Restaurant & Activity Guide for Pontiac, Illinois

Pontiac, Illinois, a quaint, historical town built along the Vermilion River, lies 100 miles south of Chicago off of old Route 66 and I-55. Its picturesque downtown area, built around 4 city blocks called "the square" by locals, receives tourists from around the world throughout the year. One of the main attractions around the square is the historic courthouse built in 1875.

Businesses around the square include: On the west side--FreeStar Bank, H&R Block, JoAnn's Flowers and Square West, a high end fashion store. Within Square West, National Travel agency rents space. DeLongs and Bernardi's restaurants complete the lineup. Beginning at the corner of the north side, there is, Once 'N Again, an upscale consignment store, Praire Art Gallery, Lilly's Gifts, Hallmark, Schell's Jewelry, Pfaffs Herbals and at the end of the street is How Sweet It Is restaurant, known for its homemade chocolate candies. Crossing the street from How Sweet It Is, the lineup is The Encore Shoppe thrift store, The Apple Tree Restaurant, and Wright's Furniture. The Pontiac Public Library and satellite campus for Heartland Community College exist down the street from Wright's.

At one time, cruising the streets around the square was a favorite past-time of young adults. After merchants complained that customers were unable to get in and out of parking spots on the square due to young people driving around and around the square, the streets were redesigned as one-way streets. Perhaps in memory of those yesteryear cruisers, "Hang Loose," a classic car show is held on the square near the end of June every year.

If you love history and antique shopping check out Route 66 Antique Museum, located one block off the square. The people employed at the museum are friendly, honest, and low-key, i.e., no sales pressure. The museum also houses the Livingston County War Museum, ranging from World War I to the present, said by some to be the best war museum in the state of Illinois. For more information on the war museum go to http://www.warmuseum.blogspot.com/. For outdoor enthusiasts, Humiston Woods located close by in Rowe, Illinois, offers hiking and in the winter, cross country skiing.

A favorite non-chain restaurant among the locals and tourists is the Apple Tree restaurant, located ½ block off the square at 107 E. Madison St. The menu features a special for each day of the week, typically American fare. One of the menu items that draws many customers, including me, is their homemade pies. If you want pie, you have to get their early, as they are sold out before noon. The pies include rhubarb (my favorite), chocolate cream, coconut, lemon, apple, and blueberry. Seasonally, they also offer pumpkin and fresh strawberry.

Last time I visited the Apple Tree, I chatted with the owner over pie and coffee. She informed me that she and her husband wanted to sell the Apple Tree to relocate to a warmer climate. "We would like to purchase a bed and breakfast close to Lexington, Kentucky," she informed me. Not long after that conversation, I heard through the grapevine that the Apple Tree is up for sale. Sigh. I hope whoever purchases it maintains the excellent quality of food and service. Oh, and of course, the pies.