Seasonal Itineraries

Spring into Summer!

When May rolls around, Downstate Illinois pops to life! It is the perfect time of year to sit outdoors and enjoy a few glasses of wine while taking in the scenic landscape that our region has to offer. Mix in a couple of nights in a cabin and some amazing food, and you have a perfect weekend getaway.

Day One

Getting outdoors and enjoying some wine is the perfect way to pass the day when the weather warms up. Twelve Oaks Vineyards just south of Carlyle is the perfect place to sip on award-winning wine, all while enjoying an amazing view of their scenic property. Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery is another great spot for vino, and their South African lodge concept is unlike anything you’ve seen in our region. Eventually, you’ll need to eat – and there is no place better than Popeye’s Chop House in St. Rose for a sit-down dinner that will leave you stuffed. Cap off the evening with one last tasting at Hidden Lake Winery and watch the sun set while sipping lakeside!

Twelve Oak Vineyards has amazing wine and views!

Popeye's Chop House

Hidden Lake Winery

Credit: Hidden Lake Winery

Accomodations

Cabins at Hidden Lake Winery

Tucked away in the woods, Hidden Lake offers a remote getaway with ten cozy cabins to choose from.

Cabins at Hidden Lake

Day Two

Head south to Centralia for some great coffee at a unique railroad-themed destination, RAIL Coffee Room. Be sure to walk a couple of blocks to Crooked Creek Winery DOWNTOWN, a recently new destination featuring Cooked Creek wines. DOWNTOWN offers a wine bar, full bar, and live entertainment in their outdoor portion coined “The Yard.” Be sure to visit Schwartz Orchard to pick fresh strawberries in late spring/early summer. For dinner, Stonewater at Castle Ridge has a wide food and drink selection including flatbreads, wine, and way more!

RAIL Coffee Room

Schwartz Orchard Strawberries are yum!

Stonewater at Castle Ridge

Credit: Castle Ridge