First, the bad news. Reidt's is about 500 feet from a busy railroad line, and it seems closer. And, just like 40 years ago, you are unlikely to find a nonsmoking room.

Those caveats aside, though, I still recommend Reidt's. It's a friendly, family-run place that offers excellent value to travelers. Sure, there are more precious places to stay on the Great River Road, but to get a flavor of the type of place your folks stayed when they did a road trip, this is the place.

We stayed on a Thursday night, and got a 3 bedroom, 6 (twin) beds suite for $85. It had a dining table and full kitchen, including coffee and coffeemaker. Everything was clean, and everything worked. There was cable TV. The place was decorated with knickknacks and tchotchkes that must have been found at various garage sales and church bazaars. It felt like staying at your great aunt's house.