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Locations
on this fun trail:
In
the autumn of 1963, Benton was visited by one
of the men who changed the history of music, and
they didn't even know it. This man was George
Harrison. During his stay he visited many local
haunts and was pleased with the local hospitality.
Though away from the Beatles, music was not far
from George's mind, from spending evenings on
the porch of his sister's house playing his guitar
to jamming with a local band, the Four Vests.
He even purchased a guitar in Mt. Vernon to take
back with him to England, a replica of which is
in the Hard Day's Night Bed and Breakfast.
Thanks
to donations by Beatles' fans and the local
community, Benton offers a unique collection
of Beatles memorabilia to visitors who come
from all parts of the U.S. and around the world.
 At
the Franklin County Jail Museum, one of the rooms
is dedicated to George's visit, primarily his
visit to the WFRX 1300 radio station in West Frankfort.
On these turntables the first Beatles record hit
the american airwaves. The original radio building
still stands in West Frankfort.
To
top off this Beatles experience, stay a night
at the Hard Day's Night Bed and Breakfast. This
B&B is located at the house that was owned
by Louise Harrison and where George stayed during
his visit to Benton. Furnished as it was during
George's visit, and decorated with mementos from
George and the Beatles. Visitor's can stay in
one of the fab four themed rooms and take in the
mini-museum full of unique pictures, letters,
and records. To contact the Hard Day's Night Bed
and Breaksfast, call (618) 438-2328.
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