Rollin' On the River

Tinker Swiss Cottage, Rockford IL

Gardens and tours in our area.

Blossoms At Butterworth
Taken from their web site: "Take a step back in time at Blossoms at Butterworth! When you enter our gardens, you’ll be transported to a genteel era of the past, where gracious plantings painted a rich backdrop for families spending leisure time together outdoors."

"Held each year on the fourth Sunday in June (June 27, 2010), our one-of-a-kind garden party features vintage delights and family-oriented activities: antique cars, lawn games of the 1800s, live music, guided bus tour through the Overlook Historic Neighborhood, tours of the Butterworth and Deere-Wiman homes and more. Held from noon until 5 p.m."

Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House, 1105-8th Street, Moline, Illinois 61265

(309) 743-2700

http://www.butterworthcenter.com/

Tinker's Swiss Cottage

Taken from their web site: "Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is a treasure trove of a time gone by. Rockford, Illinois businessman Robert Hall Tinker built the home in 1865, perching it high on a limestone bluff overlooking Kent Creek. His inspiration came from an 1862 tour of Europe where he fell in love with the architecture of Switzerland. Today the Cottage is one of only a handful of Swiss-style homes remaining in the United States from the 1800s."

"Tinker surrounded the Swiss Cottage, Rockford IL, with trees, vines, winding pathways and flower beds. A three-story Barn housed cows, chickens and in later years the family car. On the backside of the Cottage, a suspension bridge crossed Kent Creek and linked the Cottage with Mrs. Tinker's property on the far bank. In 1906, after the railroad bought her estate, Robert Tinker planted elaborate gardens at the end of the bridge."

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent Street, Rockford, IL 61102

(815) 964-2424 phone

(815) 964-2466 fax

http://www.tinkercottage.com/

Weber House and Garden

Taken from their web site: "The garden tour begins at a handsome red gate which opens to reveal hundreds of flowers, shrubs, trees, statues and fountains. A crushed stone path leads the way through a series of "rooms," ending at Luther Hall for refreshments."

"The Weber House and Garden is open all year round.However, we do occasionally close for private events so please telephone ahead of your visit.
Admission Adults: $8.00 - Students: $5:00
Please allow an hour and a half for the visit to the Weber House and Gardens."
The Weber House is located at 1503 Baker St. in Streator, IL.

For reservations please phone (815) 672-8327

http://www.weberhouseandgarden.com/

All of the above homes and tours are near waterways which also have numerous types of entertainment. In addition, there are museums and shops close to each.