The 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House opens an enchanting window on cultural, political, and architectural developments during the early history of Illinois. Built-in 1820 by skilled craftsmen and the Stephenson family’s indentured servants, it was…

If we as a society have learned anything from 90s sitcoms, it’s that the most fascinating and important events of our life happen in coffee shops. 222 provides the ultimate coffeeshop for “friends” to go…

Based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown, taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton – including areas originally…

For all the sweets lovers out there, be sure to check out Angi’s Eats & Sweets. This shop offers delectable dessert favorites like cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, and of course cookies! Maybe stop in for a…

Established in 1990, Backwoods Berry Farm had a humble start and began with just a few bushes of blackberries. Today, the farm offers top-quality, home-grown asparagus, strawberries, blueberries, sweet corn, and peaches! Backwoods Berry Farm…

Eighteen miles north of St. Louis and adjacent the Mississippi River, Alton, Illinois  represents the perfect weekend getaway. Further, there may be no better getaway bed-n-breakfast than the Beall Mansion in Alton. Known throughout the…

Whether it be hiking or biking the extensive Edwardsville trail system, watching a ball game in St. Louis, or touring the idyllic Southern Illinois campus, weary travelers and locals have one thing in common. The…

Bethalto Arboretum, adjacent to Central Park along the Lewis and Clark Trail, is approximately 2.5 acres in size and was developed on an old railroad right-of-way. Conceived by Mayor Erwin Plegge in the 1960s, the…

Illinois has also produced a large number of MLB players through the last 120 years. To honor this history, Joe Kempe and Merle Wright opened up the BRS Baseball museum in Nokomis, Illinois. The baseball…

Ancient civilizations are perhaps the most fascinating groups of people to study throughout human history. It is jarring to imagine how people could co-exist in such large numbers during an era before modern medicine, advanced…

Built in 1872, the Cairo Custom House Museum is full of historical significance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cairo Custom House was originally used as the location for collecting tariffs on…

The Chester Bridge is a local icon as over 7,000 vehicles daily use it to cross the Mississippi River. It was opened with fanfare in 1942 as part of a highway project connecting Illinois and…

The Chester Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Chester Bridge on a bluff above the Mississippi River.  A Lewis and Clark marker with history about Lewis and Clark and their voyage of discovery is…

Chester, Illinois is a small town located on the banks of the Mississippi River.  It was founded in 1816 as a port on the western frontier centered around a flour mill, castor oil production, and…

The Christian F. Weinrich House in Chester, Illinois, is a prime example of Folk Victorian architecture with Gothic Revival characteristics.  These elements can be seen in the gable front and wing, the steeply pitched roof,…

Have you ever dreamed of stepping into a Christmas movie? Wanted to be surrounded by beautiful Christmas lights and winter fun? There just so happens to be the perfect little winter town in Southern Illinois.…

The Cohen Memorial Home offers a beautiful glimpse into the past as it sits atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in Chester. It’s a gorgeous Victorian house built in 1855 and purchased by William…

Whether it be the homage to the 60-80s musical supergroup, the cool décor, the interesting coffee and whiskey selections, or delicious food, Copper Stills and Mash is a must-stop for all visitors Carrollton. This small-town gem…

There is nothing quite like the feeling that is elicited when visiting an antique shop. You know that you live in the modern day, the 2020s, but you feel intrinsically attached to the artifacts of…

Cross Church in Carlinville, Illinois hosts a variety of exciting activities throughout the Christmas in Carlinville event. Highlights include a wine tasting, a performance by a local singing group, and plenty of activities for the…