Cumberland Gap Tennessee Iron Furnace July 2022

 We did the very brief hike out to see the Iron Furnace at Cumberland Gap!  AND, we couldn't be in Cumberland Gap Tennessee and not stop by Gap Creek Coffee again!

Middlesboro Kentucky July 2022

 And here is a brief video I posted on youtube about Middlesboro Kentucky!

Old State Capitol Springfield Illinois May 2022

Here is a video from our visit to the Old State Capitol in Springfield Illinois!

Illinois State Military Museum Springfield May 2022

 

While in Springfield, we visited the Illinois State Military Museum.

The Museum is possession of an artificial leg that once belonged to Santa Anna.  It is no longer on display.  There is a bit of a story behind that.

Still, this is a great museum, and there is a lot to see!

Illinois State Capitol Springfield 2020 and 2022

 

Back in March 2020, we stopped by the State Capitol in Springfield Illinois.  We literally went inside as they were ending tours, because of Covid.

We were still able to go in, and look around.  We went back again in 2022.

Pease's at BUNN Gourmet Springfield Illinois May 2022

 

We visited the very unique chocolate shop/coffee shop/bar/cafe Pease's at Bunn Gourmet in Springfield.

New Salem Visitor Center Illinois May 2022

 

There is a very nice museum in the visitor center at Lincoln's New Salem.

New Salem Illinois May 2022

We love Lincoln's New Salem, just a half hour or so drive from Springfield.

If you are looking for uncrowded Lincoln sites...  well, this is the one.  Lincoln spent 6 years in this area before moving to Springfield.

This is a video I posted to youtube of our visit- stopping by most of the buildings.

Raymond H. Montgomery's "Living in the Shadows of Greatness"

 While exploring the streets of Petersburg Illinois....  not too far from Springfield (less than a half an hour) and only a couple of miles from New Salem, we stumbled in to the wonderfully stocked local gift shop, "The Crazy Daisy."

I didn't catch her name, but there was a very sweet lady running the place, who was proud of the area, and all that it had going on.  She gave us a lot of great info on the area!

The shop itself had a lot of cool items that my wife and I both appreciated.  There were local crafts, jewelry and other items.  I was thrilled to see a well stocked local book section, and "New Salem" gift items....  as there are no gift shops at this time at the state park.

One book that I picked up at the Crazy Daisy gift shop was Raymond H. Montgomery's "In the Shadows of Greatness".  

Montgomery, a local historian, gives first hand accounts by locals concerning the legendary area's history.  His family has lived in the location for generations, and he gives some interesting facts about the locals.  One (of the many) things I love about this book, is that Montgomery gets first hand accounts from some old timers about the towns connection to legendary circus performers AND there is a first hand account from a cousin of Ann Rutledge, discussing Abe Lincoln and Ann's relationship!

The author has given information on the less famous locals, and the buildings around this fascinating area.  In fact, it has really inspired me to think about another trip to this part of Illinois, just to soak in some more New Salem and Petersburg.

This book is a bit obscure, the usual book selling web sites are asking a steep $40 plus for this one.  You can get a new copy at the Crazy Daisy for about half that though, and it is well worth the cover price.  Oh, I LOVE the cover to this book too!

Petersburg Illinois May 2022

 Here is a brief look at Petersburg Illinois.....  Not skip over this town when you are near Springfield!

Broadgauge Petersburg Illinois May 2022

 

We were very lucky to have a meal at the very nice Broadgauge Restaurant in Petersburg Illinois!  This is now one of my favorite places to eat anywhere.