Population (2010) 3,429 Introduction The oldest city in northern Illinois, Galena was more populous than Chicago at one time and has the infrastructure for a city three times its current population. It has a compact center of well-preserved 19th-century commercial buildings tucked into a narrow river valley; terraces race
Population (2010) 2,191 Introduction Built on a high bank next to the Mississippi River, Bellevue enjoys great river views without the hassle of the occasional flood. Bellevue is also one of the few Mississippi River towns where the views are not disrupted by a flood wall or railroad tracks.
Big River Magazine just published a story I wrote about the extant churches designed by Father Mazzuchelli (Jan/Feb issue). If you have trouble finding a copy, check out their website for locations where you can buy it, or, just send me a note privately and I'll see what I can do.
Wednesday got off to a rough start. At 5:30 in the morning, the hookers in the room next to mine were fighting with their pimp. This woke me up. Unable to get back to sleep, I decided to go ahead and start my day, so I jumped in the shower, which, for some reason,
Winter driving sucks. I know this. I have 12 hard-earned years of winter driving experience in Minnesota and Wisconsin. You can’t be in a hurry. You have to stay alert. Try to drive during daylight hours if it’s snowing. Pack your trunk with a survival kit. Steer into the skid. Pump your brakes to slow
Most people understand that the River Road is a great drive in the summer. Few are willing to drive its northern reaches in the winter, however. What a shame. Last week I spent a few days driving around sections that I explored in balmier times. Even though some tourist sites are closed for the season,
