Friday morning we enjoyed the complimentary continental breakfast that also included biscuits and gravy. You usually don't see that offered at these. They also had pre-made French toast and waffles where all you had to do was pop them in a toaster.
We took a ride over to the south side of the Galena River and went to the visitors center located in the old train depot. Then, we went up the street to US Grant's home. He was living in Galena when the Civil War broke out. After the war, a grateful citizenry built this house for him. He lived here until elected president. We have already visited it, but were there to look at the somewhat controversial statue that has been put up of his wife, Julia Dent Grant. There are those that say it looks more like Mrs. Butterworth of syrup fame. We agree with them. Some want it taken down.
We then drove another beautiful road called the Stagecoach Trail out of Galena. This is every bit a great cruise as US-20 from Stockton to Dubuque, just one great vista after another. I highly suggest it.
Took back roads through lots and lots and lots of corn to Rochelle, the "Hub City" because of all the railroads and highways that pass through it. Two major rail lines pass through here and anywhere from 90 to 125 trains a day. So many train buffs kept coming here, that the city built the railroad park at the intersection and this is a much visited site. The nation's first transcontinental highway, 1913's Lincoln Highway also passed through town. Two interstates, I-39 and I-88 (the Ronald Reagan Highway- he grew up in nearby Dixon, Illinois after being born in Tampico). Plus, historic US-51 (now Il-251) ran through it. This highway runs from Canada all the way to the Texas coast.
We checked into the Comfort Inn, which used to be a major Midwest resort called the Vagabond Inn. Then, we went downtown where the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival was taking place. We visited a couple bars that we like, then walked over to the recently restored 1918 Standard Oil station to look at it.
We had some of the best pork chop sandwiches ever for $3 apiece at the Rochelle Fire Department's booth and watched the New Invaders play music of the 60s. They had the place rocking, even the teens seemed to enjoy their music. I had seen them earlier at Antioch's It's Thursday concert series. I'll print up their playlist soon.
To Be Continued... --RoadDog
Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.
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