Preserving Our Past: IL's Best Historical Sites

Featuring

Modoc Rock Shelter, Modoc, IL

The Modoc Rock Shelter is a National Historic Landmark at the edge of the Mississippi River. This rock cliff features over 28 feet of sediment containing artifacts from prehistoric time periods.…

The Modoc Rock Shelter is a National Historic Landmark at the edge of the Mississippi River. This…

The 15 Best Hiking Trails in Illinois!

Featuring

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 9 Best Breweries in Illinois!

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Big Muddy Brewing, Murphysboro, IL

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…

Big Muddy Brewing is a comfortable, friendly brewery in Southern Illinois. They offer a wide…

The 8 Best Mom and Pop Restaurants in Illinois!

Featuring

Family Kitchen, Waterloo, IL

For homemade cooking and great service, check out Family Kitchen in Waterloo. This family-owned business offers a clean, friendly atmosphere with high-quality food served in generous portions.…

For homemade cooking and great service, check out Family Kitchen in Waterloo. This family-owned…

The 11 Best Mexican Restaurants in Illinois!

Featuring

Casa Romero Mexican Restaurant, Waterloo, IL

For truly extraordinary Mexican food, Casa Romero Mexican Restaurant is the place to go. They offer an expansive menu with favorites including the chips and salsa, which are freshly made, pollo…

For truly extraordinary Mexican food, Casa Romero Mexican Restaurant is the place to go. They offer…

The 10 Best Brunch Places in Illinois!

Featuring

Bean Tree Cafe, Waterloo, IL

Known for their friendly service and great-tasting food, Bean Tree Cafe is the perfect spot for brunch. They serve breakfast, lunch, soups, specialty drinks, fresh coffee, and much more. The owners…

Known for their friendly service and great-tasting food, Bean Tree Cafe is the perfect spot for…

Best Skate Shops in Illinois

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Loolousk8shop, Waterloo, IL

This awesome skate shop in Waterloo has a fantastic selection of skateboarding stuff including longboards, decks, and clothes. Loolousk8shop is always coming out with cool new deck stains, as well.…

This awesome skate shop in Waterloo has a fantastic selection of skateboarding stuff including…

The 9 Best Farmers Markets in Illinois!

Featuring

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 9 Best Hardware Stores in Illinois!

Featuring

Kesel Hardware, Nashville, IL

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.…

Specializing in hardware and rentals, Kesel Hardware always puts their customers first.…

Take a step back into history at The Original Springs Hotel in Okawville. Established in 1867, this hotel was originally a saddlery and harness shop. The original building was completely destroyed in…

Take a step back into history at The Original Springs Hotel in Okawville. Established in 1867, this…

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

Family Kitchen, Waterloo, IL

Featured in The 8 Best Mom and Pop Restaurants in Illinois!

For homemade cooking and great service, check out Family Kitchen in Waterloo. This family-owned business offers a clean, friendly atmosphere with high-quality food served in generous portions.… Read More

Casa Romero Mexican Restaurant, Waterloo, IL

Featured in The 11 Best Mexican Restaurants in Illinois!

For truly extraordinary Mexican food, Casa Romero Mexican Restaurant is the place to go. They offer an expansive menu with favorites including the chips and salsa, which are freshly made, pollo… Read More

Bean Tree Cafe, Waterloo, IL

Featured in The 10 Best Brunch Places in Illinois!

Effinger Garden Center, Belleville, IL

Featured in The 10 Best Garden Centers and Nurseries in Illinois!

For outstanding service and sound plant advice, look no further than Effinger Garden Center. You won’t find half-dead, pot-bound plants here like at big box stores. All of Effinger’s… Read More

All Grins 4 Kids, Shiloh, IL

Featured in The 10 Best Kid-Friendly Dentists in Illinois!

All Grins 4 Kids is another dental office kids actually look forward to visiting. The office has a fish theme and beautiful murals throughout. There are also plenty of activities for kids including… Read More

A Fine Swine BBQ Food Truck & Catering, East Swansea, IL

Featured in The 9 Best BBQ Joints in Illinois!

This popular barbecue joint takes pride in their fresh, high-quality meats and slow-cooking barbecuing methods. The owners of A Fine Swine BBQ really care about their meats, making this place popular… 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

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Jonesboro, IL

Featured in Editors' Picks: 20 of the Best Things to Do in Illinois!

There are 12 award-winning wineries dotting this 25-mile scenic drive. So you can end the day with a glass (or five) toasting the scenery - and crash in one of the many B&Bs along the way.

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