It was only a matter of time. The Mug Tree was an old tree. Mugs were placed with it and that…read morebrought it alive again in our hearts. Many, many mugs. Travelers along the highway admired that old tree, adorned with mugs. It offered a silent respite in our daily lives. It offered hope, that no matter what pains we carried, there was the Mug Tree. The Mug Tree, which was created out of the generosity of hundreds of people, most likely strangers to each other, but friends with a common goal of taking an old, dead tree along a country highway and giving it purpose, once more. The Mug Tree. A local landmark, never to be recognized as a national monument. Unlike the more famous curiosities just a few miles north in Casey, this oddity stood outside of the door to fame. Yet, to those of us who passed by, it stood for years alongside that country highway, day and night. Like an old trusted friend. So, to those who read these words and never knew the Mug Tree, I am sorry for your loss. And to those thousands of travelers that passed by and noticed, if you grieve, you grieve not alone. Dear Mug Tree: So long, my friend. Thanks for all the smiles you brought to our hearts.

So... It was fun to see this tree in passing on the way to Effingham but I felt like the house on…read moretop could've been utilized for birds or something.

In a small town full of the World's Largest Things, this is the World's Largest Pitchfork. It's…read morenext to a farm and a farm-to-table restaurant so like the other World's Largest Things in Casey, the location makes perfect sense. There is a walking path and some landscaping nearby so you can absolutely get the perfect photo opportunity with the pitchfork. I pulled up the van to get a picture for scale and then found a better parking space so that people who didn't want to see my Sprinter van could get their shots. I would encourage you to do the same and think of the other visitors who don't want you in their photos. Other than the restaurant, there isn't much else here. Maybe get a meal and then check out the other World's Largest Things nearby. [Review 19673 overall - 128 in Illinois - 645 of 2023.]

Not the most exciting largest item in town. Located on the side of Richard's Farmhouse Restaurant,…read moreit's very easy to find.

Highly recommend taking a trip out to the small unique town. There's plenty very large things check…read moreout like a giant mail box or a rocking chair. Some solid restaurants are available as well but they do seem to close early. People are friendly and more than willing to take a photo of you standing in front of a giant taco.

this is a crooked town with a crooked police force. They extort money from the citizens and pull…read moreover tourist extort more money to generate revenue for themselves

If you like covered bridges you'll love the Cumberland County Covered Bridge…read more Built in 1832 it stood strong until 1865 when the original bridge was washed out by a storm. It was then reconstructed in 1875 only to be washed out yet again in 1912. In 1920, the bridge was replaced once more and held out until 1996, when it was wiped out yet again. In 2000, the Cumberland County Covered Bridge, as it is now known today, was built to replicate the original version from 1832.

The Two Story Outhouse. I loved being here. I smiled ear to ear the whole time. Such a great way to…read morebring some traffic to the village of Gays. They had a mini replica of the outhouse that had cars and pens inside where you can write where you are from. So fun! I recommend spending time here. It was fun and wholesome.

Me and my wife recently went here to see one this place was all about. Rich in history, the…read moreOuthouse had no people here and only a few people wrote their names and the log book presented. You get to learn a nice history lesson too! Obviously you cannot access the outhouse and it's not in its complete true form due to various changes but you can see more of its original form looking at the historic photos. Unfortunately if you read it, it's completely full of typos. The park is very well maintained and it's definitely worth stopping it. I wouldn't drive a few hours to visit this place personally. It's something fun to check out if you are going through the city. Great place to spend 15 minutes at! I really do wish the city of Gays can make a bigger attraction out of this and have more stores here.

I think most drivers aren't aware of the number of bridges they cross but they would sure be aware…read moreof them if they were missing. Imagine the hassle of trying to drive your vehicle over some stream or creek instead of zipping on by at 40 or more miles per hour. This is one such bridge and if it wasn't for the sign, I wouldn't have been aware of the historic nature. National Road and this bridge were here before US-40 was built nearby and of course, I-70 passes by a few miles away. So think back in time and here we are. The marker reads, "This Bridge was completed by Army Engineers sometime between 1834 and 1837 as part of the Old National Road, between Cumberland, Maryland and Vandalia, Illinois, was authorized by the enabling act of 1803 and was the Nation's first federally financed highway. The Bridge is a prime example of the Stone-building art and early American Engineering. Stones were precisely cut and fitted together without bond or mortar. Many stone arch bridges were built along the Cumberland Road, but this was the only one is still in use at the time of the marker dedication." The marker was erected in 1976 by the Clark County Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.. There is not room to pull over on the bridge but there is a nearby crossroad where you can stop and see the bridge from the side. It's an impressive structure especially considering that it is over 150 years old and in constant daily use. [Review 19671 overall - 126 in Illinois - 643 of 2023.]

Reviewing historical structures like this can be difficult, but for any Historic National Road…read moreenthusiast - it's a must-do! If you are heading west out of town, be sure to check out the Old Stone Arch Bridge. No, you can't pull over and look but you can turn left on Oak Crest Road and pull off there. That way, you get a nice view of the bridge. If you want to read the historical marker, then you gotta walk up a-ways. By the way, did you know Abraham Lincoln went across this bridge many times during his lawyer days?

The seat of Clark County is Marshall and here we are in Illinois. The county itself is named after…read moreAmerican officer George Rogers Clark who served in the American Revolution and was also the older brother of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The county was formed in 1819 and after some other parts were used to form other counties, it's been like this since 1830. After the earlier building (the fourth county courthouse) was destroyed in a fire, this building was built and dedicated in 1904. It is a two-story brick building with a central cupola and clock tower. The building's overall design is in the style of Renaissance Revival. The courthouse is surrounded by open parking on the street and is easily accessible. When I visited on Sunday morning, the building was secured but the grounds are of course open. It's a beautiful classic building and worth a visit. There are a number of monuments on the grounds that should be checked out including a "Gone but not Forgotten", and other war memorials. [Review 19668 overall - 123 in Illinois - 640 of 2023.]

This is a small quiet winery a few miles off of Interstate 70. I have been visiting for a decade,…read moreand appreciate the quiet atmosphere. They have flights, so you can sample before you buy a bottle. There are snacks like cheese, nuts and meat, to purchase in a cooler if you are hungry. There are also plenty of beverage choices if you do not wish to have wine, and milk and juice for kiddos if you are visiting with your family. I have always felt comfortable walking in with my kids. We often stopped here on our way from Indianapolis to St. Louis and stretched our legs. It is also close to a beautiful covered bridge, so i t makes pulling off the interstate a nice experience to pair the winery and bridge together. I feel like the wines are a combination of excellent flavor and yet affordable for yourself or as a gift. This year they has a wine called "Let it Snow" with edible glitter that made a beautiful swirl.

Lovely vineyard nestled in Cumberland County close to the interstate…read more We really enjoyed the ambiance sitting on the porch overlooking flowers, grapevines, and nature. The owners were very friendly and helpful. I tried a flight of wine and a slushy, my husband had the Canoe. We left. with a bottle of Canoe and cherry wine. If you want food you can bring your own or they had cheese and crackers for sale.