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
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