Getawayguide15

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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5

2

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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.

F

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

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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.

jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com

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

JG-TC • Herald&Review • Pantagraph

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

S

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-

T

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

JG-TC • Herald&Review • Pantagraph

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.

jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com

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!

A S

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.

jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com

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-

jg-tc.com • herald-review.com • pantagraph.com

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.

I

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.

S

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

M

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

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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

116 S. 17th St. Mattoon, IL

217-234-4855

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.

First Aid Gift Items Souvenirs Sav-Mor Pharmacy 596 S Oak St, Neoga, IL

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

JG-TC • Herald&Review • Pantagraph

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.

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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.

Charlie Parker's Diner 700 North Street Located in the Heart of Springfield across the street from the Illinois State Capitol and only blocks from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum and several other historical sites.

• 100 Traditional Rooms • 23 Deluxe Suites • 2 Executive Suites • Complimentary Hot American Breakfast Buffet • Guest Laundry • Complimentary Parking and wifi • Business Center • Piano/Cocktail Lounge

Visit us at www.TheStateHouseInn.com to view all of our current specials & packages!

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.

JG-TC • Herald&Review • Pantagraph

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