Galena

For the last 20 years or so, it wouldn't be summer without a visit to Galena, Illinois.  In the far northwest corner of our state, this beautiful town is full of happy memories for our family.

The ride up Route 20 is spectacular!  Beautiful farms stretch as far as the eye can see.  A hilly terrain, unlike most of northern Illinois.  When our kids were young those hills were mountains... and our annual vacation to Galena, the event of the summer.

 Going to Galena still feels a little like going home.

 The streets we've walked so many times together...makes me a little nostalgic and down right misty eyed.

 There are some new places to visit...

but the old places...that's what I like best.  Here is Ink and Stamp with Sue.  They've been up and down Main Street, but I always have to stop in.

I really do love this town.  If you've ever watched Field of Dreams, Main Street is where Ray Kinsella meets Doc Graham.  It has that feeling, like you could meet a ghost at any turn.  I recently read that in 1856, Abraham Lincoln spoke from the balcony of the DeSoto  House Hotel, right there on Main!

Behind those trees is the home we stayed at when our kids were young.  Once we came with my Brother Greg's family.  We still talk about it!

 And Lookout Trace is a family legend...as in,  Lookout Trace!!!!  I guess you had to be there...

 On the way home we stopped at a farmer's market in Elizabeth.

We bought the best corn, from the farmer who grew it.  He told me it was a cross between a super sweet and a...well, that's when he lost me. 

There were interesting clouds on the way home.  We heard that funnel clouds were sighted...not tornadoes but some other unusual weather event.
                                              
A great end to our vacation week, and a great trip anytime.
Enjoy this beautiful day dear friends.