Daily Egyptian Spring 04
Spring '04 Edition
Road trip for cheap
Monique Garcia
Daily Egyptian
It is a time-honored tradition ˜ a combination of asphalt, cramped spaces, fast food and, recently, skyrocketing gas prices. The affordability of the cross-country road trip has come under attack, forcing pavement patriots to explore more affordable options.
As of last week, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded was $1.81. In the Midwest, where gas is among the cheapest in the nation, the average price was $1.77 a gallon, according to the Energy Information Administration's website, www.eia.doe.gov.
While current gas prices are slightly lower than the week before, the demand for gasoline is steadily increasing, which is bad news for road trippers who are staring the freedom of summer right in the face.
Summer is peak driving season, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, with interstate traffic use patterns jumping in June, July and August.
However, local attractions offer a ray of hope for those who want to hit the road for the least amount of money. According to Carol Hoffman of the Southernmost Tourism Bureau, Southern Illinois offers plenty of opportunities for travelers to take "one-tank" road trips.
"There is a lot here for people to do and see," Hoffman said. "People don't have to go on a vacation far away, especially with these soaring gas prices. They can relax and find adventure close to home."
The following suggestions come as a relief to students such as Dana Stromme, a freshman in interior design who hopes to learn a little more about what Southern Illinois has to offer this summer.
Although she is not staying in Carbondale during the summer break, Stromme said she could not wait until she has the opportunity to explore the area on her own.
"I am finally getting a car that works this summer," Stromme said. "I will be up north most of the time, but that doesn't mean I won't want to get away. People have told me there are some fun things to do around here. I'm just not sure exactly what. I know there has to be more than bars and house parties."
While most people, including Stromme, know what Giant City or Carbondale-based attractions, such as shopping on the Strip, have to offer, Hoffman has some lesser-known suggestions. She said most of this could even be lumped into one fun-filled afternoon.
Alto Pass
Only 35 miles southwest of Carbondale, Alto Pass offers history, culture and novelty in one easy-to-find bundle.
The Alto Vineyards, a family-owned winery and vineyard that has been operating since 1982, is a favorite of local connoisseurs.
Their wines have won more than 300 international awards in the last 10 years. According to business manager Leon Dangbar, the top-selling variety is Heartland Blush, a rosy wine made from concord grapes.
"It is very sweet and tastes a lot like grape juice, which is probably why it is so popular," Dangbar said.
The winery also offers tasting rooms with free samples and a gift shop for visitors to enjoy.
Before drinking too many spirits, tourists should plan on visiting the highest peak in the Illinois Ozarks and the home of Bald Knob Cross.
The 111-foot-tall cross was completed in 1963 and stands 1,034 feet above sea level. When illuminated at night, the cross can be seen across a 7,500-square-mile area. If visitors reach the peak during a clear day, they can see the Ohio River in the distance.
Alto Pass is a dry town, with the exception of the winery which is allowed only to serve wine, but if you just have to get your beer fix, visit the Root Beer Saloon, which claims to be the world's first such establishment.
The saloon has four micro-brewed draft root beers on tap, representing St. Louis, Milwaukee, Minnesota and Chicago.
In addition to the sweet drink, visitors can taste gourmet deli sandwiches and shop for homemade pies, 100 varieties of bulk bean coffee, 35 varieties of tea and more than 150 herbs and spices. If tourists want to spice up their visit, the saloon also has more than 100 hot sauces to take home.
The Root Beer Saloon, 4 Main St., in downtown Alto Pass is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The Ohio River National Scenic Byway
After seeing the Ohio River from the peak at Bald Knob Cross, some may be motivated to take a closer look.
The last leg of the Ohio River National Scenic Byway, which winds from New Haven south along the Ohio River, is a 188-mile journey that can be completed in three hours ˜ if drivers can resist the temptation to stop along the way.
There are various historic sites along the drive, including sites from the Underground Railroad, and its counterpart, the Reverse Underground Railroad, which captured slaves.
Explorers can also see the hideout of river pirates at Cave-In-Rock. It offers the same great view of the river the pirates used years ago to loot and pillage.
As drivers approach Elizabethtown, they can stop and see the state's first iron ore furnace, which supplied the Union with iron during the Civil War.
In Golconda, visit the part of the Trail of Tears, where thousands of American Indians marched through the town in the deep freeze of winter more than 160 years ago.
Because the Illinois portion of the byway winds along Shawnee National Forest, Hoffman encourages drivers to stop along the way to enjoy the diverse landscape. She said there are spots along the way surrounded by marshes.
"There are spots that are just really beautiful," Hoffman said. "There is one spot where you can walk out on a floating dock into the middle of a marsh. It is really neat."
Metropolis
If explorers have had enough of American history or nature's beauty, they can stop into the hometown of a cultural icon ˜ Superman.
While the city of Metropolis can be made into a pit stop along the byway, comic book aficionados can turn a 45-minute stop into a full day of primary-colored wonder.
In January of 1972, Metropolis was given permission by D.C. Comics to be the adopted home of Superman, eventually erecting a 15-foot-tall rendering of the man of steel.
If seeing the hero up close and in person just is not enough, fans can stop by the Super Museum, one of the world's largest collections of Superman memorabilia. If visitors promise to leave their kryptonite at home, they can visit the $2.5 million dollar collection at 517 Market St. for a mere $3.00. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Although the whole idea of taking a road trip on one tank of gas is supposed to be budget-friendly, big, or little, spenders can try their luck at Harrah's Metropolis Casino.
Patrons must be at least 21 to gamble, and the casino is open at 9:00 a.m. daily.
The Unbeaten Path
While trained tourism professionals offer the above suggestions, those itching for a road trip Southern Illinois style are encouraged to create their own adventure. Call the Southernmost Tourism Bureau at 1-800-248-4373 or the Carbondale Convention and Tourism Bureau at 1-800-526-1500 for suggestions or ideas.
Today's News | Sports | Voices - Editorial | Letters
Newsbriefs | pulse - Arts & Entertainment | Calendar | Photo Staff
Apts & Rentals | Photo Personals | Live DE NewsCam | Classified Ads
Last update: Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at 1:20:31 AM
Copyright 2009 Daily Egyptian Spring 04