If you think that southwest Illinois is nothing but farming communities and wide spots in the road, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Quincy, Illinois is the farthest thing from a regular small town, and is definitely worth the trip!

From Peoria (straight south of Chicago) US-24 winds southwest past ancient Native American burial mounds along the Illinois River, then bends west to the Mississippi River and finally to the quirky town of Quincy, one of Illinois' best-known art communities. Quincy is an interesting spot, and not just for its art. It manages to give off an aura of genteel aristocracy, peculiar eccentricity, and Midwest stolidity all at the same time.

This southwest Illinois community of 40,000 was once one of the richest towns in the Midwest. As if to prove it, more than 2,000 of Quincy's homes are on the National Historic Register. This wealth helped Quincy flourish as an art community. In 1947 Quincy established the nation?s first local arts council. Today, lovers of culture will find an Arts Corridor along Fourth Street, including the Quincy Art Center. The Center houses a 250-piece permanent collection, and is a constant host to local, regional, and national exhibitions.

If you'd like a little structure to your trip (or at least a starting point) stop by the Quincy Visitor Center (217-223-1000). It is located in the 19th-century landmark "Villa Catherine," the only example of Moorish architecture on the Mississippi River. A few of Quincy's hotspots include the Quincy Museum (16th & Maine Streets, 217-224-7669), which contains, among other fantastic treasures, one of the few square Baby Grand Pianos still in working condition. Another interesting stop is the Lincoln Douglas Valentine Museum (101 N. 4th Street, 217-224-3355). Here you'll find a large collection of old and unusual valentines, including heart-shaped boxes once made at the Quincy Paper Box Company. Neat! The fact that this museum exists is a tribute and example to Quincy's odd yet fun flavor.

The Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design (352 Maine Street, 217-224-6873) can be found in the old Richardsonian Romanesque library. Adjacent streets are lined with art galleries, antique shops, and unusual boutiques. Art is such a focal point in Quincy that gallery space can even be found in the local coffee shops.

Performing arts also have a home in Quincy. The Quincy Community Theatre and the Quincy Symphony both take the stage at the Oakley-Lindsay Center. As if that weren?t enough for a town of Quincy's size, more music and theatre can be enjoyed at any and all of the area's three colleges: Quincy University, John Wood Community College, and Culver-Stockton College.

Quincy truly embraces a "footloose and fancy-free" attitude, and is a great destination for a weekend getaway. If it's a fun, cultural, interesting spot you're interested in, look no farther! Quincy is the right spot for you. Have a nice trip!

Directions

Take 55 south out of the Loop to Normal, IL. Then head west on 74 to Peoria, then southwest on beautiful U.S. 24, right into Quincy. You can't miss it!