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Alto Vineyards
Jul 25, 2016
After retiring from Southern Illinois University in 1978, Guy Renzaglia decided it was his civic duty as an Italian to start growing grapes. Read more about Alto Vineyards
Southern Illinois offers landscapes you'll find nowhere else
Explore a national forest in southern Illinois
You'll know you've reached Southern Illinois when the familiar prairie gives way to sandstone cliffs rising 150 feet above your windshield.
Here, ancient forests and rolling hills create terrain unlike anywhere else. Hike to hidden waterfalls, rappel down cliffs, paddle quiet rivers, and watch the sunset paint ancient rock formations.
Artists have colonized small towns, award-winning wineries dot the landscape, and BBQ champions smoke world-class ribs. Every day offers a new opportunity, every season a new outlook, every trail a new adventure.
Southern Illinois Towns and Cities
Carbondale gives you everything you need: SIU's cultural scene, walkable downtown with craft breweries, and quick access to Giant City's trails. Makanda shows you what happens when artists take over - you won't want to miss browsing working studios on the 1890s boardwalk. Harrisburg tells coal mining stories at Saline County Museum, and puts you in the perfect place for eastern forest exploring. In Pomona and Alto Pass, you're right in wine country: taste surprising vintages, pick your own peaches, then watch sunset from the 111-foot Bald Knob Cross.
Other Southern Illinois Towns
There's more to enjoy. Murphysboro feeds you world-champion BBQ at 17th Street and shares its Big Muddy Monster legend via a downtown statue. Chester surrounds you with Popeye sculptures honoring hometown creator E.C. Segar, and Metropolis lets you pose with a 15-foot Superman statue and explore 70,000 pieces of superhero history. Cairo shows you historic river grandeur where the Mississippi and Ohio meet.
Southern Illinois Road Trips
Follow one of our Southern Illinois road trip itineraries to discover something new around every curve. Wind through the Shawnee Hills tasting wines, explore 400+ miles of forest trails, or seek out Illinois Made artisans. There's romance, outdoor adventure, girls' getaways in wine country and family adventures at Garden of the Gods, so get out on the road and see Southern Illinois at its best!
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Adventures in Carbondale
Your Carbondale adventure starts here! Dine in one of our local restaurants that utilize fresh, regional produce. Read more about Adventures in Carbondale -
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The Makers' Trail
Adventure and creativity go hand in hand for Southern Illinois makers. They're busy crafting buzz-worthy goodies from local honey, foraging for ingredients to brew eclectic beers, and making award-winning wine... Read more about The Makers' Trail -
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Zip, Skip and Sip Your Way Along The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
The Shawnee Hills wine region in southern Illinois. A 3-day road trip with the top tasting stops you don't want to miss! Read more about Zip, Skip and Sip Your Way Along The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail -
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Destination Shawnee
There is no better place to get outside and enjoy the fresh air than in Shawnee. Explore the beautiful nature and breathtaking landscapes at the Shawnee National Forest. Read more about Destination Shawnee -
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Wine, Dine and Shine in the Shawnee Hills
Gather the gals and get going! The Shawnee hills of Southern Illinois provide open spaces and relaxation. From walks to wineries, you'll find yourself relaxed and renewed at the end... Read more about Wine, Dine and Shine in the Shawnee Hills -
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Cozy Couples Getaway in Carbondale
Carbondale is the perfect destination for couples to enjoy a weekend getaway. Dine in one of our local restaurants that utilize fresh, regional produce; or explore our international culinary scene.... Read more about Cozy Couples Getaway in Carbondale -
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The Wild Side of Illinois
To get your fill of fall colors and adventure, there’s no match for Southern Illinois’ striking landscapes. It’s only natural, given the 403-mile-long trail system across the Shawnee National Forest,... Read more about The Wild Side of Illinois -
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Find Your Adventure in Downstate Illinois
From countless outdoor adventures, to unforgettable experiences with our Illinois Made businesses – Downstate Illinois is prime for a weekend road trip! Read more about Find Your Adventure in Downstate Illinois
Illinois Made: Find Southern Illinois' Best Local Products
In Southern Illinois, you'll meet makers blending tradition with innovation. These landscapes help people make great art, produce amazing wine, and serve up delicious food.
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St. Nicholas From Hotel to Brewery
Aug 10, 2017
In the town of Du Quoin, Illinois, Abby Ancell turned a historic hotel building into a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Read more about St. Nicholas From Hotel to Brewery
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Longshadow Gardens
Aug 05, 2016
Inspired by the diversity of shadows cast by oaks, lindens, and maples, botanists Charlotte and Daniel Ward cultivate one of the most revered planter design facilities in the world. Read more about Longshadow Gardens
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Apple Knocker Hard Cider
May 08, 2016
Day after day of driving past apple orchards takes a winemaker in a whole new direction. Read more about Apple Knocker Hard Cider
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Davis Pastry
Nov 08, 2024
Famous for pink shortbread cookies, but we also make donuts, cakes, brownies, cream horns, cupcakes and take custom orders as well. Read more about Davis Pastry
Show more in category of Handmade Goods
Handmade Illinois Baseball Bats
Sep 22, 2017
It hit .
Read more about Handmade Illinois Baseball BatsTravel Inspiration for Travels to Adventure
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Adventures in Carbondale
Your Carbondale adventure starts here! Dine in one of our local restaurants that utilize fresh, regional produce. Read more about Adventures in Carbondale -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Find Your Adventure in Downstate Illinois
From countless outdoor adventures, to unforgettable experiences with our Illinois Made businesses – Downstate Illinois is prime for a weekend road trip! Read more about Find Your Adventure in Downstate Illinois -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Zip, Skip and Sip Your Way Along The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
The Shawnee Hills wine region in southern Illinois. A 3-day road trip with the top tasting stops you don't want to miss! Read more about Zip, Skip and Sip Your Way Along The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail -
Show more in category of Inspiration
The Wild Side of Illinois
To get your fill of fall colors and adventure, there’s no match for Southern Illinois’ striking landscapes. It’s only natural, given the 403-mile-long trail system across the Shawnee National Forest,... Read more about The Wild Side of Illinois -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Wine, Dine and Shine in the Shawnee Hills
Gather the gals and get going! The Shawnee hills of Southern Illinois provide open spaces and relaxation. From walks to wineries, you'll find yourself relaxed and renewed at the end... Read more about Wine, Dine and Shine in the Shawnee Hills -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Shawnee National Forest Getaway
In southern Illinois, fields give way to forested hills, rugged bluffs and sweet surprises in Shawnee National Forest. Read more about Shawnee National Forest Getaway -
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6 Illinois Parks to Explore
6 Illinois Parks to explore during Great Outdoors Month Read more about 6 Illinois Parks to Explore