A Weekend of Exploring a Few More Small Towns: McLean, Seneca and Morris 🍃
Last weekend I didn’t have a big plan. I just wanted to get out, drive a bit, and see small towns I was little curious about.
Saturday: Funks Grove + A New Discovery
Saturday started with a quick trip to Funks Grove to grab real maple syrup.
I’ve been before but never really bought the syrup, and actually I had wanted to go when they are getting the syrup but I learned that starts Mid-February and into March - so I missed that. I didn’t take many photos this time either… and wished I had. The pure maple syrup is so good. I love maple syrup and whole raw milk or low pastureized milk in my morning coffee - it is my clean latte I make every day. I will take photos another time. And I will share my homemade latte I make.
What I did notice though was the trail.
They’ve extended the paved trail all the way to McLean, Illinois.
That immediately got my attention because from home, that’s about a 30 mile round trip. And now I am planning to do that bike ride soon. 🚴♀️
McLean: Small, Quiet, and Surprisingly Cute
I drove into McLean and just wandered a bit.
I didn’t really expect much—but I ended up really liking it.
It’s tiny, but it has character. The kind of place where you can just walk around slowly and actually notice things… old buildings, murals, little details that make it feel like it hasn’t changed much.
I drove into Funk’s Grove just to see how mother nature is shaping up a bit and I will go back in a week or two and really get some of the greenery that is coming. This brings back memories of all the Senior Photo shoots I used to go there and do. I miss that.
Seneca: A Quick Pass, But Not Forgotten
I also drove through Seneca on the way to Morris, and it’s really small—but one thing stood out right away. Went through Odell too and stopped by the signature gas station and took new photos because the sun was out and it looked so neat with the sky.
A coffee shop I didn’t stop at because it is closed on Sunday’s … but will next time:
Those are the places I keep noticing lately. The ones you don’t plan for, but end up remembering.
Morris, Illinois
After Odell and Seneca, I drove to Morris, Illinois.
Most everything was closed, which I actually didn’t mind.
I had no idea Morris was as big as it is.
And I definitely didn’t realize there was a river running right through it.
That part surprised me the most.
It made me think—okay, I need to come back here when things are open, when it’s a little more alive. But for a first visit, just walking it quietly was kind of perfect. I also love finding churches and church doors. I remember seeking them out with seniors when I used to do more senior photography. Which I definitely still do photography, so would love to get back into photographing Seniors and Families more again.
Lately…
I’ve just been enjoying exploring more.
Not big trips. Not anything complicated.
Just getting in the car, picking a direction, and seeing what’s out there.
There are so many little towns around here I’ve never really taken the time to see. And now that I’m starting to, I want to keep exploring with my car and camera, and Murphy sometimes when I do not intend to go into many places. 📸
