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.  

Lincoln's Neighborhood Springfield Illinois May 2022

 

Surrounding Abraham Lincoln's Home in Springfield Illinois, is Abe's old neighborhood.  It is also preserved and managed by the National Park Service.  Here is a video I posted to youtube about it.

Scheels Sporting Goods Springfield Illinois May 2022

 

Scheel's in Springfield is easily one of the most fun places I have shopped at recently!  There is a Ferris wheel AND animatronic Presidents!

Oak Ridge Cemetery and Lincoln's Tomb Illinois May 2022

AND....  here is a video I posted to youtube covering our visit to Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield Illinois!  We visited a couple of other site at Oak Ridge Cemetery too- including the final resting place of William Herndon!

Abraham Lincoln Home National Historic Site Springfield Illinois May 2022

 

Here is a complete tour video of the Abraham Lincoln Home in Springfield Illinois!  Thank you National Park Service! 

"Young Lincoln" by Jan Jacobi

On our recent trip to Springfield, we noticed author Jan Jacobi signing copies of his book, "Young Lincoln".

I THINK Jan described the book as a middle school level read (he has been involved with that level of teaching for several decades himself) but I felt that this book had more substance than that.  This is a well written, and thoughtful book that any reader will enjoy.

The book is written from Lincoln's perspective, as he moves through Kentucky, Indiana, and New Salem Illinois.  All of the main players and influencers of Abe's early life are here.

Jacobi does a great job of channeling Lincoln.  I absolutely feel like this might be the closest thing we could have to a journal of young Abraham Lincoln's life.

Jan doesn't avoid the hard issues either- Lincoln's struggles with depression, religion, and his own self doubt are addressed- and they are addressed in a relatable way.  Any young person reading this one will be able to relate with the future President's emotional struggles.

I want to mention that I especially enjoyed meeting the author in the very appropriate venue of the visitor center at Lincoln's Springfield home.  Jan took the time to talk at length with anyone who approached him and he also made a lengthy inscription in each book (I love it when authors do this).

Jan was also a very warm person, excited to discuss Abe, Springfield and the area.  In his writing, and in his personality, he has truly connected with Mr. Lincoln.  I wouldn't want to suggest that Mt. Jacobi should sport a black top hat at his signings to promote his book...  but he could easily pull such a thing off with no effort.

This is a really nice book covering Abraham's early life.  Yes, it is historic fiction, but the author lists his sources extensively, and has made a Schaara like effort to get into the minds of his subjects.  This book gets my highest possible recommendation.  

Oh, and I know a follow up book is out there...  I am sure I will be reviewing that in the near future.

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Springfield Illinois May 2022

We saw the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile while we were in Springfield Illinois!

Lincoln Herndon Law Offices Springfield Illinois May 2022

 Here is a brief look at the Lincoln Herndon Law Office in Springfield Illinois!  Abe practiced here, and its now a visitor center!

Di Pieros Italian Restaurant Springfield Illinois May 2022

  

Di Piero's Restaurant in Springfield is easily my favorite Italian Restaurant, and it has a great connection to Abraham Lincoln!

Its cozy, classy and the food is perfect!

"The Expedition of the Donner Party and Its Tragic Fate" by Eliza P Donner Houghton

So, a buddy of mine got back from a road trip and picked up "The Expedition of the Donner Party and Its Tragic Fate" by Eliza P. Donner Houghton while he was visiting Donner Lake!

He knows that I love history, especially pioneer related stories, and strange ones.  Well, as I am sure you know, the Donner Party's story fits that bill for sure!

AND, I was about to visit Springfield Illinois again for the FOURTH time....  Springfield has a TON of history (the names Lincoln and Obama come to mind) but the town was also the starting point for the Donner Expedition.  There is a marker right by the old Court House about this, and the members of the party camped out there at the beginning of their sad adventure out west.

The Donner story has been told a million times, and I think most of us know the main details....  but, I think many people forget that this was a brave group who was willing to risk everything  for a new start in the west.  This was, in many ways a moving town with rules, leaders and norms.  Good things happened, and so did bad things.

This book is the telling of the story told by the daughter of Jack Donner, who was part of the Expedition, as a three year old.  Much of what she tells is second hand information given to her years later.  She does discuss crime among the party members.  She talks about a mother "trading" out the young Donners clothes to benefit her own daughters.  She talks of her being abandoned by mem paid to help get her to safety.  And she talks openly about finding an adopted family that helps her after the death of her own parents.

Yes, we all know about the cannibalism in the Donner story (the author, surely for self protection mentally, accepts a story that contradicts most of the known facts)- but this book is a real, personal tale of what could go wrong to those early pioneers.

Springhill Suites by Marriott Springfield Illinois May 2022

Don't be tricked into staying at downtown hotels in Springfield just because they are named after President Lincoln (seriously, that place is terrible).

Check out Springhill Suites by Marriott!  It has easy parking, it is clean and modern.  Only 10 minutes or so from downtown.  We REALLY liked this place.

Here is a brief video I posted about it.

Springfield Illinois May 2022

 

We visited Springfield Illinois for a fourth time recently  I really enjoy this town and all of its history.

There is, of course, all of the great Abraham Lincoln and Illinois Government history, and there are some incredible independent businesses.  

I will put up some more videos of the various places in town that I love, but here is a quick one about this trip....

Pigeon Forge Tennessee June 2022

 

And there are a ton of Pigeon Forge Tennessee videos out there too, but I love the place and I am sure I will continue putting more up.........

Pittman Center Road Sevierville, TN June 2022

 This is just a simple video driving through Pittman Center Rd in the Sevierville Tennessee/Great Smoky Mountains area!

Tennessee Cider Company Gatlinburg June 2022

Hey, check out the Tennessee Cider Company in Gatlinburg!

They do a GREAT and fun tasting for $5, and they have some great deals.  We hat the fun and helpful Heidi help us at our tasting and this was a real treat.

I know Moonshine is big in this area (and, maybe a little overdone).... So, think about the hard cider place instead......  It is a lot easier to handle.

Smoky Mountain Knife Works and Relic Room in Tennessee June 2022

 

The Relic Room at Smoky Mountain Knife Works is one of my all time favorite places to shop.  They have an insane collection of relics for sale.  AND, many are very affordable.

I have found authentic Civil War bullets here for a buck.  You can buy actual pieces of dinosaur bones, meteorites, and other cool items at reasonable prices too.

Sure, if you are looking for that nice, center piece to your WWII collection they can hook you up but I love the fact that you can make several purchases for your mini museum at home and not go broke.

 

Pottery House Café and Grille Pigeon Forge TN June 2022

 I have raved about Pottery House Cafe and Grille before...  We love this place!

Pirates Voyage -Pigeon Forge Tennessee June 2022

So, we love Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and have been many times....  but we have never been to one of the dinner shows.  I know, that might sound weird, but....  we just never got around to it.

Well, on this trip, we went to see Pirates Voyage!

WOW!  This is really something special.  I have no doubt that we will be doing more of the dinner shows in the near future.  I honestly can't wait to get back to see Pirates Voyage again!

Obviously, you cant film during the performance, but I did take a few pictures, and I taped a bit of the pre show.  This is just a short video I put up on it.

The show was unreal and the food was amazing (and PILED on the plates) too.

Gatlinburg Tennessee June 2022

 Yes, I know....  I have talked about Gatlinburg a lot.  I love the place...  AND, I know there is an overabundance of videos on the tourist town on line....  but I am still going to put another one up.  This is from a recent trip walking up and down the strip.  I would love to hear from others who cant get enough of Gatlinburg.

Berry Springs Lodge Sevierville Tennessee, June 2022

 

I have discussed Berry Springs Lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains many times on this blog.  I know we have stayed there close to a dozen times...  The place is just so perfect.

Well, on this visit I made a short video to show it off.  The rooms are clean and cozy.  The view from the balcony and back porch areas are perfect.  AND, there is always a great chance to see wild life (witch the video, I do get a few seconds of a bobcat filmed from our balcony!).

The breakfasts are ridiculous too.  I have said it before.  Some of the best breakfasts I have had in my life have been here.

Check out my youtube video above, and check out Berry Springs lodge next time you are in the GSMs.

Black Rifle Coffee Company Pigeon Forge TN June 2022

 Here is a brief video I uploaded about the very cool and patriotic coffee shop, "Black Rifle Coffee Company"!  I like what they are doing, and they have great beverages!