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What do Interstate 70 exit 119, state routes 121 and 130, and U.S. Route
40, which is part of the original National Road, all have in
common? Greenup Illinois! Traveling any of these routes will
bring you to this wonderful small town America. Its historic overhanging porches beckon you to walk the business district and enjoy the feeling of being in another time when life was slower paced and simpler. The business district of Greenup is on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the businesses have been appropriately turned into antique malls and shops. The town's old shoe factory building has also been renovated to house a 20,000-square-foot antique mall offering 150 booths. |
| The main street has its own claim to fame as part of the original National Road. This historic trail, which is now U.S. Route 40, spans the nation from Cumberland, MD, to Vandalia, IL, and is the first and only federally funded and built interstate road officially connecting the east to westward expansion. Although some of the trail has been consumed by progress or removed, Greenup is proud that its main street, though repaved, is a part of that original trail still in use. | |
| At the west end of Greenup's stretch of the National Road sets a breathtaking view of the Jackson covered bridge spanning the Embarras River -- just as it did in pioneer days. Newly constructed, the bridge is due to be opened this summer. The bridge will accommodate one lane of traffic and welcomes travelers to be able to say they have traveled across the longest single-span covered bridge not posted with restrictions in the United States. |
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The Candy Kitchen is sure to be another favorite place for visitors and residents alike. This soda shop/confectionery was the hub of social life for the surrounding area in the 1940's and 1950's. The Swim family has gone to great lengths to restore the building as near to the original shop as possible using old photographs, and also putting back into use many of the same fixtures and equipment that graced the old business. They will be serving old-fashioned sodas and ice cream like no one in this century has ever tasted. |
| Newly added features make Greenup worth the trip, but there is so much more to see. A beautifully restored and landscaped railroad depot, and a hand dug well that Abraham Lincoln and his family helped to dig while awaiting wagon repairs in Greenup during their move from Indiana to Illinois. Greenup is also proud of the fact that it is the "Gateway To Lincoln Log Cabin State Park." |
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Not only are antiques plentiful, but the town also boasts craft and
hobby shops that carry everything from rubber stamping to Louisville
pottery and primitives to country and Victorian home decor. The surrounding countryside is also blessed with opportunities for fun. Lost Creek Orchard, north on Route 130, holds the honor of being the 2000 National Cider Champion. Just off Route 121, Earthborne Farm opens its farmyard on weekends in October to host thousands of guests who attend the Pumkin Patch annually. |
| Yet another attraction located 6.5 miles south of Greenup on Route 130 is the Ambraw River Trading Company, a real barn filled with primitive and country furniture and accessories. The business will offer two special events in 2000, a Spring Garden Show on May 5 and 6; and a Christmas Open House on November 24 and 25. For more information on Greenup or events, call 217-923-3401. | |
