Another stunning day to travel! We are now traveling with Cashelmara, Jackpot, Skafos and Two by Two joined us. Again we stagger the docking at the marina so we don't overwhelm the dockhands. The marina is in a great location right by the town. The facilities were clean and well maintained. Laundry is free so everyone took advantage. There is a bar, ship's store and a wonderful gazebo that we really took advantage of each day. The docks are fixed but there is only a 6 inch swing that is wind driven. They pump fuel at your slip so we took advantage of this and took on 180 gallons at $4.87.
Spoon River Restaurant
Several people recommended Spoon River for dinner so we made reservations in advance. We were 10 people and they accommodated us easily. They are farm to table with most foods coming from around the neighboring counties. The food was amazing and the staff were friendly and took great care of us. We talked with Theresa, the owner, and she showed us the new events venue she was creating in the adjacent building. That building was formerly a movie theater and she also owns the building across the street, which was also a movie theater. The building housing her restaurant Spoon River used to have dentist office above it which had to be entered through stairs in the movie theater building. She has decorated her restaurant with donated books and it has a feel of a home not just a restaurant.
Jeff and Doris Warren on Two by Two
Kevin and Lisa Bemrich on Skafos.
Mary and Chris Kelleher on Cashelmara.
Jack Shuff and JoAnn Harper on Jackpot.
Laurie and Hal on Gemini.
The ladies with the owner of the restaurant, Theresa.
Izzy and I had some nice walks around the town, some accompanied by Lisa. There is definitely a difference in the homes near the waterfront versus the homes in the middle of town, but I think that is not so uncommon.
Hanging out in the gazebo after a nice cruise.
In town we passed some very nice shops that were unfortunately closed on Sunday so we just did some window shopping. Sunday was a lazy day that we all took advantage of to rest and get chores (laundry) done. Hanging out in the gazebo was a wonderful way to pass the day. Tracy and Stuart from Dog House were also at the marina. On Sunday Captain Crusty came by to announce docktails at our marina at 5:30. Joining our crew of five boats , Gemini, Cashelmara, Jackpot, Skafos, and Two by two were Tracy and Stuart Kelly on Dog House, Rob and Robin Dare on Liberty Call, Bruce and Maggie Tate on Currently, and Steve and Jane McKinney on Sabbatical, and of course Captain Crusty and Dorothy on Magic. ten boats in total, so 20 people for docktails. We had been at marinas before with Liberty Call and Sabbatical but had not formerly been introduced. Sabbatical and Magic were staying at River Forest Marina and Inn, which is an AGLCA sponsor. Currently was staying at the town docks. Also, Taylor'd for 2, Lisa and Chris, was at River Forest Marina but we only saw them briefly since they left early Sunday.
Ten boats, 20 people for docktails. Photo courtesy of Kevin and his drone.
After docktails, Chris and Mary, Jack and JoAnn, Jeff and Doris, Hal and I, Kevin and Lisa, and Jane and Steve went to Jack's Tavern for pizza and sandwiches. They were so friendly and stayed open late for us. After ordering drinks and dinner, the waitress took us for a tour of the restaurant. They have a bourbon bar and shrimp and oyster bar. Some of the bourbon is so rare they cost $90 a shot. The steak house is only open on Friday nights. All three places, tavern, bourbon bar and steak house are beautifully decorated with wood tables and rails that the owner made himself. This is a place that I would come back to on a Friday night. I am sure it would rival Morton's and Peter Lugers.
Six couples for dinner.
(l-r) Doris and Jeff Warren, Lisa and Kevin Bemrich, Laurie and Hal Goldschlag, Chris and Mary Kelleher, Steve and Jane McKiney, and Jack Shuff and JoAnn Harper.
Bourbon bar and shrimp and oyster bar.
After a nice meal we walked back to the marina, walked Izzy and tucked in for the evening. We planned departure at 7:30.