Photo of the Day (6/11//08)

by Jamie Rhein on

I love this sign for a few reasons. One reason is how it would look great on a T-shirt–a snippet of faded Americana if you will. Also, I am drawn to the glimpse of Superman history in each face. Which version did you grow up watching? Metropolis, Illinois does have The Super Museum. It’s not as faded as the shot of this mural by Zengrrl, although, I’m not sure exactly what’s on display. The Web site is a tad vague–but for a summer stop, it might be fun.

If you’ve taken a photo of some interesting snippet of where you have been, send it our way via Gadling’s Flickr photo pool. That’s where we find our Photo of the Day feature.

The Simpsons Movie: Springfield Challenge

by Justin Glow on

Since the exact location was never explicitly revealed in any episode of The Simpsons, fourteen Springfields across America are currently battling it out to decide which town should be the true home of Homer and family.

Each of the fourteen Springfields in the running — Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont — have created a video that showcases why they should be chosen, and each is now available on USAToday.com to watch.

The winning town will be awarded to the right to host the premiere of the movie before the U.S. release date of July 27th.

Log onto USAToday to watch the videos, and cast your vote for which town you think should win. If you have no particular interest in any of cities, cast your vote for Missouri, because…well, I live in Springfield, Missouri, and somebody has got to win, right?

Chi-Town New Year’s Eve Recommendations

by Adrienne Wilson on

Earlier this year when I cried for travel help while venturing through the areas of Olney and Salem, Illinois I received few responses. As a matter of fact I think there was only one reader that offered any suggestions. Tomorrow I’m heading back to the fine Mid-West state where I will spend New Years in Chicago and hang around two weeks for work. My past travels through Chicagoland have always been brief and I’ve never been a big run all over on NYE type of person, but this year I’m turning the beat around. I’ve surfed the web and seen several almost enticing opportunities (CenterStage features several goodies) to while the last night of 2006 away, but I’m not sold on any yet. So I’m crying out again and I’m expecting a whole lot of help this time! AND just so I’m not left hanging out bare-naked in the cold I’m going to offer a few clues to what I’m looking for. Those who wish to persuade otherwise are welcome to join in too.

For starters a simple ball drop type of deal will do. Is there some place Chicago natives go (perhaps families) to count the clock’s tick-tock to midnight that doesn’t cost an arm-and-a-leg? I’m going to be flexible here and allow good lounge rec’s as well, but I’m looking for simple, slightly dressy, and cheap. So what’s the word?

1940’s StyleTrain Travel

by Adrienne Wilson on

Lovers of travel by rail prepare yourself for what I’m about to say. It will sound like an opportunity of a lifetime – something that should not be missed! Imagine zipping through time and space the very same way they did in the olden days when luxury and class was everything and the ladies wore such pretty hairstyles, not the big stuff you see in the south.

According to the folks over at Chicagoist a new train venture from Train Chartering is offering those who can afford this trip of a lifetime the chance to ride in a Mount Vernon rail car from NY to Chicago. The Mount Vernon was built between December 1949 and June 1950 for Pullman service on the Union Pacific Railroad, but has since undergone some minor renovations. Think private rail car with TV, DVD, CD, XM satellite radio receiver, full kitchen, marble-tiled shower and so-on. All this can be yours for the low-cost of $17,500 for full-service which also includes fine dining and beverages.

Go check out the 2007 itinerary if you think it’s a good fit. I’d love to do it myself, but well, I have some other places my $17,500 has to go towards. Perhaps you’ve heard of Sallie Mae’s student loan rail services? Not quite as luxurious, but just as expensive.

The Turkey Testicle Festival

by Adrienne Wilson on

In the famous words of my old dear aunt, “Gag me with a spoon, please!” Thanks to Jaunted I’ve just learned of a festival that has been taking place in the town of Huntley, IL for 24 years now, the Turkey Testicle Festival. Gulps. The event has already passed (it was held yesterday according to the dates on the site), but appears to be rather popular with um, Chicagoland locals and other Illinois residents? Can someone out there confirm? Staged at the Parkside Pub in Huntley they not only serve hot turkey nuts – they give you some brewskies to wash all of it down! Yum?

While I love trying new things, you’d probably have to lie to me to get gobbling up or down on turkey testicles. Just call me on the traditional side and hand me a leg. That’ll do just fine.