Lincoln re-enactor Randy Duncan entertaining the crowds at Springfield’s Old State Capitol

Meet Randy Duncan, the man with quite possibly the coolest job around. Duncan is a professional re-enactor, portraying one of America’s most famous and important Presidents, Abraham Lincoln. Aside from the famous hat and distinguishable beard, the biggest perks of portraying Lincoln aren’t always seen, but rather, are felt. Having the honor to live certain days as the 16^th President of the United States for 16 years, Duncan shares the inside scoop on a day in the life of Honest Abe.

“The best part of portraying Lincoln is interacting with children or anyone is who is hungry to learn some history,” Duncan tells us. “A large and enjoyable part of this work is being a good listener,” he added, explaining how most folks would be surprised by how much time he spends listening to people share their heartfelt connections with Lincoln. From book reports to school plays or family members who fought in the Civil War, almost everyone he meets has a connection to Lincoln. Duncan also emphasizes how he wished “everyone could have the chance to experience” what he does because of the benefits:  the fun and responsibility of helping others learn more about the great President Lincoln.

Want to connect with Lincoln’s Illinois roots? Then walk in the sixteenth President’s shoes, just as Duncan does, on the Lincoln Campaign Trail.

First, start in the Windy City of Chicago and find yourself at the Tremont Hotel, modeled after the Tremont House, the headquarters of the Illinois Republican Party during the 1800’s. President Lincoln was not only a regular, but he also launched his first senatorial campaign from the hotel’s balcony.

Next, head to Charleston, where you can find the site of the historic Lincoln Log Cabin. Here, you’ll experience what it was like to work and live in the 1840’s home and farm of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, father and stepmother of Abe.

The amazing and historic Lincoln Log Cabin and Farm

Of course, no Lincoln experience is complete without visiting the one and only Springfield, Illinois! Make sure you stop by the world-famous Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This award winning library and museum features hi-tech and interactive exhibits, multimedia programs and a reproduction of the White House as it looked in 1861. You don’t want to miss the holographic characters and special effects, or live actors as they portray the 1860 Presidential Election as though it were happening today.

The gorgeous architecture of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Round out your Lincoln experience in the city of Alton where you can visit Lincoln-Douglas Square. Here, you can see statues of Lincoln and Stephan Douglas during their final Presidential debate, while experiencing the charm of this historic river town.

–The Illinois Office of Tourism

Our first meal was dinner at Gentelin’s on Broadway, located downtown.  The dining room is modern, yet comfortable.  Appetizers are our favorite part of the menu so were excited to try the Santa Fe Wraps.  They did not disappoint.  The lightly fried, crispy wontons were packed full of flavor with spinach, corn, roasted red peppers, and southwestern cheese.  The mild heat was perfectly cooled by a red pepper mayo for dipping. So satisfying!

Gentelins’ Peppercorn Seared Ahi Tuna and Aunt Jayne’s Chicken.

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air is arguably the most legendary stop when it comes to local cuisine.  Built In 1921 by Anheuser Busch as a drinking establishment,  this  yellow brick building known as Bon-Air, was constructed right on the corner of three streets: 4th, Pearl and Broadway. Approximately ten years later, A-B had to sell the tavern due to a change in the law, which prohibited breweries from owning drinking establishments. Read the rest of the legend here.

I’ll skip to the best part… low-priced-satisfy-every-craving-served-in-paper-baskets chow! Fast Eddie’s serves grilled burgers, meat-on-a-stick, bratwurst, French fries and boiled shrimp.  All items are sold at the same prices as when they were added nineteen years ago.  We’re talking $0.99 cheeseburgers, people!  It was char-grilled to juicy perfection! I could actually go for one right now…

*#ILMileMarker Tip* You must be 21 to enjoy this legend…no kiddies allowed.

Enjoy a beer and some popcorn, or chow down on something from the grill

After a very busy morning, we broke for lunch at the charming Mississippi Half Step. Located inside a historic home in Grafton, we were seated at a sun-bathed table in the front room of the house.  It was a wonderful spot to recharge with some home-style food.  The stand out here was the Catfish John.  We chose the blackened preparation.  It was flaky with the perfect balance of salt and spice; topped with red onion, house made tartar sauce, and served on a soft hoagie bun.

*#ILMileMarker Tip* Check out the craft beer selection.  We tried the Old Brown Dog Ale; a perfect complement to the Catfish John!

Downtown Alton has a picturesque strip of shops and restaurants located up and down State Street and 3rd.  It was here that we discovered Bossanova Restaurant and Lounge.  Russ welcomed us with charismatic hospitality and we instantly felt like regulars.  From our research of the menu online we were dead set on the Salmon Rangoon as our starter.  While these crunchy pockets of goodness were quickly devoured, the real star of the show was a chef’s special…a stacked tower of spicy ahi tuna layered between crispy wonton triangles, served with a habenero ginger sauce.  The spice level was intense, but not too much so.  Luckily we had cool, fresh martinis to tame the heat.

Bossanova’s Stacked Spicy Tuna (left) and Salmon Rangoon (right)

Last, but most certainly not least, was our lunch at My Just Desserts.  As most close to us know, Nick and I are not ones for sweets; we usually choose to indulge in an extra appetizer. However, on this day, in My Just Desserts, for a moment in time, we felt what sweet-lovers everywhere felt; sugar bliss!  The Mystery Pecan Pie was sweet & crunchy with just a touch of salt.  The crust was perfectly flaky.  And don’t get me started on Nick’s choice of Hazelnut Silk. We were fighting over the last bite!

You know the dessert was amazing if I haven’t mentioned the main course, but it shouldn’t go unmentioned.  We’d been looking forward to this chicken salad sandwich all week and let’s just say, we ended our culinary experience on a high note! The mixture of white and dark meat reminded me of something my mom would make… with the ideal amount of mayo (a feat in and of itself) served on good ol’ fashioned sliced bread.

My Just Desserts’ Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Hazelnut Silk Pie

There are no shortage of ‘good-eats’ in this Mississippi River community!

– Nick Ulivieri and Amy Larrick, Illinois Mile Markers

Thanks to our partners for making this trip possible, including the Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Holiday Inn Alton. Want to follow in our Mile Markers’ footsteps? Travel the below map!