Road Trip

Today I am in Springfield, IL for the Illinois Reading Conference. It's a fabulous conference...two and a half days filled with author spotlights and signings, workshops, sectionals, and more. It's always one of the highlights of my year. I come back energized and ready to head back into the classroom with lots of ideas to implement into my curriculum.

Another thing that makes the conference so wonderful is it's location. I love Springfield. It's not an exotic place. This year it won't even hint at being warm. And it's not the prettiest city in the world, but there's something about it. My first glimpse of the Capitol dome as we drive in from the highway is always exciting.

I think part of the allure is being surrounded by so much history. Everywhere you go you are literally walking in Abraham Lincoln's footsteps. And while I won't have time for sight-seeing on this visit, I'll pass by the Old State Capitol and Lincoln's law offices on my way to lunch Thursday afternoon. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is just down the block. His home, in the historic section of town, is within walking distance. Springfield itself is very walkable. Even on cold, chilly days it's nice to take a jaunt around town. Almost every street has a Looking for Lincoln kiosk. Statues of one of our most famous Presidents are everywhere.

And then just for fun, there's an R2-D2 mailbox on one corner. (I love R2-D2!)



Thursday night we'll head out of downtown into the outskirts and have dinner at D'Arcy's Pint...the cutest little Irish Pub you've ever seen.

All in all, I'm sure it will be a fabulous time!

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com