By Cindy Cabbage, Assistant Vice President Loda Facility
Are you looking to get away for some summer fun but don’t want to spend the time or money to travel too far? The good news is that you don’t have to! Fortunately, Illinois has some great places to visit no matter what you think makes a fun vacation.
History lovers will enjoy a trip to Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, located just south of Petersburg. This reconstruction of the village of New Salem, where Lincoln spent his early adulthood years, provides insight into what life in Illinois was like during the 1830’s. Observe how activities of the day such as farming, militia drills, and household tasks were carried out. This historic site does not charge admission; they just suggest a donation of $1 for children and $2 for adults so you can definitely visit without breaking your budget.
Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find a quiet place to retreat at Creekside Vineyards Winery and Inn near the Quad Cities. In addition to tasting locally grown wines, visitors can enjoy seasonal entertainment, quiet walks around the vineyard grounds, and amenities such as an outdoor hot tub and fireplace. Get a relaxing break from real life without ever leaving the state.
Look out your window and see typical Illinois terrain – flat farmland. This is what the whole state looks like, right? Wrong! Go north to Starved Rock or south to The Garden of the Gods and you will see a completely different topography. If you love to hike or just enjoy nature’s beauty, these parks offer you some good options for a vacation you will likely never forget.
This list is just a start. I didn’t even mention the great zoos (like Brookfield Zoo in Chicago), fabulous museums (such as The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield or The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago), or thrilling amusement parks (for example, Six Flags Great America in Chicago and Raging Rivers Water Park in Grafton). Websites such as www.illinoisbeautiful.com or www.enjoyillinois are a great place to find just the right destination. And I’m sure you can find something to do with the money you will save by taking your vacation a little closer to home!
Remember, Federated Bank offers a variety of products and services to meet your personal or business banking needs. We are actively looking for new lending opportunities and are here to help you with a wide selection of banking and lending services. Please let us know if we can be of assistance in any way.
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender