If you're open to a bit of a drive, go over to Champaign, IL. Jon's Pipe Shop is pretty good (especially if you like pipes). Try to go over on a Wednesday because they have a get together at a local place (every Wednesday, I think). There's a bar that let's them sit on their patio area, so you can enjoy a pint/cocktail with your favorite stick. The owner brings a couple different boxes if you want to buy a stick, otherwise you can just bring your own if you prefer. I've only met-up with them once (I live in the Chicago area but travel down to that part fairly regularly for work) and everyone was pretty nice. FYI -- not your typical IL liberals, most of the guys are current/retired state or local police, I think one is former FBI. Google their website to make sure I have the details correct -- they've got all in the info on there. I could be wrong, and I'd hate for you to drive over there for nothing. That being said, Champaign is a much more fun town than Springfield. I've stayed in both towns many times. Springfield is your typical beurocratic state-cap whereas Champaign is your typical Big Ten college town. There is a famous place to grab a good bowl of chili in Springfield if you're in to that sort of thing.
strikeanywhere wrote:
