Tag: Weekend Getaways

Winter Sports at Andalusia, Illinois

Skiing, tubing, skating are all some of the popular activities at the Ski Snow Star Park in Andalusia in Illinois. Winter vacation and snow everywhere leave little opportunity for outdoor activities. However, you can plan a weekend at Andalusia, which is half-an-hour from the Quad cities for exciting winter sports and some fun.

Andalusia

Andalusia is a small village which is located at around twenty five miles from the Quad cities. The small town environment with many volunteer driven services is a good place for weekend visits. The major attraction in the town is its winter sports park. The location and facilities make it a popular destination for short visits and winter sports.

Ski Snow Star Winter Park

Located at 9500 126th Street West at Andalusia, Ski Snow Star Winter Park has ample facilities apart from the professional trainers. Serious skaters and skiers as well as beginners can reach out to the Ski Snow Star park for their activities. The park has good snow slopes for all the related sports. Here are some tips for a successful visit.

  1. Food and beverages are not allowed in the dining area, though you can purchase them at the cafeteria
  2. Three layers of clothes must be worn to stay warm apart from hats and gloves
  3. You can purchase your snow gear or other goods at the gift shop
  4. Advance reservations may be required for tubing
  5. Check out the weather before proceeding

Operating since 1982 by the same group of people, the professional team obviously know how to generate and maintain snow during the winter season. The hours of operation vary depending on the season. Special classes for young children are also available on Thursday evenings. Serious skiers can purchase season or group tickets and you can also subscribe online for free information and coupons. You can reach them on 800-383-4002 or 309-798-2666.

Have a happy visit and let me know how you enjoyed there. 🙂

Weekend Getaways in Quad Cities – Metropolis, Illinois: The Superman City

Starting June 10th to June 13th, Metropolis Illinois is be celebrating the 32nd annual Superman celebrations. Metropolis is a small city in Southernmost Illinois on the shore of the great Ohio river. While Metropolis is famous in American history for the civil war, it is also popular as the home of Superman!


Superman

Superman is a fictional super hero character of DC Comics. The character was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1932. The character appeared in comic books, radio and television programs, newspapers, movies and video games. Also known as ‘The Man of Steel’, Superman is popular among public and children.

Though Superman character was born in Smallville he became popular when he came to fictional city Metropolis. While the exact connection between the fictional Metropolis and the real Metropolis is not yet known, the city celebrates ‘Superman’ every year. 🙂

Attractions

Metropolis is fifteen miles away from Paducah, Kentucky. It has a 15 foot statue of Superman at the Masaac county courthouse. The statue is located just five miles of the US 45 highway. Across the street, the Superman Museum, which is a house to the largest collection of Superman memorabilia.

The other attractions in the area:

You can visit the city in between a long journey or during the annual Superman celebrations!

Superman Celebrations


Superman Celebrations attract hundreds of people from across the United States and the world. Visitors across the country participate in the celebrations to keep up the Superman spirit.

The celebration organizes multiple events including concerts, car races, carnival, games, contests, shows, celebrity autographs, and costume contest. The largest people dressed up as Superman gather together in the costume contest!

You can enjoy the trip to Southernmost Illinois as well as participate in the Superman celebrations when you visit Metropolis. 🙂

Weekend Getaways in Quad cities: Le Claire, IA



Summer weekend can be utilized to maximum potential by exploring surrounding cities of Quad cities. If you have no appointments or parties you can get away to nearby cities and enjoy the road trips. Here is what I observed when I visited Le CLaire last weekend.

Le Claire is a small town by the Mississippi river which has abundant greenery. Mississippi river is the largest river flowing across the US. The people living around the river are lucky to enjoy the beauty of the river. The river takes a sharp turn at Le Claire to the west at the head of the rapids making the town an important place for river commerce.

Yesterday owing to the weather it was sultry, warm with cold breezes. If you are visiting Le Claire in the business hours, you can visit the museum and the shops there. My Sister’s Coffee shop offers variety of coffee flavors. If you visit Le Claire after business hours, you can just enjoy the riverside beauty and come back.

The walk along the river side and the boating decks are good time pass. It is fun to watch the birds and listen to the flowing water. Being summer you can see many boats racing in the river. I think a boat is a must for people living around the Mississippi river! 🙂

The Tug Fest and Cruises are some of the popular events of the town. The Riverboat Twilight offers a two-day cruise from Le Claire to Dubuque and back. The serenity by the river and the greenery make a Le Claire worth visiting at least a year, in fall as well as in summer.