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Think GREEN!
 When you think GREEN this spring and summer, think about spending some time along the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway all around Alton, Illinois. Replenish your spirits alongside Mother Nature, where you'll find 33 magnificent miles of outdoor recreation, scenic beauty and relaxation. Deviate from the normal getaway and engage in eco-friendly outdoor adventures such as touring by segway, canoeing, kayaking and bird watching. Or, lose yourself among winding trails, taking you along sheltered paths surrounded by luscious green forest, untouched by civilization. Your GREEN getaway adventures await!
GREEN GETAWAY ITINERARY
Let us help you start making your plans for your Green Getaway in the region. The options are endless, but this is a good place to start.
Day One
 Check into your hotel or bed & breakfast inn and let your getaway begin! Experience a "taste" of the attractions on a Segway Tour through Alton. Your Segway adventure begins at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton, which also the perfect place to become acquainted with the Mississippi River and its impact on the community. Spend your evening with dinner at a local restaurant and sip wine with the river in full view. Legendary bars and casino gaming can liven up your night if you aren't quite ready for bed!
Day Two
 Rent a scooter to for your sight-seeing in Alton today. At 93 mpg, the gas mileage doesn't get any better! Walk with Lincoln along the new Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail. See how you measure up to the World's Tallest Man and explore the beautiful homes and scenic overlooks in the historic neighborhoods. Head up the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway toward Grafton. Stop along the way for a drive through Elsah, the "village where time stood still." Continue to Grafton for fun in the sun at Raging Rivers Water Park or an afternoon of shopping along the Main Street. Let the Great Rivers Tour Boat Company take you out on the river for a sunset cruise and return to Grafton to cap off your evening with a taste of the region's finest homegrown wines.
Day Three
 Rise up early and get on your way as you explore the new Audubon Great Rivers Byway Birds & Bikes Trail. Bring your own bike or rent one for the day, and venture out onto the trails to identify some of the migrating songbirds, warblers, shorebirds and even pelicans! Park the bike to hike some of the steeper trails at Pere Marquette State Park. For something truly different, let Big Muddy Adventures take you on a backwaters canoe or kayak ride to identify the many birds migrating along the banks of the Mississippi River. After a day of exploring and enjoying the many natural areas in the region, spend some time relaxing in the Great Room at Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center. The view of the Illinois River Valley is breathtaking and the environment is perfect for reflecting on time well spent in the region.
Your GREEN Getaway!
The options are endless for your GREEN getaway this spring and summer. Check out our new Green Adventure Guide for even more options, events and ideas to make your trip truly unique. Or, click here to have a Green Adventure Guide sent to your home. We hope you will make the Alton region your GREEN getaway destination this Spring & Summer.
Book a GREEN Getaway
Book a GREEN Getaway Package listed at VisitAlton.com/getaways and receive a free GREEN Gift from the Alton Regional CVB. Simply call the Alton Visitor Center at 1-800-ALTON-IL to provide us with the package you booked and your date of arrival. You can pick up your free gift at the Alton Visitor Center during your stay. This offer is limited to the first 20 people booking a getaway package with an overnight stay before September 1, 2009. Rules: You must be at least 18 years of age. Employees of the ARCVB and their immediate family are not eligible. Room key or proof of package purchase may be necessary.
Take the Train
There are eco-friendly ways of making your trip to Alton and taking the train is just one option. Alton is proud to be home to an Amtrak station. In celebration of Lincoln's 200th Birthday, visitors in the state of Illinois riding along the Lincoln line* can receive a 20% discount. Mention fare code V574 to receive this special discount.
*Amtrak routes included in the Enjoy Illinois discount, fare code V574: Lincoln Service (four daily round-trips between Chicago and St. Louis); Illini & Saluki (two daily round-trips between Chicago and Carbondale); Illinois Zephyr & Carl Sandburg (two daily round-trips between Chicago and Quincy). Blackout dates for the Illinois Amtrak discount are April 10 and 13, 2009. Passengers receive 20 percent off the best available fare. The number available seats are limited per train. Discount is valid in Business Class with the payment of that accommodation charge - subject to availability. Other rules apply and can be found at Amtrak.com.
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