Getaway Guide 2019 by Herald & Review

GETAWAY GUIDE

To Central Illinois 2019-2020

CRAFT BEER CULTURE FLOWING IN DECATUR FIND ALL KINDS OF EVENTS IN OUR YEAR-ROUND CALENDAR OILFIELD CAFé HARKENS BACK TO SImPLER TImES KIDS’ ACTIVITY PAGES!

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Y. E AT. S TA Y. P L A

AT THE CROSSROADS OF I-57 AND I-70, A VIBRANT COMMUNITY AWAITS...

2â&#x20AC;&#x192; Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

GETAWAY GUIDE Dwight Pontiac

Beaverville Gilman

Watseka

Fairbury

136

Bloomington

Middletown

Lincoln

Athens

150

Clinton

Mt. Pulaski 36

Rochester Chatham Taylorville Pana

Carlinville

Nokomis Litchfield

Plainview Bunker Hill

Monticello Bement

Danville 74

Arcola Oakland Paris 57

Mattoon

Windsor Shelbyville Strasburg

Georgetown 150

Arthur

Findlay

Oakwood

Tuscola

Sullivan

Bethany 51

Mahomet Urbana

Champaign

Decatur

Rantoul

136 74

De Witt

LeRoy

Heyworth

Petersburg

Springfield

I N D I A N A

Normal Shirley Atlanta

Kansas Charleston Marshall Lerna 70

Greenup

Coffeen Staunton

Effingham 57

Hutsonville Newton

Palestine

Contents

4-5

Lincoln’s Legacy Runs Deep

6-9

Near the Beer

42-44 Oilfield Café- Café Serves Up Meals & Live Music

10-13 Birds, Boaters, Bicyclists

45-46 Central IL Race Tracks

14-16 Walnut PointAn Nature Sanctuary

48-49 Central IL Golf Courses

18-19 Sapling from Appleseed Tree Planted

47 50

Price/Ratings- Trump Hotel Brand names

The Greatest Rivers

52-53 Hooks, Lines & Sinkers

23-39 Calendar of Events

State Parks

40-41 Flying High- More Eagles Making Their Homes in Illinois

SALES MANAGERS Amanda Jones 309-820-3341 Angela Stewart 217-421-8941 NEWS MANAGER Scott Perry 217-421-7976 PROJECT COORDINATOR Casianne Bailey 217-238-6840 SALES Demi Stevens Ivan Cruz Mark Barra Alyssa Blessent Mark Mandrell Jeff Shaw Connie Anderson Michael Katz Kyle Speas Jessica Carey Daniel Douglas

EDITORIAL Rob Stroud Jarad Jarmon Claire Hettinger Ryan Voyles Lenore Sobota Julia Evelsizer Kelsey Watznauer Charles Burdick Maria Nagle PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Howell Jim Bowling Clay Jackson

Welcome to Illinois

21-22 Sugar Grove- Syrup, Stars & Trails 28-29 Kids Activity Pages

PUBLISHERS Michelle Pazar 309-820-3362 Randy Mitchell 217-238-6822

Making the Most of Kids’ First Fishing Trips

54-55 What a Kick! - Route 66 Expeirience Hub Unveiled!

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois is published by the Journal Gazette/Times-Courier 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 5

Charleston 31

Arthur 9,11, 12-13,36

Decatur 33

Bloomington/Normal 17-19, 21,

Effingham 2, 37, 40

23, 25-26

Lerna 39

Casey 27

Maroa 36, 40

Champaign 30

Marshall 41

Mattoon 43-46 Monticello 47 Peoria 49-50 Peterburg 51 Sullivan 54-55 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 3

JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW‌

A statue of Abraham Lincoln on the campus of Millikin University. It was installed in the 1940s.

Lincoln’s legacy runs deep Macon Co. was his first Illinois home, propelled him to presidency CLAIRE HETTINGER ‌DECATUR — The Lincoln legacy runs deep in Central Illinois — and the region is dotted with landmarks of the 16th president. Other states lay claim to Lincoln. His early years were in LaRue County, Kentucky, before the family moved to southern Indiana. It wasn’t until 1830 that the family made the 200-mile journey to Illinois, eventually settling on the edge of the Sangamon River 12 miles southwest of Decatur. Lincoln, in his 20s, canoed the

river and worked on the farm of Macon County Sheriff William Warnick. He also is said to have delivered his first political speech, defending the Illinois Whig Party candidate at Harrell’s Tavern in downtown Decatur, the first steps in a career that would lead to the White House. The Lincolns left after a rough winter of snow and limited food. “It was a really bad year for the Lincoln family when they were here,” said Ron Spears from the Abraham Lincoln Association. Three decades after coming to Macon County, after stints as a country lawyer and state lawmaker, Lincoln accepted the endorsement for president at the state Republican convention, and gained the nickname “The Rail Splitter Candidate,” in Decatur. That first Illinois cabin of

4 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

If you go WHAT: Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Memorial WHERE: South Lincoln Memorial Parkway north of Mount Auburn Road, Harristown Township, Illinois MORE INFO: (217) 864-3121 or visit dnr.illinois.gov

Lincoln on north bank of the river is long gone, but the site near Harristown is now the Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Memorial. Its 162 acres offer canoeing, picnicking, hiking and recreational opportunities. Most of all, it provides a glimpse into what Abe saw as a young person — the teeming

muddy river, the grassy fields, the forest canopy. Volunteers also have been working to further develop the historic nature of the site by restoring landscaping to the period, as well as planting numerous native species of trees. They also removed invasive honeysuckle. The goal is to preserve the “historic landscape to show things Lincoln would have seen,” said Louis Yockey from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Although he only spent a year at the site, it remains an important piece of the story of Lincoln’s life in Illinois, said Paula Cross, chair of the Decatur and Macon County Looking for Lincoln Committee. “It started his Illinois journey,”

she said. “It’s the first step in his story, for us.” The state memorial was created in 1938 and commemorates the approximate location of Lincoln’s first home in Illinois. Efforts also were made to plant trees on Lincoln Memorial Parkway between Old Route 36 and Mount Auburn Road. Elsewhere in the Decatur region, Lincoln also is honored with a 4,000-pound bronze figure of a young Lincoln on the campus of Millikin University. “At twenty one I came to Illinois” is engraved in the base. A bronze statue of a young Lincoln also was erected at east and north Main streets near the site of the former Harrell’s Tavern. His last visit to the city was while he was goi ng to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration. Another statue stands in front of the Macon County Courthouse on Wood Street. “We kind of have the full gamut here,” Cross said. “It started here in Decatur-Macon County, and it ended here in Decatur-Macon County before he went to Washington.”

CLAY JACKSON, HERALD & REVIEW‌

Seventy-five native trees, including this Deer Apple tree, were planted along Lincoln Memorial Parkway in the fall in an effort to improve the appearance of Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Memorial. The site is where Abraham Lincoln and his family first settled in Illinois.

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Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 5

Decatur Brew Works on North Main Street in Decatur carries a variety of craft beers and ciders, as well as their own creations.

CLAY JACKSON Photos, HERALD & REVIEW‌

NEAR THE BEER

Decatur offers blossoming craft beer culture How a nascent brewing industry took hold in Decatur RYAN VOYLES

Since it opened three years ago, Decatur Brew Works has attracted a diverse crowd with events like yoga and trivia nights.

6 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

‌ ECATUR — The beer is here. D Three breweries have opened in Decatur in recent years — Decatur Brew Works, Door 4 Brewing Co. and Golden Fox Brewing – and Monarch Brewing Co. in Monticello, 1905 Brewing Co. in Assumption and Two Doors

Down Brewery in Clinton also have launched. The first was Decatur Brew Works. Planning took well over a year as the group looked for a downtown location, tried to identify the best marketing strategy and used popular crowdfunding site Kickstarter to help raise capital. All that work came to fruition when the brewery opened in January 2016. From there, the floodgates lifted. “It’s like a hockey game. Once

Jimmy Misner cleans equipment at Door 4 Brewing Co. on West Cerro Gordo Street in Decatur.

the first goal goes in, watch out,” said Tim Fyke, majority co-owner of Door 4. “Three more are about to go in.” Door 4 started in December 2017 with a taproom as well as a distribution area. Golden Fox Brewing started operation as a distribution-only company out of Illiopolis in 2016. Co-owner Kevin Ray, a longtime member of the local craft beer scene, said it’s been a long time coming for the community to embrace craft beer. “I think we’re slowly starting to catch up,” he said. What makes Decatur stand out is that each location fits a different niche in the market, said Jimmy Misner, brewmaster at Door 4 Brewing Co. Decatur Brew Works will always have the reputation as the “original” brewery in the community, as well as what

Please see Beer, Page 8

Door 4 Brewing on West Cerro Gordo Street started in December 2017 with a taproom as well as a distribution area.

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 7

CLAY JACKSON, HERALD & REVIEW‌

Co-owner Kevin Ray at the Golden Fox Brewing at 2874 N. Dinneen Street in Decatur.

Misner affectionately referred to as the “Cheers” vibe at its location. For Golden Fox, it’s the unmatched potential of its outdoor space, which includes a bar and patio area, a stage, picnic space and basketball court on 8 acres. At Door 4, Misner and owner Tim Fyke said it’s the event-based business that includes concerts, comedy, corporate outings and its location near Millikin University. The growing interest also sparked the Decatur Craft Beer Festival, which sees hundreds of people make their way downtown every fall to taste beers from across the state. The event began in fall 2016 as the spiritual successor of the “Pints for Pups” event and all proceeds went to

If you go DECATUR BREW WORKS 101 N. Main St., Decatur Opened in 2015 DOOR 4 BREWING CO. 1214 W. Cerro Gordo St., Decatur Opened in 2017 GOLDEN FOX BREWING and Taproom 2874 N. Dinneen St., Decatur Opened in 2018

Macon Resources Inc., where Lewandowski served as executive director until his retirement in 2017. While that went on, the Decatur Area Arts Council hosted

8 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

a fall event, one of its two major fundraising events of the year, said Executive Director Jerry Johnson, with an Oktoberfestthemed event becoming an annual tradition. But shortly after the 2016 events, Johnson said, Lewandowski approached him to combine their fundraising events. Seeing firsthand how craft beer has grown in popularity, Johnson said he welcomed the partnership. “It’s obviously grown, and that’s why we shifted the focus toward craft beer,” he said. This year’s event, set for Aug. 24, will solely be an arts council endeavor. The beer festival, along with spring’s Corks and Forks event, is one of the council’s two major fundraisers, which combined bring in just

under 20 percent of its total annual revenue. There are also moments where the growth in popularity has a smaller, but no less significant impact. Matt Cushing has dabbled on-and-off with craft beer for around 20 years, including a short-lived period of homebrewing. But the retired schoolteacher said it was around three years ago that he first dove “into the deep end” of craft beer when he and friends from church came together to form the 9BC group. The group, whose name stands for 9 Beer Club as well as 9 Before Christ, have met once a month every Monday to try new styles of beer and just talk about life. “It really opened my eyes to

the different styles and tastes of beers,” he said, adding the group has also made trips to St. Louis and other local places to try their breweries and talk with brewers and fellow beer lovers. That passion has led Cushing to a second career, as he now works part-time as a bartender at Door 4, which he said was a perfect way to be around a hobby he has come to love. “What could be more fun than serving craft beer at a place where I could talk to people about craft beer?” he said.

Future partners in brew‌

Whether Decatur can support even more breweries remains to be seen. McGorray, Lewandowski and Ray said they were unsure whether the market could support more than the three existing establishments. As Misner looks at similar-sized cities, he said he’s not sure why Decatur could not support additional ones that may come to the market. “Statistically, (Decatur) could harbor plenty more breweries or brewpubs,” he said. “There are lots of other cities this size that have multiple places that make their own beer and serve it to the public.” Those involved with the three breweries said they have their own goals for the coming years, and that includes supporting one another to help keep the local beer community thriving. “We’re all on the same page in wanting to provide the community with something they

Golden Fox Brewing in Decatur was established in Illiopolis in 2016, then moved to Decatur in 2018.

really haven’t had until a couple of years ago,” Misner said, adding “we want to bring a culture that’s been around other areas for a long time to Decatur, and we’re all building on that.” That culture is something that has really helped draw Cushing to the local breweries. Along with the beer, Cushing said one is almost guaranteed to find a friendly staff and crowd who share a passion for a good beverage.

“The people are just genuinely passionate about their beers, but they’re also passionate about educating their customers about what’s good and I think they love to help them find a beer they enjoy,” he said. And along with helping one another out, Ray said they also want to make sure to welcome newcomers to the scene and ease them into trying out new and unique beers. “If you can get something in

their hand for them to try it, then it at least advances their knowledge,” Ray said. “The more breweries that come around, the more varieties we have, the more we can get it into their hands and let them know there are other options. “And maybe they like those other options better, but it gives them the opportunity to visit a place that only has craft beer rather than a local business that has a combination.”

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Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 9

A fisherman casts his line shortly after sunset at Comlara Park’s Evergreen Lake in April 2019. LENORE SOBOTA, PANTAGRAPH FILE PHOTO‌

BIRDS, BOATERS, BICYCLISTS FLOCK TO COMLARA PARK NEAR BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL

LENORE SOBOTA

lenore.sobota@lee.net‌

‌HUDSON — With a 925-acre lake surrounded by woodlands, fields and trails, Comlara Park, 15 miles north of BloomingtonNormal, offers a variety of activities for the nature lover. The centerpiece of the park is Evergreen Lake, popular for fishing and boating — both motorized and self-propelled. It has more than 22 miles of shoreline and an average depth of 19 feet. The lake was created in 1972 as a drinking water reservoir for Bloomington. It is surrounded by the park, which McLean County operates under a long-term lease. “Kayaking has really exploded in the last five or six years,” said Mike Steffa, McLean County parks and recreation director. “Rentals are skyrocketing. We’re adding more kayaks.” In addition to kayaks, the park rents canoes, paddle

LENORE SOBOTA, Pantagraph file photo‌

Great Blue Heron perches at Comlara Park on a sunny autumn day. Herons, bald eagles and Canada gees are among the many birds regularly seen at the park.

boat and rowboats, with and without motors. Among the reasons the lake is popular with paddlers are the various nooks and crannies to

10 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

explore and the 10 horsepower limit on motorboats, which lessens conflicts and large boat wakes. “It’s a fairly tranquil lake,”

said Steffa. And, unlike Lake Bloomington, its neighbor 5 miles to the east, Evergreen is surrounded by parkland and has no residences. Park admission is free, although there are fees for certain activities. For information on fees for camping, boating, watercraft rentals, the swimming beach and equestrian access, go to www. mcleancountyil.gov and click on “parks and recreation” under the department tab. All boats using the lake, including kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards, need a county registration sticker, available at the visitors center or from self-service kiosks at the two boat ramps. Located just off Interstate 39, the park attracts visitors from the Peoria area, LaSalle-Peru, Streator and suburban Chicago, said Steffa. “A lot of people from up north come to fish for crappie,” he said.

Other popular game fish in the lake are muskie, large and small mouth bass, white bass, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill and saugeye, a walleye-sauger hybrid. The park hosts a number of fishing tournaments throughout the year, including high school fishing events. “Camping is the bread and butter of the operation,” said Steffa. The park has 144 campsites, including 94 electric sites. The campground in the main recreation area has shower facilities. The White Oak Area has a campground with 16 primitive, walk-in sites with fire rings, picnic tables and pit toilets. Both the White Oak Area and main recreation area have walk-in group tent camping areas. The park is popular with wildlife as well as people. It’s common to see deer at dusk, but you also might see raccoons, beavers, muskrats, minks and even river otters. A few years ago, a pair of bald eagles built a nest on the lake and they have returned every

Please see Comlara, Page 12

LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER, Pantagraph File Photo‌

Jane Smith of Bloomington riding in the sport division, races just ahead of Jennifer Sandenaw of Pekin during the 2014 Mud Sweat and Gears race on the mountain bike trails at Comlara Park.

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 11

Melanie Hunter of Bloomington checks out the fall colors while kayaking at Comlara Park in fall. LENORE SOBOTA, THE PANTAGRAPH

» COMLARA From 11

year since. Steffa, who has worked at the park for about 30 years, said, “I never would have guessed we’d have resident bald eagles here. It just blows my mind.” More than 10 miles of trails serve hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Lauren Chessare, president of the Comlara Off-Road Biking Association, which developed the cycling trails, said, “The club has successfully taken a relatively flat portion of land and still managed to build several miles of trails with a nice mixture of technical features, twisty turns and ‘flowy’ portions.” The trails include “dirt jumps and wooden features, which is relatively unique for trails in Illinois,” said Chessare. The park is popular with trail runners, too, and several races take place annually, including Da Deer Run Run each December, an 8 kilometer Euro-style crosscountry run that includes barriers to go over (or sometimes under). 12

Arthtsuofrunique offerings

CARLOS T. MIRANDA, Pantagraph ﬁle photo

Carrie Hymer runs in Da Deer Run Run at Comlara Park in 2007. The park is popular with trail runners and hosts several races.

Other popular events include the Tri-Shark Triathlon. Steffa’s favorite seasons at the park are autumn and spring. “I love the colors of fall,” he said. The park is bordered by pines and hardwoods, including colorful sweetgum trees.

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

n Home to endless afimnoud anywhere else. We that you can’t t out and explore our encourage you to seds, discover our quaint beautiful back roay a local cuisine. W here downtown and enjoands and hearts behind the you can meet the hducts that make visiting the businesses and pro truly authentic experience. Arthur Area a 217-543-2242 | s u s. oi n li il r u th r A

LENORE SOBOTA, PANTAGRAPH FILE PHOTO‌

American White Pelicans use Evergreen Lake near Hudson north of Bloomington-Normal as a rest stop on their migration north in April 2018.

Their reflections in the water, especially in protected coves, doubles the beauty. “I like spring, too,” said Steffa, a self-described “bird nerd.”

He enjoys all the migrating waterfowl that arrive in spring and fall as well as the brightly colored warblers and other spring migrants.

In recent years, an increasing number of American white pelicans have been stopping at Evergreen Lake during migration. It’s not unusual to

see trumpeter swans and loons during migration. Dave Weth, an avid bird photographer who teaches a continuing education course on birding at Heartland Community College, said, “I love birding at Comlara because it offers so many different habitats – water, woods and prairie.” Weth said, “I especially enjoy the south end, from Shady Hollow to Red Tail Trail. I bird it year-round. I may actually enjoy the winter more because of the serenity.” There are picnic tables throughout the park, including five reservable picnic shelters, one of which has electricity. Glaesner Beach swimming area has 2.5 acres of water, separated from the main lake, and four acres of sand beach. It includes a Lazy Lagoon area with float tubes and the Pirate Cove play area next to the beach. If you are wondering about the origin of the park’s name, it’s an acronym for County of McLean Lake and Recreation Area. Contact Lenore Sobota at (309) 820-3240. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Sobota

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The lake at Walnut Point State Park.

WALNUT POINT: A nature sanctuary among a sea of farmland

JARAD JARMON

Notable Do’s and Don’ts

jarad.jarmon@lee.net‌

‌OAKLAND — It could be the 5.6 miles of hiking trails, the 59-acre lake or the concessions building that serves more like a restaurant than anything else. Whatever it might be, Walnut Point State Park, which sits among a sea of farmland north Oakland, has continued to draw visitors from all over despite its seclusion, like Al Willison of Hindsboro and Brendan Clancy of Mokena, since 1968 when it opened as Douglas County Conservation Area. The parks seclusion out in the country has developed the true heart of the park, which for Jamie Hopper, the site assistant superintendent, is its uncanny ability to feel quiet even when it is busy.

• Don’t pick the wildflowers • Don’t touch or feed wildlife • Stay on trails • Keep your pets on a leash at all times • Wear proper footwear • Remember canteens or water bottles

JASON HOWELL PHOTOS, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER‌

Brendan Clancy, of Mokena, spends time at Walnut Point State Park.

“Even when we are busy, we are not,” Hopper said. “This park has a laid-back feel. Even when the campground is full and even

14 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

when the crowd at the restaurant on Sunday is at max capacity, you can find a spot in this park where you feel like you are by yourself.”

The park has modest signage leading to its single entrance at 2331 E County Road 370 N, but it leads many still to view what it has to offer. Willison knew of the spot for years but said he started taking walks frequently on the trails eight years ago to get a little peace from the hustle and bustle of the day. “I came across it one day

Grace Hopper, 13, of Oakland, runs along the road of Walnut Point State Park during a recent outing.

Walnut Point trails Whispering Pines Length: 1.75 miles Difficulty: Moderate Special note: It winds through nature preserve Woodpecker Length: 1 mile Difficulty: Slight Special note: It has an overlook of the lake. Observatory Length: 2.35 miles Difficulty: Moderate Special note: It has rolling terrain and starts from Whispering Pines Trail. It is closed during archery deer season. Gray Squirrel to Twin Points Length: .5 mile Difficulty: Moderate Special note: It is a connection for a 3-mile exercise loop

The William’s Cafe at Walnut Point State Park.

and just started walking,” Willison said. Since then, he has made sure to walk about 5 miles in the mornings when the weather is right.

“I just like the atmosphere out here,” he said. “It is nice walking out here.” His is the story of several that have made their way to the park. He happened upon the site soon

after finding the gems within the park, namely the lake. It was the thing that caught Clancy’s eye. Clancy, a camping hobbyist from up near Chicago, came down

on a cooler weekend at the cusp of Spring for the first time with an interest to check out this park located on a quiet edge of this small central Illinois town.

Please see Walnut, Page 16

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 15

»» WALNUT

Highlights of Walnut Point

From15

He knew of the park but never made his way down until that weekend, and he said it was the lake that first struck him. Clancy hails from an area with local parks that do not have the lakes like the one in Oakland, and it was a good chance for him and his friend to fish and enjoy the water. The lake is a driver for many in the area, Hopper said, with many wanting to fish its bluegill, redear sunfish and large mouth bass. While motorized boats are not allowed on the lake, Hopper said the staff is also finding more kayakers on the water. If we have good weather, we will see up to 20 kayakers on Saturdays and Sundays. Hopper said birders also have several birds to look at, including the pileated woodpecker, cardinals, blue jays and white egrets. Squirrels and raccoons are also popular in the park for archery season. Recently, the park also started

Cave Oak: At 13 foot, 7 inches around, this once double trunk tree is now a single with one side having fallen down to create a space or “cave.” The Steps: Rumored to be haunted by the ghost of park rangers past, steps located on the Whispering Pines Nature Trail descend into a steep ravine which carries water to the Embarras River. The Big Walnut: A walnut tree measured at 10 feet, 2 inches is believed to be the largest walnut tree in the park with a canopy that stretches above the tree line despite the fact it sits 40 feet below the ridge above it.

a junior Ranger program geared to encourage younger individuals ages 3-13 to pick out spots all along the park. The goal is to take a picture at several specific spots marked with yellow posts in the park and get a junior ranger badge. When they are not walking

The Big Ash: This is believed to be the largest ash tree in the park measured at 14 feet, 1 inch around. The Big Maple: This sugar maple is the biggest of this specimen in the park measured at 9 feet, 4.5 inches around. The Prairie Trail: A short trail in the park takes visitors through a prairie grass plot. Wood Duck Boxes: Oakland High School shop, art and biology classes installed nine wood duck boxes around the lake to be located by visitors.

the trails or on the water, visitors are also found at the campsite with 60 camping spots, 34 of which have electricity ports. Hopper said people are urged to reserve spots, noting they are booked almost every weekend. Reservations can be made through the Reserve America website.

JASON HOWELL, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER‌

Al Willison, of Hindsboro, walks along one of the hiking trails at Walnut Point State Park. Willison first discovered the park eight years ago and has incorporated a five- mile hike into his daily routine.

The campsite sits next to the water and also next to the William’s Cafe, which becomes a hotspot in the park during the months it is open from April to October, Hopper said. Contact Jarad Jarmon at (217) 238-6839. Follow him on Twitter: @JJarmonReporter

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Fox Creek Vineyards 5502 N. Fox Rd. Olney, IL 62450 Long Creek Vineyards 7185 E. Firehouse Rd. Decatur, IL 62521 Mackinaw Valley Vineyard 33633 IL-9 Mackinaw, IL 61755 Vahling Vineyards 2683 County Highway 6 Stewardson, IL 62463

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Right Place The

• JUNE 2 Champagne British Car Festival • JUNE 21–22 Glorious Garden Festival • JUNE 2–AUGUST 10 Illinois Shakespeare Festival • JULY 13–14 Sugar Creek Arts Festival • JULY 20 Medici Craft Beer & Jazz Festival

MAJOR FESTIVALS and FAIRS HAPPENING in the BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL AREA

• JULY 31–AUGUST 4 McLean County Fair • AUGUST 17 Front Street Music Festival • JULY 19–21 Lincoln’s Festival on 66 • AUGUST 24–25 Sweet Corn Festival • NOVEMBER 22–24 The Baby Fold’s Festival of Trees CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A FULL LIST OF ALL BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL EVENTS.

VisitBN.org / 800.433.8226

estivals create the perfect summer atmosphere by bringing together large groups of people, live music, food, fun and entertainment. The festival fun will kick off in June when the Champagne British Car Festival rolls into town, which features 100 British cars displayed in all of their unique and varied glory on the grounds of the David Davis Mansion. Also at the David Davis Mansion will be the Glorious Garden Festival, which highlights several beautiful gardens in the Bloomington-Normal area. Attendees of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival can bring a picnic basket, a bottle of wine and have dinner before the show on the grounds of Ewing Cultural Center. Performances at this year’s festival will be Caesar, As You Like

It and Pride and Prejudice. Arts and crafts vendors from across the country will display their talents and products at the Sugar Creek Arts Festival in Uptown Normal, which features the artwork and craftsmanship of over 100 artists. If you love history, then Lincoln’s Festival on 66 is the perfect way to spend your weekend. Reenactments and lectures are included in the festival, which details Abraham Lincoln’s connections to BloomingtonNormal and the impact of Route 66 in our area. The McLean County Fair kicks off at the end of July. In addition to the carnival rides, attendees can interact with farm animals at the petting zoo, attend magic and comedy shows, and enjoy funnel cakes and lemon shakeups. At the Front Street Music Festival in

downtown, food trucks and beer tents will be on hand to satisfy your appetite as you dance to the live music. Over 50,000 ears of fresh sweet corn will be on hand at the Sweet Corn Festival. Grab an ear and enjoy the sidewalk sales, arts, crafts and flea market vendors. Kick off the holiday season at the Baby Fold’s Festival of Trees, which features hundreds of gorgeous holiday trees, wreaths and ginger bread houses. For more information and a full list of Bloomington-Normal events, call us at 309.665.0033 or visit our website at VisitBN.org.

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 800.433.8226 \ VisitBN.org Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 17

Sapling from

tree APPLESEED

planted in Normal

Museum’s purchase to help commemorate bicentennial in 2018 JULIA EVELSIZER

NORMAL — Johnny Appleseed has taken root in Normal. A sapling grafted from the last known surviving tree planted by John Chapman, or Johnny Appleseed, is planted in the Refuge Food Forest in Normal. The Illinois State Historical Society acquired enough saplings for each county in the state. The McLean County Museum of History purchased a tree to commemorate the state’s bicentennial anniversary in 2018. “Johnny Appleseed is sort of an iconic character. We assume oftentimes he’s just legend and lore, but he was an actual, historical character and he did come through Illinois,” said Bill Kemp, archivist and librarian at the museum. According to the Starhill Forest Arboretum, Chapman planted 18

apple nurseries in the early 19th century in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, using apple seeds from a cider mill near his hometown in Pennsylvania. He sold trees to settlers and planted seeds during his travels across the Midwest. The last known surviving tree planted by Johnny Appleseed was in Nova, Ohio, which is where the Normal sapling was grafted. Grafting occurs when a branch is snipped from a mature tree and connected with another tree’s root system to create a small sapling. Bill Davison, local food systems and small farms educator with the University of Illinois Extension, helped the history museum pick a spot for the tree in Normal. The tree is rooted among other native and rare plants at the Refuge Food Forest at One Normal Plaza. Davison maintains the food forest with help from volunteers and Twin City students. Kemp said the other aspect

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

JULIA EVELSIZER

Bill Davison, local food systems and small farms educator with the University of Illinois Extension, plants an apple tree in the Refuge Food Forest in Normal.

Discover

Bloomington Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts

Miller Park Zoo Prairie Vista Golf Course Highland Park Golf Course The Den at Fox Creek Golf Course O’Neil and Holiday Pool • Pepsi Ice Center Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts 309-434-2260

BloomingtonParks.org

of the sapling is to “get people thinking about the state bicentennial.” The official founding date for the state was Dec. 3, 1818. “The state is in such disarray between finances and politics, so they’re not doing much to celebrate 200 years of Illinois history. That leaves local heritage groups, like the McLean County Museum of History, and other nonprofit groups to pick up the slack,” he said. Kemp said the museum is developing educational programs

for the bicentennial, including presentations on Native Americans, flora and fauna and early settlers to McLean County. The county wasn’t founded until 1830. “I didn’t realize apple trees can produce fruit for many decades,” said Kemp. “One of the ideas was that perhaps for the state tricentennial, 100 years from now, people could come here and pick fruit from this fullgrown, old apple tree. Hopefully people will watch it grow for many years.”

“Johnny Appleseed is sort of an iconic character. We assume oftentimes he’s just legend and lore, but he was an actual, historical character and he did come through Illinois.” Bill Kemp, archivist and librarian

Museum membership is the perfect gift for families of all ages and sizes!

Open 7 days a week!

Memberships include: • Free museum admission for 12 months • Discounts on birthday parties, museum classes and special events • 10% discount in the Discover More! Store • Member Monday’s-Museum open from 9am-Noon for members only • Unlimited opportunities to make life-long memories! • Free or half-price admission to over 600 other museums ** **Visit ChildrensDiscoveryMuseum.net for a complete listing of participating ACM and ASTC museums

101 E Beaufort Street, Normal, IL 61761 309.433.3444 www.ChildrensDiscoveryMuseum.net

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

Champaign Co. Fair Assoc. Urbana Jul-19 - Jul-27 Christian Co. Ag. Fair Assoc. Taylorville Jul-23 - Jul-27 Clark Co. Fair Assoc. Marshall Aug-04 - Aug-10 Coles Co. Ag. Assoc. Charleston Jul-28 - Aug-04 Cumberland Co. Fair Assoc. Greenup Aug-10 - Aug-17 Edgar Co. Fair Assoc. Paris Jul-20 - Jul-27 Effingham Co. Fair Assoc. Altamont Jul-27 - Aug-03

Iroquois Co Agricultural & 4-h Club Fair Crescent City Jul-17 - Jul-22

Moultrie - Douglas Co. Fair & Ag. Assoc., Inc. Arthur Jul-07 - Jul-13

Kankakee Co. Fair & Expo. Inc. Kankakee Jul-31 - Aug-04

Moultrie - Sullivan Jr. Fair Sullivan Jun-21 - Jun-22

Livingston Co. Ag. Fair Assoc. Pontiac Jul-17 - Jul-20

Richland Co. Farm & Fair Assoc. Richland Jul-05 - Jul-13

Macon Co. Fair Assoc. Decatur Jun-04 - Jun-09

Shelby Co. 4-h & Jr. Fair Assoc. Shelbyville Jul-21 - Jul-25

Martinsville Ag. Fair Assoc., Inc. Clark Jun-09 - Jun-15

Vermilion Co. Fair & Expo. Oakwood Jun-19 - Jun-23

Mclean County Fair Association Bloomington Jul-31 - Aug-04

Fisher Community Fair & Horse Show Fisher Jul-09 - Jul-13 Illinois State Fair Aug-08 - Aug-18

To see all Illinois Fairs for 2019, visit illinois.gov and search 2019 County Fairs 20â&#x20AC;&#x192; Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

LENORE SOBOTA, The Pantagraph‌

Students follow a path that winds through Sugar Grove Nature Center near Funks Grove in McLean County.

Sugar Grove pulls visitors in with

SYRUP, STARS AND TRAILS KELSEY WATZNAUER

kelsey.watznauer@lee.net‌

‌MCLEAN — Hidden within the trees and prairie of Funks Grove and between nature preserves, the Sugar Grove Nature Center pulls in nature enthusiasts, students, travelers and families year round to experience nature and wildlife. In addition to what is offered across its grounds, Sugar Grove, located at 4532 N 725 East Road between Funks Grove and McLean, hosts educational programs for adults and children

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throughout the year. For the center’s youngest visitors, the Imagination Grove is laid out between the trees with enough space to give kids the opportunity to experience nature with very few rules. “It’s designed to be very open-ended as far as play goes so kids can pretend and use their imaginations more than structured things,” said Jill Wallace, environmental educator. “You never know what you’re going to see; they’re pretty resourceful.”

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Corn Crib barn on the grounds. Several kinds of feeders and feeds attract birds, opossums, squirrels, chipmunks and even deer that come up to the wall of windows in the winter months. The Nature Center building is stocked with snakes, turtles, toads, frogs and insects, most of which are native to Illinois, and filled with hands-on learning opportunities, including pelts and bones of woodland animals.

Unlike most parks, visitors have access to the creek that runs along Imagination Grove, allowing kids to wade in, turn over rocks and take a peek at the aquatic wildlife. The climbing tree with thick, sturdy branches, lookout tower, clubhouse and kid-sized zip line round out the grove. When they’re not splashing, digging or climbing, visitors can find a more peaceful view from the Bird Sanctuary inside the Nature Center, or take a seat inside the Prairie Lookout in the

Please see Sugar Grove, Page 22

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Home of the Avalanche Shake and Sundae in one Cones • Shakes Sundaes • Vanilla Chocolate • Twist Strawberry & Lemon Ice Cream

1019 S. Main Bloomington, IL 61701 (309) 829-6022 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 21

With temperatures hovering below freezing, students learned how to make a campfire during Winter Wilderness Camp at Sugar Grove Nature Center.

»» SUGAR GROVE From 21

Sugar Grove groundskeepers tend to several areas of restored prairie grass “to keep the exotics out and make sure it’s happy and looking a little bit more like Illinois used to look,” Wallace said. Seven miles of foot trails take hikers past the prairie grasses and into the woods. “One of the main things (that draws people to Sugar Grove) is that it doesn’t look like a lot of Central Illinois,” Wallace said. “You know, you get so used to seeing the agriculture and the fields and the cities, and so it’s a place that’s nearby that you can get out into the woods and get away.” All but one of the hiking trails are dog-friendly, and pets are welcome on the rest of the grounds as long as they are

LENORE SOBOTA, THE PANTAGRAPH‌

A Ruby-Throated Hummingbird stops for a sugar water snack at Sugar Grove Nature Center.

leashed and well-behaved. Dogs can have a run-in with Daisy, Sugar Grove’s feral kitten turned pet, but she spends most of her time inside the Nature Center. Sugar Grove consists of about 1,500 total acres; though some of the land is not connected to the rest, most is in various states

22 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

of preservation and the majority is not accessible to the public because it is protected. On the main grounds, the Twin City Amateur Astronomers offer public observation sessions throughout the year in two observatories with roll-away tops — one of which is shaped like an

DAVID PROEBER, THE PANTAGRAPH‌

old grain silo. The Sap and Honey House finds a home for the maple syrup collected from the surrounding woods. The building is used to evaporate and create maple syrup harvested from the 125 taps placed in Sugar Grove. The Sap and Honey House also is used for honey bee education and honey extraction activities, especially for school field trips. The Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association feeds a fire and hammers away inside the Sugar Grove blacksmith forge that opens up the third Saturday of every month for demonstrations and special events. The group also teaches classes in the fall. With the purchase of firewood, visitors can use the large fire pit outside the Nature Center, and groups can make a camping reservation year round to spend the night among Illinois’ native wildlife. Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.

Something for everyone There’s no shortage of things to do in Central Illinois

MAY‌ May 3: Percussion Ensemble Masterworks Concert, 7:30 p.m., Millikin University Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Decatur. May 3: Mike Porter, 7 p.m., Bement Country Opry, Monticello. $10. May 3: Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), 8 p.m., Effingham Performance Center. $27-$42. All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes. May 3-4: Artisan Fair, 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday, downtown Effingham. For more information, visit www. effinghamartisanfair.com. May 3-5: Plant sale, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Allerton Park, Monticello. May 3-5: “Plaza Suite,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Monticello Theatre Association. $15. May 4: Artisans for animals arts and craft festival, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur. Handmade original items.

CLAY JACKSON, HERALD & REVIEW‌

Nelson Park’s new lakeside music venue in Decatur, The Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, is set to open Memorial Day weekend and will feature a variety of acts all summer long. Stop by and take in some music while enjoying a view of beautiful Lake Decatur.

May 4: May Merriment, 5 p.m., Mattoon Area Family YWCA. May 4: Paranormal 101 Class and Public investigation, Ashmore Estates, Ashmore. $50. All day, lunch included.

May 4: Duck Derby, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Children’s Museum of Illinois. May 4: Master Gardener Plant Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Macon County Fairground.

May 5: Car Show, 3 to 5 p.m., Decatur Civic Center. May 9-11: World premier play, 7:30 p.m., Millikin University Albert Taylor Theatre, Decatur.

Please see Calendar, Page 24

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www.gingerbreadhousetoys.com 309.827.8811 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 23

A highlight of the Arthur fireworks show is the arrival of the Rural Patriot. This year’s event is set for June 29.

»» CALENDAR From 23

May 10-11: Spring dance recital, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., Decatur Civic Center. $8-$10. May 10-11: Richland Plant sale, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Richland Community College. May 10-11: IHSA Girls Badminton, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston. May 10-11: Races for all Paces, noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Eastern Illinois University O’Brien Field, Charleston. May 11: Film “Triplets of Belleville,” 7:30 p.m., Millikin University Kirkland Fine Arts Center. May 11: Scott Wattles and the Blue Suede Crew, 7 p.m., Effingham Performance Center. $15.

May 11: Gardenfest, Lytle Park, Mattoon. 9 a.m. to noon. May 11: Sports Card show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Heartland Grand Palace, Decatur. May 11-12: Zippy Zoo Day with mom, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Road, Decatur. Honoring moms with games, gifts and animal presentations. Free admission for mothers with a paid child. (217) 421-7435. May 11: Second Saturday book sale, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Decatur Public Library.

May 16-18: May Days Festival, downtown Clinton. The event offers free entertainment, food and crafts. (217) 935-3364 or 866-4-DeWitt. May 17: Trace Adkins, 7 p.m., Effingham Performance Center. $69. May 17: Cindy and Ron Crawford, 7 p.m., Bement Country Opry, 201 S. State, Monticello. Adults $15, ages 12 and under $5. (217) 3770550 or www.bementcountryopry. com. Dinner will be served by the Lions Club.

May 14: Bird hike, 9 a.m. to noon, Allerton Park, Monticello.

May 17: Effingham Cruise night, 1500 Broadway, Effingham. Meet and greet at 6 p.m. and cruise at 7 p.m.

May 14: Zoo Buddies: Monkey to Success, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Scovill Zoo.

May 17: Back 40 Market, 3 to 8 p.m., Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur.

May 16-17: IHSA Girls State Track and Field, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston.

May 17-19: Mattoon Hit-Men 11u Baseball tourney, Lawson Park, Mattoon. Visit mattoonhitman. weebly.com

24 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO‌

May 18: Third Saturday garden tours, 10 a.m., Allerton greenhouse, Monticello. May 18: Spring soiree fundraiser, 4 to 9 p.m., Allerton Mansion, Monticello. $75. May 18: Finders market, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Decatur Conference Center and Hotel. $5. May 18: Downtown Pontiac Cruise Night; 5-8 p.m. downtown Pontiac square; classic and antique car cruise-in and activities; also June 15, July 20, Aug. 17. May 19: 3rd Sunday Market; 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Interstate Center, Bloomington; 450 vendors; also June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20. May-Dec.: Third Saturday Market, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Moultrie County Fairgrounds, Arthur. A changing market with up to 60 vendors. Crafts, anitques, baked goods, local products. No admission charge.

May 19: Rose City golf disc open, Kitchell Park, Pana. PDGA sanctioned singles tournament. www.discgolfscene.com

May 24-26: Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater grand opening, Nelson Park, Decatur. Forever Motown on Sunday.

May 21: Wildflowers of Illinois Woodlands, 10:30 a.m., Rock Springs Nature Center.

May 25: Rock Springs Ground Squirrels versus the St. Louis Unions and Lafayette Square Cyclones, noon, Rock Springs Conservation Area.

May 23-25: IHSA Boys State Track and Field, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston. May 24: Opus 24 spring concert, 7:30 p.m., Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St., Decatur.

May 25: Prairieland Punishers roller derby bout, Decatur Civic Center. May 25-26: Cookin’ with the Chorale, 6 p.m., Fairview Park Pavilion 1, Decatur. Concessions and hot grills available for cooking at 5 p.m.

May 25-26: International Music, Wine and Beer Festival; Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, near Mackinaw; live bands, wine/beer tastings; www. mackinawvalleyvineyard.com. May 30: Blackberry Smoke, 7:30 p.m., Effingham Performance Center. $43. May 31: 4&20 a Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur.

May 31-June 1: Pigs and Swigs Festival, Lincoln, live entertainment, car show, craft beers, barbeque cookoff. www. pigsandswigs.com. May 31-June 1: Strawberry Jam Festival, Arthur. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (217) 543-2242, www.arthuril. us/strawberry-jam-festival-1. Free Strawberry give-a-ways all day long. Merchant sidewalk sales, strawberry pie eating state championship, craft and food vendors, pie baking contest, strawberry social, and live music.

Please see Calendar, Page 27

For menus, hours, and the latest events visit UptownNormal.com

Ring In

SPRING

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May 18 – Medici Country Music and BBQ June 15 – Pushcart Derby

Gifts • Popcorn • Chocolate

May 18-19 – Sidewalk Sales

June 21-22 – Make Music Normal

June 1 – Train Day

July 13-14 – Sugar Creek Arts Festival

June 8 – Special Olympics

July 20 – Medici Craft Beer and Jazz Festival

UptownNormal.com Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 25

Vacation And Shopping Go Hand-In-Hand

Come Explore Bloomington’s Downtown Shops

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26 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

TUES - FRI 11 AM - 6 PM • SAT 10 AM - 4 PM

it's art. it's action. it's entertainment. see and be seen, every first friday. main I center I front.

LEWIS MARIEN, The Pantagraph‌

Annette Troyer Cherry of Troyer Family Gardens in Hudson, center, helps a customer pick out eggplant during the opening day of the Downtown Bloomington Association Farmers Market. The market is open from 7:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday through October.

»» CALENDAR From 25

JUNE‌ June-October: Downtown Bloomington Association Farmers Market; 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, downtown square; locally grown produce and more, entertainment, activities. June 1: Annual Tour de Charleston, 8 a.m., Coles County Courthouse Square. 12.5, 25 and 50 mile bike rides. June 1: St. Jude Dash and Bash, 8 a.m., Sullivan American Legion. We start the morning with our 5k, one mile and tot trot runs. Our timed competitive 5k run/ walk will return. Our 1 mile fun run will be timed for those interested in seeing their time. Breakfast available for purchase after the run, homemade soft pretzels all day, kids korner with games and carnival rides, coed softball tourney, under 18 3 on 3

basketball tournament, car show, bake sale, raffle and 50/50 all day. At the end of the day we kick off the bash and open our beer tent and bands.

June 2: Camp New Hope Camp Seasons begins, Camp New Hope Mattoon. Please visit campnewhopeillinois.org for a list of all events!

June 1: Middle of America Craft Brew Festival, downtown Effingham. 1 to 10:30 p.m. For more info, visit www. effinghambrewcompany.com.

June 2: Ride United to benefit United Way of Decatur &

June 1: Love Allerton, 5:30 p.m., Allerton gatehouse lawn, Monticello. $5 per person or $10 per family. Food trucks available. Carl Anderson and Devon Gilfillian, singers.

Please see Calendar, Page 30

Aug. 31 Sept. 1 & 2nd, 2019

n UA L nd An 32

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June 1: Sheep to wool clothing, 9:30 a.m., Illinois Amish Heritage Center, Arthur.

CASEY FAIRVIEW PARK

June 1: Kevin Shalfant’s Journey Experience, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheatre, Nelson Park, Decatur. June 1: Decatur Airport Fun Day, 8 to 11 a.m., Decatur Park District’s Striker emergency vehicle, Scovill Mobile Zoo, K-9 demonstration and pancake breakfast.

Mid-Illinois. 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fairview Park Pavilion 1, Decatur. Course ranges from 10 to 60 miles. Call (217) 422-8537 or go to www.uwdecatur.org $30-$200.

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Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 27

50 Questions to ask! 1. If you could live in a house shaped like anything, what would it be? 2. What do you think is in outer space? 3. Where is the most wonderful place you’ve ever been? 4. What are you good at? 5. What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you? 6. What are you most proud of? 7. If you were invisible for a day, what would you do? 8. What is the worst smell in the world? 9. What do you want to be when you grow up? 10. What makes you cry? 11. Where do babies come from? 12. Were there dinosaurs on Noah’s ark? 13. What are you scared of? 14. If you could, what two animals would you combine? 15. Who is your hero? 16. What is your favorite song? 17. What is a friend? 18. What is your favorite memory? 19. If you could, what type of animal would you be? 20. Who is your best friend? 21. What is your favorite thing to do with family? 22. What is the most important rule? 23. If you had a million dollars, what would you spend it on? 24. Why do people get old? 25. What is love? 26. If your pet could talk, what would it say? 27. If you had super powers, what would they be? 28. What’s the best thing about being a kid? 29. Why do people have different color skin? 30. Who is someone in history that you’d like to be friends with? Why? 31. What makes you happy when you’re sad? 32. Do you have a lucky number? Why is it lucky to you? 33. If you could be president for the day, what would you do? 34. What is something that you don’t understand about grownups? 35. What is the greatest thing ever invented? 36. Have you ever played a joke on someone? What was it? 37. What do you think is the most important appliance or piece of furniture in your house? 38. What is your favorite word? Why? 39. If you had your own country, what would it be called? 40. What do you dream about when you sleep? 41. If you were in a band, what instrument would you play? Why? 42. What 3 words would you use to describe our family? 43. What’s something you’d like to learn how to do? 44. If you had to give away all of your toys but one, which one would you keep? 45. What do you think Heaven is like? 46. What is something that you’re thankful for? 47. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do? 48. Do you think that telling the truth is always right, even if it hurts someone’s feelings? 49. If you could change one thing about me, what would it be? 50. What’s the greatest thing about being you?

is draw what he t thinking abou is draw what he running from

is peeking at draw what he

od draw what fo he made

28 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

draw his draw his robot dog ho robot dog use hous e

owing e is sh what h iends w ra d his fr

pointing at draw what he is is pointing at draw what he

what do their signs say?

10 Odd Facts About Your Body

• It is physically impossible for you to lick your elbow. • Like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue print is different. • Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day. • It takes approximately 12 hours for food to entirely digest. • A sneeze travels out your mouth at over 100 m.p.h. • Women blink nearly twice as often as men. • Most of the dust particles in your house are dead skin. • There are more living organisms on the skin of a single human being than there are human beings on the surface of the earth. • The longest bout of hiccups lasted nearly 69 years. • Babies is born without kneecaps. They appear between the ages of 2 and 6.

Doodle Room Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 29

»» CALENDAR From 27

June 2: Champagne British Car Festival; 9 a.m.-3 p.m., David Davis Mansion grounds, Bloomington; exhibit of Britishmade autos. June 4-9: Macon County Fair, Macon County Fairground. Celebrate our agricultural roots, grandstand entertainment includes queen pageant, concerts, truck/tractor pulls and demolition derby. www.maconcountyfair.com June 5: Big run 5K, 6 p.m., Fleet Feet, Decatur. June 7: Rockin Terry Lee, 7 p.m., Bement Country Opry, 201 S. State, Monticello. Adults $15, ages 12 and under $5. (217) 3770550 or www.bementcountryopry. com. Dinner will be served by the Lions Club. June 7: Wedding Banned, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur. June 7-8: Mattoon Arts Council ARTWORKS, downtown Mattoon. Art exhibits, art vendors, food vendors, make and take projects and more. June 7-8: Raggedy Ann Rally, Arcola Community Center. Every year Raggedy Ann & Andy enthusiasts gather in Arcola, the birthplace of Johnny Gruelle creator of Raggedy Ann & Andy. June 7-9: Mattoon Hit-Men 11u Baseball tourney, Lawson Park, Mattoon. mattoonhitman.weebly.com June 7-9: Moweaqua Pow Wow Days, fun-filled days of live entertainment, contests, a parade, a talent show, a car show and amusement rides.

OPEN HOUSES: June 1-2; Nov. 2-3

Submitted photo‌

If it’s racing you want, you will find it at the Coles County Dragway.

June 7-9: VW Funfest, Mid American Motorworks, Effingham. www.funfestacvw.com. June 7-9: Mattoon Pride ASA Spring Qualifier 8u to 18u. mattoonpride.com June 7-9: Cogs & Corsets: A Central Illinois Steampunk Happening; downtown Bloomington; festival with Victorian-era steampunk theme, including art, live music, costume contest, demonstrations, more; www.cogsandcorsetsil.com. June 7-9: Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games; Illinois State University sports complex, Normal, and various locations in Bloomington-Normal; Olympic-style competition for disabled athletes; www.soill.org/event/summer-games. June 7-9: Tremont Turkey Festival; downtown Tremont and Tremont

Mon-Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5 Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

30 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

Park; turkey foods, games, bed races, entertainment, more. June 8: Big Swingin’ Golf Classic – Tri County Country Club, Villa Grove, Join us for a morning of

golf as we share stories and memories, lots of laughs and have some fun as we raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. www.Big-SwingGolf.com.

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www.destinationswithdonica.com

June 8: Movie “Mary Poppins Returns,” 7 p.m., Monticello downtown square. June 9: Lytle Park Jr. Triathlon, 8:30 a.m., Lytle Park, Mattoon. $55-$65. June 12-15: Decatur Commodores Sunnyside Invitational, Sunnyside Park. (217) 855-7246. June 13-16: Midwest Punkfest; Nightshop, Bloomington; punk rock fest with about 40 bands; facebook. com/MidwestPunkfest. June 14-16: Mattoon Hit-Men 12u Baseball tourney, Lawson Park, Mattoon. Visit mattoonhitman. weebly.com June 15: Third Saturday garden tours, 10 a.m., Allerton greenhouse, Monticello. June 15: Amish Country Antique Tractor Cruise, Arthur MoultrieDouglas Fairground. Vintage tractors cruise a 50-mile loop thru Arthur. Bring your own or watch the parade pass by. June 15: Thunder On the Prairie, Coles County Dragway USA. June 15: Downtown Pontiac Cruise Night; 5-8 p.m. downtown Pontiac square; classic and antique car cruise-in and activities; also July 20, Aug. 17. June 15-16: Civil War Encampment, Lincoln Log Cabin, Lerna. www. lincolnlogcabin.org

June 15-16: Greenville Graffiti Car Show, On the Square, Greenville. One of Illinois’ leading classic car and truck shows. This year’s special guests are Barry Williams (Greg on The Brady Bunch), Tyler Dale from American Restoration, and Eddie Deezen (Grease & Grease 2). (618) 664-9272, www.greenvilleusa. org or Greenville Graffiti Car Show on Facebook. June 16: Dad’s day dollar deal, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Scovill Zoo. June 16: 3rd Sunday Market; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Interstate Center, Bloomington; 450 vendors; also July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20. June 17: Full moon hike, 8 p.m., Allerton Park, Monticello. June 19: Decatur Municipal Band, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur. June 20-23: Moccasin Creek Fest, Lake Sara, Effingham. For more information, visit www. moccasincreekfestival.com KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER‌

June 21: Missy Vail Frakes, 7 p.m., Bement Country Opry, 201 S. State, Monticello. Adults $15, ages 12 and under $5. (217) 3770550 or www.bementcountryopry. com. Dinner will be served by the Lions Club. June 21: Heartache Tonight: A Tribute to the Eagles, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur.

A motorcyclist rides during Bagelfest parade in Mattoon. The annual event, which celebrates all things bagel and includes a variety of entertainment, is July 16-18.

The Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce Proudly Presents The 3rd Annual

Tour de Charleston Sponsored by 1st Federal of Central Illinois

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019 - 8 AM

Please see Calendar, Page 32

Photo by Brad Barker Photo by Paul Switzer

• 3 race routes: 12.5, 25, and 50 miles • Races take off at 8 AM from Courthouse Square • Timed rides - Awards given for all age divisions • Scenic routes through Charleston and the surrounding countryside • Includes T-shirt with pre-registration, timing chip and race bib • Professional photographer - Food/Water Stations • NEW this year: 1 Mile Family Fun Ride at 9 AM

Photo by Karen Pope

Photo by Jon Grabiec

Photo by Bethanny Cougill

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 31

Visitors walk by glass work from artist Debi Dwyer during the Sugar Creek Arts Festival in uptown Normal.

»» CALENDAR From 31

June 21-22: Glorious Garden Festival Walk; self-guided tours of up to 10 private BloomingtonNormal Gardens, with festival and start point at David Davis Mansion, Bloomington; daviddavismansion.org. June 21-22: Make Music Normal; various locations around Normal; all-day summer solstice music fest featuring local misicians. June 22: Prairieland Punishers roller derby bout, Decatur Civic Center. June 22-23: Midwest Slugfest I, (217) 358-1960. June 21-23: Summer Flea Market, Cross County Mall, Mattoon. www. crosscountymall.com

July 3-4: Red, White & Blue Days, Morton Park, Division Street and Lincoln Avenue, Charleston. Vendors, activities, live music, Farmer of the Year and Little Mr. and Miss contests. Chris Lane concert. For more information call (217) 345-7691 or go to www. charlestonredwhiteandblue.com. June 26: Fred Copeland/Par Tamers tournament, Hickory Point Golf Course. Ages 5 to 11. $5. June 27: Critter Tales: Terrific Tales, 10 a.m., Scovill Zoo Education Center, Decatur. Ages 5-6. $19. June 27-Aug. 10: Illinois Shakespeare Festival; Ewing Manor, Bloomington, and Illinois State University Center for the Performing Arts; annual summerlong fest with “As You Like It,” “Pride and Prejudice” and “Caesar” in rotating repertory on main stage and related activities; illinoisshakes.com.

32 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

June 29: Come Together Let’s Walk, 8 a.m., Fairview Park, Decatur. 5K run/walk. June 29: Arthur Freedom Celebration fireworks, Jurgens Park, Illinois 133. The day-long event will feature an air show with World War II aircrafts, helicopter rides and skydivers. June 29: Paranormal 101 Class and Public investigation, Ashmore Estates, Ashmore. $50. All day, lunch included. June 29: Independence Day picnic and baseball, 1 to 4 p.m., Lincoln Log cabin, Lerna. June 29: Independence Day 1860; pioneer-era July 4 celebration and activities; noon to 4 p.m., Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur. June 29-30: Midwest Slugfest II, (217) 358-1960

LEWIS MARIEN, PANTAGRAPH FILE PHOTO‌

JULY‌ July 3-4: Celebrate America!; 7 p.m. Miller Park Bandstand, Bloomington; Holiday Spectacularproduced patriotic musical variety show. July 4: Decatur Fourth of July Celebration; day-long activities, concert, fireworks at dusk over Lake Decatur; Nelson Park, Decatur. Red Carpet Riot, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur. July 4: Parade and fireworks, Logan County Airport. July 4: 4th of July Celebration, Mr. Lincoln’s Square, downtown Clinton. July 4: Fireworks at Coles County Airport at dusk. Food vendors on site. Free admission. www. colescountyairport.com.

July 5: Red, Whites, and Blues summer concert series, 6 p.m., Allerton Park, Monticello. Billy Galt and the Blues Deacons and James Armstrong Band. July 5: Eric Gordon, 7 p.m., Bement Country Opry, 201 S. State, Monticello. Adults $15, ages 12 and under $5. (217) 3770550 or www.bementcountryopry. com. Dinner will be served by the Lions Club. July 12: Lick Creek, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur. July 13: Movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” 7 p.m., Monticello downtown square. July 13-14: Midwest Slugfest III. 217-358-1960 July 13-14: Sugar Creek Arts Festival; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., uptown Normal; juried art fair, entertainment stage, food, kids’ art activities. July 16-18: Bagelfest, Peterson Park, Mattoon. Performers include American Idol Trent Harmon. Bagelfest kicks off with a carnival. The weekend will continue with the Miss Bagelfest and Beautiful Baby contests, food vendors, local and national music, www. mattoonbagelfest.com July 19: Gary Osterhoff, 7 p.m., Bement Country Opry, 201 S. State, Monticello. Adults $15, ages 12 and under $5. (217) 3770550 or www.bementcountryopry. com. Dinner will be served by the Lions Club. July 19-20: American Cancer Society Macon County Relay for Life, 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, Richland Community College. An overnight event to celebrate cancer survivors and to raise money for research and programs. www.RelayForLife.org July 19-21: Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66; various locations in Bloomington; Civil War re-enactors, walking tours, crafts, children’s activities, more; www. lincolnsfestival.net. July 19-27: “Willy Wonka,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Monticello Theatre Association. $15.

July 20: Run for the Bagel, 6:30 a.m., K.C. Summers Toyota to Mattoon Area Family YWCA. $30-$35. July 20: Third Saturday garden tours, 10 a.m., Allerton greenhouse, Monticello. July 20: Paranormal 101 Class and Public investigation, Ashmore Estates, Ashmore. $50. All day, lunch included. July 20: Downtown Pontiac Cruise Night; 5-8 p.m. downtown Pontiac square; classic and antique car cruise-in and activities; also Aug. 17. July 20: Big Obstacle 3K to benefit United Way of Decatur & MidIllinois. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fairview Park Pavilion 1. Transform park into 1.8 mile maze of climbing walls, tube tunnels, strength/endurance challenges and inflatable obstacles. Call (217) 422-8537 or go to www.uwdecatur.org July 20-21: Midwest Slugfest IV, 217-358-1960 July 21: Ice Cream Safari, 1 to 4 p.m., Scovill Zoo, Decatur. July 21: 3rd Sunday Market; 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Interstate Center, Bloomington; 450 vendors; also Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20. July 25-27: Corn festival, Warrensburg. Music, food, car show, corn hole tournament, corn shucking contest, helicopter rides, inflatables for the kids, vendor market, and more. July 26: The Breakfast Club, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur.

LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH‌

Willow Salzman, 3, of Normal, poses in a cutout during the Sweet Corn Blues Festival in uptown Normal.

DAILY SPECIALS!

July 28-Aug. 4: Logan County Fair; fairgrounds at Lincoln. July 29-Aug. 5: Coles County Fair, Charleston. Grandstand activities: queen pageant, Lil Monster trucks, truck and tractor pull, twilight harness racing, demolition derby, power wheels kid demolition, professional bullriding, Gospel sing. (217) 345-2656. July 31-Aug. 4: McLean County Fair; Interstate Center grounds, Bloomington; 4-H displays, shows; carnival, entertainment; mcleancountyfair.org.

Please see Calendar, Page 34

POP'S PLACE

Food & Spirits 4335 W. Main St. Decatur, IL

217-330-6546 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 33

»» CALENDAR From 33

AUGUST‌ Aug. 2: Irish Fest, 6 p.m., Allerton Park, Monticello. Aug. 2-4: Decatur Celebration, downtown. The Midwest’s most exciting street festival with eight show stages featuring national and emerging music artists, carnival, arts and crafts, over 60 unique food vendors and the Razzle Dazzle Parade. For more information, call (217) 423-4222 or decaturcelebration.com/home. Aug. 3: Tesla, Shock USA Tour, 8 p.m., Effingham Performance Center. $52. Aug. 3-4: Annual steam threshing show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Illinois Amish Heritage Center, Arthur. Aug. 6: Lantern Parade and National Night Out; Picnic, Scovill Petting Zoo, games, inflatables and lantern parade around the park; Hess Park, Decatur. Aug. 7: Happy Together Tour, 7:30 p.m., Effingham Performance Center. $46-$61. Aug. 8: City Junior Golf Tournament, Decatur. Ages 5-17. $20. Aug. 8-18: Illinois State Fair, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield. Events include carnival rides, entertainment, concerts, food, vendors, exhibits, and competitions. For information, call (217) 782-6661. Aug. 10: Chicago 6, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur. Aug. 10: Movie “Incredibles 2,” 7 p.m., Monticello downtown square. Aug. 8-10: Fall Festival, Wise Park, Blue Mound. Bingo, carnival, games, pageant, entertainment, 5K run/walk, parade, dinners. (217) 692-2713.

JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW‌

Jerdarious Maclin somersaults through the air during the Decatur Power Tumblers performance in Central Park at Decatur Celebration. The annual event in downtown Decatur features a mix of entertainment and lots of food. This year’s event is Aug. 2-4.

34 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

Aug. 11: Bluegrass Jam, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lincoln Log Cabin, Lerna. Bluegrass and traditional musicians from Illinois and Indiana will converge at the site for an

The combine field demonstration is one of the main attractions at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur. This year’s event is Aug. 27-29.

afternoon of jamming. There will be no formal stage performances, informal groups of musicians will jam throughout the afternoon. The musicians will play in the shaded area near the site’s main parking lot and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to relax in the shade and enjoy the sounds of bluegrass music in the park, concessions will be available. Aug. 13: No Alternative, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur. Aug. 14: Decatur Municipal Band, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur. Aug. 15-17: Windsor Harvest Picnic. Entertainment comes to you in gospel, country and rock. Carnival rides, food and Ice Cream Social. There is also a 5K run/ walk, a pedal tractor pull, parade and a raffle drawing.

Aug. 16-17: Apple Dumpling Festival, downtown Atwood. For more information, call (217) 578-2512. Aug. 16-18: Danvers Days; Danvers Village Park, Danvers; carnival, live music, vendors market, more; danversdays.org. Aug. 17: Third Saturday garden tours, 10 a.m., Allerton greenhouse, Monticello. Aug. 17: Downtown Pontiac Cruise Night; 5-8 p.m. downtown Pontiac square; classic and antique car cruise-in and activities.

Aug. 24-25: Sweet Corn Blues Festival; uptown Normal; freshcooked sweet corn, entertainment. Aug. 24: Paranormal 101 Class and Public investigation, Ashmore Estates, Ashmore. $50. All day, lunch included. Aug. 27-29: Farm Progress Show, Progress City near Richland Community College, Decatur. Producers from all over gather, meet, and learn and major manufacturers choose to roll out their newest offerings.

Aug. 18: 3rd Sunday Market; 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Interstate Center, Bloomington; 450 vendors; also Sept. 15, Oct. 20.

Aug. 29-Sept. 2: Threshermen’s Reunion; Threshermen’s Park, near Pontiac; agricultural/ harvest fest, with demonstrations, entertainment, food, parade, more; www.threshermensreunion.org.

Aug. 23-25: Cowden Pioneer Days in City Park, rodeo, mud drags, food vendors, magic show, petting zoo, rides.

Aug. 31: Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival, noon to 10 p.m., Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur. $20.

JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW‌

Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Arthur Cheese Festival, downtown. The event will have a tractor pull, parade, National Cheese Eating Contest. Free cheese will also be available. www.arthurcheesefestival.com.

SEPTEMBER‌ Sept. 2: The summer parade season will end with the annual Labor Day Parade in downtown Decatur. Sept. 6-7: CIL-Con, MattoonCIL-Con 2017 Haunted House to Breaking Fate Wrestling. We have a large variety of gaming, paranormal, anime and entertainment. Information about featured guest actors, novelists and authors can be found at www. cil-con.com.

Please see Calendar, Page 36

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 35

»» CALENDAR From 35

Sept. 6-7: Hobnob Spring Market, 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Effingham County Fairground. www. hobnobmarket.com Sept. 7-8: Forsyth-Decatur Golf Disc open, Forsyth Park and

Nelson Park, Decatur. PDGA sanctioned singles tournament. www.discgolfscene.com Sept. 7-8: Special Olympics Outdoor Sports Festival, Rotary Park and Hickory Point Golf Course, Decatur. Final competition for those participating in softball and golf. (309) 888-2551.

Sept. 10-17: Cumberland County Fair, Greenup. Thoroughbred and harness races, tractor pulls, 4-H shows, musical entertainment, demolition derby and a carnival for the kids. For more information, www.cumberlandcountyfair.com.

Sept. 14: Amish country bike tour, 7 a.m., Arthur. 20, 40, or 60 mile rides. (217) 855-2311.

Sept. 13-15: Summer Sundown Music Festival, Larson’s Landing, Lake Sara, Effingham.

Sept. 15: 3rd Sunday Market; 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Interstate Center, Bloomington; 450 vendors; also Oct. 20.

Sept. 14: Finders market, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Decatur Conference Center and Hotel. $5.

s e i r e brew NORMAL

Golden Fox Brewing

DESTIHL

• 318 S. Towanda Ave. • 309-862-2337 • destihl.com

EFFINGHAM

Effing Brew Company

CANTRALL

Rolling Meadows Brewery

• 221 W Jefferson Ave. • 217-347-2337 • effingbrewcompany.com

• 3695 Central Point Road • 217-899-7239 • rollingmeadowsbrewery.com

MAHOMET

CHAMPAIGN

• 401 E. Main St. • 217-586-1100 • jtwalkers.com

Blind Pig Brewery

JT Walkers Brewery

• 120 N. Neil St. • 217-398-5133 • blindpigbrewery.com

SAVOY

Destihl Restaurant and Brew Works

• 1703 Woodfield Drive • triptychbrewing.com

• 301 N. Neil Street • 217-356-0301 • destihl.com

DECATUR

Door 4 Brewery

• 1214 W Cerro Gordo St. • 217-330-2008 • door4brewing.com

Decatur Brew Works

• 101 N Main St. • 217-330-8683 • decaturbrewworks.com

Travel with Fourwinds behind You!

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 36 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

• 2874 N Dinneen St. • 217-330-9993 • goldenfoxbrewing.com

Triptych Brewing

SPRINGFIELD

Engrained Brewing Company

• 1120 Lincolnshire Boulevard • 217-546-3054 • engrainedbrewing.com

Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery

• 500 S. Sixth St. • 217-670-0627 • obedandisaacs.com

Graber’s Green House ✓ Hanging Baskets ✓ Mixed Pots ✓ Annuals ✓ Perennials ✓ Bedding Plants ✓ Herbs

✓ Patio Pots ✓ Vegetable Plants ✓ Seed Potatoes ✓ Garden Seeds ✓ Nat./Org. Fertilizer

Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 • Saturday 8-4 Closed Sundays & Religious Holidays, Memorial Day & July 4th

Phone 217/543-5140

3 miles West of Arthur & 2 1/2 miles South on Arthur- Sullivan Road 1877 Jonathan Creek Road • Sullivan, IL 61951

Sept. 19-20: Arcola Broom Corn Festival, Main Street, downtown. The event will have broom activities, food, a parade with the Lawn Rangers and more. For more information, (217) 268-4530 or www.chamber.com Sept. 19-22: Corvette Funfest, Mid America Motorworks in Effingham. Sept. 20: Brad Upton and Troy Davis, comedians, Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Decatur. Sept. 20-22: Arts in Central Park. One of Central Illinois’ finest juried art shows exhibiting artists from several states provide a variety of artwork for sale including jewelry, pottery, metal sculptures, blown glass, fiber arts, paintings, kids art activities and kids art shop. www. decaturarts.org Sept. 20-29: “Witness for the Prosecution,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Monticello Theatre Association. $15. Sept. 21: Medici Oktoberfest; 4-10 p.m.. North Street, uptown Normal; German food, music, drink. Sept. 21: Third Saturday garden tours, 10 a.m., Allerton greenhouse, Monticello. Sept. 21: Monticellobration, all day, downtown Monticello. Sept. 21: Prairie Sky concert, 6 p.m., Allerton Park, Monticello.

Cheese curling (yes, we said cheese curling), cheese carving and of course, cheese eating are some of the events you can expect to see at the Arthur Cheese Festival. This year’s event is Aug. 31 through Sept. 2.

Sept. 21-22: Railroad Days, Monticello. Vintage passenger and freight trains on the former Illinois Central and Illinois Terminal main lines. Freight and passenger train rides. Ride a motorcar down the tracks just like maintenance workers of the past.

Take A Tour Today!

Please see Calendar, Page 39

FIFTH WHEEL

FIFTH WHEEL TOY HAULER

TRAVEL TRAILER

TRAVEL TRAILER TOY HAULER

Make Memories...Go Boating!

Serving Customers for Over 44 Years!

712 E. Fayette Ave., Effingham, IL 62401

217.342.6344 • www.lsmboats.com

217-347-6245 WWW.LEGACYRV.COM

@ 2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner's manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 37

STATE PARKS

Starved Rock State Park With 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.

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, camping and equestrian trails.

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.

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.

The visitors’ center has displays about the area’s history and frequently offers programs and guided hikes.

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 rest if you climb the 144 steps to the Eagle’s Nest observation deck. The park also offers picnicking, camping, fishing and boating.

Its sister park immediately to the south, Matthiessen 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. 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

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.

attracts the most attention, the miles of hiking trails are another way to view the area.The 9.3-mile 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

THE PANTAGRAPH, David Proeber Paige Cooper, Amelia Creech, Addison Creech, and Mattie Cooper, Dawson Lake. Moraine View State Park.

38 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

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. Walnut Point State Park Boating is limited to boats with electric trolling motors only at this

THE PANTAGRAPH, Carlos T. Miranda Lenny Glaub, of LeRoy, fixes the bib on one of his dogs while out on Dawson Lake at Moraine View State Park near LeRoy.

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.

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.

»» CALENDAR From 37

Sept. 22-23: Harvest Frolic Fall Celebration, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Don’t miss experiencing 19th century life on the farm. Activities will take place at both the Lincoln and Sargent farms and will include children’s games, craft and doll making, and hearth cooking. Visitors are encouraged to take part in period games and activities. Volunteers will demonstrate apple cider pressing, and food preservation. A number of artisans will be on site demonstrating their crafts including, woodcarving, flax processing, soap making, embroidery, pottery, basket weaving, blacksmithing, wheat weaving, and tatting. Gerry Barker will bring his oxen, the Unreconstructed Civil War Band will perform, and be sure to catch the puppet show. Frolic 5K, 5k run and mile walk on Saturday.

Sept. 24: Coles County Relay for Life, 3 to 11 p.m., Mattoon Peterson Park.

Oct. 6: Last Chance Triathlon, 1 to 4 p.m., Mattoon Area Family YMCA. $55.

Nov. 28: Bare bones 5-mile turkey trot, 6 a.m., Mattoon Area Family YMCA. $25.

Sept. 27-29: Music Barn Festival, Allerton Park, Monticello.

Oct. 18-19: Sullivan Oktoberfest.

Nov. 29: Reds of Christmas, all day, downtown Monticello. Annual wine shopwalk.

Sept. 27-30: Apple ‘n Pork Festival, Clinton. Sept. 28: Paranormal 101 Class and Public investigation, Ashmore Estates, Ashmore. $50. All day, lunch included.

OCTOBER‌ Oct. 4: A Night of Nelsons, 7:30 p.m., Effingham Performance Center. Oct. 5-6, 12-13: Evergreen Memorial Cemetery Walk; Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington; costumed actors portray figures from McLean County history; tickets required; mchistory.org.

Oct. 20: 3rd Sunday Market; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Interstate Center, Bloomington; 450 vendors. Oct. 25: Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Trunk or Treat, downtown Mattoon. Live music, food, crafts and, of course, our trick-or-treat safe zone.

NOVEMBER‌ Nov. 9: Girls on the Run, 9 a.m., Mattoon Area Family YMCA. $25. Nov. 22-24: Festival of Trees; Interstate Center, Bloomington; benefits The Baby Fold; customdesigned trees and center pieces; silent auctions, entertainment, more; thebabyfold.org. Nov. 22-Dec. 25: Mattoon Lightworks, 5 to 10 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon.

m ing history progra Experience the liv ic or st Hi e at St bin at Lincoln Log Ca h October Site May throug

DECEMBER‌ Dec. 4: Christmas walk, 5 p.m., downtown Decatur. Dec. 6: Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas, downtown Mattoon. Dec. 7: Christmas parade, 11:30 a.m., downtown Monticello. Dec. 7: Lighted Christmas parade, downtown Decatur. Dec. 7-8: Lunch with Santa on the Train, Monticello Train Depot. Dec. 13: Old Fashioned Christmas, Sullivan.

We are looking forward to seeing you out on the farm, eight miles south of Charleston, Illinois, unt il then be sure to follow us on Facebo ok.

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 402 S. Lincoln Highway Road, Lerna, IL 62440 the year long, check Special events all site b we e th at ts calender of even bin.org www.lincolnlogca 1845 534 or call 217-

This ad sponsored by Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation and Charleston Tourism

Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 39

»» ENVIRONMENT An eagle sits atop a utility pole on North Linden Street in Normal in July 2018. LENORE SOBOTA, THE PANTAGRAPH‌

STEVE SMEDLEY Pantagraph file photo‌

A bald eagle sits on eggs in a nest high above the Mackinaw River in rural Carlock in February 2015. This was one of the first nests in the area.

nests are found in Illinois, he said, estimating there are “easily now a minimum of 300-350 active bald eagle nests throughout Illinois.” A record number of 13 bald eagles were sighted during this year’s McLean County Christmas Bird Count by the John Wesley Powell Audubon Society, said Angelo Capparella, the society’s conservation chair and a zoology professor at Illinois State University. Since 2005, Capparella and Given Harper, an Illinois Wesleyan University biology professor, have been conducting a winter survey of raptors that includes hawks, falcons and owls. In the early years, they didn’t see any eagles, but “now we get them regularly,” said Capparella. “It’s a rare person that gets jaded seeing bald eagles,” he said. “The white head and tail in contrast to the black body is striking. They’re found within the city limits of our national symbol.” Bloomington. And, Harper noted, “They are Steve Bailey, an ornithologist with the Prairie Research Institute our national symbol that almost went extinct.” at the University of Illinois, said, In 1980, there was only one “The eagles are one of the greatest nesting pair of eagles in Illinois. success stories of an endangered A big reason for their comeback species in Illinois.” Each year, one or two dozen new was the banning of DDT in 1972.

Flying high

More eagles making their homes in Illinois LENORE SOBOTA

lenore.sobota@lee.net‌

‌BLOOMINGTON — Illinois is known as the home to the largest number of wintering bald eagles

in the continental United States, thanks in large part to the miles of shoreline along the Mississippi, Illinois and Rock rivers. The state also is home to an increasing number of nesting eagles, including six nests in McLean County, with the most recently confirmed nest being

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Eagle facts WINGSPAN: 6 to 7½ feet. WEIGHT: 6½ to 18 pounds (northern birds are larger than southern birds). MATURITY: Takes 4 to 5 years to get white head and tail. NEST: Averages 4 to 5 feet across and 2 to 4 feet deep; generally found in tall trees along rivers, streams and reservoirs. DIET: Preys on fish, particularly gizzard shad, but also on wounded waterfowl, small mammals and carrion. LIFESPAN: 20-25 years in the wild. STATUS: Formerly a “threatened” species in Illinois, it was delisted in 2009. SOURCES: Illinois Natural History Survey; National Eagle Center, Wabasha, Minn.

The pesticide caused eagle eggs to have thin shells that cracked before the eaglets could hatch. Habitat protection and pollution control laws also helped, said Harper. Although fish are a primary food of eagles, they are opportunistic and will eat a variety of available food, even roadkill. Harper said, “One of the big things that attract them to town is the abundance of rabbits and squirrels.” Even though eagles are getting used to the urban environment, it’s still important for people to keep their distance from eagles, especially during the egg laying

LENORE SOBOTA, THE PANTAGRAPH‌

A bald eagle perches on Plum Island at Starved Rock State Park in January 2018. Eagles on the island are easy to view from the wall next to the river at the park.

and incubation period that will be starting soon in Central Illinois, Capparella and Harper said. That’s why they declined to reveal specific locations for nests in the area. If the eagles are disturbed during the critical nesting period, they may abandon the nest, as happened a few years ago with a nest near Lake Bloomington, said Capparella. This time of year, the best place to observe them is near one of the dams along the Illinois River. The colder the weather and the more ice there is along the river, the higher the concentration of eagles will be around the dams that keep the water open. Among areas in Central Illinois with several nests are Lake

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge and Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, both near Havana. Although DDT has been banned, eagles face other threats such as poisoning from lead ammunition,

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

LENORE SOBOTA, THE PANTAGRAPH‌

A bald eagle rests on the ice on the Illinois River at Starved Rock State Park in January 2018. The colder the weather and the more frozen the river is, the more eagles will gather near the open water at the dam at Starved Rock.

electrocution from power lines and injuries from collision with wind turbines. Contact Lenore Sobota at (309) 820-3240. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Sobota

21 HISTORIC MURALS

BOATING/CAMPING/FISHING/HUNTING

THRU THE YEARS WITH PRIDE Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 41

JASON HOWELL PHOTOS, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER‌

Martha Menser and her sister, Ruth Ann Beasley, make preparations for Oilfield’s spring opening. The building, once a one-room schoolhouse, was acquired in 1963 by their father, Elbert Ennis, and moved to its current location before the widening of Highway 49.

Oilfield Cafe located in former schoolhouse, general store Cafe serves up meals, live music ROB STROUD

rob.stroud@lee.net‌

Martha Menser and her sister Ruth Ann Beasley. They are the youngest and the oldest in the family. “We’re the bookends, there are 20 years between us,” Menser said.

42 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

‌OILFIELD — Travelers on Illinois Route 49 in Clark County can enjoy homemade food and live music, in season, at a former schoolhouse and general store that is now a cafe. The cafe takes its name, Oilfield, from the small community in which it is located amid farmland dotted by oil rigs between Casey and Westfield. Sisters Martha Menser and Ruth Ann Beasley operate this cafe in the building where their parents, Elbert and Mary Ennis, once ran their Oilfield general store in the 1960s through the 1980s.

“I just love this place. It’s where I grew up. I love the history of it and people seem to enjoy it. I get a kick out of them enjoying it too,” Menser said. This building was constructed in 1866 as the Butternut Schoolhouse and was converted into a general store in 1924 by then owner C.A. Newlin. The sisters first opened their family’s former general store building to the public as a cafe in 2007. The cafe was just open for special events from 2015 to early 2018 after Menser took a job in Charleston. After retiring, Menser reopened the cafe on a seasonal basis in May 2018. Oilfield’s season runs from the first Thursday in April to the second week in December. The cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A copy of a drawing by local artist Lee Newlin depicting the building during its days as a general store in Oilfield. C.A. Newlin is the artist’s father.

! g n i K e u r T e n The O Since 1952

Oilfield, south of the intersection of East 1700th Rd and North Route 49 south of Westfield. The season opening is slated for April 4.

Friday. Menser said they serve up hand-patted hamburgers and other sandwiches, specials such as meatloaf, and soup. “If it’s chilly, we have chili,” Menser said. She added that their customer favorite homemade pies include an apple pie baked in an iron skillet and her mother-in-law Maxine Shook’s coconut cream pie. From visitors to the cafe, Menser said she’s heard stories of the general store staying open until

midnight to provide a place for locals to visit. The cafe still serves as a gathering place, hosting live music from 6 to 8 p.m. every Friday. Menser said musician John Crouch of Casey is set to perform country and folk there on the first Friday of ever month this season. The cafe is frequented by a mixture of locals from the CaseyWestfield area and travelers who

Please see Oilfield, Page 44

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»» OILFIELD From 43 seek out this restaurant, Menser said. She noted that the cafe has hosted customers from 48 states and at least three other countries. Menser said the workers who maintain the nearby oil rigs periodically stop by the cafe for lunch. The Oilfield general store catered to these workers for decades. She said her father, Elbert, repaired oil rig equipment in the workshop that he ran next door to the store. “He loved the area and he wanted to promote it as much as possible. He enjoyed the history and wanted to preserve it, too,” Menser said of her father. The cafe is decorated with mementos of the general store, including its old coal stove, and of the Oilfield community’s boom town days, when it offered a train station, hotel and other businesses. Menser shares this history with her guests, including scheduled tour groups. Edie Breneman, president of the Clark County Historical Society, said she and other members of this group dined at the Oilfield cafe a few months ago and heard a presentation about the community. Breneman said the community of Oilfield is off the beaten path, but the cafe there is worth a visit for the good food and the history. “Oilfield is an interesting place and Martha knows all about it.” Breneman said. “If she has time to sit down and tell you the stories, it’s even better.” More information about the cafe is available by calling 217-5499053 or by visiting the Oilfield Illinois page on Facebook. Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861. Follow him on Twitter: @TheRobStroud

A copy of a drawing by local artist Lee Newlin depicting the building, built in 1866, during it’s life as a one-room schoolhouse.

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44 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

Central IllInoIs

Race traCKs

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). 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) 345-2929

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-Wing, Restrictor, Sportsman and Junior Sprint) at the beginning of May. Three national championships have taken place here in the past half century and the club is currently affiliated with the 600 Micro Sprint USA organization. The track is located between Mattoon and Charleston on Illinois 316. Contact: (217) 348-8035 www.ccmmra.com

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summer. The Dragway is located on Illinois 316

Casey, just off U.S. 40. Contact:

between Mattoon and Charleston. Contact:

(217) 932-2041 Online:

(217) 345-7777:

www.lincolntrailmotosports.com

Coles County

Fairbury American Legion Speedway

Phone: (217) 764-3000 Racing every Saturday

¼-mile

Dates: UMP Summer Nationals, $5,000-to-win

Used as a popular recreational facility as well as

Location: Third Street at Route 24, Fairbury

Dragway

a competitive one, LTM has the longest calendar

Phone: (309) 532-7862 Racing every Saturday

North Central Division for both 2007 and 2008,

wheeled bikes and off-road vehicles compete

the dragstrip maintains a busy schedule from

in motocross and hare scramble events, mostly

year of any area track, starting in February Voted by the NHRA as the Track of the Year in the and ending near Halloween. Two- and four-

March until November. Elapsed time bracket racing is featured on an eighth-mile strip, with

1/5-mile. Location: 9 miles south of Decatur off US 51

www.colescountydragwayusa.com

Lincoln Trail Motosports

Macon Speedway

night: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stocks

night: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stocks, 4-cylinder Compacts. Key Late Model

main event.

Peoria Speedway ¼-mile

Farmer City Raceway

Location: 3520 W. Farmington Road, Peoria.

¼-mile

Contact: (309) 357-3339

Location: Highway 150, Farmer City

dragsters, junior dragsters, motorcycles and street cars competing alike. It is also home

on the Prairie, which takes place every June.

Lincoln Speedway

Top drivers vie to reach the region finals in

¼-mile

of one of the area’s marquee events, Thunder

Indianapolis and eventually the NHRA nationals

Location: Logan County Fairgrounds, 11th and

in Pomona, Calif. For a $10 fee, anyone can

during two-day weekends. The Illini Super Series Jefferson, Lincoln. Contact: (217) 899-3727

Racing every Saturday night: Late Models,

bring a car to the track for the Street Legal

brings together riders from different tracks for a

Racing every Friday night: Pro Late Models,

Modifieds, Steel Block Late Models, Street

series, which runs on Fridays throughout the

seasonending points race. The track is west of

Modifieds, Street Stocks, 4-cylinder Compacts.

Stocks, 4-cylinder Compacts, Lightning Sprints.

46 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

Welcome to Illinois

State hosts nearly 114 million visitors from near and far LORI RACKL

Chicago Tribune‌

‌Whether they came for a Route 66 road trip, a total solar eclipse downstate or a music festival in Chicago, nearly 114 million visitors traveled to Illinois last year — 1.6 million more than in 2016. As usual, international travelers made up a small fraction of that record-high total. An estimated 2.36 million visited from other countries, primarily Canada, China, the U.K., Mexico, Japan and Germany. The remaining 111.5 million U.S. visitors were overwhelmingly here for vacation, as opposed to work. Some 83 percent were leisure travelers, the category that saw the most growth. The other 17 percent were here on business. The Illinois

MOnticell

Office of Tourism gets its domestic visitor numbers from the travel research firm DK Shifflet and international visitor numbers from Tourism Economics. “It was the domestic leisure market that drove our numbers; that’s what we focus on,” said state tourism director Cory Jobe, who credited several marketing initiatives with better selling Illinois as a destination not just for out-of-staters but residents alike. “We’re encouraging more and more Chicagoans, instead of traveling out of state to Michigan and Wisconsin, we’re giving them new ways to travel in state — a lot of weekend getaways, road trip ideas, outdoor adventures,” Jobe said, noting the recent rollout of a Frank Lloyd Wright trail in Illinois. “You can experience several different unique products within a 70-minute to three-hour drive from Chicago,” he added. “We have a great message that’s resonating well with

o r a i lway m u s e u m

the consumer.” The state spent several million dollars pushing its “Up for Amazing” campaign with lively commercials, a revamped EnjoyIllinois.com website and other advertising that played up the thrill of exploration and discovery more so than the classic tourism approaches touting relaxation and family fun. Domestic and international travelers spent $39.5 billion in Illinois during 2017, an uptick of 3 percent from 2016, according to data from the U.S. Travel Association. Last year, Illinois visitors generated $2.95 billion in state and local tax revenue — a jump of $75 million from 2016. In 2017, the state’s tourism industry supported 335,500 jobs, which is 18,600 more than in 2015. “From visitor volume to taxes generated to job creation, our industry is very important to the state,” Jobe said. The state has made a concerted

effort to reach out to LGBTQ travelers with ads aimed directly at that lucrative market. The tourism office also has had success with its Illinois Made program, which showcases an ever-expanding network of local artisans and small-business owners across the state — something that appeals to travelers looking for authentic, unique experiences. Attracting international visitors remains a challenge. Jobe dismissed the notion of a so-called Trump slump, which some experts have pointed to as the reason international arrivals to the U.S. don’t appear to be keeping pace with the boom in global tourism. “It’s the exchange rate, plain and simple,” Jobe said about the strength of the U.S. dollar in recent years, making it costly for foreigners to travel here. “And Illinois and Chicago don’t have the marketing dollars that some of the other major (U.S.) destinations do.”

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Central Illinois Golf Courses

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 www.thedengc.com 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 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 www.golfironwood.org The Links at Ireland Grove Bloomington 309-661-8040 Par: 29 Yardage: 1,590 Greens fees: $10, $5 under age 6 Practice range: Yes www.thelinksatirelandgrove.com Prairie Vista G.C. 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 www.prairievistagc.com Weibring Golf Club at ISU 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 Anderson Fields G.C. Streator 815-672-3702 Par: 35 Yardage: 2,682 Greens fees: 9 holes: $10 (resident), $12 (non-resident); 18 holes: $17 (resident), $20 (non-resident) Practice range: No www.ci.streator.il.us/ anderson-fields.php 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 Dwight Country Club Dwight 815-584-1399 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,306 Greens fees: M-F $17, $21 weekends Practice range: Yes www.dwightcountryclub.com El Paso Golf Club 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

Lincoln Elks C.C. Lincoln 217-732-4010 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,100 Greens fees: 9 holes $15, 18 holes $26 Practice range: Yes

Hazy Hills G.C. Hudson 309-726-9200 Par: 35 Yardage: 2,900 Greens fees: $9 Practice range: No

Metamora Fields Metamora 309-367-4000 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,209 Green fees: Weekday $45, Weekends $55 Practice range: Yes www.metamorafields.com

Indian Creek G.C. Fairbury 815-692-2655 Par: 72 Yardage: 5,840 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/ lickcreek.html

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 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 WeaverRidge Golf Club Peoria 309-691-3344 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,013 Green fees: $39-79 (includes cart) Practice range: Yes www.weaverridge.com Wolf Creek Golf Club 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 www.golfatwolfcreek.com

“Wolf Creek is one of the finest public golf courses in the State of Illinois.” -Illinoisgolf.com 48 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

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.woodlawncountryclubfc.com

DECATUR AREA

Hickory Point Decatur 217-421-7444 727 Weaver Rd. Par: 72 Yardage: 6,848 Greens fees: $32 weekdays (18 holes and cart) Driving range: Yes www.decatur-parks.org/golf Red Tail Run 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 Scovill Decatur 217-429-6243 3909 W. Main St. Par: 71 Yardage: 5,925 Greens fees: $32 weekdays Driving range: Yes www.decatur-parks.org/golf 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. 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 Taylorville 217-824-5161 2021 Lincoln Trail Par: 35 Yardage: 2,905 Ironhorse Golf Club Tuscola 217-253-6644 2000 Ironhorse Dr. Par: 72 Yardage: 7,046 Greens fees: $24 weekdays www.ironhorsegc.com 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 University of Illinois Blue Savoy 217-359-5613 800 Hartwell Dr. Par: 72 Yardage: 6,479 Greens fees: $34 weekdays Driving range: Yes www.uofigolf.com

Yardage: 6,745 Greens fees: $27 weekday, twilight Driving Range: Yes www.meadowviewgolf.com Norton Knolls Golf Course 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 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

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 217-258-7888 Par: 72

Bent Tree Golf Course Charleston 14618 E. County Road 400N 217-348-1611 Par: 70 Yardage: 6,240 Greens fees: $20 weekdays 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 jg-tc.

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A public course with the excellence of a private club. Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 49

Price, ratings trump hotel brand names ALEX TEMBLADOR TravelPulse‌

‌Expedia Group asked consumers, what’s more important — price, guest ratings or brand value? The answer was not surprising. Price is by far the most important aspect in a customer’s hotel selection. In a survey of more than 900 people, Expedia Group found that hotel prices play a key role in the choosing of a hotel, and promotions and discounts tend to catch travelers’ attention when selecting a property. “While consumers want the best deal on travel bookings, their individual selections ultimately reflect their values,” said Abhijit Pal, head of research, Expedia Group. “The consumer searching for a budget accommodation will

look for the best value within their constraints, while someone with more disposable income may prefer a luxury option and be willing to pay more per night, but not more than they have to.” For independent hotels, this can be a fantastic opportunity, as customers are less concerned

PIA

with a brand name hotel’s reputation and more concerned with finding a hotel within their price range. Guest ratings also play an important factor in hotel selection. Expedia Group found that there is a 72 percent chance a customer will place guest ratings higher than a hotel brand name. Travelers are even willing to pay a bit higher for positive guest reviews. Participants in the study said they’d pay 24 percent more for a hotel that’s rated 3.9 versus 2.4 and 35 percent more for a hotel with a 4.4 rating than one with a 3.9 rating. “Peer, or guest, ratings have essentially leveled the playing field for independent hotels, as more potential guests seek out thirdparty endorsements for hotel properties they are considering,” said Pal. “Independent hotels

“While consumers want the best deal on travel bookings, their individual selections ultimately reflect their values.” Abhijit Pal, head of research Expedia Group today can compete on a global scale with brands because distribution and technology enable them to compete, and quality is within their control.” While the study seems to indicate that independent hotels can compete with brand names, it did find that premium brands can influence a traveler’s hotel section and that all hotel brands have a significant advantage when it comes to remodel callouts, room image and hotel ratings.

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The greatest of rivers right in our backyard

CHARLES BURDICK

The Southern Illinoisan‌

‌As long as the Great Father of Waters, the Mississippi River, flows along the western shores of southern Illinois, about 170 miles from St. Louis to Cairo, many of its stories in that part of its long journey to the Gulf is told in legend and lore. Its gentle flow in low water is hard to visualize when its velocity is running fast and furious in high water. Man has found romance with its silent flow and hatred when it’s on a rampage. Its presence has been an asset to man while also a great liability. It is liked and disliked, praised and scorned. The discovery of the upper Mississippi River was by Father Hennepin in 1680. If France ever had sufficient title to the Mississippi Valley to convey ownership, she undoubtedly had authority to name the principal river. If this follows, then the technically correct name of the great river is St. Louis. In 1712, the king of France ordered in letters that the river heretofore called Mississippi be called River St. Louis. But the people on its banks gave no heed to the royal decree. Many people live along this meandering river that is about 1,800 miles long. In the north, it rises at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, and empties into the Gulf of Mexico 95 miles below New Orleans, Louisiana. Much of American history is encompassed around this, one of the greatest rivers in our nation. The Indians with their canoes descended and ascended it, and lived along its shores. Early explorers traveled its course and later this great river was the subject of many of Mark Twain’s writings. It is part of the boundaries of 10 states — Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and a portion of Minnesota. This great river, called The Mississippi River System, is the

ALTON REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU‌

With more than 2,000 miles, the Great River Road passes through five states and offers countless views of the mountains, Mississippi River and more. For the stay-at-home type of person, this is a great experience for sitting back and enjoying the world around you.

main stem of a network of inland navigable waterways, which form a system of about 12,350 miles in length, not including the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway of 1,173 miles. The Mississippi River contributed greatly to the expansion of our nation in its early times. It provided a route for the westward movement. The introduction of steamboats upon the western waters deserves a mention, because it contributed more than any other single cause. Without this river and the coming of the steamboat our nations quest for expansion would have been delayed by many years. With the river’s development in modern day, it has become a major mode in the transporting of goods including, but not limited to, gasoline, diesel oil, crude oil, coal, grain, sulphur, salt and many more products at a lower cost of transportation. Many people are employed in this industry. Not only on thousands of shore jobs, but those that are working on the hundreds of vessels that move this product. These people are professionals at the job they do as captains, pilots, mates, deckhands, engineers and

cooks. Also in these operations you have people employed in offices as marine managers, port captains and port engineers. The old river has contributed much to our country’s economy and for this we must all be grateful. During World War II, many Navy vessels were built at various inland shipyards. I remember on several occasions seeing

submarines pass Grand Tower. These vessels were built and launched into Lake Michigan and they were floated onto a speciallybuilt floating dry dock. River vessels moved them down river to New Orleans, where Navy crews came aboard and took charge. Man has tried to harness the Mississippi River, and, in many ways, they have been successful. Dams and levees have played an important part in man’s endeavors. But still the threat of disasters exist. When the rains come in spring and the warmth of the sun melts the heavy winter snows in the north, the volume of water that flows into the river sometimes exceeds its capability to handle it, causing disastrous flooding. As a river pilot for 35 years, I was in a key position to witness the forces of nature as Old Man River seems to rejoice when his level exceeded normal. One day, he was your friend. The next, your foe. He was fascinating and unpredictable, but I became familiar with his tricks and feel that he was more my friend than enemy. After all I did make my living with him for 42 years. We all hope and pray that he will always be our friend and stay within his bounds.

A UNIQUE HOTEL EXPERIENCE S

ON THE ANGAMON IVER

217-632-0202

WWW.RIVERBANKLODGE.COM Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 51

HOOKS Lines & Sinkers

Illinois has lots of lakes, rivers, channels and ponds filled with all sorts of fish and water-based critters. Here are some of the bigger and best ones.

Evergreen Lake & State Park

Newton Lake

Fishing, Boating, Camping, Hunting, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Trails 3490 E. 500th Newton, IL Visitor Center: (217) 258-8559

Fishing, Boating, Camping, Hunting 13001 Recreation Area Dr. Hudson, IL Visitor Center: (309) 434-6770

Lake Taylorville

Spring Lake & Park

Fishing, Boating, Camping Cabin Rental 101 Sweeney Dr. Taylorville, IL Visitor Center: (217) 824-5606

Fishing, Boating, Camping, Hunting, Hiking, Biking, Facilities 7982 South Park Road Manito, IL (309) 968-7135

Lake Shelbyville

Lake Bloomington

Fishing, Boating, Camping,Hunting, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Biking Trails, Golfing, 925 IL-32 Sullivan, IL (217) 774-2244

Fishing, Boating, Camping, Parks Bloomington, IL

Lake Decatur Fishing, Boating

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Clinton Lake

Fishing, Boating, Camping 7251 Ranger Road Dewitt IL (217) 935-6860

Making the most of kids’ first fishing trips ‌Fishing provides a great way for parents to bond with their children in the great outdoors. The value of first impressions has been welldocumented, and parents who want their kids to inherit a love of fishing can take the following factors into consideration so their youngsters’ first fishing trips are successful.

Local programs

Fishing need not be an expensive hobby, but the costs can add up. Parents who are not sure if their kids will embrace fishing should look into local programs. Many towns, especially those with reputations for fishing, host free family fishing events. These events give parents an opportunity to see if their kids enjoy fishing before they start buying them gear.

Starting simple

Any fisherman would love

to snag a trophy fish such as a largemouth bass on his or her first trip. And while that’s possible, it’s unlikely, especially for youngsters. Such fish tend to be difficult to catch, even for seasoned fishermen. When taking kids fishing for the first time, fish for something that’s somewhat simple to catch and capable of being caught throughout the day. If you aren’t familiar with your local rivers or lakes, visit a local

outdoors store and ask for advice about which local bodies of water are home to fish that kids might be able to snag. Though it’s not imperative that kids catch a fish on their first trip, doing so might make them more enthusiastic about their next trip.

Having fun

Don’t make the day all about catching fish, as even the most seasoned fishermen have their

off days when nothing is biting. If the focus is on catching fish, kids might grow discouraged and not want to come back if they don’t catch anything on their first trip. Focus on the fun everyone is having rather than the fish they are (or aren’t) catching. Some youngsters might just be thrilled to spend a day out on the water with their parents. Encourage that enthusiasm and kids are more likely to remember their first fishing trips fondly.

Break time

Kids might not have a full day of fishing in them on their first trip. Frequent breaks to explore nearby nature, enjoy a snack or even toss a ball around can keep children from growing bored throughout the day. Fishing is a family-friendly activity that youngsters can enjoy from the moment they first pick up a rod.

Coffeen Lake Fishing, Boating, Hunting 15084 N. 4th Ave. Coffeen, IL (217) 537-3351

Lake Springfield

Fishing, Boating, Rentals 17 Waters Edge Boulevard Springfield IL Marina: (217) 483-3625

Sangchris Lake & Park

Fishing, Boating, Camping, Trails, Hunting, Metal Detecting, Shelter Reservations 9898 Cascade Rd. Rochester, IL (217) 498-9208

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What a kick!

Route 66 Experience Hub unveiled in downtown Bloomington

DAVID PROEBER PHOTOS, PANTAGRAPH FILE‌

Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner unveils the Route 66 Experience Hub at the northeast corner of Main and Jefferson streets.

MARIA NAGLE

maria.nagle@lee.net‌

‌If you want to know more about historic Route 66, look no further than a downtown Bloomington street corner. The Route 66 Experience Hub is located at the northeast corner of Main and Jefferson streets. The 9-foot-tall kiosk is yet another resource to locate and experience Route 66 attractions in the Twin Cities and surrounding area. The hub — the 14th experience hub to be installed in the state — also is near the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center inside the McLean County Museum of History. “We are really proud to be one of those spots,” said Mayor Tari Renner. “We are really glad to have this right on old Route 66 in the heart of beautiful, sparkling downtown Bloomington.” He then pushed a button on the hub that allows visitors to listen to Bobby Troup singing his 1946 song, “Route 66.”

Jay Grabiec‌

AND THEY’RE OFF: The Run for the Bagel, which this year will feature a 5k and 10k run, as well as a 5k run/walk, has been a staple of Mattoon’s annual Bagelfest event. This year’s run will be July 20.

54 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020

“We’ve had visitors from all but two (U.S.) states — Idaho and Alabama. I don’t know why nobody comes from those two states, but we will have to work on it.” Joe McDonnell, manager of the Route 66 visitors center and gift shop

Downtown Bloomington business people and officials look at the Route 66 Experience Hub at the northeast corner of Main and Jefferson streets.

The cost of the kiosk was about $30,000, said William Kelly, executive director of Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. The mayor noted the historic route that connects Chicago to Los Angeles is an important tourism and economic development resource for the city. Christened “The Mother

Road” by author John Steinbeck in “The Grapes of Wrath,” Route 66 continues to attract travelers more than 30 years after it was officially removed from the U.S. highway system. The historic route will mark its 100th anniversary in 2026. The Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission was created

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to Bobby Troup singing his 1946 song, “Route 66.” The kiosk has an interpretive panel that talks about the history of Route 66 in the Twin Cities and another panel that highlights attractions in the area and how to find them. There also is a large panel with a map of Route 66 in Illinois. The experience hub is the result of a partnership among the city, Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

by a new state law Jan. 1 to coordinate planning of centennial celebration events along the Illinois portion of the highway’s route from Chicago to St. Louis. “The visitors center is not only driving traffic to the museum, but to the entire area,” added Jeff Woodard, the museum’s marketing director. “We are marketing the museum and Route 66 and all of its resources as a destination.” In Bloomington, there were 23,803 visitors to the museum and Route 66 visitors center in 2018, including international travelers from 36 countries. “They come from as far as New Zealand, Australia, Japan and China,” said Joe McDonnell, manager of the Route 66 visitors center and gift shop. “We get all kinds of European visitors. We have African visitors. We have had some from Indonesia and, of course, Canada, Argentina and Brazil. “We’ve had visitors from all but two (U.S.) states — Idaho and Alabama,” he added. “I don’t know why nobody comes from those two states, but we will have to work on it.”

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Visit Moultrie County www.visitmoultrieil.com - (217) 728-4223 Getaway Guide to Central Illinois 2019-2020 55

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