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This part of our Glamping Road Trip from Philadelphia to Wyoming finds us after we left Milan, Ohio, and drove through Indiana, into Moline, Illinois, and The Quad Cities.
Our drive through Indiana, both going out and returning home, has me offering a few words regarding tolerance. Let me start by saying the stops we made in Indiana were few and certainly do not reflect the entire state. I would also like to add that there were other spots along the way, other states, and cities that we did not enjoy our interactions with some of the people we met.
Let me give you an example: Summer and I were coming out of a rest stop off the highway in Indiana, it was raining, and we were wearing masks. I was helping Summer to the car, Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is a Kia Soul who we decorated with flowers and symbols of love and peace.
Both of us were together under our Hello Kitty umbrella, laughing as we came down the steps, and I walked her to the passenger seat. So yes, we stand out a bit in a crowd. We caught the attention of a man. I saw him after getting Summer out of the rain and into her seat. He stood behind my car a few feet away with his arms crossed. He stood there staring at me with hate in his eyes. I quickly got in the car and locked the door. He continued to glare at the car. I could see him through the rear-view mirror. I waited until he left, and for a good while after he was gone, least I meet him again on the highway.
There have been incidences in the past where people were angry, rude, or unkind to me. This incident was the first time someone was hateful towards me without us first having had an interaction. Not only was this experience scary it was also moving. I got a brief flash of what other people have to deal with daily because of how they look. It wasn’t the only time on the trip we were treated poorly. We felt unwelcome in several restaurants in small towns along the way. We also got a few unfriendly stares from folks in the street.
So this all leads me to my words regarding tolerance.
I explained to Summer that we live near a large city and have the privilege of interacting with people every day who look and act, think, vote, and believe much differently than we do. When we traveled near larger cities or areas that were tourist attractions, people showed tolerance. I told Summer that people are generally scared of the unknown. Some folks who live in areas that are not diverse may be uncomfortable when faced with something different. Something different causes us to question, to be curious, and possibly to change. Change is hard for many people, so much so that they would rather hate a stranger than tolerate a difference.
Glamping Tip: Be aware that small towns are as dangerous as big cities if you get a bad vibe, stay calm, and move on.
We moved on and our stay in the AmericInn of Moline, Indiana Quad-Cities was restful. The hotel was clean and the staff very accomodating. The first room we entered had a lingering smoke smell. I called down to the front desk, and the owner quickly came up with an apology and a key to a new room. We were so relieved, after the problems in the last hotel we had stayed. I was happy because I had booked the AmericInn for the return trip. It was good to know we would have a nice place to stay coming back.
After a good night’s sleep, we headed to Grand Island, Nebraska, but not without first stopping for lunch and a special treat at a Quad-City favorite.
The Quad-Cities is where the states of Illinois and Iowa are joined together by the Mississippi River. This Midwestern area is a short 300 miles from six major metropolitan areas and has an international airport. The people pride themselves on their hospitality, the genuine and uniqueness of the area, and the diversity of its culture, art, and music scene.
We had the pleasure of visiting Lagomarcino’s for lunch. Lagomarcino’s is a Turn-of-the-Century Ice Cream Parlor & Confectionery. They have been a go-to spot in Moline, Il, since 1908. With two locations, 1422 5th Avenue, Moline, Il, and 2132 East 11th Street, Davenport, IA.
Lagomarcinos is rich in history. It is a family-run business handed down through the generations. Angelo Lagomarcino was a northern Italian immigrant who came to New York in 1896. He married Luigia Schenone in Italy in 1902, and by 1908 they had settled in Moline, Il, opening an Icecream Parlor and Soda Fountain. They served sandwiches and sundaes, pies, and their special homemade hot fudge sauce.
Their family and business continued to expand, and by the Great Depression, they added confections. Today their sandwiches are still made with homemade bread. Their ice cream and chocolates are also homemade. They hold old traditions dear, and their customer service is exemplary. They make you feel welcome and are proud to share their heritage. They have won the James Beard “America’s Classics” Award, and rightly so. If you want a nostalgic trip into the past, plus the most delicious hot fudge that has been winning hearts for over 100 years, then make sure to stop in the next time you are near the Quad-Cities.
Glamping Tip: Always stop for chocolate!
We headed to Grand Island, Nebraska, filled with bellies and bags of sweets. The adventure continues, and we hope you will continue to join us!
Sparkle On!
Your Friendly Make-Up Mavens
Ellen & Summer
Let us know if you have ever visited the Quad-Cities and what your favorite chocolate is in the comments below!
Ellen Carey Writer 