 Practice range: Yes
Wolf Creek Golf Club
Red Tail Run
Cayuga 815-842-9008 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,637 Greens fees: 9 holes: M-F $10, Weekends $13; 18 holes: M-F $18, Weekends $21 Practice range: Yes
Decatur 217-422-2211 520 West Grove Rd. Par: 72 Yardage: 7,351 Greens fees: $32 weekdays Driving range: Yes www.decatur-parks.org/golf
www.golfatwolfcreek.com Scovill
Decatur 217-429-6243 3909 W. Main St. Par: 71 Yardage: 5,925 Greens fees: $32 weekdays Driving range: Yes
Woodlawn C.C.
Farmer City 309-928-3215 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,234 Greens fees: 9 holes: M-Sat $10, Sunday $12; 18 holes: MSat $18, Sunday $20 Practice range: Yes
www.decatur-parks.org/golf
www.woodlawncountryclubfc.com DECATUR AREA Hickory Point
Peoria 309-691-3344 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,013 Green fees: $39-79 (includes cart) Practice range: Yes
Decatur 217-421-7444 727 Weaver Rd. Par: 72 Yardage: 6,848 Greens fees: $32 weekdays (18 holes and cart) Driving range: Yes
www.weaverridge.com
www.decatur-parks.org/golf
WeaverRidge Golf Club
Cardinal Golf Club
Effingham 217-868-2860 15737 N. Beach Rd. Par: 72 Yardage: 5,899 Greens fees: $30 weekdays Driving range: Yes Fore-Way Golf Course
Effingham 217-858-5418 16041 N. 100th St.
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217-528-5100 101 East Adams, Springfield jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com
Springfield 217-241-2104 Featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-In's and Dives & Selected by the Illinois Department of Tourism as one of Illinois Top "Delicious Destinations"
Yes, We're Open : Monday thru Saturday 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. & Sunday 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Getaway Guide – 53
Par: 36 Yardage: 2,910 www.forewaygolfcourse.com The National Golf Course
Findlay 217-756-5555 Rte. 1, Box 230 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,900 Greens fees: $30 weekdays www.thenationalgc.com Moweaqua Golf Course
Moweaqua 217-768-3411 2598 E. 1900 North Rd. Par: 72 Yardage: 6,307 Driving range: Yes Greens fees: $16 weekdays www.moweaquagolfcourse.com Oak Terrace Resort
Pana 1-800-577-7598 1000 Beyers Lake Road Par: 72 Yardage: 6,275 Greens fees: $44 weekdays www.oakterraceresort.com St. Elmo Golf Club
St. Elmo 618-829-3390 1 mile NW of St. Elmo Par: 36 Yardage: 3,220 Greens fees: $8 (9 holes, walk; or $15 with cart) www.stelmogolfclub.com Deer Trail Golf Club
Shelbyville 217-774-3030 1902 E. 1500 North Road Par: 35 Yardage: 2,832 Lake Shore
Taylorville 217-824-5521 1460 E. 1000 North Road Par: 72 Yardage: 6,778 Greens fees: $32 weekdays www.golflakeshore.com Lincoln Trail Golf Club
The Pantagraph, David Proeber El Paso-Gridley golfer Branden Mounce drives his ball from the fairway onto the ninth green during the IHSA 1A state golf championship, at Prairie Vista Golf Club.
54 – Getaway Guide
Taylorville 217-824-5161 2021 Lincoln Trail Par: 35 Yardage: 2,905
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Ironhorse Golf Club
Tuscola 217-253-6644 2000 Ironhorse Dr. Par: 72 Yardage: 7,046 Greens fees: $24 weekdays
217-258-7888 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,745 Greens fees: $27 weekday, twilight Driving Range: Yes
Central Illinois’ Premier Professional Theatre
www.meadowviewgolf.com
www.ironhorsegc.com Norton Knolls Golf Course Fox Prairie Golf Course
(formerly Angus Links) Windsor 217-459-2805 3 miles south of Windsor Par: 71 Yardage: 6,705 Greens fees: $27 www.anguslinks.com Legends Golf Course
Champaign 217-863-2145 4551 Nicklaus Dr. Par: 29 Yardage: 1,489 Greens fees: $9 Driving range: Yes www.legendsofchampaign.com Stone Creek Golf Club
Urbana 217-367-3000 2600 S. Stone Creek Blvd. Par: 72 Yardage: 7,118 Greens fees: $39 to $54 (depending on time) Driving range: Yes www.stonecreekgolfclub.com
Oakland N. Reel Street P.O. Box 594 217-346-3102 Par: 34 Yardage: 2,547 Greens fees: $18 Driving Range: No Rogala Public Links
www.uofigolf.com
Summer Season
Mattoon 1322 State Highway 16 217-235-5518 Par: 36 Yardage: 3069 Greens fees: $23 Driving Range: No Eagle Ridge Golf Course
Paris 928 Clinton Road 217-463-3434 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,589
June 3 - 14
June 17 - 28
July 1 - 12
July 15 - 26
July 29 - Aug. 9
Aug. 12 - 23
Bent Tree Golf Course
Charleston 14618 E. County Road 400N 217-348-1611 Par: 70 Yardage: 6,240 Greens fees: $20 weekdays
University of Illinois Blue
Savoy 217-359-5613 800 Hartwell Dr. Par: 72 Yardage: 6,479 Greens fees: $34 weekdays Driving range: Yes
2015
Timberlake Golf Course
Sullivan 957 County Road 700E 217-797-6496 Par: 70 Yardage: 6,054 Greens fees: $18, 9 holes with cart www.timberlakegolfcourse.com
University of Illinois Orange
Savoy 217-359-5613 800 Hartwell Dr. Par: 72 Yardage: 6,866 Greens fees: $37 weekdays Driving range: Yes www.uofigolf.com MATTOON-CHARLESTON AREA Meadowview Golf Course
Mattoon 6489 Meadowview Lane
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The Best of Broadway, Right in Your Own Backyard!
Call 217-728-7375 for tickets or order online at www.thelittletheatre.org Getaway Guide – 55
Trail
ARCOLA Rocking Chair 125 N. County Road 425E rockome.com A longtime family favorite at Rockome Gardens sitting at 42 inches wide and 90 inches high! ATLANTA Bunyon Giant 103 SW Arch St. (Old Rt. 66) illinoisroute66.org
56 – Getaway Guide
This 19 foot giant welcomes Rt. 66 visitors in Atlanta. BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL Largest Wind Farm: Twin Groves Wind Farm bloomingtonnormalcvb.org East of the Mississippi River with over 240 turbines across 22,000 acres. The wind turbines are 221 feet tall and the blade is 128 feet long. CASEY World’s Largest Golf Tee
203 NE 13 St Visit us on Facebook! Measuring 30ft and 3/4" and weighs 6,659 lbs! It is constructed of yellow pine boards and over 60 gallons of glue and 120 pounds of screws. World’s Largest Knitting Needles and Crochet Hook 2 E Main St Visit us on Facebook! The Knitting Needle weighs in at 50 lbs and 13 ft tall.
The Crochet Hook stand over 6 ft 9 lbs. World's Largest Wind Chimes: Bolin Enterprises, Inc. 107 East Main St. cityofcaseyil.org With chimes suspended nearly 50 feet above the ground, the BEI wind chime is a sight to behold! The longest of five chimes is 42 feet long-almost double that of the past world record holder.
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The Big Cow
EFFINGHAM Cross at the Crossroads 1900 Pike Ave visiteffinghamil.com This 198 feet tall symbol of love and hope welcomes travelers along the interstate.
Stewardson
GREENUP Cumberland County Covered Bridge 1501-1505 Cumberland Rd byways.org At 200 ft., it is the longest single span covered bridge with no restrictions in the U.S. LINCOLN Railsplitter Covered Wagon 1750 5th St. abe66.com budurl.com/detk Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Covered Wagon. When fully assem-
bled the wagon weighs five tons and measures forty feet long, twelve feet wide, and twenty-four feet tall.
MONTICELLO Allerton Music Barn 515 Old Timber Road allertonmusicbarn.com This 19th century newly-refurbished Dutch hay barn is over 40 ft. high offering a big-time concert line-up. PONTIAC Route 66 Mural 110 W. Howard Street visitpontiac.org Take your photo in front of the 'World's Largest' Route 66 Shield! SPRINGFIELD Mastodon Skeleton 502 South Spring St museum.state.il.us This replica can be found at the Illinois State Museum standing 9 ft. 8 1/2 inches and is over 18 ft. long with tusks.
The Rail Splitter 801 Sangamon Ave Illinois State Fair Grounds Standing at about 35í tall with ax in hand, this Abraham Lincoln statue was placed in honor of Illinois Sesquicentennial in 1968. STAUNTON Tall Bunny Historic U.S. 66 henrysroute66.com This 9 feet tall bunny can be seen at Henry's Ra66it Ranch on Rt. 66. STEWARDSON The Big Cow Rt 32 stewardsonil.com Check out this big bovine that greets visitors into town.
Rees Carillon 1740 Fayette Street carillon-rees.org Built in 1961, the tower is 132 feet high making it one of the largest in the world! jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com
Getaway Guide – 57
Calendar of Events • Calendar of Events • APRIL 2015
4 Coles County Speedway Race Car Show, Cross County
more information, call (217)
25th Annual Putnam County
p.m., downtown Bloomington.
423-7708.
Spelling Bee." www.vermil-
309-829-9599
18-19 Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show, Macon County
lionplayers.com/.
10 Build Benld Craft Fair and Flea Market, Benld Civic
Mall, Mattoon
10-11 Spring Craft Show,
(217) 835-2114. More than 45
Each Saturday through September, Downtown
vendors and homemade food.
Farmers’ Market, 8 – 12
Center, 201 E. Central Ave.,
Cross County Mall, Mattoon
10-12 Town & Country Art
14-17
Show, Mattoon Depot
18 The Vault Arts Collective
MayDays Festival, Mr.
Lincoln Square, Downtown
May 17-Oct. 18 3rd Sun-
entertainment and refresh-
9p.m., downtown Tuscola.
4-6 Moweaqua Pow Wow Days, Central Park. The fes-
Clinton
Event. Meet the artists, live
JUNE 2015
tival will have a carnival,
ments. Tuscola 6 to 10 pm
day Market, Interstate Cen-
food and raffles.
monthly. For more informa-
ter, Bloomington; more than
www.moweaqua.org/.
tion, visit www.thevaultarts.com.
450 vendors; every third Sun-
24-25 Spores N' More Mush-
24
room Festival, Lake Shel-
Sullivan and Wilborn
Creek beaches open, Sullivan
byville and surrounding
6 Drew Baldridge 7:30pm at Mid America Motorsports
day through October.
FunFest Amphitheater in Effingham IL
5-7 Funfest for Air-Cooled VW,
areas. The kick-off reception
Fairgrounds, 3700 Westlawn
begins at 5:30 p.m. at Wind-
Ave., Decatur. Merchants
sor, IL with a mushroom
showcase jewelry, rough
8 a.m.-5 p.m. All day - crafts,
Effingham. Calling all Volk-
soup dinner. Events begin the
gems, finished gemstones,
demonstrations, food, music,
swagens to the Sweet 16
following morning with a bis-
lapidary, beads, fossils, and
and more. Set events:
Funfest for Air-Cooled VW
cuits and gravy breakfast.
mineral specimens from all
Farmer’s Market - 8 a.m. to
celebration! Enjoy all eras of
Events continue throughout
over the world. Demonstra-
noon, Battery G Fire Cannon
the iconic VW – Beetles,
the day with morel hunts and
tors will show how to create
- 9 a.m., Battery G Morning
Buses, Dune Buggies, Pas-
auctions, food, Blessing of the
marbles, do chain mail, lamp-
Dress Parade - 9:15 a.m.,
sats and more with Celebrity
Bikes and a Safety Day
work, wire wrap, beading and
33rd Illinois Volunteer Regi-
Choice judging, a swap meet,
demonstration. Email
silversmithing. Call (309)
ment Band - 11 a.m., Battery
expert seminars and a Satur-
spores@lakeshelbyville.com.
830-6516.
G to fire cannon - 1 p.m.,
day night concert. Displays
33rd Illinois Volnteer Regi-
include Motorworks Restora-
ment Band - 2 p.m., Battery
tions, Midwest AutoSavers,
G to fire cannon - 4 p.m.
Herbie movie cars and more!
18 Festival of the Young Child, 24-26 Sports Card Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon
Cross County Mall, Mattoon
24-26 Celebration: A Festival of the Arts, Eastern Illinois University Campus Doudna Fine Arts Center, South 7th St., Everything from blacksmithing to watercolor painting, with live performances
MAY 2015 1-3 New Car Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon
2-3 Eighth Annual Red Car-
and food. Call (217) 581-2113
pet Corridor Festival,
or www.eiu.edu/~festival/.
Towanda to Joliet. Festivals,
25 Festival of Spring, Rock
antique, craft and art sales,
(Close September 7)
30 Heritage Day, Pontiac, IL
23 “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” Car Show, Odell, IL. www.route66carshow.com.
29-31 Champagne British Car Show, David Davis Mansion Historic Site, Blooming-
www.funfestacvw.com
12-14 Tremont Turkey Festival, downtown Tremont in Tazewell County; food, games, entertainment www.turkeyfestival.com
6 Barn Quilts of Dewitt
ton.
30
Mid America Motorworks,
Homer Soda Festival,
County Spring Guided Tour.
Homer,
For more information, visit
www.homersodafestival.com
www.barnquiltsofde-
Springs Conservation Area,
car and motorcycle shows,
3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur.
live entertainment and yard,
Celebrate the first day of
garage and sidewalk sales
Nov. 7 Downtown Bloom-
13-14 Council Hill Tri-State
spring with animal shows,
along the way.
ington Farmers Market; lo-
Gourd, Council Hill Station
Each Saturday through
wittcounty.com.
wagon rides, astronomy pro-
8-11 Vermillion Players Sum-
cally-grown produce, crafts,
is happy to announce their
grams and fishing derby. For
mer Theatre, Pontiac. "The
entertainment; 7:30 a.m.-12
2015 Gourd Festival. This
58 – Getaway Guide
JG-TC • Herald&Review • Pantagraph
• Calendar of Events • Calendar of Events festival will be supported by
20 Greenville Graffiti Car
14-15 Beautiful Bagel Baby
the Illinois, Iowa, and Wis-
Show, On the Square. Regis-
Contest 6:30 pm, Cross
consin Gourd Societies. It
tration 9:00 am – Noon. Rain
County Mall, Mattoon
will be held on Saturday,
or shine. Awards, DJ, food
June 13th and Sunday, June
vendors and more! For more
Park, Mattoon, 500 Broad-
14th, 2015 at the historic
information, (618) 664-9272,
way Avenue. Bagelfest kicks
Council Hill Station in Scales
www.greenvilleusa.org or
off with a carnival. The
Mound, IL (near Galena, IL).
Greenville Graffiti Car Show
weekend will continue with
Festival hours will be 10 a.m.
on Facebook.
the Miss Bagelfest and Beau-
- 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. To participate as a vendor or for any further information please contact: Jill and Wes Nelson, twofeathers25@yahoo.com, Jill 815-451-2703 or Wes 815451-2175
6 Wheels Car Club Car Show,
25-27
Bloomington Gold
dors, local and national
www.bloomingtongold.com
music, www.mattoon-
26-27 Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival, Champaign
26-28 Summer Flea Market, Cross County Mall, Mattoon
27 Arthur Freedom Celebration fireworks, Jurgens Park, Illinois 133. Event features an air show with World War
13 Summer Start Up! Com-
II aircrafts, helicopter rides and skydivers.
JULY 2015
son Ave., Charleston. Activities include raffles, crafts, & mation, visit www.saintcharleschurch.org.
8-14 Decatur-Forsyth Classic,
1-5 Red, White & Blue Days, Morton Park, Division Street & Lincoln Avenue, Charleston. Vendors, activi-
Hickory Point Golf Course,
ties, live music, Farmer of the
272 Weaver Road. Players
Year and Little Mr. and Miss
from around the U.S. and
contests. For more informa-
around the world compete to
tion call (217) 345-7691 or go
earn a spot on the LPGA
to www.charlestonredwhite-
Tour. http://decaturforsyth-
andblue.com.
classic.com.
16-20 74th Midwest Charity
3-4 The Pantagraph's Celebrate America holiday con-
Horse Show, Illinois State
cert, 7 p.m., Miller Park
Fairgrounds, Springfield.
Bandstand, Bloomington
18-20 Steamboat Festival,
4 American Legion Post 68
Peoria riverfront; carnival,
July 4th Celebration, Sulli-
entertainment. info@peori-
van
aevents.com
12-14 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, Illinois
4 Sparks in the Park Celebration, Tuscola’s 4th of July event in Ervin Park.
State University Sports Com-
4 4th of July Celebration, Mr.
plex, Normal; competition for
Lincoln’s Square, Downtown
disabled athletes.
4 Fireworks at Coles County Airport at dusk. Food vendors on site. Free admission. Handicapped parking available. Shuttle buses running from Charleston and Mattoon. Bring lawn chairs/blankets. No personal fireworks, pets or alcoholic beverages allowed. (217) 345-7120 or
Borromeo Church, 921 Madi-
pork chop dinner. For infor-
tiful Baby contests, food ven-
Corvette Show, Champaign
3 pm, downtown Tuscola. munity Festival, St. Charles
14-18 Bagelfest, Peterson
Clinton
jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com
www.colescountyairport.com.
4 Fourth of July Celebration, Fairview Park, Casey. Events include horseshoe tournament, food, entertainment, and fireworks. For information, call (217) 932-2600.
4 Capital City Celebration, Old State Capitol grounds, Springfield; entertainment, fireworks
5-11
Moultrie Douglas
County Fair, Sullivan
9-12 I&I Historic Farm Days, Penfield, IL antiquefarm.org
8-12 Vermillion Players Summer Theatre, Pontiac, www.vermillionplayers.com/.
10-18 Heart of Illinois Fair, Exposition Gardens, Peoria; nightly grandstand shows, carnival, food.
11-12 Sugar Creek Arts Festival, uptown Norma; juried art fair, entertainment, food.
bagelfest.com
17-19 The East Central Illinois Antique Farm Equipment Club is hosting a tractor show at the Coles County Fairgrounds. This year we are featuring Odd Balls and Orphan tractors. During this event, there will be flea markets, food vendors, an antique tractor pull, and various tractor games.
18 “Stacks and Packs” car show at the Coles County Fairgrounds. This event will help support the Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois.
19 Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Art & Wine Festival, Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, Mackinaw; local and regional artists, live music, wine tastings.
27
Hummingbird Festival,
Okaw Valley Orchard, Sullivan 1 – 4 pm
26-Aug. 1
Coles County
Fair, Charleston, IL
AUGUST 2015 6-9 Decatur Celebration, downtown. The Midwest's most exciting street festival with 10 show stages featur-
Getaway Guide – 59
Calendar of Events • Calendar of Events • ing national and emerging
val, downtown Atwood. For
broom activities, food, a pa-
area's finest country and
music artists, carnival, arts
more information call 578-
rade with the Lawn Rangers
Americana antique dealers.
2512.
and more. For more informa-
This year features fourteen
tion, 217-268-4530 or
high quality antique dealers
www.chamber.com
and eight folk artists, pork
and crafts, over 60 unique food vendors and the Razzle
21-22 Taste of Champaign-
Dazzle Parade. For more in-
Urbana, Friday 5-11 p.m.;
formation, call (217) 423-
Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
4222 or decaturcelebration.com/home
5-9 McLean County Fair, In-
West Side Park
14-22
Cumberland County
11-13 Sports Card Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon
13 Fall Farm Day, Gail’s
chop sandwiches and local band, Big Blue Mountain. Rain or shine, event under
Fair, Greenup. Thoroughbred
Pumpkin Patch, 1709 2000th
cover. Free Admission. Direc-
terstate Center, Bloomington;
and harness races, tractor
Avenue, Beason, IL. 1:00 pm
tions: Take Rt. 16 west 1½
largest 4-H fair in country;
pulls, 4-H shows, musical en-
– 5:00 pm Come enjoy an af-
mi., turn left on Beechtree
carnival, food, entertainment.
tertainment, demolition
ternoon on the farm! Face
Rd. (Crestline Vet Clinic).
derby and a carnival for the
and pumpkin painting, farm
Drive ¼ mi. to “T” and turn
kids. For more information,
tours, barrel train rides, bee
right on 720 N County Rd.
www.cumberlandcountyfair.com.
demo, crafts and free ice
Drive ½ mi. to 1320 E and
cream! More information
turn left. Drive 1 mi.- Osage
217-447-3409 or www.gail-
Farm is on the left. (217) 508-
spumpkinpatch.com
8812 www.artandantique-
13-23 Illinois State Fair, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield. Events include carnival rides, entertainment, concerts, food, vendors, exhibits, and competitions.
27-30 Summer Flea Market, Cross County Mall, Mattoon
28-29 Lincoln Art and Bal-
For information, call (217)
loon Festival, Logan County
782-6661.
airport. A community-wide
9 Annual Bluegrass Jam, Lin-
event with art and barbeque
coln Log Cabin State Historic
contest, music, wine tasting,
Site, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. It's
car show and hot air bal-
bluegrass time again at the
loons.
Lincoln Log Cabin State His-
www.lincolnillinois.com
toric Site, with both fans and
SEPTEMBER 2015
performers gathering for the event. Musicians from Illi-
18-20 Fall Craft Show, Cross 12- Oct. 31
The Great
Pumpkin Patch, 9a.m. - 6
honors Vets with Vettes! Join Mid America Motorworks to celebrate America’s Armed Forces and America’s Sports
3-7 Threshermen's Reunion,
Car! The weekend includes
Threshermen's Park near
Corvettes, a Fun Run Road
day of jamming with infor-
Pontiac; equipment displays,
Tour, swap meet, on-site in-
mal groups playing along the
food, entertainment.
stalls, headlining Saturday night concert, expert semi-
The site's volunteers will be
Fairview Park. The event of-
nars and more. Special mili-
serving hamburgers, hotdogs,
fers 1,500 pounds of free pop-
tary parking and displays
and more with proceeds ben-
corn, carnival, crafts and
throughout the weekend. For
efit the historical and inter-
music. www.popcornfesti-
more information go to
pretive programs at the site.
val.net.
Corvettefunfest.com
Anyone with a love of this
5-7
Arthur Cheese Festival,
23-27
Pygmalion Music Fest,
Downtown Arthur. The event
come to join one of the many
will have a tractor pull, pa-
groups playing in the park.
rade, National Cheese Eating
For more information visit
Contest. Free cheese will
www.lincolnlogcabin.org, or
also be available.
Farm, Osage Farm, 1344 E
www.arthurcheesefestival.co
County Rd 720 N, 8:00 am -
call (217) 345-1845. cycle Tour, Sullivan Area Arts
14-16 Apple Dumpling Festi60 – Getaway Guide
11-13 Arcola Broom Corn
Champaign/Urbana
25-27 New Car Show, Cross
Cross County Mall, Mattoon
14-15 Oktoberfest and 11th
County Mall, Mattoon
26
OCTOBER 2015 1 Mattoon Chamber Expo,
unique style of music is wel-
10 Crusin’ The Cornfields Bi-
2:00 pm, (217) 345-4700
p.m.
verge at the site for an all
4-7 Casey Popcorn Festival
St in Charleston, 10:00 am –
17-20 Corvette Funfest 2014
nois and Indiana will con-
creek throughout the day.
satosagefarm.com
26 18th St Fall Festival, 18th
County Mall, Mattoon
Art and Antiques at Osage
3:00 pm. A unique shopping
Festival, Main Street, down-
experience, Art and Antiques
town. The event will have
at Osage Farm showcases the
Annual Chili Cook-Off, Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development
14-15
Sullivan Area Arts Ar-
toberfest Art Contest
23-24
Haunted Barns &
JG-TC • Herald&Review • Pantagraph
• Calendar of Events • Calendar of Events Hayrides, Cumberland
Show, Dougls County Mu-
County Fair Association. For
seum and Community
Lights Parade, downtown
Douglas County Museum 8
www.cumberlandcountyfair.com.
Building. Visit www.rural-
East Peoria; lighted-float pa-
– 11 am
24 Torchlight Halloween Hike and Weenie Roast, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic
21 East Peoria Festival of
lifeantiqueshow.com
6-8 Sports Card Show, Cross
rade to open holiday season.
27-Dec. 31 Christmas at
County Mall, Mattoon
TBD
5
Breakfast with Santa,
Santa Arrives, Christmas Festivities, Atwood
Clover Lawn, David Davis
5 Christmas in the Heart of
Site. Join us for a torchlight
13-15 Christmas Craft Show,
State Historic Site, Bloom-
Charleston, Courthouse
hike around the historic site
Cross County Mall, Mattoon
ington; mansion decorated
Square, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.
for holidays, tours
Holiday parade, carriage
then return to the Visitor
19-21 Festival of Trees,
Center for a Barn Dance and
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health
rides, refreshments, window
weenie roast.
System Health Education
displays, entertainment,
22-25 Fall Flea Market, Cross County Mall, Mattoon
31 Trick-or-Treat at Tanger
DECEMBER 2015
Center, Coles County. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and center-
11 Visit With Santa, Greenup,
Outlet Center, Tuscola 5 – 7
pieces will once again adorn
IL, 6 pm - 8 pm. Pictures
pm
the Lumpkin Family Center
with Santa, treat bags, hot
for Health Education. Net
dogs and drinks.
31 Trick or Treat 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Cross County Mall,
proceeds to benefit Healthy
Mattoon
Kids program, Emergency
mastown Celebration. For
Department renovation and
more information, visit
the Surgery Center.
www.point2tuscola.org
NOVEMBER 2015 13-14 Rural Life Antique
www.sarahbush.org (217) 238-4765
jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com
4-6 Tuscola’s Annual Christ-
5
Christmas Parade, Sullivan Noon
photos with Santa and much more. Parade starts at 5 pm. Check out our event page on
r u o Y k r a M Calendar Now!
Facebook under "Christmas in the Heart of Charleston". For more information please call (217) 348-0430.
5 Christmas Through the
Ages, Lincoln Log Cabin.
5 Annual Bloomington-Normal Jaycees Christmas Parade,
Normal to downtown Bloom-
Getaway Guide – 61
Micro Bloomington
Mahomet
DESTIHL 318 S. Towanda Avenue 309-862-2337 destihl.com
jt walkers Brewery 402 E. Main Street 217-586-2665 jtwalkersbrewery.com
Cantrall
Savoy
Rolling Meadows Brewery (not open to public- tours by apppointment only) 3954 Central Point Road 217-899-7239 rmbrewery.com
Triptych Brewing 1703 Woodfield Drive triptychbrewing.com
Champaign Blind Pig Brewery 120 N. Neil Street 217-398-5133 blindpigbrewery.com DESTIHL Restaurant and Brew Works 301 N. Neil Street 217-356-0301 destihl.com
Springfield Engrained Brewing Company 1120 Lincolnshire Boulevard 217-546-3054 engrainedbrewing.com Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery 503 S. 7th Street 217-670-0627 obedandisaacs.com
driftstone pueblo 20720160
jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com
Getaway Guide – 63
mattoon tourism 20720144