Amazing ACCO T
UNIQUE ACCOMMODATIONS
hroughout this publication we have heard a lot of stories and personal accounts from folks that have experienced many of these attractions and events first-hand. When it comes to overnight stays, there are just as many fond memories. There are several hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and more venues that know how to take care of visitors. To that point, there are also a few that provide some REALLY unique experiences. There is a boutique hotel in Casey that has been attracting Harry Potter fans from all over the country. Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover boasts a Gryffindor themed room, complete with everything from a wand and a Golden Snitch to a spiral staircase and Hedwig’s cage! Cortney Fries and her daughter drove 400 miles to experience this unique accommodation. “Half of the reason my daughter and I chose to spend a girls weekend in Casey is because she is a huge Harry Potter fan,” explains Fries. “From the Gryffindor
themed rug that greets you upon entry to the 9-3/4 sign, Hogwarts pennant, themed pillows and blankets, this room is decked out for all those who adore Harry Potter. My daughter loved her own private sleeping quarters up the spiral staircase, while I enjoyed the king bed,” Fries adds. For those who are travelling on Interstate 70 through our neck of the woods, there is an awesome place that gets rave reviews. The Cumberland Road Guesthouse is not only one of the cleanest places you’ll find, it’s also one of the coolest. This Airbnb is a vintage 1930 LINCO Filling Station completely renovated and nicely decorated with several pieces of memorabilia. This accommodation is also handicap accessible, which is another key factor in traveling for folks. There is enough room at the Cumberland Road Guesthouse to accommodate a family, thanks to three beds as well as a couch. There is also WiFi access and charging ports everywhere. This place is one you may want to book even without having a trip to go on!
Tucked away in rural Jasper County there is a place where hundreds of people flock to every year. Newton Lake is a fishing hotspot that is known among anglers for having some of the largest bass in the state. To give these traveling fishermen and women a place to stay, Tab and Vicki Walker built the Outdoor Sportsman’s Lodge in 2004. The 12-acre complex has six private guest log cabins that come with many comforts of home. The facility can host up to 24 people at one time and receives nothing but high praise from travelers. “The accommodations were impeccable, however, the people who own the Lodge were even better,” admits Paul Schultz, a fisherman who traveled several hours for the experience. “It’s amazing how a nice place is defined more by the customer service than the place itself,” Schultz adds. The story that Schultz has is a memory that he will never forget. After a slow day on the lake, he called it quits early. When he returned to the Outdoor Sportsman’s Lodge, he explained his slow day to Vicki. A few minutes later Schultz had a knock on his door from Tab Walker who told him to grab two rods – they were going back out. “How often do you get the pleasure to jump in the
Cumberland Road Guesthouse
Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover
Outdoor Sportsman's Lodge
Photo Credit: Courtney Fries
66
ILLINOISouth Visitor’s Guide 2022
Unique Accommodations
