I was hoping to stay with my friend Virlane, who now lives in Champaign, Illinois, on my way home. But the Mount Rushmore curve ball took me further north so I now was going to stop in Chicago instead. When I texted Virlane about it, she suggested I see Galena if I was in the north. So Galena it is! My next stop. Rolling along with the suggestions and keeping my momentum going.
Crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois.
I didn’t know what to expect from this small town. I briefly read that it was historical and once a ghost town but now was revived. It is the birthplace of Ulysses Grant. I needed a pit stop for lunch, to grab some caffeine, and explore for a bit. This place was perfect.
A beautiful sunny day, they had the Main Street partially closed to traffic and all the restaurants offered outdoor seating.
Lace curtains were in most of the windows. Definitely had a country charm to it.
The oldest house in Galena. They offered tours for 12$. I wasn’t that interested.
Very crafty stores. Unique pieces you wouldn’t find mass produced.
Really adorable place. Would be fun to stay at a bread and breakfast for the weekend here.
I was checking out the architecture from across the street and saw the horse in the window. It cracked me up. I did notice there were haunted tours also going on. Reminded me a little bit of Savannah, Georgia.
If you were into antiques, there were plenty of shopping options here.
This reminded me of my friend Jane, who is a treasure 🙂
The town was nested between two hills and there were a lot of staircases taking you to different levels. I was admiring this old school house and then decided to walk up and see what was at the next level.
Plenty of Christian church options.
Not exactly sure what this house was about with the Lady Liberty lighting the way.
I think this was Grant’s house.
Looking down I noticed the park across the way and started heading towards it.
Cute trolley rides that would have been educational.
Grant Park. Had a great biking path and plenty of park benches to pass the time in the sun.
Walking over the railroad tracks and river.
Monument in Grant’s honor. This little park was well manicured. I loved seeing couples just sitting together and taking in the small town across the river.
Really was a cute place. I sat and blogged for an hour then headed into the rush hour traffic to get to the windy city.
Grant Park.
View from my bench.
As I was leaving I passed the local blacksmith shop.
I saw many signs on this road trip- cow crossing, deer, elk, bears, but this tractor made my day and truly represented this part of the midwest.
I'm just your average gal figuring out her way through the second half of life that decided to follow a calling to Thailand. Now back in the USA due to covid, seeking nature for further direction.
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Tonya Takes Thailand 