Moline, IL, one of the “Quad Cities” situated on the Mississippi River, has John Deere written all over it. Together with Rock Island, IL, Bettendorf, IA and Davenport, IA –Moline is furiously revamping, renovating and building its way into a draw for tourists.
Bicycles on the Channel Cat Water Taxi Mississippi River, Moline, IL to Davenport, IA |
The Channel Cat Connects the Quad Cities Moline,IL to Davenport and Bettendorf, IA |
We passed large mansions set on hill-tops, blue herons landing on river rocks, and rode through decommissioned Locks. Most people aboard got off with bikes and rode away. Though the day was muggy and hot, it felt very pleasant on the small ferry.
John Deere Pavilion Moline, IL |
John Deere Pavilion Moline, IL |
Excavator Simulator John Deere Pavilion Moline, IL |
Lagomarcino's in Moline, IL Homemade Hot Fudge Sundae |
Popular "Green River" Phosphate Soda Lagomarcino's, Moline, IL |
After lunch, I drove though a military checkpoint (get your driver’s license ready) just over the bridge into Rock Island Arsenal; a US Army Military Installation, and current headquarters for the Iraq war. US Army Hummers equipped with artillery are manufactured here. There are several museums within the base, but strangely, the government US Army Corps of Engineers maintains a Mississippi River Visitor’s Center – Lock # 15 – on site. Before the construction of the Rock Island Lock, this part of the river was rocky, rapid and hazardous to boating traffic. Thank goodness for engineers! Now, not only can ships pass safely through, but visitors can watch them do it. I happened to arrive just as a grain barge was coming into the lock and caught it on video:
Tonight, I joined Iowa Route 6 Association Director, Dave Darby on a whirlwind Quad City tour.
First to Riefe’s –(pronounced ‘reefees”), in Davenport on the “pre-1937 alignment of Route 6.” It’s a home-cookin’ Davenport institution – family owned and operated since the 40’s and the hearty food is straight out of that era. I’ve come to find that for the most part, Midwesterners don’t like their vittles fussed with. Steak and mashed potatoes (and pretty good thin onion rings here) all the way. Awesome bread basket. The three of us filled up on dinner for under $30 with tip. That's TOTAL for three of us!
Mike "Sergeant" Peppers Davenport, IA |
Next on to a Cruisin’ Classic Car gathering at the Davenport Mall parking lot (this was on current Route 6) where I met Davenport's "Santa," Mike Peppers - known as "Sergeant Peppers." Dave made sure the crowd knew about his River to River Classic Car Cruise all across Iowa next weekend. Dave is the man behind an in-the-works Iowa Route 6 Documentary; he hopes it will be shot and ready by next Spring. Some of the footage will be taken on the “cruise.”
Sunset over Classic Cruisin' Cars Davenport, IA |
STAY:
Stony Creek Inn; a bit of “Piney Woods” on the Mississippi. What? Slightly Adirondack with a Western twist, Comfort-Inn type rooms are upped a notch with log pine furniture, and woodsy architectural details. Nice bathrooms – tile shower/baths, and a plush moose waiting on the bed (for purchase, $19.95), and continental breakfast included with the room make this a very inviting place. It’s in the center of Moline action – just a block from the John Deere Pavilion and lots more developing on the riverfront (this area of town is one big construction site at the moment), wedged between the railroad tracks and the Mississippi River. It’s a magnet for families (there were a couple of slumber parties while I was hosted here), concert-goers (I Wireless Center is also steps away – Michael Buble and Keith Urban are appearing soon), and travelers of all kinds.
Thank you for sharing your experience on Rt. 6. We met you at the Locks and Dam on Arsenal Island. I have been enjoying your editorial of your day trips. In fact, when my husband and I take a few days to go back to the east side of Iowa, we will be stopping at some of your stops. Sorry we missed Lagomarcino's in Moline. We ate at the River House which had good food, within walking distance of the John Deere Pavilion. Continue to have a safe trip and I am looking forward to your "treasures" that you find each day on your journey. Keep us "posted".:)
ReplyDeleteHi Malorie - I'm glad that you enjoyed your visit to the Quad Cities, and thank you for writing about it. As a native Davenporter, I'm always pleased when someone visits our community and has nice things to say. We aren't exactly on the top of very many tourist lists. I hope you enjoyed Identity Crisis to cap off your day - I'm the keyboard player, so thanks also for posting the video.
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