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. Stroll through the beautiful, historic neighborhood surrounding the home and tour Lincoln’s house for a rare glimpse into the life of Lincoln as a husband, father and neighbor.

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. View Lincoln and his family through artifacts not found anywhere else in the world. Numerous exhibits explore Lincoln’s life from his boyhood in a Kentucky cabin to his 1860 campaign for President of the United States.

A trip to Springfield is not complete without a visit to the Old State Capitol Historic Site, a reconstruction of the fifth State House. Serving as the State Capitol from 1840-1876 and during the 20th century’s Civil Rights movement, its restorers carefully recreated the building where Lincoln gave his famous “House Divided” speech. Enjoy a self-guided walk through the historic site and visit with staff to learn more unique details about the history of this site.

The Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, designed by famed sculptor, Larkin Mean, is nestled in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Within the walls of this stunning granite monument is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife, Mary, and three of their four sons. (Lincoln’s oldest son, Robert, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.) At the entrance to the Tomb itself, there is a bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln; 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 calming experience. Located on the shores of Lake Springfield and designed by landscape architect, Jens Jensen, this woodland and prairie garden has over five miles of trails that lead you on a journey through the Illinois landscape Lincoln would have known. Depending on the season you visit, you could be surrounded by springtime dogwoods in full bloom, colorful prairie wildflowers of summer, burnished autumn leaves, or snow-covered maple trees bursting with sap. Be sure to visit the Garden’s Nature Center and Split Rail Gift Shop.

Historic Route 66 runs through Springfield and is dotted with many unique stops, including Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, a classic car restaurant with a themed menu, serving great food and delicious drinks against the backdrop of the Route 66 & Motor Museum. While there, snap a pic with the World’s Largest Outdoor Route 66 Shield!

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, you’ll find an amusing selection of Route 66 memorabilia, souvenirs, and delightful treats. Maldaner’s Restaurant is a creative American establishment with a focus on farm-to-table food. You will dine in a relaxed, semi-formal atmosphere in a historical Springfield building just two blocks from downtown hotels and Lincoln sites. Established in 1884, Maldaner’s is the oldest continually operated restaurant in Springfield on Route 66.

Plan to relax and enjoy one of more than a dozen wineries and breweries in the Springfield 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.

Regardless of your interests, Springfield has you covered with a variety of sites, attractions, culinary delights, and a variety of accommodations to meet your travel needs.

The post Visit Springfield, IL appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Since those early days, fortune seekers continue to flock to Deadwood looking for good luck, great drinks and incredible food. Gold may not be the targeted acquisition any longer, but Deadwood’s casinos offer opportunities to strike a modern-day fortune. Table games, sports betting and of course slot machines of all kinds await players in a variety of establishments. More than 1,700 hotel rooms, from stately, historic hotels to full-service, top-of-line casinos and resorts, from brand name chains to locally owned and operated boutique hotels, offer something for all. And the countless food and drink options give you the green light to eat and drink your way through town.

Dining in Deadwood does not disappoint. Exquisite feasts prepared by world-class chefs or local flavors like bison burgers, chislic and green chili hangover omelets mix throughout town. While the food is certainly fit for the finest palate, the atmosphere is as casual and comfortable as your favorite boots, Crocs or slippers. Just like everything in Deadwood, restaurants are a whole lot of fun. Deadwood delis and fast food restaurants offer visitors a quick meal, a light bite or a snack to keep you going. Enjoy names you know and locally owned and operated businesses. Lattes or sweet treats abound as well, with coffee shops set to hook you up with that caffeine and sugar kick you need to play well into the night. From straight up black coffee to creamy, sweet blends, Deadwood baristas brew it up right.

Wetting your whistle is easy, too. Enjoy all your favorite brews and cocktails, as well as local wines, microbrews and exclusive Deadwood concoctions in the same saloons and bars where the legends and outlaws of Deadwood drank their last drink. Walk into one of these historic establishments today and you can still see the history—from sawdust on the floor to the original oak bar top and poker tables, allowing you to enjoy today’s favorite drink with yesterday’s lore.

If one does gets caught up in lore and roar of the night before, plenty of places are ready to serve you a fancied-up bloody Mary, mimosa, or maybe a big ‘ol hand-pressed cheeseburger will get your day back on track. 

Much of Deadwood’s storied past lives on throughout town in historic museums and attractions. The dime store novel characters come to life when walking the historic cobblestone streets and bellying up to a well-worn bar that yesteryear’s miners had as perhaps their only solace. Learning Deadwood’s colorful history is far from begrudgingly turning pages in a musty history book; it’s right here, and it’s alive. And if a book is what you prefer, Deadwood’s history on a printed page is never dull. From big-name free concerts on the town’s Main Street to food, wine and brew festivals, Deadwood’s event calendar is always history making. The town has events 12 months of the year encouraging all to venture to the Wild, entertaining, West. Deadwood’s location in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest means outdoor recreation, from biking, skiing and fly fishing to hitting the trails in an off-road vehicle and snowmobile, is all at the ready. 

Deadwood’s been entertaining guests since 1876, and it’s time to see for yourself the town that’s made itself infamous.

The post Wild West Dining & Entertainment – Historic Deadwood Style appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.