Vacation Sightseeing

[AKIKO'S]

We are going to visit our son for a family reunion at Rock Island, Il from June 27 to July 7. I have promised Akiko that I will try to leave my type "A" personality and driving style at home. If it weren't for that promise, I'm sure I could make the trip in about 14 hours of driving. SO... if we pick up Interstate 86 at Corning, NY, then Interstate 90 somewhere between Erie, Pa and Ohio, then Interstate 80 somewhere around Akron OH for the rest of the trip to the Mississippi River at Davenport, can anybody suggest any fantastic side trips or places to spend the night? Our ultimate destination is our son's quarters on Rock Island Arsenal which he describes as a mansion built in the 1860's, about 6200 sqft, with marble fireplaces and all the trimmings. He says the front door opens to see the Missippi River, the back door opens up on the 1st green and the kitchen window overlooks the 18th hole. Don't know how many of our kids are going to make it yet, but there were about 50 of us in the surprise party picture they took at our 50th Anniversary a couple years ago. I do want the drive to add something positive to the trip. The day after we get back Akiko's right hand Girl Friday leaves for her vacation, and the day she gets back Akiko goes into the hospital to have her PACEMAKER replaced.

Any suggestions?

 

[Kristine]

interstate 80 slides on the south end of Toledo Ohio. The Toledo Museum of Art has one of the BEST Glass collections in the WORLD.

They also have painting by many of the great masters: Monet, Picasso etc, Silver by Paul Revere, Remmington statuary, furniture and TONS more. I saw my first Dale Chihuly glass there. They are also having an Ansel Adams exhibition this summer beginning June 30.

The museum is endowed by the Libbey Glass family and admission is FREE. Parking may cost $3-$5.

go to http://www.toledomuseum.org for more information.

 

[Kristine]

Here are some more.

Indiana Dunes National Lake shore. On the shores of Lake MIchigan - which is a treat in itself. Great place to stretch your legs, enjoy a sunset on the best west coast. Take a swim if your up for it.

Also amish country Middlebury, Shipshewana Indiana. But that may be too close to Pennsylvania/Home.

 

[AKIKO'S]

Thank You, Inka!

Have printed off a couple of the maps from your link to the museum. Akiko loves them. She used to take a picnic lunch and visit the museums in Boston when we were stationed in Beverly, Mass. It was a weekly type outing for her and the kids. The shores sounds interesting too as a place to overnite, but I've got to get a better map to find them. I could feel Akiko getting more excited as she read your posts! Thanks for the suggestions. P.S. Akiko told me I blew the spelling of Mississippi in my post. Like P, I need a spell check on this board!

 

[Rhonda]

Clark, we can take your occasional mistakes, it's those who make the stupid mistakes over and over that don't abide. (especially on their own web sites)
:hug:

 

[Holly]

Whether you drive straight through it or sweep around it...don't miss downtown Chicago.
Lunch at any of the outdoor cafes in Greektown, fireworks from Navy Pier on Saturday nights, a walk through Millenium Park and shopping the Mgnificent Mle can give you days of enjoyment. If you're limited to just a few hours, then at least take a drive north on 94 through the city to see the fantastic skyline. Whether day or night time, the view is exceptional.

Being in the floral industry, I take "field trips" whenever I travel. I look up the cities I'm passing through and note all the flower shop locations. Then I do a little work related window shopping. It's a great way to re-evaluate my own shop. I always walk away with a new display idea or product that needs further investigation.
Safe and Happy Traveling to you!