A Quick Trip to Dixon, Illinois

Bree and I made a quick trip to Dixon, Illinois. It turns out that Dixon is a real, honest to God town. I grew up in a little town that was basically a bunch of houses and a gas station. (We also had a grocery store, a bank, and a restaurant.) These people have stores, a bunch of restaurants, choices in banking, a bowling alley and the whole bit. (My hometown still doesn't have a bowling alley!)


I can't really say a lot about Dixon based on this visit, because we didn't really do any Dixon things. We ate at the Burger King (which is pretty much like any Burger King anywhere, I suppose) and spent the rest of the time with friends. But I have to say, I love the drive.

It's just as fast to travel to Dixon via Interstate, but I like Illinois Route 2. You get to (have to?) go through all the little towns and see all the little attractions that make this part of Illinois this part of Illinois. People complain about Route 2--the curves, the fact that if you get stuck behind an idiot you are stuck behind an idiot, the hills, whatever. I love Route 2 with the curves and the hills (and being that idiot?). I mean, these people have actual hills. Also, if you screw up you can deposit yourself directly into the Rock River. You don't see that in Rockford. I like the signs that say "Falling Rock." I can't believe they can't do something about that (other than put up a sign). And, what exactly are you supposed to do if one of them falls? Anyway, it's a beautiful drive.

Also, Dixon is the boyhood home of Ronald Reagan, so that makes it cool. How many Presidents have come from your town? Agree or disagree with Ronald Reagan, but at least you knew he wasn't getting blown by an intern or being overly influenced by his VP. I miss those days.

I'm sure I'll be in Dixon again not too long from now.