It's very rare I review gas stations, especially those that haven't been in operation since 1990!…read moreBut this is more than just a defunct station. It's a historical landmark on old Route 66 in the little community of Mount Olive. A little history: a man named Henry Soulsby opened the gas station in 1926, at good timing thanks to Route 66 traffic. A TV repairs service was later added. The station is now one of the oldest, original gas stations in America. It is a Route 66 Hall of Fame inductee. A handful of volunteers have restored the station to its 1950s originality. When I visited the old station this summer, it was really cool stepping back in time. I found it odd that there was no attendant present, and the doors were open. I trust that someone nearby looks after the station every day. Route 66 enthusiasts visit this station every day, as it is indicated in the sign-in book inside. You'll be surprised how many different places in the world these visitors are from! There's a mini-museum inside, complete with several pieces of memorabilia - including old maps, pieces with Shell logo on it, old signs, etc. Whether or not you're into Route 66 history, you will certainly get a thrill out of this place! I recommend visiting the station during daytime hours, as I'm not sure how late the doors are open. And of course, bring your camera - as there are several photo opportunities here.

Visited: August 9th, 2011…read more Since Mt. Olive, IL is a small city, it's kind of hard to get lost. The most prominent building in the area is the Soulsby's Service Station on the old Route 66, which has been a landmark for quite some time. My boyfriend and I passed by it so much when going back into town. It's such a nice landmark to visit, especially if you are trying to hit all the landmarks on Route 66 (which starts in California). One day I might actually embark on that road trip. Who really knows.... :)

This is a review of not only the monument but the museum as well…read more We were totally blown away by the Mother Jones Museum in beautiful downtown Mt. Olive, Il. Comprising only one room in a city municipal building it packed a lot of wallop and we spent at least an hour learning about a most remarkable woman. The historical displays told in reprints from newspapers of the day gave us perspective on how desperate the situation of the common working family was a hundred years ago. Mother Jones is an overlooked champion of what we take for granted today, that in her time, was at best a fantasy. Moving, and inspiring, this museum is a must stop in understanding our American culture and how dearly the American dream was fought for and how fragile it can become without a full understand of how we got here.

A Hidden Jewel in St. Louis - Don't Miss the Magic Chef Mansion!…read more What a historic gem! The Magic Chef Mansion is one of St. Louis' most stunning and best-kept secrets. If you haven't taken a tour, you are truly missing out. This architectural treasure offers a glimpse into another era--where craftsmanship, elegance, and timeless beauty meet. What makes it even more special is the incredible care and devotion of Shelly, the current owner and resident. It's amazing how she has lovingly restored the entire interior, tracking down original furniture, lighting fixtures, and period-appropriate details to bring this mansion back to its former glory. What an act of love--and one that every visitor can feel the moment they walk through the doors. Every room is a story, and the guided tour is filled with fascinating history, local lore, and exquisite details. Whether you're a St. Louis native or a visitor, this is an experience that belongs at the top of your list. The Magic Chef Mansion isn't just a tour--it's a living, breathing piece of art and history. Don't miss the chance to be a part of it.

This is a wonder!!!! Beautifully maintained and decorated mansion. Owner guided tour for our…read moregroup. Charge for tours but well worth seeing this amazing turn of the 20th century mansion.

Beware!!! Google maps will take you to the wrong location! I'm on your side Apple Maps, you never…read moredo me wrong! From the Vandalia State House, take 185/40 (N. Kennedy Blvd) north, turn left/west on W. Randolph Street, then right/north on N. Perkin's Street one block to W. St Clair Street. Turn left and it's up on the little hill on your right/north side. I absolutely love state capitals, which would lead me to enjoy past state capitals. I had been in rural Illinois a few times and always wondered what Vandalia had to offer being that it was second Illinois Capitol City (an oldest one still existing, unlike Kaskaskia which is now under water). I followed Vandalia's tourist page to the few landmarks that existed. One was what is called "Little Brick House". It's an n example of simple Italianate architecture that has been preserved by the Vandalia Historical Society. It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is thought to have been constructed in the mid 1800's. According to the website, "Josephine Burtschi, local artist and historian, was born in this house. In 1956 she purchased the house and started restoring it to its original appearance. Over the years, the Little Brick House has been renovated and furnished with period pieces, antiques, and early Vandalia artifacts. Contained within the six rooms are furniture, china, engravings and books acquired from descendants of state officers, legislators and the Ferdinand Ernst Colony who lived in Vandalia when it served as capital. The library, called the Berry-Hall room, pays tribute to James William Berry, the first talented artist of Illinois, and to Judge James Hall who established Vandalia as the first literary center west of Cincinnati. (http://www.vandaliaillinois.com/littlebrickhouse.html)" There's a little history for ya!

You will find this nice sculpture on the Mississippi Riverfront, in St Louis, just behind the…read moreGateway Arch. It is the work of Harry Weber who completed the piece, which is made of bronze and sits 22 feet tall, in 2006 The 3.5 ton sculpture depicts explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and their Newfoundland dog, Seaman. It is owned by the city of St Louis and was commissioned by the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation to commemorate the bicentennial of the explorers' return September 1806. According to Weber, it "took seven months of long hours to complete the structure in clay, make molds and reassemble it like a giant jigsaw puzzle. It is a nice sculpture and Weber does a great job encapsulating Lewis and Clark's feeling of accomplishment, sacrifice and pride. It is very detailed and well done. The viewer can really connect to the piece. The sculpture is designated a national Lewis and Clark site by the US Park Service and spending on how high the Mississippi River gets, sometimes the statue is submerged in the river. In 2014, the statue was removed and restored to repair damage it had received from the flood. In 2016, the statue was returned to the riverfront to a location slightly south and about 17 feet higher than before. Before it was moved, during a flood situation, it would look like the duo were sailing into shore Anyway, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 10 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. I would recommend checking out the Gateway Arch and Park while visiting this sculpture.

This museum has been open for many years now, and sadly not many people know that this even exists!…read moreOf course, if you're into deep local history...then this is for you. History as in the National Historic Road. The road that was envisioned by our Founding Fathers (mainly George Washington and Thomas Jefferson) as a way from settlers to move from the East to the West...or at least the Midwest, in this case. The road, originally known as the Cumberland Road, started in Cumberland, Maryland, and ended right in Vandalia, Illinois. There has been a lot of debate over historical accuracy, based on the road actually ending in East St. Louis. The museum is open every day except Sunday, during the daytime. There is an attendant usually present. Museum is kind of small, with a couple rooms to go in (such as a theater), but you get a lot of cool information while you're there. You can also chat with the attendant on duty and they'll give you plenty of travel information. It goes without saying, if you're into the history of America's National Road, this is definitely for you. Kind of like how several people are into Route 66, but not really. It's a must-stop when you are traveling on the road.

I enjoy visiting Kiener plaza for different event they host throughout the year. Lots of photo…read moreopportunities if you are in need of a good spot for them. Keep an eye on this park to see what kinds of events they have. Concerts, rallies, yoga, markets, winterfest, etc. Always something fun to experience. Parking around Kiener plaza is mostly street parking, but I have been able to find a spot pretty easily whenever I visit even if I have to walk 2-3 blocks - no biggie.

I went here for a Friday night concert over the summer. It was very relaxing and entertaining all…read morein one. I forgot the name of the artist, but her performance along with the live band was so captivating. This place gives date night, solo date, and family trip all at the same time. I love events such as these. Also, I know downtown parking usually isn't the best. However, because of the time and people getting off work to head home, parking was quite easy to find. I was able to park within reasonable walking distance near the Hooters across the street.