The Official Enjoy Illinois Blog

Rocky Waters Vineyard and Winery

Mile Markers — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:59:58 +0000

About twenty years ago, Jared & Phyllis Spahn purchased a lovely fruit tree laced piece of land just outside of Hanover, Illinois that inspired the planting of a vineyard.

While the grapes grew, Jared designed the fantastic building that houses the winery and tasting rooms, and Phyllis tended the fledgling adventure.

Rocky Waters Vineyard was busy with our fellow wine tourists when we arrived, but we were greeted personally by the vivacious Phyllis and her dog, Coco Chanel, and given the grand tour.

True passion brings forth great fruit, and the next thing we knew, we were all in Phyllis’ Range Rover bouncing through the fields for an up close look at the vines.

The vineyard was painstakingly laid out so that none of the fruit trees were disturbed. Pear, cherry, and apple trees remain interspersed among the vines and add a hint of flavor to the wines.

Our tour also included a stop at the lakeside cabin that the Spahn’s lived in while constructing the main building. Now it is known as The Fisherman’s Cabin and available as a vacation rental.

Back up at the main house we sampled the fruit of the vines while gazing over the rolling hills and pond below.

It’s hard to imagine a more serene spot to sit on a deck and sip a glass of wine.

Click here to see our full adventure down The Great River Road

–David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com, Illinois Mile Markers

Thanks to our partners for making this trip possible, including the Quad Cities CVB, Galena/Jo Daviess County CVB, Quincy Area CVB and Nauvoo Tourism Office. Want to follow in Mile Markers David & Veronica’s footsteps? Travel the below map!

View Illinois Mile Markers: Great River Road Itinerary in a larger map

A Hole Lot of Fun: The Best Swimming Holes in Illinois

Guest Blogger — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:30:26 +0000

There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot day than plunging into the clear waters of a cool swimming hole. While swimming pools have their place, every now and then it is soothing to get away from the smell of chlorine and crowded concrete pool decks sizzling from being baked by the sun.

Bell Smith Springs/ Bay Creek in Shawnee National Forest
Access to these spots is found a couple miles southwest of the Teal Pond campground

Within the Shawnee National Forest, there isn’t a single swimming hole to be found: there are tons. Many of these are found in the area of Bell Smith Springs and Bay Creek, and they’re gorgeous.

The area has countless scenic pools that look like advertisements for bottled water, with crystal clear swimming spots fed by rocky streams. Better still, on the hike to get to these places, you pass through beautiful craggy canyons and sandstone cliffs exploding with lush vegetation unique to Illinois.

For many, this is the perfect spot. You have to exercise a bit to get there, but when you arrive you’re awarded with a cool dip.

Lake Le-Aqua-na
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area 8542 North Lake Road Lena, IL 61048 815-369-4282

Because it is man-made and because of good watershed practices, Lake Le-Aqua-na is practically clear, setting it apart from many murky lake swimming areas. Another thing that sets it apart is the wonderful beach.

The lake gained its namesake from a local naming contest. The bookends to the name spell Lena, where it is located, and they’re broken apart by aqua which means, of course, “water”. The pleasant sandy beach area is 600 ft. long, and admission is free.

The beach is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

View of Lake Le-Aqua-Na

Kincaid Lake Spillway
Set GPS to 1 Spillway Rd., Murphysboro, IL. Upon arrival, continue on Spillway Rd., which turns into a large parking lot.

The Kincaid Lake Spillway is a bit of a local secret, and it’s obvious why they would guard it.

They have a little paradise there outside of Carbondale. Maybe that’s why directions to get there are a little Batcavian. Once you find it though, there’s an idyllic, three-level cascade spilling into an invigorating, fresh water pool.

During the summer, the spot can crowd with sometimes-rowdy locals, so keep this in mind if you intend to bring children.

Make sure to bring stiff-soled sandals (Tevas, Chacos, etc.), sneakers, or hiking boots for entrance to the area and navigating the falls. They’re a bit craggy.

Lake Kincaid Spillway

Rend Lake

Rend Lake is a great place for families. There’s such an enormous amount of space to choose from that you can pick seclusion or more populated areas. It’s easy to access and has ample amenities (depending on where you go).

Most beaches are in the South Sandusky Day Use area. If you’d like to wet a hook while others are fishing, the lake is renowned for large crappie and catfish.

Sunset at Rend Lake

Everything Going Swimmingly

Illinois has so many great swimming holes that it’s hard to pick one. Luckily, there are lots of great choices. Whether you aim to pull the car up to a sandy beach or stretch your legs on a nature trail before hopping in, Illinois is the place to be for those thinking outside of the 50-meter swimming pool box.

Jeffrey Ferraro is a travel enthusiast and expert. He is the Director of Marketing of Diamond Tours, the leading provider of charter group bus tours in the US and Canada, which includes tours of major cities, bus trips to shows and casinos. Jeffrey loves uncovering lesser known travel destinations and sharing them with his customers.

Vinny Vanucchi’s in Galena, Illinois

Mile Markers — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:59:27 +0000

Main Street in Galena, Illinois has been named a National Register Historic District, and it’s easy to see why. Even though most of the buildings serve as shops and restaurants now, they have been wonderfully preserved.

One of those restaurants is Vinny Vanucchi’s Little Italy and, after strolling around the lovely town, some Italian food was sounding pretty darn good to us.

The historic building has been transformed into four distinctive dining areas, including an outdoor cappuccino garden.

Testing our theory that the way to judge an Italian restaurant is by their meatballs, Vinny passed with flying colors. We also tried the Pasta Ala Vinny, linguini with shrimp, lobster and crab in a spicy olive oil and garlic sauce that was a seafood lover’s dream.

Topped off with a Chocolate Vanucchi, a moist, deep chocolate layered cake with white chocolate mousse and a cappuccino, we fully approved of the moniker “Little Italy.”

Cheers!

–David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com, Illinois Mile Markers

Click here to see our full adventure down The Great River Road

View Illinois Mile Markers: Great River Road Itinerary in a larger map

The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel in Galena, Illinois

Mile Markers — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:16:10 +0000

Stepping into the… wait, before we even entered The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel, we knew we weren’t simply entering a place to crash for the night, we were stepping into a philosophy. We love these kinds of places.

Situated in the rolling hills on the edge of historic Galena, The Irish Cottage concept was inspired by its surroundings, which reminded the owners, Jack and Debbie, of the Irish countryside.

The hotel is alive with Irish art, literature, and tradition. The pub showcases music and dance, with each guest room dedicated and named for a county in the old country.

We were blown away by the snugs imported from Ireland that bookended the bar in the pub. Snugs are small, private areas with easy access to the bartender. Snugs were used for “business” affairs or a place for a couple to sneak off alone. Though we never saw anyone go in the snug at the Irish Cottage, we’re guessing it gets used — a lot!

Our suite was named for County Clare and the artwork by Roisin O’Shea introduced us to the beauty of Clare.

We took advantage of the large whirlpool bath in the living area to sooth our sightseeing feet whilst marveling at the amenities like the wet bar and the ornate fireplace.

Complimentary hotel breakfasts usually consist of plastic vats of cereal, instant oatmeal and, if one is lucky, a boiled egg. Just food one snarfs enough of to get through a busy morning. Not so at the Irish Cottage. We were served homemade fare on lovely china that included the most mouthwatering scones we’d ever tasted.

I guess we shouldn’t have been surprised, nothing is done halfway here.

Click here to see our full adventure down The Great River Road

–David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com, Illinois Mile Markers

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Experience Illinois’ renowned golf scene along the Southern Illinois Golf Trail

Enjoy Illinois — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:31:51 +0000

Did you know Illinois is one of the Midwest’s top golf destinations? That’s right. Illinois boasts scores of pristine courses and frequently plays host to prestigious PGA Tour events, such as the U.S. Open, PGA Championship and this year’s BMW Classic – just to name a few. As the summer golf season hits full swing, there are no shortages of ways to enjoy golfing in the Land of Lincoln.

The southernmost course on the Trail, Gambit Golf Course, offers championship quality in a luxurious resort setting

Beginners and veterans alike can combine beauty with excellence, while visiting some of the region’s premier golf courses along the Southern Illinois Golf Trail.

Located near Carbondale, the Southern Illinois Golf Trail rests in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest area and features five courses that offer visitors the rare chance to play golf year-round. The trail offers golf options for both serious and casual golfers.

The best part is that along the way, trail-goers can soak in the beauty of nearby destinations like the Garden of the Gods and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

Golf is always in season on the Southern Illinois Golf Trail, where the mild weather allows for golfing nearly year round

If you’re trying to decide what course to stop at first, here’s a little more information about the trail stops:

Hickory Ridge Golf Center (Carbondale)

The public course at Hickory Ridge is challenging for all skill levels, with long fairways, sloping hazards and smooth greens. The facility also includes an in-house pro-shop and restaurant.

Stone Creek Golf Club (Makanda)

Stone Creek offers a championship course built in a resort setting with a restaurant and rental cabins. The club is located next to Shawnee National Forest and Giant City State Park, and combines a challenging golf course with breathtaking views.

Kokopelli Golf Club (Marion)

The course at Kokopelli was designed by internationally-renowned golf course architect Steve Smyers, who is busy creating courses in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Kokopelli has been recognized by Golf Week Magazine as a top course in Illinois.

Crab Orchard Golf Club (Carterville)

Opened in 1959, Crab Orchard is located just off Illinois Highway 13 and Interstate 57. The club was named one of Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play in Illinois.

Gambit Golf Club (Vienna)

The course at Gambit is located within a resort boasting an inn, steakhouse and golf training facility. It is located near Marion, just about 20 minutes from Superman’s hometown of Metropolis, Illinois.

–The Illinois Office of Tourism

All aboard the LaSalle Canal Boat!

Enjoy Illinois — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:22:47 +0000

If you’re looking for a waterway adventure that’s not your typical cruiser, hop on board the LaSalle Canal Boat. This full-sized replica of 19^th Century canal boats travels along the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal in an extra special way – pulled by two famous mules, Larry and Moe!

Board the LaSalle Canal Boat and enjoy the scenery and history of a mule-pulled ride

Every trip on the LaSalle Canal Boat is guided by animated and knowledgeable tour guides dressed up as crew and passengers in 19^th Century garb. The guides share fascinating facts about the American frontier as you encounter parks, historical sites, wildlife sightings, gorgeous landscapes and breathtaking views of the picturesque towns on the waterway.

Completed in 1848, the Illinois & Michigan Canal linked the Chicago River with the Illinois River at LaSalle to provide a direct connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. The completion of the canal transformed Midwestern trade from St. Louis to Chicago.

This modern boat has been specially designed to fit the classic structure of a 19th Century canal boat

The canal carried many travelers in its first few years, as it does today. Competition from the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad began in 1848 and passenger traffic on the canal decreased rapidly. Commodity shipping along the canal made up for the loss of passenger traffic and the canal paid off its debt in 1871, one of only a few canals to do so.

Starting in the 1900’s, the canal shifted to recreational use. Today, you can explore 96 miles of state parks, historical sites, wildlife and breathtaking bluffs along the canal.

Enjoy the summer sun on the rooftop deck of the LaSalle Canal Boat as you experience breathtaking views

Insider tip: If you ride the LaSalle Canal boat on Tuesdays or Sundays between April 27 and November 3, you’ll have special guest passenger Mary Todd Lincoln!

– The Illinois Office of Tourism

Museums, murals, and Muffler Men: Day 3

Mile Markers — Fri, 31 May 2013 14:48:36 +0000

Since we had plenty of time to cruise Route 66 on our way home, we backtracked to Gardner to get our trading card we missed the day before. At this point, we cheated and took the interstate back to Pontiac to make better time.

We then headed over to the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame Museum and Livingston County War Museum. This is one of our favorite places in Pontiac and has the largest Route 66 shield in the U.S. We walked around and checked out all the murals, 3D sidewalk mural, and art cars found along the way to the Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum and the International Walldog Mural and Sign Museum. The best thing about all the museums is that they are both free and educational. We have been to Pontiac on several occasions and there is always something new in each of the museums to look forward to.

At the Hall of Fame, they recently unveiled a new preservation project display at the entrance. I was glad to see some of the places I have volunteered at being showcased. I made a special point to go to the Pontiac car museum to see the recently installed handmade scale model of the Odell Gas Station by artist Willem Bor of the Netherlands. His models are so true to life that a picture of the real place and the model side by side are nearly identical 360 degrees.

We now headed to Chenoa. I was hoping to see the vintage Pharmacy located downtown, but it was closed – maybe next time. Next on our checklist was Lexington, which has a red neon sign with the town name pointing the way from the highway. We also slowly made our way along Memory Lane, an original alignment of 66 with vintage advertising billboards and Burma Shave signs.

After that, we slipped into Towanda and the last stop on the Red Carpet Corridor tour. Be sure to check out their walking Route 66 Geographical Journey and Dead Man’s Curve. We now had completed our collection of trading cards, but there was still more of 66 to go. As you can tell, there are people, places, and things to see in even the sleepiest little town and stories to hear along the main street of America.

While heading back to home, we made one more stop on Route 66 in the small town of Atlanta. This town has a muffler man named the Bunyon Giant, a smiley face water tower, the Palms Grill Cafe, J. H. Hawes Elevator museum, murals, and so much more all within a few blocks. This is a must stop for a weary traveler to slow down and take a break. If you are ever in Mclean, get a bite at The Dixie truck stop and then head downtown to the Arcadium Video Arcade Museum where everything is playable and be prepared to drop some quarters.

On our way home, we made a quick stop in Lincoln at The Mill, which is a former restaurant being restored to reopen as a museum and visitor center. I tried to get a picture of it with my Polaroid, but unfortunately the shot did not develop. We continued to pass many other familiar places, but did not stop until we reached home. Each and every time I travel Route 66, I discover something I have not seen before. It’s amazing how the Mother Road is forever changing, yet still the same.

Thank you for coming along on our journey and I hope you enjoyed the ride. Until next time, be sure to take the scenic route, slow down, and enjoy the view out your windshield.

Click here to see our full adventure along Illinois’ scenic byways.

–Josh Friedrich, Illinois Mile Marker

Thanks to our partners for making this trip possible, including the Peoria Area CVB, St. Charles CVB, Pontiac CVB, Geneva Motel Inn and BEST WESTERN Pontiac Inn. Want to follow in Mile Marker Josh Friedrich’s footsteps? Travel the below map!

View Illinois Mile Markers: Scenic Byways Itinerary in a larger map

Beautiful, Historic Galena, Illinois

Mile Markers — Wed, 29 May 2013 17:40:35 +0000

Galena, Illinois was at one time the center of attention for not only the state, but The United States.

When General Ulysses S. Grant returned to town after winning The Civil War, the eyes of the nation were upon him. The grateful townsfolk presented the victorious general with a gift of a stately home overlooking the city, and soon the calls for Grant to run for president began.

The town was not wholly unknown before then. As the nation’s top producer of lead, and a major river port, it was vitally important to the country’s expansion. Though sitting a few miles from The Mississippi, upstream on The Galena River, by the mid 1800s there was no busier port between St. Louis and St. Paul as steamboats hauled massive loads of galena, the lead ore that gave the town its name.

On our visit, we found a much different place, no longer a mining community or a center of politics, this is a town rich in history that has renewed itself as a year round destination with great options for dining, shopping, boating, hiking, fishing, and skiing at nearby Chestnut Mountain Resort.

By taking a tour on the Galena Trolley, we got a complete overview of the history, lore and politics of this architecturally rich city. We began at The Belvedere, an 1857 mansion erected by Joseph Russell Jones, a cheerleader of sorts for President Grant. Our hilarious, yet informative guide, Johnny, informed us that The Belvedere is now famous for housing some of Liberace’s estate items and the drapes from Gone With the Wind.

From there the trolley climbed the hill up to Grant’s home and throughout the neighborhood where many of his colleagues lived. All in all, nine of the Union’s generals in The Civil War hailed from Galena.

Back down along the river, we covered the length of the historic Main Street and it’s easy to see why this has been named a National Register Historic District. The buildings have been wonderfully preserved and most serve as shops and restaurants, making Galena not only a delight for history buffs, but foodies and shoppers alike.

Click here to see our full adventure down The Great River Road

–David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com, Illinois Mile Markers

View Illinois Mile Markers: Great River Road Itinerary in a larger map

Witness magnificent beauty on Peoria’s Grandview Drive

Enjoy Illinois — Tue, 28 May 2013 13:57:18 +0000

In 1910, President Teddy Roosevelt visited Peoria and meandered along the city’s Grandview Drive. After taking in the breathtaking views of the Illinois River Valley on the 2.5 mile stretch, Roosevelt called it the “World’s Most Beautiful Drive.”

More than 100 years later, the drive remains one of Illinois’ best. You can take in the same views of vistas and bluffs along the Illinois River and see historic neighborhood homes. As the only linear park on the National Historic Register, Grandview Drive lives up to its title with awe-inspiring panoramic sights. On a clear day, see more than thirty miles of panoramic views of Woodford, Tazewell and Marshall Counties.

Peoria’s beautiful riverfront on the banks of the great Illinois River

Experience the scenic stretch by car and foot! Grandview Park is run by the Peoria Park District and features hiking trail access, picnic benches and designated overlooks. Spend time witnessing the majesty of the valley, soaking in the colors of the season and see for yourself why Teddy Roosevelt adored the route.

Grandview Drive is located on Illinois River Road, a designated National Scenic Byway. The route meanders along the banks of the Illinois River and offers remarkable outdoor adventures, quaint destinations and an abundance of history for travelers to discover. Find out more by visiting the Illinois River Road website.

–The Illinois Office of Tourism

Blues men, space men, and other assorted celebrities: Day 2

Mile Markers — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:47:03 +0000

Saturday was looking up as the rain had cleared off and the sun was shining! We hopped back on the Lincoln Highway and went in search of food and decided upon the Egg Harbor Cafe in Geneva. We thought it was a local eatery, but found out it was a chain. The place was busy, which is always a good sign. We were seated and served promptly. The decor was all about chickens and we had a nice selection of fresh fruit, bacon, eggs, and some the best French toast I’ve had. All I can say is yum, seconds please!

After breakfast, we enjoyed the scenic drive on the LH and even drove a brief section where the Lincoln Highway and Route 66 are on the same path in Plainfield. Our first stop of the day was the Joliet Historical Museum on Route 66 and the beginning of the annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival. The 90 mile long event takes place in 13 communities along the shoulders of the mother road. This year, we were striving to collect a trading card from each town highlighting a piece of their history and community. I highly recommend the Joliet Museum to delve into road culture, astronauts, interesting photo ops, and a great gift shop. While traveling, look out for 33 Illinois Route 66 Wayside Exhibits located in 19 towns. They are informative displays about the local history. Be sure to have some paper and pencil handy to make a cool rubbing at some of the stations.

Further down the road we stopped in Elwood, which has a great children’s park. We then rocketed to Wilmington and an awesome photo op the Gemini Giant at the Launching Pad Drive In. We met a nice couple from the UK traveling 66 and we each took a group picture for each other. We would cross paths on 66 with them many times while getting our kicks on Route 66.

Next up was Braidwood and the colorful Polk-a-Dot Drive In where we enjoyed classic road food complete with a tabletop jukebox. I suggest the chili cheese fries. The kids loved riding the red sports car and seeing the many statues outside the building. There is also a unique zoo in Braidwood across the road that shouldn’t be missed.

With our bellies full, we made a quick stop at the K Mine Museum of Godley. We dropped in at Braceville’s town hall for our trading card and a brief history on a gas station. As we continued on our trip, we arrived in Gardner and their two cell jail built in 1906 along with the Riviera’s Restaurant sign and 1920′s dining car. Both are unique pieces of history and great places for a snapshot. Unfortunately, the volunteers had already left and we couldn’t get our trading card. We now set our sights on Dwight’s restored Ambler-Becker Texaco Gas Station. In addition to the vintage gas pumps, there is also an Electronic Vehicle charging station on the premises. After that we cruised over to Odell’s Visitor Center in a restored 1932 Standard Gas Station. There is even a vintage, compact travel trailer that is open to explore.

It was now late afternoon and he headed to Pontiac and the Best Western Hotel to check in. We relaxed a bit and then headed over to Mario’s Pizza a local family owned business. The service was good, the decor was Route 66/automotive themed, and they have a game room. We loved their mozzarella filled breadsticks. The pizza was thin crust and baked perfectly with little to no grease.

Stuffed full once again, we went to see a music review At The Hop by the Vermillion Players and attend an ice cream social. We all had a great time, especially the kids. I met Ellie Alexander the Pontiac Tourism Director, she did a splendid job with all our reservations for the night. We headed back to the hotel and thoroughly enjoyed the indoor pool. The kids were ready to show off their recently learned swimming skills. Our stay was wonderful.

Keep checking back to read about our third and final day cruising Illinois’ scenic byways.

Click here to see our full adventure along Illinois’ scenic byways.

–Josh Friedrich, Illinois Mile Marker

View Illinois Mile Markers: Scenic Byways Itinerary in a larger map