2017 Indy 500-- Part 5: Back to O'Reilly's

As I said in the last post, Main Street in the town of Speedway is having a major urban renaissance and new places are opening and many efforts are being made at improving the street , sidewalks and buildings.

It was so crowded inside O'Relly's that we had to sit outside in the sidewalk eating area where we saw a guy gilt painting Tullamore Dew and Paddy Irish Whiskey signs onto the windows, surely the signs of a new place opening.  But, how long ago did it open?  Also put up a THE MACALLAN--  The Malt.

We talked to the hostess who said the place had been open for three to four hours.  So, we were first-nighters, well, afternooners.  Well, we sure felt honored.

--RoadDog

2017 Indy 500-- Part 4: Major Urban Renewal on Speedway's Main Street and Plans for Georgetown Road

Continued from January 22, 2019.

MAY 25, THURSDAY

We stopped at a new place on Speedway's Main Street called O'Reilly's Irish Pub & Restaurant.  It was very crowded.

New places are opening all over Main Street.  The first couple years I went along with Paul, Sue and John, I must admit Speedway's Main Street was considerably down at the tooth.  But, not any more.  Speedway is cashing in on the race track as well it should.  They are trying to turn Main Street into an Indianapolis destination year round, not just during races.

This is urban renewal on a large scale.

At one time Georgetown Road was also targeted for redevelopment as well.  Everything along this road, which is next to the Speedway on the west side, was supposed to to be torn down.

This would include the American Legion Post 500 where we stay in the RV.  The post was offered a large section of land on Main Street in trade, but turned it down.

But. planners met much opposition. and so far everything remains as it was.

--RoadDog

Easter Trip Back to Our Past-- Part 5: Sliders and Wauconda

Shopping done, it was time to eat.  Since Photos was closed, we stopped across the street from Half Price Books at the White Castle.  As usual, we both ordered deal #1: 4 Sliders, fries and drink for $5.19.  Hard to beat Sliders when on a trip back to the past.  The taste brings back the memories by itself.

Then, back to US-12, Rand Road, and heading home.  We took Old Rand Road through Wauconda.  The current US-12 is actually a bypass, but the original is still marked through this town and Lake Zurich as Old Rand.  Remember, the 1926 US Highway system was cobbled together using paved main streets in towns as part of the improved road.  Stretches in between were then paved.

Downtown Wauconda now has n Irish Pub at Middleton on Main, in an old 1880s hotel with one of the most interesting bars you'll find anywhere. Wauconda was at one time a summer resort area for Chicagoans who would take the train.  It is on Bangs Lake.

Just north of downtown is the site of two beaches that used to be major spots for teens in high school back in the 60s and early 70s.

--RoadDog