Worth the Drive!

Road Trip Ideas For All Ages

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!

Berryville Vineyards in Claremont

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!

Fort de Chartres in Prairie du Rocher

Kelly Adams

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!

Carlyle Lake in Carlyle, IL

Family Fun

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!

World's Largest Truck Key in Casey, IL

Instagram: maneff13 | Melissa Neff