Meet New Salem State Park
It was here in the heart of Illinois, just a little ways from the state capital that you will find the village where Lincoln came to his own in Illinois. Here at New Salem State Park, you can learn many great details about Lincoln the young man. The part that I fell in love with was the romance that developed between Abe and the young and beautiful Ann Rutledge. It was here in New Salem that this romance budded. I encourage you to visit this park and pick your favorite story from among the many about the village.
Havencrest Castle
Searching for high adventure, visit a castle that is along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River. The name of this castle is Havencrest Castle and it is one of the best kept secrets of the small town of Savanna, Illinois. I hope that you will go and visit it, weekends during the months of May and October, every single year.
There is something about the saying that every man’s home is a castle. Well, for artist Alan St. George, his home has literally become the castle that is devoted to the love story of his life. While I cannot even begin to convey the whole story, I have to say that the home in which he lives is full of treasure, and is dedicated to the love of his life. This beautiful and spacious home is filled with things that you wouldn’t believe, and most of them are carved by the artist himself. There is nothing about this home that is not worth the visit. What shocks a lot of people is that the artist, Alan St. George, still resides in the home. Many of the things that you see he develops along the way. From little statues to cherubs that fill the rooms. He also spends time every year working on more of the house. Him and his wife, who has since passed away, helped design much of the house. It is not simply just a house, however, no, it is a castle.
Located in the small river town of Savanna, Illinois, this is one of the lesser known places to visit. Many of the people who come to visit the castle, are people who have heard about it via word of mouth. While the season is over to visit it, because it is only open on weekends in May and October, there will be a chance next May for you to visit it.
Be prepared to be enchanted. This house is not an ordinary castle, as it is one of the few homes that has a little bit of everything, that someone has dreamed of. From the Chinese Tea Room, to the Eastern Dressing Room. These are just a few of the sights to behold. At the end of the tour there is a chance for you to meet the man who has helped this dream come true. He is a kind man, and one of the best artists I have ever seen. He said on my last visit that the house was not intended for tours, but he said that it has worked out really nicely that the people have been kind.
It is not without its magic. This castle is protected by the dragon that is waiting just inside the gate to greet the people who happen to come in. So by all means, take the time in May or October to go and visit this pristine castle, this castle that is still growing.