GREAT RIVERS l GREAT ROUTES GREAT escapes ALTON l COLLINSVILLE l EDWARDSVILLE l GLEN CARBON l GODFREY l GRAFTON MADISON l JERSEY l CALHOUN l MACOUPIN l MONTGOMERY l GREENE COUNTIES

SPRING GUIDE 2020 Escape + Discover + Savor ESCAPE the lingering hold of winter and discover Spring in a land full of rivers and scenic roadways.

Where the past mingles with the present.

And the sound of rushing river waters harmonizes with the rumble of cars cruising down historic highways.

DISCOVER hidden landscapes cloaked in the greens, pinks and yellows of spring.

SAVOR a crunchy bite of a fried fish sandwich or linger over a hand pulled soda at a historic pharmacy.

DRINK in the sunshine at a riverside table beside the Mighty Mississippi River. Marvel at giant statues and unearth new treasures in whimsical shops.

PICTURE YOURSELF HERE – Just outside St. Louis – in the Great Rivers & Routes region of Southwest Illinois where a memorable Spring escape is waiting.

Cover Photo: @petemccarty; Inside photos: The Nature Institute, John Locus, Mike Cruz, Scott Evers, Marty McKay, Megan Fairless, Emma Franklin, Amy Chartrand, Candice Watson

1 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 2 {BIKE} {CAMP} Celebrate Spring with a bike ride or walk Get back to nature and rough it a bit along the more than 130 miles of carefully with camping at Lake Lou Yaeger, curated bike trails and walking paths Beaver Dam State Park and Pere Escape to the linking local communities. Mile after mile Marquette State Park in Grafton. From GREAT OUTDOORS of paved or oil and chip surfaces weave primitive sites, to RV facilities and even, in through the region along the mighty some cases, equestrian facilities, there are Mississippi River and Route 66 including a plenty of outdoor options available. spectacular route on the picturesque Old Chain of Rocks Bridge connecting Illinois {CLIMB} HOP ON A BIKE. TAKE A BRISK to Missouri. With old growth forests, Rock climbing fans can scale the limestone WALK. FLY A KITE. SCALE A residential neighborhoods, lakes, ancient bluffs along the Illinois River at Pere ROCK WALL. RISE OVER RIVER bluffs, rivers and prairies highlighting the Marquette State Park. Or enjoy a heart diverse paths, Spring is the perfect time to BLUFFS ON A SCENIC SKY LIFT. pumping experience with Grafton Zipline discover a new route. Trails loop throughout Adventures located in the tree line high PACK A PICNIC AND RELAX the area including the nine hallmark trails over the confluence of the Mississippi and ON GRASSY HILLS IN SWEET of the Madison County Transit System Illinois rivers. Enjoy a ride on the Grafton which offer journeys of varying lengths. SMELLING PARKS. SkyTour, an aerial lift that ascends the Bike or stroll along the levees beside the river bluffs to the top of Aerie's Resort. Mississippi River just outside St. Louis or venture further inland on the great {RIDE} American Bottoms with trails that stretch Re-discover the wonders and delights For those who want to experience the from Edwardsville and adjacent Southern of Spring in the wide-open spaces of outdoors from a different vantage point, Illinois University Edwardsville north to take a 45-minute journey through Pere the Great Rivers & Routes region which Staunton and New Douglas. extends along the southern leg of Route Marquette State Park on horseback. The It’s all about the views along the Sam 66 from Springfield to St. Louis and Pere Marquette Riding Stables has trail Vadalabene Bike Trail which links the river includes the Great River Road running rides Wednesday – Monday from May to communities of Alton and Grafton with October. Reservations are requested. from St. Louis north to just outside Pere Marquette State Park. Walk or bike Quincy, IL. alongside ancient limestone river bluffs, {CRUISE} remnants of a long-extinct ocean on the There’s no end to the adventures Enjoy a more laid back outdoor trail that parallels the mighty Mississippi available for a quick weekend getaway adventure on the rivers. Grafton Harbor or simply taking a day away from the River. Be sure to visit the petroglyph of the has weekend river cruises on board the Bird along the trail just outside Alton. hustle and bustle of daily life and 49-passenger excursion boat, Hakuna Other highlights on the trail include the discovering a relaxing escape. Matata. Both sightseeing and themed For more outdoor escapes Village of Elsah, downtown Grafton and a cruises are available. go to RiversandRoutes.com cross commemorating the journey of Father Marquette and Louis Joliet in 1673.

For mountain bike enthusiasts, Lake Lou TRAVEL TIP: Yaeger in Litchfield offers a 6.6 mile trek Personalized guided around the lake designed to test all levels of bike tours are a biker’s skill set. A practice loop is available available throughout at the far end of the trail complete with the region courtesy obstacles bicyclists may encounter on the of Crossroads Bike route. Hikers can enjoy a leisurely stroll Tours. Three day along the Route 66 Trail at the lake or at the and five day biking nearby Shoal Creek Conservation area. adventures can be Spend a day exploring what each portion of booked by calling: the recreation area has to offer. 314-656-6229. 3 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 4 permitting of course) for a Derby Party, Saturday, discovery journey to bring May 2. The Fabulous back the most (or smallest Thunderbirds will provide Spring Fever? and even biggest) morels to entertainment on the Belle win a free night’s stay at the Street stage. Free admission. ESCAPE TO SPRING FESTIVALS Lodge. Additional activities Kick back for a weekend of include wine tastings the blues at Grafton Winery featuring local wines, live The Vineyards. Legendary music, a variety of vendors WHEN SPRING FEVER STRIKES, THE BEST CURE St. Louis blues bands like and activities for the kids. NGK, the Ivas John Band, IS TO SPEND A DAY OR WEEKEND IN THE GREAT Free admission. and musicians Billy Peek RIVERS & ROUTES REGION IN SOUTHWEST Discover Native American and Larry Gwaltney take the ILLINOIS CRUISING ALONG HISTORIC ROUTE 66 OR art on the site of the largest outdoor stage throughout STROLLING THROUGH HISTORIC TOWNS DRINKING Native American mound the two day Blues Festival IN THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF LOCAL FESTIVALS. system in the held May 23-24. Sip a – Mounds. The Grafton Winery award- annual Spring Indian winning wine, take in the Market Days takes place views and enjoy live music. Meander through Alton at a new street fair, Meander April 17 – 19 on the historic Free admission. on Market, slated for Saturday, April 18, or indulge grounds. Browse through Mark your calendars and in history, music and food at the annual Elsah Spring the interpretive museum check out these activities: Festival planned for late April. A variety of festivals then check out the more celebrating mushrooms, Native American art and than 30 Native American n Olde Alton Spring American Blues are also on tap this Spring. vendors. Free admission. Vendor & Craft Fair, Saturday • March 28 Travel back in time to the historic Village of Elsah Ladies – put on your biggest Alton High School • Alton during this year’s Elsah Spring Festival April 25 and and best hat and head to n Spring Fling at Mac’s Downtown in Alton 26. The entire village is listed on the National Register Willoughby Farm, of Historic Places and is a scenic backdrop to a festival for the annual Kentucky Saturday • May 2 of food, music and crafts. Explore the Village Hall with Willoughby Heritage its museum of the village’s river history and the Ice Farm • Collinsville House, one of five which once served the tiny village. n Lewis & Clark Enjoy toe tapping live music including rock and Point of Departure folk in the gazebo behind The Green Tree Inn Bed May 9 & 10 • Lewis & Clark & Breakfast and browse for special one-of-a-kind State Historic Site • Hartford finds from hand woven historic pieces, hand-thrown , paintings, hand woven baskets, glass bead n Bonifest jewelry and more. Walking tours of the village are May 22-23 • St. Boniface also available both Saturday and Sunday. Church • Edwardsville “You can feel like you are in a different place and time when you are spending time in the village,” said Connie Davis, one of the festival organizers. “The backdrop of the Village is what makes this festival special.” For more details, go to: EscapetoElsah.com Journey to Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center and hunt for the fabulous fungus, the morel mushroom, during the annual Mushroom Festival, Sunday, April 19. The highlight of this annual event is the “Great Morel Hunt” which kicks off at 1 p.m. Join fellow morel hunters (weather and morels

5 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 6

THE GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES REGION HAS SOME OF THE BEST FARMERS MARKETS, PICKERS MARKETS AND FLEA MARKETS IN SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS. FUN

If it’s April, it’s time for the Grafton Riverside Flea Market. Enjoy treasure hunting at its best alongside the Mighty Mississippi River in Grafton. The market, held the fourth Saturday and Sunday of each month from April through October, boasts some 75 vendors showcasing vintage clothing, antiques, coins, jewelry, and more. The flea market is housed in the historic Boat Works building adjacent to the popular Loading Dock. Admission is free. How much you spend is up to you! Grafton Riverside Flea Market PICKERS MARKET April 25 & 26 l May 23 & 24 l June 27 & 28 MARKETS FULL OF OF FULL July 25 & 26 l Aug. 22 & 23 l Sept. 26 & 27 Make the first Saturday of each month Oct. 24 & 25 a Route 66 day and cruise along the There is nothing like Bring your carts, totes and wagons Mother Road to Carlinville for the a walk through an to Litchfield for the monthly Pickers monthly Carlinville Market Days. outdoor market in the Market held the second Sunday The market is held the first Saturday Spring. Breathe in the of each month from May through of the month from April through smells of fresh picked October. Collectibles, antiques and November. Collectibles, crafts, primitives, shabby chic, jewelry, fashion herbs and vegetables, upcycled goods, all made prior to 1980, are here at this open-air market and more are on hand. the aromas of coffee which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The or newly baked breads Starting in May, area farmer’s markets Pickers Market covers 10 downtown and the sweet scent come to life with bunches of fresh Litchfield streets starting at 400 N. of flowers. Browse asparagus, blueberries, strawberries State St. More than 120 vendors travel through stall after and more. Comb through stalls offering to the market each month. In addition stall of vintage goods, the freshest in locally grown produce to vendors, there is live entertainment and flowers in Alton, Edwardsville, handmade jewelry, in the downtown Library Park and food rugs, carefully crafted Bethalto and Brighton. Additional booths located at all intersections on farmer’s markets sprout up in June woodwork and art. State Street. Free admission. throughout the area.

THE LAND OF GOSHEN COMMUNITY MARKET

7 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 8 ALTON FARMERS' & ARTISANS MARKET THE LAND OF GOSHEN COMMUNITY MARKET

Head over to the Alton Farmers’ Market in the Park takes place in & Artisans' Market each Saturday Central Park in Bethalto each Sunday starting May 9. The markets run through from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The unusual Saturday, Oct. 17. From 8 a.m. to Noon Sunday farmer’s market includes weekly local farmers, crafters and bakers set up themes. Market in the Park kicks off stands showcasing their wares. on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10. The market will run through Oct. 11. Browsing through farmers’ markets has become a popular activity for local The Village of Brighton holds its weekly Farmer’s Market every Thursday residents as well as visitors. Fresh local honey, lettuce, herbs, The 24th Annual Land of Goshen starting May 7 and running through Sara McGibany, Executive Director of in-season fruits, organically grown Community Market in Edwardsville Oct. 8. The market is held in Schneider Alton Main Street which organizes crops, baked goods, grass-fed beef, also opens for the season on Saturday, Park from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. the Alton event, notes the market has farm fresh eggs and more fill the stalls May 9. Downtown Edwardsville comes become a social gathering as well as at the market held at the intersection to life during this vibrant community market. More than 80 regular vendors UPCOMING FARMER’S MARKETS shopping experience. of Landmarks Blvd. (U.S. Route 67) greet 2,000-plus customers each and Henry Street. A large assortment Jersey County Farmers “It’s very important for people to be week on the city’s streets. The market & Artisan Market of hand-crafted artwork including able to meet the people growing their includes live music, live demonstrations Every Thursday foods,” McGibany says. “But today it pottery, stained glass, soap, candles and kid-friendly activities. The market is June 25 – September 24 is as much a social experience as a and beadwork are on hand. A scaled committed to sustaining and enhancing (Outrageous Outdoors Parking Lot, shopping experience." down version of the market is also held Edwardsville’s downtown experience 902 S State St.) Wednesday evenings from 4 p.m. by educating consumers about locally The Alton Farmers’ and Artisans’ Litchfield Farmers Market to 7 p.m. Free admission. grown food. The Market Sprouts June 4 – July 30 (Downtown Market will expand this year to include program is held weekly and focuses on Litchfield, 400 N. State St.) food trucks each Saturday and hot educating children on the importance meals will be available through local of eating fresh, local produce. Kids are Maryville Farmers Market Every Thursday • May 28 - October vendors on June 6 and Oct. 10. introduced to mysterious vegetables like kohlrabi, beets and kale. A garden (Fireman’s Park in Maryville) area is also set up where children have Staunton Farmers Market For more local markets the opportunity to grow their own food Saturdays • May – October go to RiversandRoutes.com and learn about sustainable farming. (Corner of Union and Mill St.) Free admission.

9 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 10 THICK CRUST. THIN CRUST. STUFFED. DEEP DISH. JOHNSON'S CORNER FLATBREAD. ADD A LAYER OF SAUCE, SOME THICK, HOT MELTED CHEESE, SPRINKLE ON MEAT AND VEGGIES AND THE PERFECT PIZZA IS JUST A MOUTH-WATERING BITE AWAY.

GRAB YOURSELF A SLICE OF THE

JOE'S PIZZA IF PIZZA IS YOUR GO-TO FOOD, “What makes pizza really good is when Johnson’s Corner in Alton added THEN THE GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES everything is made fresh, in-house,” personal pizzas to its menu more than PIEsays Mike Cool, manager of Joe’s Pizza six years ago as a way to expand options REGION HAS YOU COVERED. in Godfrey. “We make our own sauces, for families, said Jimmy Johnson, owner From square sliced pies to more traditional cut the vegetables and cook the meat of the popular neighborhood pub and pie shape pieces. Marinara sauces to salsa and into the pizza so the flavors sink deep restaurant. “Nothing goes better with alfredo sauces. Whatever your pizza craving, into the pie.” pizza than beer and we got the beer down. We decided to try the pizza restaurants throughout the area have become Peel Wood Fired Pizza in Edwardsville thing.” The rest, as they say, is history. destination points for pizza connoisseurs. has consistently been the gold standard Pizzas have become a staple on the of creative, tasty wood fired pizzas. menu and diners are encouraged to Owners Patrick Thirion and Brandon build their own. Case are trained chefs and bring their PEEL WOOD FIRED PIZZA talents for European and Asian inspired pizza blends to the forefront.

11 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 12 ROUTE NANCY'S PIZZERIA TAKETAKE 66 VIRDEN: Vitae; Sugo’s Spaghetteria Take the road less THETHE Dicarlos Pizza • • 243 Harvard Dr.; Bella traveled for some great 330 N. Springfield St. Milano • 1063 S. State Rt. tasting pizza. Roma’s CAVATAIO'S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA ROUTEROUTE 157; Foundry Public House Pizza in Bethalto is a CARLINVILLE: • 126 N. Main St.; Edison’s Full Throttle • local favorite and has TOTO PIZZAPIZZA Entertainment Complex 11578 Shipman Rd.; been serving their • 2477 S. State Rt. 157; FOR THE PIZZA PURIST Reno’s • 518 N. Side Sq. hot, cheesy family Pantera’s Pizza • 1522 Troy recipe pizza since 1973. FINDING THE NEXT, LITCHFIELD: Rd.; 222 Artisan Bakery • Imagine taking a bite of 222 N. Main St.; EdgeWild BEST PIE CAN BE AN Nancy’s Pizzeria • the Tony’s Special and 13 Cir.; Gianni’s • 1071 S. State Rt. 157; Big EXCITING CHALLENGE. savoring the cheese, Pizza & Italian Ristorante • Daddy’s • 132 N. Main St.; sausage, pepperoni, FIND NEW PIZZA HOT 121 E. Union Ave.; and Pizza Gilliganz Bar and Grill bacon, tomato and a EDISON'S ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX Man and Ice Cream Man • • 7257 St. James Dr.; The SPOTS DURING A LEISURELY nip of Jalapeno pepper. 301 W. Union Ave. Cabin at Judy Creek • DRIVE ALONG ROUTE 66 IN 3730 S. State Rt. 157 Roma’s may have put SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS. STAUNTON: Bethalto on the pizza Cavataio’s Restaurant COLLINSVILLE: map, but there are & Pizzeria • 101 S. Mungo’s Italian Eatery • three other restaurants Edwardsville St.; Little 100 E. Main St.; Old Herald serving up specialty From the tiny community of Virden, Italy’s Pizzeria • Brewery & Distillery • pies. Check out Geno’s just south of Springfield, to Collinsville, 305 W. Main St. 115 E. Clay St.; Friday’s 140 • 120 W. Bethalto minutes from downtown St. Louis, South Bar & Grill • 106 Blvd., Laux Brickhouse EDWARDSVILLE/ FRIDAY'S SOUTH BAR & GRILL the number of pizza stops are just as E. Main St.; Sloan’s Pub Grille • 212 N. Prairie St., GLEN CARBON: House • 119 W. Main St.; numerous as are the whimsical sites Dewey’s Pizza • 112 E. and High Flyers Grille Horseshoe Restaurant along the Mother Road. Here are some Vandalia St.; Peel Wood • 16 Terminal Dr. Lounge • 410 St. Louis Rd. must-try pizza spots along Route 66: Fired Pizza • 921 S. Arbor

Old Bakery Beer Co. • PIZZA HOT SPOTS IN MORE PIZZA … TONY'S STEAK HOUSE & BAR 400 Landmarks Blvd.; Regal JERSEYVILLE – Beagle • 3043 Godfrey Rd.; WHITE HALL: 1880 Pizza & Pasta • 208 S. Want More? rd John’s Pizza • Decaro’s • 602 E. 3 St.; For over 60 years, Tony’s Steakhouse State St., and George’s Local Great Rivers Tap & Grill • 102 Olive St. and Bar,102 W. 9th St., Alton, has served up Brew • 205 S. State St., serve 3559-B College Ave.; Alton HILLSBORO: what some call the perfect pizza. With its up pizza and all the toppings. Sports Tap • 3812 College Gianni’s Pizza & sweet marinara sauce topped with fresh Ave.; Mac’s Downtown • Italian Ristorante • meats and spices, the pizzas have become 315 Belle St.; Bossanova • 209 S. Main St. a signature dish for this family-owned and 112 W. 3rd St.; Town Club • operated restaurant. Great tasting pizza 2400 E. Broadway CARROLLTON: TOWN CLUB can also be found at these Alton and Alfonso’s Pizza • 514 N. Main St. Godfrey restaurants: TROY: Alfonso’s Pizza • 611 Edwardsville Rd. 13 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 14 “Spring is a great time to witness the the Mississippi River as a stopping off incredible migration and nesting of point on their journey for several weeks in hundreds of bird species,” said Michelle March and April. Wiegand, Education Manager at the Bird walks are hosted by the Audubon Audubon Center at Riverlands. “Anyone Center at Riverlands on Saturdays. who comes to the Center can view birds Scheduled walks are planned for and enjoy the wonders of nature while April 4 & 18; May 2, 16 & 30. using the Center’s high-powered spotting scopes from inside the Center. Or go The Bremer Sanctuary in Hillsboro, outside and walk the 8-plus miles of home of the Hickory Hills Chapter of the paved and unpaved trails.” Audubon Society, is a protected area and FOR THE home to scores of birds and animals. The The Audubon Center trails open for the sanctuary hosts thousands of Eastern season on Saturday, April 18. A family- Bluebirds each year. Enjoy walks along the friendly celebration is held to kick off the trails and watch for blue flashes of birds opening with guided bird and naturalist Spring is a great darting through the trees and grasslands walks, craft activities, ecosystem of the 203-acre site. A Spring Bird Walk is BIRDS exploration stations, archery and time to witness planned at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 18. more. Admission is free. the incredible Take a ferry ride to the Two Rivers Wildlife More than a dozen different birds are Refuge in Brussels to see spring birds. The migration and TURN YOUR EYES TO THE SKY THIS SPRING expected to arrive at the Audubon Center refuge is located between the Mississippi this Spring including the Dickcissel, nesting of AND ENJOY THE SHOW AS THOUSANDS and Illinois rivers in scenic Calhoun County. Killdeer, Baltimore Oriole, Eastern The 9,225 acre area includes a mosaic of hundreds of OF MIGRATING BIRDS SOAR THROUGH Kingbird, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater wetlands, open water, bottomland forests Yellowlegs, Northern Bobwhite and the bird species. THE GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES REGION. and prairie, a great spot for the more than Great Blue Heron. Flocks of American 300 bird species that call the area home. From the visually stunning white pelicans White Pelicans use the Mississippi Flyway, March and April are typically the best threading their way through the air to the the birds' version of a super highway, months to see large groups of waterfowl, to travel from their winter homes in brilliant blue Eastern Bluebirds flitting shorebirds and warblers. Walk the three the south to their northern summer mile gravel trail at Gilbert Lake to enjoy through the tall prairie grasses, Spring habitats. The pelicans use the waters of uninterrupted bird watching. is a bird watcher’s paradise.

AMERICAN Larger Length: Snowy white in They are They travel WHITE than a 50 to 65 color with black the heaviest long distances PELICAN goose inches flight feathers flying birds in in flocks by For more bird watching venues FACTS visible only the world soaring and when the wings using air go to RiversandRoutes.com are spread thermals

15 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 16 For more great entertainment ideas go to RiversandRoutes.com

experience more enjoyable during Head over to the historic Wildey Party in the Park, held every Saturday Theatre in downtown Edwardsville for starting May 16. In addition to live top notch live music. Every weekend, racing, there is live music, drink specials the Wildey is home to the music of the and more. Tuesdays are Horse Hookey Eagles, Jason Aldean, Tina Turner and days with reduced admission and more. On Friday, April 3, Wheels Rollin, specials on drinks and food. For more a tribute to Jason Aldean, comes to the information, go to Fairmountpark.com theater. Make plans to attend That Argosy Casino Alton recently unveiled Arena Rock Show on Friday, April 17 THAT’S its new Sportsbook facility – the or enjoy a tribute to the Allman first of its kind outside St. Louis. The Brothers on Friday, April 24 and Sportsbook, located inside Alton’s Saturday, April 25. On Saturday, May ENTERTAINMENT! 16, Simply the Best, a tribute to the riverfront casino, has 25 big screen TVs, betting windows and state of the art music of Tina Turner, takes the stage. self-service kiosks. Reminisce about the Hotel California LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, VINTAGE CAR SHOWS, HORSE RACING AND with the Original Eagles Tribute on “We are excited to be the first to Saturday, May 23. Go to Wildeytheatre. A NEW SPORTSBOOK GAMING FACILITY ARE ALL AVAILABLE THIS introduce sports betting to the region,” com for more information and tickets. SPRING FOR UNPARALLELED ENTERTAINING ESCAPES. said Steve Peate, Argosy Casino Alton Vice President and General Manager. Live theater is on tap when Alton Little “Our all new Sportsbook integrated Theater presents the classic production of Brigadoon. This romantic tale from Spend a weekend around all things custom car show. Take a step back in with our Hops House Restaurant & Bar will provide a unique experience for our the golden age of beautiful music and motorsports and Route 66 related time during the pin-up girl contest, a storytelling takes the stage May 8 – 17 during the first-ever Mother Road vintage (pre 1972) camper corral and guests to dine, bet and enjoy all the action.” Argosyalton.com at the Alton Little Theater Showplace. Rendezvous at the World Wide nostalgia vendors on the racetrack altonlittletheater.org Technology Raceway (formerly midway. Throughout the day three Gateway Motorsports Park). The Vegas headlining Rockabilly bands weekend begins Friday, May 8 and runs will perform in the midway pavilion. through Saturday, May 9. Qualifying Capping off the day is a cruise of drag racing time trials and a Party in vintage cars to the historic Chain of the Pavilion will be on tap Friday with Rocks Bridge. wwtraceway.com Mother Road centric activities taking If you enjoy racing of another place Saturday. variety, check out Fairmount Park in The main event includes nostalgic Collinsville. The thoroughbred racetrack racing featuring Gassers, Super – the only one in downstate Illinois – Stockers and more. Races will take has live racing Tuesdays, Fridays and place on the drag track. There will Saturdays. Simulcast racing is available also be a traditional hot rod and daily at the park. Make your racetrack

17 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 18 Dinner and Spirits Tour Experiences Haunted History Walking Tours are also HAUNTED SPRING are planned for April 18 and May 16 by held throughout April and May and hosted escapes Alton Hauntings. These tours include a by Alton Hauntings. Journey through the dinner at Bluff City Grill in Alton followed streets of the historic community with an DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS? WISPS OF SHAPES APPEARING by guided ghost hunts at two of Alton’s experienced guide Saturday, April 25, IN THE WINDOWS OF LONG-EMPTY AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS. most haunted locations. May 9, May 23 and May 30. THE PHANTOM SCENT OF PERFUME LINGERING ON A STAIRCASE. Special events with nationally known Ghostly apparitions are everywhere at the A SHARP COLD SPOT IN AN OTHERWISE WARM ROOM. haunted historian Troy Taylor are also on historically haunted McPike Mansion. tap. Be entertained with “An Evening Situated at Mount Lookout Park, Alton’s Enjoy a spring escape cloaked in the All necessary paranormal investigation Among the Missing” at the Mineral highest point, the long abandoned mystery and chills of a haunted tour in gear is provided. The tours are $25 per Springs Hotel on April 4. This dinner event yet stately building is home to several Alton. Spend an afternoon exploring an person and begin at 1 p.m. Tour dates explores the unsolved disappearances, documented spirits including the McPike authentically haunted hotel. Or plan an include: April 19, May 3, and May 24. For supernatural vanishing and people family, servants and others. It’s not evening roaming the streets of the city more information, call (618) 717-0546 who went missing without a trace. Troy uncommon to find orbs, balls of lights learning about the history and spirits or go to Eventbrite.com for tickets. Taylor also delves in to the infamous axe and even figures standing in windows in that both define and linger in the area. murderess with “An Evening With Lizzie photos taken at the mansion. One of the longest-running haunted tour Borden” on May 9. “An Evening with Monthly haunted activities are held at Savor a Sunday afternoon exploring the providers in Alton, Alton Hauntings, the Watseka Wonder” explores the most McPike Mansion and led by owner Sharyn Mysterious Mineral Springs Hotel with has a series of special dinner and spirits bizarre spirit possession in American Luedke. The funds raised from the events a historic walking tour of the famously tours, evening tours and special events history on May 23. The true story of an are used to restore the mansion. haunted hotel. Join Dave and Donna planned throughout the spring. exorcism is presented on May 30 with Nunnally, caretakers of the 105-year- Reservations can be made at: “An Evening with the St. Louis Explore McPike Mansion on Saturday, old building, at this event. The tour is a Altonhauntings.com Exorcism” detailing the 1949 event. April 25 with the “Honoring Mother combination of a historic walking tour Earth Tour” which begins at 7 p.m. On and a paranormal investigation. Explore Saturday, May 16, the mansion will host the sub-basement slaughterhouse (yes, the “Armed Forces Tour.” To register really!) to the most active (paranormal) for tours, go to: mcpikemansion.com areas of the building including the once exclusive indoor warm spring pool, the Jasmine Lady Staircase, and Pearl’s Room. The tour covers all corners of the For more information go to: five story, block long hotel including locations of known deaths and suicides. RiversandRoutes.com

19 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 20 YEAR OF THE WOMAN 2020 MARKS A MILESTONE IN HISTORY – IT’S BEEN 100 YEARS Alton restaurant owner Cathy Gross SINCE WOMEN WON THE RIGHT TO VOTE. AND THAT MARKER HASN’T has dreamed of owning her own GONE UNNOTICED BY WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS IN THE GREAT business since she was 16. Her dream RIVERS & ROUTES REGION OF SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS. came true 6 ½ years ago when she opened Bluff City Grill. For Danell Fogle, owner of Briar Rose in “I always thought I would own a small downtown Litchfield, being the owner of bar but Bluff City Grill turned out to be a business seemed like a natural step. She This is a good time to be much larger than that,” she says. When had worked for a small electrical business she opened the restaurant, it was housed a business owner and a owned by a husband and wife team. in a smaller building that she leased. good time to be a woman It was there she learned the ropes and An opportunity came up to purchase business owner. prepared for her next step. Fogle bought the former Eagle Lodge on Broadway Briar Rose, a consignment shop that also Street in Alton and Gross jumped at the to customers adds to the atmosphere as features local crafters and producers, six opportunity. That decision opened up a Ybarra adds, “Owning my own restaurant years ago. Over that time, she has gone wider world for the business and Gross. has been harder in some ways than I had on to purchase a 14,000-square-foot thought. There is an assumption about “I’ve learned a lot from other women in historic building in the city. She has also a woman’s inability to run a business by business like Karen Baker Brncic (Alton expanded the number of consigners in herself. So you have to be smarter and Marina) and others,” Gross notes. “I think the shop to over 3,000. to be successful, as a woman in business, realize there is the potential for prejudice “If a woman wants to own her own you have to lead by example. People Lisa Ybarra of Chava’s Mexican Grill against women.” business I would encourage them to do have so much more respect for you if Ybarra has solidified her place in the it,” Fogle says. “If someone has a dream you work with them.” “Women won the right to vote 100 years Edwardsville business community and to do it, I would tell them to go ahead.” ago but there is a lot left that needs works to mentor other women who are to happen,” says Lisa Ybarra, owner of interested in starting their own business. Chavas Mexican Grill in Edwardsville. Hearing from other women who have Ybarra left the corporate world seven made it in the world of small business years ago to open her own business in ownership is meaningful, she notes. Litchfield is home to several woman Edwardsville. That journey has been owned businesses including the “I always ask, ‘how can I help other fulfilling and, in some ways, more difficult historic Jubelt’s Bakery and Café, women’,” she says. “And I tell people than she imagined. located on Route 66; Phyllbena’s, women just need to keep their foot on a vendor/consignment shop; and “I was ready to do something else with the gas and they will be fine. This is a MyFormals and Leona and Friends, my life,” Ybarra muses while sitting good time to be a business owner and a wedding and formal dress shop in her brightly decorated downtown a good time to be a woman business alongside a trendy clothing boutique. Edwardsville restaurant. The aromas of owner. There is nothing we can’t do. grilled meat and vegetables linger in the We just have to push the envelope air and the sound of sizzling fajitas served a little bit.”

21 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 22 Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau Book Your Stay! 200 Piasa St. • Alton, IL 62002 • (800) 258-6645 RiversandRoutes.com I GreatRiversByway.com Escape to the Great Rivers & Routes region in southwest Illinois with a great overnight stay. Many hotels and guest houses Connect With Us! offer deals and experiences for guests. facebook.com/RiversandRoutes Take advantage of a hiking package, or celebrate Spring with a Spring Fling. @RiversandRoutes For more details go to: riversandroutes.com/plan Instagram.com/RiversandRoutes ENJOY A SPRING FLING Get outside this Pinterest.com/RiversandRoutes Spring at one of Illinois’ largest state parks – Pere Marquette. The Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Disclaimer: The Tourism Bureau has made Center in Grafton is offering a Spring Fling Package every effort to verify the information related to which includes an overnight stay for two, two drink seasonal attractions and events noted in this guide. Please note that some information may have vouchers, breakfast for two from a select menu and changed since this brochure was published. Check dinner for two from a select menu all for $107 plus RiversandRoutes.com for complete attraction and event information. tax. This package is available through April, Sundays through Thursdays. Call 618-786-2331 for reservations.

HIT THE TRAILS Adventure awaits with the 3/20 • 30M Best Western Premier- Alton St. Louis Hiking and Biking Package. Enjoy an overnight stay at this Alton hotel for two, a delicious made-from-scratch breakfast buffet, two water bottles, two cooling towels, two bags of trail mix, a local visitor guide and a bike trail map. Enjoy a brisk hike or bike ride and return to the hotel for a relaxing stay. Price: $125 plus tax. Call 618-462-1220 for reservations.