I took my first excursion on Saturday to the Three French Hens French Country Market in Morris, IL.

The Three French Hen’s market is held at the south end of downtown Morris at Canal Port Park. The park is located along the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

The park itself is picturesque, with great views of the canal and trees to provide some shade to shoppers.  The event seems to be very well organized and was quite well attended.

The market has an eclectic group of artists, antique vendors, and baked goods. It also features produce, flowers, jewelry makers, and many nice handmade crafts.

There is much more to see and do in Morris, IL and Grundy County.  The traditional downtown area looks like a movie set from a bygone era and is very pedestrian friendly.  As you stroll from the antique shops to the ice cream parlors, diners, and tea house, you hear music. It plays from speakers hidden in window boxes and planters when you’re in the coffee shops, restaurants, and clothing stores.

Morris is just under an hour from downtown Chicago if you take the expressways.  But, I encourage you to follow the words of Robert Frost when you go on these little day trips.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

After all, what is your hurry?  From Chicago, Take I-55 past Route 80 and go west on Route 6.  This is the scenic route!  You will pass through a little gem of a canal town called Channahon–which I will cover in a future blog.

From points west, I encourage you to take Route 6. Pass through the small towns and villages along the  Illinois and Michigan  Canal. La Salle, Utica, Ottawa, Marseilles and Seneca are all gateways to the canal. These towns have lovely historic buildings. These towns will also be covered in the future.

Pack up the car for the day. Roll the windows down. Explore all that Central Illinois has to offer!  Enjoy your trip!