Editors' Picks: 19 of the Best Things to Do in Illinois!

Featuring

Mermet Springs, Vienna, IL

It looks like a plain old lake - but that's where it ends. Over the years, lots of interesting relics have been sunk into the lake - from an ambulance to statues of lions to a Boeing 727 from the…

It looks like a plain old lake - but that's where it ends. Over the years, lots of interesting…

The 11 Best Activities for College Students in Illinois!

Featuring

Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville, IL

Explore fascinating rock formations and get inspired by nature at this breathtaking state park near Goreville. Camping, hiking, picnicking, and other recreational activities are available at Ferne…

Explore fascinating rock formations and get inspired by nature at this breathtaking state park near…

The 9 Best Cake Shops in Illinois!

Featuring

Anna Baking Company, Anna, IL

The cakes at Anna Baking Company are almost too cute to eat! They’re decorated so beautifully and taste amazing. It seems this bakery has a keen sense of what their customers really want…

The cakes at Anna Baking Company are almost too cute to eat! They’re decorated so beautifully…

The 10 Best Camping Spots in Illinois!

Featuring

Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL

Horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing are just some activities campers can enjoy at Giant City State Park near Makanda. This breathtaking state park features giant sandstone bluffs…

Horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing are just some activities campers can enjoy at…

10 Best Piercing Shops in Illinois

Featuring

Unique Ink Custom Tattoos, Marion, IL

It’s not just the tattoos that are unique at Unique Ink: the quality you’ll find for your piercings truly is unmatched throughout the area. Book your appointment and get a fantastic new…

It’s not just the tattoos that are unique at Unique Ink: the quality you’ll find for…

10 Best Buffets in Illinois

Featuring

India Delight, Marion, IL

India Delight is a popular Marion restaurant and the ultimate go-to in the area for fabulous Indian cuisine. It’s particularly famous for its dinner buffet, so stop in for a range of…

India Delight is a popular Marion restaurant and the ultimate go-to in the area for fabulous Indian…

The 13 Most Romantic Places in Illinois!

Featuring

Doc’s Lakeside Cabin, Jonesboro, IL

Unwind and enjoy the surrounding nature at Doc’s Lakeside Cabin. Located in Southern Illinois, this romantic rustic getaway features fully-furnished cabin on the six-acre lake. Guests can relax…

Unwind and enjoy the surrounding nature at Doc’s Lakeside Cabin. Located in Southern…

The Best 12 Free Things to Do in Illinois!

Featuring

Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL

Giant City State Park is an outdoor wonderland with no admission fee. Nature lovers can explore the many hiking trails and huge sandstone bluffs while marveling at the lush ferns and many flower…

Giant City State Park is an outdoor wonderland with no admission fee. Nature lovers can explore the…

The 9 Best Wineries in Illinois!

Featuring

Blue Sky Vineyard, Makanda, IL

Blue Sky Vineyard grows their grapes with precision to ensure only the highest quality Illinois wines. This beautiful Tuscan-inspired winery makes for a tranquil wine tasting experience in Southern…

Blue Sky Vineyard grows their grapes with precision to ensure only the highest quality Illinois…

The 8 Best Guided Tours in Illinois!

Featuring

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour, Makanda, IL

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour is perfect for adrenaline junkies, thrill seekers, and nature-lovers who want a close-up experience with beautiful Southern Illinois. Visitors can zip through over 80 acres…

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour is perfect for adrenaline junkies, thrill seekers, and nature-lovers who…

Unique Ink Custom Tattoos, Marion, IL

Featured in 10 Best Piercing Shops in Illinois

It’s not just the tattoos that are unique at Unique Ink: the quality you’ll find for your piercings truly is unmatched throughout the area. Book your appointment and get a fantastic new… Read More

Mary Lou’s Grill, Carbondale, IL

Featured in 10 Best Diners in Illinois

Head to Mary Lou’s Grill for a taste of Carbondale. It’s best known for its famously fantastic biscuits and gravy which will have you hooked after just one bite.

Read More

India Delight, Marion, IL

Featured in 10 Best Buffets in Illinois

India Delight is a popular Marion restaurant and the ultimate go-to in the area for fabulous Indian cuisine. It’s particularly famous for its dinner buffet, so stop in for a range of… Read More

Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL

Featured in The 10 Best Camping Spots in Illinois!

Horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing are just some activities campers can enjoy at Giant City State Park near Makanda. This breathtaking state park features giant sandstone bluffs… Read More

Carbondale Farmers Market, Carbondale, IL

Featured in The 9 Best Farmers Markets in Illinois!

Open seasonally from April to November, the Carbondale Farmers Market provides an ideal opportunity for discovering local foods at their source. This weekly market has been operating since 1975 and… Read More

Anna Baking Company, Anna, IL

Featured in The 9 Best Cake Shops in Illinois!

The cakes at Anna Baking Company are almost too cute to eat! They’re decorated so beautifully and taste amazing. It seems this bakery has a keen sense of what their customers really want… Read More

Shawnee Hills 100M, 100K, 50K & Half Marathon, Ozark, IL

Featured in The 10 Best Road Races in Illinois!

One of the best-known marathons in southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills near Harrisburg. Held in October, this premier marathon is near the Shawnee National Forest and Garden of the Gods, making… Read More

Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville, IL

Featured in The 11 Best Activities for College Students in Illinois!

Explore fascinating rock formations and get inspired by nature at this breathtaking state park near Goreville. Camping, hiking, picnicking, and other recreational activities are available at Ferne… Read More

Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins, Elizabethtown, IL

Featured in The 13 Coolest Hotels in Illinois!

This rustic lodging experience is ideal for campers, adventurists, and nature-loving individuals. Stay in a log cabin or actual treehouse at the Timber Ridge Outpost in Elizabethtown. It’s the… Read More

Jun