Jim Belote
Where do you Live? Alton, IL
Since: 1997
Why did you choose the city / state you now live in? Alton is a Norman Rockwell painting come to life.
What do you love most about where you live? Alton, IL offers the best of all worlds from the charm and romance of a small river town to the culture, attractions and activities of the big city (St. Louis, MO) just across the Mississippi River.
Replete with history, Alton was the location of the final Lincoln Douglas Debate, a major stop on the Underground Railroad, site of a Confederate prison and cemetery, and birth place and home of Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, and Miles Davis, jazz musician and composer.
Located along the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail, the Greater Alton area boasts 6 wineries and wine bars, over 50 antique shops, 8 golf courses, Alton Marina, Alton Square Shopping Mall, museums, historic sites, live theater, clubs, and a myriad of restaurants.
An $8 million Lewis & Clark Museum and Trail Site #1, $5 million, Confluence Tower, a $7 million Great Rivers Museum at Melvin Price Lock & Dam, and The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway (one of only 26 national scenic byways in the country) are all nearby.
Between Christmas and the end of February it is also home to the largest congregation of American Bald Eagles outside of Alaska. Thanks to a natural wetlands Alton is also a migratory stop of the white pelicans.
What is your favorite restaurant in your town? There are just too many great dining options to narrow it down to just one. A sampling of favorites includes Gentelin’s on Broadway, Tony’s, Bossanova, Chez Marilyn, and Ragin Cajun.
What is your Age Group: 46 – 59
What is your favorite All Time Movie? Casablanca
Do you have any Pets? None
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? Fine dining, hiking, travel and watching black and white movies.
What is your favorite season and why? Spring for longer days, warmer temperatures, the singing of birds, and beautiful blossoms. Summer for Alton’s Farmers & Artisans Market, water fun including boating, kayaking, and the myriad of other activities. Fall for the incredible foliage drives along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Winter for world class American Bald Eagle watching, relaxing in front cozy fire, and sipping hot chocolate.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Faint.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Never understood people who say they were bored. In a million, million lifetimes I would never be bored. I want to learn it all, see it all, hear it all, taste it all, experience it all. And when I’m done, I want to do it all again.
If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? A time when nations and communities and neighbors and family will get along and treat one another with the love, dignity, and respect that each and everyone deserves.
Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? Stephen King
Where do you work? Beall Mansion An Elegant Bed & Breakfast Inn
What is your title? Innkeeper and co-owner
How long have you worked there? 1998
What do you love most about your Job? Seeing the smiles on our guests faces when they depart and hearing about the great time they had during their stay.
What is your Experience and Background in the Travel Industry? Although my background is business – The Beall Mansion was my first experience running a travel related business. My wife, Sandy, and I have always enjoyed travel so our approach in running The Beall Mansion has simply been to provide the experience that we would want, expect and appreciate if we were staying at at a 4 or 5 star lodging property.