Hoo boy
So I finally bought tickets to fly out for my Army brother's wedding, since they finally told us when and where. This is the wedding that was going to be held last September but was postponed. Now it's in Nauvoo, Illinois. Because . . . our two families have so many connections to Illinois.
Oh wait, no. No, we don't.
The bride, some of her family, and my parents will be flying out from Alaska, my sisters and I are flying out from Utah, and the groom is driving (?) up from Tennessee where he's stationed. I suppose you would call this a temple elopement, or at least a Destination Wedding.
Thing about Nauvoo is that it's an LDS church history site, and that's pretty much the only reason why you would go there, unless you just like history and pretty old red brick buildings. It has lots of significance for LDS people. After being kicked out of everywhere else in Ohio and Missouri, the early Mormons built up this beautiful city from nothing and even built a temple. And it was happy times. Then Joseph Smith was killed in 1844, the people were kicked out again and trekked west to UT, and someone burned down the temple. Then a tornado knocked down what was left of it. So . . . not the best of endings, there.
The destruction of the Nauvoo Temple has been rather a sore spot with us for the last 150 or so years. But it was rebuilt in 2002, and historic Nauvoo has become even more of a destination. I always figured I would go someday but didn't imagine it would be for a wedding--and in March, where the average temperature is in the 30s. That certainly wasn't part of my plan. But now that the thing's sorted, and especially since Jen & Spitfire can come too, I'm looking forward to it.
Check out where we're staying. Niiiice.
Also, I hear they have a fudge factory. So if I should ever feel a pang about yet another of my younger siblings getting married before me, I can go stuff myself insensible with fudge of chocolate and peanut butter. Ain't much that can't fix.
(Note: the red building is not the temple--it's the town's Catholic church. The temple is in the next picture and overlooks the Mississippi River as well.)
I'm Steph, a librarian and mom of 3 (not sure how that happened). Let's chat books, food, Sumptuous Literary Adaptations, poop, knitting and maybe some crazy Mormon Feminism.
12 comments:
ps. We're only going to be there for a couple of days, so for those who've been what are the must-sees?
Wow! That place does look really nice. You'll have a good time.
Also, you forgot about how the bride and her sister and bro in law are driving down, I think, Maybe. Not flying.
Too bad Wicked was sold out... You should post a pretty picture of the place we are staying.
Nauvoo is such a neat place. I managed to score tickets to a dedicatory session and we actually were the first ones ushered into the Celestial Room for the session. So cool. It's beautiful. All of it.
Absolutley not to miss are the buildings owned by the RLDS - oops, the Church of Christ. They have the red brick store (where the RS was organized and the first endowments performed), the Mansion Home & the Homestead (you can also watch their video describing the first vision as Joseph having good feelings). You'll also enjoy noting that the graves of Hyrum and Joseph are incorrect; they messed up when they exhumed the original graves. They actually have Hyrum in the middle next to Emma. A trip to Carthage (about 30 minutes away) would be worth it, too, as would a trip to Liberty Jail (though that's about 4 hours away). I don't know how many of the buildings are open during the Winter; my guess is that they aren't all open, but the ones that are are the best ones - the printing press, the rifle making place, the horseshoe place, the fudge factory. And any musical shows the missionaries put on are worth it.
Too much to see in a couple days :)
Nauvoo fudge is delicious. When I was a kid, we were visiting Nauvoo with my Grandma. At one point, she wandered off. Where did we find her, a few hours later? Yep. The fudge place. Enjoy.
Enjoy the temple. When it comes down to it, I'm of the opinion that the Nauvoo temple is by far the prettiest temple in the Church. This stems mostly from the fact that the interior of the Nauvoo temple is not white or cream or beige or some other noncolor. No, it's bright and colorful. When they did the restoration, they got the carpets from the original carpetmaker. Same patterns and everything. The only difference is that they've toned down the colors from the originals.
Jealous. Can I ride in your suitcase?
Let me know when you're down here. We could possibly meet up while you're out here.
I second the suitcase thing,although I'm too fat to fit in with someone else--even skinny Kristen. Her legs are too long!
Maybe pack an extra big suitcase? I have always wanted to go do a Chuch History tour thing!
I second the Carthage trip, although I've never been able to make it to Liberty Jail. Just not enough time.
Also, if you get a chance, you might want to visit the end of Parley Street. It's poignant & rather sobering.
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In March two days should be enough to see everything. And although odds are good it will be crazy cold, the odds aren't bad that you will be able to walk about comfortably so long as you have a nice coat.
The fudge factory is quite nice and there is a great used bookstore right next door where I found rare copies of my grgrgrgreatgrandfather's journals for a steal. The cheese factory sucks however. No tours. So screw them.
The people who own your hotel (assuming it's the same people) feel strongly about people feeling like it's very very nice. I never stayed there, but they have A Reputation.
Ummm. I guess that's all I had to say. Have fun!
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re: what kristeee said---
Bad news: The Community of Christ's buildings are open only sporadically in the winter (unless that's changed since the temple opened). The good news is that LDS-owned sites keep summer hours only without the press of tourists.
Really, I think you're picking the best time of year to go.
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