S pring break Midwest road trip - we knew we were likely to be moving from Chicago to NY the following summer so we decided to spend the break roadtripping to see some key spots through the Midwest -- a little history, some adventure, lots of fun and loads of family memory-making (later that year we roadtripped to move from Chicago to NY, so perhaps this was practice!).

We followed parts of Route 66 including eating dinner at the historic Ariston Cafe, longest-operating restaurant along the entire stretch of U.S. Route 66. (Have pics from along the way.)

Visited Springfield, IL/Land of Lincoln, where the attached photo was taken at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library.

A house divided against itself cannot stand. Equality is what makes America unique among nations... -- Abraham Lincoln.

So many words, stories heard and seen here, particularly meaningful and bearing value in today's political and social environment.(Have other pics)
We then headed toward St Louis, where we saw and experienced the Gateway Arch, the Zoo and played at Six Flags and the super fun St Louis City Museum. Didn't leave before indulging in some gooey butter cakes.

It was then off to explore the longest cave system in the world, Mammoth Caves, which happens to be in Kentucky -- who knew!?
From "Grand Central" to the "New York Subway" to "Frozen Niagara," the Domes and Dripstones hike took us to some of the coolest underground natural wonders!

We then stopped in Louisville, home of Muhammad Ali and Churchill Downs, site of the infamous Kentucky Derby on our way to French Lick, Indiana -- a childhood road trip destination and sweet memory for my husband who recalls playing at this awesome tennis center and wanted to share it with our family/kids; also home to legendary Larry Bird and a majestic kid-focused resort with tons to do for the whole fam.

The trip wouldn't have been complete without a visit to the IU campus in Bloomington, IN, my husband's alma mater -- and the first of perhaps a few more college visits for our kids in the future :-)

Name
Sharmila Rao Thakkar
Origin
Chicago, IL
Photo Location
Springfield, IL
Year
2016
Companions
My husband and two children


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