Starchy Goodness: Illinois' Best French Fries

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Mike's Drive-In, West Frankfort, IL

This old-fashioned drive-in is primarily known for serving great burgers and root beer, but they also offer some tasty cheese fries. Mike’s Dive-In has been in business for decades and has a…

This old-fashioned drive-in is primarily known for serving great burgers and root beer, but they…

The 6 Best Places for Milkshakes in Illinois!

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The Custard Stand, Sesser, IL

This family-owned custard stand has been a local hot spot since 1949. The Custard Stand is known for their awesome desserts including milkshakes, orange sherbet, banana splits, and much more. Their…

This family-owned custard stand has been a local hot spot since 1949. The Custard Stand is known…

The 7 Best Bait Shops in Illinois!

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Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville, IL

If you’re planning on going crappie fishing in southern Illinois, you must stop by Crappie Pro Shop in Carterville. Located within 30 miles of five crappie fishing lakes, Crappie Pro Shop…

If you’re planning on going crappie fishing in southern Illinois, you must stop by Crappie…

10 Best Buffets in Illinois

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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 10 Best Public Golf Courses in Illinois!

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Crab Orchard Golf Club, Carterville, IL

Crab Orchard Golf Club is an enjoyable course for golfers of all skill levels. This beautiful, par-70 golf course sits on the original Ferrell Farm dating back to 1959 and was even featured in Golf…

Crab Orchard Golf Club is an enjoyable course for golfers of all skill levels. This beautiful,…

The 11 Best Mexican Restaurants in Illinois!

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La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, Marion, IL

For authentic Mexican delicacies, look no further than La Fiesta Mexican restaurant. Southern Illinois residents love the traditional flavors and rave about the chili poblano, grilled tilapia, and…

For authentic Mexican delicacies, look no further than La Fiesta Mexican restaurant. Southern…

The 9 Best Farmers Markets in Illinois!

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Carbondale Farmers Market, Carbondale, IL

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…

Open seasonally from April to November, the Carbondale Farmers Market provides an ideal opportunity…

The 15 Best Hiking Trails in Illinois!

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Pyramid State Recreation Area, Pinckneyville, IL

Surround yourself with nearly 20,000 acres of serene wildlife at Pyramid State Recreation Area near Pinckneyville. A coal mine once existed here, but now hikers can enjoy over 16 miles of trails…

Surround yourself with nearly 20,000 acres of serene wildlife at Pyramid State Recreation Area near…

The 10 Coolest Coffee Shops in Illinois!

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Common Grounds, Carbondale, IL

For delicious coffee in an inviting environment, Common Grounds is a great option. Located in Carbondale, this cool coffee shop brews fresh java from organic coffee beans. It also features loose leaf…

For delicious coffee in an inviting environment, Common Grounds is a great option. Located in…

10 Best Shopping Outlets in Illinois

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Times Square Mall, Mt. Vernon, IL

Times Square Mall in Mt. Vernon doesn’t have the chaotic crowds of Times Square in New York City, but it’s just as worthy of a visit - albeit for different reasons. With stores like Hobby…

Times Square Mall in Mt. Vernon doesn’t have the chaotic crowds of Times Square in New York…

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!

Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville, IL

Featured in The 7 Best Bait Shops in Illinois!

If you’re planning on going crappie fishing in southern Illinois, you must stop by Crappie Pro Shop in Carterville. Located within 30 miles of five crappie fishing lakes, Crappie Pro Shop… Read More

Big Muddy Brewing, Murphysboro, IL

Featured in The 9 Best Breweries in Illinois!

Big Muddy Brewing is a comfortable, friendly brewery in Southern Illinois. They offer a wide selection of tasty brews such as winter and pale ales and specialty brews like the Pumpkin Smasher and… Read More

Pyramid State Recreation Area, Pinckneyville, IL

Featured in The 15 Best Hiking Trails in Illinois!

Surround yourself with nearly 20,000 acres of serene wildlife at Pyramid State Recreation Area near Pinckneyville. A coal mine once existed here, but now hikers can enjoy over 16 miles of trails… Read More

Marlow’s Pumpkin Patch, Opdyke, IL

Featured in The 10 Best Pumpkin Patches in Illinois!

If you’re ever around Opdyke in the fall, you’ve got to stop by Marlow’s Pumpkin Patch. This family-orientated farm offers many types of pumpkins from standard jack-o-lanterns to… Read More

The Original Springs Hotel, Okawville, IL

Featured in 10 Best Spa Hotels in Illinois

The best vacations come from memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences, and that’s what you’ll find at the historic Original Springs Hotel. With a charm this hotel has held since it opened in… 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

Kesel Hardware, Nashville, IL

Featured in The 9 Best Hardware Stores in Illinois!

Specializing in hardware and rentals, Kesel Hardware always puts their customers first. They’ve been serving contractors and do-it-yourselfers for over 20 years, making them a local favorite.… Read More

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