We will be taking a road trip with a car in April, leaving San Diego, CA and heading for Springfield, Missouri, (visit friend) then on to Alton, Illinois, (visit cousins) and then into Indiana to search out some family graves. Can anyone tell me what the average weather is in any of these areas during April and what are some interesting things to do while we are searching. Also, any resturants that may be good or any B&B's that someone has stayed in while back there. The list of places is: Alton, Ill, Brighton, Ill, Crawsfordsville, IN, Selby, IN, Roann, IN, New Richmond. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks

April weather can be all over the place. My mother and her family came from and have been in eastern IL for generations and their saying was "don't count on warm weather until mid-May". I know this isn't much help, but you can also go to www.weather.com and get some historical info on specific places.

One of the best places to eat in the area is The Beef House in Covington, IN just off IH-74 a couple of miles inside the IN border with IL (very close to Crawfordsville). Nothing fancy, but VERY good. Excellent steaks, veggies, etc, homemade breads, jams and deserts. Definitely worth a stop and a drive. Go early - gets crowded quickly at both lunch and dinner. We never miss a chance to go when we visit family.

BeBe - might add in case you didn't know that IN has some really nice state parks. One of our favorites is Turkey Run SP, south of Crawfordsville. Great trails (from very easy to more difficult). Very hilly and pretty. The Turkey Run Inn is quite nice and has a good restaurant.

The area is also known for its centuries old covered bridges. Well worth a visit.

These are really great, do you know of a good B&B? Thanks

Do a search on Presidential Libraries. There are several in the midwest, and all good.

Several nice areas in Arkansas. Waterfalls will be rolling in April. I can list several State Parks, if you are interested. Also, Buffalo National River. I can give you details on that if you were interested in kayaking or canoeing it. I wouldn't call the river calm nor wil. Depends on the rain the few days before. You would want to check lodging on any of these now. Really good cabins on Buffalo River. Bill Clinton has stayed there a couple of times. www.buffaloriver.com Arkansas cabin is a good one. The river is in Northwest Arkansas.

You might want to check out the Bombing Memorial in Oklahoma City.

Maybe a short coupe hour stop at the Petrified Forest.

I think everyone should eat at the Steakhouse in Amarillo one time. Nothing special, just a touristy place that you might consider.

The drive across Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico is a long boring road.

We did a drving trip to California once that included a stop at Carlsbad Caverns. This may be too far out of your way, but not sure how pressed you will be for time.

There are several good restaraunts in Bricktown right off I-40 in Oklahoma City.

My ideas were just for "in route". I am pretty far south of your final stops. Weather will be nice in Oklahoma and Missouri. Thunderstorms and Tornado season. Chase them if you get a chance.

Just north of Alton, IL, on the "Great River Road" is the town of Elsah, founded in the mid-1800's. There are historic, picturesque cottages there and you can drive up to the top of the bluff (at Principia College) and get a great view of 3 rivers: the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois. Approximately 8 miles north of that (on the river road) is Pere Marquette State Park and Lodge, a nicely restored and scenic park with hiking trails, indoor pool, not-too-rustic log cabins and a pretty good restaurant and bar, overlooking the Illinois River. Weather is highly erratic in April. This past year we had snow one weekend and 75 degrees the next!

BeBe - sorry can't help with the B&B in the IL/IN area. We either stay with relatives or one of the chain motels/hotels.

If someone doesn't have a personal recommendation, try www.bedandbreakfast.com