Archives: Getaways

The Most Cajun Place on Earth!

A warm welcome and affordable family fun that won’t break the bank awaits you in “the Most Cajun Place on Earth.” Come experience it for yourself!

See Plymouth

The Pilgrims established the first permanent English settlement in New England when the Mayflower landed in 1620. Because of its role in American History, Plymouth County continues to be a popular destination. Discover the spirit of salty tales and lighthouse legends as you explore our historic coastline and proud maritime heritage. Stay & Play in Plymouth County with lodging, dining and shopping for all!

We’re More Than a Day, Springfield IL

Located on historic Route 66, Springfield is the history-filled capital of Illinois.

Step into the past and the life of the Lincoln family when you visit the only home the Lincolns ever owned at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. 

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is the official library and museum of the 16th U.S. president. Experience pivotal moments in Lincoln’s life and enjoy immersive displays and amazing shows that explore the human costs of slavery and war. 

The Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, designed by famed sculptor, Larkin Mean, is nestled in Oak Ridge Cemetery.  At the entrance to the Tomb itself, there is a bronze bust of Mr. Lincoln where visitors from around the world have stopped to rub the nose of the statue for good luck. 

Make a stop at the Lincoln Memorial Garden for a truly zen experience.  A woodland and prairie garden with over 5 miles of trails lead you on a journey through the Illinois landscape Lincoln would have known. Located on the shores of Lake Springfield and designed byLandscape Architect, Jens Jensen. Be sure to visit the Garden’s Nature Center and Split Rail Gift Shop.

Historic Route 66 runs through Springfield and provides many unique stops, including Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, Museum & Entertainment complex.  This classic car restaurant offers a themed menu and delicious drinks among the backdrop of the Route 66 & Motor Museum. While there, snap a pic with the World’s Largest Outdoor Route 66 Shield!

For the first time in its 50-year history, visitors can soar down Route 66 on the 4-story, iconic giant slide at the IL State Fairgrounds on Saturdays, May-August.  Just around the corner from the slide is the Route 66 Gate 2 Experience.   Walk the entire Illinois Route 66 corridor in microform.  Marvel at the Neon Sign Park with new and restored neon signs, a paved brick road, a 25’ tall, fiberglass Route 66 muffler man, a drive-in theater replica and interpretive signs highlighting each Route 66 community from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge.

The Cozy Dog Drive In is a traditional Route 66 diner that became a part of the history of The Mother Road, and the history of Springfield, when, in 1946, inventor Ed Waldmire introduced the “Cozy Dog” – the famous “hot dog on a stick.” The Waldmire family still makes this delicacy today. Inside the diner, located on Old Route 66 since 1949.  Maldaner’s Restaurant is a creative American establishment with a focus on farm to table food.  Established in 1884, Maldaner’s is the oldest continually operated restaurant in Springfield on Route 66.

Plan to relax at one of more than a dozen wineries and breweries in the area.  These locally owned businesses offer the best in craft beer, wines and delicious noshes in beautiful settings, many with outdoor garden areas, live music and special events.

East Tennessee Crossing Byway

Stretching 83 miles through verdant Volunteer State heartland interspersed with historic towns, the East Tennessee Crossing Byway connects two of America’s most treasured places of history and nature preservation, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. The byway begins in Cumberland Gap on the Kentucky/Tennessee border and terminates at the Tennessee/North Carolina border.

Whether you need a quick getaway from the city or a long leisurely vacation, you can find it here. A drive along the East Tennessee Crossing Byway — and detours down its connecting idyllic country lanes and beautiful meandering backroads — beckons you to behold some of America’s most unforgettable landscapes around every bend, over every hill-rise and across every mountain top.

Along the way you’ll encounter world-class recreation — fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, golf, camping, boating, mountain biking, rock climbing, wildlife watching and birding.

Through it all are places of cultural heritage protection and way-of-life preservation, like conservation museums, country music venues, farm-fresh produce stands and markets, local arts and crafts makers and sellers, walkable historic downtowns and an abundance of unforgettable food and comfortable lodging options.

Just as the early pioneers made new lives in this region, people from all over the world are discovering East Tennessee as a wonderful place to recreate, relocate or retire.

Holidays in the Capital City – Old Capitol Holiday Walks

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the holidays in legendary Springfield, IL! Shopping, entertainment, culinary treasures and even Abraham and Mary Lincoln themselves are all here waiting for your arrival in town. The annual tradition continues and we can’t wait for your arrival. Complimentary midwest wagon rides, Santa and so much more. Plan your getaway now.

https://visitspringfieldillinois.com/BlogDetails/Old_Capitol_Holiday_Walks_

Natchez Trace

Stretching from Natchez, Mississippi through the Alabama Shoals to Nashville, Tennesse, the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway is one of America’s greatest examples of natural and cultural heritage.

Ridgeland: A Southern Surprise

Located on the historic Natchez Trace Parkway and just north of the state capital in central Mississippi, Ridgeland is for the active traveler who desires outdoor recreational opportunities, flavorful dining experiences and some of the state’s finest shopping.

Inspiring Reasons to Visit Clarksville TN This Fall

From a bustling downtown to relaxing country drives framed by extravagant fall color, Clarksville, Tenn. is a favorite mid-south fall road trip. If your getaway wish-list includes off-the-beaten-path but convenient, affordable with plenty to do, natural beauty and not too crowded, Clarksville checks all your boxes.