2021 Spring/Summer • FREE
TOURISM
TIMES go play
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KAYAKING AT EAST FORK LAKE IN OLNEY
SUNFLOWERS AT SAM PARR IN JASPER COUNTY
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BERRY PICKING AT ECKERT'S IN BELLEVILLE
As we ease back into normalcy, one thing hasn’t changed – the beauty of the outdoors. In ILLINOISouth, we have 22 counties worth of wonderful nature to explore. If you’re looking for a few travel ideas this summer, ILLINOISouth is here to help. Keep reading for more tips and recommendations regarding outdoor adventures and activities in our wonderful region of Illinois!
4/21, 50M
VISIT OL N E Y I L L I N O I S Musgrove Aquatic Center
East Fork Lake
Home of the White Squirrels
Between hanging out at the pool, boating at the lakes, exploring parks and nature trails and relaxing at the wineries, there is a lot of fun to be had in Olney! In the summer, make sure to swing by on Thursdays to enjoy the Sounds of Summer Free Concert Series in June and July.
Visit our website: www.cityofolney.com | 618-395-7302 |
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2021 Spring/Summer FULTS HILL PRAIRIE NATURE PRESERVE IN MONROE COUNTY
TOURISM
TIMES SILVER LAKE IN HIGHLAND
TRAILS TO TREK
SAM DALE LAKE IN JOHNSONVILLE
What is the one commodity that is available to everyone, free of charge, good for all ages, provides ample social distancing, and is great exercise? Nature trails of course! They're made for walking, running, biking and horseback riding. Some provide phenomenal views, while others are easily accessible for those with strollers and wheelchairs. As the weather warms up, so many of us will be chomping at the bit to get outside and burn off some energy – and we would love to see you do it in our 22-county region of ILLINOISouth!
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There are a few trails that have a higher degree of difficulty, but the sights are well worth the extra effort! One such place to hike is Piney Creek Ravine, which straddles the Randolph and Jackson County lines. Widely considered to be a hidden gem in our region, Piney Creek Ravine can be a little tough for beginners – simply because of the wet, slippery surfaces you have to venture across to follow the trail. Piney Creek Ravine does offer AMAZING scenery in caverns and flowing water, as well as the largest collection of prehistoric rock art in the state – which can be found carved into one of the many bluffs at this amazing recreation area. SALT LICK POINT IN MONROE COUNTY
Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve in Monroe County is another trail with great views, but requires quite the hike to enjoy them. Upon arrival at the trail, you’re immediately greeted by a flight of stairs that takes you up a bluff about half a mile or more. Once you reach the top, the views are tremendous. It’s not uncommon to see eagles and other large birds soaring around the top of Fults Hill Prairie − giving an added reason to visit and take in nature’s beauty. If you’re up for an entire day of hiking in Monroe County, we also highly recommend Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve, White Rock, and Paul Wightman Subterranean Nature Preserve.
ANDY BURNS
In Wabash County, Beall Woods State Park provides five different trails to hike − all of which are flat and easy. The great thing about Beall Woods is that it is one of the very few remaining tracts of virgin timber east of the Mississippi River. Folks can experience trees that are more than 12 stories tall, and over three feet in diameter! For another long yet easy hike, head to Washington County State Recreation Area just four miles south of Nashville. 1 • Spring / Summer 2021
There is a seven-mile-long marked trail that circles the lake, and provides for an easy walk with tons of scenery. For those that are looking for paved trails − providing easy paths for wheelchairs, bikes, and strollers, St. Clair County is home to several. The MetroBikeLink system features 14 miles worth of paved trails along the MetroLink transit system from the Shiloh/Scott MetroLink Station to the Memorial Hospital MetroLink Station in Belleville. There is also a new extension to the Fairview Heights MetroLink Station to explore as well! In Mascoutah, Silver Creek Preserve is a 1.1 mile paved trail with great views of surrounding wetlands. PINEY CREEK RAVINE IN RANDOLPH COUNTY
MIDWEST NOMAD FAMILY
MIDWEST NOMAD FAMILY
Distance Yourself in ILLINOISouth!
There are also several different parks in ILLINOISouth that cater to those that love to take their four-legged friends horseback riding. One of the longest equestrian trails in southern Illinois can be found at Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area in Marion County. Here, a 15 mile horse trail circles the lake − offering horses and riders a panorama of natural beauty. Red Hills State Park in Lawrence County is another solid destination for horseback riders, offering a five-mile trail for equestrian use when soil conditions permit. Enjoy the outdoors in ILLINOISouth! (618) 257-1488
Discover I L L I N O I S
Joshua Case 2020
Silver Lake Park
90 Acres Located at 3035 Highland Park Road • Fishing
• Hiking Trails
• 5 Pavilions*
• Arboretum
• 18 Hole Disc Golf
• Sand Volleyball Court
Silver Lake Park offers boating with daily and weekend watercraft licenses including nonmotorized (kayaks, canoes, & paddleboards) and motorized up to 50 H.P. limit. Permits may be purchased at City Hall and the Highland Police Department. Other places to play in Highland include Korte Recreation Center, Highland Community Pool, and many more parks!
*RENTAL AVAILABILITY ILLINOISouth.org
Tourism Times • 2
BEALL WOODS STATE PARK IN WABASH COUNTY
4387 N. Illinois St., Suite 200 Swansea, Illinois 62226 618−257−1488 www.ILLINOISouth.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOND COUNTY Jes Adam Dennis Potthast CLARK COUNTY Norma Calvert Bailey Maulding CLAY COUNTY Amy Allen Doug Spitzner CLINTON COUNTY Jim Sullivan Sandy Timmermann CRAWFORD COUNTY Lisa Schaefer Penny Shaw CUMBERLAND COUNTY Billie Chambers Tania Craig EDWARDS COUNTY Debbie Fearn Dennis Turpin FAYETTE COUNTY Mayor Ricky Gottman Jessica Hampton HAMILTON COUNTY Jerry Prince Monica Tucker JASPER COUNTY Jane Casey Mindy Hartke LAWRENCE COUNTY Paige Harvey Tom Robinson MADISON COUNTY Rosemarie Brown Mallord Hubbard MARION COUNTY Sonya Germann Ben Stratemeyer MONROE COUNTY Clyde Heller Jim Hill
Greetings From the Crew at ILLINOISouth There is no denying it – we all need a little time out of the house. Many of us have been socially distanced for over a year, and while the situation with the pandemic is improving – it is still important to be cautious with large crowds and overpopulated venues. With that said, we have dedicated this issue of the Tourism Times to outdoor adventures and road trips. Normally this publication highlights several events taking place over the next couple of months, but with many events canceled or postponed until the fall – we thought it was important to use this edition of the Tourism Times to give you some unique travel ideas
that perhaps you have not done yet! From hiking, biking, and fishing to sailing, disc golf and pick-your-own orchards – there is SO much to experience in our 22-county region of Illinois! For those of you who are looking for the occasional event, there are some that are still planning to take place. For more information on events within our territory, make sure to visit illinoisouth.org/Events. As you will read in the next several pages, ILLINOISouth is the PERFECT place to
PERRY COUNTY Carrie Gilliam Judy Smid
Welcome to the Team!
RANDOLPH COUNTY Emily Lyons Ronnie White RICHLAND COUNTY Karen Bell Belinda Henton ST. CLAIR COUNTY Cathleen Lindauer John West WABASH COUNTY Jim Pfeister Brenda Bobbitt WASHINGTON COUNTY Doris Povolish Marvin Steinkamp WAYNE COUNTY Royce Carter Gary Sloan WHITE COUNTY Cindy Conley Kelly Northcott
STAFF MEMBERS ELAINE BYRD Office Manager/Executive Assistant ebyrd@illinoisouth.org
DARLENE CHAPMAN President/Finance Director dchapman@illinoisouth.org
ALLY ECKER Marketing Communications Intern KATERINA ENGLE Graphic Designer/ Social Media Specialist kengle@illinoisouth.org
CHRISTINE ORR Sales & Marketing Manager corr@illinoisouth.org
ANDY WATERMAN Communications Director awaterman@illinoisouth.org
CREDITS ANDY WATERMAN Author KATERINA ENGLE Publication Designer KINGERY PRINTING COMPANY Printing
To submit an event for Tourism Times, visit ILLINOISouth.org/events
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take a road trip or two this summer. There are four major interstates that travel through our territory that can lead you to everything from a 300 year-old French fort to the largest man−made lake in the state. Be sure to take A LOT of pictures of your adventures, and feel free to tag us if you post them to social media! Speaking of social media − give us a like or a follow on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube for a ton of great video content that will give you a better idea of what to expect when you’re in our neck of the woods. Have a great summer, we hope to see you in ILLINOISouth!
LEFT TO RIGHT: CHRISTINE, ELAINE, DARLENE, ANDY AND KATERINA
Table of Contents Trails to Trek. . ................................................................................ 1 Greetings from ILLINOISouth. . .................................................... 3 Worth the Drive.......................................................................... 4 Farm Fun...................................................................................... 6
ILLINOISouth is excited to announce a new addition to our team – Graphic Designer and Social Media Specialist, Katerina Engle. Katerina comes to ILLINOISouth with several years of professional experience working in graphic design. She will be working closely with the team to help promote area attractions and events by designing eye−catching graphics to display in publications and online. Katerina is a Belleville native, and graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a specialization in Communication Design. Not to mention, if you are reading this Tourism Times – she is the one who designed it as well!
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Outdoor Attractions.................................................................... 8 Traditional Golf.......................................................................... 10 Disc Golf...................................................................................... 11
Farmers Markets.. ...................................................................... 14
We make every effort to verify the information contained in the Tourism Times; however, we suggest that you call to confirm the hours of operation, rates and reservation requirements before visiting.
Made in ILLINOISouth. . .............................................................. 15
© Copyright 2021 ILLINOISouth Tourism
Water Adventures..................................................................... 12
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Worth The Drive! Road Trip Ideas For All Ages
FORT DE CHARTRES IN PRAIRIE DU ROCHER
Whether it’s for a day or several days − folks are looking for a reason to hit the road this summer. So many people have been cooped up inside not just for the winter, but for the last year. While air travel is rebounding, there still isn’t much international travel − so this seems to be the year for fun and quirky road trips. That’s great news, because ILLINOISouth has travel itineraries aplenty − here are a few!
Ladies Trip Go out to dinner and cocktails at Jovalou in Fairfield to start out the trip! With over 30 drinks to choose from, this is just the place to unwind with the ladies. Afterwards, spend the night at The Victorian on Main in Fairfield, which has six unique rooms to choose from! The next morning wake up and head directly east to Albion for delicious coffee drinks and baked goods at Colyer Coffee House. While sipping your cup of joe, snap a few pics with the murals scattered through downtown Albion. From there, make the rounds on the Wabash Valley Wine Trail which includes five different wineries in Edwards, Jasper, Richland and Lawrence Counties. Spend the evening at one of a handful of great hotels in Olney or Newton, and wrap up the trip the next day with a spa treatment. The Mandarin Spa at New Leaf in Lawrenceville features a variety of different packages, including 2, 3, or 4 hour spa sessions!
KELLY ADAMS
STACEY HOWARD
POPEYE MURAL IN CHESTER
BERRYVILLE VINEYARDS IN CLAREMONT
Historic Adventure One of the neatest towns to explore in ILLINOISouth is Maeystown − a little hidden gem tucked away in Monroe County. Once you cross the brick bridge into town, it’s like going back into time. This entire charming village is listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to all of the historical buildings and architecture. There is a corner store, a bed and breakfast, a museum and more to fill your time! Not far south of Maeystown sits Fort de Chartres in Prairie du Rocher − home of the oldest building in the entire state of Illinois. The powder magazine at Fort de Chartres is now over 300 years old − and is the only original building remaining at the site. Folks are all about covered bridges, it seems like they have their own cult following − so be sure to visit the Mary’s River Covered Bridge near Chester. The bridge was built in 1854 and served road traffic until 1930, now it’s located in a picnic area and park. Be sure to take in the history of Popeye the Sailor Man in Chester, hometown of Popeye’s creator − E.C. Seager. There are signs of Popeye everywhere you look, including a Popeye Character Trail which features over a dozen Popeye character statues scattered around town to find! ILLINOISouth.org
Tourism Times • 4
Family Fun THRU THE YEARS WITH PRIDE
Discover Marshall, Illinois Come See Why We Call Marshall Our Home
Marshall Community Pool
CARLYLE LAKE BEACH IN CARLYLE
World’s Largest Gavel
Fit Foodie Triathlon and 5K - June 5th 2021
WORLD'S LARGEST TRUCK KEY IN CASEY
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How about a weekend trip with the kiddos? Start off with a couple of hours of beach time at Carlyle Lake and build some sand castles. From there, head to Greenville to check out DeMoulin Museum − one of funnest, quirkiest museums you’ve ever seen...guaranteed! If you have some train enthusiasts in the family, make sure to hit up the American Heritage Museum before leaving town. Take a ride on the mile long American Heritage Railroad, which is always a hit with the kids. Wrap up the first day just east of Greenville in Vandalia − home to great hotels and restaurants. A noteworthy stop for dinner (and drinks for the parents) would be Blind Society and Witness Distillery right across the street from the oldest remaining State House in Illinois. Day two features a quick jaunt east to Cumberland County for breakfast at the Fillin’ Station in Toledo. One of their menu items is aptly named the ‘Haystack,’ believe us − you won’t leave here hungry. Once your bellies are full, head east to Casey to get out of the car and walk among giants. Casey is home to over two−dozen HUGE things, including 11 of the World’s Largest items − including the World’s Largest Truck Key, and the World’s Largest Mailbox. Once you’ve taken all the pictures you could possibly handle in Casey, a trip south to Robinson is in order. Robinson is the birthplace of the Heath Bar, and home to the Heath Museum & Confectionary − so make sure to grab a sweet treat while you’re there! For a little more entertainment, a short drive west will lead you to Jasper County − home of the Drive ‘N Theatre. Grab some popcorn and enjoy a flick at one of the only remaining drive−in theatres in southern Illinois! Head back to Casey to stay the night at Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover, a nostalgic hotel located downtown near all of the larger than life attractions! Wake up the next morning with a trip to Casey Coffee Company, right next to the HUGE pencil. From there, hop back in the car and check out the rest of the BIG things scattered throughout Clark County − including the World’s Largest Gavel in Marshall, and a huge horseshoe and anvil in Martinsville. The last stop on t he trip is a ‘must-do’ if you ask the locals − the Moonshine Store. This legendary restaurant has been a staple for decades, it’s even been featured on CBS Sunday Morning! They’re famous for their hamburgers, and people will come in at 6:30 in the morning for them. But be warned, their grill shuts off at 12:30 sharp − so make sure you don’t miss out on this AMAZING burger experience. Have a safe trip, and thank you for having fun in ILLINOISouth!
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Charleston Savannah / Hilton Head Destin / Ft. Walton Beach
Jacksonville
Tampa / St. Pete Sarasota / Bradenton Ft. Myers / Punta Gorda
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Orlando / Sanford Fort Lauderdale
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MARCOOT JERSEY CREAMERY IN GREENVILLE
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ECKERT'S SUNFLOWERS IN BELLEVILLE
BIGARD'S STRAWBERRY PATCH & PEACH ORCHARD IN JASPER COUNTY
FARM FUN! Find Your Agritourism Adventure When it comes to making memories with loved ones, there aren’t many places better than the outdoors − especially when it means going to a farm to pick fresh produce, or to walk through a sunflower maze. This type of travel is often referred to as agritourism, and it has boomed in the last 20 years. Since 2002 agritourism revenue across the country has more than tripled! ILLINOISouth is full of farms and agritourism adventure, so here are a few to plan a day or even a weekend around! One of the most well−known farms in all of ILLINOISouth is Eckert’s in Belleville. The spring and summer are perfect for enjoying everything that Eckert’s has to offer − and it’s A LOT! Starting in May strawberries are available, followed over the next several weeks by blackberries, peaches, a variety of vegetables and then apples. Another extremely popular attraction that Eckert’s offers during late July and early August is their Sunflower Trail, which folks of all ages love to enjoy! Before you leave the farm, make sure to head into their General Store to shop from a HUGE variety of locally made goods. Oh, and don’t forget to grab some ice cream from their Custard Shop − because who doesn’t love ice cream in the summer...right?! A hop, skip, and a stone’s throw away from Eckert’s lies Braeutigam Orchards − another fantastic spot to pick your own produce. Braeutigam opens their doors on June 1st and has a robust offering of fruits and vegetables including tart cherries, apricots, blueberries, summer squash, plums, grapes and more! Another notable stop for produce is Stoecklin’s Orchard ILLINOISouth.org
in Bond County. Blueberries are the name of the game at Stoecklin’s, as they grow a few different varieties. Aside from blueberries, this orchard is very well known for their annual Hummingbird Festival − which is often held in June. Tucked away outside of Centralia is an orchard that is home to some of the best apple cider you’ll ever have. Schawartz Orchard has won several national and state awards for their cider, which is usually available beginning in the July to August timeframe. Schwartz opens for the season on May 7th − and will have strawberries, hanging plants and fresh vegetables available, as well as goodies like cobblers and apple cider donuts. The peaches at Schwartz are amazing as well, and they are usually ready to purchase in July. In our Eastern Region, folks from counties around make the trip to Bigard’s Strawberry Patch and Peach Orchard in Jasper County. When you pull up to Bigard’s, one of the first things you’ll likely see is a couple of charming donkeys (likely chowing down on some of the fruit grown on this farm)! For those who go to Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area to take in the sunflowers, a stop for fresh fruit at Bigard’s is the best way to cap off the day. Just north of Greenup in Cumberland County, Grissom’s Lost Creek Orchard offers up both apples and peaches beginning in mid-July. For those who love jams, butters, and salsa − they make and package their own at Grissom’s. Much like Schwartz, Grissom’s is also very well known for their cider (it’s award−winning for a reason) − so it’s
probably best to clear a spot in your fridge before making a trip to Grissom’s! ILLINOISouth’s agritourism scene also features plenty of farm animals! There are two stops you absolutely have to make in Greenville − and both center around cows! Rolling Lawns Farm specializes in milk and heavy cream that folks can come in and buy fresh, right out of their coolers at their Milk House location. They often have different flavors of milk − everything from chocolate and strawberry to cappuccino and red velvet! Be sure to check them out on Saturday mornings when they have fresh donuts to pair with their amazing milk! The other stop you have to make while in Greenville is to Marcoot Jersey Creamery − which offers up a WIDE array of products to take home and enjoy. Before you load up on food, make sure to stop by their barn and say hello to the calves (availability pending due to the pandemic). A cooler is probably in order for this stop, because all of their cheese is AMAZING − including their very snackable cheese curds. They also have meat available, and no trip to Marcoot is complete without trying some of their phenomenal ice cream! Tourism Times • 6
RAINBOW RANCH IN NASHVILLE
Your New Hometown 618-664-1644
GREENVILLEILLINOIS.COM
MAY 1
CLASSIC CAR CRUISE-IN
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CHEESEF EST 2021
JUNE 12
MODEL TRAIN SHOW
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F OURTHF EST
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F ARM HERITAGE DAY S
Bond County Courthouse Square Marcoot Jersey Creamery
American H eritage Railroad Downtown Greenville, IL
American Farm H eritage Museum
JULY 29-AUG 3 B OND COUNTY F AIR
Bond County Fairgrounds
When it comes to animals galore, look no further than Rainbow Ranch − located in between Nashville and Okawville in rural Washington County. This place is a child’s dream come true; a place to pet all the animals you want! Rainbow Ranch allows your family to walk around the farm and experience everything from Max the Macaw to camels, zebras, and kangaroos! They also have your typical farm animals, some of which you can bottle feed if you’d like. Plan to spend at least an hour here because all of those animals LOVE your attention. Have fun finding your agritourism adventure this summer, and make sure to take a ton of pictures!
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HILL'S F ORT RENDEZ VOUS
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F ALL ON THE F ARM
Bond County Courthouse Square
American Farm H eritage Museum Downtown Greenville, IL
Greenville Regional Airp ort Marcoot Jersey Creamery
MASCOUTAH
I L L I N O I S Located just off Interstate 64 (exit 23), adjacent to Scott AFB, home to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
Historic Downtown Dining Lodging Heritage Museum Antique and Specialty Shopping Parks Community Swimming Pool
Spring/Summer Events: May 21 Springfest on Main Street
City of Mascoutah www.mascoutah.org 618-566-2964 Follow us on Facebook! City of Mascoutah, Illinois
July 4 Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks, Scheve Park
August 6-8 Homecoming, Scheve Park 7 • Spring / Summer 2021
Follow us on Facebook! Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce (618) 257-1488
WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY IN MADISON
Outside
of the
Ordinary
Experience Several Unique Outdoor Attractions!
As you’ve learned by this point in the publication, there are A TON of outdoor activities in ILLINOISouth. The great thing is, we haven’t even reached the tip of the iceberg yet. Aside from hiking, agritourism, and other outdoor based topics – we also have several attractions that are based outdoors. Some of them are good to visit for a quick stop over, while others require a little more time. Here are 12 of those attractions that you’ll definitely want to put on your summer travel bucket list!
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Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park in St. Clair County is a great spot for a picnic at noon sharp. Why noon you ask? Every day in the summer at twelve in the afternoon, the Gateway Geyser erupts for ten minutes straight, drawing crowds of amazed visitors. It is the largest water fountain in the United States, shooting water straight up to 630 feet – the same height as the Gateway Arch right across the river. Speaking of the Arch, when you’re finished with lunch – head to the multi-tiered observation deck for amazing views of the landmark across the way.
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If you have a need for speed – head to World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison. WWT Raceway plays host to several amazing events like the NHRA, INDYCAR, and the NASCAR Truck Series. If you’d rather do some driving yourself, the Gateway Kartplex is right there on-site. Prepare yourself for speeds of 55 miles per hour and a challenging but fun track that will certainly cure your need for speed!
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Baseball fans can head to GCS Ballpark in Sauget to catch a Gateway Grizzlies game! The Grizzlies have a full 96-game schedule planned for 2021. Tickets range anywhere from $7 a person to $18 a fan on Super Show nights – which usually feature fireworks and guest appearances!
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Belleville is home to The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, which provides a great opportunity to walk the grounds and experience several sacred spaces. Lourdes Grotto, Shrine Circle, and the Millennium Spire are a few of the unique, eye-catching attractions that draw folks from all across the country!
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For those interested in shooting, the World Shooting & Recreational Complex in Sparta is right up your alley. WSRC is open for public use year-round and welcomes everything from skeet shooting to sporting clays and trapshooting. Speaking of trapshooting, this 1,600 acre venue has the longest trap line in the world – with 120 trap fields equipped with a voice activated release system. On top of that, WSRC plays host to the Grand American World Trapshooting Championships each August.
ILLINOISouth.org
Central Region
Eastern Region
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A true hidden gem lies outside of Germantown in Clinton County, known to locals as Eversgerd’s Civil War Fort. Bob Eversgerd built this Civil War era fort with his bare hands starting in 1984. The fort is outfitted with cabins and anything else you’d expect to find during the days of the Civil War – including 10-foot limestone walls and a hand-made cannon! You won’t want to miss seeing this!
Train enthusiasts will definitely want to take a trip to Flora to ride the Little Toot Railroad. Located within Charley Brown Park, Little Toot is perfect for a family with small children. Generations of folks keep coming back for rides around the park in the quarter scale train!
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Early August is usually the best time to visit our next outdoor attraction. Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area is well-known for fields and fields of sunflowers, which are VERY popular on Instagram. Don’t be surprised to see folks taking family pictures or frolicking around in the fields while these beautiful flowers are in bloom.
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Another must-stop for history nuts is the Kinmundy Log Cabin Village in Marion County. The mission of this Village is to preserve pioneer-era log structures and artifacts to constantly educate the public on the lifestyles of the 19 th century pioneers. Over a dozen different cabins call this Village home!
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Covered bridges are another very popular place to snap photos these days – and you can find one just outside of Greenup in Cumberland County! There is a spot near the bridge with information about the structure, so it’s easy to pull off and learn more while you take some pictures.
Another Marion County attraction is one of the musical variety – the Centralia Carillon. There are 180 of these bell towers in the United States, but the one in Centralia is the sixth largest in the entire country. There are 65 bells weighing in at nearly 62 thousand pounds! The Centralia Carillon performs hour long concerts on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – as well as a summer concert series.
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One of the coolest outdoor attractions can be found in Vandalia – and is known as the Kaskaskia Dragon. This dragon breathes fire (each time you put a token in the box near the dragon), and makes for one of the best photo ops in ILLINOISouth. Not far from the dragon lies Lincoln Park, where you’ll find a life-size statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting on a bench reading a book. You’ll definitely want to take a seat next to our 16th President and snap a picture! KASKASKIA DRAGON IN VANDALIA
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Western Region
GATEWAY GEYSER AT MALCOLM MARTIN PARK IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY Tourism Times • 8
happy place F I N D YO U R
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WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET
THREE GOLF COURSES DISC GOLF AT KONARCIK PARK
NATURE TRAILS
WORLD'S LARGEST
Rocking Chair
FISHING LAKES WITH AN ACCESSIBLE FISHING PIER
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The most popular of any outdoor attraction in our Eastern Region can be found in Casey. Also known as ‘Big Things in a Small Town’ – Casey is home to ELEVEN of the World’s Largest items, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Spend some time checking out the World’s Largest Truck Key and Rocking Chair, as well as over two dozen other big things that are scattered throughout town. It’s easy to spend a few hours here walking among giants! VISIT
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j y t n u o C r e p s Ja The Place to Be
Travel ILLINOIS’ FIRST ROAD Find the historic, cultural and natural attractions on this scenic 60 mile route. Plan a fun-filled day, weekend or week-long trip! For more information, visit www.kctrailillinois.org
Great Outdoor Activities Excellent Accommodations Fine Selection of Restaurants Several Specialty Shops Kelly Adams Photography LLC
FOLLOW THE ROUTE SIGNS! SEPTEMBER 11 & 12, 2021* The 51th Annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous/300th Anniversary of Fort de Chartres Rescheduled from June 5 & 6, 2021
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OCTOBER 9 &10, 2021 French & Indian War Encampment NOVEMBER 6 & 7, 2021 Winter Rendezvous & Woodswalk
save the date KCT ROAD RALLY September 25, 2021
kctrailillinois.org/roadrally 9 • Spring / Summer 2021
DECEMBER 31ST, 2021 La Guiannée at Fort de Chartres
1350 State Route 155 Prairie du Rocher, IL 62277 www.fortdechartres.us
EMBARRAS RIVER TOURISM COUNCIL visitjaspercountyil.org and visitnewtonil.org
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JASPER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 618-783-3399
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ANNBRIAR GOLF COURSE IN WATERLOO
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U P C O M I NG E V E N TS Sips & Sounds Wine Fest and BBQ Cook-off June 5 from 1pm-5pm Historic B&O Railroad Depot
Junktique Market Days “Spring in the Park” May 1 from 9am-3pm
PRESENTS
Charley Brown Park
Take a Golf−Inspired Road Trip in ILLINOISouth
Additional Dates: Sept. 10 & 11 • Nov. 5 & 6
One of the best things about golf is that no one course is the same as another. Many golfers LOVE to experience the different styles and quirks of each course they play. There are dozens of golf courses throughout ILLINOISouth that offer something different, so we put together three weekend long golf itineraries for folks to enjoy.
Flora Rotary Cemetery Tour: “Shadows of Elmwood”
ILLINOISouth Western Region Golf Trip
ILLINOISouth Central Region Golf Trip
DAY 1
DAY 1
This course offers one of the best views, with a fantastic vantage point of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis. Gateway National is the only true links-style golf course in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. This course plays very wide open, and offers huge, smooth greens to finish out the hole. In total the course is a Par 71, totaling over 7,100 yards.
One of the longest running golf traditions in southern Illinois can be found in Salem. The Salem Country Club was established in the 1920’s, and has seen a good amount of upgrades and improvements to keep the tradition running strong. For those who like a challenge, an 8-acre lake comes into play on a couple of different holes − as well as some other ponds and creeks throughout the course.
Gateway National Golf Links, Madison
DAY 2
Stonewolf Golf Club, Fairview Heights & Shiloh Yorktown Golf Course, Shiloh
The second day of our trip features two courses! We’ll start off at Stonewolf Golf Club in Fairview Heights − a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Course. Stonewolf is one of only four courses throughout Illinois and Missouri designed by the golf legend. The tees and fairways feature Zoysia grass, with bent grass greens − but there are also five sets of tees to play as easy or as difficult as you’d like. Once you’re finished and rest up a bit, head to Shiloh Yorktown Golf Course for a totally different golf experience. Here, you can tee off at dusk if you’d like − because the entire par 3, 18-hole course is lighted!
Salem Country Club, Salem
DAY 2
Bent Oak Golf Course, Breese & Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course, Okawville
Start the day off with a quick 90 minute round of golf at Bent Oak in Breese − a simple, but beautiful 9-hole course tucked away on the edge of town. On top of that, Bent Oak is extremely affordable − charging only $14 for a round! A short half an hour drive south will lead you to Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course in Okawville. RBM is unique because it offers two styles of play. The front nine is a traditional-style with woods and other obstacles coming into play, while the back nine is more of a wide-open links-style feel.
DAY 3
DAY 3
Annbriar Golf Course, Waterloo
The final day of our Western Region swing wraps up at the famed Annbriar Golf Course in Waterloo. Annbriar is consistently ranked as one of the top ten public golf courses in the entire state, matter of fact, it was named the number one public golf course in Illinois just last year! It is a beautiful, hilly course on 226 acres of land that was once a family farm. While the golf is great, the kindness and courtesy of the course staff is even better. Annbriar is a must visit, no doubt!
Red Hawk Golf & Grille, Tamaroa
Wrap up the trip with 18 holes at Red Hawk − nestled in between Pinckneyville and Tamaroa on IL Route 154. Water hazards pop up pretty often, especially on the 18th where there’s a fair amount of water between the tee box and the green! There is no question that this par 70 course provides a great round of golf with a world of character.
September 10 & 11 • Evenings Historic B&O Railroad Depot
ILLINOISouth Eastern Region Golf Trip DAY 1
Casey Country Club, Casey & Quail Creek Country Club, Robinson
Kick off the trip by seeing the largest golf tee in the world! That’s right, Casey Country Club is home to the Guinness World Record holder for the Biggest Golf Tee − which stands at over 30 feet tall. Oh, and the golf itself is pretty good at this 9-hole course as well! Just a little over 30 minutes southeast lies Quail Creek Country Club in Robinson. QCCC has an amazing 18-hole PGA Championship course and a 34-room resort complete with room service, a restaurant, a swimming pool, tennis, racquetball, and lake fishing.
Ford Town USA Celebration Car Cruise: September 10 Car Show: September 11 Downtown Flora For more information, follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/visitflorail
RELAX, UNWIND AND STAY IN
OKAWVILLE
DAY 2
Richland Country Club, Olney
While playing at Richland Country Club in Olney, you may see a few of the famous White Squirrels scampering around! This 18-hole course has a putting green, driving range, a full service bar and deck patio, as well as a private gaming area for when you’re finished with your round.
DAY 3
Frontier Adventure Golf, Grayville and Carmi Country Club, Carmi
Why not start the day with some minigolf? Frontier Adventure Golf at I-64 KOA in Grayville is a 27-hole miniature golf course unlike any you’ve ever seen. It has a very ‘old-time western’ feel − and is just plain fun! Wrap up the trip by heading 20 minutes south to play the 9-hole Carmi Country Club. This course plays pretty tight, with a total par of 35. Best part is, the rates are probably the best you’ll find − as a round for a non-member with a cart will only run you eight bucks!
ROLAND BARKAU MEMORIAL GOLF COURSE
Enjoy all of the outdoor activities that the Village of Okawville has to offer! • Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course • Rainbow Ranch • Simonton Orchards • Heritage House Museum
RAINBOW RANCH
618-243-5458
Here’s to hopefully the best round of golf you’ll ever play!
For more information on golf courses throughout ILLINOISouth, visit our website at illinoisouth.org. ILLINOISouth.org
618-243-6525
SMALL TOWN. BIG HEART. 618-243-5972 • myokawville.com Tourism Times • 10
List of Disc Golf Courses in Southern Illinois
Breese
Home of Wally’s & Dairy King
Clinton County Showcase presents: June 24-27
BOND Patriots Park Disc Golf Course, Greenville
MARION Foundation Park Disc Golf Course, Centralia
CLARK Fairview Park, Casey
Bryan Memorial Park, Salem
CLAY Flora Rotary Disc Golf at Charley Brown Park, Flora
at Showcase Stage All shows start at 8pm
CLINTON Carlyle City Park, Carlyle
August 5-8
MONROE Konarcik Disc Golf Course, Waterloo Meadowridge Disc Golf Course, Columbia RICHLAND Kiwanis/Rotary Park, Onley
at Showcase Stage All shows start at 8pm
CRAWFORD Lincoln Trail College Disc Golf Course, Robinson
For Tickets & More Info, Visit clintoncountyshowcase.com
EDWARDS Wabash Run, Grayville
Citizens Park Disc Golf Course, Belleville
FAYETTE Vandalia Disc Golf Course, Vandalia
Bicentennial Park, Belleville
ENJOY DISC GOLF IN ILLINOISOUTH
JASPER Peterson Park, Newton MADISON Silver Lake Disc Golf Course, Highland
ST. CLAIR B.I.G. Disc Golf Course, Belleville
Clinton Hills Disc Golf Course, Swansea Sheve Park Disc Golf Course, Mascoutah WAYNE Fairfield Disc Golf, Fairfield
V & H Recreation
Area Communities Embrace The Quickly Growing Sport ! | www.breese.org
205 S. Prairie Street, Greenville, IL INVENTION • IMAGINATION • INDUSTRY
GROUP TOURS WELCOME!!
See wacky initiation devices from the early 1900s!
“This is one that we’ll remember long after larger, slicker attractions are forgotten.” -Roadside America Call or Visit our Website for Hours DeMoulinMuseum.org 618.664.4115 11 • Spring / Summer 2021
It is safe to say that to an extent, COVID-19 paused all of our lives. It stopped us from traveling, from attending events, and it changed the way we lived. We have to social distance for safety reasons, and masks have become a new addition to our everyday attire. When mainstream sports like basketball, football, baseball, and hockey were on hiatus – many of us didn’t know what to do. Then it became very apparent that outdoor activities were the way to go. Activities with social distancing already built in like hiking, biking and golf are great; but one sport that really exploded in popularity thanks to the pandemic… disc golf. With the ability to socially distance, 2020 became the year of disc golf. The demand for the game boomed. While events were canceled and other places closed, disc golf courses remained open. This allowed for more people to find their love for the sport while being safe. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), the quantity of memberships spiked in 2020 – seeing an increase of almost 50% from the previous year. The phrase “disc golf” was trending for most of 2020, and disc golf equipment was sold out almost everywhere.
golf, Done is looking to capitalize locally by putting together disc golf tournaments throughout our region of ILLINOISouth − including Centralia, Waterloo, Swansea, and Highland. “We have several great courses in Illinois/Metro East,” Done says. “They have never or rarely ever hosted a Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Disc Golf event. St. Louis, Peoria, and other areas across the country are thriving off of these events, even during times like this. With the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) entering its fourth season and the explosion of the sport, I felt now was the time to show what great courses we have in our area.” Done has opened up registration for two of his eight events on the Southern Illinois Tour for 2021. “Both events are SOLD OUT with players on the waitlist,” Done explains excitedly. “The second event sold out in one hour of opening registration! Players are itching for tournament play and are excited to play events on the courses we are using.” If you have not tried disc golf yet, Hill highly recommends it for several reasons. “Disc Golf is not costly,” he says. “You can go get a starter pack for $20 to $30, and most all courses are free to play.
Not to mention you can download the app UDisc and you can search courses all over the United States and find the courses closest to you, or even the events that will be going on at a course near you.” Done believes that in five to ten years a majority of folks will own a disc golf set like they own a tennis racket, a bowling ball, or traditional golf clubs. He aspires to help the future of disc golf in our area by helping it thrive among area youth. “High School and College Disc Golf Teams,” Done says. “Salem High School just started a team, so I would love to help clubs and teams get started at the high schools and colleges in the area − it's a great way to get kids outdoors, have fun, be competitive and learn lessons just like in traditional golf.” From a tourism aspect, many disc golf players hit the road and drive hours away to play in tournaments. Many different courses can host up to 70 players – folks that are paying for gas, food, and likely lodging. So in a nutshell, disc golf can be a very solid draw for any community. Now it’s time to get out there and play, right? For more information on the Southern Illinois Tour, call 620-794-7882.
Jonathan Hill and Justin Done are just two of many disc golf enthusiasts in southern Illinois. Hill is the owner and founder of Over the Hill Disc Golf in Flora, IL and Done is the Store Manager for Van Man Discs and Tournament Director at Clinton Hills in Swansea. Hill and Done are amazed at how the pandemic helped the sport in such a positive way. “It is crazy to think that something such as COVID could help a hidden sport get the publicity it deserves,” Hill explains. “I think a big reason for this is that disc golf is finally getting covered occasionally on SportsCenter. More and more courses are popping up all around the world.” With the explosion in popularity for disc (618) 257-1488
SALEM FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER IN SALEM
FIND YOUR
Water Adventure!
ILLINOISouth Offers Plenty Of Opportunities To Splash Around It goes without saying that water−based tourism has always been a big hit. People love the opportunity to soak up a little beach time, or to go kayaking, sailing, or water skiing. The great news is, ILLINOISouth has ALL of those activities and more!
Lakes
We have so many lakes in our 22-county area that we couldn’t possibly have enough space in this publication to write about all of them! That said, we’ll highlight a few worth visiting if you haven’t already. Arguably the most popular lake in our region is Carlyle Lake − the largest manmade lake in the state. The list of water activities here are pretty endless; you can play in the sand at one of the beaches, go fishing, and try out kayaking or paddleboarding. Another opportunity you should not pass up is sailing; the Carlyle Sailing Association is one of only a handful of sailing associations in the United States − the next closest Association is in Annapolis, Maryland. CSA’s purpose is to encourage people to enjoy the sport of sailing through classes, social events, regattas, races and other activities. For an assortment of lakes to explore Pyramid State Recreation Area in Perry County is definitely one to put on your list. With over 19,000 acres of land, including 24 separate lakes − Pyramid is the largest IDNR-managed site in Illinois. Fishing CARLYLE LAKE IN CARLYLE
and kayaking come highly recommended at Pyramid State Recreation Area, because each body of water scattered throughout the park provides a different experience. In our Eastern Region, Olney is home to Borah Lake, Vernor Lake, and East Fork Lake. East Fork Lake provides great views of Olney’s beloved White Squirrels − which can often be found at Miller Grove Park, right on the lakeside. Borah Lake and East Fork are the two most used lakes − mostly for fishing, kayaking and water skiing.
Rivers
The two largest rivers in ILLINOISouth actually border our region − the Mississippi and the Wabash. Communities like Chester and Mt. Carmel have river access points so that folks can take their boats out to do everything from tubing to fishing. Smaller rivers that flow through our territory and attract hundreds of kayakers each year are the Embarras River in our Eastern Region, and the Kaskaskia River that travels south from Carlyle Lake through our Central and Western Regions. There
Download the ILLINOISouth Tourism App on Apple or Android to help plan youtr trip!
are kayak access points for the Embarras River at Peterson Park in Newton, which runs southeast through Jasper, Crawford and Lawrence Counties before connecting with the Wabash River.
Pools
Yes, YOU can
Sail
With the uncertainty of the pandemic, many communities opted to not open their pools last year − but several of them are ready to let the water flow in 2021! The Salem Family Aquatic Center is a top notch facility that features much more than just a pool. There is a water slide plunge pool as well as multiple play areas for the kiddos, including water cannons and a lily pad walk.
We’ll Show You How! MAY 15 | TRY SAILING DAY
The Marshall Community Pool is another fantastic venue that was just renovated a couple of years ago. This 6,200+ square foot pool offers a splash pad, a 1-meter diving tower, zero depth entry, waterslides and a climbing wall! Not only is the Marshall Community Pool awesome, it is VERY affordable − in 2020 the cost for a daily swim was only $2!
JUNE 3-5 | ADULT SAILING SEMINAR
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED
MILL CREEK LAKE IN MARSHALL
*DATES TBD | JUNIOR SAILING CAMP KIDS 10-16
*SEE WEBSITE
c PARAVOLA | ANGI PARAVOLA
JULY 23-25 | KINDER SAIL CAMP KIDS 5-9
ILLINOISouth.org
More opportunities most any weekend May – October: sailing lessons, sailboat rentals, junior sailing and STEM programs, and more! Detailed calendar online at:
csa-sailing.org 314-325-WAVE (9283) Tourism Times • 12
O'FALLON FAMILY SPORTS PARK IN O'FALLON
The City of
Carlyle In our Western Region there are a couple of indoor pool facilities that are certainly worth the price of admission. The Rec in Fairview Heights is a nearly brand new facility with all of the bells and whistles. Have fun zooming down their water slides, and grab a tube for a float down the lazy river − a very popular feature for visitors! Just down the road in O’Fallon lies the McKendree Metro Rec Plex, which offers two separate pools. One is the recreation pool; with zero depth entry and two shallow lap lanes as well as four deeper lap lanes. There is also a competition pool, which has ten lanes that range in depth from 8 to 14 feet. For those diving enthusiasts, the Metro Rec Plex also offers two 1-meter diving platforms and one 5-meter platform.
Splash Pads
One of the coolest splash pads in all of ILLINOISouth can be found at the Robinson Municipal Swimming Pool. This is one of the only splash pads you’ll see that features a HUGE pirate ship in
the middle for children to play on. The same facility also has an amazing pool with diving boards and water slides. For a splash pad with an awesome backdrop and a musical touch − head to Carillon Park in Centralia. Located right downtown, this splash pad is right next to the Centralia Carillon − one of the largest bell towers in the world. What’s better than listening to some music while having some fun in the sun at the same time? The O’Fallon Family Sports Park is home to yet another amazing splash pad in our region. This venue is a two-acre play area comprised of non-traditional playground structures and a 6,000 square foot splash pad. There is plenty of room for the little ones to roam wild here, and it is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. From pirate ships and lily pads to water skis and kayaks − ILLINOISouth is a phenomenal place to Find Your Water Adventure this spring and summer!
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Stop and Shop Locally Camping � Hiking Bike Trails � Swimming Fishing � Boating and Sailing Beaches � Golfing Home of the General Dean Suspension Bridge
www.carlylelake.com
For more info, contact Carlyle Lake Project Office at 618.594.2484 | carlylelake@usace.army.mil | M
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET! LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES.
See Centralia Upcoming Events Centralia Carillon Summer Concert Series
National Boat Racing Association’s Long Course Nationals
June 4 – July 17 at 6:30pm
August 13-15 from 12-5pm
Downtown Centralia
Raccoon Lake
Centralia Balloon Fest August 20-22 For more information, visit centraliaballonfest.com
More Reasons to Visit Centralia Carillon
Lakes
centraliacarillon.org
Lake Centralia & Raccoon Lake
65 bell instrument plays throughout the day and during the summer concert series
Fishing, kayaking, boating, boat racing, and much more.
Parks
Fairview Park, Foundation Park, Laura Leake Park, Bicentennial Park, & Centralia Dog Park Disc Golf, baseball fields, nature trails, and much more Photo Complements of Trisha Mifflin
Visit Our Website SeeCentralia.com 618.533.7623
Follow us on Facebook!
Facebook.com/SeeCentralia 13 • Spring / Summer 2021
(618) 257-1488
VINE STREET MARKET IN O'FALLON
SHOP LOCAL
ILLINOISouth Farmers Markets
IN ILLINOISOUTH!
O’Fallon Vine Street Market Belleville
Swansea Mascoutah Monroe County
Regional Farmers Markets Offer Unique and Tasty Goods
Vandalia
Steeleville
Sainte Marie
Nashville
Over the last year, one of the phrases that we have heard A LOT is ‘support local.’ Many small businesses have obviously had a difficult time staying afloat. One of the best ways to ‘support local’ is by shopping at regional farmers markets. Over the last 25 years farmers markets have exploded in popularity. In 1994 there were less than 2,000 markets in the United States, that number now sits at over 8,600 registered farmers markets throughout the country.
and locally grown popcorn are just a few of the unique goods that can be found at Vine Street Market. It is also one of the only markets where you can enjoy live music while shopping! The main season for the market is every Saturday from May through October; but Vine Street Market also hosts different micro-markets and drive−thru events throughout the year − so be sure to keep an eye on their website and social media accounts for updates.
Robinson − Cross Street Station
Salem
Your fun fact of the day is that Illinois is THIRD in the nation for the number of farmers markets! ILLINOISouth is home to at least 20 different markets alone − in the green box to the right, you will find locations for all of the most recent farmers markets in ILLINOISouth. Please give each location a quick internet search and/ or phone call to see about hours and days of operation. As we have learned during the pandemic, things can change very quickly!
In our Central Region, the Vandalia Farmers Market operates on the second Saturday of each month from May through October. The Old State Capitol serves as a great backdrop for this market where you can find everything from plants to baked goods. There are usually more than 20 different vendors to buy from, and the Fayette County Farm Bureau often teams up with Prairie Farms to distribute free milk boxes to attendees. This market is definitely worth the trip to Vandalia!
O’Fallon is home to one of the most popular markets in our entire region. Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station features more than just local produce; there are also meats, handmade goods, as well as fresh made drinks and food to purchase while you’re shopping around. Wine, craft brew coffee,
A long running farmers market in our Eastern Region is tucked away in Jasper County. The Sainte Marie Farmers Market at Picquet Park is scheduled for every Saturday from 8am to noon, June through October. This market is arguably
VANDALIA FARMERS MARKET IN VANDALIA
the biggest tourism draw to the small village of about 300 people. Vendors and shoppers alike travel from miles around to buy and sell fresh fruits, vegetables, crafts and other food. There is no question that something unique, something delicious and something made with care can be found at each and every market throughout our region. So get out there and shop local this year!
McLeansboro
Carlyle Courthouse Square
Centralia
Richland County Farmers Market
Flora
Lawrence County
Edwards County
Chester
Wayne County
Wabash County
ILLINOIS’ OLDEST EXISTING CAPITAL
Vandalia
LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER?
Venture toward Vandalia Lake for a host of water and outdoor sports. Up to 660 acres of outdoor action, from boating and swimming to camping, picnicking and fishing.
FA R M E R S ’ M A R K E T
SAVE THE DATES May 8
August 14
June 12
September 11
July 10
October 9
You won’t want to miss this year’s expanded farmers’ market, which will include crafters and artisans. Every second Saturday from 8-11am during May-October in Historic Downtown Vandalia. Live Music & Engaging Activities from Community Organizations! VandaliaIllinois.com ILLINOISouth.org
| 618.283.1152 | Follow us on ! Tourism Times • 14
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
WE ARE OPEN!
For Shooting Sports & Events Visit our Calendar of Events: www2.illinois.gov/dnr/recreation/WSRC/ Pages/InteractiveEventsCalendar.aspx
For Camping, Visit our WSRC Reservation Site: camp.exploremoreil.com
ACTIVITIES
AT THE COMPLEX Trapshooting
Camping
Sporting Clays
Fishing
Rifle/Pistol Events
Field Trials
Skeet Shooting
Restaurant Dining
Youth Pheasant Hunt
Conference Rooms
Shooting Clinics
Weddings & More
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Carbon Forge Design,
1 Main Event Lane Sparta, IL
McLeansboro
618-295-2700
For as long as he can remember, Hamilton County native Nicholas Burke has loved to work with his hands. Burke worked with his dad in the family shop ever since he was a child, and that has translated into quite a talent for creating things. A few years ago Burke started Carbon Forge Design, and ever since then − his works of art have continued to expand. Burke uses centuries old techniques and tools, along with new technology to create some truly amazing pieces. Some of the things he specializes in are custom fire pits, organic home decor, and signage of all types. Burke also uses a very interesting approach when creating some of his projects. “Whenever
I start something truly custom, I don’t know how it’s going to turn out,” Burke admits. “A lot of these are handmade where I start with one single spot, and I don’t draw out anything beforehand.” Many of these items are made from steel, but Burke recently branched out to try something new. “Here over the last couple of years I’ve been delving into woodwork, and it’s a very new thing for me,” Burke explains. His most popular items right now are uniquely designed wooden serving trays that incorporate morel mushrooms as relics. Aside from making things to sell, Burke also travels to different art shows to showcase his work − but in the
end, knowing his work can be enjoyed by generations of folks is what satisfies him the most. “I want to be able to make these unique things that people are proud to own,” he adds. “I expect all of these things I’m making to last longer than the people that own them. It’s really what keeps me doing this is people receiving it well − and loving all these different things.” For more information on Burke and his creations, visit carbonforgedesign.com. If you'd like to watch our video feature on Carbon Forge Design, as well as our other Made in ILLINOISouth feature stories − look for ILLINOISouth Tourism on YouTube!
SEE WHAT'S
WAITING FOR YOU! OPEN YEAR ROUND FRONTIER ADVENTURE GOLF 27 HOLE MINIATURE GOLF COURSE
FULL SERVICE RESTAURANT/SALOON CAMPGROUND WITH CABINS (GRAYVILLE/I-64 KOA)
ICE CREAM PARLOR
UPCOMING EVENTS: WESTWOOD ROUND UP APRIL 24 EVERY 3RD SATURDAY (MAY-SEPT) BUBBLE BOOGIE, CAMPER CORNHOLE, AND WATER WARS VISIT OUR FACEBOOK TO SEE ACTIVITIES AND SCHEDULED EVENTS FOR THIS YEAR!
PURCHASE A ROUND OF MINI-GOLF AND RECEIVE ONE ROUND FREE. *MUST SHOW COUPON UPON PURCHASE*
15 • Spring / Summer 2021
(618) 257-1488
