Is it still a Staycation if it's more than 3 hours from home?

Tuesday July 2, 2012
For the record, I hate the "word" staycation. Springfield here we come! Yes this years vacation is to Springfield, Illinois so I can finally see the not so new anymore Lincoln library and museum. Using a free awards program we were able to get a suite at The Statehouse Inn for the price the regular room would have cost. Due to track work (meaning no trains running right now from Chicago to Springfield) we opted for the drive. So D's first road trip! Conveniently we just bought a new mini van and D was thrilled to be riding in the new car!
The benefit to making your own schedule is you can plan around nap time. On a good day D will nap up to 3 hours and the drive is 3 1/2 so we thought we were in good shape. HA! Anyone with a toddler knows what's coming next. The first half hour was good as she was occupied with looking out the window and all the new stuff in the van. Then she fell asleep. Hurrah! Oops, celebrated to soon. After an hour guess whose eyes pop open like she's the most well rested person in the universe. After pointing out lots of corn and singing along to show tunes, D was saying "all done" to the car ride. Fortunately there was a rest stop near by. We stretched out legs a bit and played on the springy boards in the play area. The swings were to hot as the outside temp was 102. Back in the car for the last leg of the trip.

This might be my favorite lamp

If I had been quick enough on the video camera, the Statehouse Inn would have had a ready made commercial. D got into our room and was rolling on the floor and jumping around exclaiming "I'm so happy here!" I was to busy laughing to get any video. The suite is a good size for the 3 of us and everything that comes with a toddler (including the big stroller.) Housekeeping did a good job of cleaning the room but apparently doesn't employ 2 year olds. Under/behind the bed headboard D found an empty water bottle and a bear bottle cap. Honestly, if not for traveling with a toddler we never would have seen this. The decor amused Kevin and I, it's retro 60's and pretty authentic. I keep hearing the Brady Bunch theme. LOL More on the stay as the trip goes on. The front desk was very helpful with helping us find dinner. The only place D is not allowed is the lounge. You wouldn't think that would be hard but it turns out said lounge has a piano at the entrance and D hasn't met a musical instrument she doesn't like. Oops.
Dinner was at Ginger Asian Bistro. Not the most original idea but the food was excellent as was the plum wine. Not a bad price either. With the alcohol and extra rice for Miss Picky we came in under $50. I don't see a web site for them but apparently they have a Facebook page.