Chicago, Route 66 and the home of Abe Lincoln part 2
It was a restless night but not too bad as we have a long road trip today so I can chill and relax. We embarked on our short little trip on a bit of “Route 66”. We first stopped at Pontiac a name I’d only related to cars before. Let me tell you it’s a MUST SEE on any customers Route 66 itinerary. We visited the hall of fame and museum and were personally shown around by the Mayor of all people! This place is so interesting and has plenty to see, I’d say around 3 hours here would be good, or maybe arrive early afternoon with an overnight stay. Apparently they host old fashioned 50’s lindy hop nights which I imagine are well worth seeing.
We left Pontiac (reluctantly) and got back in our Dodge Caravan for the 2 hour drive on to Springfield. En route we stopped for lunch at the Cozy Dog Drive Inn, famous for cameo on Man vs Food. Having never eaten a corn dog before I was hooked, they are yummy (and totally fat free I’m told….hmmmm not sure on that!). We drove on the original Route 66 brick road, (of which there is only 1.5 miles left) and took some great group pictures.
Eventually arrive in Springfield, no nothing to do with The Simpsons (much to the disappointment of my 8 year old!). It’s the state capital and is teeming with history as Abraham Lincoln’s hometown. You can walk around his old house (although hardly any of the artefacts are original which is a shame). I’d strongly recommend a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Museum as this was very interesting and was laid out in such a way that it’s not too heavy going and is very interactive for the kids.
Our hotel tonight is the Hilton Springfield. Even though the public areas aren’t as flash as the Hyatt in Chicago, I actually preferred this hotel as I felt it was brighter and airier in all areas and the room. It’s worth noting we had rooms on the Hilton Honours Gold and Diamond floor. We had a nice chance to meet the wonderful suppliers who’d helped in putting this trip together and we got to tell them how trips like this can benefit travel agents.
We then went on to have a great meal at O’beds microbrewery and again were met by the Mayor. The food here was fantastic. We ended up in a great local’s bar and listened to a wonderful blues band adding to an amazing atmosphere and unforgettable night.
Tues 10th Sep 2013
We headed out to a great tour of Springfield in an old fashioned Wooden Trolley, this was interesting with the opportunity to take some fab pictures
After our Trolley Tour and the trip to the Abe Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum we have a lovely 4 hour drive ahead of us. We stopped en route at a real biker’s diner called “poopy’s”. I won’t share the story behind the name but feel free to Google! It served huge American portions and was reasonably priced, I recommend a stop here and if travellers feel the need they can get a tattoo done in the diner shop whilst waiting for their burger!
Our next stop was the Rocky Waters Winery in Hannover. This is a lovely suggestion for a client’s itinerary and a bargain at just $5 each including the tasting of 14 wines. It’s a family owned business and the wine was excellent, we even got to meet the lovely family dog. They have a lovely wooden cabin here available to rent out, on their lake which could be a great suggestion.
We then arrive at tonight’s lodging the “Irish Cottage Hotel”. This area location is hard to explain; somewhat of out of town (Galena is the main town here that people come to visit.) If budget won’t allow a stay in one of the local guest houses in Galena then this is the best option. Super comfy bed though!
We had dinner at the Eagle Ridge Golf Club, which is huge. There are three 18 hole courses and a 9 hole course. You don’t need a handicap to play here so it’s a really good one to tell clients about, some great views from the outdoor terrace at the bar which serves some fantastic food.
Weds 11th Sep 2013
We had a lovely Trolley Tour of Galena first thing which was really nice, a picturesque traditional little US town that you’d probably never heard of but really felt like good old fashioned America. The high street is a shopper’s paradise with little individual one off independent boutiques and trinkets, no main brands at all. I’d love to come back here and have more time (and money!). Sadly we then had to say goodbye to Illinois as we headed back home.
Before this trip my expectation of Chicago was that it would be very similar to New York. In reality though I thought Chicago was a wonderful city, much nicer in my opinion than New York, not as stressed or expensive but with so many similar things to offer like the sightseeing, shopping and the big Broadway shows.
It also has more green spaces, a free zoo, and some great beaches…I think a stop here in the summer would be brilliant.
As for the rest of the journey I learnt so much about the US and her history and it really opened my eyes as to how to sell other parts of the USA that aren’t the obvious big city or theme park destinations.