Go Guide Spring/Summer 2023

ADVENTURE AWAITS

JUST PEACHY

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

goguide

GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES OF SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS

UPTOWN FUN

contents

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

02 ADVENTURE AWAITS

Ready for a road trip adventure? Travel the four national roadways and scenic byways that wind their way through southwest Illinois. Hop off the main roads and find hidden gems including the nation’s first National Water Trail

10 JUST PEACHY

Explore Calhoun County peach farms where the juicy fruit flourishes

14 FESTIVAL FUN

From fireworks to BBQ, horseradish to Route 66, discover festival fun

18 EAT & DRINK Get a taste of spring & summer dishes. Plus sit back and sip a fresh cocktail

22 SPEND THE DAY

Explore the historic Mississippi River community of Alton

26 KIDS LOVE IT

Make it a kid-cation in southwest Illinois

28 CHARGE IT UP

Find your EV Charging Station in southwest Illinois

ON THE COVER: Herald Square, Collinsville, IL

Photographer: Shift Agency

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS: Scott Evers, Shift Agency, Illinois Office of Tourism, HMCruz Photography, Pete Basola, Midwest Nomad Family, Aerie’s Resort, Dennis Woods, Sasha Goman & Mark Ahlvers

THE GREAT RIVER ROAD

AWAITS! ADVENTURE

Three mighty rivers. Four scenic roadways. World-class hiking and biking trails. A National Water Trail. It’s no wonder the six county Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois is a wonderland of adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

CLARK BRIDGE

TARA POINT

fade away

Let your worries fade away with a drive down the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway between Alton and Grafton. Be sure to stop and enjoy the views!

ROAD TRIPS

Take your pick of a road trip adventure on four different and iconic roadways that converge in southwest Illinois.

THE

GREAT RIVER ROAD

Follow alongside the Mississippi River on the Great River Road – now designated an All American Road – which spans 10 states and covers 3,000 miles. Start your journey in southwest Illinois in the American Bottoms outside of Collinsville and follow the road through charming and scenic river communities including Alton, Grafton and Hardin. This national highway offers sweeping views of river bluffs, rolling hills, farmland and more.

MEETING OF THE GREAT RIVERS NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

Thirty-three miles of the Great River Road has been designated the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. The Byway stretches from Hartford in the south to Pere Marquette State Park at the north end. Breathtaking views are the hallmarks of this stretch of road and it is often described as one of the most scenic byways in the Midwest.

ROUTE 66

Experience quirky, quaint Americana at its best along the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois. From Virden on the north end to East St. Louis on

the south end, check out the small town charm and road side stops including classic diners, museums, antique stores, vintage theaters and giant monuments. Be sure to find the 12 Postcard Murals in Route 66 communities.

THE NATIONAL ROAD

Once this road was the only route for settlers and adventurers and was a link between the east coast and expansion to the western U.S. The road bisected presentday Collinsville and eventually became a plank toll road stretching from Collinsville to East St. Louis. Markers highlight the road’s route from Vandalia to Collinsville.

THE GREAT RIVER ROAD

NATIONAL WATER TRAIL

MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATER TRAIL

Meander down the Mighty Mississippi in a kayak or canoe along the Mississippi River Water Trail – part of the National Water Trail. This 121-mile trail runs from just south of Hannibal, MO and

ends south of St. Louis. It includes the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers – both part of the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois. There are plenty of spots to stop and see the sights. The trail includes 62 rest areas and 17 official camping sites and several lock and dams.

CELEBRATE PADDLING AT THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL PADDLE FEST ON SATURDAY, JUNE 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, MO. Paddle the calm backwaters of the Mississippi River, test your balance on a stand-up paddle board and get some great paddling tips.

sunshine and blue skies… paddle your way to serenity.

AUDUBON CENTER AT RIVERLANDS

MCT TRAIL EDWARDSVILLE

get in the loop

Explore over 130 miles of scenic trails around Edwardsville, Collinsville, Troy and Alton.

HIKING/BIKING TRAILS

Want to stretch your legs and see some stunning scenery and wildlife? Put your bike on the car rack and make plans to explore the MCT Trail system in southwest Illinois. For over 130 miles, the trails cover the famed American Bottoms, track the Mississippi River, wind through woodlands and vintage Illinois prairie. The trails feature 48 bridges, 22 tunnels and a few at-grade crossings. Take advantage of the MCT Loop system and ensure you won’t see the same scenery twice.

Ride the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park to enjoy unparalleled views of the Mississippi River. The trail follows the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway and features off road and on road bike paths. The Village of Elsah is the perfect place for a pitstop where you can stock up on snacks and ice-cold sodas at the Elsah General Store.

Litchfield is home to the Route 66 Hike & Bike Trail, an adventurous 6.6 mile stretch of trail set near Lake Lou Yaeger and is perfect for a stroll, hike or challenging mountain bike ride.

ROUTE 66 BIKE TRAIL

SCAN ME For MCT Trail Maps.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS INSIDE THE MIDWEST

TUCKED BETWEEN RIVERS AND PRAIRIES, THE AMERICAN BOTTOMS AND SCENIC LIMESTONE BLUFFS, SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS IS FAST BECOMING AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE LOVER’S PLAYGROUND. KAYAKING. HIKING. BOATING. BIKING. ROCK CLIMBING. YOU NAME IT, YOU CAN FIND IT THROUGHOUT THE GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES REGION.

all new:

RESORT FUN

When it comes to premier resort destinations, look no further than Aerie’s Resort in Grafton. More than 300-feet high overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers in Grafton, visitors can spend days exploring the resort complex which includes overnight lodging and dining at The Terrace at Aerie’s Resort , the riverfront community of Grafton and Pere Marquette State Park . Aerie’s also offers dazzling views from the Grafton SkyTour which carries

visitors from downtown Grafton to the resort top in open air chair lifts and enclosed gondolas. Suit up and get ready to zip through the treetops at Grafton Zipline Adventures offered by Aerie’s in the treetop canopy overlooking the rivers. Ride the Alpine Coaster at Aerie’s and fly down the river bluff on 4,000 feet of track with seven hairpin turns and eight waves and twists. The coaster sleds can accommodate one adult or one adult and one child.

Byway Flyway – a side-by-side, dual line 1,400 foot zipline ride spanning Aerie’s Timber Ridge. Riders gear up at the Resort and are shuttled to Lookout Point where they strap in, launch from a platform and zip the entire span in one shot, landing at the original departure point!

AERIE'S RESORT

water fun

What’s your pleasure when it comes to water fun? Are you a fan of immersive experiences or leisurely excursions?

The waterways of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers are perfectly suited for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. Bring your own equipment and launch your adventures from the Audubon Center at Riverlands, the Alton riverfront and Grafton riverfront. Water fun is also available at Litchfield’s Lake Lou Yaeger, a 5.5 mile long lake with a public swim beach, boating and fishing. Rent kayaks, paddleboards and corcl at Milnot Beach.

Laid back river cruises are available on the Hakuna Matata, a 49-passenger excursion boat that sails out of Grafton Harbor. Weekend sight seeing cruises and dinner cruises are on tap from May through October. See the sites from the open-air top level or enjoy the comforts of the air conditioned enclosed lower level which includes a refreshment bar.

a walk in a park

Escaping from urban life in to nature is a breeze in southwest Illinois. State Parks are located in Grafton, Collinsville and Carlinville and there is a bounty of dedicated nature centers in between.

Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton offers more than 8,000 acres of pristine landscapes and hiking trails. Stunning scenic overlooks dot the trails and roadways through the park and a nearby stable provides trail rides on horseback through the park. For rock climbing enthusiasts, there is an outdoor crag with more than 60 routes on highly featured limestone formations. Beaver Dam State Park near Carlinville has hiking trails, an archery range, and is a fisherman’s paradise. Horseshoe Lake State Park near Collinsville offers fishing, hiking and more on its 2,960 acres. Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield and the adjacent Shoal Creek Conservation Area have hiking trails showcasing the native environments of the region.

Reconnect with nature at The Nature Institute in Godfrey which offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and Great River Road from its river bluff location. A variety of hiking trails wind through the nearly 300-acre property featuring waterfalls, a savanna habitat and multiple sinkholes. The Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville has 40 acres of wetlands, woodlands and grass habitats to explore.

HAKUNA MATATA THE NATURE INSTITUTE

LOCALLY grown & FAMILY owned

From soil to seed, and farm to table – there is love sown into every inch of local farms dotting southwest Illinois. Consider this an open invitation to stroll the fields and get ready to learn, explore, connect, play and eat. Local growers partner with restaurants, vendors, and others to create unique experiences guaranteed to satisfy your senses and your sense of adventure.

FLOURISH FARMSTEAD

Godfrey

Flourish Farmstead, founded by Crystal and Eric Stevens, offers a unique selection of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and herbs – including a focus on medicinal herbs, many of which are turned into tinctures and other products for their on-site apothecary. Growing food is an artistic expression, according to the Stevens’, and they strategically plan certain colors of crops in blocks so that by mid-spring the fields resemble patchwork quilts.

FLOURISH FARMSTEAD

THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY FARM

22935 Chautauqua Rd. • Elsah

Amy Cloud and Jose Lara are the brilliant Illinois Makers behind Three Rivers Community Farm. The couple practices organic farming principles to grow over 45 types and varieties of vegetables.

THEODORA FARMS

6368 St. James Dr. • Godfrey

Tomatoes. Onions. Carrots. Beets. That’s just a sampling of the crops grown at this 10-acre specialty farm founded in 2019.

ECKERT’S COUNTRY STORE & FARM

20995 Eckert Orchard Rd. • Grafton

Eckert’s Grafton location sits on the majestic Mississippi River bluffs and specializes in hand-picked blackberries, peaches, apples, and pumpkins –depending on the season.

DEMANGE FAMILY FARMS

5750 Pocket Rd. • East St. Louis and 1205 Cypress Rd. • Saint Jacob

The DeMange Family Farm in East St. Louis has been in the family since the 1800s and is home to more than 150 different specialty crops.

TENDERLOIN FARMS

6368 St. James Dr. • Edwardsville

Family owned since 1917, Tenderloin Farms has evolved from a traditional Midwestern dairy and hog farm to a new kind of crop – lavender.

Tenderloin Farms works with Goshen Coffee and Cleveland Heath to create a variety of lavender beverages as well as with Earth Candy to pickle lemons.

The Look Factory

Green Tree Inn

Bed & Breakfast

Maple Leaf Cottages

Bed & Breakfast

Inspiring Wooded Cottage Airbnb

Suite Jane Airbnb

THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY FARM

THEODORA FARMS

TENDERLOIN FARMS

just peachy

TOPPMEYER’S ORCHARD

480 Meyer Ln. • Brussels

Start a new family tradition by taking a drive to Calhoun County for some delicious Calhoun County peaches this summer! Bring your family to peruse fresh produce and peaches at Toppmeyer’s roadside stand in Brussels.

HAGEN FAMILY ORCHARD

3879 Illinois River Rd. • Brussels

What’s better than a peach pie? Hagen Orchard knows it takes a bit of love, a pinch of spice, and a gloriously ripe peach for the best one - and their pie fillings are what dreams are made of!

JACOBS ORCHARD

148 Ridge Rd. • Golden Eagle

Hit pause and refresh with peach sorbet or ice-cream at Jacobs Orchard in Golden Eagle! The orchard market is bursting with peach flavor in late summer with peach jellies, butters, preserves, and pecks picked fresh from the orchard.

ODELEHR’S ORCHARD

7127 Illinois River Rd. • Brussels

Peaches from June to September?

Yes, please! Odelehr’s more than century old farm specializes in an extra-long peach season. Ride the Brussels Ferry across the Illinois River to Odelehr’s market and find fresh baked goods and pies, fruit bread, preserves, candies, produce and so much more through summer and early fall.

BLUERIDGE FARMS

201 W. Main St. • Hardin

Take a bite of peach cobbler, shop for fresh groceries and baked goods, and top off your visit picking peaches with the whole family in the ADA accessible orchard! Be sure to stop along the Illinois River for some strips of crispy fried catfish at The Barefoot Restaurant

EBERLIN'S ORCHARD

1218 Two Story Hill • Golden Eagle

Are you ready for a river adventure? Drive aboard the Golden Eagle Ferry and cross the rugged Mississippi to the river town of Golden Eagle, Illinois. Eberlins Orchard has welcomed Calhoun County travelers since 1988 with juicy peaches and red ripe tomatoes.

IN THE LAND OF PEACHES, BURROWED BETWEEN THE GREAT RIVERS AND SOFT ROLLING HILLS OF CALHOUN COUNTY, DISCOVER THE SWEET SIDE OF LIFE IN A LOCALLY GROWN PEACH.

BLUERIDGE FARMS

HAGEN ORCHARD

FRESH FRUIT HERE

There are more orchards outside of Calhoun County to enjoy in southwest Illinois. Broom Orchard of Carlinville, Backwoods Berry Farm of Hettick, Eckert’s Country Store & Farms of Grafton, Joe Ringhausen Orchard & Market of Fieldon, and Kern Family Orchard of Raymond all offer U-Pick peaches and Krueger’s Orchard of Godfrey, Pearson’s Produce of Godfrey, and D & M Orchard of Hillsboro all offer roadside service so you don’t miss out on peach season!

Pick up seasonal fruits and veggies at Hideaway Farms in Grafton.

PEACH COBBLER

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1 stick butter

1 egg

4 cups peaches

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 There are three types of peaches perfect for eating: Cling peaches which stick messily to their pit, Semi-Cling peaches which can be cut from the pit but not twisted off, and Freestone Peaches which can be removed from the pit cleanly and easily.

2 Calhoun County grows two main types of peach: yellow and white. Yellow peaches are more acidic with a tartness that mellows as the peach ripens and white peaches have lower acidity and are sweet whether soft or firm.

3 There are hundreds of varieties of peaches in Calhoun County and each orchard has their favoritesone of the most common varieties is Red Haven.

PEACH SALSA

INGREDIENTS:

6 lbs tomatoes

4 You can tell if a peach is ripe if it has a golden yellow color, a strong floral “peachy” smell, and a hardness with a bit of give similar to a tennis ball. If it’s soft enough to leave an indent when you press lightly with your thumb, it’s a good one!

5 Peaches continue to ripen after being picked. Most peaches last between one to three days. To quickly ripen an unripe peach, place it in a brown paper bag. You can also place peaches in the fridge to slow ripening but they will gradually lose flavor.

BlueRidge Farms

INSTRUCTIONS:

BlueRidge Farms

Preheat oven to 350°. Add 4 cups of sliced peaches to the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking pan. Mix the flour, sugar, egg & butter (softened). If mixture is too thick add a little water. Pour mixture over the peaches. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes.

2 cups peaches

1 cup sugar

½ cup vinegar

1 pkg Mrs. Wages Salsa mix

Follow instructions on the Mrs. Wages packet for tomato prep. Peel peaches and cut into small diced pieces. Combine all ingredients and bring mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Can be eaten fresh, frozen, or canned.

some sweet tips

BLUERIDGE FARMS

LAST 100 MILES OF ROUTE 66 IN ILLINOIS

There’s a mystique about driving along the Mother Road of Route 66. The final 100 mile stretch of the road in Illinois crosses prairies, the famed American Bottoms and bisects the Great River Road. It’s also home to a rabbit ranch, a giant pink elephant and a quirky bridge that has a 30-degree bend in the middle. Meet the Mother Road in southwest Illinois!

NEON LIGHTS

CHAIN OF ROCKS BRIDGE, OPEN ONLY TO BICYCLE & FOOT TRAFFIC, HAS A QUIRKY 30-DEGREE BEND IN THE MIDDLE.

SCAN HERE

For the Postcard and Monument Trails.

Once upon a time, neon lights guided weary Route 66 travelers to rest stops at restaurants and motels. While most have faded away, there are still some lights shining brightly in Litchfield. Follow the glimmer of neon to the famed Ariston Café, one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants along Route 66. The Litchfield Welcome Center and Route 66 Museum hosts a wealth of local Mother Road history and, of course, some neon lights. While in Litchfield, be sure to visit Jubelt’s, a restaurant and bakery featuring delectable treats.

CHAIN OF ROCKS BRIDGE

LITCHFIELD WELCOME CENTER

PIT STOPS

Diners and restaurants popped up along the Mother Road during its heyday. Doc’s Just Off 66 in Girard started out as a drug store but evolved in to a local soda fountain which still serves customers today. Pick up a handpulled soda, an ice cream treat or hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner. Weezy’s in Hamel is a former boarding house which became a Route 66 diner. Famous for its Horseshoe sandwiches – think ooey gooey cheese on fries! Across the street from Weezy’s is the Route 66 Creamery. Enjoy ice cream, shakes and a burger in a former train station depot. In Edwardsville, Route 66 travelers would stop at the Stagger Inn Again, the city’s oldest continuously operating drinking joint. The once-famous Luna Café in Mitchell hosted rumrunners and bootleggers during prohibition, but also Mother Road travelers who would stop in for a bite before crossing in to Missouri.

ONLY ON ROUTE 66

Where can you see a giant pink elephant, visit a rabbit ranch, tour a jail built with unused Civil War cannonballs and take a walk across the Mississippi River? Only on the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois! Livingston is home to the Pink Elephant Antique Mall – a massive gymnasium filled with antiques and collectibles and the nostalgic Twistee Diner A pink elephant greets visitors alongside a vintage spaceship, dinosaurs and more. In nearby Staunton, visit Henry’s Rabbit Ranch to meet bunny rabbits and see a Volkswagon Rabbit Stonehenge. Carlinville is home to the Million Dollar Courthouse and the Cannonball Jail. Tours of both are available. In Collinsville, get an Instagram photo in front of the World’s Tallest Catsup Bottle Water Tower. The iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge near Granite City spans the mile-wide Mississippi River from Illinois to Missouri. The former toll bridge – featuring a 30 degree bend in the middle – is closed to vehicles but hikers and bicyclists are welcome.

HISTORIC SITES

POSTCARD MURAL TRAIL & MONUMENTS

Take a drive along Route 66 and follow the Postcard Mural Trail through the communities of Virden, Girard, Gillespie, Carlinville, Litchfield, Livingston, Staunton, Hamel, Edwardsville, Granite City & Collinsville. Twelve-foot Instagramworthy monuments can be found in Carlinville, Litchfield, Hamel, Edwardsville, Granite City and Collinsville.

Mt. Olive is home to the Mother Jones Monument , marking the grave of the early 20 th Century labor organizer, and Soulsby’s Service Station where gas and oil changes were needed by Route 66 travelers. In Edwardsville, the West End Station is reborn as a Route 66 Museum and Visitor Center. Edwardsville is also home to the historic Wildey Theatre which once hosted Vaudeville stars. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a prehistoric Native American civilization, sits alongside Route 66 in Collinsville.

EDWARDSVILLE POSTCARD MURAL

PINK ELEPHANT ANTIQUE MALL ARISTON CAFE

summer time fun

Escape to southwest Illinois and enjoy some of the best festivals, events and markets in the Midwest. Pick up a great antique or collectible. Watch the skies light up with fireworks. Celebrate the Mother Road of Route 66. Attend an old fashioned county fair. There’s no end to the summer fun available in the six-county region of Great Rivers & Routes.

HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR LIST OF THINGS TO DO!

APRIL

The Great Mushroom Hunt takes place at Raging Rivers Water Park, Saturday, April 15.

Earth Day Celebration returns to Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton. Honor Mother Nature and raise a pint of organic beer on Saturday, April 15.

Welcome Spring at the Spring Beer Fest in Edwardsville's City Park on Saturday, April 22.

Mushrooms take the stage at Pere Marquette Lodge during the Annual Mushroom Festival Sunday, April 23.

The Grafton Riverside Flea Market returns to The Loading Dock in Grafton the fourth weekend of each month from April through October.

MAY

Every second Sunday of each month, starting in May, Litchfield hosts its Annual Pickers Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Collinsville Memorial Day Celebration takes place on Sunday, May 28. Fireworks, food, drinks and more on tap.

Enjoy live regional music in the relaxed setting of Granite City’s Civic Park during the Civic Park Concert Series every Wednesday through September. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the fun from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Grafton’s popular Music in the Park Concert Series kicks off in The Grove Memorial Park on May 25. Enjoy concerts every Thursday through Aug. 10.

JUNE

Start your NASCAR season at World Wide Technology Raceway June 2-4 when the Enjoy Illinois 300 returns to the region.

Celebrate the spicy root that flavors sauces, drinks and more at the International Horseradish Festival in Uptown Collinsville June 2 & 3.

It’s a classic – the annual Route 66 Festival returns to Edwardsville’s City Park on Saturday, June 10. Classic cars, food, drinks and live music.

Nearly 200 classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles gather in the streets of downtown Alton during the AllWheels Car Drive-In Show Sunday, June 11.

JULY

Fireworks take center stage in local communities the first four days of July. From Alton’s Fireworks Spectacular along the Mississippi River on July 3 to light shows in Edwardsville, Jerseyville, Grafton and more, make it a fireworks getaway! Visit RiversandRoutes.com for complete fireworks details in June and July. Enjoy a good old fashioned county fair when the Jersey County Fair returns July 9 – 16. Rodeo, tractor pulls, and a carnival midway are all part of the fun.

The rich aroma of awardwinning barbeque fills the streets of Uptown Collinsville during the annual Smokin’ on Main BBQ Fest the last weekend of July.

AUGUST

Rock the Hops returns to downtown Alton on Saturday, Aug. 12. Enjoy this celebration of music, art and craft beer.

Channel your need for speed at the annual Edwardsville Rotary Criterium which takes place Saturday, Aug. 19 on the streets of downtown Edwardsville. Food, drinks, live music and fun for all ages.

It’s a foodie celebration at the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 26 when the annual Alton Food Truck Festival returns to the riverfront. More than 20 different food trucks line up for your dining pleasure.

GRAFTON RIVERSIDE FLEA MARKET

PERE MARQUETTE MUSHROOM FEST

ALTON FIREWORKS

PICKERS MARKET

ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL

SCAN ME

To find more local events.

UPTOWN FUN

Escape the crowds and take a stroll through Uptown Collinsville (Main Street) where history, dining and shopping merge into an eclectic walkable experience.

SCAN HERE

For more about Collinsville.

VINTAGE MEMORIES

Vinyl is still king at Rich’s Record Emporium. Give one a spin on the in-house turntable and see why vinyl is having a musical resurgence. Visit the historic Miner’s Theater, built 120 years ago by local coal miners as a union hall and refurbished into an entertainment venue.

The D.D. Collins House, a stately Greek Revival home located at the corner of West Main Street and Combs at the edge of Uptown, was built by local entrepreneur and city leader Daniel Dove Collins in the mid 1800s.

UPTOWN DINING

Take your pick of great dining options along Main Street in the Uptown District. Nosh on fresh pizzas at Friday’s South, classic Italian fare at Mungo’s Italian Restaurant, and good old fashioned burgers and soups at Sloan’s Pub House and The Sandwich Shop Diner. Stop by Bert’s Chuck Wagon —a Collinsville institution – for homemade tacos. The adjacent Verona Coffee Café satisfies your need for caffeine. Pick up a cool treat at Uptown Scoops, a new addition to the Uptown foodie scene.

BREW IT UP

Old Herald Brewery & Distillery has mastered the art of craft beer and local distilled spirits. Live music and local events take place at the adjacent Herald Square

Don’t miss the Friday tasting events at Dean’s Liquors. Every week there’s something different to try including wine, whiskey, vodka, beer, gin and tequila.

A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS ‘CATSUP-Y’ will take place at the Catsup Bottle Festival July 8 at Herald Square. Enjoy celebrity catsup tasting, a tater tot and hot dog eating contest (with catsup of course) and a dance off with area mascots including Louie from the St. Louis Blues. The fun takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in honor of the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Water Tower.

OLD HERALD SPIRITS

HORSERADISH FESTIVAL

D.D. COLLINS HOUSE

SPIRITO'S ITALIAN GROCERY

Dive in to the sounds of summer in southwest Illinois with great live music, concerts and musical entertainment. From music along the banks of the Mississippi River, to indie bands performing at up and coming clubs and venues, to classic country played in local honky tonks, the menu of musical delights is expansive and vibrant.

HERE ARE A FEW VENUES TO CHECK OUT DURING A VISIT TO SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS:

The Conservatory

554 E. Broadway • Alton: Live music on stage and great art on the walls

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air

1530 E. 4th St. • Alton:

Live music nightly

The Loading Dock

401 E. Front St. • Grafton: Live music on the banks of the Mississippi River

Grafton Winery & Brewhaus

300 W. Main St. • Grafton: Live music paired with local wine

Wildey Theatre

252 N. Main St. • Edwardsville: National cover bands perform each weekend

Big Daddy’s 132 N. Main St. • Edwardsville: Live music, food and drinks

Wild Pickin’s Winery

14223 Rt. 111 • Chesterfield: Live music and wine

Alton Little Theater

2450 N. Henry St. • Alton: Community theater known for musical and drama productions

SCAN ME

IT'S SUMMER TIME AND THE LIVING is easy

Especially in the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois.

Refresh yourself at The Loading Dock in Grafton. Order the Dock Lemonade (the most popular summer drink) made with vodka and cherry lemonade served frozen – think slushie – or the River Water with coconut rum, melon liqueur, blue curacao and pineapple juice served over ice. Then sit back and watch the Mississippi River flow by.

When Prince sang about Purple Rain he wasn’t talking about a drink. But the folks at State Street Market and The Copper Bar in Alton are certainly singing about their summer cocktail Purple Rain! Take a sip of this delish drink made with Empress Gin, Triple Sec, lemon juice, blueberries and Simple Syrup. It’s topped with an edible flower.

Take a magic carpet ride – or least feel like you are – with the Magic Carpet Margarita from 1818 Chophouse in Edwardsville. This summery libation includes House Habanero and Green Chile Infused Espolon Blanco Tequila, Jasmine Simple, Pierre Ferrance Dry Curacao, Fresh Lime & Strawberry Rim.

Imagine putting your Toes in the Sand with this cocktail from FLOCK Food Truck Park in Alton. This fun drink can be created as a cocktail or mocktail and is made with Plantation 3 Stars Rum, spiced pineapple shrub, allspice syrup, lime, mint and club soda. Local distilled spirits are used to create a series of cocktails at Old Herald Brewery & Distillery in Collinsville. Sip a classic old fashioned called Old Herald – made with in-house Ghostwriter Bourbon and house made orange and cherry bitters garnished with dehydrated orange and bourbon-soaked cherry. Or try the color changing Tom Collins made with Ardent Spirits Gin, fresh lime juice and house made floral syrup (made from butterfly pea flowers) that changes colors from blue to bright purple as it is mixed. Imagine yourself back in the days of Prohibition with a visit to the Speakeasy in Granite City. Soak up the atmosphere in the bar disguised as a butcher shop and sip a Blueberry Mango Gin Fizz or a Bourbon Peach Smash –summertime flavors at their best.

go on – TAKE A SIP OF A FUN, COLORFUL AND SUMMER-Y COCKTAIL with a side order of Dockside Salsa and fried catfish at The Loading Dock in Grafton. Sit in the sun and enjoy a cocktail with a juicy food truck burger at Alton’s FLOCK Food Truck Park . Summertime sips are on tap throughout Great Rivers & Routes region.

STATE STREET MARKET

OLD HERALD BREWERY & DISTILLERY

SPEAKEASY

FLOCK FOOD TRUCK PARK

TASTE TRIP

Taste your way through southwest Illinois on a foodie adventure. The region is full of top-notch restaurants. Satisfy your culinary curiosity with farm-to-table dishes, restaurants lauded by James Beard, seafood, steaks and more.

1000 Eastport Plaza Dr. • Collinsville

Cut in to steak perfection at this upscale steakhouse. The juicy pepperloin steak with house made mustard sauce melts in your mouth. Seafood, pork chops, chicken and

122

Take your time and enjoy relaxed dining with three course meals including appetizers, pasta, steak and seafood. And don’t forget dessert!

6108 Shoger Dr. • Ste. B • Edwardsville

It’s hip and sure to raise your dining experience to a whole new level with American dishes infused with the cultural flavors of South America, Asia and Latin America.

106 N. Main St. • Edwardsville James Beard nominated restaurant with Midwestern roots seasoned with California flavors. The menu is anything but ordinary and dining is casual and classically cool.

215 W. Water St. • Grafton Award-winning Cajun/ creole and seafood entrees spice up the menu. Monthly seafood festivals are part of the fun. Enjoy the views of the Mississippi River at this floating restaurant.

7 N. Wood River Ave. • Wood River

Neapolitan pizzas, salads and shared plates are part of the fun especially when paired with a glass of vino from the generous wine selection. Watch your pizza as it’s cooked in the on-site woodfired oven.

7120 Montclaire Ave. • Godfrey

Dining doesn’t get any fresher than this: local seasonal produce, cheese and meats highlight menu entrees garnished with herbs and veggies from an on-site garden. Creative spins on Midwestern comfort foods.

More flavors of the region are on the menu during ALL STAR RESTAURANT WEEK in Alton and Collinsville! From July 9 – 16, let your taste buds lead you to participating restaurants in Alton and Collinsville.

1 Porters Steakhouse

more.

2 Gentelin’s on Broadway

E. Broadway • Alton

3 Blue Violet

4 Cleveland-Heath

5 Grafton Oyster Bar

SCAN HERE for Collinsville Restaurant Week

6 1929 Pizza & Wine

7 Bakers & Hale

SCAN HERE for Alton Restaurant Week

Hit a Dining Homerun at All Star Restaurant Week.

SWEET ADDICTIONS

COOL OFF

I SCREAM… YOU SCREAM… WE ALL SCREAM… FOR ICE CREAM! THERE’S NO BETTER TREAT ON A HOT DAY THAN ICE CREAM. TAKE YOUR PICK OF FROZEN CUSTARD OR HAND CRAFTED AND HAND DIPPED ICE CREAM. LOCAL TREATS ARE ON TAP THROUGHOUT SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS.

Shivers Frozen Custard

3318 Godfrey Rd • Godfrey

Treat yourself and your best four-legged friend at Shivers with great frozen custard treats including cones, cups, concretes and sundaes.

Uptown Scoops

403 W. Main St. • Collinsville

Get creative with your cool treat at this frozen custard stand. Order a gelato, Italian ice, frozen custard sundae, cone or concrete. Add a homemade cookie for fun!

Cold Herald 201 N. Morrison • Collinsville

Located inside Herald Square and nearby Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, enjoy an ice cream float, gelato, dessert boat and more. Over 20 flavors of ice cream on tap.

Blue Ice Creamery

127 Eastgate Plz. • East Alton Super premium, small batch handmade ice cream is hand dipped at this cool treat hotspot!

Route 66 Creamery

11 S. Old Route 66 • Hamel

Get your ice cream kicks on Route 66! Pair your concrete, cone, malt and shakes with a side of onion rings and nachos. Dogs are welcome too!

Sweet Addictions

400 S. Main St. • Hillsboro

Have dessert first at this food-truck style ice creamery. Order shakes, concretes, cones or tropical snow treats before ordering lunch!

The Whole Scoop

222 E. Main St. • Grafton River themed ice cream treats top the menu at this Mississippi River ice cream confectionery. Order a ‘Sandbar’, ‘Mississippi Mud Pie’ or ‘River Road’ treat or fresh peach sundae in mid to late summer.

Weather Vane Ice Crème

3208 Maryville Rd. • Granite City

Whether you’re craving ice cream or frozen custard, take your pick at this locally owned and operated ice cream shop.

Bobby’s Frozen Custard

2525 N. Center St • Maryville

For decades Bobby’s has been a frozen custard favorite. Try out the Turtle Sundae – an iconic treat.

Annie’s Frozen Custard

11 Illini Dr. • Glen Carbon

Creamy frozen custard treats are created from a special blend of ingredients daily at Annie’s. Pick up a Flavor of the Month treat.

For a special Ice Cream treat, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau will host Epic Ice Cream Week June 25 through July 1 Find your next epic frozen treat at participating shops!

SCAN ME For Epic Ice Cream Week.

ROUTE 66 CREAMERY

SHIVERS FROZEN CUSTARD

THE WHOLE SCOOP

SUMMER in ALTON

walk IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF Abraham Lincoln and the World’s Tallest Man – Robert Wadlow. Spend an evening exploring live music at its best. Dine out on classic American cuisine and tempt your palate with new tastes. Commune with the spirits that haunt the city’s streets year round. A summer in the historic river city of Alton is one for the memory books!

LINCOLN DOUGLAS SQUARE

make it a day

SHOP ON A classic mix of brick and asphalt streets run through this city which sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. Stroll down Broadway Street and browse boutique shops like Basecamp. Alton , It’s Raining Zen , Mississippi Hippie , Rushmore, and Refabuloused Relics. Once a thriving antique shopping district, there are still places to pick up collectibles including Country Meadows Antiques.

MONUMENTAL MOMENTS

History comes to life on a stroll through Alton. Visit LincolnDouglas Square, home to the last debate between political opponents Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Visit the only statue of jazz great Miles Davis in the North American continent on Third Street. Discover the final resting place of newspaper publisher and Abolitionist Elijah P. Lovejoy marked by Illinois’ tallest monument featuring Winged Victory. See how you measure up next to the World’s Tallest Man Statue when you visit the Robert Wadlow bronze statue on College Street.

MEAL TICKET Alton is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes and taverns that serve up memorable sandwiches, entrees and desserts. Speaking of dessert, you’ll want to order it first at My Just Desserts, home of handmade pies and cobblers and its famous chicken salad sandwiches. Pick up a sandwich at Brown Bag Bistro, home to the Robert Wadlow sandwich – which is, of course, a giant! Asian fusion is on tap at Bossanova, Castelli’s at 255 serves up mouth watering secret recipe fried chicken, and Tony’s Steakhouse and Bar is known for its juicy pepperloin steaks.

sleep well

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN IN ALTON , the fun is only just beginning. Head to Fast Eddie’s Bon Air for live music, cold drinks and great food. Indie music is at its best at The Conservatory, a music venue that’s also home to local art. On weekends, The Lodge at Lovejoy, a unique indoor/outdoor bar is home to live music and a casual food menu.

party on

RELAX at night at the Alton Cracker Factory, a boutique lodging property, with suites featuring stunning views of the Alton riverfront. Book a room at the BEALL Mansion, an elegant bed and breakfast inn not far from downtown. Looking for a main stream hotel: take your pick of Best Western Premier, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn and a new Holiday Inn located near the Alton Amtrak Station

MISSISSIPPI MUD POTTERY

IT'S RAINING ZEN

LOVEJOY MONUMENT

ALTON CRACKER FACTORY

THE BROWN BAG BISTRO

PICTURE THIS & MORE

Unique Boutiques

Who doesn’t love shopping? And there are plenty of locally owned and operated unique boutiques in southwest Illinois sure to satisfy your need to shop. From Collinsville to Carlinville, Edwardsville to Grafton, find a great keepsake, souvenir or new look!

White Birch

701 W. Delmar • Alton

Classic crystal Alton themed glasses, candles, jewelry and more can be found in this upscale boutique shop that’s a local favorite.

Aerie’s Gifts

600 Timber Ridge Dr. • Grafton

This resort gift shop offers out-of-theordinary souvenirs, men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, home décor and wine accessories. Plus you can pick up some Aerie’s branded merch.

Gingham Buffalo

500 N. Main St. • Edwardsville

Perk up your home and let your inner interior designer run free at this specialty boutique store featuring unparalleled furniture, paint, fragrances, soaps, spoons and more.

Lou Belle & Bing

317 W. Main St. • Collinsville

Is your jam retro and vintage? Check out this small business collective showcasing clothing, accessories, art, kitchen goods and more. When you visit, enjoy a look through this historic brick home as well.

Josephine’s Tea Room & Gift Shop

6109 Godfrey Rd. • Godfrey

Take your shopping to the next level at this eclectic boutique and tea room. Dine first and shop later or reverse the order. You won’t be disappointed.

Brave Hazel

254 S. Side Sq • Carlinville

This trendy specialty clothing store puts a new twist on shopping. Browse both men and women’s clothes and accessories. Don’t miss the locally made jewelry!

Alpha Candles

106 E. Wood St. • Hillsboro

Pick up soy-based candles or waxes for the perfect gift. All products are locally made in southwest Illinois.

ATTRACTIONS KIDS LOVE

There’s plenty of fun for the kids in southwest Illinois. From splashing around in the waves at area water parks to cruising along the Mississippi River to climbing to new heights at local attractions, make time this summer to channel your inner child and enjoy a Kid’Cation escape!

WATER PARKS

Play in the sun at local water parks including Raging Rivers Water Park on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi and the Collinsville Aqua Park Splash around at local splash pads: Alton Splash Pad, Splash Pad at Leon Corlew Park in Edwardsville and the new splash pad at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey.

RIVER FUN

Ahoy mateys! Sail the Mississippi River on board the Hakuna Matata in Grafton. The 49-passenger excursion boat has an open top deck and enclosed lower deck. Or, rent a tritoon from Grafton Harbor and create your own river adventure with the kids.

FLYING HIGH

Rise to new heights along the Mississippi River on the Grafton SkyTour. Both enclosed gondolas and openair chair lifts carry passengers to the top of the Aerie’s Resort bluff where more adventures await including the Grafton Zipline and the Aerie’s Alpine Coaster.

HIKING

More than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails run through the region. Explore Pere Marquette State Park or make a day of it on the Madison County Transit Trails with 10 different trails of varying lengths to choose from.

WILDLIFE

Meet the animals that call southwest Illinois home at TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Dow. The center is home to resident bobcats, foxes, American Bald Eagles and more. The Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton is the perfect place to discover native birds.

HISTORY

Learning about the past should be fun and the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford and Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville are all about bringing the past to life in an interactive way. Take a journey 180-feet high to see the sights from the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford.

MUSEUMS & MORE

Let the kids explore their passions at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum or learn about local rivers at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton. Visit Willoughby Heritage Farm in Collinsville for a look at farm life in the 1940’s and meet the animals that make the farm home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE NATIONAL GREAT RIVERS MUSEUM AT THE MELVIN PRICE LOCKS & DAM IN ALTON. THIS INTERACTIVE MUSEUM TURNS 20 THIS YEAR SO GET READY TO PARTY!

The interactive museum showcases the Mighty Mississippi River and its impact on the local environment, economy and ecology. The museum is adjacent to the towering Melvin Price Locks & Dam, one of the more technologically advanced lock systems on the Mississippi River. Be sure to take a free guided tour of the lock wall and experience the thrill of watching towboats and other water craft lock through the wall.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE MUSEUM AROUND A SERIES OF EVENTS INCLUDING REC FEST ON MAY 13 This full day of fun kicks off the outdoor recreation season and includes activity booths, outdoor games, wildlife education, a BB gun range, weather stations and more.

For more information on museum events, go to RiversandRoutes.com

COLLINSVILLE AQUA PARK