Last-Minute Vacation: 5 Reasons to Visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

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Do you ever find yourself wishing you could just have one more vacation before the end of the year to relax before the holiday festivities start? Or perhaps you enjoyed a late summer vacation around the Labor Day weekend and can’t stand the thought of having to wait until the New Year to plan another trip. Regardless of your reason, it sounds like you have the infamous “travel fever” and need some inspiration to book a last-minute vacation. Don’t worry, we have the perfect place to visit – Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama! Visit GulfShores.com for more information on experiencing the Gulf Coast.

gulf coast alabama

Whether you are looking for the perfect late season beach destination, or perhaps you want to sample some delicious local cuisine before having to deal with families coming over and a whole lot of home-cooking, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the perfect late-season getaway for a plethora of reasons.

gulf shores and orange beach cuisine

We have been fortunate to visit this stretch of Alabama coastline throughout all times of the year, and we can 100% attest that the “shoulder” season in late fall, or even during the winter months, is an ideal time to getaway and enjoy the best of this part of Alabama.

gulf shores and orange beach

Let’s take a look at five reasons (with the caveat that this barely scratches the surface as there are a myriad of other reasons to explore this beautiful coastline!) why Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will be your perfect last-minute vacation location.

gulf shores and orange beach

Visit the Beach in Winter

Ok, so the thought of heading to the beach with your swimsuit and sunglasses in the middle of winter may sound a little crazy but actually it’s not as crazy as it sounds when it comes to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

gulf shores beaches

If you are visiting in the late Fall or even winter months, you can frequently enjoy days that are warm enough to head to the beach and enjoy a late season relaxation on the 32 miles of pure white sandy beaches. The warm, humid climate tempered by sea breezes offers an ideal environment to enjoy the beach experience, even if it means taking a blanket to ensure those cool breezes don’t spoil your late season adventure.

gulf shores and orange beach

While you may not be visiting the beach all day, primarily because there are so many other cool things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach at this time of the year, you can certainly find time to take a stroll along the beach, perhaps sample the Gulf of Mexico (depending on where you are from, you may find the water still warm enough to take a quick dip!), and just relax among the gorgeous surroundings.

gulf shores and orange beach alabama

One thing is for sure, regardless of what time you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, those incredible sunrise and sunset pictures are waiting for you to take the time to visit the beach and capture that memorable moment. We still believe that this area is one of the best spots anywhere in the world to enjoy a perfect sunset experience.

gulf shores sunset

Indulge in Local Seafood and Other Cuisine

Not yet convinced that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the perfect getaway spot? Ok, so the beach in the late season may not be for everyone but one thing is for sure, the cuisine options along this stretch of coastline will satisfy everyone’s appetite. Perhaps the best thing about a late season getaway to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is that everywhere is quiet and for the most part, you are only mingling with locals who also find this the best time to head out and experience their favorite local restaurants.

local seafood gulf shores

Don’t worry about 2 or 3 hour wait times which unfortunately can be common during the peak season, instead you can frequently take your pick of restaurants and simply walk in and be seated. The choices are endless and it would be remiss of us to highlight only a few options, but of course, we want to wet your appetite on the best places you cannot afford to miss.

For breakfast, Brick and Spoon located along Canal Road, Orange Beach is a definite favorite of ours for a variety of reasons. The infamous “Bananas in Pajamas” is a perfect sweet treat to start the day, but if you prefer a more savory option, the Eggs Benedict are to die for and definitely highly recommended.

brick and spoon bananas in pajamas

Other options to start your day include Sunliner Diner, The Ruby Slipper, or a variety of coffee shops that also offer great breakfast menu items (more on these later!).

ruby slipper eggs benedict

For lunch, head to The Gulf, a uniquely designed restaurant that was constructed from shipping containers to enjoy a decadent Lobster and Shrimp Roll, Shrimp and Grits, or Tuna Poke Bowl. Any of the local seafood options are great choices and you can enjoy a relaxing dining experience while enjoying the sea breeze from the nearby Gulf of Mexico.

gulf shores and orange beach seafood

If you still have room for a late evening dinner, the options are endless. Our favorites include GTs on the Bay, Cobalt, or perhaps if you are looking for something other than seafood, Cactus Cantina offers a great Mexican experience.

Enjoy Natural Beauty

The Gulf Coast has an incredible selection of beaches to relax and enjoy those epic sunsets. However, you may be surprised to hear that there is so much more on offer in this area of Alabama, especially if you love the great outdoors and want to embrace nature. One of our favorite spots is the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry which offer 15 miles of unique trails for visitors and locals alike to enjoy six distinctive eco-systems.

backcountry trails gulf shores

Whether you prefer to hop on a bike courtesy of the free bike-share program that has several stations throughout this area, or perhaps you enjoy walking on foot to soak in the surroundings, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Fishing is available in several areas of the park, and this is also one of the most pet-friendly areas if you are looking for somewhere to walk your dog.

hugh s branyon backcountry trails

Another great way to explore nature in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is to enjoy a kayaking excursion around the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. This is a great opportunity not only to admire the natural beauty throughout the Gulf Coast, but also to see a variety of wildlife species that also call Gulf Shores and Orange Beach their natural habitat. Throughout the beach dunes and rolling pine-oak woodlands, visitors may see species such as migratory birds, nesting sea turtles, among others.

Sip on Your Favorite Espresso

A trip to the Gulf Coast in the fall or winter will undoubtedly offer cooler temperatures than during the summer. Dependent on your definition of “cool” will likely determine how you find the climate at this time of the year, but even during the winter months, the average of mid-50s and into the 60s can still be considered as “mild” by many. Regardless of your definition, this is the perfect time to enjoy the collection of coffee shops to either warm up or perhaps sample an iced concoction.

gulf shores and orange beach coffee

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is home to a collection of amazing local coffee shops, so regardless of where you choose to go, you can be sure you will walk away having experienced your favorite espresso beverage.

southern grind coffee house wharf

The Southern Grind Coffee House has two locations, at the Wharf and along Perdido Beach Boulevard at INDIGO. Recognized as “offering guests more than a cup of coffee”, this is definitely a great place to relax, mingle with locals to get other recommendations on places to visit while on the Gulf Coast, and indulge in a variety of delicious drinks or dishes depending on the time of day you choose to visit.

buzzcatz coffee and sweets

BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets is another great choice, especially if you one to sample the delicious, and infamous, cinnamon rolls. One of the lesser known options is Happy Pappys Coffee House, but offers equally mouthwatering options whether you are visiting for a drink, or need something with a little more substance.

happy pappys coffee shop

Enjoy History and Culture

For those that love to learn all about the local history, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is home to historic Fort Morgan which was the site of the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War in 1864. Today, visitors can head along the Gulf Coast peninsula to Fort Morgan to take a self-guided tour of this historic site.

In 1864, Union Admiral David Farragut ordered his fleet to charge the heavily mined bay, yet Fort Morgan remained strong and today, displays fortifications from a variety of significant historic encounters. Whether you are interested in seeing the casemates or the various batteries that are still standing, a tour of this site is something that everyone will appreciate, regardless of your interest in Civil War history.

historic fort morgan

Visitors to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will also have the opportunity to experience a variety of other attractions and activities. From attending Sand Castle University to creating your own crafts at the Clay Studio, there are ample experiences that all the family will be able to enjoy.

gulf shores clay studio

Summary

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the perfect place to organize a last-minute vacation, especially if it’s late in the season and you are just looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway. From the gorgeous beaches to the variety of awesome restaurants offering authentic, local seafood and other cuisine options, there is plenty to enjoy during a short or long term getaway.

Whether you are inspired to book a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach this year, or perhaps looking for something in the New Year, you can be sure that you won’t be leaving disappointed! The friendly welcome that will greet you regardless of where you stay and what you experience makes the Gulf Coast of Alabama a place we cannot wait to return time and time again…we think you will feel the same also!

Lights Under Louisville – Enjoy an Epic Underground Holiday Show

The festive season is all about experiencing awesome light displays around the world but have you ever contemplated the thought of exploring an underground holiday show? The Lights Under Louisville experience is just that, and whether you an avid follower of Christmas light displays, or perhaps you are in the Kentucky area, you cannot help but be intrigued by this experience.

lights under louisville

Louisville may be synonymous with the infamous Kentucky Derby, Louisville Slugger Museum, and part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but during the holiday season there is one attraction that visitors from across the globe travel to the heart of the Bluegrass State to enjoy. The thought of a self-driving experience through a cave system may sound crazy in itself and hardly believable, but once you have encountered this for yourselves, you will realize this is one of the most unique experiences anywhere in the world.

lights under louisville

Louisville’s Mega Cavern

In the heart of Louisville is a former limestone mine that stretches under parts of the Watterson Expressway and Louisville Zoo. Throughout the year, this “building” (as it is weirdly recognized as because of its support structures) is used for business, storage, recycling, and tourism, most notably being home to zip line tour, ropes course, and tram-guided tours.

louisville mega cavern

The Mega Cavern is a 4,000,000 square foot area that was formed in the mid-20th Century, but in 1989 private investors purchased this mine as they saw an opportunity to transform this into an environmentally conscious space, primarily to be used for storage. With a relatively stable temperature around 50–60°F, this creates an ideal area for storage.

However, it’s during the latter part of November and December when this cave system transforms into the ultimate festive location. The “Lights Under Louisville” comes to town and the mine epitomizes a Christmas Wonderland that locals and visitors alike cannot help but fall in love with.

lights under louisville cavern

Lights Under Louisville

After booking your tickets online at Lights Under Louisville to create a contactless experience once you arrive in the heart of the city, you will have the opportunity to drive your own vehicle through the Mega Cavern to experience the ONLY underground holiday light show in the world!

lights under louisville

With more than 40 themed displays, multiple projection areas, and over 900 Christmas themed characters, this creates an unforgettable experience that you can enjoy with all the family. Whether you are looking for a romantic holiday season experience, or perhaps wanting to take the kids for the ultimate festive wonderland, Lights Under Louisville is an attraction you will likely want to visit time and time again.

lights under louisville drive

Over 6,000,000 points of light (this number increases every year for a bigger and better adventure!) create an immersive experience and undoubtedly visitors will leave with ample holiday cheer and raring to celebrate the rest of the holiday season. For 30-45 minutes, you will gently meander through a series of themed Christmas celebrations.

lights under louisville

Turn off your headlights, open those windows wide to enhance the immersive experience and simply enjoy the self-guided tour as you slowly make your way through the cave system. Throughout the journey, Christmas music will be playing to ensure everyone is inundated with festive cheer.

lights under louisville

For those of you that prefer to enjoy this unique, one-of-a-kind experience in luxury, the Christmas Express offers a way for visitors to get into the holiday spirit in this open-top trailer.

Themed Areas

Throughout the self-guided driving tour, you will pass through a number of themed light displays that range from local Louisville sporting events to all our favorite Disney characters. Of course, it wouldn’t be the same without a few encounters with Santa Claus, and for the global travelers out there, you will see one or two infamous landmarks that will perhaps inspire you to book a trip in the near future.

lights under louisville

The Kentucky Derby Festival light show is one of the best local displays, while those of you that have spent some time exploring Louisville will know that the Belle of Louisville river cruise experience is something you should look to experience along the Ohio River.

The Winter Wonderland scene is definitely one of our favorites with the silver lights and decorations creating a magical experience that will immediately put you in the festive mood.

lights under louisville

Santa’s Mining Company pays tribute to the mine that you are driving through, while you then venture into the world of the dinosaurs as you are given the opportunity to pick your favorite pre-historic creature.

lights under louisville

From Big Ben to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, those global landmarks that I referenced are cool light displays, but it’s the Disney characters that help make Lights Under Louisville really spring to life. Head through the Frozen Zone to find your favorite friends with Olaf, Elsa, Anna, and Sven.

lights under louisville frozen zone

The final stretch of the tour leads visitors through an amazing light display that showcases technology at its finest, along with bringing the cave system to life.

lights under louisville

Summary

Forget Christmas in New York City, or experiencing the epic Christmas markets across Europe, and instead head to the heart of Kentucky to enjoy the incredibly Lights Under Louisville attraction which is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind experience that you will not find anywhere else in the world. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and cannot wait to return.

lights under louisville

Every year, the Lights Under Louisville experience is tweaked to add something a little different and more lights are added to create an even more magical encounter. If Louisville isn’t on your radar for one of the many other reasons why this city is such an attractive destination, perhaps a visit during the holiday season will be enough to justify adding this to your schedule…you won’t regret it!

lights under louisville

5 Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Resources to Help Plan Your Trip

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Planning a trip to any destination can be a daunting prospect with so many different resources available but it’s always difficult to know which are reputable and worth researching. If you are planning a trip to the Gulf Coast, this prospect is no different but after reading this handy guide, we hope you will have a good idea of the resources that will help you plan the perfect trip before you head to Alabama’s Beaches. Visit GulfShores.com for more information on experiencing the Gulf Coast.

alabama beaches

Whether you are an active planner or prepare to travel with a hint of spontaneity, having access to resources before and during your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is critical to ensure you have an awesome experience. Of course, it goes without saying our blog is an awesome resource and we have been fortunate now to be returning visitors to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for almost 10 years. We are constantly updating our content on the Gulf Coast, but we also want to share some other resources that are equally beneficial.

gulf shores and orange beach

Let’s take a look at 5 of the best resources you can use before heading to the Gulf Coast and we always encourage you to comment below and share any other resources that you found to be beneficial when planning a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Gulfshores.com

Head over to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach tourism website for inspiration, latest news, and all the resources you will need to enjoy your visit to Alabama’s white-sand beaches. Whether you are looking for locals favorite restaurants to experience, or perhaps you need a list of recommended attractions to explore during your visit, Gulfshores.com hosts a plethora of information to ensure every part of your trip is taken care of.

gulf shores and orange beach tourism website

Think about Gulfshores.com as a centralized “one-stop shop” to cater for all your needs. If you are considering accommodation choices, this website offers an array of options provided by vacation rental companies, hotels, B&Bs and individual vacation rental property owners.

Perhaps the most helpful part of Gulfshores.com is the blog section which is frequently updated by locals and frequent visitors to the Gulf Coast, sharing their local favorites and experiences you cannot afford to miss. The “Beach is Calling” blog shares the best beach vacation tips, including favorite hot spots for catching and eating fresh fish, when to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and how you can plan your perfect getaway to the beach.

beach is calling blog

Social Media

In today’s society, it will be no surprise to hear that social media is a great way to staying connected with the best things to experience during your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The VisitALBeaches Facebook page is extremely active and offers daily inspiration with eye-catching videos, awe-inspiring photographs, and other media that will inspire you to experience everything on offer along the Gulf Coast.

visit alabama beaches facebook page

If Facebook isn’t your preferred social media, there are frequently Instagram reels, Tik-Tok videos, or inspiring pins on Pinterest that will allow you to plan everything you need to create the perfect Gulf Shores and Orange Beach getaway. If you prefer the quick interactions on Twitter, be sure to follow the #ALBeachBlogger hashtag to get inspiring content from yours truly, along with a collection of other amazing bloggers who showcase their favorite experiences on Alabama’s beaches.

visit alabama beaches tiktok

Social media is a great way to highlight iconic experiences that perhaps would otherwise get lost among a collection of other awesome attractions, restaurants, and lodging options. We can attest to finding some of our best experiences along the Gulf Coast from other social media posts, and we definitely encourage you to check out some of your favorite social platforms to uncover some hidden gems along this stretch of Alabama coastline.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Digital Vacation Guide

Grab your iPad or other mobile device and head over to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach tourism site to download the latest digital vacation guide. This resource is a handy tool that can be used whether you are online or offline and can also be downloaded as a PDF if you prefer to have a static document. Think about this guide as an overview of the very best things to see, do, and eat during your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Check out the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Digital Vacation Guide here. Download a local PDF copy here.

A new version of the digital vacation guide is made available each year, so you can be sure to always have the latest, up-to-date information available prior and during your visit to the Gulf Coast. We have found this guide to be incredibly helpful and inspiring, not only because of the creativity and aesthetic appeal of the guide, but because of the authentic feel and local spots that you are encouraged to visit.

Visitor Centers

Once you arrive in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, one of the best places to start your adventure is the local tourism visitor center. With one center available in either location, this is undoubtedly the ideal starting point to ensure you have all the information necessary to enjoy your visit to the Gulf Coast. Free brochures, local maps and information on everything a visitor would want to know about lodging, attractions, dining and more on the Alabama Gulf Coast can be found in both the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach locations.

For those that prefer to have a physical copy of the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Vacation Guide, you can pickup your full-color copy at the welcome center. Free wi-fi access is available at both locations, but perhaps the best resource is the local knowledge on hand by the friendly staff who will give you all the information needed to ensure you are fully equipped to enjoy your visit.

The two welcome centers can be found as follows:

Travel Blogs

While we have focused our attention on other resources, it would certainly be remiss to not mention travel blogs as a great resource to find inspiring content that will help you plan your trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We have been extremely fortunate to visit this part of Alabama on numerous occasions and I am sure those of you that have followed us over the years will know that this is one of our favorite destinations.

a brit and a southerner travel blog

Check out some of our posts highlighting why Fall is the best time for a Gulf Shores and Orange Beach getaway, the best local coffee shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and for those looking for a late season getaway, find out why the Christmas festivities at the beach are so awesome along this stretch of Alabama coastline.

A full collection of our posts on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach can be found here: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Travel Blogs

Of course, our travel blog is just one of many that provide inspiring content on the Gulf Coast. Some of our friends in the travel blogosphere that have awesome Gulf Shores and Orange Beach content can be found below:

gulf shores beaches

St. Louis to Indianapolis – How to Enjoy an Amazing Road Trip

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The heart of the United States offers an abundance of attractions that frequently fall under the radar but are well worth experiencing if you are planning a trip to this part of the country. Whether you are visiting the states of Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana or Illinois, there are ample opportunities to explore hidden gems that may inspire you to book a return trip in the future. Living in nearby Arkansas, we have had the opportunity to visit many of these, and we recently took a road trip from St. Louis to Indianapolis to see what gems we could stumble across along I-70.

A little over three hours in driving time, the road trip between two of the more iconic cities in Central USA is simple given that it is all interstate along I-70. While you will pass through a myriad of smaller towns, each with their own unique character and charm that may inspire you to spend some time, there is one spot that is well and truly the pièce de résistance on this journey. However, while the focus of this post will highlight this iconic destination, it’s also worth noting there are other places that should be added to your road trip itinerary.

Casey, Illinois – Big Things, Small Town

The small town of Casey, Illinois may be home to a population slightly over 2,000, but there are plenty of reasons that make this destination a place that should be on everyone’s radar when visiting this part of the Prairie State. Whether you are heading to the nearby cities of Indianapolis or St. Louis, or perhaps embarking on a cross-country road trip, Casey is a location that has an abundance of personality that visitors should cherish as they experience this one of a kind town.

casey illinois big things small town

While Casey may be a small town, it’s well recognized as being home to “larger than life” things! The locals are proud to call their home a tourist hotspot given that the Guinness World Records recognize this destination as being home to a number of the world’s largest roadside attractions. Let’s take a quick look at what you can expect to see (you can hardly miss them once you venture off I-70 and visit this iconic town!) in the town of Casey!

largest teeter totter

Big Wooden Token

After leaving exit 129 on I-70 towards the downtown area of Casey, the first attraction you will stumble across is a big wooden token which on the front advertises Casey State Bank. With a 13-foot radius and weighing 3,280 pounds, the back features smaller tokens highlighting the various attractions that you will find as you continue your journey around Casey.

wooden token casey illinois

World’s Largest Golf Tee

Head to Casey Country Club and visit a golf tee that stands 30.5-feet tall and is perhaps one of the coolest attractions if you are an avid golfer like myself. This tee was verified by Guinness World Records as the tallest golf tee in the world in February 2013, and I cannot imagine there will be many other golf courses around the world ready to build one larger than this.

largest golf tee casey illinois

This attraction certainly helps put Casey Country Club on the map for a golf course worth visiting…you may as well enjoy a round of golf after visiting this attraction. The history of this tee only dates back to 2012 when the country club’s president decided to continue the tradition of Casey’s iconic “big things” theme. By laminating lumber for close to five months, the structure of this masterpiece was formed before using a chainsaw and sander to shape and smooth the surface.

World’s Largest Golf Driver

Let’s keep the golf theme going by heading from the country club into the downtown vicinity of Casey and experiencing the world’s largest golf driver. Measuring over 45-feet in length and weighing 731 pounds, the head of the driver is made from persimmon wood and a reused aluminum light pole for the shaft.

largest golf driver casey illinois

Verified as the world’s largest driver on September 28, 2019 by the Guinness World Records, it is clearly on display alongside some of the town’s other iconic landmarks at the intersection of Main Street and Central Avenue.

World’s Largest Pitchfork

At 60-feet in length, the world’s largest pitchfork can also be found in the heart of Casey. The pitchfork handle is made of reclaimed red cedar and the metal part was created primarily from parts of old streetlight illuminator arms.

largest pitchfork casey illinois

When this pitchfork was created in 2014 and declared the world’s largest less than 12 months later, it was recognized as the first by the Guinness World Records. Did you know that the Guinness World Records requires an item to be at least 10 times larger than the regular item in order to qualify? Casey’s pitchfork easily exceeds these minimum requirements and is one of the most popular landmarks in the town.

World’s Largest Rocking Chair

Perhaps the most iconic of all the landmarks in Casey is the towering rocking chair that sits in the heart of the downtown area. Standing at 56.5 feet tall, this masterpiece is not only the world’s largest rocking chair, but it is also the largest chair in America. Completed in August 2015, this chair weighs 46,000 pounds and is made with recycled wood and pipe.

largest rocking chair casey illinois

While visitors cannot sit on the chair, standing in front of it and marveling at its size really puts this landmark into perspective!

World’s Largest Mailbox

Each of these weird and wonderful attractions has unique character about its design, but in my opinion the most eye-catching is the world’s largest mailbox. At 5,700 cubic feet, this mailbox has been certified as the world’s largest by Guinness World Records and with two sets of interior stairs, visitors can climb the “post” to the top of the “box” and enjoy epic views across the town of Casey.

largest mailbox casey illinois

The mailbox is another of Jim Bolin’s creative works of art and was completed in 2015. Did you also know that you can even mail your own letters or postcards from within the mailbox?

inside largest mailbox casey illinois

Other Attractions in Casey

Visitors to Casey will each have their own favorite attraction, and while the aforementioned are likely to be the most infamous, there are a wide variety of other landmarks that lay claim to being “oversized” and certainly help the town become renowned for having such “larger than life” items.

  • World’s Largest Teeter Totter
  • Big Yardstick
  • Big Antlers
  • Big Cactus
  • Big Mouse Trap
  • Big Spinning Top
  • Big Pencil
  • World’s Largest Barbershop Pole
  • Big Birdcage
  • World’s Largest Swizzle Spoon
  • Big Taco
  • World’s Largest Truck Key
largest truck key casey illinois

Effingham

The drive between St. Louis and Indianapolis offers more than just the weird and wonderful attractions in the small town of Casey. Prior to arriving in Casey, you can enjoy the city of Effingham and explore a couple of iconic attractions. The “Cross at the Crossroads” is clearly visible from the interstate and is almost 200-feet in height.

Standing as the second largest cross in the United States, visitors can walk around the designated area and read and listen to the Ten Commandments. This structure is certainly a work of art, so regardless of your religious affiliation, this is certainly an attraction worth visiting, or at least admiring from the interstate.

If you are a wine connoisseur, consider paying a visit to Tuscan Hills Winery for a quick wine-tasting experience. The home-like atmosphere is extremely welcoming for all visitors, and with a collection of local wines on offer, this is definitely an attraction worth considering. Other attractions in Effingham include the Mid America Motorworks Museum, Lake Sara, and a collection of eateries that are worth grabbing a bite to eat to sample local delicacies.

Terre Haute

After leaving the town of Casey and venturing onwards towards Indianapolis, the best opportunity to stop and explore more of Indiana’s lesser known destinations is the city of Terre Haute.

One of the most poignant landmarks is the CANDLES Holocaust Museum, opened in 1995 by Eva Mozes Kor. The ultimate goal of this museum is to prevent hatred and prejudice, through the depiction of the horrific experiences during the Holocaust. CANDLES is an acronym for “Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors.”

“You may have destroyed some photos, but you didn’t destroy our story. You may have destroyed some exhibits, but you didn’t destroy our spirit. You may have destroyed a building, but you didn’t destroy our community. Light prevails over darkness, and love will always conquer hate.”

CANDLES Holocaust Museum

On a lighter note, Terre Haute is also home to Terre Haute Brewing Company which is a perfect spot to enjoy Indiana’s oldest and America’s second-oldest brewery in operation. With a number of craft brews always available, this is definitely a spot worth visiting if you love to sample craft beers.

Summary

The road trip between St. Louis and Indianapolis is one that at first glance looks like a simple interstate drive, and you could be forgiven for thinking your attention should be on reaching either of the iconic cities. However, we hope after reading this post you will allocate some time to explore the quirky town of Casey, along with other spots along this route.

largest birdcage casey illinois

What is your favorite “larger than life” attraction in Casey? What other landmark would you like to see Casey create and put on display for visitors in the near future?