Hi,
This query was moved from Chicagoland to Beyond Chicagoland.
I know it is subtle, Chicagoland is Cook and the collar counties plus Northwest Indiana. Everything else is Beyond Chicagoland, which can be Kenosha or someplace in Tibet.
Lincoln, Illinois has a Russell Stover's store. We have stopped there for candy and ice cream. What I beeline for is the maple fudge log rolled in pecans. It used to be found at Jewel or Walgreens, then they stopped distributing it around here. It is a highlight for me.
Lincoln, Illinois was named after Abraham Lincoln before he became president. Located by the train depot is a watermelon statue commemorating a 1853 christening with watermelon juice when the first lots were sold.
After Bloomington and before Atlanta is Funk's Grove. For a very long time, Funk's was the only commercial maple syrup and sugar operation in Illinois. Worth a stop for a few minutes to load up on maple products.
You may want stop in Atlanta to visit a handmade candy operation there called
RGW Candy. I suggest calling in advance, because the business is not always open to the public. It is on a farm, so even if it is closed you will be noticed. You will pass a cemetery as you go there, there is a candy makers pot on a memorial.
In the town of Atlanta, there is a
hot dog carrying muffler man statue which was once in Cicero, Illinois. Nearby is the Palm's restaurant and a grain elevator museum. If you wish a tour of the museum, I suggest calling in advance. Cynthia has had the tour, but I have not yet.
Regards,
Cathy2