Questions without definitive answers

Some of the questions that I do not have answers to, however are in the planning phase, but are NOT carved in stone:

What time of day? I would like it to be 4 PM.

How far from Hummingbird Hill are the motels? 13 to 20 miles. There are many more just a bit further. I am hoping to be able to lease a bus to drive a circle from Arcola to Tuscola to Hummingbird Hill starting around 2:30 PM and continuing ????

Where should I fly into? See below. Where are you able to get the best deal?

Who is coming? That is my question. I would like to know who is interested. I need to know a rough estimate...do I plan for 10 (not likely with my family) or 10,000? Gosh I would need a ton of portapotties!!!!

Are children allowed? Let the little ones come to us. Just know there is water around.

Please post any questions you might have; I am sure I won't have answers for them either. It will, however, help me know what I should be thinking about.

Local Lodgings

Here are the local accomedations. I have been trying to set a block of rooms aside without luck. Arcola is the exit from I 57. Tuscola is also an exit and it has a large outlet mall.

Arcola, Illinois (12 1/2 mi) www.arcola-il.org

Arcola Inn(Ok, Sue Sparr & I checked out the rooms... Not the Ritz, but not bad) 1-888-729-9137
236 South Jacques St., Arcola, IL 61910

Budget Inn (217) 268-3031
640 East Springfield, Arcola, IL 61910
Large remodeled rooms. Comfortable, clean, outdoor swimming pool, deluxe continental breakfast. Close to all area attractions.

Comfort Inn (we have received good reports on this one) 1-800-228-5150
610 South Ridge St., Arcola, IL 61910
Best in Town! Outdoor Pool.
To make a reservation call 1-800-228-5150, or 217-268-4000.

The Flower Patch B&B
(217) 268-4876
225 East Jefferson, Arcola IL 61910
Featured In Midwest Living & Country Sampler, this Victorian B & B offers a downstairs parlor, shaded porch swing, quiet gazebo for tea or coffee & gift shop.
www.arcolaflowerpatch.com
E-mail the Flower Patch at harsh8@aol.com


Tuscola, Illinois (About 19 mi. Outlet Mall Exit 212, Hwy 36) www.tuscola.org

AmeriHost Inn Tuscola/
1006 Southline Drive
Tuscola, IL 61953
Phone/ 217-253-3500
Fax/ 217-253-2773

Holiday Inn Express
TUSCOLA
1201 TUSCOLA BLVD
TUSCOLA, IL 61953
UNITED STATES
Tel: 1-217-2536363
Fax: 1-217-2536655
Email: tuscolagm@jankohotels.com
Check-In Time: 4:00 PM
Check-Out Time: 11:00 AM
Quality Performer: Commendable
Local Time: 4:11 PM CDT

Super 8I-57 & Rt. 36 next to McDonalds, Tuscola, IL 61953
George Harper, Mgr., 217-253-5488

Simple Pleasures B&B (about 10 mi.)
Bob & Berniece Newkirk
600 N. State Route 130
Tuscola, Illinois 61953
An 1870 Victorian Mansion, in a secluded wooded area, has been made into a welcoming 5 bedroom bed and breakfast. It is a place to enjoy and relax. 1-217-253-3319
www.simplepleasuresbnb.com

Basic Information

As stated, the wedding will take place on June 3rd, 2006. People who are much more organized than I, keep asking questions. I do not know, at this time, the answers.

I do know that the goal is to have fun, enjoy yourselves and each other.

A fair question is: Where is Oakland? Not in California. See map above.

Airports: Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis are about equal distance. (St. Louis is just a bit closer). There is an airport in Champaign. If you fly your own plane you can get closer; call me.

The main road is I 57. Coming from Nebraska, one would take 80 to just east of Davenport & then take I 74 to I 57 south(around Champaign/Urbana). From St. Louis one would take I 70 to I 57 north.

Here are the directions from I 57:

1. TAKE I-57 TO EXIT 203 (ARCOLA) HIGHWAY 133

2. TURN LEFT (EAST) FOR 12 ½ MILES

3. TURN RIGHT ON 2175 EAST. THIS IS JUST BEFORE THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES THE
EMBARRASS RIVER. IF YOU CROSS THE BRIDGE, TURN AROUND AND COME BACK!

4. FOLLOW THE ROAD (ABOUT ½ MI) TO THE FIRST AND ONLY HOUSE (381 NORTH).

TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY. PHONE # 217-346-3129

Well this is a start. More to come.