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GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES let’s go! GREAT ROAD TRIP ALTON MADISON COLLINSVILLE JERSEY ADVENTURES EDWARDSVILLE CALHOUN GLEN CARBON MACOUPIN IN SOUTHWEST GODFREY MONTGOMERY GRAFTON GREENE COUNTIES

2020 FALL & WINTER GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARE WE HIKING & FALL COLOR 5l THERE YET? 11l BIKING TRAILS 13l DRIVES

GREAT RIVERS GREAT ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES & ROUTES let’s go! IN SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS ALTON l COLLINSVILLE l EDWARDSVILLE l GLEN CARBON l GODFREY l GR AF TON MADISON l JERSEY l CALHOUN l MACOUPIN l MONTGOMERY l GREENE l COUNTIES

17 l ORCHARDS & ROADSIDE STANDS MAP A LOT MORE OF 19 l DISCOVER THE SPOOKY SIDE 21 l HERE COME THE HOLIDAYS 27 l EAGLE WATCHER’S MAP 29 l ENTERTAINING ROAD TRIPS PICK OF THE EAGLES 15l THE CROP 63 l WHAT’S IN STORE 23l HAVE LANDED

LOCAL LOCAL SPEND THE 31l COMMUNITIES 53l DINING 59l NIGHT LODGING

PHOTO CREDITS: Scott Evers, Marty McKay, Mike Cruz Photography, Connect With Us! Mark Ahlvers, Anthony Kaid, Carolyn Caton, Krista Kallal, Afton Hughes, facebook.com/RiversandRoutes Carrie Kallal, Glen Whittaker, Hannah Gibbs, Marcus Piper, Nate Wil- liams, Tom Nagel (Big Muddy Adventures), @MidwesternMeanderer, @ MORE JACKPOTS MORE FOOD MORE GAMES @RiversandRoutes superbrewhaha, Dennis Woods/Southwestern Aerial, Green Fields Farm Instagram.com/RiversandRoutes

Pinterest.com/RiversandRoutes 40M • 8/20 ArgosyAlton.com | 1 Piasa Street, Alton, IL | 1-800-711-GAME

Must be 21. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).

RiversandRoutes.com 2 let’s go ON A ROAD TRIP…

CHANGE. IT’S IN THE AIR. DAYS ARE GETTING SHORTER AND NIGHTS LONGER. THE SUN HITS THE ROAD AND RIVERS AT A DIFFERENT ANGLE – SOFTENING IT IN THE FALL AND BLURRING THE LANDSCAPE IN THE WINTER.

IT’S A CHANGE YOU CAN FEEL. It’s not just the leaves turning from green to red, gold and russet. Or the skies becoming heavy with snow. It’s the scent in the air. Breezes evolving from warm and soft to brisk and nippy. EMBRACE CHANGE. RIGHT NOW. HOP IN THE CAR. Take a road trip and change the scenery outside the front door. Respond to the call of the Mother Road and River rising in the air. And discover the Great Rivers & Routes region in southwest Illinois.

Explore a place where mighty rivers showcase their power and majesty as they carve their way across the Midwest. Travel down historic Route 66 between Springfield, IL and St. Louis and immerse yourself in its kitschy charm. Stretch your legs this fall where there is room to roam with outdoor adventures that inspire and thrill. Discover the winter beauty of American Bald Eagles in the wild as they soar through the air along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.

Escape the daily stress of life in these times and find a quiet place where it’s easy to kick back and relax. Find your next, favorite getaway just a car drive away. Get off the beaten path and restore yourself in Great Rivers & Routes of southwest Illinois.

It’s all about change right now. Are you ready for it? Isn’t it about time?

3 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 4 Your next road trip awaits in the only place in America For more information on regional where the Mother Road meets the . history, visit: RiversandRoutes.com ARE WE THERE YET? FAMILY FUN Grab the kids and hit the road for some fall family fun. Enjoy Meriwether Lewis and William Clark camped at the confluence of FALL IS HERE AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE THE CHANGING OF THE SEASONS THAN WITH A ROAD TRIP TO the views and the leisurely ride on chair lifts and gondolas at the Mississippi and rivers outside present day Hartford, THE GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES REGION. LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE? OR IS A RELAXING WEEKEND GETAWAY IMMERSED the Grafton SkyTour. Rise 300 feet above the river community IL as they prepared for their monumental journey across IN NATURE MORE YOUR STYLE? OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS, NATURE LOVERS, THRILL SEEKERS, HISTORY BUFFS AND of Grafton to the bluffs overlooking the confluence of the the western in 1803-04. Their encampment is WEEKEND WARRIORS ALL HAVE A HOME IN THE REGION. Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Enjoy lunch, dinner or a snack at commemorated at the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, which The Winery at Aerie’s Resort at the top of the ride. is also Trail Site #1 on the National Lewis & Clark Trail. A 45-minute cruise on the aboard the The Abolitionist Movement took root in the young riverfront Take your pick of adrenaline pumping adventures along the 49-passenger excursion boat, the Hakuna Matata, anchored community of Alton with the 1837 death of Elijah P. Lovejoy, an Mississippi River bluffs. Or enjoy a quiet walk on any of the 130 miles TRAVEL TIP: The Great Godfrey Maze, a 7-acre giant corn maze, delights all ages with its dead ends and twists and at Grafton Harbor is a family favorite. The cruises include avowed abolitionist, Presbyterian minister and newspaper editor. of hiking and biking trails. Sit back with a glass of wine and relish turns. Each year, a different theme is chosen for the maze descriptions of river landmarks and a history of the area. The Lovejoy Monument, Illinois’ tallest man-made monument, the scenic views on the river or nestled in the prairies. which opens to the public on weekends. In October the maze Willoughby Heritage Farm in Collinsville brings the past to life sits in the Alton National Cemetery in honor of Lovejoy. becomes “haunted” adding to the thrills. Dates TBD in a delightful way for all ages. This carefully preserved city park Abraham Lincoln walked the streets of Alton and his time in the ADVENTURE SEEKERS has tractors, barns, a 1930’s Craftsman-style farmhouse and live city is commemorated with the Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Fly through the treetops along the Mississippi and animals. More than 30 acres surround the farm itself and includes Trail. Entrepreneur Benjamin Godfrey is also honored with the bluffs this fall on the Grafton Zipline at Aerie’s Resort. The NATURE LOVERS hiking trails, bridges and scenic vistas. Benjamin Godfrey Legacy Trail. brilliant flashing of the tree colors and momentary glimpses of Get in touch with nature at the Audubon Center at Riverlands Saddle up at Pere Marquette Riding Stables in Grafton. The Edwardsville is home to the 1820 Colonel Benjamin the sparkling river below are some of the sights on this tree top located along the Mississippi River in West Alton. The Riverlands rides generally last 50-minutes and travel 1 ½ miles through the Stephenson House. The original brick home has been preserved canopy adventure. Rope bridges, trails and a surprise ending Migratory Bird Sanctuary is home to migrating birds which follow adjacent Pere Marquette State Park. In the fall, the stable offers and provides a glimpse into early life in the Illinois Territory. highlight a one-of-a-kind zip lining experience. Aeriesview.com the Mississippi Flyway each fall in their journey south. Hike along hay rides complete with a bonfire, roasted marshmallows and Other museums of note in the region include the Glen Carbon Satisfy your desire for high places and scale the limestone bluffs one of five different trails and see how many different birds you hot dogs. (Travel Tip: Reservations required) Heritage Museum, East Alton History Museum, Gillespie Coal along the Illinois River at Pere Marquette State Park. The bluffs can spot. Additional bird watching is available at the Two Rivers Museum, Macoupin County Historical Society & Museum, and have become a great outdoor climbing experience for novice National Wildlife Refuge in Brussels. Also located along the HISTORY BUFFS the Wood River Refinery History Museum. through advanced climbers with more than 40 routes on the Flyway, thousands of migrating birds make a pit stop at the refuge. There’s no better time than fall and winter to explore local highly featured limestone formations. The park, one of the largest Awe inspiring views of the Mississippi River and lush native prairie (Please check with local attractions and museums for hours of in Illinois, also has 12 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to grasses and plants frame the 450-acres of The Nature Institute in history. From early prehistoric civilizations to the nation’s earliest operations and state restrictions during the COVID-19 crisis. Visit advanced. The trails wind through lush forests and towering bluffs. Godfrey. Miles of trails, open to the public highlight small streams, explorers and through the Civil War the area is rich in lore. A trail Riversandroutes.com for contact information.) a waterfall, upland forest and hill prairies. (Trails are closed to the of museums links communities throughout the six county Great Take the thrills to the water with a jet ski adventure through public from December through March for restoration.) Stunning fall Rivers & Routes region. the waters of the Mississippi River. Jet skis are available for rent views of changing leaf colors add a new dimension to any visit. at River Road Water Sports located at Grafton Harbor. For The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a National Historic family water fun launch into a day on the river in a pontoon boat Edwardsville’s Watershed Nature Center, an award-winning Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to 80 available from Grafton Harbor. Kayaking and other water sports facility, highlights the forest, prairie and wetlands of the region. surviving prehistoric mounds including the largest, Monks are the perfect way to spend the day at Lake Lou Yaeger in Paved walking trails and a raised marsh walk surround the Mound, which stands 100 feet tall. The site was once home to an Litchfield. The 1,357 acre recreational lake is the place to be in welcome center. ancient civilization of Native Americans which, at one point, had a larger population than , England. An interpretive center the fall for boating, fishing, camping and horseback riding fun. Indulge in the natural beauty found at area state parks including stands at the center of the site. Please call the site before visiting Kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent. Beaver Dam State Park, south of Carlinville, and Horseshoe to get up-to-date hours and tour opportunities. Lake State Park in Collinsville.

MAGNIFICENT MARINA Visit FEATURES INCLUDE: Floating Docks Luxury Bathrooms Full Service Fuel Satellite TV & Wi-Fi LitchfieldLitchfield Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Laundry Convenience Store & Deli Much More!

Have a Yaeger Day! LAKE LOU YAEGER | 1400 ACRES | 5.5 MILES OF WATER

VisitLitchfield.com 866-733-5833 (618) 462-9860 Great Transient Rates Available | Reservations Encouraged

5 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 6 YOUR SCENIC DESTINATION ON THE RIVER!

interactive exhibits melvin price lockS & dam group tours education

2 Lock and Dam Way FREE ADMISSION Alton, IL 62002 Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7 days a week (618) 462-6979 Closed on Thanksgiving, meetingoftherivers.org Christmas Eve, Christmas Day St.Louis District New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day MTRF.org mvs.usace.army.mil

5 Anchor Marina with Deluxe Amenities! Amazing Winery, Restaurant and Gift Shop Boat Rentals Riverboat Cruises: Corporate, Wine, Sunset 2020 RIVERSIDE FLEA MARKET Haunted & Fall Colors Wedding Ceremonies and More! Sept. 26 & 27 • Oct. 24 & 25 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come check out the Oyster Bar and our Floating Winery! Watch for 2021 dates! For Vendor Information OPEN YEAR ROUND! Call Trudi (618) 593-2103 Bar & Grill INDOOR ICE SKATING Entertainment Open November – March. Overnight Accommodations Open daily during Thanksgiving and Private Event Space Christmas breaks.

400 Front St. • Grafton, IL • (618) 786-3494 • GraftonLoadingDock.com 618-786-7678 | GraftonHarbor.com | 215 West Water Street | Grafton, Illinois

7 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 8 It was one of the greatest adventures

in American History...... the exploration of the uncharted and unknown upper Midwest and western United States in search of a water route to the Pacific Ocean. And it began right here where the Missouri River meets the Mississippi.

This was the beginning of the adventure which took over two years to complete and catapulted the expedition into the history books. Learn more about the journey, the preparations and read actual excerpts from William Clark’s diary by visiting the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford. This is where the true journey into the unknown began!

Open Year Round - Days of week vary seasonally 1 Lewis & Clark Trail, Hartford 618.251.5811 CampDubois.com

9 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 10 LISTEN TO THE LEAVES CRUNCH UNDERFOOT AND MARVEL AT NATURE’S BEAUTY ON THE MORE THAN 130 MILES OF HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS that are woven throughout Madison, Jersey, Montgomery and Macoupin counties. There’s no better time than fall to explore the rivers, hills and prairies of the area.

NATURE & HIKING TRAILS AWAY FROM THE CROWDS

n TWO RIVERS NATIONAL n GORDON MOORE PARK WILDLIFE REFUGE 4550 College Ave. • Alton • (618) 463-3580 364 Wildlife Conservation Rd. • Brussels Walk among the trickling streams of (618) 883-2524 the Oriental Garden Trail or The Nature This federal refuge is an important link for Institute’s Prairie Trail. Stop and smell migrating birds. The 3-mile Gilbert Lake the roses in the Nan Elliott Memorial trail is a gravel path along the Illinois River Rose Garden. and a great place to see wildlife. n JOE GLIK PARK n MCCULLY HERITAGE PROJECT 710 E. Lake Dr. • Edwardsville • (618) 692-7538 592 Crawford Creek Rd. • Kampsville This is Edwardsville’s largest park with (618) 653-4687 42 acres. Enjoy hiking, biking, the two More than 15 miles of trails wind lakes and other recreational facilities. through the 940 acres of this Calhoun County scenic wonderland. Access to n TRI-TOWNSHIP PARK horseback riding trails is available with 410 Wickliffe St. • Troy • (618) 667-6887 advance arrangements. Nearly two miles of trails circle Troy’s signature park. The ag-lime surfaces also n GLAZEBROOK PARK extend around the high school football 1401 Stamper Ln. • Godfrey • (618) 466-1483 area creating a 2 ½ mile track. Enjoy 3 miles of walking trails in this scenic city park featuring two ponds, and n THE GARDENS AT SIUE in the fall, the Great Godfrey Corn Maze. 6 Arboretum Ln. • Edwardsville (618) 650-3070 n LAVISTA PARK TO Paved and mulch paths wind through CLIFTON TERRACE PARK the scenic 36-acre botanical gardens. A 2421 W. Delmar • Godfrey • (618) 466-1483 half-mile paved loop is ADA accessible. Walk the 1-mile trail along the Mississippi The Shade Stroll Path, a mulch trail, takes River bluffs. The trail winds through visitors through wooded areas to explore wooded areas and alongside a creek as it understory plantings. makes its way down to the waters of the Mississippi River.

n MCT BLUFF TRAIL n MCT GOSHEN TRAIL n MCT QUERCUS GROVE TRAIL n SAM VADALABENE BIKE TRAIL BIKING & New Poag Rd • Edwardsville Edwardsville & Glen Carbon Staunton, Hamel, Worden & Edwardsville Alton to Grafton Travel the Great American Bottoms’ Ten tunnels and a 175-foot bridge Historic Route 66 communities are An awe-inspiring 20-mile paved trail ancient bluff line on two miles of paved are just some of the highlights of this connected by this 18.9 mile paved and running parallel to the Meeting of the HIKING TRAILS trails on the SIUE campus scenic 8-mile trail connecting Troy to limestone trail. Start in Staunton on Great Rivers . Edwardsville/Glen Carbon trails. the north end and finish your trek in Stretching from Alton to Pere Marquette FROM THE EDGES OF n CONFLUENCE BIKE TRAIL Edwardsville. Stop in at Weezy’s in Hamel State Park, the trail hugs the base of HISTORIC ROUTE 66 Alton to Granite City n MCT NATURE TRAIL or the Yellow Dog Café & Bar in Worden towering limestone bluffs and provides This 20.5 mile paved trail follows the Edwardsville & Granite City for refreshments. breathtaking views of the Mississippi and TO THE MISSISSIPPI Mississippi River from the river city of This well-traveled 15-mile paved trail winds Illinois rivers. RIVER NEAR ST. LOUIS, Alton to Granite City. Stops include the through the woods, spans local creeks and n MCT RONALD J. FOSTER HERITAGE TRAIL Glen Carbon n GREAT RIVERS BIRD & BIKE TRAIL MADISON COUNTY National Great Rivers Museum, Lewis & is a favorite hangout for wildlife. Clark Confluence Tower, and the Lewis & Explore the historic community of Glen Hartford to Grafton TRANSIT HAS WELL Clark State Historic Site. n MCT NICKEL PLATE TRAIL Carbon along this paved 12-mile trail. View migrating warblers, herons, egrets OVER 100 MILES OF New Douglas to Pontoon Beach Highlights include the Glen Carbon and hundreds of other birds native to TRAVEL TIP: Be sure to walk or ride across Covered Bridge and connections to the region on this Missouri Audubon TRAILS DESIGNED TO Stretching over 28 miles across farmland, the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge for woods and urban areas, this combination local parks. endorsed trail. SUIT ANY HIKING OR breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. paved and limestone trail passes near n ALTON BIKE TRAIL BIKING REQUIREMENT. Glen Carbon’s Miner Park and the Edwardsville Children’s Museum. A short jaunt along Alton’s historic riverfront is available on this 0.78 trail located in Riverfront Park. This trail serves as a connector between the Confluence Bike Trail and Sam Vadalabene Bike Trails.

11 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 12 Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is in flower. – ALBERT CAMUS

For some of the best fall color drives in the COUNTY LOOP ON U.S. 67 ROUTE 66 SCENIC DRIVE ROUTE 66 CIRCA 1930 Midwest check out our recommendations: (Shown in yellow on map pages 17-18) (Shown in blue on map – pages 17-18) The 1930 branch of Route 66 begins in Litchfield, home to the historic Ariston Considered one of the best country There are three different ways to enjoy MEETING OF THE GREAT Café and the Sky View Drive In (one of a day drives in Illinois, the Country the Mother Road this fall. From Virden, RIVERS SCENIC ROUTE handful of active drive-in theaters on the FALL Loop travels through Alton, Godfrey, south of Springfield, IL, to just outside (Shown in red on pages 17-18) Mother Road in the U.S.). Be sure to walk Jerseyville, Fieldon and Grafton. The St. Louis, three variations of Route 66 through the Litchfield Museum and Hop in the car, roll down the windows route includes a mix of river bluffs and were created starting with the original Route 66 Welcome Center. Travel south and prepare to be dazzled when Illinois prairie. Enter anywhere on this road in 1926. New roadways were built on the road to Mt. Olive and then hop you take the road most traveled. The loop. Or drive counterclockwise to get in 1930 and 1940 giving the iconic road COLOR Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Fall on Interstate 55 for a jaunt to the Pink the best views of the changing colors three distinct looks. Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston. Drive is a 60 mile round trip that begins on the river bluffs. in Alton and winds along Illinois Route ORIGINAL ROUTE 66 100 beside the mighty Mississippi River Route 66 from Edwardsville to Auburn ROUTE 66: 1940 - 1977 through Grafton. In addition to the leaf TRAVEL TIP: Take a break in is part of the original two-lane highway. The youngest portion of Route 66 DRIVES Jerseyville and check out the newly peeper bonanza of fall colors along the Enjoy a stop at Weezy’s, an original begins in Raymond and travels through opened Brossio Tavern which has Illinois River, enjoy stops in the historic Route 66 diner in Hamel. Don’t miss the Litchfield, Troy and Collinsville along made a name for itself There is no better time to travel the highways communities of Alton, Godfrey, Elsah with its huge, juicy burgers or The bunnies and rabbits at Henry’s Rabbit Interstate 55. Be sure to stop at Nana’s and byways of the region than Fall. With and Grafton. Be sure to stop Charcoal House Tavern for cold Ranch in Staunton and Doc’s Soda Hidden Attic for great buys. See the at Pere Marquette State Park for Fountain in Girard. Note: Stay alert for world’s largest Catsup Bottle Water the trees blossoming into brilliant reds, and great food. hiking opportunities. road signs to ensure you stay on the Tower in Collinsville, a Route 66 staple. golds and oranges, Fall colors dress the original road. Great Rivers & Routes area with stunning hues. TRAVEL TIP: Fuel your road trip with CALHOUN COUNTY VISTAS & FERRIES And isn’t that the perfect recipe for a Fall road stops at these distinctive restaurants: (Shown in green on map – pages 17-18) The Loading Dock (Grafton), for trip? Plan a weekend or week day getaway and One of the highlights of this drive is riverside dining; Fin Inn (Grafton), the opportunity to ride the ferry across pair it with visits to local wineries, family owned where the fish join diners at tableside the Mississippi River. This scenic route and operated restaurants, and an overnight aquariums; Old Beer (Alton), can begin at either the free Brussels craft beer and organic menu in a stay at some great local bed and breakfast Ferry, north of Grafton, or in St. Charles, former Colonial Bakery factory; inns, guest houses and hotels. MO on the Golden Eagle Ferry. Enjoy Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference winding roads, rolling hills, and, of So move over New England, Michigan and Center (Grafton), seasonal buffets course, glorious fall colors throughout available along with famous family- . Fall color drives in southwest Illinois Calhoun County. style dinners. are unrivaled for beauty and relaxation. TRAVEL TIP: While taking this drive make a point to search for Calhoun County Barn Quilts located throughout the picturesque landscape. A map is available at: riversandroutes.com/listing/ Calhoun-county-barn-quilts/11253

13 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 14 Plump, juicy apples hang PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP BY VISITING THESE from trees ready to be picked. ORCHARDS AND ROADSIDE STANDS: Small, medium and large CALHOUN COUNTY orange pumpkins sit in fields MADISON COUNTY 5 PEARSON’S PRODUCE 10 THREE RIVERS FARM STAND 12 HAGEN FAMILY ORCHARD ready to be carved into the 6304 Humbert Rd. • Godfrey 22935 Chautauqua Rd. • Elsah 3879 Illinois River Rd. • Brussels 618-946-7974 perfect Jack-O-Lantern. 1 BOONIES FARM 618-401-7286 618-883-2385 8863 Dustman Rd. • Worden Season: April – October Season: Mid May through October Season: July - October Fresh cut flowers gathered 618-888-2422 FRUITS (In Season only): Apples, U-PICK: Flowers only. FRUITS: Apples (September from into stunning bouquets and Season: September 11 - November 1 peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, Garden produce, eggs, meat, eggs, Labor Day to October.) colorful, oddly shaped gourds rd U-PICK: Pumpkins (sales start last pears, plums. peaches, apples. Pumpkins (3 week of September). are ready for purchase. weekend in Sept). VEGETABLES (In Season only): green Also: Apple goods, honey. 14 ODELEHR’S ROADSIDE MARKET 11 UNCLE ANDY’S COUNTRY MARKET U-CUT EVENT: During Sunflower Days beans, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet 13 JACOBS ORCHARD 7127 Illinois River Rd. • Brussels Gather up the perfect (Fri, Sat., Sun, on Sept 11, 12, 13 and potatoes, onions, peppers, 1 E. Main St. • Grafton 618-883-2265 148 Ridge Rd. • Golden Eagle Sept. 18,19,20) visitors can cut their pumpkins, gourds. 618-786-4856 fall fruits, vegetables and 618-578-8457 Season: Year Round own sunflowers, cosmos & zinnias. With ALSO AVAILABLE: Large variety of Season: May – November more on an Orchard and Season: June - November FRUITS: Apples. farm admission, photos of flowers are salsa, Amish noodles, mustards, syrups, Seasonal produce, cucumbers, sweet VEGETABLES: Cucumbers, tomatoes, Roadside stand road trip allowed, but there is a fee to cut flowers. sauces, jam, jelly, and mums in the fall. FRUITS: Apples, pumpkins, squash, corn, tomatoes, peaches, apples, jams, garden produce. throughout the Great Rivers gourds, cider, mums. 2 jellies, sauces, gifts. KRUEGER’S ORCHARD 6 THEODORA FARMS VEGETABLES: Tomatoes, cucumbers, Mums available in the fall. Pumpkins & Routes region. 2914 Airport Rd. • Godfrey 4835 N. Alby Rd. • Godfrey • 618-208-7738 zucchini, turnips,garden veggies. are available in white, yellow, royal blue 618-466-3576 and light blue. Odelehrs creates its own Spend the day picking your Season: July – October 13A JACOBS ORCHARD – HARDIN peach, pineapple, apple and regular own apples and pumpkins JERSEY COUNTY salsa and beer horseradish mustard. FRUITS: Apples and melons. Illinois Rt. 16 & Illinois Rt. 100 at the East at U-Pick orchards. Take a 7 See Map on Pages 17-18 End of the Joe Page Bridge, Hardin CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE: ECKERT’S COUNTRY STORE & FARMS 15 TOPPMEYER’S ORCHARD 20995 Eckert Orchard Rd. • Grafton 618-578-8457 break at a roadside stand Begins Nov. 27 every Friday, Saturday 480 Meyer Lane • Brussels 618-786-3445 Season: June - November serving up freshly pressed, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to dusk. 618-407-2383 Roadside White pine trees available. Season: July 1 – October You Pick Apples, pumpkins, squash, gourds, and award-winning, apple Em Orchards Stand Season: July – October U-PICK: Apples - mid August cider, mums. Also canned salsa, jellies, cider. Let the kids romp at the 3 FRUITS: Apples. LIBERTY APPLE ORCHARD through October. jams, cider, fall décor, mums. farm and enjoy up close and 8308 Kuhn Station Rd. • Edwardsville 618-659-9217 Pumpkins– end of personal visits with September to end of October. Season: Late August through November

PICK OF THE CROP THE OF PICK farm animals. Prepicked apples and pumpkins U-PICK: Apples – 14 varieties, no can be purchased. Also available: access fee. Visit the farm store, a replica bakery items from the Belleville one room school house, for local honey Eckert’s. Gifts, jams, jellies, apple collected from hives in the orchard products, cider in September. along with apple butter, apple sauce, baked goods, and cider. 8 JOE RINGHAUSEN 4 MILLS APPLE FARM ORCHARDS & MARKET 11477 Pocahontas Rd. • Marine 24748 Reddish Rd. • Fieldon • 618-376-6772 618-887-4732 Season: July – December Season: Mid July to Noon U-PICK: Apples. on Christmas Eve. The market also sells cider, jellies, U-PICK: Apples & Pumpkins pumpkins, squash. Weekend wagon rides starting on Labor Day. Made from scratch baked 9 RINGHAUSEN APPLE HOUSE goods. Free children’s play area and 19770 U.S. Hwy 67 • Jerseyville live farm animals on display. Pre-cut 618-498-6951 Christmas trees (firs) available. Season: July – December FRUITS: Apples, peaches, plums. Fresh apple cider. VEGETABLES: tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini,peppers, various For more information, go to: garden vegetables. RiversandRoutes.com

Please check with orchards and stands before visiting for up-to-date hours of operation.

15 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 16 Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byways

US 67 Country Loop

Calhoun County PICK OF THE CROP Vistas & Ferries Loop Historic Route 66

18

MACOUPIN COUNTY 16 BROOM ORCHARD 16 12803 Broom Rd. • Carlinville 217-854-3514 9 Season: July – December U-PICK: Apples after Labor Day. 13A Pick up Broom Orchard cider. Also 8 available on site: apple butter made from Broom apples by a local Amish business. Locally grown popcorn in ½ gallon and 1 gallon jugs; honey, and fruit spreads. Annual Apple Festival held the fourth weekend of September 9 and Pumpkin Festival held the second 7 17 weekend of October. MONTGOMERY COUNTY 11 17 BRUSSELS D & M ORCHARD & PRODUCE FERRY 6 1 243 Spaeth Lane • Hillsboro 10 5 217-537-3219 Season: July – October 2 FRUITS: Apples. 13 12 GRAFTON VEGETABLES: Pumpkins. FERRY Fresh eggs also available. Cash only. 15 GOLDEN EAGLE FERRY GREENE COUNTY 14 18 GREENE FIELDS FARM 311 Daum Station Rd. • Greenfield 4 217-416-0839 Season: September 5 - last weekend of October U-PICK: 10 acres of pumpkins for 3 u-pick. Also 2,800 potted mum plants in single colors and a rare tri-color mum. The mums are in pots in the field. You can walk out and select your own. FRUITS: Apples. The farm has over 160 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, squash. Visitors are allowed to visit the barns of this working farm where you will find chickens, pigs and dairy cows.

Call ahead before The best time to pick Pick apples on outside branches first Put apples McIntosh and Honeycrisp apples ripen during ORCHARD you go to find out your own apples is early and work your way into the interior. gently into September. Red and Golden Delicious come in which apple varieties in the day – it’s a great Apples on the outer branches ripen baskets or bags by the end of September. Fuji and Granny Smith TIPS are available. way to avoid crowds. before ones on the interior of the tree. to avoid bruising. are October fruits.

17 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 18 THERE IS SOMETHING HAUNTING IN THE LIGHT OF THE MOON. Joseph Conrad

It’s the spectral shapes that appear in the windows of long underground swimming pool, the hotel has its own haunted closed stately mansions and the lingering scent of jasmine tales to tell. Mysterious Mineral Springs daytime guided perfume in the staircase of a former hotel. And it’s the blue tours are available. Check out Mysterious Mineral Springs on lights that spark in a pitch black wine cellar during a dark Facebook for more information. room session along with eerie footsteps echoing around an Since 1992 Alton Haunted Odyssey has brought the city’s empty underground swimming pool. hauntings to life with trolley tours. The tours take visitors Over the years, Ghost Adventurers, Ghost Hunters and past some of the city’s most haunted buildings including independent ghost investigators have converged on Alton the Ryder Building, McPike Mansion and Milton School. searching for the ghosts that roam the city. And throughout Ghost hunts take place every Friday and Saturday evening the year, but especially in the fall, four different haunted throughout October. organizations bring the city’s haunted side to life with a For beer lovers, Haunted Craft Beer Walks are held every variety of tours that celebrate the city’s historic mysteries. Friday in October through Alton Haunted Odyssey. The stroll Explore the hauntings along the Great River Road during the includes stops at five haunted locations. At each location, a popular Alton Hauntings tours. Troy Taylor, a renowned five ounce pouring of one of five different Old Bakery Beer DISCOVER haunted history expert, has spent over 20 years probing Company brews is provided. Alton’s haunted side and has developed a series of walking For more information on the trolley and haunted craft beer tours, ghost hunts and driving tours highlighting the city’s walks, visit: Altonhauntedtours.com haunted history. Alton’s most famous haunted house, the McPike Mansion, Spend an evening with the dead. Or enjoy an eerie night of stands out from the crowd with its tales of ghostly spiritualism during Alton Hauntings’ “An Evening With …” apparitions. The abandoned home is reportedly among the events. Each event includes dinner and a lively discussion 10 most haunted sites in America. and exploration into specific themes. Topics this fall include OUR According to owner Sharyn Luedke, the original owner Henry famous ax murderess Lizzie Borden, an in-depth look at Spiritualism, the St. Louis Exorcism, the Lemp Family of St. McPike along with members of his family and the house staff, Louis and even Abraham Lincoln and his connection with have yet to leave the home which is now under renovation. the supernatural. Attendance is limited by state guidelines The brick home, built in 1869, was once home to the McPike and will sell out quickly. For tickets and more information: Family, and is located in the heart of Alton. It was used as altonhauntings.com a country estate by the family at the time where McPike Alton Hauntings also offers haunted walking tours each perfected the famous McPike Grape and created an extensive SPOOKY weekend from September through early November in orchard. Members of the family lived in the home until 1936. celebration of Alton’s haunted season. A series of Ghosts of the Visitors to the mansion could meet Henry, his wife, mother, or River Road tours are also held throughout the year and include one of their servants during the popular dark room sessions a stop at the haunted and mysterious Mineral Springs Hotel. that take place monthly in the basement wine cellar. Tours of Take a few hours and investigate the reportedly haunted the house itself are unavailable. Celebrations of the McPike and undeniably eerie Mineral Springs Hotel. Home to the Mansion and its hauntings are held throughout September SIDE ‘Jasmine Lady’, the haunted mural and the supremely creepy and October. Visit: Mcpikemansion.com for more information. McPike WHEN THE GHOSTS COME OUT TO PLAY IN ALTON, THEY USUALLY HAVE AN AUDIENCE. d M e rounds & C a THE HISTORIC RIVERFRONT COMMUNITY IS KNOWN AS “ONE OF THE MOST HAUNTED t ion G ellar n n ans Tou s u M r i SMALL TOWNS IN AMERICA” AND FOR GOOD REASON. a o n H

2018 Alby 618.830.2179 Alton, IL 618.462.3348

M cP om ikeMansion.c

19 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 20 HERE COME Jerseyville is home to the annual Downtown Country Christmas. This year the event will kick off the Saturday after Thanksgiving and run throughout the holiday season. Stroll through downtown Jerseyville THE HOLIDAYS and peer into business windows decorated for the season with “Bright Nights Holiday Window Displays.” THERE’S SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT THE DAYS BETWEEN Additional seasonal events include “Light Up Your Business” and “Light Up Your Home” contests as well THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS. A TINGLE OF ANTICIPATION. as a month-long scavenger hunt with prizes. THE CRISP, CLEAN SMELLS OF SNOW AND FRESHLY CUT TREES. Visit Downtowncountrychristmas.com for SPARKLING LIGHTS DRESSING UP BUILDINGS AND TREES. up-to-date information. Re-discover holiday pleasures in the Great Rivers & Routes region this year with a seasonal getaway filled with the delights found Holiday fun takes place throughout the Great Rivers along the Mother Road of Route 66 and the Great River Road. & Routes region including the annual Collinsville Christmas at the Collins House and Light Up Parade, A Carlinville Christmas, and the annual Bethalto Enjoy a quiet drive along the winding roads of Alton’s Rock Spring Park during Christmas Village. Enjoy a stroll through downtown Christmas Wonderland. More than 3 million lights and cheerful holiday Staunton with the Holiday Walk and Tree Lighting. displays decorate the park from the Friday after Thanksgiving through Sunday, Dec. 27. Christmas Wonderland is open daily. For more details, visit: RiversandRoutes.com

Travel the Great River Road to Grafton and enjoy a ride on the Grafton SkyTour that rises more than 300 feet in the air on its way to the “Twinkling Lights & Holiday Nights” event at Aerie’s Resort. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December there will be horse drawn trolley rides through the West Ridge Woods at the resort along with family friendly activities at The Terrace. The SkyTour has open air chair lifts and enclosed gondolas. The ride begins on Grafton’s Main W I N E T A S T I N G - L I V E M U S I C - Street at the foot of the river bluffs and carries riders to the top of the bluffs. M I C R O B R E W E R Y - P A T I O S E A T I N G - E V E N T S & P A R T I E S - K I T C H E N O P E N D A I L Y

3 0 0 W M A I N S T G R A F T O N , I L 6 2 0 3 7 Enjoy your get-away W W W . T H E G R A F T O N W I N E R Y . C O M and leave the 6 1 8 - 7 8 6 - 3 0 0 1 Rest to us!

HELPING TO OPEN DOORS in the Riverbend ALTON | 200 HOMER ADAMS PKWY. Collinsville 618.465.5656 Collinsville 8 Commerce Drive 12 Commerce Drive Collinsville 618-477-8946 www.cnbil.com 7 Commerce Drive 618-803-4032 618-346-4400

21 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 22 DID YOU KNOW…

The American Bald Eagle is found only in the North American continent. Bald eagles live across much of , the U.S. and northern Mexico. The Golden Eagle is seen throughout the northern hemisphere.

They are aerial daredevils: while flying they will sometimes grab another eagle’s talons. The pair usually separate before hitting the ground.

Eagles build enormous nests in tree tops. Nests are typically 2 to 4 feet deep and 4 to 5 feet wide.

Southwest Illinois is, after all, the winter home to birds who have discovered the region is a smorgasbord of delicious dining and a relatively warm and The relaxing getaway during the cold winter months. Hundreds of American Bald Eagles have staked out the confluence of the Eagles Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri rivers as their cold weather homes. Trumpeter Swans are drawn to the empty fields and shallow waters of inland bays. There they are joined by other wintering birds including ducks, geese and even the Have occasional Snowy Owl. The Great Rivers & Routes region has become a snowbird haven of sorts. Landed Following the Mississippi Flyway, the avian equivalent of a superhighway, birds seeking warmer climates and strong food sources land in the area. Trumpeter Swans come to the area from the north woods of Wisconsin starting in early December and typically stay until February when they LET’S FACE IT. return to their homes to nest. Often families of swans spend the winter IT ISN’T REALLY months dining out in fields adjacent to the Audubon Center at Riverlands/ WINTER UNTIL Riverlands Bird Sanctuary. More than 1,500 swans have been counted in the area over the winter showcasing the comeback of a once nearly FLOCKS OF GRACEFUL extinct species. WHITE TRUMPETER The biggest draw, however, is the return of American Bald Eagles each winter. SWANS AND Hundreds of the birds fly along the Mississippi River from the northern borders THE REGAL AND of and southern Canada looking for open waters and a fresh food STRIKING AMERICAN source. As river waters freeze to the north, eagles head south. Eagles typically land in the region starting in late December and head north in mid to late BALD EAGLES COME February. Some eagles have stayed in the area, nesting and raising their TO TOWN. young along the Mississippi River.

23 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 24 EAGLE WATCHING PASSPORT STOPS

n ALTON VISITOR CENTER 200 Piasa St. • Alton 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday n AUDUBON CENTER AT RIVERLANDS 301 Riverlands Way • West Alton, MO • Open Daily n ELSAH GENERAL STORE 22 LaSalle St. • Elsah • Open Wednesday – Sunday Boutique Bowling | Laser Tag | Arcade n GRAFTON VISITORS CENTER Restaurant & Bar | Giant TV Screens | Party Rooms 950 E. Main St. • Grafton • Open Friday – Sunday The Outlet at Edison’s Event Center n LEWIS & CLARK STATE HISTORIC SITE 3500 New Poag Rd. • Hartford • Open Wednesday – Sunday ALL-ACCESS PASSES BE AN EAGLE WATCHER! n NATIONAL GREAT RIVERS MUSEUM/ $18 MELVIN PRICE LOCKS & DAM STARTING AT JUST #2 Lock & Dam Way • Alton • Open Daily BOWLING LASER TAG ARCADE n Your winter adventure, if you choose to accept, is to search for wintering American Bald PERE MARQUETTE STATE PARK VISITORS CENTER MISSION: 13112 Visitor Center Ln. • Grafton • Open Monday – Saturday Eagles throughout the Great Rivers & Routes region in southwest Illinois. They are perched in the n trees. Or sitting on an ice floe in the middle of the Mississippi River. A few eagle nests are also visible TREEHOUSE WILDLIFE CENTER 23956 Green Acres Rd. • Dow • Open Daily among the bare winter trees. Starting in January, begin your quest to see bald eagles in the wild – n along the confluence of America’s three great rivers: the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri. TWO RIVERS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 364 Wildlife Conservation Rd. • Brussels Open Monday – Friday REWARD: If you decide to become an eagle eyed eagle watcher your quest is rewarded n WILLOUGHBY HERITAGE FARM with an official Eagle Watcher’s T Shirt. 631 Willoughby Ln • Collinsville • Open Daily Here’s what you do: Go to Explore.Rivers&Routes.com and download the Eagle Watcher’s Please note: not all locations are open daily so plan your stops accordingly. Passport to your phone. When you visit five of the 10 eagle watching locations on the passport, Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some locations may have limited hours check in with a pin provided at each stop, and then contact the Alton Visitor Center at 1-800-258-6645 or or may not be open to the public. Please call: 1-800-258-6645 or visit visit RiversandRoutes.com for details on how to receive your free t shirt (available while supplies last). RiversandRoutes.com for the most up-to-date information. eagle season KICK OFF

WHILE THE KICK OFF TO EAGLE SEASON ISN’T The Audubon Center at Riverlands celebrates birds year A FORMAL HOLIDAY – IT CERTAINLY FEELS LIKE round but Eagle Season is a highlight for the birding center. ONE! Eagle season will launch this year with the Meet the raptors that make the region their home during fan-favorite Eagle Watcher’s Passport. This mobile the weekend with live meet and greet events. American passport provides a self-guided eagle watching tour Bald Eagles are also on hand during these free events. Enjoy ENJOY THIS ANNUAL FALL EVENT additional family-friendly activities. and participants who visit five of the 10 passport stops receive a free Eagle Watcher t shirt. Call (636) 899-0090 for details or visit the center’s website: Riverlands.Audubon.org A free bald eagle meet and greet will be held at the Visitor Center with a live eagle from World Bird Sanctuary in The historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, once a Route 66 link from January. (Travel note: Please check RiversandRoutes.com Illinois to St. Louis, is home to eagle watchers in the winter for complete details) In addition to the eagle meet and months. Every January, the Great Rivers Greenway hosts Bald greet, there will be live ice carving demonstrations from Ice Eagle Days. Spotting scopes staffed by trained volunteers are Visions coupled with live wood carving from Itchy Brothers set up for people to find and identify eagles Wood Carvers. Both carving events take place in the open soaring over the Mississippi River. Be sure to dress warmly. lots behind the Visitor Center. Eager to try your hand at Ice Putt Putt Golf? Find out if you can sink a hole in one on a Visit: GreatRiversGreenway. block of ice during the eagle event. Those who can, receive a org for more information. small prize. TRAVEL TIP: Due to uncertainties Additional bald eagle events are held throughout the area surrounding COVID-19, please contact during January and February. Check in with Pere Marquette each location for details on eagle State Park which typically holds guided tours from watching activities. December through March for eagle enthusiasts. Reservations are required: (618) 786-3323 For more information on eagle events, go to: RiversandRoutes.com

25 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 26 S R

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A HARDIN On Route 100, cross the Joe Page Bridge to E BRUSSELS FERRY Eagles are active near the Brussels K RIVERLANDS MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARY O EDWARD “TED” AND PAT JONES Hardin. There are great riverfront restaurants perfect Ferry where they enjoy perching in the tall cottonwood & THE AUDUBON CENTER AT RIVERLANDS CONFLUENCE POINT STATE PARK Birding for viewing eagles while you dine. trees lining the river banks. Designated as a National Audubon Society Important opportunities are plentiful where the Mississippi Birding Area, eagles can be seen in the Ellis Bay and Missouri rivers join. B PERE MARQUETTE STATE PARK The largest F GRAFTON RIVERFRONT Head down to Front Street refuge. Use the indoor spotting scopes to learn CHAIN OF ROCKS BRIDGE This historic Route 66 state park in Illinois is a popular home to eagles, which for a stretch of the legs. Walk the riverfront to view about the migration. P can be seen along the Illinois River banks or spotted eagles perched in the trees and soaring over the river. bridge is an ideal spot to watch eagles soar over the from scenic lookout points within the park. L NATIONAL GREAT RIVERS MUSEUM/MELVIN waters of the Mississippi River looking for food. G ELSAH Take time to stroll through the village watching PRICE LOCKS & DAM Watch eagles fishing for an Q HORSESHOE LAKE STATE PARK Eagles enjoy C TWO RIVERS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE for eagles soaring over the nearby Mississippi River. easy catch at the Locks & Dam. The National Great Rivers congregating at this natural lake that covers 2,400 acres. AT GILBERT LAKE One half mile upriver from the Museum offers spotting scopes for viewing. Take a walk around the lake and count the number of H TREEHOUSE WILDLIFE CENTER Just a short drive Brussels Ferry is Gilbert Lake. The trees in the field often eagles using the lake for their winter homes. have eagles perched in them. A three-mile hiking trail off the Great River Road, this wildlife rehab center offers M NATIONAL GREAT RIVERS RESEARCH & Watch for eagles from the connects with Pere Marquette State Park. up-close views of bald eagles every day of the week. EDUCATION CENTER R BEAVER DAM STATE PARK Watch for eagles rooftop of the NGRREC building which sits on the around the trees and open waters of this park located D TWO RIVERS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE I PIASA HARBOR Get a close up view of eagles and the Mississippi River bank. just seven miles southwest of Carlinville. AT SWAN LAKE Ride across the Brussels Ferry into river at this harbor located between Alton and Grafton. N LEWIS & CLARK STATE HISTORIC SITE S LAKE LOU YAEGER Take a winter walk around the Calhoun County and follow the signs to Swan Lake. The Eagles like to fly near this historic site because it’s close J CLIFTON TERRACE This area is a great spot to pull park and look for eagles. Located just outside Litchfield, visitor’s center has scopes for viewing eagles. to the confluence of two of the longest rivers in the off the road and pull out your binoculars. A parking area the 300 acre park surrounds a 1,200 acre lake. A 45-mile county – and a great source of food for the birds. right along the riverfront offers great views of eagles shoreline provides plenty of room to find the prime who like to perch in the nearby trees or on ice floes in spot to see wintering eagles. the Mississippi River.

27 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 28 The Wildey Theatre is presents... also home to Opera UNNECESSARY THE MIRACLE SISTER ACT AT WIT’S END: Edwardsville, a three FARCE WORKER ERMA BOMBECK year old organization, December(Musical) 11th - 20th determined to bring September(Comedy) 11th – 20th Oct.(Family 23rd Drama) - Nov. 1st Feb.(One-Woman 12th, 13th Comedy) & 14th world class opera and musical performances TODD OLIVER BROADWAY SING IN THE THE FULL MONTY to the region. Through a SALUTES AMERICA NEW YEAR combination of recitals, (Music, Magic & March(Musical) 19th - 28th operas, masterclasses and More) November(Musical 7thReview) & 8th January(Concert) 3rd ENTERTAINING ROAD TRIPS more, Opera Edwardsville 2 Shows | Sept. 26th shares the experience of live opera with its artistic THE RIVERBEND’S THE RED TERMS OF AS THE DAYS GROW SHORTER AND THE NIGHTS BECOME LONGER … FALL drama, compelling history, GOT TALENT PLAID SHIRT ENDEARMENT AND WINTER ARE THE PERFECT SEASONS FOR AN ENTERTAINMENT ROAD global perspectives, and, (Youth Talent Contest) (Silver Comedy) (Dramity) T R IP. Cooler temps mean the Great Rivers & Routes region heats up with live music, of course, its music. “Three October 1st & 2nd Nov. 13th, 14th & 15th January 22nd - 31st community theater performances, opera and entertaining escapes of all varieties. Little Pigs: An Opera for Start planning now for a weekend escape full of delightful entertainment options. Kids!”, a free public event, is planned in November and ALL TICKETS • ALL PRODUCTIONS the 3rd Annual Christmas 618.462.3205 • WWW.ALTONLITTLETHEATER.ORG From September through St. Louis area. On the stage at the Wildey will be held in March audiences will be where Al Jolson and Douglas MONDAY - FRIDAY 10AM-2PM December featuring sacred delighted with a wide Fairbanks Jr. once plied their cantatas and arias of the array of performances vaudeville trade, headliners Renaissance and Baroque. including comedies like including John Waite, Head “An Unnecessary Farce” East, Wishbone Ash and the In the mood for a and “At Wit’s End: Erma Ozark Mountain Daredevils celebration? Or just want Bombeck” along with the showcase their talents. The to enjoy the atmosphere Alton Little Theater dramatic play, “The Miracle Wildey opened in 1909 as at a classic dive bar. There’s celebrates its 87th season Worker”, and ever-popular an opera house and home no better place than with what Executive Director musicals like “Broadway to the Independent Order Fast Eddie’s Bon Air PUT AN AXE IN IT! Lee Cox calls “one of the Salutes America”, “Sing in of Oddfellows. Once a major in Alton. For 27 years, the New Year” and “The strongest seasons we’ve stop on the vaudeville circuit Fast Eddie’s has been a Riverbend Axe Throwing looks Full Monty”. FEELING A BIT ANXIOUS ever had.” And to make sure in the early part of the 1900s, destination for young and a lot like a sports bar with TVs it’s successful, the theater is the 1930s art deco building OR STRESSED? “Right now people need to get old alike with its cold drinks, scattered throughout with carefully sanitized before and evolved into a 400-seat movie RIVERBEND AXE out and let their imagination cheap food and seriously live casual conversation areas and after each performance. The house. It closed in 1984 and THROWING IN EAST ALTON go and be triggered again,” Cox music. The bar, which has seven axe throwing lanes with first two rows of seats have was slated for demolition. 14 targets. Staff are called says. “We have an incredibly a storied history of its own, HAS A CURE FOR THAT. been removed ensuring the It was saved by a group of ‘axe-perts’ and they provide talented group of performers “Our motto is we are more than stage is more than 18-feet community volunteers who has become a rite of passage guidance on axe throwing who want to entertain.” wood on a wall,” owner Dan away from the audience. raised money to renovate the for anyone celebrating a techniques and safety. More musical entertainment 21st birthday. (FYI: Anyone Brynildsen points out. “We take There are no paper programs, aging building. The theatre “We have a very, very safe is available throughout st axe throwing to another level.” masks are required of all reopened in 2011 as a live celebrating a 21 birthday environment and it’s well the region. This trendy new Axe Throwing are encouraged to bring in RIVERBEND AXE theater goers and no more music venue and theatre for at Fast Eddie’s receives a monitored,” Brynildsen says. Bar, located in the recently their own food, or order from THROWING HOURS than four people at a time are classic movies. commemorative t-shirt!) “You have to have a natural renovated Eastgate Plaza, nearby restaurants for delivery. allowed in rest rooms. respect for the axe because these Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Shows at the Wildey this fall Art comes to life at area art opened its doors a year ago Drinks, including alcoholic and are real axes and they are sharp.” Friday 5 p.m. to Midnight “Every night our building is and winter feature national galleries which feature work after Brynildsen and his wife, nonalcoholic beverages, are Saturday Noon to Midnight sanitized with a mist and we cover bands including: by local artists. Be sure to Erika, realized axe throwing Axe throwing is a family- available for purchase. The Artimus Pyle Band – friendly activity Brynildsen Sunday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. come in the next day and visit Jacoby Arts Center, had become a popular sport Riverbend Axe Throwing is says. Children ages 10 and up wipe (the theater) down,” a Night of Lynyrd Skynyrd; Good Weather Gallery, across the country and also part of the World Axe Walk in prices: $15 per person can handle the axes and pick Cox notes. No food or The Mersey Beatles; Macoupin Art Collective, wanted to bring this unique Throwing League with league for the first 30 minutes; $25 per up the art of axe throwing drinks will be served Wheels Rollin – a tribute experience to the area. play available on Thursdays person for 60 minutes Lady LaMarsh Gallery & pretty quickly. during intermissions. Find a seat at the intimate to Jason Aldean; Silver Gifts, Edwardsville Arts “I did some axe throwing on a and Sundays. Reserve a 90-minute experience and historic Wildey Theatre Bullet STL; YesSongs – a Each axe throwing lane is 12- To accommodate the Center, and Von Dell business trip and had a blast,” “We are really more of a sports for $35 per person. tribute to Yes and more. feet long and 11 feet wide. Two smaller audience sizes in Edwardsville which Gallery & Studios. Brynildsen remembers. bar/entertainment venue,” For a complete schedule of targets are set up in each lane. For more information: required by state guidelines, features some of the best “Axe throwing is like the new he says. “It’s an aesthetically Each lane can accommodate riverbendaxethrowing.com additional performances live music outside the shows and ticket information: bowling. It’s a physical activity appealing space and really, just where people can socialize and up to 10 people. Guests at have been scheduled. wildeytheatre.com For more entertainment ideas, a cool place to hang out.” have a .” Riverbend Axe Throwing visit: riversandroutes.com 29 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 30 OUR TOWNS • ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES

CITIES AND TOWNS THROUGHOUT THE GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES REGION KNIT THEIR OWN CHARACTER, Proud to call BEAUTY AND CHARM INTO THE FABRIC OF THE AREA. Discover the collection of communities that create a region like no other and come together in the only place in America where the Mother Road meets the Great River Road. The Riverbend Alton Home For nearly 200 years, Alton has been the perfect location for week day and weekend getaways. With the mighty Mississippi River curving along the city’s edge, the community is known as “One of the Most Haunted Small Towns in America.” Waves of history flow through the community which has a storied position in the abolitionist movement and is home to the site where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas argued for their political futures.

EAT Alton has a smorgasbord of SHOP Explore the various antique action, a newly opened Sportsbook dining options for every meal of the shops that make up the city’s Antique and restaurants. World famous Fast day. Sit down to the Hunka Hunka District in downtown Alton. Country Eddie’s Bon Air, an iconic dive bar that Burnin Love French toast concoction Meadows, Tinner’s Anvil Antiques, has cheap food, the coldest beer in with brunch at State Street Market. and the Wilson’s Antiques, are all town and live music every night of the Or fill up on a more Midwestern-style within a stone’s throw of each other. week, is a must stop destination. For a meal at Joe K’s in Upper Alton and GB Check out hand thrown pottery, made great belly laugh, get tickets for a play Grill on Broadway in downtown. For on site at Mississippi Mud Pottery. or musical at Alton Little Theater, the Located in historic, downtown a more eclectic morning meal, visit state’s longest continuously operated Olive Oil Marketplace has oils, coffee Alton, Simmons Hanly Conroy The Post Commons, where coffee beans and cooking utensils. Clothing community theater. and organic food are served in the boutiques in downtown include the is dedicated to our clients From eclectic to historic and re-purposed Post Office building. Two independently owned Rushmore, The STAY everything in between, an overnight and our community. The long-standing restaurants, Castelli’s at Grapevine (for children’s clothing), stay is memorable in Alton. Enjoy a firm has donated millions 255 and Tony’s Restaurant, serve up Mississippi Hippie, and JL & Co. - The hearty family recipe entrees for dinner. luxurious night at the elegant Beall Mercantile. Shop at Alton Square of dollars and countless Tempt your palate with Guac Bites at Mansion, a renovated historic home, Mall for gourmet popcorn, clothing Bluff City Grill and Brown Bag Bistro now an upscale bed and breakfast volunteer hours to charitable and more. has sumptuous , salads inn. Spend the night at Alton Cracker organizations across the and Crab Bisque soup. Soups, salads, Riverboat gaming came to Factory with views of the river and sandwiches and desserts are always PLAY Riverbend area - a place we Alton in the early 1990’s and hasn’t Clark Bridge. Also in the downtown on the menu at My Just Desserts. left. Argosy Casino Alton, docked on district is Tiffany Inn. Enjoy the pool have been proud to call home Authentic Irish fare is available at the riverfront, shows off a riverboat and specials at Best Western Premier Morrison’s Irish Pub. Shogun has for more than 20 years. themed interior, two floors of gaming Alton – St. Louis. and a hibachi grill.

GO: State Street Market • 208 State St. • statestreetmarketofalton.com; Joe K’s • 2530 State St. • joeksrestaurant.com; G-B Grill • 1858 E. Broadway; The Post Commons • 300 Alby St. • postcommons.com; Castelli’s at 255 • 3400 Fosterburg Rd. • castellis255.com; Tony’s Restaurant We stand for our clients. • 102 W. 9th St. • tonysrestaurant.com; Bluff City Grill • 424 E. Broadway • bluffcitygrillalton.com; Brown Bag Bistro • 318 E. Broadway; (618) 259-2222 simmonsfirm.com My Just Desserts • 31 E. Broadway • myjustdessertsalton.weebly.com; Morrison’s Irish Pub, 200 State St. • morrisonsirishpub.com; Shogun Steak House • 2723 Corner Ct. • shogunsteakhousealton.com; Country Meadows • 401 E. Broadway; Tinner’s Anvil Antiques • 211 Langdon St.; Wilson’s Antiques • 217 E. Broadway; Mississippi Mud Pottery • 310 E. Broadway • mississippimudpottery.com; Olive Oil Marketplace • 108 W. 3rd St. • oliveoilmarketplace.com; Rushmore • 11 E. Broadway • shoprushmore.com; The Grapevine • 2 W. Broadway • thegrapevineofalton.weebly.com; Mississippi Hippie • 301 E. Broadway • itsrainingzen.com; JL & Co The Mercantile • 300 E. Broadway; Alton Square Mall • 200 Alton Square • shopaltonsquare.com; Argosy Casino Alton • 1 Piasa St. • argosyalton.com; Fast Alton Chicago Los Angeles New York San Francisco St. Louis Eddie’s Bon Air • 1530 E. 4th St. • fasteddiesbonair.com; Alton Little Theater • 2450 N. Henry St. • altonlittletheater.org; Beall Mansion • 407 E. 12 St. • beallmansion.com; Alton Cracker Factory • 205 E. Broadway • altoncrackerfactory.com • Tiffany Inn • 410 E. Broadway • One Court Street | Alton, Illinois | 62002 | 618-259-2222 | simmonsfirm.com altonartglass.com/tiffanyinn; Best Western Premier • 3559 College Ave. • bwpremieralton.com

31 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 32 ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES Plan your summer fun now!

EAT A visit to the city isn’t complete SHOP Stroll through Uptown Collinsville without first stopping at Kruta’s Collinsville and wow your tastebuds Bakery for pastries, donuts, Danishes with Code 3 Spices, the place to go for World famous for its 170-foot tall and more. The 100-year-old family grilling spices and utensils. A portion operated bakery still uses some of the of each sale goes to first responders water tower shaped like a catsup original recipes founder Frank Kruta and military non-profits. Get retro at bottle, Collinsville is also known brought with him when he emigrated Rich’s Record Emporium where real as the horseradish capital of the from Eastern Europe. Centuries old vinyl records are sold. Spirito’s Italian world. Located just minutes from recipes are cooked up at Ramon’s Grocery Store is a nod to the city’s www.collinsvilleaquapark.com • (618) 346-4571 Italian heritage with some great Downtown St. Louis, three national El Dorado Restaurant which has been a staple to the culinary scene Italian food. 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL and historic highways converge in the for over 50 years. Casual American city – The National Highway, Route fried chicken is part of Ravanelli’s PLAY Live horse racing takes place 66 and the Great River Road. Home charm. Pair a plate of chicken with every Tuesday and Saturday through early September at Fairmount Park. to the only World Heritage site in pasta and a loaf of bread and garlic The mile long racetrack is the state’s the Great Lakes region of the U.S. – butter. Uptown Collinsville is home to Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, only live thoroughbred track outside Cahokia Mounds – the city has a rich Chicago. Off track betting is available which is housed in a former newspaper every day at the track. Tour the historic heritage, a world class convention building. Quench your thirst with a D.D. Collins House, visit Willoughby center and a thriving culinary scene. pint of Printer’s Ink, Proofreader Pale Willoughby Farm Heritage Farms featuring a 1940’s Ale or check out the line of house farmhouse, or bowl a few frames at distilled rum, gin, agave and vodka. Camelot Bowl. and Conservation Reserve Sloan’s Pub House, Mungos Italian Eatery, Who Dat’s, Friday’s South, STAY After a day exploring Collins- The Shop and Bert’s ville, complete your road trip with an Chuckwagon are also delicious overnight adventure at Collinsville dining options in the city’s Uptown hotels. Take a break at the Doubletree District. For a relaxed, upscale dining by Hilton or recently renovated Drury experience, visit Porter’s Steakhouse. Inn. A total of eight different hotels are conveniently located near two interstate highways and just minutes from downtown St. Louis.

GO: Kruta Bakery • 300 St. Louis Rd. • krutabakery.com; Ramon’s El Dorado Restaurant • 1711 St. Louis Rd. • ramonseldorado.com; Host a Private Event Ravanelli’s • 26 Collinsport Dr. • ravanellis.com; Old Herald Brewery & Distillery • 115 E. Clay St. • oldheraldbrewing.com; Sloan’s Pub House • 119 W. Main St. • sloanspubhouse.com; Mungo’s Italian Eatery • 100 E. Main St. • mungosrestaurant. Visit the Animals ~ Hike the Trails com; Who Dat’s • 118 E. Main St. • whodatsrestaurant.com; Friday’s South Bar & Grill • 106 E. Main St. • fridayssouth.com; The Sandwich Shop Diner • 216 W. Main St; Bert’s Chuckwagon • 101 E. Main St.; Porter’s Steahhouse • 1000 Eastport Plaza Educational Programs • porterscollinville.com • Code 3 Spices • 302 E. Main St. • code3spices.com; Rich’s Record Emporium • 131 W. Main St. • richsrecordemporium.com; Spirito’s Italian Grocery • 228 W. Main St.; Fairmount Park • 9301 Collinsville Rd. • fairmountpark. www.willoughbyfarm.org • (618) 977-0941 com; D.D. Collins House • 703 W. Main St. • friendsoftheddcollinshouse.org; Willoughby Heritage Farm • 631 Willoughby Ln. • willoughbyfarm.org; Camelot Bowl • 801 Beltline Rd. • camelotbowl.net ; Doubletree by Hilton • 1000 Eastport Plaza Dr. • PARKS & RECREATION 631 Willoughby Lane, Collinsville, IL Hilton.com; Drury Inn • 602 N. Bluff Rd. • druryhotels.com

33 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 34 ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES

on the agenda at the Edwardsville 222 Artisan Bakery & Café • 222 N. Main St. • 222artisanbakery.com; YMCA Meyer Center. Make it a movie GO: Sacred Grounds Café • 233 N. Main St. • A Little Taste of Heaven Bakery • 219 day or night at the AMC Edwardsville Hillsboro Ave. • heavenbakery.com; Goshen Coffee Cafè • 6120 Shoger Dr. Suite 12 to see newly released films. The A • goshencoffee.com; Cleveland-Heath • 106 N. Main St. • clevelandheath. Edwardsville Children’s Museum com; Chava’s Mexican Restaurant • 217 E. Vandalia St. • chavasmexican. has fun for kids of all ages. For history com; 1818 Chophouse • 210 S. Buchanan St. • 1818chophouse.com; Peel buffs, tour the 1820 Col. Benjamin Wood Fired • 921 S. Arbor Vitae • peelpizza.com; Mike Shannon’s Grill Stephenson House and step back in • 871 S. Arbor Vitae Dr.; mikeshannonsgrill.com; Doc’s Smokehouse • 6108 history to simpler times. Shoger Dr., Suite D • docssmokehouse.com; Gingham Buffalo • 500 N. Main St. • theginghambuffalo.com; Water Sweets Soap Company • 6108 Shoger STAY Plan an overnight stay Dr., Suite C • watersweetssoap.com; What to Wear • 921 S. Arbor Vitae; Seams in Edwardsville and choose from for the Soul Boutique • 216 S. Buchanan St. • seams4thesoul.com; Good several hotels located near shopping Sports Cards & Memorabilia • 1990 Troy Rd., #C; Four Muddy Paws • 2127 S. and dining. The newly opened State Rt. 157 • fourmuddypaws.com; Whisker Bones Supply Co. • 138 N. Main TownePlace Suites by Marriott offers St. • whiskerbones.com; Chef’s Shoppe • 2320 Troy Rd. • chefsshoppe.com; Edwardsville extended stay options. The Comfort Wildey Theatre • 252 N. Main St. • wildeytheatre.com; Edison’s Entertainment Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Complex • 2477 S. State Rt. 157 • edisonsfun.com; YMCA Meyer Center • 7348 and Country Hearth Inn & Suites Goshen Rd. • edwardsvilleymca.com; AMC Edwardsville 12 • 6633 Center Grove Rd. • amctheatres.com; Edwardsville Children’s Museum • 722 Holyoake Rd. Edwardsville is one of the fastest provide relaxing overnight options. EAT Edwardsville is known for its SHOP Load up on great buys at the • edwardsvillechildrensmuseum.org • 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson growing communities outside St. abundance of great restaurants. locally owned and operated stores that House • 409 S. Buchanan St. • stephensonhouse.org; TownePlace Suites by Louis but retains its small town Take a walk down Main Street, home dot the city’s streets and shopping Marriott • 6101 Center Grove Rd. • Marriott.com; Comfort Inn • 3080 State Rt. 157 • to the cozy 222 Artisan Bakery & districts. The Gingham Buffalo has choicehotels.com; Holiday Inn Express & Suites • 1000 Plummer Dr. • ihg.com; charm and accessibility. The city Café where the coffee is fresh and gifts, home furnishings and more. Country Hearth Inn & Suites • 1013 Plummer Dr. • stayinns.com is the third oldest in Illinois and pastries, quiche and oatmeal are Water Sweets Soap Company makes produced four state governors over made in-house daily. Nearby, Sacred handmade soaps and bath bombs. Grounds Café serves up a vegetarian Visit Seams for the Soul Boutique the years. A thriving downtown breakfast, lunch, and specialty coffees and What to Wear for trendy clothing. district accents the city’s place in a setting filled with For the sports enthusiast, Good Sports on Route 66 and its burgeoning local art. Tucked away in downtown, Cards and Memorabilia is a good A Little Taste of Heaven, a family bet. Four Muddy Paws and Whisker culinary reputation. Edwardsville owned bakery, is a little like walking Bones Supply Co., have everything is also home to Southern Illinois into Grandma’s kitchen. Smell the a four-legged pal could want. Be sure University Edwardsville and the coffee brewing and grab a cup at to stop at Chef 's Shoppe to fill up on wildly popular Land of Goshen Goshen Coffee Cafè new order-in gourmet popcorn, specialty foods and spot. Cleveland-Heath takes comfort kitchen supplies. Market held every Saturday on city food to an entirely new level with streets through October. Don’t miss its Japanese Pancake appetizer and PLAY Some of the best live music the city’s annual Halloween Parade tender pork porterhouse. Chava’s in the city can be found at the Mexican Restaurant brings a taste Wildey Theatre every weekend. The on, you guessed it, Halloween! of Guadalajara to the Midwest. revamped opera house is now home Dine outdoors at 1818 Chophouse to top notch national and regional for lunch or dinner. Original pizza bands. A $2 Tuesday movie night and creations paired with its own craft community events fill in the rest of beer sets Peel Wood Fired Pizza the venue’s calendar. For more active apart. Mike Shannon’s Grill offers entertainment, journey to Edison’s Visit Campus progressive American food and check Entertainment Complex which has out Doc’s Smokehouse for down-to- 12 bowling lanes, a laser tag arena and Stop by to explore our beautiful campus with miles of scenic trails, rolling hills and earth mouthwatering BBQ. game arcade and the newly opened lakes. Schedule a tour with the Office of Admissions to learn more about our adult-only venue ‘The Outlet’. Rock climbing, roller skating and more are top-ranked academic programs and student life.

siue.edu/visit

35 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 36 ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES EAT Espresso Yourself in the city SHOP Explore the richly decorated Jerseyville with a stop at the aptly named bakery Lula Bells shop filled with gifts, home for muffins and classic cinnamon rolls. décor and more. Primitive and country Surrounded by farms, prairie and Be sure to try the Rolls with a side home decorations fill the walls at woodlands, Jerseyville has the of salsa and sour cream. Stop in at Big Beyond the Backyard Gate. A true distinction of being the largest Boys Donuts for more sweet delights. picker’s delight, State Street Antiques city in Jersey County and is home Good times are brewing at George’s & Jim’s Attic is the go-to shop for to the annual Jersey County Local Brew. Known for its cold beer antiques and collectibles. Outdoor Fair celebrating life in the rural and cocktails, the restaurant serves enthusiasts can browse through community. The historic Cheney up sandwiches and classic thin crust Outrageous Outdoors for a wide Mansion and nearby Fulkerson pizza. Everything is handmade at the variety of hunting gear and more. Mansion, rich with Underground 1880 Pizza Pasta House. Enjoy salads and paninis in addition to domestic PLAY History lovers delight in Railroad History, and even a bit and imported wines and beers. DJ’s visiting the historic Cheney Mansion of ghostly activity, keep the city’s Pub & Grill has daily lunch and drink built in 1827 and once a ‘station’ on the history alive. A vibrant downtown specials. Stop by Brossio Tavern and Underground Railroad. Historical tours district provides shopping and sample their juicy burgers and beer on and paranormal investigations are held dining options. The stately a second floor outdoor patio. throughout the year. Pre-arranged Romanesque Revival-style county tours are available at the historic courthouse sits at the crossroads of Fulkerson Mansion. Take a walk and the city’s main highways. enjoy a picnic at the Wock Family Lake and Walking Trail. Family-fun is Glen Carbon waiting at Tri County Bowl.

Rich dark coal veins weaving EAT Take a break while exploring PLAY Leap in to fun at Altitude GO: Espresso Yourself Bakery • 410 W. Carpenter; Big Boys Donuts • 933 S. State St.; George’s Local Brew • 205 S. State St. • underneath this community gave Glen Carbon’s noteworthy past at Trampoline Park with wall-to-wall georgeslocalbrew.com; 1880 Pizza Pasta House • 208-210 S. State St. • 1880-pizza-pasta-house.business.site; DJ’s Pub this village its name. Glen means the Wooden Nickel Pub and Grill. trampolines. Thousands of square & Grill • 117 W. Prairie St.; Brossio Tavern • 111 S. State St. • brossio.com; Lula Bells • 519 S. State St.; Beyond the Backyard Handcrafted woodwork and oak floors feet of bouncing fun include Extreme ‘village’ in Welsh and ‘Carbon’ Gate • 301 N. State St.; State Street Antiques & Jim’s Attic • 115 N. State St.; Outrageous Outdoors • 902 S. State St. • carry over the “rustic” past theme. Stop Dodgeball, Trampoline Basketball, a outrageousoutdoors.com; Cheney Mansion • 601 N. State St. • cheneymansion.net; Fulkerson Mansion • 25007 U.S. refers to coal. Now considered in for a quick drink at the Old Towne Foam Pit and more. Hone your axe Highway 67 • Wock Family Lake & Walking Trail • 205 June St. • Tri County Bowl • 207 Krause Dr. • tricountybowl.com “One of the Best Places to Live in Tavern, which has been serving throwing skills at The Axe Company. the U.S.”, Glen Carbon sits on the the community since 1890. Enjoy History buffs enjoy a visit to the Glen smoked meats, paninis, salads, sides Carbon Heritage Museum and edge of major interstate highways and hoagie and some great Yanda Log Cabin which bring the and has easy access to St. Louis. munchies including Bacon Fat Popcorn past to life. A replica covered bridge welcomes which complements the selection of wines, specialty cocktails and rotating STAY Spend the night at Hampton drivers to the downtown district menu of seasonal craft beers at The Inn & Suites, conveniently located and the historic Yanda Log Cabin, Cabin at Judy Creek. Be sure to stop near with easy access located on Main Street, brings by the Weeping Willow Tea Room for to St. Louis. a hearty soup, sandwich or salad. pioneer life front and center. Be sure to visit the Glen Carbon Heritage SHOP Gently used women’s Museum and take a walk, or bike fashions line the racks at Karma on Main in downtown Glen Carbon. Pick ride, on the miles of paved trails up a piece of unfinished pottery at curving throughout the village. Pottery Hollow Painting & More and paint it on site. Planning a party? Check out the party décor at To Do’s.

GO: Wooden Nickel Pub and Grill • 171 S. Main St. • woodennickelpubandgrill.com; Old Towne Tavern • 155 S. Main St.; The Cabin at Judy Creek • 3730 S. State Rt. 157 • thecabinatjudycreek.net; Weeping Willow Tea Room • 123 Glen Crossing Rd. • weepingwillowtearoom.com; Karma on Main • 164 S. Main St.; Pottery Hollow Painting & More • 23 Junction Dr. • potteryhollow.com; To Do’s • 4215 S. State Rt. 159; to-dos.com; Altitude Trampoline Park • 91 Fountain Dr. • altitudeglencarbon.com; The Axe Company • 20 B Kettle River Dr. • theaxecoedw.com; Glen Carbon Heritage Museum • 124 School St. • glen-carbon.il.us; Yanda Log Cabin • 148 S. Main St. • glen-carbon.il.us; Hampton Inn & Suites • 5723 Heritage Crossing Dr. • Hilton.com

37 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 38 ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES

Godfrey

Scenic views, rolling hills and CANCER. EAT Start your day at the only SHOP Browse shelf after shelf of abundant nature trails are just Mister Donut shop still operating antique glass at My Antique Store. under its original name (think Dunkin’ Specializing in glass, and a few of the charms found in Donuts now) and snag a cup of coffee flatware, there is also small furniture, It’s personal. Godfrey, which roams from the and an original gooey glazed donut. art and pottery available. Dresses, banks of the Mississippi River to For anyone looking for pancakes at shawls, jewelry along with scarves, noon, Clifton Country Inn & Bake handbags, home décor and more fill To learn more, visit osfhealthcare.org/cancercare. the prairie of southwest Illinois. Shop serves breakfast all day. Shop the rooms of Josephine’s Tea Room Named in honor of Capt. Benjamin and dine at the highly regarded and Gift Shops. Discover discount Josephine’s Tea Room & Gift Shops. name brand clothing at the Godfrey, a native New Englander The elegant restaurant serves lunch Factory Connection. who settled in the village, the in a historic mansion with landscaped community boasts dozens of gardens. Don’t forget dessert! Hickory PLAY Stroll through the Monticello smoked hand pulled pork is just Sculpture Gardens at Lewis & Clark shops, restaurants and tea one of the regular menu choices at Community College. Self-guided rooms. The village is also home Carver’s Southern-Style BBQ. The tours are available of the grounds food consistently wins Best BBQ which have been designated by to Lewis & Clark Community competitions. Farm-to-table quality the Missouri Botanical Gardens as a College, originally founded as the paired with Midwestern comfort food Signature Garden. Discover trails and Monticello Seminary for Women. highlights the menu at Bakers & paths through a diverse landscape Hale. Lunch, dinner, brunch and kids including hardwood forests, prairies menus on tap. For a quick meal or to and wetlands at The Nature Institute. YOU CAN SEE YOUR stock up for a planned picnic, stop in Be sure to stop by Glazebrook Park, at Godfrey Meat Market. Watch your a 120-acre area with two ponds, FUTURE FROM HERE favorite team and game at Roper’s playgrounds and three miles of Regal Beagle, a relaxed sports pub walking trails. In the fall, get lost in the and grill. Be sure to stop at Shivers Great Godfrey Maze. Frozen Custard for a cool treat.

GO: Mister Donut • 2720 Grovelin, Ste. A • mister-donut.com; Clifton Country Inn & Bake Shop • 3015 W. Delmar Ave.; Josephine’s Tea Room & Gift Shop • 6109 Godfrey Rd. • josephinesltd.online; Carver’s Southern-Style BBQ • 2716 Grovelin St.; Bakers & Hale • 7120 Montclaire Ave. • bakershale.com; Godfrey Meat Market • 6017 Godfrey Rd. • godfreymeatmarket.com; Roper’s Regal Beagle • 3043 Godfrey Rd. • ropersregalbeagle.com; Shivers Frozen Custard • 3318 Godfrey Rd. • shiversfc.com; My Antique Store • 1007 W. Delmar Ave. • myantiquestore.com; Factory Connection • 5735 Godfrey Rd. • factory-connection.com; Monticello Sculpture Gardens • 5800 Godfrey Rd. • lc.edu; The Nature Institute • 2213 S. Levis Ln. • thenatureinstitute.org; Robert E. www.godfreyil.org l (618) 466-3324 l Glazebrook Community Park • 1401 Stamper Ln. • godfreyil.org; Great Godfrey Maze • 1401 Stamper Ln. • godfreyil.org

39 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 40 ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES

ILLINOIS

Grafton

Breathtaking views of the EAT Embrace the river themes in Enjoy southwestern art and more at confluence of the Illinois and Grafton by dining out in an aquarium Pajarito. For a memento of your trip to Grafton, step inside River Bank Gifts. Mississippi rivers are just part of restaurant at Fin Inn where the fish and turtles join diners at tableside And, of course, the Grafton Riverside Grafton’s charm. Ride to the top of aquariums. Both O’Jan’s Fish Stand Flea Market, held the last weekend of the month through October, is a the river bluffs on the new SkyTour, and Beasley’s Fish are no frills outdoor food stands serving up fresh picker’s paradise. a gondola and open air chair lift, fried fish. Sit beside the Mississippi then sip a glass of wine while River and enjoy a drink and Dock PLAY Glide along the Mississippi EAt shop PLAY STAY and Illinois rivers on the 49-passenger drinking in the views from 300-feet Salsa at The Loading Dock. Enjoy award winning local wines along with Hakuna Matata excursion boat. Take high. New shopping and dining refreshing lunch and dinner entrees at your adventure to the next level with Grafton SkyTour. Then explore the opportunities dot the riverfront Grafton Winery & Brewhaus or travel to the top of the river bluffs and enjoy tree canopy on the river bluffs with community’s Main Street. Spend the views at The Winery at Aerie’s Grafton Zipline Adventures. During the night in a variety of guest Resort. Good old fashioned colder months, indoor ice skating at The Loading Dock Ice Rink provides houses and bed and breakfast inns is on the menu at the Hawg Pit BBQ Barn. Be entertained by the décor and winter fun. and walk the streets outlaw Jesse live music at the 3rd Chute Bar & Grill. STAY Make it a weekend getaway James reportedly wandered. Cajun food is served up at the Grafton Oyster Bar. with a stay at Tara Point Inn & Cottages high above Grafton on the SHOP Stroll down Grafton’s Main river bluffs. Scenic views and a relaxed Street and stop in at Harrison’s Gifts setting are always in season. More for whimsical décor and more. New to than 34 local guest houses scattered You and Treasures Past & Present are throughout the city provide casual the places to go for antique hunters. getaway experiences. For a complete list GO: Fin Inn • 1500 W. Main St. • fininn.com; O’Jan’s Fish Stand • 101 W. Main St.; Beasley Fish Stand • 1512 W. Main St. • beasleyfish.com; of events and The Loading Dock • 401 Front St. • graftonloadingdock.com; Grafton Winery & Brewhaus • 300 W. Main St. • thegraftonwinery. com; The Winery at Aerie’s Resort • 600 Timber Ridge Dr. • aeriesview.com; Hawg Pit BBQ Barn • 821 W. Main St. • thehawgpit. adventures visit com; 3rd Chute Bar & Grill • 220 W. Main St. • 3rdchute.com; Grafton Oyster Bar • 215 W. Water St. • graftonoysterbar.com; Harrison’s Gifts • 224 E. Main St.; New To You • 315 E. Main St.; Treasures Past & Present • 1504 W. Main St.; River Bank Gifts • 225 E. Main St. ; Grafton Riverside Flea Market • 400 Front St. • graftonloadingdock.com; Hakuna Matata • 215 W. Water St. • graftonharbor.com; Grafton SkyTour/Grafton Zipline Adevntures • 3 W. Clinton • aeriesview.com; The Loading Dock Ice Rink • 401 E. Front St. • graftonloadingdock.com; Tara Point Inn & Cottages • 1 Tara Point Dr. • tarapoint.com EnjoyGrafton.com GraftonIlChamber.com

41 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 42 ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES Escape to

Est. 1853

*

Elsah

Massive limestone bluffs cradle SHOP Step back into a simpler STAY Enjoy a peaceful overnight the Village of Elsah, located in a time with a leisurely walk through stay in Elsah. Homemade breakfasts the picturesque village. Be sure to and afternoon snacks are on tap at the small valley along the Mississippi stop at the Elsah General Store Green Tree Inn of Elsah, a bed and River and the Great River Road. and pick up a bottle of vintage soda, breakfast inn. Check out Maple Leaf As historic as it is picturesque, the old-fashioned candy, local honey, Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast for a pottery and more. Peace Works – A relaxing stay, also located in the heart entire village has been named to Market With a Mission is stocked of the village. the National Registry of Historic entirely with fair trade goods where each item has a mission and a portion Places. Settled in the mid-1800’s, of the purchase price is donated to SHOP STAY all of the original homes were charitable organizations. Merchant on Elsah General Store Green Tree Inn built out of limestone quarried Mill has quaint gift items and cottage inspired vintage home décor. Boho, Bed & Breakfast from a nearby site. The village is Jeremiah's peasant luxury and festival fashions Maple Leaf often referred to as the “village are available at The Look Factory. Resale Shop Cottage Inn where time stood still.” Quaint bed The Look Factory PLAY Take a bike ride through Bed & Breakfast and breakfast inns and shopping the streets of historic Elsah. Visit Little Barn Floral The perfect destination for: complete a day spent in the village. TreeHouse Wildlife Center for an Cottage in the Woods up close look at animals native to the Design and Weddings, Family Reunions, region. Wander through the Village of Photography Gallery Suite Jane Elsah Museum for a look into the past. Relaxing Getaways, Elsah Galleries Scenic Retreats Elsah River House Peace Works “A Market with a Mission” * Statewide vote by the Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the State Journal Register

GO: Elsah General Store • 22 LaSalle St. • elsahgeneralstore.com; Peace Works – A Market With A Mission • 7 Mill St.; Merchant on Mill • 47 Mill St.; The Look Factory • 43 Mill St. • shopthelookfactory.com; TreeHouse Wildlife Center • escapetoelsah.com 23956 Green Acres Rd. • treehousewildlifecenter.com; Village of Elsah Museum • 26 LaSalle St. • escapetoelsah.com; Green Tree Inn of Elsah • 15 Mill St. • greentreeinnelsah.com; Maple Leaf Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast • /Elsah – A Step Back in Time – Village in Illinois 12 Selma St. • mapleleafcottageinn.com

43 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 44 ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES

Calhoun County Carrollton

Striking natural beauty and EAT Brussels: The historic PLAY Brussels: Eagles, American Rolling hills and farmland EAT Enjoy a cup of coffee during lush farmlands blend together in Wittmond Hotel is home to all-you- White Pelicans and more call the Two surround Carrollton, the county the day and wine and spirits in the can-eat, family-style meals. Fried Rivers National Wildlife Refuge evening at Copper Stills & Mash. A Calhoun County which is bordered seat of Greene County and home chicken, fried catfish, burgers and home. Make a stop at the Historic limited food menu is also available to the historic Courthouse Square. on the west by the Mississippi River roast beef are on the menu at AJ’s Brussels Jail, originally called a and live music is on tap just about The courthouse is a limestone and on the east by the Illinois Bar & Grill. Hardin: Dine on a catfish “calaboose” where inmates at one every Saturday night. Authentic flavors sandwich or filet at the iconic Illinois time had to sleep standing up. Check Romanesque-Revival building built and ingredients make the pizza’s at River. The location between the Riverdock Restaurant, located on in to the Calhoun Visitor Center in the late 1800’s and occupies an Alfonso’s memorable. For more rivers gives the peninsula county a the banks of its namesake. Go to the for maps and information. Hardin: entire city block. The courthouse casual tastes, check out the Dairy Straight Home Bar & Grill for tasty Browse through the Calhoun County Bar of Carrollton for local ice desirable micro-climate perfect for and surrounding 12-block business meals and cold drinks. Pick up a burger Historical Society Museum. Take a cream and sandwiches. growing peaches, apples and and fries at the Hardin Drive In. ride across the Joe Page Bridge, one district is listed on the National other produce. Picturesque barn Batchtown: The Old Fill Inn of the few lift bridges left on the Illinois Register of Historic Places. STAY Spend the night at the Station has a diner atmosphere River. Kampsville: The Center for Farmhouse Loft, located in the heart Carrollton sits in the middle of quilts adorn the sides and fronts of attached to a bar. American Archeology provides a look of downtown Carrollton. The guest rural buildings. Migrating at the prehistoric history of the region. Greene County on State Highway house is near dining and the historic SHOP Brussels: Visit the wide 108. Greene County is bordered on county courthouse. birds make the county a bird variety of orchards and roadside the west by the Illinois River. Travel watcher’s paradise during the fall. stands for fresh fruits, vegetables and through Greenfield, White Hall American Bald Eagles fly in for the pumpkins including: Hagen Family Orchard, Toppmeyer’s Orchard and and Roodhouse to fully explore the winter months. Odelehr’s Roadside Market; Hardin: county. Don’t miss Greene Field Jacobs Orchard; Golden Eagle: Farms for a great family Eberlin’s Orchard and farm experience. Jacobs Orchard.

GO: EAT – Brussels: Wittmond Restaurant • 108 Main St. • AJ’s Bar & Grill • 124 W. Main St. Hardin: Illinois Riverdock Restaurant • GO: Copper Stills & Mash • 430 N. Main St.; Alfonso’s • 514 N. Main St. • alfonsospizza.biz; Dairy Bar of Carrollton 501 S. Park St. • ilriverdock.com; Straight Home Bar & Grill • 633 State Highway 100; Hardin Drive In • 207 N. Park St. Batchtown: • 334 5th St. • dairybarcarrollton; Farmhouse Loft • 506 N. Main St. • fhloft.com; Greene Fields Farm Old Fill Inn Station • 208 N. Main St. SHOP – Brussels: Hagen Family Orchard • 3879 Illinois River Rd.; Toppmeyer’s Orchard • • 311 Daum Station Rd. • greenefieldsfarm.com 480 Meyer Ln.; Odelehr’s Roadside Market • 7127 Illinois River Rd.; Golden Eagle: Eberlin’s Orchard • 1218 Two Story Hill; Jacobs Orchard • 148 Ridge Rd.; PLAY – Brussels: Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge • 364 Wildlife Conservation Rd. • fws.gov/refuge/ two_rivers; Historic Brussels Jail • 131 E. Main St.; Calhoun Visitors Center • 133 E. Main St.; Hardin: Calhoun County Historical Society Museum • 204 N. County Rd.; Joe Page Bridge • Rt. 100; Kampsville: Center for American Archeology • 101 N. Broadway • caa-archeology.org

45 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 46 ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES

Litchfield Hillsboro

EAT Take a break from driving The sign says Sweet Addictions Take a walk down Main down the Mother Road at the historic EAT SHOP and Street Eats, but burgers are on Street in Hillsboro and browse Ariston Café. Known for its neon the menu along with the refreshing through Nzuri Boutique, a women’s signage and huge menu, it is believed taste of hand dipped ice cream, clothing store that supports global to be the oldest café on Route 66 concretes and more. The Cozy Café non-profits. Upscale meets upcycling today. The Ariston is also listed on the is just that, cozy and welcoming. at Refinery Vintage Goods where National Register of Historic Places. Famous for its Sweet & Sour Chicken, a mix of interesting home décor Don’t miss dessert and luscious baked it’s the secret recipe egg rolls and chili lines the shelves. Gold Pan Records goods at Jubelt’s Bakery, located a that brings customers back for more. & Recording Studio is a haven hop-skip-and-a-jump from the Ariston. Authentic Italian delicacies are on for record collectors featuring Casual homestyle food is on the menu the menu at Gianni’s Pizza & Italian carefully curated vinyl. Herbal teas, at Tosi’s Route 66 Café. Ristorante. Enjoy the pub atmosphere supplements and more are available at Half Time Bar & Grill with cold at Sage on Sage. And of course, SHOP Explore historic downtown drinks, appetizers and more. Be sure The Holiday Shop is the perfect Litchfield which is chock full of antique the day on the beach, kayak, hike and to stop in at Black Rabbit Coffee year round place to get your shops, home décor boutiques and bike at Lake Lou Yaeger. Explore Hillsboro, located in Montgomery Roasters where the brew is freshly seasonal decorations. more. The perfect antique awaits the Shoal Creek Conservation Area History and heritage mingle ground and the flavors one-of-a-kind. at Phyllbena’s Antiques. Nana’s with a camera at this home to over County, offers a relaxed retreat in Litchfield which sits right on Don’t miss The Opera House The Orpheum Movie Theater Hidden Attic and the Litchfield 700 species of plants, 70 kinds of PLAY from the hustle and bustle of larger Brewing Company for a cold, in downtown Hillsboro not only brings the Mother Road of Route 66 in Indoor Flea Market also yield up butterflies and 74 different species of cities. Abraham Lincoln spent time first run movies to the big screen, it treasures to the careful shopper. birds. The Pickers Market takes over locally crafted beer. southwest Illinois. The city is also makes movie night an experience. Motor cycle enthusiasts should make the streets of downtown Litchfield here as a young circuit lawyer and Walk through a lobby of sand and known for its outdoor recreation Niehaus Cycle Sales a must stop. the second Sunday of each month May through October. the downtown district, highlighted pretend Aladdin has come to life. Life- opportunities at Lake Lou Yaeger, sized zebras and more decorate the PLAY Spend an evening enjoying by a historic courthouse, is a its don’t miss monthly Pickers lobby during a showing of The Lion a great movie complete with popcorn STAY Spend the night along Route vibrant, blossoming spot anchored King. Knisley’s Hillsboro Bowl has Markets, turn-of-the century and a soda at the Sky View Drive-In 66 in Litchfield. Six hotels in the city by a craft brewery, coffee shop and open bowling daily in a family-friendly Theater, the last original operating including Hampton Inn and Holiday architecture and Mother Road atmosphere. Take a stroll through the drive in on Route 66 in Illinois. Visit Inn Express & Suites offer relaxing quirky movie theater. H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary and memories of neon, roadside diners the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 getaway opportunities. Hotels are located just off Interstate 55 and on reconnect with nature. and drive-in theaters. The city is Welcome Center for a look at Mother Road memorabilia and a dive into the the Mother Road. located 60 miles north of St. Louis city’s rich history. Enjoy a picnic, spend and is adjacent to Interstate 55.

GO: Ariston Café • 413 Old Route 66 N. • ariston-café. com; Jubelt’s Bakery • 303 N. Old Route 66 • jubelts. GO: Sweet Addictions and Street Eats • 400 S. Main St. • com; Tosi’s Route 66 Café • 318 S. Old Route 66; yoursweetaddictions.com.; Cozy Café • 633 S. Main Visit Phyllbena’s Antiques • 623 N. State St. • phyllbenas. St.; Gianni’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante • 1233 Vandalia business.site; Nana’s Hidden Attic • 18395 W. Rd. • giannisitalianpizza.com; Half Time Bar & Grill Frontage Rd.; Litchfield Indoor Flea Market • 120 W. • 206 S. Main St.; Black Rabbit Coffee Roasters • 313 Union Ave.; Niehaus Cycle Sales • 718 Old Route 66 N. • S. Main St. • blackrabbitcoffee.com ; Opera House Litchfield niehauscycle.com; Sky View Drive-In Theater • 1500 Brewing Company • 405 S. Main St.; Nzuri Boutique • Litchfield Old Route 66 N. • litchfieldskyview.com; Litchfield 305 S. Main St.; The Refinery Vintage Goods • 107 Tilson Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center • 334 Historic Place; Gold Pan Records & Recording Studio • 309 S. Old Route 66 • litchfieldmuseum.org; Lake Lou Main St.; Sage on Sage • 509 S. Main St.; The Holiday Yaeger • 4313 Beach House Trail • visitlitchfield.com; Shop • 304 S. Main St. • the-holiday-shop-gift-shop. Shoal Creek Conservation Area • 1177 Yaegerlake Trail • business.site; Orpheum Theatre • 316 S. Main St. • visitlitchfield.com; Pickers Market • downtown streets bestmoviedeal.com; Knisley’s Hillsboro Bowl • 217 N. Get Your Kicks! • visitlitchfield.com • Hampton Inn • 11 Thunderbird Main St.; H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary • 194 Bremer STAY ON ROUTE 66 • 6 HOTELS AND 30 RESTAURANTS Circle • Hilton.com; Holiday Inn Express & Suites • Ln. • bremersanctuary.org 4 Thunderbird Circle • ihg.com VisitLitchfield.com 866-733-5833

47 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 48 ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES

Carlinville East Alton

This rural community is best EAT For more than 100 years, SHOP For those on the hunt for East Alton has a storied past as a EAT Breakfast is the most important SHOP Bargain hunters enjoy known for its historic Sears Homes Taylor’s Mexican Chili Parlor has eclectic antiques and vintage and railway community and industrial meal of the day and First Stop Bake shopping at Pure Bliss Home Décor. been providing top-notch chili, magical finds, stroll through Country Shop is the best place to enjoy Most furniture, décor, rugs and accent neighborhood, built in 1918 to center. Today it is home to a and butter bean soup to Gypsy. More antiques, upcycled and it. Indulge in sourdough breakfast pieces are up to half off regular retail house coal miners by the Standard diners. Fresh ingredients are key for recycled goods are available at Olde, growing retail and culinary scene paninis, and lox, and of course, prices. Locally owned and operated, Oil Company. And, of course, the Abella’s Restaurant, a family friendly on the city square. Mother Road and celebrates its community French pastries. New to the East Alton the Community Seed and Feed spot serving up breakfast, lunch and Antiques is open seven days a week food scene is J.J. Thermo’s, which store has outdoor lawn ornaments Million Dollar Courthouse, which dinner. Enjoy the rustic atmosphere for shoppers and has antiques of all history in a local city-run museum. features Jalapeno Belly Bombers, and more. Spend the day at Sandi’s was supposed to cost $50,000 to at Crabby’s Supper Club, a family- shapes, sizes and prices. One-of-a- Pickle Fries, Popeye’s Spinach Salad Costumes & Alterations. Shoppers and a host of aptly named sandwiches won’t be able to see everything the construct and ended up totaling friendly spot. Desserts are made kind gifts and souvenirs are available in-house and check out the pies made at Cherry Tree Gifts & Souvenirs. and entrees. For a quick bite, stop in at store has to offer in just one day. $1.3 million (in 1870 dollars). A every weekend by the owner’s mother. Stop in at Whiskey River Dry Goods Magnum’s Bar & Grill. Don’t be put off by the name, Airliner Bar & Grill picturesque downtown square, a boutique specializing in women’s PLAY Lace up a pair of skates and is family-friendly and has lunch and clothing, men’s items, hand painted take to the ice at East Alton Ice Arena. quaint shops and restaurants dinner specials in addition to cocktails clothing and more. The city owned rink has open ice and beer. Super premium small-batch and links to Route 66 provides a skating year round. Axe-perts come ice cream is made in-house at Blue charming welcome to visitors. PLAY Tour the historic Million together at Riverbend Axe Throwing, Ice Creamery. Dollar Courthouse, built at a cost of a bar and lounge that has specially $1.3 million in 1870. It took residents designed axe throwing targets, pool more than 40 years to pay off the tables, big screen TV’s and more. If construction costs. The building is a it’s movie and popcorn time, head working courthouse to this day. to AMC Eastgate 6 for big screen Don’t miss the Cannonball Jail, a entertainment. fortress-style building built with Civil War era cannonballs. It was once a Route 66 stop.

GO: Taylor’s Mexican Chili Parlor • 510 N. Side Sq. • taylorschili.com; Abella’s Restaurant • 127 S. Broad St. • abellasrestaurant. GO: First Stop Bake Shop • 611 E. Airline Dr. • firststopbakeshop.com; J.J. Thermo’s • 17 Eastgate Plaza • jjthermosbarandgrill. com; Crabby’s Supper Club • 18838 Route 4 South; Country Gypsy • 118 N. West St. • country-gypsy.com; OLDE • 254 S. Side com; Magnum’s Bar & Grill • 407 E. Main St.; Airliner Bar & Grill • 573 E. Airline Dr.; Blue Ice Creamery • 127 Eastgate Plaza • Square; Mother Road Antiques • 106 N. Side Square; Cherry Tree Gifts & Souvenirs • 236 E. Side Square • cherrytree236.com; blueicecreamery.com; Pure Bliss Home Décor • 935 E. Airline Dr.; Community Seed and Feed Company • 300 N. Shamrock Whiskey River Dry Goods • 122 E. Side Square • whiskeyriverdrygoodscompany.net; Million Dollar Courthouse • 201 E. St.; Sandi’s Costumes & Alterations • 136 E. St. Louis Ave. • itssewsandi.com; East Alton Ice Arena • 631 Lewis & Clark Blvd. • Main St. • macoupincountyil.gov; Cannonball Jail • 205 E. 1st St. • macoupincountyil.gov. eastaltonicearena.org; Riverbend Axe Throwing • 205 Eastgate Plaza • riverbendaxethrowing.com; AMC Classic Eastgate 6 • 625 Lewis & Clark Blvd. • amctheatres.com

49 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 50 ROAD TRIP WORTHY COMMUNITIES

Troy

Troy has been a crossroads town EAT It may not look like much from STAY Five different hotels offer since it was founded in the early the outside, but Kelly’s Butcher Shop overnight options, all conveniently 1800s. Once the site of the first & Deli is where the locals go for hot located near interstate highways. Stay meals daily. Look for it behind the 4-0 at the Best Western Troy Hotel and stagecoach stop for travelers to and Quick Shop at the intersection of U.S. enjoy room amenities like a wet bar, from St. Louis along the newly 40 and Troy-O’Fallon Road. To satisfy a jetted tubs and suites. Free breakfast created National Road, the vibrant taste for Tex-Mex, check out Terra Sur. bar, indoor pool and fitness center are city now sits at the intersection of For pizza, check out Alfonzo’s Pizzeria part of any stay at the Holiday Inn and Joe’s Pizza and Pasta. Handmade Express. Enjoy a suite complete with Interstates 55 and 70. With both ice cream is the perfect treat available a whirlpool hot tub, mini fridge and small town charm and easy access at City Scoops Creamery. microwave at Red Roof Inn St. Louis to St. Louis (just 18 miles away), – Troy. Complimentary continental PLAY A skateboard park, Frisbee breakfast and a heated indoor the city has developed a growing golf course, lake, over two miles of pool are part of the Super 8 by culinary scene and has a wealth of walking trails and a petting zoo are Wyndham experience. all available at Tri Township Park. overnight options. There is also a radio-controlled vehicle crawler course.

GO: Kelly’s Butcher Shop & Deli • 804 S. Main St. • kellysbutchershopanddeli.com; Terra Sur • 920 Edwardsville Rd. • terrasurtroy.wixsite.com.com; Alfonzo’s Pizzeria • 611 Edwardsville Rd.; Joe’s Pizza and Pasta • 904 Edwardsville Rd. • orderjoes.com; City Scoops Creamery • 300 Edwardsville Rd. #4 • cityscoopscreamery.com; Tri-Township Park • 410 Wickliffe St. • tritownshippark.org; Best Western Troy Hotel, 2020 Formosa Rd. • bestwestern.com; Holiday Inn Express Troy • 2011 Formosa Rd. • ihg.com; Red Roof Inn St. Louis – Troy, 2030 Formosa Rd. • redroof.com; Super 8 by Wyndham • 910 Edwardsville Rd. • wyndhamhotels.com

51 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 52 FEAST ON IT RIVERS ROUTES AND REFRESHMENT TRAIL PAIR YOUR CULINARY ADVENTURES WITH THE NEW RIVERS, ROUTES & REFRESHMENT TRAIL MOBILE PASS. It’s all about the craft experience on this new mobile pass. Sample some of the best craft beers, wines and spirits brewed at local breweries, wineries and distilleries throughout the six CULINARY county Great Rivers & Routes region. Enjoy discounts on food, brews and tours at the eight highlighted locations on the celebrations pass. Check in at four locations and earn a free prize. PICK UP YOUR FORK AND SPOON AND GET READY TO INDULGE YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH GREAT To download your pass and start your craft adventure go to: SANDWICHES, SALADS, SOUPS, STEAKS AND MORE DURING ANNUAL RESTAURANT WEEK DINING Explore.RiversandRoutes.com EVENTS HELD THROUGHOUT THE SIX COUNTY GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES REGION. Locally owned and operated restaurants in participating communities showcase signature dishes at fixed prices highlighting the growing culinary trendiness of the region. Make plans now for a culinary road trip to sample a taste of the region and discover a new favorite dining experience.

ALTON RESTAURANT WEEK 2021

For 10 days in October, the Ed-Glen Prepare to celebrate 10 years of dining Collinsville’s newly minted Restaurant Chamber of Commerce celebrates delights during Alton Restaurant Week, Week returns for its second year Edwardsville’s trendy and growing Jan. 15 – 24, 2021. Traditionally held the Feb. 26 – March 7. Lunch and dinner restaurant scene with SAVOR. The third week of January, this 10-day dining fixed price specials show off the city’s 10-day restaurant week event, set for adventure has repeatedly delighted growing culinary scene. Past participants Oct. 2 -11, features fixed price specials at diners with its large participation of include Mungo’s Italian Eatery, Old participating restaurants. The event is a locally owned and operated restaurants Herald Brewery & Distillery and Sloan’s salute to the restaurateurs, cuisine and and the variety of entrees available. From Pub House among others. secret recipe fried chicken to mouth diners in the city. Enjoy tender smoky wateringly juicy pepperloin steaks and RiversandRoutes.com/restaurants BBQ, hand-tossed wood-fired pizzas, everything in between, for more information. family-recipe Italian dishes, enchiladas area restaurateurs ensure this is a dining and with a Guadalajara flair, and event not to be missed. Restaurants in some of the best sweet potato French Alton, Godfrey, Grafton, East Alton and fries in the area. Bethalto all take part. Fixed price specials For a list of restaurants and are available for lunch and dinner. Be 102 WEST 9TH ST. sure to pick up your commemorative more information, visit DOWNTOWN Restaurant Week glass which features an www.edglenchamber.com/ ALTON, ILLINOIS restaurant-week Alton landmark. Go to AltonRestaurantWeek.com VOTED THE BEST STEAK for more information closer to the event. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11 A.M. – 4 P.M. FRESH DAILY! SOUPS & SALADS SANDWICHES HOMEMADE PIES. 618-462-8384 31 E. BROADWAY, ALTON 618-462-5881 TONYSRESTAURANT.COM WWW.MYJUSTDESSERTS.COM

53 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 54 OLD BAKERY BEER COMPANY STATE STREET MARKET FEAST ON IT 400 Landmarks Blvd. • Alton • (618) 463-1470 208 State St. • Alton • (618) 462-8800 Oldbakerybeer.com Statestreetmarketofalton.com Family-friendly restaurant and bar with Relax in the -inspired outdoor seasonally-rotating sandwiches, salads and courtyard with a soup, salad or made DELIGHTS soups designed to pair with the brewery’s from scratch sandwich or quiche. Stop by dining organic beer. Daily food specials and the for Saturday brunch or lunch and dinner menu has vegan and gluten-free options. throughout the week. MAKE YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP A TRUE DINING ADVENTURE. PERE MARQUETTE THE LOADING DOCK EXPLORE ASIAN, ITALIAN, GREEK, SOUL FOOD, VEGAN, IRISH LODGE RESTAURANT 401 Front St. • Grafton • (618) 786-3494 AND CLASSIC AMERICANA FOUND ALL ALONG ROUTE 66 AND 13653 Lodge Blvd. • Grafton • (618) 786-2331 Graftonloadingdock.com Pmlodge.net THE GREAT RIVER ROAD. GET READY TO DIG IN! Sip your favorite drink, enjoy a serving Famous for its family-style fried chicken of Dock Salsa and let the waters of the dinners, the restaurant which is part of the Mississippi River take your cares away at this historic Pere Marquette Lodge, also has riverfront restaurant/bar. seasonal weekend brunch specials and more. BELLA MILANO MORRISON’S IRISH PUB TONY’S STEAKHOUSE & BAR 1063 S. State Route 157 • Edwardsville 200 State St. • Alton • (618) 433-8900 PORTER’S STEAKHOUSE 102 W. 9th St. • Alton • (618) 462-8384 (618) 659-2100 • Bellamilanos.com Morrisonirishpub.com 1000 Eastport Plaza Dr. • Collinsville Tonysrestaurant.com Made from scratch, classic Italian entrees Everyone is a little bit Irish at this family (618) 345-2400 Considered the region’s original Pasta House, highlight any visit to Bella Milano. owned and operated pub/restaurant. Porterscollinsville.com Tony’s Restaurant has served its famous Conveniently located near Edwardsville Eat, drink and sing with your favorite pint Signature pepperloin steaks and seasonal pasta and Pepperloin Steaks for over 65 hotels and Southern Illinois University of Guinness or Irish whiskey paired with menu entrees highlight this elegant dining years. Family recipe pasta, Italian dressing Edwardsville. Private dining rooms available authentic Irish fare. experience. Pair one of six different steak and more highlight the menu. for special events. MY JUST DESSERTS options with a glass, or bottle, of wine from the extensive wine list. THE WINERY AT AERIE’S RESORT BLUFF CITY GRILL 31 E. Broadway • Alton • (618) 462-5881 600 Timber Ridge Dr. • Grafton • (618) 786-7477 424 E. Broadway • Alton • (618) 433-8288 Myjustdessertsalton.weebly.com Aeriesview.com Bluffcitygrillalton.com Downright famous for its homemade Breathe in the views from 300 feet above Enjoy a relaxed, casual dining experience in pies, ½ pound chicken salad sandwiches the Mississippi River while enjoying a menu downtown Alton with a menu that ranges and Toll House Brownies, the menu changes designed with the winery’s private label wines from salads and sandwiches to steaks and daily based on the cravings of the kitchen in mind. Sandwiches, soups, salads and small pasta. Watch your favorite game on the 14 that particular day. Homespun and Voted One of the Top Steakhouplateses meals in available th fore lunch USA and dinner. TV’s in the lounge & sports bar. hearty atmosphere. CASTELLI’S RESTAURANT AT 255 3400 Fosterburg Rd. • Alton • (618) 462-4620 Castellis255.com Secret recipe fried chicken, made-from- scratch toasted ravioli and more highlight PoThursdaysrter’s is a classical steakhouse areare the menu of the family-owned and operated Primewith a seasonal Rib menu,Night extensive at restaurant that has been in business for over Prime Rib Night at 80 years. wine list, casually chic atmosphere Porter’s Steakhoouussee.. CLEVELAND-HEATH A classicaland steakhouse amazing dining with aoptions. seasonal menu, A classical steakhouse with a seasonal menu, 106 N. Main St. • Edwardsville • (618) 307-4830 extensive wine list, casually chic atmosphere and Clevelandheath.com Offering a diverse menu, a extensive wine list, casually chic atmosphere and Gourmet comfort foods highlight the menu relaxing lounge & sports bar. juicy prime rib special with live music which is anything but ordinary. The food Our banquet hall seats juicy prime rib special with live music over 400 guests. every Thursday night. is fun including the signature Japanese every Thursday night. HEARTFELT HERITAGE AND Pancake, Pork Porterhouse and old fashioned cherry hand pie for dessert. GOOD FUN FOR EVERYONE!

GRAFTON WINERY & BREWHAUS 300 W. Main St. • Grafton • (618) 786-3001 Thegraftonwinery.com Pair a glass of award-winning wine with spectacular views of the Mississippi River and a full menu ranging from appetizers to salads, Grafton Burgers and more. 1000 EASTPORT PLAZA DRIVE | COLLINSVILLE, ILLINOIS | 618.345.2800 | PORTERSCOLLINSVILLE.COM JOHNSON’S CORNER RESTAURANT WHISKEY MUSIC 2000 State St. • Alton • (618) 465-5640 1000 Eastport Plaza Drive | Collinsville, Illinois |618.345.2800 | Por tersCollinsville.com Johnsonscorneralton.com FOOD SLÁINTE EVENTS A neighborhood restaurant famous for its pork tenderloin, wood fired pizzas, salads and cheese dip, find a new favorite here. 200 State Street HAPPY HOURS Alton, IL Tues.-Thurs. 1000 Eastport Plaza Drive | Collinsville, Illinois 618.433.8900 4-6pm 100061 Eastport8.345.2800 Plaza | PoDrivertersCollinsville.com | Collinsville, Illinois Friday 3-5pm 618.345.2800 | PortersCollinsville.com morrisonirishpub.com

55 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 56 “I’m the best in the west and all the rest”

DINE IN | CARRY OUT | GIFT CARDS 3400 Fosterburg Rd. 618.462.4620 Alton castellis255.com

57 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 58 ALTON CRACKER FACTORY BEST WESTERN PLUS LOADING DOCK GUEST HOUSES PERE MARQUETTE LODGE & TARA POINT INN & COTTAGES 205 E. Broadway • Alton • (618) 917-4466 HOTEL 313 E. Front St., 311 E. Water St. & 311 E. Front St. CONFERENCE CENTER 1 Tara Point Dr. • Grafton • (618) 786-3555 SPEND Altoncrackerfactory.com 1900 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • Alton Grafton • (618) 786-3494 13653 Lodge Blvd. • Grafton • (618) 786-2331 Tarapoint.com (618) 433-9900 • Bestwestern.com Graftonloadingdock.com Pmlodge.net Sweeping views of the Mississippi River, Stunning views are part of any stay at this balconies suitable for cookouts, full kitchens Conveniently located near shopping, Located in the heart of historic Grafton, Play a game of chess on a life-sized chess upscale inn. Located high on the bluffs THE and more are part of these upscale loft lodging restaurants and the Amtrak Station, the these three guest houses are close to dining board, relax in the Great Room, enjoy a glass overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi options located in the heart of Downtown Alton. hotel has king, queen rooms and is pet friendly. and shopping. Perfect for family getaways of wine at the adjoining Mary Michelle Winery. and Illinois rivers, cabins are available for or staycations. The Lodge has a full service restaurant and overnight stays. Guest rooms in the main sits in the middle of magnificent Pere house are also available. night Marquette State Park.

IT’S BEEN A LONG DAY BEALL MANSION – AN ELEGANT GREEN TREE INN BED & BREAKFAST BED & BREAKFAST INN 15 Mill St. • Elsah • (618) 374-2821 EXPLORING THE ROADS AND MAPLE LEAF COTTAGE 407 E. 12th St. • Alton • (618) 474-9100 greentreeinnelsah.com BED & BREAKFAST INN THE LODGE AT AERIES RESORT Beallmansion.com RIVERS IN GREAT RIVERS & Escape to the historic Village of Elsah while 12 Selma St. • Elsah • (618) 374-1684 SUPER 8 BY WYNDHAM ALTON 14 W. Main St. • Grafton • (618) 786-8439 History and luxury combine in this turn-of- enjoying the comforts of home. Home cooked Mapleleafcottageinn.com 1800 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • Alton Aeriesview.com ROUTES AND NOW IT’S TIME TO breakfast and afternoon snacks highlight (618) 465-8885 • Wyndhamhotels.com the-century mansion. Amenities include a Plan a staycation at Aeries Resort. any visit. Take advantage of the screened in Enjoy a quiet, relaxing stay in the historic Chocolate Bar, a glass of champagne upon Corporate and king suites available and a Suites, cottages, riverfront or bluff top GET SOME HARD EARNED REST. porch, firepit in the garden or fireplace in the Village of Elsah. Three main buildings house arrival and whirlpool tubs. Continental and Super Start Plus breakfast is available daily. stays are available. great room. Located near historic museums, five charming rooms perfect for overnight RELAX IN A CABIN OVERLOOKING full breakfast available upon request. Microwaves, refrigerators and hair dryers shopping and more. stays. An outdoor fire pit complements the in all rooms. THE CONFLUENCE OF THE surrounding garden area. Available for weddings, family gatherings and more. For more information on lodging, go to: ILLINOIS AND MISSISSIPPI RiversandRoutes.com/Hotels RIVERS. OR MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME AT RIVERFRONT GUEST HOUSES. ENJOY INDOOR BEST WESTERN PREMIERE – HAMPTON INN & SUITES SWIMMING POOLS AND MADE TO ALTON/ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS ALTON 3559 College Ave. • Alton • (618) 462-1220 1904 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • Alton ORDER BREAKFAST AT HOTELS Bestwestern.com (618) 433-8999 • Hamptoninn3.hilton.com AND MOTELS. Enjoy an indoor heated pool, full service on A short walk from the Alton Amtrak Station, site restaurant/bar, in-room microwaves and the hotel is also located near restaurants and refrigerators. Check out great seasonal deals shopping. Indoor heated pool and fitness on overnight stays. center on site. Don’t forget your hot cookie when you check in.

•High Speed WIFI •Indoor Heated Pool •Restaurant & Bar •24 Hour Fitness Center •Free Onsite Parking •Breakfast Buffet •Conventions/Meetings •25 Minutes From St. Louis

59 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 60

•High Speed WIFI •Indoor Heated Pool •Restaurant & Bar •24 Hour Fitness Center •Free Onsite Parking •Breakfast Buffet •Conventions/Meetings •25 Minutes From St. Louis 1904 Homer Adams Pkwy (618) 433- 8999 ross oads ourt lton, llinois CONVENIENTLY LOCATED 4 NEXT TO THE NEW MULTIƒMODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER!

Free Hot Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Indoor Pool Fitness Room 00 00 omer dams ara omer dams ara JUST MINUTES FROM lton, llinois lton, llinois NATIONAL GREAT RIVERS MUSEUM, 400 ALTON ANTIQUE DISTRICT & 4 LIBERTY BANK ALTON AMPHITHEATER.

Conference Center

61 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 62 ALTON MARINA GIFT SHOP MISSISSIPPI MUD POTTERY 1 Henry St. • Alton • (618) 462-9860 310 E. Broadway • Alton • (618) 462-7573 WHAT'S IN Altonmarina.com Mississippimudpottery.com Everything you need for a day on the boat, or Handmade pottery is created right in front a day in the sun can be found at the marina of your eyes at this shop named an Illinois gift shop. Shop for the latest trends in jewelry, Maker. Durable bowls, mugs, plates and STORE? hats, bags and more. Adjacent deli has more are created. Be sure to check out the sandwiches and great mixed drinks. artistic and authentic leaf and fish designs.

COUNTRY MEADOWS REMEMBER WHEN SHOP- PINK ELEPHANT ANTIQUE SHOP 401 E. Broadway • 413 E. Broadway • Alton PING MEANT ACTUALLY 908 Veterans Memorial Dr. • Livingston (618) 465-1965 GOING IN TO A STORE AND (618) 637-2366 Searching for antiques, collectibles, or vintage BROWSING THE AISLES? pieces? This long-time Alton antique store has An entire school gym has been converted into an ever-changing collection of classic items. row upon row of antiques and collectibles RE-DISCOVER THE JOYS that range from early 20th century to the OF SHOPPING IN THE GRAFTON HARBOR GIFT SHOP more kitschy modern keepsakes. An adjacent GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES 215 W. Water St. • Grafton • (618) 786-7678 candy store offers homemade fudge and Graftonharbor.com old-fashioned candy. REGION WITH ITS BLEND OF TRENDY AND ANTIQUE Clothing, nautical gifts, liquor, wines and children’s gifts are available at the gift shop SHOPPING DELIGHTS. attached to the floating harbor.

ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS & PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES mississippimudpottery.com WITH GIANT STATUES TWISTEE TREAT TWO LOCATIONS DINER 401 E. BROADWAY 413 E. BROADWAY ICE CREAM ALTON, IL ALTON, IL FRESH FUDGE CHOCOLATES & TAFFY RETRO CANDIES HOURS STORES HOURS Sun. & Mon. Noon-4pm Tues. Closed Wed.-Sat. 10am-5pm 908 VETERANS MEMORIAL DRIVE MONDAY  SATURDAY SUNDAY LIVINGSTON, IL 11:00 A.M.  4:30 P.M. NOON  4:30 P.M. 310 E Broadway Alton, IL 62002 • 618.462.7573 618-637-2366

63 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 64 We offer the latest in state-of-the-art innovations and technology in many areas of care while maintaining a hometown feel that provides the warmth and convenience our neighbors have been familiar with for more than 80 years.

Our Services • Cancer Care • Laboratory Services is close to home (Member of the • MRI Services Siteman Cancer • Neurology Network) • Nutrition Counseling • Cardiology • Orthopedics • Diabetes Management • Pain Management • Digestive Health • Senior Care • Emergency Services • Sleep Disorders • Imaging • Surgical Services

1 Memorial Drive, Alton, IL • 618.463.7311 • altonmemorialhospital.org

© 2019 Alton Memorial Hospital. All Rights Reserved. CS_397126_8/19

WEDDING RECEPTIONS - TASTING ROOM

21028 ECKERT ORCHARD RD GRAFTON, IL 62037

GRAFTON WINERY THE VINEYARDS

WWW.THEGRAFTONWINERY.COM

WINE PRODUCTION - CORPORATE EVENTS 2116 COLLEGE AVE. • ALTON

65 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 66 Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau 200 Piasa St. • Alton, IL 62002 (800) 258-6645 RiversandRoutes.com GreatRiversByway.com

For information on the Grafton Ferry: TheGraftonFerry.com • 1-800-258-6645