Follow the river for fall treats in Fulton County

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Once you've hit the local stops, here's a quick rundown of the activities at various villages and sites in Fulton County. For more information, visit www.spoonriverdrive.org/.

- London Mills

Old mill wheels and a restored hotel are among the historic sites in London Mills, where the vendor and food booths are vast and apple butter is cooked outside in large kettles. At Pheasants Forever Farm, four miles south of town, take wagon-ride tours through the prairie grass and shop for glassware and souvenirs.

- Farmington

Check out Shad Hill - a building constructed from old barns - in Farmington. Other attractions include many tents and booths featuring crafts, antiques, foods and demonstrations.

- Ellisville

Home to Illinois' smallest library and a number of other charming buildings, Ellisville boasts a community center with food and crafts, a working blacksmith and twice-daily theatrical productions in the restored opera house. "Little House on the Banks of the Spoon River" will be performed at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. both weekends.

- Mt. Pisgah Park

For one of the most scenic views on the entire Scenic Drive, head to Mt. Pisgah Park overlooking Spoon River. Native American dancers, a teepee village and numerous food, craft and produce vendors are among the attractions. A few miles northeast, Hilltop Farms features more vendors, as well as sawmill demonstrations, taxidermy and wood crafts.

- Fairview

Chow on walleye and visit Fairview Cemetery, where a costumed guide will offer tours of the historic spot.

- Avon

Visit the restored depot and railroad memorabilia and antique shops in Avon.

- Canton

A restored depot and Dinky Engine are among the sites to see in Canton, where Jones Park will have demonstrations, arts, crafts, foods and other vendors.

- Cuba

Cuba Park will have crafts, foods, entertainment and demonstrations by border collies herding livestock. Pleasant Row Orchard, featuring apples, pumpkins and gourds, is at the north edge of town. Organizers warn to take precaution between Cuba and Smithfield because Amish buggies may be on the road.

- Smithfield

The Smithfield Red Brick School is known for its homemade chicken and noodles. Other Smithfield attractions include antiques, collectibles, a display of Spoon River Scenic Drive memorabilia and live music. While you're in town, check out the Harold Kee Welch Art Studio. Welch, a Smithfield native, painted murals for banks and post offices throughout the Midwest and his works, including clay sculptures of Edgar Lee Masters, are on display.

- Bernadotte

Bernadotte Park has the only dam on the Spoon River, plus an old iron waling bridge and a playground for children. Crafts, collectibles, fresh produce, soup and pork chops will be for sale.

- Ipava

Ipava is home to Easley's Pioneer Museum and the restored Freeman School. The action downtown, including food and craft vendors, will center around the old bandstand. Local churches will offer food and quilt shows.

- Astoria

Astoria's Nazarene Church will host and arts and quilts show. Horse and buggy rides and live music will be offered downtown, along with crafts, fresh produce and food booths.

- Duncan Mills

Crafters and artists will set up shop in Helms Park, along with a dulcimer player and various booths. The town also is home to a replica of a wood-covered bridge and a bakery featuring pies and breads.

- Lewistown

The Fulton County seat boasts Rasmussen Blacksmith Shop Museum, Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot, Marigold Meadows Horse Farm and the fairgrounds flea market. Two of Edgar Lee Masters' - author of "Spoon River Anthology" - home can be viewed in town and a reading of his poems will be performed at 3 p.m. both Sundays.

- Dickson Mounds Museum

South of Lewistown, the museum has numerous artifacts, a rooftop observatory, a restored 1830s school and other attractions. Orchard Hill Farm will offer apples, cider and other treats.