Experience a unique crossroads of history, art and culture in Carthage, Missouri, America’s Maple Leaf City. Welcoming travelers from all over the world, Carthage sits at the junction of the Historic U.S.Route 66 and Jefferson Highway. You can wander through Red Oak II and experience a town plucked from an earlier time. Book your night’s stay at the Boots Court Motel where notable clients such as Clark Gable and Mickey Mantle stayed. Built by Arthur Boots in 1939, this iconic hotel has been restored to its original glory. If you plan your trip in the warmer months, make plans to be entertained at the Route 66 Drive-In Theatre with popular Hollywood movies. Enjoy a double feature under the night sky and during intermission, be sure to take a walk around the 1949 structure where you can admire the original neon sign out front along with the ticket booth and concession stand.

History Buff? We have you covered. The Battle of Carthage was the first full-scale land battle of the Civil War, preceding Bull Run by 11 days. The state of Missouri was a battle ground state which had a tug of war between Confederate and Union forces, ending in the town being destroyed by fire in 1864 and reconstructed at a later date. Plan a visit to the Civil War Museum, where admission is free and learn from knowledgeable staff about the Battle of Carthage. After, take a trip to the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site that contains a silent meadow and spring making this a perfect set up for camp for both the Union and Confederate troops during the battle.

Mesmerized by historic buildings and architecture? Architecture is one of Carthage’s most prominent features. The Jasper County Courthouse, the towns ‘Crown Jewel,’ built in 1894-95, features the famous Carthage marble and is said to be the second-most-photographed building in Missouri, sitting center of the Historic Carthage Square. Inside, you will find a wrought-iron cage elevator still operating today; a display representing the history of Route 66; and “Forged in Fire,” a mural by the famous artist Lowell Davis, that portrays the history of Jasper County.

Take a stroll around the square and learn about the history of the buildings and their original owners dating back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s with a self-guided walking tour. Unique merchants, and eateries now fill these historic buildings, making it the perfect experience to shop and dine. One unique merchant – The Pie Safe, give customers the opportunity to dine in a delightful atmosphere while enjoying a selection of a unique variety of teas and pies.

Your experience in Carthage is not complete without the Carthage Historic Homes Driving Tour. Just a few blocks south from the Historic Town Square sits a residential district that grew as bankers, mine owners, lawyers, doctors and merchants flocked to town. Examples of Italianate, Romanesque, Queen Anne, Eastlake architecture are on display.

Fall in October is our favorite month, but more specifically the 3rd Saturday in October, the Maple Leaf Parade welcomes 80,000+ visitors to town. Part of The Maple Leaf Festival, lasting a week long, named after the beautiful fall foliage in Carthage (hence the name, America’s Maple Leaf City), this week long event leading up to the parade features hometown classic events like a band festival, a lip-sync competition, arts & craft vendors, car and tractor shows, a quilt show, chili cook-off, food vendors, and live entertainment.

Carthage is more than a planned visit, it’s an experience. Visit www.experiencecarthagemo.com to learn more.

Photo credits: Holmes Photography

The post America’s Maple Leaf City – Carthage, Missouri appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

The city of Amarillo is cut from a different cloth. It’s been home to countless cowhands and ranchers who forged their futures out of the red soil and sage brush, but it also received the quirk and colorful personality Route 66 brought through America’s heartland. Today, you can still clearly see the Old West’s footprint, but a New West is carving its own path through town. It’s not here to replace the Old West, rather to come alongside it, to pick up the mantle and continue expanding the city’s horizons. This fusion of Old West and New West has made Amarillo a must visit destination.

Break from the highway and experience true horsepower on a horseback ride through the stunning landscapes of Palo Duro Canyon. The ride starts in the shortgrass prairies, and descends into the red walls of the canyon to reveal a unique environment filled with trees, cacti, and fascinating rock formations. If the beautiful surroundings spark your artistic inspiration, head to any of the countless murals and public art instillations around Amarillo to find vibrant backdrops for that social media post.

There’s nothing better than finding that perfect something to take home from a trip filled with memories. Gone are the days of tired souvenirs, and tchotchkes bound for the junk drawer. Amarillo is full of amazing local artists, craftspeople, curators, and boutique stores. While you could spend days bouncing from one shop to the next, swinging through from the 6th Collective is a great way to explore a collection of local talent in one place. Grab a beautifully designed Amarillo themed shirt, stickers for your Hydroflask, home decor that would make Shea McGee proud, or a new flat brim hat to complete your Western-Chic ensemble.

Amarillo’s food scene reaches much further than a grilled steak and baked potato, and it continues to blossom into a must visit foodie destination. Yes, you’ll find your favorite cut of steak seared to perfection at places like The Big Texan or mouthwatering Texas BBQ at Tyler Barbecue. But, don’t be surprised to see drink menus in Amarillo filled with world class wines, local craft beers, and unique cocktails. One of the most diverse menus in town resides at Crush, which serves up plate after plate of jaw dropping fusion dishes that will impress visitors from any major metro. This rooftop dining experience is located in downtown Amarillo, where local historical preservation groups are bringing back the beautiful retro neon signs and marquees that once lined the streets.

There are plenty of tired itineraries and over-tried trips – plan a road trip that is extraordinary. Amarillo’s rich culture shaped how the entire country thinks about the Wild West, and a new contingent of creators are reintroducing the next generation to the beauty and creativity this place inspires. So come lean in it, embrace the history that shaped the Old West, and explore the trails being blazed by the New West.

The post Amarillo – Where Old West Meets New appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

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.

Calling all artist and art lovers – downtown Pontiac will quickly become your new happy place! Pontiac has over 25 large, colorful, outdoor murals created by a talented group of artists known as the Walldogs. Simply follow the red footprints from mural to mural for a walking tour with nostalgic charm! Our collection of miniature art cars is scattered around the downtown sidewalks – each one created by a local artist or art group – great for photo opps! The Pontiac Community Art Center is a studio, teaching space, gallery, and retail sales outlet for locally produced works.  Pontiac is also home to The Museum of Gilding Arts.  Created by the International Society of Gilders, the museum focuses on the history, craft and art of using precious metal in design and decor.  

With a name like Pontiac, of course we love cars! You’ll also love and appreciate our one-of-a-kind museum:  The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center.  With classic Oaklands and cool Pontiacs, this museum is the only museum dedicated to just these two automobile brands.  The museum is also home to one of the largest collections of oil cans and antique road maps around.  

History Buff? We’ve got you covered! The Pontiac Museum Complex houses a variety of exhibits and displays: 

The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum offers a collection of images, artifacts, and stories about the nation’s most famous road – Route 66. Memorabilia related to the iconic Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire including his school bus home ‘The Road Yacht’, VW Microbus, and a gallery of his artwork.  

The Livingston County War Museum is staffed entirely by volunteer veterans. This museum pays tribute to the men and women from Livingston County who served in the nation’s military since World War I.  

Ron Selle and Darlene Agner have beautifully curated fascinating exhibits that delve into the history of three transformative time periods in our nation’s history:   

The Life in the 1940s – Featuring four rooms, completely furnished with furniture and toys of the era. Be sure to stop into the “Stage Door Canteen” to enjoy some vintage1940s music.   

The Life on the Titanic - This exhibit portrays the life and times of the ship, its passengers, and the elegant Edwardian Age. The items on display are contemporaries of those that sank on the famed ship as well as items from the rescue ship. 

The Music of the Civil War – Learn about the music that was popular during the Antebellum period, the war itself, and Reconstruction Era. There are framed original editions of sheet music with recordings as well as displays of antique musical instruments and soldier artifacts.   

Most famously, the city has many connections to our nation’s 16^th President, Abraham Lincoln. Follow the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail and learn more about this important historical figure and his connection to Pontiac. Located on the south lawn of the Historic Courthouse is a life-size commemorative statue of Honest Abe himself – another great selfie spot awaits! 

To learn more about Pontiac, head online to visitpontiac.org or call the Pontiac Tourism office at (815) 844-5847.  

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