Just wanted to introduce myself before I got into my question. I am a regular over at Amtrak Unlimited, but a long long time ago I used to post over here. (The question I am asking here stems from the topic I posted about my big summer graduation trip, which you can check out here). Anyways, in light of my trip, I am searching hard for a day trip south out of Chicago, IL while I’m there. I have done the Naperville thing in the past, but this time I am really looking for a longer trip (even if there is much more action at Naperville). What I am looking at right now is taking the Ann R. out of Chicago ATLEAST as far south as Bloomington, IL, but no further south then Alton, IL, as I want to spend at least some time relaxing before having to get back on board. This is where I need your help. I am looking at any of the stops between these two cities as possibilities, but I need to know a bit about the town. I am really looking for a cafe right near the station and an easy place to sit and spend the afternoon. I’m hoping that some of you over here on the Trainweb board are more familiar with the area. My original target was Springfield, IL but I was not able to find out much information about places to eat near the station.
Thanks!
-------------------- ~Late trains=More time on the train=The best trains~ Posts: 3 | From: hotlanta! | Registered: Apr 2006
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I currently attend college in Bloomington, and my suggestion would be a trip to Springfield. Walking around that town really takes you back in time, back to the days of Abraham Lincoln. The whole town is pretty lunch a big museum in memory of Lincoln. Don't worry about finding a place to eat, there are plenty of restaurants around the downtown area where the train station is located.
Posts: 1 | Registered: Apr 2006
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I live near Chicago, and when I am in the mood for an all-day train trip somewhere (without over-nighting it) this is what I do.
Buy a ticket on the Ann R (303/323) from Chicago to Springfield --- and then the same-day Texas Eagle from Springfield to Chicago (22/322/422).
You have to make 2 seperate reservations for this because they won't let you book this as a round-trip since technically the Eagle is supposed to leave before the Ann R gets into Springfield, but this rarley happens.
Usuaully (at least on most Saturdays) the Texas Eagle is 2-3 hours late getting into Springfield. SO... usually the Ann R pulls into Springfield around 11:35am, and the delayed Eagle gets in around 1:00pm or so.
I have done this 5-6 times, and never had a problem. Just take your cell phone with you when you're on the Ann R to make sure the Eagle is still running late for your trip home. (if it's running more on time you can get off in Lincoln instead)
Or if you want more time in Springfield, you could always catch the later Ann R... but I like taking the Ann R down and the Eagle back because you get to ride in a variety of cars (single-level and then Superliner with a lounge and diner)
There are some sandwitch shops/small cafes a few blocks from the Springfield, IL station. They're on the square by the old state capitol (when you get off the train, just walk behind the station 2-3 blocks)
Nothing really fancy, and most of the time I will eat lunch on the Eagle coming back anyway.
Posts: 100 | From: Milwaukee, WI | Registered: Feb 2006
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