The great thing about living in a city like Chicago is that there’s always an escape within reach, especially to places like Southern Illinois.
Southern Illinois is a region filled with small-town gems and natural wonders. It offers expanding wine trails, full-service resort casinos, hiking trails, and modern dining experiences. It’s a haven for adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts, providing a diverse range of activities in a picturesque destination.
Check out this three-day itinerary for a Southern Illinois weekend getaway.
About Southern Illinois
Southern Illinois is made up of the 17 southernmost Illinois counties. The area, known as “Little Egypt” or even lovingly called the “belly button of the U.S.,” is truly a natural gem.
Its surroundings include a national forest, plentiful recreational options, scenic lakes, and subtropical weather, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor adventures and indoor relaxation year-round. This region is ever-evolving as a great place for Midwest living and a place of retreat.
Getting to Southern Illinois from Chicago
Getting to Southern Illinois from Chicago has never been easier, thanks to daily flights offered by Contour Airlines from O’Hare to Veterans Airport. You can experience a quick and affordable flight to the heart of Southern Illinois in just under an hour! Plus, they offer complimentary snacks, spacious planes with extra legroom, friendly service, and free bags.
Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, Veterans Airport is the region’s sole primary commercial service airport. This airport also offers free parking, Fixed Base Operator Services (FBO), car rentals, and a motel on airport grounds. With this flight now available, visitors to and from the area can explore a natural wonderland or visit a metropolitan city for a short or long weekend.
And, if the benefits of traveling on this regional airline and airport weren’t enough, Contour Airlines is affiliated with American Airlines, which means you can enjoy a seamless experience to any destination around the world that American Airlines serves! To learn more about flying with Contour Airlines, visit their website.
Three-Day Trip to Southern Illinois
Day 1: Friday – Aircrafts and Craft Beer
My three-day itinerary in Southern Illinois began with a stay at the luxurious Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Carterville. The resort offers a plethora of amenities, from unwinding by the indoor or outdoor pool to trying my luck at the casino, making it the perfect place to kick off the trip in style.
If you’re looking for a cool dinner experience, St. Nicholas Brewing Company is the place to go. This unique spot is the only general aviation airport in the country with an active brewery on-site, offering a remarkable dining experience with views of the runway. They serve an impressive selection of American cuisines in-house beers, cocktails, and mocktails. While you’re there, I recommend splitting appetizers if you’re with a group of friends and sampling their in-house beers.
Day 2: Saturday – Exploration and Wine Tasting Tours
Start the day off with an amazing brunch at Faye’s, a woman-owned business located in Murphysboro, Illinois. Once the showroom of the oldest car dealership in the area, it is now a bright, hip cafe. Sample one of the specialty lattes or if you’re a tea person, go for the London Fog Tea Latte. The Biscuit Sandwich with pimento and bacon is fantastic, and their baked goods are an absolute must!
While you’re in the area, explore some of the other shops in the downtown district, including Muddy Roots and the various antique shops on the main street.
A visit to Rendleman Orchards is an absolute must. This charming family-run farm with picturesque flower fields and fresh produce. While there, be sure to check out the chicken coop, sample a peach smoothie, and grab a few goodies from their store like preserves, salsas, merchandise, and more.
After some time at the farm, be sure to visit wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. These are some of the best wineries in Southern Illinois for large groups. They include spots like:
- Honey Heist Mead Co.: A quaint meadery located just outside downtown Cobden. Known for its rotating flavors of carbonated meads, this tasting room offered a unique and refreshing experience.
- StarView Vineyards: A family-owned winery offering a range of award-winning wines, from robust reds to crisp whites. The live music, various seating options, and famous wine slushies make it a popular stop along the trail.
- Blue Sky Vineyard: Known for its Tuscan-themed winery and amazing scenery. This winery is a popular place for weddings, receptions, and even casual date nights or group outings.
During my trip, I had the opportunity to experience two different lodging options. On the second day of the trip, we checked into Giant City Lodge, located in the picturesque Giant City State Park. This lodge provided comfortable accommodations and a variety of activities, including nearby hiking, outdoor swimming, and delicious Southern cuisine.
Day 3: Sunday – A Taste of Tradition and Nature
It’s an absolute must to take in the picturesque surroundings of Southern Illinois. There are fantastic trails to explore, and you can also take a leisurely walk around the grounds to see the unique cabins, swim in the outdoor pool, or head up to the water tower for some great views.
While in the area, enjoy an all-you-can-eat, chicken dinner at Giant City Lodge. The award-winning fried chicken lives up to the hype. This meal includes crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, scratch dumplings, green beans, corn, coleslaw, and homemade biscuits and butter, all for under $20 per person. It’s a real deal!
Conclusion: A Destination Worth Discovering
Southern Illinois is a midwestern destination that is worth exploring. As someone who continues encouraging visitors to explore cool cities and small towns beyond Chicago, I can confidently say that this area has something unique to offer. Whether you decide to enjoy a quick getaway or a long trip, the possibilities for adventure and exploration are endless.
