Great Rivers Great Routes Great Memories

GREAT RIVERS GREAT ROUTES GREAT

Memories

ALTON l COLLINSVILLE l EDWARDSVILLE l GLEN CARBON l GODFREY l GRAFTON ILLINOIS l 2019 TRAVEL GUIDE

SERVING THE ILLINOIS COUNTIES OF MADISON l MACOUPIN JERSEY l CALHOUN

TABLE OF

contents SECTIONS Outdoors.................................................................5 Urban Trails........................................................... 11 Communities........................................................13 History....................................................................21 Drink Up.................................................................24 Haunted.................................................................51 Culinary Curiosities............................................55

21 History Comes Alive FEATURES Local Legends......................................................31 Illinois Makers......................................................35

SMOKIN’ GOOD FUN WITH CODE 3

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Insta Delights.......................................................39 Code 3....................................................................49

DIRECTORY Play..........................................................................60 Orchards & Gardens...........................................63 Stay..........................................................................65 Dine.........................................................................69 Shop........................................................................76 Transportation.....................................................81

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PLAYING THROUGH!

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Let us tell you a story!

A tale of courage and adventure; dragons and explorers; and ancient civilizations buried under towering mounds of soil. A legend of a diminutive woman with a giantsized heart. A story of rumrunners and giant pink elephants.

LISTEN CLOSELY. IT ALL STARTS WITH …

GREAT

GREAT

GREAT

Three mighty, thunderous rivers carving their way through prairies, hills and valleys. Bounded by massive limestone bluffs, fertile fields and lush wetlands, the venerable Illinois, Missouri and Mississippi rivers merge into one alongside …

Two iconic and historic roadways leading travelers on adventures at quirky roadside stands, side trips to historic riverside villages and towns, and awe-inspiring views along the way. The Mother Road of Route 66 and the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway unite in only one location in the U.S. creating …

Discover the moments, the adventures, the stories around every bend of the river, every curve of the road in Southwest Illinois: the only place in the U.S. where the great rivers and the great roads merge into a great story.

Rivers

Routes

Memories

© 2018 Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois Every attempt has been made to verify the information contained in this publication.

The Tourism Bureau is not responsible for incorrect, omitted or outdated information.

Cover photo credits: Marty McKay, Andrew Dobson, HMCruz Photography, Megan Fairless, Kerilyn LaFournaise, Scott Evers Photography, SIUE, @briah_8807, @MeaghanColtraine, @river_bend_yoga, @talia.ogliore, @oohprettyshiny Additional photo credits to: Mark Ahlers, Andrew Dobson, Marty McKay, Scott Evers Photography, HMCruz Photography, Megan Fairless, Nate Williams, @billy716, @rdever7, Mandy Rose 80M 12/18

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CHOOSE YOUR OWN

Adventure EVERY GREAT STORY

Exhilarating Adventure OR TWO. THEY

INCLUDES AN

CAN BE SPINE-TINGLING OR PROVIDE THAT AMAZING ADRENALINE RUSH. What flavor of adventure strikes your fancy? Are you a fan of edge of your seat thrills? How about taking a leap into the unknown?

Or do you prefer something a bit more low-key: an escape from the day-to-day in a more relaxing environment? Write your own adventure story with aweinspiring, exhilarating and laid back experiences in the Great Rivers & Routes region of Southwest Illinois.

RIDE

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Great Rivers & Routes

CLIMB

FLOAT

SPLASH

CHANNEL YOUR INNER SPIDERMAN The massive limestone bluffs along the Illinois River inside Pere Marquette State Park are the perfect place to find out just how good your rock climbing skills are. The bluffs have become the newest outdoor climbing destination within the St. Louis region (and the only outdoor crag within a 100 mile radius). More than 40 routes on highly featured limestone formations include titanium bolts for sport, traditional and top rope climbs.

The climbing area is a work in progress and ultimately there will be over 60 climbing routes on the bluffs.

Rock Climbing Tip: Be prepared to hike a short distance to the rock climbing routes. The bluffs are set a short distance back off the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Park in the gravel parking lot on Route 100 (Great River Road) and hike to the crag.

TAG

FLY LIKE A SUPER HERO Have you ever wondered what it would be like to soar through the trees alongside the Mississippi River? Soar like a bird, or even a Super Hero, through the treetops hundreds of feet above the hills and hollows of Grafton alongside the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.

Grafton Zipline Adventures offers a 7-line, two hour canopy tour suitable for adventurers of all ages. The zip line was recently updated to include bridges between platforms and a bit of rappelling from one platform to another. After enjoying the exhilarating zipline adventure, sit back and relax at The Winery and Aerie’s Resort located on the

LEAP

FALL

bluffs above Grafton. Sip the beverage of your choice and take in what is inarguably some of the best views in the Midwest.

Travel Tip: Aeries Resort (which operates Grafton Zipline Adventures) is creating a new aerial lift that will connect downtown Grafton with the Aeries Resort on top of the bluffs above the city. Grafton Sky Tours is expected to open in the spring and will feature a unique “chondola” design that combines open-air chair-like seating and enclosed gondola cars. Riders will enjoy “birdseye” views of Grafton and the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.

EAGLE

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DIVE IN TO FUN

TAKE A RIDE

When the weather heats up, cool down at one of two area water parks. Raging Rivers in Grafton and the Collinsville Water Park both offer refreshing and adventurous water fun for all ages.

Climb in to the saddle and explore Pere Marquette State Park on horseback. This adventure takes riders into the depths of the park along trails where wild turkeys, red tailed hawks and deer are frequent sights. Pere Marquette Stables, located on Route 100 two miles north of Grafton, has 50 minute trail rides, evening hay rides which include a bon fire for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, and pony rides for children under 8 years of age.

The stables are open May through October.

Ride a “Run Away Raft”, take your chances with a slide through a shark’s mouth, or swirl through the Swirl Pools at Raging Rivers, 100 Palisades Pkwy, Grafton, on hot summer days.

The water park is built into the bluffline along the Mississippi River and is the only water park located in Illinois to sit on the river’s banks. The 25-acre park features a Cascade Body Flume, Endless River, Itty Bitty Surf City and a wave pool. Raging Rivers is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Is riding the perfect wave on your bucket list?

Get ready to mark it off at Collinsville Water Park, 10 Gateway Dr., Collinsville. The premier water park features seven slides, Monsoon Mountain, Crystal Creek, a leisure pool, lap pool and the Aqua Climb Wall. Collinsville Water Park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

For more information visit: RiversandRoutes.com

LACE ‘EM UP When the weather outside is frightful, head to Grafton and The Loading Dock Ice Rink, 401 Front St., Grafton, for some indoor ice skating fun. The rink is one of the few ice skating rinks located just feet from the banks of the Mississippi River. Warming fire pits, tented cabanas and more are available. The rink opens mid-November and closes in February. Special Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year hours are offered.

Check out East Alton Ice Arena. Open skate times are available year round.

Indoor ADVENTURES Adventures don’t have to take place in the great outdoors. Escape rooms, laser tag and high bouncing fun can be had at a variety of indoor locations.

Edison’s Entertainment 2477 S. State Rt. 157 • Edwardsville • (618) 307-9020 Channel your inner child (or just bring the kids) and enjoy bowling, laser tag, arcade games and more at Edison’s Entertainment complex. Food and drinks are also available in casual indoor and outdoor dining facilities.

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AMC Eastgate Showplace 6 625 Lewis and Clark Blvd. • East Alton (618) 254-6058

AMC Showplace 12 6633 Center Grove Rd. • Edwardsville (618) 659-7479

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Wall-to-wall trampolines (that’s thousands of square feet of jumping delights) are just a part of Altitude Trampoline Park’s indoor adventures. Try out the Ninja Warrior Course, play Extreme Dodgeball, Trampoline Basketball, or dive into the Foam Pit filled with 15,000 foam cubes.

Can you escape in 60 minutes or less? Three different escape rooms are available including: “The Inventor’s Workshop” with an escape rate of 35 percent; “Pharaoh’s Revenge” with a 60 percent escape rate; and the mini-game “Mysterious Campfire” with a 45 percent escape rate.

Altitude Trampoline Park 91 Fountain Dr. • Glen Carbon • (618) 744-6959

Twisted Key Escape Room 13 Gateway Dr. • Collinsville • (618) 223-8674

Airport Plaza Bowl 4 Erwin Plegge Blvd. • Bethalto (618) 377-2131

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Bing Field Paintball & Airsoft Park 500 Bing Field Rd. • Alton (618) 692-8271

Bowl Haven Lanes

3003 Washington Ave. • Alton (618) 465-2695

Camelot Bowl 801 Beltline Rd. • Collinsville (618) 344-8610

East Alton Ice Arena

631 Lewis and Clark Blvd. • East Alton (618) 254-7465

Leon Corlew Park & Splash Pad 333 S. Main St. • Edwardsville (618) 692-7538

Marvel Theatre 1 & 2 228 W. Main St. • Carlinville (217) 854-8016 n

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Beast Escape Room 4517 State Rt. 159 • Glen Carbon • (618) 530-7341

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Challenge yourself in the two different escape rooms offered at Beast. Try to save your trapped friends and escape in under an hour in the “Trapped Friends” room.

Or go on an investigation to find out more about “Beast” with “The Investigation”. Can you get evidence before “Beast” gets you?

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Alton Room Escape 319 Ridge St. • Alton • (618) 876-9768

Imagine sailing on a ship 400 years ago and you are attacked by pirates. Avoid walking the plank in the “Captain’s Quarters” game. Try out your survival skills in the “Trail’s End” game which tests communication skills and your knowledge of the people around you!

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ENJOY MORE FUN HERE:

Mt. Olive Bowl & BBQ 105 S. Old Rt. 66 • Mt. Olive (217) 999-8131 Riverbend Skate 508 W. Delmar Ave. • Alton (618) 917-3981

SIUE Cougar Lanes

University Park Dr. • Edwardsville (618) 650-5263

The Axe Company 20 B Kettle River Dr. • Glen Carbon (618) 650-9053

The Stadium Theatre 117 E. Pearl St. • Jerseyville (618) 498-4711 n

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Tri-County Bowl 207 Krause Dr. • Jerseyville (618) 498-5978

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YMCA of Edwardsville Meyer Center 7348 Goshen Rd. • Edwardsville (618) 655-1460

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YMCA of Edwardsville Niebur Center 1200 Esic Dr. • Edwardsville (618) 656-0436

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TAKE IT OUTSIDE Hidden under a canopy of trees, down in valleys, high up on bluffs and along the water’s edge of rivers and lakes are stories. These are tales of an endangered species saved from extinction; of an early 1900’s farmstead brought back to life; a sewage lagoon converted into an award winning wetlands project.

There are stories to be told in the natural wonderlands that dot the landscape in the Great Rivers & Routes region. Two state parks, nature centers, a heritage farm and birding center are among the crown jewels of outdoor experiences.

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PERE MARQUETTE STATE PARK

BEAVER DAM STATE PARK

THE NATURE INSTITUTE

WATERSHED NATURE CENTER

13112 Visitor Center Ln. • Grafton

14548 Beaver Dam Ln. • Plainview

2213 S. Levis Ln. • Godfrey

1591 Tower Ave. • Edwardsville

It’s really kind of appropriate that the state’s largest state park is named for a European explorer who mapped both the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Pere Marquette State Park, established along the banks of the Illinois River, is named for famed explorer Father Jacques Marquette, who along with fur trader Louis Joliet, spent four months on the North American continent’s two great rivers in 1673, exploring and initiating contact with Native American tribes.

Over 100 years ago, a well known fishing spot was created when a group of friends in Macoupin County pooled their funds to build a dam at both ends of a lake. Little did the 18 friends of the Beaver Dam Lake Club know but their creation would eventually become Beaver Dam State Park. The 751 acre park, located seven miles southwest of Carlinville, sits in an oak/hickory woodland. Fishing, picnicking, hiking and camping are among the more popular activities at the park. Home to a variety of wildlife including, deer, fox, raccoons, wild turkeys and even a few White Squirrels, a variety of indigenous songbirds nest in the park. Eight miles of hiking trails encircle the lake and for the more adventurous, there is an archery range.

Cross country skiing is a popular winter activity, conditions permitting.

High on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River lush with native prairie grasses, the sounds of native songbirds, waterfalls and hiking trails sits the 450 acres of land under the conservation and environmental education guidance of The Nature Institute. The land was originally given to the state of Illinois by landowners in 1969 with the provision that it remain as a natural area. The land eventually was transferred to The Nature Institute where it is part of a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve.

An odiferous, abandoned sewage lagoon in Edwardsville has been transformed into an award winning nature center.

The Watershed Nature Center had pretty humble beginnings as a filled lagoon that was painstakingly transformed into 40 acres of forest, prairie and wetland habitats. Paved walking trails and a raised marsh walk wreath the welcome center which is home to educational and environmental programming.

The Nature Center is city owned and supported by community volunteers.

While the waters of the Illinois River lap along the borders of the 8,000 acre park, there are miles of hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, fishing and horseback riding opportunities.

The park is a hot spot for both fall color drives and eagle watching in the winter months.

Park naturalists even created Eagle Watching Tours that run from December through March.

This nature lover’s paradise is also home to reported Native American burial mounds and eagle eyed explorers can discover flints and arrowheads during hikes and outdoor activities.

Tallgrass prairie, oak savannas, wetland and limestone bluffs offer dazzling views of the Mississippi River. Miles of trails featuring small streams, a waterfall, upland forest and hill prairies are also part of the landscape (although remember the trails are closed from December through March for restoration). Researchers have identified more than 150 species of nesting and migratory birds at the center. It is a winter home to the American Bald Eagle and a den site for Eastern Timber Rattlesnakes.

Tip: Check out

TreeHouse Wildlife Center 23956 Green Acres Rd. • Dow (618) 466-2990

WILLOUGHBY HERITAGE FARM AND CONSERVATION RESERVE 631 Willoughby Ln. • Collinsville

Ever wonder what life was like in pre-World War II America?

Inspired by 1940’s farming life, Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve in Collinsville is a step back in time through a carefully preserved city park facility. Tractors, barns, a 1930’s Craftsman-style farm house and live animals complete the setting. More than 30 acres of a wildlife preserve, complete with hiking trails, bridges and scenic vistas, surround the property. Once a working farm, Willoughby Heritage Farm, offers a variety of programming including guided tours of the Nature Walk area, Farm Animals, Beekeeping and more.

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Lace up the sneakers, air up the tires on the bike and take a journey along the miles of paved trails available throughout the Great Rivers & Routes region.

Experience for yourself the history and cultural institutions, and, of course, panoramic views, along the 85 miles of paved trails in Madison County. From Staunton along the edges of Route 66 down to the Mississippi River across from St. Louis, Madison County Transit has developed looped and stand alone trails.

If getting back to nature is more your idea of a hiking adventure, discover the miles of stunning natural trails that criss-cross the region on or near the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.

NATURE & HIKING TRAILS n

The Audubon Center at Riverlands

301 Riverlands Way • West Alton • (636) 899-0090 Five different trails run throughout the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Trails range from 1 to 3 miles long.

Gordon Moore Park

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4550 College Ave. • Alton • (618) 463-3580 Walk among the trickling streams of the Oriental Garden Trail or The Nature Institute’s Prairie Trail.

Stop and smell the roses in the Nan Elliott Memorial Rose Garden. n

LaVista Park to Clifton Terrace Park

2421 W. Delmar • Godfrey • (618) 466-1483 This 1-mile trail along the river bluffs winds through beautiful wooded areas and alongside a creek as it makes its way down to the waters of the Mississippi River.

The Nature Institute

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2213 S. Levis Ln. • Godfrey • (618) 466-9930 Hiking trails in this 450-acre nature preserve follow small streams, upland forests and the steep limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.

Glazebrook Park

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1401 Stamper Ln. • Godfrey • (618) 466-1483 Three miles of walking trails throughout this 120-acre park featuring two ponds and lots of scenic views. In the fall check out the Great Godfrey Corn Maze.

McCully Heritage Project

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592 Crawford Creek Rd. • Kampsville • (618) 653-4687 More than 15 miles of trails wind through the 940 acres of this scenic wonderland in Calhoun County.

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Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

364 Wildlife Conservation Rd. • Brussels • (618) 883-2524 This federal refuge is an important link for migrating birds. The Gilbert Lake Trail is the perfect place to view wildlife in the floodplain forests.

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BIKING & HIKING TRAILS MCT Bluff Trail • New Poag Rd. • Edwardsville Travel along the Great American Bottoms‘ ancient bluff line on two miles of paved trails on the SIUE campus.

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Confluence Bike Trail • Alton to Granite City This 20.5 mile paved trail follows the Mississippi River from Alton to Granite City. Stops include the National Great Rivers Museum, Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower and the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site. Be sure to bike or hike across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge for breathtaking views of the river.

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MCT Goshen Trail • Edwardsville & Glen Carbon Ten tunnels and a 175-foot bridge highlight this 8-mile trail connecting Troy to Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area trails.

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MCT Nature Trail • Edwardsville & Granite City This well-traveled 15-mile paved trail winds through woods, spans area creeks and is a favorite hang out for local wildlife.

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MCT Nickel Plate Trail

New Douglas to Pontoon Beach Stretching over 28 miles across farmland, woods and urban areas, this combination paved and limestone trail passes near Glen Carbon’s Miner Park and the Edwardsville Children’s Museum. n

MCT Quercus Grove Trail

Staunton, Hamel, Worden, & Edwardsville Historic Route 66 communities are connected with this 18.9 mile paved and limestone trail. Start in Staunton in the north and end in Edwardsville.

Maybe stop in at Weezy’s in Hamel for refreshments or Yellow Dog Café & Bar in Worden. n

MCT Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail • Glen Carbon

Explore the historic community of Glen Carbon along this paved 12 mile trail. Highlights include the Glen Carbon Covered Bridge and connections to local parks.

Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail • Alton to Grafton An awe-inspiring 20-mile paved trail running parallel to the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Stretching from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park, the trail is highlighted by towering limestone bluffs and the sparkling waters of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. n

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For more information on these hiking and biking experiences, go to: RiversandRoutes.com

Great Rivers Bird and Bike Trail

Hartford to Grafton View migrating warblers, herons, egrets and hundreds of other bird species native to this region on this Missouri Audubon endorsed trail. n

Alton Bike Trail

This 0.78 bike trail is located in Riverfront Park and serves as a connector between the Confluence Trail and Sam Vadalabene Bike Trails.

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Heart & Soul

Along historic roadways and beside majestic rivers are the communities which compose the stories of the Great Rivers & Routes region. The stuff of legends and the fabric of history beat through each community and every tale.

The best stories are the ones that capture the imagination and are imbued with passion. From Alton to Grafton, Collinsville to Edwardsville and Carlinville, the stories of the region are quilted together creating the heart and soul of the region.

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COLLINSVILLE

ALTON Home to the world’s tallest man, a legendary man-eating bird and the reported site of Abraham Lincoln’s one and only duel, Alton has been telling its story in hundreds of ways over its nearly 200 year lifetime.

Alton’s location along the mighty Mississippi River made it a sought after location for businesses and settlers in its early years. At one time, the riverfront community rivaled St. Louis as a river port for trade and commerce. While thriving as a river community, the city also saw its share of tragedies.

Abolitionist, newspaper publisher and Presbyterian Minister, Elijah P. Lovejoy, was murdered while defending his printing press along the river in 1837, the same year Alton was incorporated as a city.

Abraham Lincoln spent time in Alton as a young lawyer and later as a candidate for U.S. Senator debating Stephen A. Douglas along the banks of the river and attracting more than 6,000 spectators. There is even a story he was challenged to a duel which was supposed to take place on an island in the river. The duel was suspended when the challenger realized Lincoln’s reach exceeded his own!

Today, Alton is known as the home of Robert Wadlow, who stood at 8-feet 11.1 inches tall at his death in 1940. Jazz legend Miles Davis was born in the city and a bronze statue in the downtown entertainment district stands in commemoration.

One of the most recognized bars in the world, Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, brings young and old alike to the city as does a new organic craft brewery, the state’s oldest casino, and a riverfront amphitheater.

Both historic Route 66 and The National Road wander through Collinsville located in the Great American Bottoms just minutes from downtown St. Louis. Settled in the early 1800s by three brothers whose last name was Collins, the city was formally incorporated in 1872 more than 50 years after it was settled.

Coal mining came to the city in 1870 and was the main source of industry in the small rural community and at one point, nearly one third of the residents made their living in the underground mines. Collinsville became a proven industrial center in its early years and was home to a zinc works, lead works, knitting mill, cow bell factory and canning plants.

Today Collinsville has the distinction of being the Horseradish Capital of the World, is home to the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle (a Route 66 attraction), and has one of the largest Italian Festivals in the Midwest. Horse racing fans can enjoy Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville and Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to being part of Route 66, Collinsville sits at the intersection of three major U.S. Interstates: I-70; I-55 and I-64.

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EDWARDSVILLE

GLEN CARBON

CARLINVILLE

As Illinois’ third oldest city and home to five state governors, Edwardsville has cemented its place in local history. Named for the first territorial governor of Illinois, Ninian Edwards, the city was also home to Col. Benjamin Stephenson who left an architectural mark on the young city.

Positioned on top of massive coal reserves, Glen Carbon (the name literally means Valley of Coal) grew into its own after the Civil War. Originally settled in 1801, a few years before its neighbor Edwardsville, the largely rural community was formally established as a village in 1892.

A massive county courthouse that looks more like a state capital building. A county jail that resembles a castle. A neighborhood of mail order homes. All this and Route 66 is part of the Carlinville experience.

Known for its stately federal homes and brick streets, the city served as the western edge of the Goshen Trail, a major road that stretched from eastern Illinois to its western borders enabling settlers to continue their western migration in the early 1800s.

One hundred years later, Route 66 blazed its way through the city cutting into the heart of downtown linking travelers from Chicago to St. Louis.

Two major coal mines and a coal washing facility were the bedrock of the community’s economy. But in the early 1900s the St. Louis Press Brick Company opened manufacturing all the brick used in the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

The company’s highly sought after bricks were used in construction in Chicago and were sent as far as California. Both the coal and brick industries were victims of the Great Depression.

Edwardsville was also home to progressive industrialist N.O. Nelson who, in 1890, developed a profit-sharing business that included modest and attractive homes for his employees. He named the project “Leclaire” after a French profit-sharing pioneer and the area remains to this day as a National Historic Site.

Glen Carbon has strong ties to its history with the Yanda Log Cabin and the Glen Carbon History Museum, housed in a former brick school building. Visitors also can enjoy driving through a covered bridge on the city’s main street.

Located in Macoupin County, just 40 miles south of Springfield, Carlinville was originally settled on a Black Hawk hunting ground. The community is named for Illinois’ seventh governor, Thomas Carlin and is home to Blackburn College which was established in 1837.

One of the city’s biggest claims to fame is the $1.3 million Macoupin County Courthouse built in 1870.

The massive limestone structure, once the largest courthouse in the country, has a 191-foot dome.

Carlinville is also known for its castle-like jail built in 1869. The structure was built using the “cannonball” method (placing cannonballs in the walls between the layers of stone) and was virtually impossible to break out of.

GRAFTON

ELSAH

At the confluence of America’s two great rivers, the Mississippi and Illinois, the riverfront community of Grafton is known for its sweeping views and vibrant downtown district.

Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River in a valley between massive limestone bluffs, the historic community of Elsah provides a glimpse into a quieter, uncomplicated time. It helps that the entire village is on the National Register of Historic places!

Legends abound about Grafton’s early history. Outlaw Jesse James and his gang reportedly spent time at The River House Hotel or “Bloody Bucket” as it was later known. Much of the community’s early history resembles the Wild West with the relatively short distance across the river to Missouri a draw to outlaws who would hide out in surrounding hollows and caves.

Grafton was founded as a river community with an eye on supporting riverboats traveling between Chicago and St. Louis.

Boat construction, quarries, mills and more were part of the city’s

early industrial years. The city housed a boat works facility which made boats through the 1960s.

Just off the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway and often called “the village where time stood still”, Elsah has been named the top Scenic Spot in Illinois by the Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the State Journal Register newspaper.

A vibrant destination, Grafton now is home to a zip line canopy tour high in the bluffs over the city, an indoor ice rink along the banks of the Mississippi River, a water park along the river, and a local award winning winery..

Principia College, the nation’s only Christian Science school, sits high on the bluffs overlooking Elsah and the scenic Mississippi River.

Many of the school’s buildings were designed by architect Bernard Maybeck.

ALTON HAS IT ALL!

From scenic views to vibrant nightlife and everything in between.

Visit Alton for your great getaway.

VisitAlton.com

Today, Edwardsville stands out as the home to the historic Wildey Theatre featuring live entertainment, its individual foodie scene and award-winning restaurants as well as the cultural and academic diversity of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

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GODFREY Home to the first women’s college west of the Allegheny Mountains, Godfrey has a storied past.

Settled originally by slave-holding families, abolitionist supporters quickly gained control of the area.

Godfrey developed a role in the Underground Railroad movement with the Rocky Fork Church, located near the Mississippi River, Piasa Creek and Rocky Fork Creek, becoming a major station for escaping slaves.

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JERSEYVILLE Named for New England sea captain Benjamin Godfrey, who founded Monticello Female Seminary, the community has grown over the decades. The historic buildings of the seminary now house Lewis & Clark Community College.

Rolling hills and farmland surround the city of Jerseyville located 20 miles north of Alton. The largely agricultural community is home to the historic Cheney Mansion and the Fulkerson Mansion. The city also played a role in the Underground Railroad movement with several buildings, including the Cheney Mansion, serving as Underground Railroad stations.

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Heart & Soul

IT TAKES A COUNTY …

The spirit of four different counties endows the Great Rivers & Routes region with its heart and soul. Cradled between three great rivers and two iconic roadways, Madison, Macoupin, Jersey and Calhoun counties provide vitality and warmth to the region. Meet the counties here!

CALHOUN COUNTY

MADISON COUNTY

MACOUPIN COUNTY

It’s not hard to see why a visit to Calhoun County should be on a Bucket List of scenic Illinois locations.

Nestled between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, Calhoun County is known for its summer peaches and fall apples. Visitors make a point to stop at local roadside stands and orchards for fresh produce. A popular Barn Quilt Tour and the Center for American Archeology are highlights of any visit.

It’s not all about the views, but it should be! Madison County offers rocky bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, two iconic bridges and soft sweeping prairies. Take a walk across the Mississippi River on the pedestrian friendly Chain of Rocks Bridge at the end of Route 66 in Illinois. Or drive across on Alton’s iconic Clark Bridge. Home to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Madison County has a lively nightlife scene, craft breweries and more.

Tucked just outside Illinois’ state capital and threaded with the Mother Road is Macoupin County.

This sprawling county is steeped in intriguing history, outdoor adventures, delectable food and quirky attractions. Check out Taylor’s Mexican Chili Parlor in Carlinville where the recipe is unchanged since 1904. Or travel the byways of Route 66 and visit a Rabbit Ranch and stop beside a Pink Elephant. Macoupin County offers an adventure off the beaten path.

JERSEY COUNTY Acres of woodlands, miles of sweeping hills and pastoral fields, massive limestone bluffs and, of course, two of the nation’s greatest rivers flowing along its western edges, give Jersey County its distinctive character. Home to Illinois’ largest state park, Pere Marquette, and the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, Jersey County is also known for its 150 year old county fair and scenic fall drives.

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Legends and lore and mysteries galore are woven throughout the tapestry of history in Southwest Illinois.

From ancient Native American mounds to monumental explorers and political giants, there is no shortage of stories and tales of the past.

History Comes Alive The history of the area can be traced back to prehistoric times when Native American tribes created a massive and highly organized city in the area now known as Cahokia Mounds, 30 Ramey St., Collinsville. At one time this city was larger than London, England. Today it is regarded as the largest prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico City.

Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located near Collinsville in the fertile Great American Bottoms, offers visitors the opportunity to unravel some of the area’s great mysteries of this fantastic city during a visit. Details of day-to-day life are limited as is the reasons why the great civilization declined at around 1300 A.D. What remains are 72 mounds, some used for burial and others for ceremonial purposes, on the grounds of the site. The largest of these, Monks Mound, has a modern staircase built in for climbing ease. Once at the top of this 100-foot tall mound, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the area. Nearby is a replica “Woodhenge” used as a sun calendar and built with large cedar posts.

Not far from Cahokia Mounds but a time travel journey of nearly 500 years, sits a site dedicated to American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, 3500 New Poag Rd., Hartford, details the efforts of the explorers to prepare for an unprecedented journey across the unexplored western U.S. During the winter of 1803-04, the pair gathered a small group of frontiersmen and trained them on the banks of the Mississippi River at the confluence with the Missouri River for the journey.

A few decades after Lewis & Clark made their journey, a young lawyer began to visit Alton to ply his trade. Sites around the riverfront community highlight Lincoln’s presence. Lincoln’s most inspired visit, however, was the final senatorial debate with Stephen A. Douglas in October 1858. Two bronze statues of the men, frozen in heated argument, grace Lincoln-Douglas Square, a few hundred yards from the Mississippi River. More than 6,000 people gathered to hear the men debate and while Lincoln lost the race for U.S. Senator, two years later he was elected the nation’s 16th president.

DON’T MISS THESE HISTORICAL SITES: Ten thousand years of archaeological history of the lower Illinois River valley has been uncovered at the Center for American Archeology, 100 Broadway St., Kampsville. The center is dedicated to discovering and disseminating the unwritten story of the people who lived in the region surrounding the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers more than 10,000 years ago.

A window into the early history of the State of Illinois is available at the historic 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House, 409 S. Buchanan St., Edwardsville. The federal style four room brick house was built by Benjamin Stephenson who has been

credited with helping to lead Illinois from a territory into statehood alongside his friend, Ninian Edwards.

Stephenson served at both the federal, territory and local levels and was one of 33 men who designed the Illinois Constitution.

Alton was home to Illinois’ first-ever state prison.

The Alton Prison, Williams St., Alton, was a large limestone building but was plagued with disease and overcrowding. The prison was closed due to deplorable conditions but was reopened in 1862 to house Confederate prisoners of the Civil War. Malnutrition and disease quickly broke out killing more than 1,354 Confederate and 240 Union soldiers. The Confederate soldiers are buried in a mass burial site in the Confederate Cemetery, 635 Rozier St., Alton.

Alton’s riverfront location put the community in the forefront of the Underground Railroad movement.

Alton and Godfrey residents repeatedly played a vital role in helping slaves make connections to freedom in the northern U.S. Remnants of this period in history remain throughout the region.

From February through June and again in September through October, shuttle tours highlighting the Underground Railroad journey of slaves escaping across the Mississippi River are available. Among the sites visited on the tour are Rocky Fork Church, a historically African-American church established by free men and former slaves and a key Underground Railroad station; and the Enos Apartments where Underground Railroad hiding places are still visible.

Underground Railroad stations followed creeks and streams. The historic Cheney Mansion, 601 N. State St., Jerseyville has basement rooms which at one time were linked by a tunnel to a stable across the street that were used as Underground Railroad stations.

For more information on Underground Railroad Tours, please go to: VisitAlton.com/Shuttles

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FIND OUT MORE At these

Area Museums

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Museum of History and Art 2809 College Ave. • Alton

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Bethalto Historical Museum 124 W. Main St. • Bethalto Calhoun County Historical Society Museum 204 N. County Rd. • Hardin Cheney Mansion 601 N. State St. • Jerseyville Collinsville Historical Museum 406 W. Main St. • Collinsville

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Illinois Coal Museum at Gillespie 121 S. Macoupin St. • Gillespie

Macoupin County Historical Society Museum 920 W. Breckenridge St. • Carlinville

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Madison County Historical Society 801 N. Main St. • Edwardsville Mother Jones Museum 215 E. Main St. • Mt. Olive Village of Elsah Museum 26 LaSalle St. • Elsah

East Alton History Museum 119 N. Main St. • East Alton

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Glen Carbon Heritage Museum 124 School St. • Glen Carbon

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Hayner Genealogy and Local History Library 401 State St. • Alton

River Museum & Visitors Center 40 W. Ferguson • Wood River River Refinery History Museum 900 S. Central Ave. • Roxana

A good cup of coffee is both a science and an art. Just ask the barristas and coffee connoisseurs at local coffee shops. Frozen. Over Ice. Latte. Mocha. Cappuccino. Artistic roasts. Individual house blends. The lexicon of the coffee world is as robust as some blends and as varied as the names of each cup of Joe. For coffee lovers or those who simply can’t start their day without a great cup of coffee, check out the locally owned and operated coffee shops along the Great Rivers & Routes coffee trail.

Germania Brewhaus 617 E. Broadway • Alton

Maeva’s Coffee 1320 Milton Rd. • Alton

Mochas, cappuccinos, lattes frozen, hot or over ice are on the extensive drink menu. Sit back and relax in this former bank building turned coffee shop and sip a cup.

(In the evenings, beer is available at a self-pour wall!)

Sample Maeva’s special house blend, appropriately named The Maevas, using fair trade beans from Edwardsville’s Goshen Coffee. Enjoy the Handbrew: Cleverdripper or French Press both created using guest blends or the in house blend along with expressos and cappuccinos. Enjoy the atmosphere in the former school house where Maeva’s is nestled.

The Post Commons 300 Alby St. • Alton Housed in an old U.S. Post Office, The Post Commons offers brews from beans sourced by Seeds Common in Birmingham, AL. Drip, bottomless, cold brew and pour overs are on the menu along with the requisite expressos and lattes.

Tip: Try the flavored syrups which are house made!

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Sacred Grounds 233 N. Main St. • Edwardsville Looking for a coffee shop with sandwiches and a vegetarian breakfast and lunch menu? Sacred Grounds offers both in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

222 Artisan Bakery & Café 222 N. Main St. • Edwardsville Smell the coffee and enjoy a cup of special roasts, cold brews and expresso at this bakery/café/coffee shop. Take your pick of coffee and pair it with a giant cinnamon roll or artisan lunch pizza.

Verona Coffee Company 101 E. Main St. • Collinsville Take your time and enjoy a Carmel Macchiatos, or Lo-Carb Latte at Verona Coffee Company.

Experiment with the hot and cold coffees, all brewed from Kaldi’s Coffee. The extensive drink menu also includes non-coffee brews.

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CRAFT BEER

Sipping a cold locally brewed craft beer has become a hot trend. Who knew that creating great craft beer would become an art form? Or that it would inspire local, regional or even national economic growth?

The surge in local craft breweries in the region and their signature craft beers reflect national trends. Craft beer drinkers are up 10 percent nationwide. This is reflected locally with four craft breweries setting up shop in the region.

Local brewers can quickly change out their beers to meet demands from customers for more hops or different beer flavors. Want a coffee stout?

Blood orange blend? Brown ales, porters and more are on display at these local craft breweries.

OLD BAKERY BEER 400 Landmarks Blvd. • Alton

While it’s not the area’s newest or only craft beer brewery, Old Bakery Beer is one of a handful of certified organic breweries in the nation. Tempt your tastebuds with a flight of seasonal or traditional beer including the flagship brews of Citrus Wheat and Porter or try the seasonal Hibiscus Tart (and yes, it is tart!) and A-Town Brown. Owners James Rogalsky and Lauren Pattan have created a Hop series of beer and a Coffee series.

Housed in a converted Colonial Bakery building in downtown Alton, the brewery has an adjoining restaurant and tasting room. The restaurant specializes in organic and locally sourced products for its menu which changes seasonally.

“We have a lot of repeat customers. And it’s been great.

I like getting to talk to the customers and it’s rewarding to pour my own beer and watch them enjoy it,” James Rogalsky points out.

PEEL WOOD FIRED PIZZA 921 S. Arbor Vitae • Edwardsville

It might look and taste like a high end pizza restaurant, but Peel also brews its own craft beer. The brewery is actually located in nearby O’Fallon, IL, but the beer is also served at the Edwardsville location.

Enjoy an unfiltered India Pale Ale named “Milk N Honey” or sip on a sweetly orange tinted Blood Orange Wheat brew.

Seasonal and year round brews are available.

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OLD HERALD BREWERY & DISTILLERY

GRAFTON WINERY & BREWHAUS

115 E. Clay St. • Collinsville

Mike and Lori Nikonovich originally just wanted to make wine. And they did. Lots of award winning vintages. But then the couple realized that wine wasn’t for everyone.

The region’s newest craft brewery is based in Uptown Collinsville and brings the city’s beer brewing past into the future.

The former Collinsville Herald newspaper building has been converted into a family-friendly restaurant serving craft beer, spirits and sodas, all produced in-house. Owners Derik and Whitney Reiser are determined to blend the city’s rich craft spirit past with new brews.

RECESS BREWING 307 N. Main St. • Edwardsville

300 W. Main St. • Grafton

“We were the first winery in Illinois to get a Beer Manufacturing License and at the time, it was very unusual for a winery to offer beer as an option to wine,” Mike Nikonovich said. ”But we wanted to have something to offer the people who don’t like wine. We wanted our own beer.”

In August of 2009, the Grafton Brewhaus brewpub opened at the winery. Two tanks made up the newly formed craft brewery and dark wheat and pilsner beers were served. As the brewery caught on with customers at the winery, the choices of beers and number of tanks on site increased. There are now five tanks and the brewery can keg its own beers.

All beers are handcrafted on site and served in 16 ounce draft pints. The Grafton Brewhaus now has nine selections available to customers including American Pilsner, Bock Dark, American Wheat, Red Ale, Nut Brown, Stout, India Pale Ale, Shandy and Colaweizen.

Edwardsville is home to a community supported brewery, Recess Brewing, which has been operating from its Main Street location for four years.

At Recess, the names of the beer are as artistic as the brew itself. Customers can enjoy the rustic indoor seating sipping on the likes of “Lincoln’s Lament” which is styled after Civil War-era beer or “Foursquare” their version of a nutty American Brown Ale. Bottled brews include “Cougars Near You”, a blonde ale created from a recipe from the SIUE Fermentation class and “Summer Brunch”, an amber ale.

Food isn’t served at Recess but customers are encouraged to bring their own in or order from a nearby restaurant and have food delivered.

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Tucked away in the tiny Macoupin County community of Williamson, sits The Winery at Shale Lake. Located on top of a long-abandoned coal mine, the winery has 14 acres of vineyards where owners Mike and Susan Wesa are committed to producing Illinois wine using Illinois grapes. The winery has an indoor tasting room, a heated wine garden which overlooks the vineyards, a scenic wine trail, picnic areas and more. Both red and white wines are produced using grapes from the vineyard. The Winery at Shale Lake is open year round Fridays – Sundays.

Take a Sip Wine, vodka, gin and whiskey. Take your pick of locally crafted spirits at the wineries and distilleries cropping up throughout the Great Rivers and Routes region.

For more than a decade, local wineries have made their mark on the national wine scene.

In 2008, Grafton Winery & Brewhaus exploded onto the scene with a local full production winery located in downtown Grafton along the Mississippi River. With Peach, Double Berry, Raspberry Kiss, Holiday Crapple and Apple Crisp wines, owners Mike and Lori Nikonovich developed some of the tastiest and sought after wines in the area. Expanding to varietals of dry and sweet reds 27 Great Rivers & Routes

and dry and sweet whites, the Nikonoviches began winning awards for the wines from New York’s Fingerlakes International Wine Competition to the Illinois State Fair. The winery has since expanded and recently moved its winemaking operation four miles north of Grafton next to its 4 acres of vineyards. Enjoy a taste of the seasonal fruit or reds and whites at the downtown Grafton location with lunch or dinner or have a picnic snack at The Grafton Winery The Vineyards with a bottle of wine.

Wild Pickin’s Winery in Chesterfield in rural Macoupin County offers fruity wines, food and music. The winery looks out over vineyards and offers live music and other entertainment year round.

Check out the blueberry pomegranate wine and relax in the outdoor wooded setting.

international wines alongside its popular soup, salad and sandwich restaurant. Indulge in local, old world and new world wines at Solera Wine Bar. It’s not all about wine in the area. Local distilleries are beginning to make their mark.

Bluestem Vodka has a small distillery and tasting room in

Bethalto. The distillery rocketed into the craft distilling industry with its corn-based vodka. The grain-to-glass experience at Bluestem Vodka has gained in popularity. Tours of the facility and tasting events are offered by reservations on Saturdays.

Dipping its toe into the fast growing craft distillery business

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Copper Bar at State Street Market 212 State St. • Alton (618)462-8800

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Grafton Harbor Floating Winery 215 W. Water St. • Grafton (618)786-7678

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Grafton Winery the Vineyards 21028 Eckert Orchard Rd. • Grafton (618)786-3004

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Jeni J’s Winery 120-214 W. Main St. • Grafton (618)786-2737

Grafton Ice House Winery 214 W. Main St. • Grafton (618) 786-2737

Grafton Winery & Brewhaus 300 W. Main St. • Grafton (618)786-3001

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Mary Michelle Winery 13653 Lodge Blvd. • Grafton (618)786-2331

is Old Herald Distillery in Collinsville. Housed in the former Collinsville Herald newspaper building, one side of the distillery is a microbrewery and the other produces vodka, gin and whiskey. Owners Whitney and Derik Reiser offer a oneof-a-kind experience with the blended brewery and distillery.

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Solera 212 W. 3rd St. • Alton (618)433-9655

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The Winery at Aerie’s Resort 600 Timber Ridge Dr. • Grafton (618)786-7477

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The Winery at Shale Lake 1499 Washington Ave. • Staunton (618) 637-2470

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Wild Pickins Winery 14223 Rt. 11 • Chesterfield (618)753-3833

Scenic views are the draw for local wineries offering private label blends of wine. The Winery at Aeries Resort, Grafton Ice House Winery, Mary Michelle Winery at Pere Marquette State Park and the Floating Winery at Grafton Harbor all come with spectacular views of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers along with specialty wines.

Wine bars are also in vogue throughout the region. The Copper Bar at State Street Market and Solera, both located in Alton’s downtown entertainment district, offer intimate wine tasting experiences. The Copper Bar (check out the actual copper bar) features national and RiversandRoutes.com

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ALTON LITTLE THEATER

LET US

entertain YOU!

Tunes dancing across the waters of the Mississippi River at an outdoor amphitheater. Classic rock bands playing on the same stage where Ginger Rogers once frolicked. Award-winning live community theater productions.

The arts come alive along Route 66 and the Great River Road year round where indoor and outdoor entertainment takes center stage.

Come take a seat at the historic Wildey Theatre located in the heart of downtown Edwardsville.

Sit back and enjoy a movie, live theater production or just some good old fashioned music in the art deco auditorium which once showcased the likes of Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and W. C. Fields.

The Wildey, built in 1909, long before Route 66 wound its way through Edwardsville, has been the hub of movie and live entertainment for decades. At one time it was considered the largest, most modern theater in Illinois. Although it was shuttered in the mid-1980’s, the building is now owned by the City of Edwardsville. It has

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been reborn as an intimate entertainment venue which can seat 400 people. WildeyTheatre.com On a warm summer evening let the sounds of regional and national musical talents sweep you away along the banks of the Mississippi River at the Alton Amphitheater. Cool jazz, rip-roaring rock n roll and Indie bands have all taken the stage at the outdoor venue perched on Alton’s historic riverfront.

It’s not just music that draws crowds to the amphitheater. Seasonal festivals taking place include the annual Food Truck Festival, Alton Expo and more. The amphitheater season typically runs from June through October and has hosted national talents like Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, the Beach Boys, Sister Hazel and Smashmouth. AltonAmphitheater.com There’s nothing like a good belly laugh or shedding a tear or two when the cast of Alton Little Theater takes the stage in one of its many award-winning performances. Celebrating it’s 85th season of entertaining audiences, productions include Broadway favorites and

ALTON AMPHITHEATER

classic comedies. Enjoy musical shows like ‘Mamma Mia!’, or touching performances from ‘On Golden Pond’ both scheduled for the 2019 season. Adults aren’t the only ones entertained.

AND THERE’S MORE!

Magical Harry Potter dinners and classic Disney shows are sure to entertain the young and young at heart. AltonLittleTheater.org

Check out these community-based entertainment organizations:

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Municipal Band (Performances every summer in Alton’s Riverview Park and Haskell Park) CityofAltonIl.com/page/alton-muny-band n Alton

Symphony Orchestra 5800 Godfrey Rd. • Godfrey • (618) 792-4002 Alton SymphonyOrchestra.org

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Municipal Band Performances every summer in Carlinville Town Square

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Up Theater Company 3 Bliss Terrace • Collinsville • (618) 530-5822 CurtainsUpTheater.com

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WILDEY THEATRE

Arts Center 6165 Center Grove Rd. • Edwardsville • (618) 655-0337 EdwardsvilleArtsCenter.com

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Municipal Band Performances every Thursday during the summer at Edwardsville City Park

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Alton Concert Association 5800 Godfrey Rd. • Godfrey • (618) 468-4222 n Great

Rivers Choral Society (618) 401-1450 • GRCS-sing.org n Jacoby

Arts Center 627 E. Broadway • Alton • (618) 462-5222 JacobyArtsCenter.org

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Art Collective 214 E. Main St. • Staunton • (618) 635-2015 Macart.org n VonDell

Gallery & Studios 102 E. Ferguson Ave. • Wood River • (618) 251-8550 RiversandRoutes.com

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LOCAL LEGENDS: MAC LENHARDT If there is one thing Mac Lenhardt, owner of Mac’s Downtown in Alton, believes in, it is community. That sense of working together with others has kept him in business in downtown Alton for 35 years. It has helped him survive devastating floods and encouraged his business expansions.

“We all take care of each other here,” Lenhardt said of his adopted city. “There are a lot of good people in Alton and a lot of characters.”

A self-described “simple guy” who operates a “joint that has good food”, Mac Lenhardt is committed to the growth and success of Alton as a community.

VISIONARIES… ENTREPRENEURS… ARTISTS…

Lenhardt grew up at Scott Air Force Base, moved to Alton as an adult, and started his business in 1983 while working full time as a machinist in Granite City. He opened Mac’s Tavern in a depressed section of downtown Alton on Belle Street. At the time, there were a handful of bars in the area and he realized the city could use “a little more action.”

Building a legendary destination relies on transforming bold dreams into a passionate reality.

From one property, Lenhardt grew his business to include seven properties, all operating under one name. He now owns an entire block on Belle Street just off Third Street and it has evolved into Mac’s Downtown featuring food, drinks and off track betting.

The Great Rivers and Routes

He operated as a small neighborhood tavern with three employees for several years, expanding as property became available next to his original building. He made sure to retain the architecture and brick work of each new building as he expanded into new building purchases. Fifteen years ago he began offering off track betting.

Five years after that he added food sales. Now he employs more than 45 people.

region flows with the spirit of our local legends.

Meet our legends here. Better yet, come see them in person.

“I started with BBQ sandwiches and pizza,” he said of his foray into the restaurant business. “It grew into a full menu and I was surprised at the success.”

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Mac’s Downtown remains an iconic fixture in spite of the ups and downs of the economy because of all the support he has received from other long time Alton business owners.

It hasn’t always been easy. He has seen dozens of businesses come and go on Third and Belle Streets. And he has weathered the impact of massive floods in Alton, including the flood of 1993 and again in 1995.

He survived because the Alton community and business owners banded together to help him, he pointed out.

Because people helped him out, Lenhardt works to give back to the community. He quietly assists other small business owners when they need advice or support.

He also has created several community-oriented events that bring hundreds if not thousands of people to the streets of downtown Alton.

Four years ago he began celebrating the Kentucky Derby with Derby Day events featuring free live music from national musicians including Molly Hatchett, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Badfinger and others.

Women dress up in their Derby finest and there are hat contests accompanied by the iconic mint juleps.

Bringing people into Alton is a goal of Lenhardt’s and having a strong tourism economy is good for everyone in the area he said.

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LOCAL LEGENDS: FRED AND SHERRI WHITWORTH It all started with a cherry pie.

Or at least that’s one part of the story Fred and Sherri Whitworth, owners of the wildly popular Josephine’s Tea Room and Gift Shops, tell about their landmark Godfrey business.

“At first, Josephine’s was a small gift shop located in a building across the street from where we are now,” Fred Whitworth remarks on Josephine’s early beginnings 40 years ago.

“People kept coming in and telling us they wanted a place where they could shop and eat. So one day my wife brought in a pie.”

It was a cherry pie, Sherri Whitworth remembers. And it was the start of Josephine’s Tea Room and Gift Shop.

Quickly outgrowing the original location, the Whitworth’s ultimately purchased four buildings on the east side of Godfrey Road, a short distance from Lewis & Clark Community College including a building used by the former Monticello College as a boarding facility for teachers. They converted the buildings into one large building over the years making room for the expansive gift shop and tea room.

Known for its quality menu and decadent desserts, Josephine’s has also evolved into a shopper’s delight and a haven for those who search for home decorating ideas.

“Everything on our menu is homemade,” Sherri points out. “It’s comfort food and it’s made fresh the day it is served. We have soups, salads and sandwiches. But we are known for our Lobster Bisque and desserts.”

Josephine’s is named for Sherri’s grandmother, a “wonderful, hospitable woman and I always want to honor her” who died one year before the opening of the original gift shop. Family is not simply a theme for Josephine’s, it is a way of life. Sherri’s sister, Sandy Cleveland a retired teacher, is the head baker.

The Whitworth’s son, Troy, a professional landscaper, designed the landscaping around the business. The three college age Whitworth grandsons work at the business every summer vacation. Even current employees are the children of former Josephine’s employees bringing everything full circle. Customers also carry on the Josephine’s tradition with grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren from the same family continuing to make memories.

“We have mothers bring their children and then before we know it those children are bringing their children in for lunch,” Sherri says.

Sumptuously decorated in seasonal displays, Josephine’s offers customers a garden of shopping delights ranging from clothes and jewelry to silk floral arrangements and more for the home.

“People come to Josephine’s for the employees and the food,” Sherri says. “We have customers from New York and California and they can have the best of the best yet they still want to come here! We feel that if a customer has driven any distance to see us they deserve to have good service.”

The Whitworth’s have spent 50 years in the Alton-Godfrey area and point out that tourism efforts are important to their business.

“We have the most beautiful portion of the Great River Road. That has a huge impact on this area. People love the old buildings and homes in the area. Tourism enriches the entire region. Tourism keeps us going,” Sherri says.

MORE

LOCAL LEGENDS

Fred & Sherri Whitworth of Josephine's Tea Room

“We had a pie keeper in the shop and there was a lady who would bring in pies. We served coffee and pie to our customers,” she remembers.

Five years after the gift shop opened, the tea room was born.

Joe & Jan DeSherlia of Grafton Harbor

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Ben & Trudi Allen of The Loading Dock

Ann Badasch of My Just Desserts

Felicia Breen & Chad Nelson of Mississippi Mud Pottery RiversandRoutes.com

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Buena Vista Art • 307 E. Main St. • Grafton

MIX IT UP

What better place to discover handcrafted jewelry and steampunk industrial art than alongside the Mississippi River in Grafton?

They create, craft and invent.

They are the artisans … the makers … the do-ers … the inspiration for all things that are uniquely Illinois.

And they are all part of the Great Rivers and Routes region!

From a craft beer brewery housed in a former Colonial Bread Bakery, to handthrown pottery, secret recipe chili, finely crafted jewelry, steam punk industrial art, locally roasted coffee, a fourth generation bakery, and locally crafted tattoo and beard oils, the makers in the region are spreading their wings and developing national products made in Illinois.

MEET OUR LOCAL MAKERS!

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Kruta Bakery • 300 St. Louis Rd. • Collinsville Signature crème horns, Stollens, danishes, donuts and more are part of the delightful goodies found at Kruta Bakery on a daily basis.

Four generations of the Kruta family have perfected the baked treats from recipes created by Fred Kruta when he immigrated from Eastern Europe 100 years

ago. Each product is made from scratch from the highest quality ingredients available.

From French pastries to Russian Kolache and Bohemian Pastry to donuts, specialty cakes, fruit pies, jelly rolls and more, Kruta Bakery’s products have risen to the top of the local bakery world.

Brummet’s Industrial Art lamps are created using antique and vintage items which originated in

IT’S AN ART

ILLINOIS MAKERS SHINE

Greg Brummett of Buena Vista Art has spent three decades as an artist’s artist. And everything he creates has a function. From

fold-form copper pieces to wire-wrapped jewelry and, more recently, steampunk style industrial lamps, Brummett has found a way to let his creativity shine along the banks of the Mississippi River.

WINE AROUND

Since 2008, Mike and Lori Nikonovich have been producing some of the tastiest wine in the region. More than 20 different wines have been crafted at Grafton Winery ranging from sweeter fruit wines, semi-sweet whites and reds and dry whites and reds.

All of their wines have won numerous awards ranging from the prestigious New York Fingerlakes International Wine Competition to the Illinois State Fair. Originally based in downtown Grafton at the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, the Nikonovich’s expanded their operation in 2015 by planning their own vineyard and opening a second winery location: Grafton Winery the Vineyards located in the rolling hills of Jersey County.

All of the wines are crafted in Grafton, sold in The Grafton Winery & Brewhaus restaurants and throughout Illinois.

Brummett made his name in the artistic world with his fold form copper pieces, a process he perfected over the years. Fold form techniques include taking a sheet of copper and folding it, pressing it, designing and firing as needed. He creates anything from cuff bracelets to tabletops using fold form copper techniques. He has also created wire-wrapped jewelry using natural stones, silver and copper.

James Rogalsky and Lauren Pattan, the husband-wife duo that make up Old Bakery Beer have created an innovative and substantial organic craft beer brewery in their nearly four years in business. Located in the historic Colonial Bakery building a short distance from the banks of the Mississippi River, flagship and seasonal beers have been developed.

Grafton Winery & Brewhaus • 300 W. Main St. • Grafton Nestled in the rollings hills of Jersey County, just north of the riverside community of Grafton, sits four acres of vineyards.

Those vineyards are now producing locally sourced wines created by Grafton Winery.

factories and warehouses. The lamps, which have a distinct artistic flair, receive whimsical names from Brummett to give them even more character when they are finished. And, never fear … the lamps are completely functional!

CRAFTING A NEW APPROACH Old Bakery Beer 400 Landmarks Blvd. • Alton

Using the community of Alton as an inspiration, beers including A-town Brown, Hibiscus Tart, Oktoberfest and Citrus Wheat have rolled out of the tanks.

One of a handful of organic breweries in the country, Old Bakery Beer can be found on tap throughout Illinois and in cans at local grocery stores.

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ILLINOIS MAKERS SHINE

IT’S A SECRET

POTTERY DELIGHTS

Taylor’s Mexican Chili 510 N. Side Square • Carlinville Shhhh …. There’s a secret at Taylor’s Mexican Chili Parlor in Carlinville. And it’s buried in the signature flavors of beans, meat and that little hint of heat that infuses every spoonful, every bowl of chili.

True chili connoisseurs know that Taylor’s, an Illinois chili producer, has the right stuff.

Mississippi Mud Pottery • 310 E. Broadway • Alton A few blocks from the banks of the Mississippi River, Chad Nelson and Felicia Breen, owners of Mississippi Mud Pottery in Alton, have found their creative and business niche.

Their handmade mugs, bowls, plates and platters are highly sought after by people throughout the region. And the ribbons and awards lining the walls of their shop are testament to their artistic talents.

The couple has taken the changing face of the river and translated it into artistic pieces as well as the functional stoneware that has attracted buyers from throughout the region. They have become well known for the creation of press molded fish ceramics where they actually press the bodies of fish into the clay to capture as much detail as possible.

Goshen Coffee • 206 E. Linden St. • Edwardsville Ahhh … coffee. There is nothing like the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Well, wait.

There is. How about the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans?

The first thing anyone walking into Edwardsville’s Goshen Coffee production facility and retail shop will notice is the rich, nutty aroma of coffee. It tantalizes the senses inspiring visions of mouthwatering cups of the hot dark liquid. While there is a diminutive coffee bar at the entrance to the facility, it is the bags upon bags of coffee beans and roasting process that drives the aromas.

Barrel Brands • 101 N. Seminary St. • Collinsville

Barrel Brands is a line of small batch, barrel aged oils developed to treat and protect skin and hair.

The oils are used to lighten scars, repair cracked skin, bring new life to tattoos, smooth stretch marks, ease dermatitis and can be useful in the treatment of acne.

SMOOTHING THINGS OVER 37 Great Rivers & Routes

The oil, a proprietary blend of ingredients developed by Jeremy who is a U.S. Air Force veteran,

is aged for a minimum of six months and often for a year in used wooden spirit barrels that dot the inside of his warehouse-style business located just off Main Street in Uptown Collinsville.

When the oil is decanted from the barrels, the end product is as complex as an aged whiskey, beer or wine. Each barrel of oil has its own distinct aroma.

“I just happened to pick the exact right ingredients for the oil,” Jeremy muses. “I started with a really pure Vitamin E and built the oil from there.”

“You stop noticing the smell after a while,” said head roaster

SMELL OF SUCCESS

Great things take time. And no one knows that better than Collinsville native Jeremy Stanton, the creator and owner of Barrel Brands, a specialty skin and hair oil company.

Carl Bringenberg. And that’s probably true since he roasts over 97,000 pounds of coffee beans each year.

Goshen Coffee, a boutique coffee production company tucked away in a 2,000-square-foot facility at 206 E. Linden St., in Edwardsville, has made a name for itself since it was started in 2002. It’s humble beginnings not withstanding (the first roast occurred in the home of the original owner), it is now sold in major grocery stores across Illinois and Missouri and is brewed in local coffee shops.

For those who want to purchase the coffee directly from the source, the facility offers limited retail hours and online sales.

The chili is served “parlor” style which means the meat and beans are prepared separately so the flavors stay rich and distinctive. No binders or fillers are used in the process which means the flavors spread across the taste buds for a distinctive chili taste.

For 114 years the Carlinvillebased chili company has served up its secret recipe chili and people from all over the U.S. are drawn to the downtown chili parlor simply to spoon up the savory and satisfying bowls of meat and beans. Sometimes customers add onions.

Sometimes it’s cheese. There is even a dash of apple cider vinegar handy on each table to help cut the heat.

Taylor’s Mexican Chili is produced and packaged in Carlinville using USDA Choice Sirloin beef, beans and spices.

Everything about the chili is authentic and holds true to the original 1904 recipe.

The production facility has modernized since it first started running in the 1930’s but the special split packaging remains the same. During the production process, the meat is simmered in small batches and then packed in a special container, separate from the bean container.

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Insta Delights

Thanks to our Instagrammers for showcasing Great Rivers & Routes

STORIES FROM @rmoginot

@mchager99

@kitty.lawrence

the roads

There is only one place on earth where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets up with its sister The Great River Road. And that place is right here in Southwest Illinois.

So hop in the car. Put on some road tunes. Prepare to be entertained with stories of mobsters, miners, man-eating birds and ancient civilizations. Let the two roads be your guide on a journey like no other where pink elephants stand tall and mighty rivers flow beside scenic roadways.

THE MOTHER ROAD @bzienda

@lucious.fox

@mrbeos10

39 Great Rivers & Routes

@arielletewell

@hungryhungrytrav -

@dcans

@apronwonders

@cpcaton

@javakat14

A treasure trove of stories are tucked away on the 85 mile stretch of U.S. Route 66 from just south of Springfield to outside St. Louis. The legendary road carved a path through the southern part of Illinois on its journey from Chicago to California and brought with it musicians, miners and even infamous mobsters.

“Early Route 66 south of Springfield (as well as the whole state) was Al Capone and the gangsters’ path up and down Illinois. I would strongly imagine they made stops in many places but the ones that I know of as being pretty well established are Benld, because of the Tarro brothers’ illegal stills and their ballroom to sell the liquor, and the Luna in Mitchell,” Route 66 author Cheryl Eichar Jett notes.

Capone and his cronies likely used Route 66 once it opened from Chicago to St. Louis in 1926 as a rumrunner highway. A favorite stop particularly during Prohibition according to legend, was The Tarro Colliseum in Benld. The large brick ballroom was built by Dominick Tarro in the early 1920s. While it attracted the likes of Duke Ellington and Fats

Domino to its stage and customers to the largest dance floor outside of Chicago, it also was home to the Tarro brothers illegal still operation during Prohibition. The building burned down in 2011. An interpretive statue stands in its place today.

owner Bob Ernst. “We make old fashioned ice cream sodas and you kind of get addicted.”

A memorial to a woman once called “The Most Dangerous Woman in America” stands tall in a cemetery in Mt. Olive along Route 66. Mother Jones, a tiny woman with a giant passion for coal miners became a progressive union organizer late in life. Mother Jones, whose name was Mary G. Harris, was a passionate Irishwoman known for her charismatic speeches and for calling the men she helped “my boys.” Mother Jones is buried alongside her boys killed in the miners’ Battle of Virden in 1898 in Union Miners Cemetery.

Don’t miss Henry’s Rabbit Ranch tucked away on Route 66 in Staunton. A Volkswagon Rabbit “Stonehenge” lines the road and inside the roadside stand are real rabbits, or “bunnies” as owner Rich Henry calls them. And yes, there is even a rabbit cemetery as a legacy to the bunnies no longer around.

The Mother Road also has stories of kitschy roadside stands, diners and drive-ins along the way.

Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard has remained true to its 1929 roots with its hand drawn sodas from original fountain equipment.

“The fountain equipment was purchased in 1929 for $3,000 and it’s still working today,” said Doc’s

Housed in the community’s original drug store, pill bottles, pill makers and other pharmaceutical equipment is displayed for visitors.

The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle anchors the final leg of Route 66 in Illinois. Collinsville is home to the water tower built like a catsup bottle.

Built in 1949, the 170-foot tall tower was created for the bottlers of Brooks catsup. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

It’s at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison where the Mother Road meets the Great River Road. While the bridge is closed to vehicle traffic, its open to pedestrian and bicyclists year round. A quirky 30 degree dog leg turn mid-way across the truss bridge adds to its character.

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HARDIN

VIRDEN

river road route 66 THE GREAT RIVERS

THE MOTHER ROAD

PERE MARQUETTE STATE PARK

GIRARD

DOC’S SODA FOUNTAIN

MILLION DOLLAR COURTHOUSE (Macoupin County Courthouse)

PERE MARQUETTE CROSS I L LI NO IS R

ILLINOIS COAL MUSEUM

IV E

R

ELSAH MI

R IV

ER

BRUSSELS

PI

IP I SS

SS ISS IPP I R IV

GODFREY

Audubon Center at Riverlands

GILLESPIE

PIASA BIRD

ER

ALTON VISITOR CENTER ALTON NATIONAL GREAT RIVERS MUSEUM AT MELVIN PRICE LOCKS AND DAM

WEST ALTON

TWO RIVERS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

BENLD

HENRY’S RABBIT RANCH

WOOD RIVER MI

SS O

UR

IR

STAUNTON

HAMEL

MOTHER JONES MONUMENT Soulsby Service Station Decamp Station PINK ELEPHANT ANTIQUE MALL

R

LEWIS & CLARK LEWIS & CLARK STATE HISTORIC SITE CONFLUENCE TOWER Chain of Rocks BRIDGE

MT. OLIVE

LIVINGSTON

WILDEY THEATRE IV E

“Cannonball” Jail CARLINVILLE

PRINCIPIA COLLEGE GREAT RIVERS PARK THE NATURE INSTITUTE

GRAFTON

SS MI

CARLINVILLE Square

HARTFORD COLLINSVILLE

EDWARDSVILLE

WEEZY’S DINER

GLEN CARBON

BROOKS CATSUP BOTTLE Cahokia Mounds Fairmount Park

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MISSOURI

ILLINOIS

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river road GREAT RIVERS Dazzling. Scenic. Amazing. The adjectives are just the start of a 33mile stretch of road that reaches from Hartford on its southern end to Pere Marquette State Park in the north.

Soaring 200-foot limestone bluffs covered with trees line one side of the road. The other is met with the waters of the mighty river herself. The scenic byway also showcases the confluence of three great American rivers: the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois.

Rolling through the riverside communities of Alton, Elsah and Grafton, the byway has its own stories to tell.

Early explorers used the rivers as their version of modern day highways to travel the North American continent.

European explorers Pere Marquette and Louis Joliet traveled the Illinois and Mississippi rivers in an attempt to discover a passage to the Pacific Ocean. Instead they discovered the story of a man-eating bird along the banks of the Mississippi between what is now Alton and Grafton.

The explorers were regaled with tales from Native American tribes about the Piasa (Pie-A-Saw) Bird whose likeness was painted onto the bluffs along the river. The bird, which resembled a dragon, had scales, a long tail, sharp claws and a humanlike face. It preyed on local tribes until it was slain by a courageous chief. A modern day likeness of the Piasa Bird is painted on the bluffs north of Alton.

American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark made the banks of the Mississippi, where it meets the

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Missouri, their winter headquarters on a quest to discover a route to the Pacific Ocean across the western U.S. Unsure if they would find monstrous animals or the much sought after route. For four months they trained and prepared in their winter camp.

The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford details the stages of their preparations and showcases a replica keelboat used by the explorers.

The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford is a great place to stop and view the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Scenic sites are visible from its three platforms 50, 100 and 150-feet high.

Experience the life of a river at the National Great Rivers Museum at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. Lock wall tours are available detailing the modern technology that goes into the Mississippi River lock and dam system. The museum provides visitors with the opportunity to drive a towboat down the river and explore the ecology of rivers.

The Illinois and Mississippi rivers come together in the riverside community of Grafton. The best views of this confluence are available high on the bluffs at Aerie’s Resort or during an overnight stay at Tara Point.

Illinois’ largest state park, Pere Marquette, hugs the northern edge of the scenic byway. Bounded by the Illinois River and acre upon acre of woods, river valleys, bluffs and more, scenic overlooks are available throughout the park.

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OLD SETTLERS DAYS The life and times of early Calhoun County settlers come to life during Old Settlers Days held on the banks of the Illinois River in Kampsville every October. The free event includes demonstrations, Mountain Men and blanket trader re-enactors, a petting zoo and live music. Enjoy potato chips cooked in iron kettles, along with more traditional fare including fried fish, French onion soup, fried pies and more.

GRAFTON TOWBOAT FESTIVAL

FESTIVE DELIGHTS Feeling a bit folksy? Check out the local festivals and fairs held all along the Mother Road and on the banks of the Mississippi River.

In June each year, the city of Collinsville turns out for its annual Horseradish Festival. All things horseradish are on display in the city known as The Horseradish Capital of the World. How about some horseradish ice cream?

If it has to do with the Mother Road, then cars must be involved, right? All along Route 66 from Virden to Collinsville, each community holds individual events during this two day festival typically held in June annually.

ALTON FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

EDWARDSVILLE ART FAIR

Mmmmmm …. Food. What better place to indulge a passion for food than the annual Alton Food Truck Festival. Held the last Saturday of August at the Alton Amphitheater, some 20 different food trucks congregate providing culinary delights.

Hundreds of artists from around the country travel to Edwardsville for the juried art fair which takes place in City Park each September.

Kids can create their own work of art. Adults can sip local beer and check out up-and-coming artists of all kinds.

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ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL

Shiver me timbers it’s an actual working towboat!

Docked in the riverfront community of Grafton each November, festival goers can tour a working towboat, hear stories from retired towboat captains and maybe even meet a pirate! Held in November each year.

ITALIAN FEST Everyone is Italian during the annual Collinsville Italian Festival!

Since 1984, the streets of Uptown Collinsville have been transformed into a Little Italy with food, drinks, and live music (including Italian folk tunes). Mush some grapes between your toes during the annual Grape Stomp, compete in the Bocci Ball Tournament or sit back and enjoy a parade. This festival celebrating the city’s Italian heritage is held the third weekend of September.

From old fashioned county fairs, art expos, celebrations of the ever venerable horseradish root and all things Italian, enjoy some local merrymaking with the entire family.

COLLINSVILLE HORSERADISH FESTIVAL

For more information go to: RiversandRoutes.com

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JOIN A REVOLUTION They say you want a revolution…

Well, you know We all want to change the world.

– “Revolution”

by The Beatles

A revolution came to the historic riverfront community of Alton – a Small Business Revolution – and in the process it transformed the city and locally owned and operated businesses.

The city won Deluxe Corporation’s Small Business Revolution Main Street contest receiving a $500,000 community makeover. That in turn translated into new welcome city signage, a building mural,

decorative streetlights and the transformation of six struggling small businesses.

The riverfront city perched on the banks of the Mississippi River and awash with history, scenic beauty and pride is the featured community in Season Three of the Small Business Revolution – Main Street series available on Hulu and SmallBusinessRevolution.com. The transformation of Alton is captured in the original eight episode series featuring hosts Amanda Brinkman and Ty Pennington.

An abstract building mural representing the nearby Mississippi River

“From a restaurants to tap rooms to beauty supply shops and manufacturing hubs, Alton’s unique businesses draw a diverse crowd, and the community has also attracted artists from around the country to participate in the river town’s current renaissance,” officials from Deluxe note.

Discover for yourself the revolution that has catapulted Alton into the spotlight. Meet the city and the businesses transformed by a revolution!

Revolutionary streetlighting has transformed Alton’s 3rd Street entertainment district.

BLAZING A REVOLUTIONARY TRAIL

TODAY’S BEAUTY SUPPLY 1415 Central Ave. Family owned and community focused, Today’s Beauty has been supplying the beauty needs of African-American customers for more than 20 years. The business is owned and operated by Benjamin Golley, his sister Angela Grubb and his son Jordan Golley.

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SHAMPOOCHES DOG GROOMING

BLUFF CITY OUTDOORS

MORRISON’S IRISH PUB

1735 Main St.

2813 E. Broadway

200 State St.

Shampooches owner Alicia Jeffreys can count on every day going to the dogs. It’s all part of her plan for the business which has been part of Alton’s business landscape since 2015.

Owners Mark and Felecia McMurray know a thing or two about fishing. The 15-year old bait and tackle store provides full service fishing and outdoor equipment to anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Cheers or, as they say in Ireland, Slainte. The family team of Lisa and Mary Morrison and Katey Vankirk bring a little taste of Ireland to Alton’s 3rd Street entertainment district. The pub, housed in a historic brick building has been serving up Irish cheer for over three years.

LIGHTHOUSE SOUNDS 115 Market St. The vibe is cool and the sounds are sweet at Lighthouse Sounds, a new recording studio located in the heart of downtown Alton. Owners Jay (Hart) Stanley and Alex St. Cin are realizing their dream of owning a full service recording studio.

LOVETT’S SOUL FOOD 2512 College Ave. The mother and son team of Merry Lovett and Brad Chavours are fulfilling the dream of Brad’s grandfather: owning and operating their own restaurant in their hometown of Alton.

They serve up traditional soul food but mix it up with fried Kool-Aid and snoots.

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backyards. They began entering barbeque competitions as self-proclaimed backyard amateurs. That led to the creation of their own rubs and barbeque sauce. And that, no pun intended, meant the duo began smokin’ their competition at events throughout the Midwest.

Six years ago, the duo opened the doors of Code 3 Spices on Black Friday and within days the business was ‘causing waves in the barbeque and food industry,’ Mike said.

“With our first rub, we got the ingredients from a local farmer’s market,” Mike remembers. “We named our first rub ‘5-0’. Our ‘Backdraft Rub’ became very popular with the St. Louis Barbeque Society.”

The two use only high end quality ingredients including Cambodian peppers and Hungarian paprika.

They’ve also benefited from the advice of the founder of Sweet Baby Ray’s sauces as they moved forward with their own sauce development.

SMOKIN’ GOOD FUN WITH

CODE 3

A police officer who turned to cooking to handle the stress of the job. Spices, barbeque sauce and meat rub recipes refined in a basement and garage.

A 3 a.m. epiphany that led to a new Main Street Collinsville business that gives back to veterans and first responders.

Those are all the ingredients, and then some, went into Code 3 Spices, a thriving craft spice and sauce store at 302 E. Main St., Collinsville.

Longtime buddies Mike Radosevich and Chris Bohnemeier, both law enforcement veterans, began their second career as spice and pitmasters in their basements and

The art of creating barbeque sandwiches, ribs and pork steaks has been honed to perfection by grill masters at restaurants throughout the region.

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From the sweet and spicy 5-0 rub to the all purpose Rescue rub and hot and smokey Backdraft rub, the products have won national awards. The award winning Patriot Sauce includes an original and spicy blend.

“We are just getting started on our journey with Code 3,” Mike says. “There are a lot of things in store for us and we plan to be a household name one day. For the last six years we have literally been putting everything we have into this from the time we wake up until we go to bed. But hard work pays off.”

“Creating a quality product is very important,” Mike notes. “We did strenuous test kitchens and spent three years refining the product so it’s something we are satisfied with.”

Mike and Chris decided early on that they wanted some of the profits from the business to benefit veterans and law enforcement non-profits. To date they have donated to Backstoppers, Safe Call Now and the U.S. Veterans Foundation. “From Day One we wanted to give back,” Mike notes.

SMOKIN’ GOOD BBQ Can you smell that? The woodsy, smoky, tangy scent of a beef brisket or thick pork ribs slowly roasting to grilled and tender perfection.

Take a bite and wait for it – the meat literally melts in your mouth and the flavors of sweet barbeque drench the taste buds. This is barbeque cooked the old fashioned way – with time and patience.

A thriving storefront and mail order business keep the two men busy. The two men acknowledge they are the only employees in the business and often do the work of a dozen people in a given week. They have outsourced the manufacturing of the spices and sauces as demand has grown. Rivertown Food bottles the sauces and McCarthy Spices creates the rubs.

Code 3 Spices is open Tues. – Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Code3Spices.com

For more great barbeque, check out these local grill masters: n Hawg

Pit BBQ Barn 821 W. Main St. • Grafton (618) 786-7675 n Fire-N-Smoke

Known for its signature dry rub and 11 hour smoking time, Bandana’s Bar-B-Que, 4 Commerce Dr., Collinsville, can barbeque just about anything.

Look for Southern Style barbeque pork, beef, chicken, turkey and sausage entries. Don’t go here looking for hamburgers. They aren’t on the menu!

Carver’s Southern-Style BBQ, 2716 Grovelin St., Godfrey, has been serving up its signature barbeque meats for 20 years. Specializing in pulled pork, pulled chicken and beef barbeque, the menu also includes rotisserie chicken, chicken kabobs, chicken salad and brats.

A special blend of rubs and sauces has given Doc’s Smokehouse & Catering, 1017 Century Dr., Edwardsville, its distinct flavor.

Ranked as one of the best barbeque restaurants in the country, Doc’s award-winning barbeque skills began in the hills of Tennesee and migrated north to Edwardsville.

Wood Fired Kitchen 1800 Vaughn Rd. • Wood River (618) 251-8075 n The

Pork Barrel 435 MacArthur • Cottage Hills (618) 258-7650 Big Boys Q 2839 Harris Ln. • Alton (618) 328-8647 n

n Mt.

Olive Bowl & BBQ 105 S. Old Rt. 66 • Mt. Olive (217) 999-8131

Tip: Smokin’ on Main, a

barbecue flavored street festival, was developed by the team at Code 3 Spices and is held in late July each year on the streets of Uptown Collinsville. The event has attracted over 40,000 people each year and proceeds benefit the Collinsville Food Pantry and U.S. Veteran’s Foundation. In recent years, over 100 teams have taken part in barbeque competitions at the festival including professional and backyard competitions. Food vendors and activities for children are also on hand.

Check out other local barbecue competitions and festivals at riversandroutes.com RiversandRoutes.com

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Alton Hauntings Tours include: visit to the Mineral Springs Hotel, home of recorded EVPs and the chilly presence of its former inhabitants, the First Unitarian Church and the site of the former Alton Prison.

“We let our guests experience the hauntings firsthand, and perhaps meet some of the former residents face-to-face! The tours are an entertaining and spinetingling trip back in time and a part of the area you don’t want to miss,” Taylor says. AltonHauntings.com

ghost stories On dark nights and bright sunlit days, the ghosts in Alton come out to play. The scent of jasmine perfume, the silhouette of a man viewed from the corner of the eyes, the dark shapes looming in a basement wine cellar. Those are just some of the paranormal tales found along Alton’s streets and alleys, historic homes and churches.

The spirits come out to play at McPike Mansion, one of the most haunted buildings in Alton and reportedly among the Top 10 haunted sites in the country. The brick edifice built in 1869, was once home to the McPike Family who owned an adjoining 15 acres. Patriarch Henry McPike, a horticulturist, perfected the McPike Grape on the site. The McPike family lived in the home until 1936. Over the years the stately mansion changed owners and eventually sat empty until its purchase in 1994 by Sharyn and George Luedke.

Ghostly Tips Bring a camera! You never know who will show up in your photo!

If you have one, an EVP recorder might be fun.

Ask a question and find out if anyone answers.

Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Most of Alton’s haunted tours travel the streets of the city and you will be on your feet for long periods of time.

Are you afraid of the dark?

A flashlight might be useful but don’t click it on too much. It might detract from the experience.

“People ask us if we knew the mansion was haunted when we bought it and I have to say ‘no’,” Sharyn Luedke says. “I just knew it was a beautiful historic home and I wanted to save it.”

Visitors to McPike might meet Henry McPike, his wife, mother or one of their servants during dark room sessions that take place in the basement wine cellar on a monthly basis. (Tours of the house itself are unavailable due to the years of neglect prior to the Luedke’s ownership.) McPikeMansion.com

HAUNTED SIPS The riverfront community of Alton has been called “one of the most haunted small towns in America” and for good reason. Stories of untimely deaths and historical figures, early city founders and crypts discovered on private property linger throughout the city.

“Ever wonder why Alton has been called ‘one of the most haunted small towns in America’?” Troy Taylor, founder of Alton Hauntings Tours asks. “Come along on any tour and you will find out!”

A variety of tours are available year round in Alton.

Haunted Craft Beer Walks, dining with nationally known haunted experts, walking the streets of the city at

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dusk and investigating reportedly haunted churches, former hotels and taking part in a dark room session at a famously haunted mansion are just a few opportunities for those who “aren’t afraid of no ghosts”!

“We take the unusual history of Alton and the Great River Road – which includes death, disaster, violence, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War – and blend it with the legend and lore that has been a part of the area for nearly 200 years,” Taylor notes. “By delving deeply into the actual history and first-hand accounts of hauntings, we feel like we have created something really special with Alton Hauntings Tours.”

Enjoy a sip of locally brewed craft beer on your haunted journey in Alton. Old Bakery Beer and Alton Haunted Odyssey have teamed up to offer year round Haunted Craft Beer Walks. The experience includes a walk to five different haunted locations in Alton with 5 ounce pourings of craft beer at each stop.

Tours begin in the second story of the haunted Simeon Ryder building in downtown Alton.

Participants are versed in Ghosts 101 and get an up close look at ghost hunting tools. Please note: The 1-mile stroll includes steep hills and stairs.

For more information and a schedule of tour times, visit: AltonHauntedTours.com RiversandRoutes.com

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A DAY TO

remember

It’s a day like no other. After months and months of planning the special day has dawned and thanks to the number of wedding and reception venues in the Great Rivers and Routes region, choosing the perfect location was the least of your concerns.

For a complete list of locations tailored to fit anyone’s dream wedding, check out RiversandRoutes.com for the perfect venues for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies, receptions and more.

ALTON • • • • • • • • • • • •

Argosy Casino Beall Mansion Best Western Premier Jacoby Arts Center Old Bakery Beer WOW Event Center Riverview Park Alton Amphitheater The Post Commons Gordon Moore Park/Nan Elliott Rose Garden The Vogue Room at Tony’s Restaurant The Lovejoy

CARLINVILLE • Carlinville Historic Square • Clegg Chapel at Blackburn College • Macoupin County Courthouse

COLLINSVILLE • • • •

Columbus Plaza Banquet Center DoubleTree Hotel Collinsville The Gateway Center Willoughby Heritage Farm

EAST ALTON • Julia’s Banquet Center

EDWARDSVILLE • • • •

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Crystal Garden Banquet & Event Center Edwardsville American Legion Post 199 Leclaire Lake Park Leclaire Room – N.O. Nelson Campus

• • • • • • •

Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities Meridian Ballroom at SIUE Mills Apple Farm Sunset Hills Country Club The Gardens at SIUE Watershed Nature Center Wildey Theatre

ELSAH • Green Tree Inn • Farley’s Music Hall • The Village of Elsah

GODFREY • Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel at Lewis & Clark Community College • Glazebrook Park

GRAFTON • • • •

• •

Aerie’s Resort Grafton Winery & Brewhaus Grafton Winery The Vineyards Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center Hakuna Matata Excursion Boat The Loading Dock

HARTFORD • Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower

WOOD RIVER • Wood River Historic Chapel

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INDULGE YOUR

Culinary Curiosity “PEOPLE WILL TRAVEL ANYWHERE FOR GOOD FOOD.” – Rene Redzepi

Looking for, and finding, great places to eat is not just a fad. It has become a way of life.

Traveling to discover the hidden gem, the unusual diner with the best homemade rolls, or the family-owned restaurant with secret recipe fried chicken has become a quest.

Locally owned and operated restaurants flourish throughout the Great Rivers & Routes region.

Signature pepperloin steaks, prime rib, pastas, Japanese pancakes and baked macaroni and cheese to sweetly seductive pies and desserts, menus are full of dining options exclusive to the region.

Pull up a chair, relax and prepare yourself to enjoy dishes that can only be found where the Mother Road meets the Great River Road.

Here is just a sampling of “must try” dishes found in the region!

Chicken Salad and Pies: That is the recipe for success at Alton’s My Just Desserts. Famous for its half-pound chicken salad sandwiches prepared fresh daily, the pies also attract considerable attention. Head baker and owner Yvonne Campbell advises diners to order their pie first. When they are gone, they are gone!

Japanese Pancakes: What’s a Japanese Pancake you ask? Check out Cleveland Heath in downtown Edwardsville to find out. Wild shrimp, bacon, cabbage, Kewpie mayo, green onion, BBQ and bonito flakes are involved so it must be good.

(This restaurant was the semi-finalist in 2015 and 2016 for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region for the James Beard Foundation.)

Cajun Delight: Cajun food in the Midwest?

You bet. Who Dat’s in Collinsville creates New Orleans-style Cajun food daily and once it’s gone, it’s (yes, you know) gone for the day. Crawfish Etoufee, Blackened Redfish and fried catfish top the menu. If you are lucky you might show up during a good ol’ fashioned shrimp boil.

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Horseshoe Anyone? Traveling down Route 66 can build up an appetite and Weezy’s in Hamel has just the thing to fill an empty stomach. Check out the cheesy open faced Horseshoe Sandwich with fries. If that looks like too much food, the Ponyshoe is also on the menu.

Mile High Pies: Hidden away in tiny Grantfork are some pretty impressive pies. Mile High Pies to be precise. Discover this gem of a restaurant which serves meals family-style and those decadent meringue topped pies at Diamond Mineral Springs.

Farm-to-Table: Godfrey based Bakers & Hale exploded onto the food scene in 2018 with its farm-to-table menu using fresh herbs and veggies grown in the adjoining garden. Salads, sandwiches, pizzas and tacos highlight the available fare.

Secret Recipes: Three generations of the Castelli family in Alton have closely guarded their trademarked fried chicken recipe. And for good reason. Diners come from all over the country to enjoy the tender, juicy chicken at Castelli’s at 255.

Cast a Line: Some of the best fried fish sandwiches can be found at two fish stands located in Grafton at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. O’Jan’s Fish Stand and Beasley’s Fish Stand serve up fried buffalo, pollock and tilapia sandwiches. Don’t forget to sample the fresh frog legs.

Turtle Soup: Considered a true delicacy by locals, Grafton’s Fin Inn is known for its delicious turtle soup. The atmosphere is also worth the trip.

Diners can eat alongside giant aquariums in this family-owned and operated restaurant.

Pub Burgers: No one does a pub burger better than Sloan’s Pub House in Uptown Collinsville. Fried eggs, thick slices of cheese and grilled onions top these juicy burgers. Salty housemade chips complete the meal. Enjoy the cool sports pub atmosphere while dining.

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PLAYING THROUGH!

PLACE

your bet Gaming in Illinois became a reality in 1991 when the state’s first-ever casino opened in the riverfront community of Alton. The Alton Belle Casino swept into action offering river cruises, slots, tables and dining options.

Twenty-eight years later, the Alton Belle has become Argosy Alton and the boat, docked on the Mississippi River, no longer cruises, but continues to offer high level slots, tables and more.

Take a break from the gaming fun and savor one of three dining options available at Argosy.

The elegant Journey restaurant offers riverview dining. Indulge in all-you-can-eat crab legs (check website for details) at the Captain’s Table Buffet.

Or check out the craft brews available at Hops House and enjoy hamburgers, wraps and more.

ArgosyAlton.com

AND THEY’RE OFF! Horse lovers young and old can fuel their passion at Fairmount Park in Collinsville. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, live racing takes place and enthusiasts can cheer on their favorite ponies trackside at the 94-year-old facility.

The mile long oval dirt racetrack is the only live thoroughbred racing facility outside Chicago and draws its share of horses, jockeys and racing enthusiasts. Stories from decades of racing line the walls of the clubhouse and feature top jockeys, horses and owners.

Play hooky, Horse Hooky that is, during the day on Tuesdays and enjoy live racing with reduced admission along with deals on food and drinks. Nightime racing is held on Saturdays alongside Party at the Park which includes live music, an all-you-can-eat buffet, drink specials and more.

The 2019 racing season begins April 16 and runs through Sept. 14. Live races are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays although the track is open for Simulcast racing daily. The track offers five separate dining options for those who want to enjoy a meal with their race.

Be sure to check out the Top of the Turf restaurant perched indoors at the top of the clubhouse.

Put your golf swing to the test on the dynamic golf courses sprinkled through the Great Rivers & Routes region. From the classic Spencer T. Olin, an Arnold Palmer designed course, to the highly ranked Belk Park course to the greens at Sunset Hills Country Club, it’s easy to play through to the 19th hole.

GOLF COURSES ALTON | 62002 Cloverleaf Golf Course • 5671 yards, 70 par course 3555 Fosterburg Rd. • (618) 462-3022 CloverleafGolfCourse.com Rock Spring Golf Course • 3062 yards, 35 par, 9-hole course 1 Rock Spring Park • (618) 465-9898 RockSpringGolfCourse.com Spencer T. Olin Golf Course • 6941 yards, 72 par course 4701 College Ave. • (618) 465-3111 • SpencerTOlinGolf.com The Woodlands Golf Course • 6423 yards, 72 par course 2839 Harris Ln. • (618) 462-1456 TheWoodlandsGolfClub.com

COLLINSVILLE | 62234 Arlington Greens Golf Course • 7200 yards and 72 par course 200 Arlington Dr. • (618) 931-5232

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025 American Legion • 2652 yards, 35 par course 58 Rt. 157 • (618) 656-9774 • EdwardsvilleLegion.com Fox Creek Golf Club • 7027 yards, 72 par course

Oak Brook Golf Club • Blue Tee: 36 par course, 3195 yards White Tee: 36 par course, 3048 yards • Red Tee: 36 par course, 2541 yards 9157 Fruit Rd. • (618) 656-5600 • OakBrookGC.com Sunset Hills Country Club • 6734 yards, 72 par course 2525 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 656-9380 SunsetHillsCountryClub.com

GODFREY | 62035 Lockhaven Golf Club • 6679 yards, 72 par course 10872 Lawrence Keller Dr. • (618) 466-2441 LockhavenGolfClub.com Rolling Hills Golf Club • 5765 yards, 71 par course 5801 Pierce Ln. • (618) 466-8363 • RollingHillsGC.com

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 Wolves Crossing Golf Club • 6028 yards, 71 par course 23745 N. Centennial Rd. • (618) 498-3178 WolvesCrossingGC.com

WOODRIVER | 62095 Belk Park Golf Course • 6861 yards, 72 par course 880 Belk Park Rd. • (618) 251-3115 • BelkPark.com

6555 Fox Creek Dr. • (618) 692-9400 • GolfFoxCreek.com

For more information on racing schedules, go to FairmountPark.com

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GET OUTSIDE & 5 Anchor Marina & Concierge Service

MAGNIFICENT MARINA FEATURES INCLUDE:

Floating Docks Luxury Bathrooms Full Service Fuel Satellite TV & Wi-Fi Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Laundry Convenience Store & Deli Much More!

play

Escape from the day-to-day with a relaxing cruise on the mighty Mississippi River. Take a cruise on Grafton Harbor’s 49-passenger excursion boat, the Hakuna Matata. Or drift back in time with a cruise on the Spirit of Peoria paddlewheeler.

Soar over the Mississippi River bluffs on a zipline, skip across the river waves on a jet ski or grab a bike and cruise the miles of trails that hug the banks of the Mighty Mississippi. Those are just a few of the outdoor delights that await all along the Meeting of the Great Rivers.

(618) 462-9860

Great Transient Rates Available Reservations Encouraged

61 Great Rivers & Routes

For more information on local cruises go to: VisitAlton.com/Cruise

WATER RECREATION

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

BOAT TOURS

HORSE BACK RIDING

Grafton River Adventures • 215 W. Water St. • Grafton (618) 786-7678 • GraftonHarbor.com

Pere Marquette Riding Stables Trek over to the Pere Marquette Stables and enjoy a horseback riding adventure through the countryside and along the Great River Road.

River Road Watersports Jet Ski Rentals 215 W. Water St. • Grafton • (314) 800-5695 • stljetski.com Spirit of Peoria • Paddlewheel Boat • (800) 258-6645 VisitAlton.com/cruises

BOAT RENTAL Grafton Harbor • 215 W. Water St. • Grafton (618) 786-7678 • GraftonHarbor.com

MARINAS Our first class marinas offer transient slips and long-term docking Alton Marina • 1 Henry St. • Alton • (618) 462-9860 AltonMarina.com

15780 Rt. 100 W. • Grafton • (618) 786-2156

ZIPLINE Grafton Zipline Adventures Looking for a jaw dropping, heart racing experience? The newly renovated Grafton Zipline, stretching through the trees on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, has two miles of lines 200-plus feet high.

14 W. Main St. • Grafton • (618) 786-9477 Aeriesresort.com

SHOOTING FACILITIES

Grafton Harbor • 215 W. Water St. • Grafton (618) 786-7678 • GraftonHarbor.com

Piasa Armory • 3685 E. Broadway • Alton (618) 433-2715

BAIT SHOPS

Winchester Shooting Facilities 600 Powder Mill Rd. • East Alton • (618) 258-2633

Bluff City Outdoors • 2813 E. Broadway St. • Alton (618) 465-6175 • BluffCityTackle.com Lutes Bait and Escape • 1446 W. Main St. • Grafton (618) 786-4025 • baitandescape.com

For more information: RiversandRoutes.com

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TAKE YOUR PICK

orchards & gardens

Let’s go apple pickin’ or just take a few hours and stroll through a garden rich with the scents of flowers and plants.

Gardens, orchards and roadside stands are as abundant as the produce and blooms they offer. Enjoy award-winning apple cider, jams, fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets and stands. Pick your own peck of peaches or apples. Relax surrounded by a riot of color and native plants in themed gardens. Take your pick of enjoyment.

For more information: RiversandRoutes.com/Orchards-Gardens

63 Great Rivers & Routes

ALTON | 62002

GLEN CARBON | 62034

Nan Elliott Memorial Rose Garden Rt. 140 • (618) 463-3580 Oriental Garden • Rt. 140 • (618) 463-3580

Rinkel Produce • 2762 Old Troy Rd. • (618) 540-7587 Norma’s Produce & Greenhouse 3554 Rt. 157 • (618) 288-9056

BETHALTO | 62010

GODFREY | 62035

Bethalto Arboretum • E. Central St. • (618) 377-8051

BRUSSELS | 62013 Hagen Family Orchard • Brussels Ferry Rd. • (618) 883-2385 Odelehr’s Roadside Market Brussels Ferry Rd. • (618) 883-2265 Toppmeyer’s Orchard • 480 Meyer Ln. • (618) 883-2383

COLLINSVILLE | 62234 Fournie Farms • 925 McDonough Lake Rd. • (618) 344-8527 Keller Farms • Rt. 157 & Hillside Dr. • (618) 344-8623

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025 Liberty Apple Orchard 8308 Kuhn Station Rd. • (618) 659-9217 SIUE Gardens 6 Arboretum Ln. • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (618) 650-3070

ELSAH | 62028 Three Rivers Farm Stand 22935 Chautauqua Rd. • (618) 946-7974

FIELDON | 62031 Joe Ringhausen Orchards & Market 24748 Reddish Rd. • (618) 376-6772

Krueger’s Orchard • 2914 Airport Rd. • (618) 466-3576 LaVista Community Garden • 4350 Levis Ln. • (618) 467-2104 Pearson’s Produce • 6304 Humbert Rd. • (618) 401-7286 Signature Gardens • 5800 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-7000

GOLDEN EAGLE | 62036 Eberlin’s Orchard • RR 1 Box 59 • (618) 954-9654 Jacob’s Orchard • RR 1 Box 138A • (618) 883-2536 Kamp’s Orchard • RR 1 Box 114 • (618) 883-2410

GRAFTON | 62037 Eckert’s Country Store & Farms 20995 Eckert Orchard Rd. • (618) 786-3445 Uncle Andy’s Country Market • 1 E. Main St. • (618) 786-4856

HARDIN | 62047 Tom Ringhausen Orchard & Market Rt. 16 & 100 • (618) 576-2311

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 Ringhausen Apple House 19770 US Highway 67 • (618) 498-6951

MARINE | 62061 Mills Apple Farm • 11477 Pocahontas Rd. • (618) 887-4732

WORDEN | 62097 Boonies Farm • 8863 Dustman Rd. • (618) 307-4989

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stay THE NIGHT

For more information: RiversandRoutes.com

B&BS, GUEST HOUSES, & CABINS ALTON | 62002 Alton Cracker Factory - Great Rivers Lodging 205 E. Broadway • (618) 917-4466 BEALL Mansion (B&B) • 407 E. 12th St. • (618) 474-9100 George Street Suites • 1106 - 1110 George St. • (618) 433-9403 Tiffany Inn (B&B) • 410 E. Broadway • (618) 462-4145

ELSAH | 62028 Green Tree Inn (B&B) • 15 Mill St. • (618) 374-2821 Maple Leaf Cottage Inn (B&B) • 12 Selma St. • (618) 374-1684

GOLDEN EAGLE | 62036 The Golden Eagle Inn • 89A Cove Rd. • (314) 308-2565 Kinder’s No Wake Inn • RR 1 Box 50 • (618) 883-2586 Poolside Mansion • 45 Golden Eagle Dr. • (217) 742-2226

GODFREY | 62035 The Lane House • 27640 Thompson Dr. • (618) 946-0102

GRAFTON | 62037 Aeries Resort • 14 W. Main St. • (618) 786-8439 Anchors Inn Guest House • 10 S. Vine St. • (618) 420-2017 Count Me Inn • 412 E. Main St. • (314) 795-2409 DeSherlia Landing Suites • 300 Water St. • (618) 786-5283 End of the Trail Inn • 105 E. Main St. • (618) 550-8505 Gold Digger • 211 W. Main St. • (217) 742-2226

65 Great Rivers & Routes

Gold Nugget • 210 W. Main St. • (217) 742-2226 Grafton Homestead Retreat Croxford Rd. to the Homestead sign • (618) 786-2420 Grafton Inn • 22 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2222 Heaven’s Gate • 203 Mulberry St. • (618) 946-9130 Hilltop • 202 W. Main St. • (217) 742-2226 Jacob Riverfront Retreat • 1513 W. Main St. Lagniappe Place • 16260 Otterville Rd. • (618) 570-9387 Lil Red Guest House • 600 W. Main St. • (618) 570-0500 Loading Dock Guest Houses: n The Fish Market • 311 E. Front St. • (618) 786-3494 n The Riverside Cottage • 311 E. Water St. • (618) 786-3494 n Tree Tops • 313 E. Front St. • (618) 786-3494 Lucy Mae’s Guest House • 312 E. Main St. • (816) 249-3279 Lutes Bait and Escape • 1446 W. Main St. • (618) 786-4025 Moonshiner • 202 W. Main St. • (217) 742-2226 Pebble Creek • 120 W. Main St. • (217) 742-2226 Pere Marquette Lodge& Cabins 13653 Lodge Blvd. • (618) 786-2331 River Port Guest House • 706 W. Main St. • (618) 946-3444 River View Guest House • 1116 W. Main St. • (618) 806-8673 River View Guest House • 1435 W. Main St. • (618) 806-8673 Rowling Ridge Guest House 14102 N. Springfield St. • (618) 786-3943

Rustic Main • 214 W. Main St. • (217) 742-2226 Rustic Red • 618 W. Main St. • (217) 742-2226 Tara Point Inn & Cottages (B&B) 1 Tara Point Dr. • (618) 786-3555 The Beach House • 301 W. Main St. • (520) 471-4552 The Cottage at Dagget Hollow 15 Dagget Hollow Rd. • (618) 570-9387 The Knaughty Inn • 325 N. Market St. • (618) 795-2409 The LaMarsh House • 25 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2438 The Loft at The Whole Scoop 222 E. Main St. • (618) 946-9130 The Shanty Vacation Rental 715 W. Main St. • (618) 406-1522 The Stone Cottage • 100 Springfield St. • (618) 593-0877 The White Pelican Inn • 127 E. Main St. • (314) 795-2409

KAMPSVILLE | 62053 Watkins House at McCully Heritage Project RR 1 Box 130 (Crawford Creek Rd.) • (618) 653-4687

MICHAEL | 62065 White Tales Lodge • 5565 Hamburg-Michael Rd • (618) 576-8253

NEBO | 62355 Harpole’s Heartland Lodge - Heavenly View Cabin 10236 393rd St. • (800) 717-4868

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HOTELS & MOTELS ALTON | 62002 Best Western Plus Parkway Hotel 1900 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 433-9900 Best Western Premier Alton – St. Louis Area Hotel 3559 College Ave. • (618) 462-1220 Comfort Inn • 11 Crossroads Ct. • (618) 465-9999 Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton 1904 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 433-8999 Super 8 • 1800 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-8885

CARLINVILLE | 62626 CarlinVilla Motel • 18891 Rt. 4 Old Rt. 66 • (217) 854-3201

COLLINSVILLE | 62234 America’s Best Value Inn 552 Ramada Blvd. • (618) 345-9500 Comfort Inn • 8 Commerce Dr. • (480) 725-1637 Days Inn Collinsville • 12 Commerce Dr. • (618) 345-2000 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Collinsville 1000 Eastport Plaza Dr. • (618) 345-2800

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025 Comfort Inn Edwardsville • 3080 Rt. 157 • (618) 656-4900 Country Hearth Inn & Suites 1013 Plummer Dr. • (618) 656-7829 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Edwardsville 1000 Plummer Dr. • (618) 692-7255

GLEN CARBON | 62034 Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis-Edwardsville 5723 Heritage Crossing Dr. • (618) 589-5000

GRAFTON | 62037 Aeries Resort • 14 W. Main St. • (618) 786-8439 Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center 13653 Lodge Blvd. • (618) 786-2331 Ruebel Hotel & Restaurant • 217 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2315

HAMEL | 62046 Innkeeper Motel • 401 E. State St. • (618) 633-2111

JERSEYVILLE | 62052

Drury Inn Collinsville • 602 N. Bluff Rd. • (618) 345-7700

Jerseyville Harvest Inn • 730 S. State St. • (618) 498-6886

Fairfield Inn Collinsville • 4 Gateway Dr. • (618) 346-0607

Super 8 • 1303 Hwy. 109 • (618) 965-8520

Hampton Inn Collinsville • 7 Commerce Dr. • (618) 346-4400 La Quinta Inn & Suites • 6 Gateway Dr. • (618) 855-8400 Super 8 • 2 Gateway Dr. • (618) 345-8008

LIVINGSTON | 62058 Country Inn Cafe & Motel 536 Veterans Memorial Dr. • (618) 637-2600

STAUNTON | 62088 Super 8 • 1527 Herman Rd. • (618) 635-5353 The Cabins & Cottages at Shale Lake 1499 Washington Ave. • (618) 637-2470

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eat AND drink

For more information: RiversandRoutes.com

Alton Sports Tap • 3812 College Ave. • (618) 465-2539 Applebee’s • 319 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 462-6575 Big Boys Q • 2839 Harris Ln. • (618) 328-8647

CARLINVILLE | 62626

Woody’s Drive-In 110 W. Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 466-7840

Abella’s • 127 S. Broad St. • (217) 854-7332

BATCHTOWN | 62006

Crabby’s Supper Club • 18838 Rt. 4 South • (217) 854-4440

Cedar Hill Resort • Dogtown Rd. • (618) 883-4455

RESTAURANTS ALTON | 62002

Village Inn Pancake House • 2611 College Ave. • (618) 462-8750

Old Fill-Inn Station • 208 Main St. • (618) 396-0466 International House of Pancakes 181 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 433-9940 Jimmy the Greek’s • 1856 E. Broadway • (618) 462-6600 Joe K’s Family Restaurant • 2530 State St. • (618) 466-9796

Lucky Dog’s Alehouse • 230 E. Side Sq. • (217) 854-4448

BENLD | 62009 Jodanni’s Amore • 2422 Staunton Rd. • (217) 835-2422

Panda Chinese Restaurant • 250 S. Side Sq. • (217) 854-6188

Pamey’s Chill N Grill • 300 E. Central • (217) 835-7990

Reno’s Italian Pizza & Restaurant 518 N. Side Sq. • (217) 854-6655

BETHALTO | 62010

Journey - Argosy Casino Alton • #1 Piasa St. • (800) 711-GAME

Eagle’s Nest Restaurant • 117 E. Bethalto Dr. • (618) 377-0697

Little Mexico • 102 W. 9th St. • (618) 433-1610

El Mezcal • 705 Texas Blvd. • (618) 377-8902

Bottoms Up Sports Bar & Grill 2204 Fosterburg Rd. • (618) 468-1118

Lovett’s Soul Food • 2512 College Ave. • (618) 433-8833

Geno’s 140 Club • 120 W. Bethalto Blvd. Hwy 140 • (618) 377-9394

Mac’s Downtown • 315 Belle St. • (618) 465-1006

Laux Brickhouse Grille • 212 N. Prairie St. • (618) 377-4800

Brown Bag Bistro • 318 E. Broadway St. • (618) 433-9933

Mini Corral Hamburgers • 1500 Main St. • (618) 462-0400

New China Buffet • 133 E. Bethalto Dr. • (618) 377-3333

Captain’s Table Buffet - Argosy Casino #1 Piasa St. • (800) 711-GAME

Morrison’s Irish Pub • 200 State St. • (618) 433-8900

Roma’s Pizza • 121 E. Bethalto Dr. • (618) 377-5800

My Just Desserts • 31 E. Broadway • (618) 462-5881

Castelli’s Restaurant at 255 3400 Fosterburg Rd. • (618) 462-4620

Weeping Willow Tea Room • 128 W. Central St. • (618) 377-0500

New D.J.’s Bar & Grill • 2526 College Ave. • (618) 465-0362

Bossanova Restaurant & Lounge 112 W. Third St. • (618) 462-1175

Little Italy’s Pizza • 150 Carlinville Plz. • (217) 854-7499 Nick’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant 201 McCausland St. • (217) 854-4544

Johnson’s Corner Restaurant • 2000 State St. • (618) 465-5640

Bluff City Grill • 424 E. Broadway • (618) 433-8288

Carlinville Plaza Café • 170 Carlinville Plz. • (217) 854-6208

BRIGHTON | 62012

Sol De Mexico • 207 N. Broad St. • (217) 854-6228 Tangled Vine Restaurant & Lounge 531 S. West St. • (217) 854-7167 Taylor’s Mexican Chili Parlor 510 N. Side Sq. • (217) 854-7516 The Uptown Tavern • 33 Daley St. • (217) 854-2337 Wood Duck • 546 W. Main St. • (217) 854-4445

CHESTERFIELD | 62630 Wild Pickins Winery • 14223 Rt. 111 • (618) 753-3833

Chez Marilyn • 119 W. Third St. • (618) 465-8071

Old Bakery Beer Company 400 Landmarks Blvd. • (618) 463-1470

China King • 1837 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-8818

Olga’s Kitchen • 206 Alton Square Mall • (618) 462-0642

Main Street Bar & Grill • 203 N. Main St. • (618) 372-3961

COLLINSVILLE | 62234

Chinese Buffet • 2610 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 463-4163

Panera Bread Company 1837 B Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 474-0100

BRUSSELS | 62013

Asia Garden • 1972 Vandalia St. • (618) 344-6666

Chubby’s Bar & Grill • 1022 E. Broadway St.

Little Italy’s Pizza • 114 N. Main St. • (618) 372-8800

AJ’s Bar & Grill • 124 W. Main St. • (618) 883-2233

Applebee’s Grill & Bar • 610 N. Bluff Rd. • (618) 345-6840 Bandana’s Bar-B-Que • 4 Commerce Dr. • (618) 344-4476

Cookie Factory Bakery & Café 202 Alton Square Mall • (618)462-5731

Post Commons • 300 Alby St. • (618) 433-8871

Copper Bar at State Street Market

Red Lobster • 170 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-6554

BUNKER HILL | 62014

Bob Evans • 600 N. Bluff Rd. • (618) 344-1131 Cafe Agape Express • 703 St. Louis Rd. • (618) 345-2233

Decaro’s • 602 E. Third St. • (618) 433-9999

Riverbend Billiards & Grill 909 E. Broadway • (618) 462-4435

Sage House • 129 E. Warren St. • (618) 585-4545 Village Drive-In • 212 S. Washington St. • (618) 585-3113

Don & Penny’s • 306 State St. • (618) 465-9823

Riviera Maya • 2704 Corner Court • (618) 465-5000

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air • 1530 E. 4th St. • (618) 462-5532

Sammi’s Sandwiches • 2505 State St. • (618) 570-0115

Frank’s • 102 E. Center Dr. • (618) 433-9345

Sam’s Grill at Woodstock • 638 E. Broadway • (618) 581-3842

Gatsby’s Grille • 204 State St. • (618) 433-8898 Great Rivers Tap & Grill • 3559-B College Ave. • (618) 462-1220

School House Grill at Senior Services Plus 2603 N. Rodgers • (618) 465-3298

G-B Grill • 1858 E. Broadway • (618) 465-9896

Shogun • 2723 Corner Court • (618) 468-1111

Gentelin’s on Broadway • 122 E. Broadway • (618) 465-6080

Spectators Bar & Grill • 3003 Washington Ave. • (618) 465-2695

Golden Corral • 350 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-1802

State Street Market • 208 State St. • (618) 462-8800

Hong Kong House • 1720 Washington Ave. • (618) 465-8638

Tony’s Restaurant • 312 Piasa St. • (618) 462-8384

Hops House-Argosy Casino Alton #1 Piasa St. • (800) 711-GAME

Tony’s Third Street Cafe • 104 W. Third St. • (618) 462-8384

212 State St. • (618) 462-8800

69 Great Rivers & Routes

Ragin Cajun Piano Bar • 210 W. Third St. • (618) 433-9119

Wittmond’s Restaurant • 108 Main St. • (618) 883-2345

Bert’s Chuck Wagon • 101 E. Main St. • (618) 344-7993

Carisilos Mexican Restaurant 1978 Vandalia St • (618) 344-8495

Town Club of Alton, Inc. • 2400 E. Broadway • (618) 462-5431

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China Star Restaurant • 501 Beltline Ste. 20N • (618) 346-8230

China King • 1063 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 692-1888

GILLESPIE | 62033

Colton’s Steak House • 5 Eastport Dr. • (618) 223-8977

Clean Eatz • 316 S. Buchanan St. • (618) 650-9030

Denny’s • 522 Ramada Blvd. • (618) 345-8995

Cleveland-Heath • 106 N. Main St. • (618) 307-4830

Black Diamond Sports Bar & Grill 409 Springfield Rd. • (217) 839-7174

Fazzi’s Bar & Grill • 1813 Vandalia St. • (618) 344-5440

Crazy Bowls & Wraps 6679 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 692-9727

China Garden • 203 S. Macoupin St. • (217) 839-3888

Wise Guys Gyros & Italian Beef 3200 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 374-6400

Lumpy’s Bar & Grill • 208 S. Macoupin St. • (217) 839-2467

GOLDEN EAGLE | 62036

Horseshoe Lounge & Restaurant 410 St. Louis Rd. • (618) 345-9350

Crushed Red • 222 E. Park St. • (618) 307-9861

Mi Casita • 101 E. Walnut St. • (217) 839-3600

Kinder’s Restaurant • 148 RR 1 Box • (618) 883-2586

Hurricane’s Bar & Grill • 222 W. Main St. • (618) 345-0846

Dewey’s Pizza • 112 E. Vandalia St. • (618) 656-2200

GRAFTON | 62037

Lottie’s Café • 1099 Beltline Rd. • (618) 223-8256

Doc’s Smokehouse & Catering 1017 Century Dr. • (618) 656-6060

Miner’s Family Restaurant 304 S. Macoupin St. • (217) 839-4800

McDill’s Irish Pub • 334 St. Louis Rd. • (618) 344-9875

EdgeWild Edwardsville • 1071 Rt. 157 • (618) 307-9692

New China • 1099 Beltline Rd. • (618) 344-8888

GIRARD | 62640 Doc’s Soda Fountain • 133 S. 2nd St. • (217) 627-3491

Friday’s South • 106 E. Main St. • (618) 855-8410

Peking Garden • 604 W. Main St. • (618) 345-0804

Edison’s- Inventive Eats & Drinks 2477 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 307-9020

Porter’s Steakhouse • 1000 Eastport Plaza Dr. • (618) 345-2400

El Maguey • 1534 Troy Rd. • (618) 659-3744

Ramon’s El Dorado Restaurant 1711 St. Louis Rd. • (618) 344-6435

Foundry Public House • 126 N. Main St. • (618) 307-9585

Ravanelli’s • 26 Collinsport Dr. • (618) 343-9000 Ruby Tuesday • 604 N. Bluff Rd. • (618) 345-9148

GC Cuisine • 1230 University Dr. • (618) 655-1170 Gilliganz Bar and Grill • 7257 St. James Dr. • (618) 656-0620

Old Herald Brewery & Distiller • 115 E. Clay

Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill 215 Harvard Dr. • (618) 650-9109

Sloan’s Pub House • 119 W. Main St. • (618) 855-9100

HotShots Sports Bar & Grill • 2511 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 307-9723

Spring Garden Family Restaurant 921 Vandalia St. • (618) 343-0055

Kyoto Sushi Steakhouse • 441 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 659-8181

St. Louis Bread Company • 525 Bluff Rd. • (618) 344-2193 The Red Bar & Grill • 416 Beltline Rd. • (618) 223-8822 Waffle House • 505 N. Bluff Rd. • (618) 344-6343 Who Dat’s • 118 E. Main St. • (618) 855-9779 Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant 8 Eastport Plaza Dr. • (618) 343-1337

La Casa Mexicana • 201 Harvard Dr. • (618) 655-9606 La Fonda Mexican Restaurant 2310 Troy Rd. • (618) 655-0399 Los Tres Amigos • 1011 Century Dr. • (618) 659-4880 McAlister’s Deli • 312 Great Place Dr. • (618) 372-9599 Mike Shannon’s Grill • 871 S. Arbor Vitae • (618) 655-9911

COTTAGE HILLS | 62018

Mr. Curry’s India Restaurant 7403 Marine Rd. • (618) 692-3892

Doc Holliday’s Saloon & Eatery 308 W. MacArthur • (618) 258-7575

Nori Sushi & Japanese Grill 1025 Century Dr. • (618) 659-9400

Polly’s Restaurant • 15 S. Stanley Road • (618) 251-8511

North Main Diner • 146 N. Main St. • (618) 659-8688

The Pork Barrel • 435 W. MacArthur • (618) 258-7650

Oriental Spoon • 229 Harvard Dr. • (618) 655-9633

DORSEY | 62021

Panera/St. Louis Bread Co. 6683 Crossing Dr. • (618) 659-2350

Prairie Inn Bar & Grill 8471 Prairie Town Rd. • (618) 888-2400

DOW | 62022 Do Drop Inn • 15281 State Highway 109 • (618) 885-5931

Pantera’s Pizza • 1522 Troy Rd. • (618) 692-6000 Peel Wood Fired Pizza • 921 S. Arbor Vitae • (618) 659-8561 Queen’s Cuisine Tea Room • 120 S. Main St. • (618) 205-6188

EAST ALTON | 62024

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers 6699 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 655-9513

Airliner Bar & Grill • 573 E. Airline Dr. • (618) 259-9781

Sacred Grounds Café • 233 N. Main St. • (618) 692-4150

Casa Romero Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Sgt. Pepper’s Café • 218 N. Main St. • (618) 692-1345

521 E. Airline Dr. • (618) 258-8204

Shangri-La • 1039 Century Dr. • (618) 656-9888

China Star • 624 Berkshire Blvd. • (618) 259-9888

Stagger Inn • 104 E. Vandalia St. • (618) 656-4221

High Flyers Grille • 16 Terminal Dr. • (618) 251-8500

Sugo’s Spaghetteria • 243 Harvard Dr. • (618) 659-4640

Magnum’s Bar & Grill • 407 E. Main St. • (618) 259-3794

Taj Indian Cuisine • 4 Club Centre Ct. • (618) 692-8110

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025

Taqueria Z • 109 E. Park St. • (618) 307-5018

1818 Chophouse • 210 S. Buchanan St. • (618) 307-9300 222 Artisan Bakery & Cafe • 222 N. Main St. • (618) 659-1122 54th Street Bar & Grill 6660 Edwardsville Crossing • (618) 656-5455 Andria’s Countryside Restaurant 7415 Rt. 143 • (618) 656-0281 Bann Thai • 4 Club Centre Ct. • (618) 307-5894 Bella Milano • 1063 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 659-2100 Big Daddy’s • 132 N. Main St. • (618) 656-9706 Bigelo’s Bistro • 140 N. Main St. • (618) 655-1471 Buffalo Wild Wings • 249 Harvard Dr. • (618) 659-9464 Catrina’s • 1027 Century Dr. • (618) 692-5522

Rocco’s Italian Pizzeria • 211 S. Macoupin St. • (217) 839-4777

Whirl-A-Whip • 309 S. 3rd St. • (217) 627-9447

GLEN CARBON | 62034 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill 3600 S. Rt. 159 • (618) 205-8550 Denny’s • 27 Junction Dr. • (618) 659-1922 IHOP • 4233 S. Rt. 159 • (618) 288-4443 Old Towne Tavern • 155 S. Main St. • (618) 288-0082 The Cabin at Judy Creek • 3730 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 205-8556 The Wooden Nickle Pub & Grill 171 S. Main St. • (618) 288-2141

GODFREY | 62035 Alton Wood River Sportsmens Club 3109 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-3042 Bakers & Hale • 7120 Montclair Ave. • (618) 433-9748 Carver’s Southern-Style BBQ 2716 Grovelin St. • (618) 467-9999 China Wok • 2702 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-8050 Clifton Country Inn & Bake Shop 3015 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-1020 El Mezcal • 3034 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-1604 Godfrey Meat Market • 6017 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-6111 Joe’s Pizza & Pasta • 5775 Godfrey Rd • (618) 433-8000 Josephine’s Tea Room & Gift Shop 6109 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-7796

Tony’s Ranch House Restaurant & Lounge 3330 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-9734

3rd Chute Bar and Grill • 220 W. Main St. • (618) 786-8888 Drifters’ Eats & Drinks • 1505 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3500 Fin Inn • 1500 W. Main St. • (618) 786-2030 Grafton Oyster Bar • 215 Water St. • (618) 786-3000 Grafton Pub• 225 W. Main St. • (618) 786-9463 Grafton Winery & Brewhaus 300 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3001 Hawg Pit BBQ Barn • 821 W. Main St. • (618) 786-7675 Peace of Quiche • 111 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2233 Pere Marquette Restaurant 13653 Lodge Blvd. • (618) 786-2331 Ruebel Restaurant • 217 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2315 The Loading Dock • 401 Front St. • (618) 786-3494 The Winery at Aerie’s Resort 600 Timber Ridge Dr. • (618) 786-7477

GRANTFORK | 62249 Diamond Mineral Springs 1 W. Pocahontas Rd. • (618) 675-2655

HAMEL | 62046 The Other Place On The Hill • 9180 Rt. 140 • (618) 633-2500 Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill 108 S. Old Rt. 66 • (618) 633-2228

Roper’s Regal Beagle • 3043 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-2112 Round Table • 5407B Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-6618 Shang Hai House Chinese Food 5741 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 467-0121 Sunset Bar & Grill • 2807 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 467-8232

Teaspoons Café • 2125 Rt. 157 • (618) 655-9595 Texas Roadhouse 6640 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 656-8000 The Corner Tavern • 1013 N. Main St. • (618) 692-0786 The Orient • 1518 Troy Rd. • (618) 656-0044 The Orient Wok & Chop Suey 6698 Center Grove Rd. • (618) 656-3388 The Pasta House Co. • 1097 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 655-9955 Wang Gang Asian Eats • 1035 Century Dr. • (618) 655-0888 Wasabi Sushi Bar • 100 S. Buchanan St. • (618) 655-9880 Wiggler’s Bar and Grill • 7243 St. James Dr. • (618) 655-0803 Zapp Thai • 1500 Troy Rd. • (618) 656-6800

Chava’s Mexican Restaurant 217 E. Vandalia St. • (618) 692-8192

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HARDIN | 62047

LIVINGSTON | 62058

Decamp Station • 8767 Rt. 4 • (618) 637-2951

EAST ALTON | 62035

Barefoot Restaurant • RR 2 • (618) 576-9012

Down Home Family Restaurant 124 E. Henry St. • (618) 635-2253

First Stop Bake Shop • 611 E. Airline Dr. • (618) 251-8024

Hardin Drive-In • 207 N. Park St. • (618) 576-9311

Country Inn Cafe & Motel 536 Veterans Memorial Dr. • (618) 637-2600

Illinois Riverdock Restaurant 501 S. Park St. • (618) 576-2362

The Twistee Treat Diner 908 Veterans Memorial Dr. • (618) 637-2544

El Indio Mexican Restaurant 20636 Staunton Rd. • (618) 635-2399

Straight Home Bar & Grill • Rt. 100 N. • (618) 576-2766

MT. OLIVE | 62069

HARTFORD | 62048

Crossroads Route 66 Diner 995 Lakeview Dr. • (217) 999-3663

RJ’s Place • 418 N. Delmar Ave. • (618) 254-4639

JERSEYVILLE | 62052

Little Italy’s Pizzeria • 110 W. Main St. • (217) 999-3880 Mt. Olive Bowl & BBQ • 105 S. Old Rt. 66 • (217) 999-8131

Little Italy’s Pizzeria • 305 W. Main St. • (618) 635-8181 R & B Family Restaurant • 802 S. Hackman St. • (618) 635-2588 Roosters Pub • 201 W. Main St. • (618) 635-6100 The Winery at Shale Lake 1499 Washington Ave. • (618) 637-2470

Canton Restaurant • 925 S. State St. • (618) 498-6661

RT 138 Café • 21224 Rt. 138 • (217) 999-2115

WOOD RIVER | 62095

DJ’s Pub & Grill • 117 W. Prairie St. • (618) 498-8666

Tilleys Tavern • 303 E. Main St. • (217) 999-2279

Applebee’s • 1921 Vaughn Rd. • (618) 258-1051

Fran & Marilyn’s • 113 S. State St. • (618) 498-4912 George’s Local Brew • 205 S. State St. • (618) 639-2739 Los Tres Amigos • 929 S. State St. • (618) 639-8226

ROXANA | 62084 Dee-Lux Diner • 700 S. Central Ave. • (618) 254-7115

Best Buffet Inc. • 615 Wesley Dr. • (618) 258-1888 Charlie’s Drive-In • 762 Wood River Ave. • (618) 254-6416 Chico’s Bar & Grill • 575 S. 6th St. • (618) 254-1310

Mike’s Pizza & Pasta • 101 S. State St. • (618) 498-3298

SHIPMAN | 62685

China King • 1134 Vaughn Rd. • (618) 259-8886

Nick’s Pancake House • 891 S. State St. • (618) 498-1122

Sixteen Bar & Grill • 264 E. Railroad St. • (618) 836-7421

Fiona’s Family Restaurant 595 E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 259-2410

Olive Branch Cafe • 1668 S. State St. • (618) 639-5555 Pig on a Wing • 216 N. State St. • (618) 639-3354 QQ Buffet • 1404 Windy Lane, Ste. A • (618) 639-8838

SOUTH ROXANA | 62084 Sparky’s • 1112 Madison St. • (618) 251-9590

Fire-N-Smoke Wood Fired Kitchen 1800 Vaughn Rd. • (618) 251-8075

Redbird Deli & Ice Cream Parlor 109 S. State St. • (618) 639-0952

STAUNTON | 62088

State Street Bar and Grill • 118 S. State St. • (618) 639-3663

Bamboo Garden Restaurant 121 E. Edwardsville St. • (618) 635-7423

Hing Wah Chop Suey • 862 N. Wood River Ave. • (618) 251-5012

Cavataio’s Restaurant & Pizzeria 101 S. Edwardsville St. • (618) 635-2030

Los Alamos Bar & Grill 57 W. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 216-3444

The Diner Bar & Grill • 111 S. Dorothy St. • (618) 639-1106

Asian Bistro By Olette • 423 W. Henry St. • (618) 635-2012

Franchise Sports Bar & Grill 601 E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 259-2413 King Louie’s Drive-In • 315 S. 6th St. • (618) 254-1114

Los Tres Amigos • 1822 Vaughn Rd. • (618) 259-9730

222 Artisan Bakery & Cafe • 222 N. Main St. • (618) 659-1122 A Little Taste Of Heaven Bakery 219 Hillsboro Ave. • (618) 659-8569 Bailey Cakes • 454 E. Vandalia St. • (618) 656-4800 Glazy Square Donuts • 443 S. Buchanan St. • (618) 692-5242 Jilly’s Cupcake & Ice Cream Bar 222 E. Park St. • (618) 307-9545 The Cup • 1057 Century Dr. • (618) 656-2287

GODFREY | 62035 Clifton Country Inn & Bake Shop 3015 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-1020 Mister Donut • 2720 Grovelin St. • (618) 466-6327

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 Espresso Yourself Bakery 410 W. Carpenter St. • (618) 639-2877 The Donut Shop • 933 S. State St. • (618) 498-8715

WOOD RIVER | 62095 Good Knight Cupcakes and Cookies 1490B E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 255-9078 Wood River Donut Shop N More 102 W. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 251-5331

COFFEE SHOPS

Madison’s Tea Room • 144 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 251-8474

ALTON | 62002

Mama Mia’s Italian Restaurant 48 W. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 251-6262

Germania Brew Haus • 617 E. Broadway St. • (314) 667-4751 Maeva’s Coffee • 1320 Milton Rd. • (618) 581-7510

Pump House Bar & Grill 1523 E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 216-2404

Post Commons • 300 Alby St. • (618) 433-8871

Refinery Bar & Grill • 225 E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618)-471-9054 Sukey’s Chinese Restaurant 730 E. Edwardsville Rd • (618) 251-4052

WORDEN | 62097 The Wild Turkey Bar & Grill • 115 E. Wall St. • (618) 459-3215 Yellow Dog Café & Bar • 124 E. Wall St. • (618) 459-3663

BAKERIES ALTON | 62002 Cookie Factory Bakery and Café 202 Alton Square Mall • (618) 462-5731 Duke Bakery • 819 Henry St. • (618) 462-2922 LuciAnna’s Pastries • 607 E. Broadway • (618) 433-9395

BETHALTO | 62010 Weeping Willow Tea Room 128 W. Central St. • (618) 377-0500

COLLINSVILLE | 62234 Starbucks • 1077 Collinsville Crossing Blvd. • (618) 343-9062 Verona Coffee • 101 E. Main St. • (618) 696-1522

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025 Goshen Coffee Company • 206 E. Linden St. • (618) 659-0571 Kaldi’s Coffee • Morris University Center, SIUE Sacred Grounds Café • 233 N. Main St. • (618) 692-4150 Starbucks • 6680 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 692-7817 Starbucks • 6105 Center Grove Rd. • (618) 659-8690 Starbucks • Morris University Center, SIUE • (618) 650-5200

My Just Desserts • 31 E. Broadway • (618) 462-5881

Teaspoons Café • 2125 Rt. 157 • (618) 655-9595

Spoon Baking Co. • 4 E. Broadway • (618) 304-9987

GODFREY | 62035

BETHALTO | 62010

The Shoppes at Beverly Farm 6133 Humbert Rd. • (618) 466-1187

Donut Express • 113 E. Bethalto Dr. • (618) 377-5700

COLLINSVILLE | 62234 Glazy Square Donuts • 410 Belt Line Rd. • (618) 344-0200 Kruta Bakery • 300 St. Louis Rd. • (618) 344-1115

73 Great Rivers & Routes

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025

GRAFTON | 62037 Aerie’s Grounds & Gifts 600 Timber Ridge Dr. • (618) 786-8438

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ICE CREAM ALTON | 62002

GIRARD | 62640

Ketchum’s Corner Kreem • 33 E. Elm St. • (618) 468-1088

Doc’s Soda Fountain • 133 S. 2nd St. • (217) 627-3491

BETHALTO | 62010

Whirl-A-Whip • 309 S. 3rd St • (217) 627-9447

Frigid Frog Shaved Ice Co. • Airport Plaza • (618) 610-5464 Weather Vane Ice Cream 103 W. Bethalto Blvd. • (618) 377-8412

GODFREY | 62035

COLLINSVILLE | 62234

Mister Donut • 2720 Grovelin St. • (618) 466-6327

Dairy Freeze • 250 St. Louis Rd. • (618) 346-8313 Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers 301 N. Bluff Rd. • (618) 772-7184 Polynesian Breeze Shave Ice 1811 Vandalia St. • (618) 531-9539

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025 Annie’s Frozen Custard • 245 S. Buchanan St. • (618) 656-0289 Cold Stone Creamery • 2100 Troy Rd., Ste. 101 • (618) 655-1480 Northside Dairy Haven • 1902 N. Main St. • (618) 656-9233 Tropical Sno • 4 Club Centre Ct. • (618) 670-5124

GODFREY | 62035 Shivers Frozen Custard • 3318 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-6915

Clifton Country Inn & Bake Shop 3015 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-1020

quick BITES CARRY OUT OR DRIVE THROUGH

ALTON: Burger King, Captain D’s Seafood, Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken, Fazoli’s Restaurant, Firehouse Subs, Jack In The Box, Jimmy John’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Little Caesars Pizza, McDonald’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Popeye’s Fried Chicken, Rally’s, Steak’N Shake, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, White Castle

BETHALTO: Arby’s, Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, DQ Grill &

shop TIL YOU drop ANTIQUES

LIVINGSTON | 62058

ALTON | 62002 Alton Exchange Mall 2990 E. Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 463-1273

Pink Elephant Antique Mall 908 Veterans Memorial Dr. • (618) 637-2366

VIRDEN | 62690

Corky’s Emporium • 4754 Humbert Rd. • (618) 623-5650

Tattered Treasures • 135 E. Jackson • (217) 891-9915

Country Meadows • 401 E. Broadway • (618) 465-1965

WOOD RIVER | 62095

George Street Antique Mall • 108 George St. • (618) 396-2231

Country Meadows Antiques 144 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 251-8474

J & P’s Edelweiss • 435 E. Broadway • (618) 741-8749 Prairie Peddler Antiques • 413 E. Broadway. • (618) 465-6114 The Brass Horse • 401 E. Broadway, Lower Level • (618) 433-8888

SPECIALTY SHOPS

Tinner’s Anvil • 211 Langdon St. • (618) 433-1718

ALTON | 62002

Wilson’s Antiques • 217 E. Broadway • (618) 465-3798

1904 General Store • 322 E. Broadway • (618) 433-8195 Alton Stained Glass • 412 E. Broadway • (618) 462-4145

BETHALTO | 62010 Craft & Antique Mall • 60 Airport Plaza • (618) 377-9307

B & B Custom T’s • 2714 Corner Ct. • (618) 463-0443

CARLINVILLE | 62626

Baxters Distributing Company, Inc. 912 E. Broadway • (618) 465-9347

GLEN CARBON | 62034

Chill, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Imo’s, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Rally’s, Subway, Taco Bell

It Is What It Is Resale • 190 Carlinville Plaza • (314) 272-4354

Annie’s Frozen Custard • 11 Illini Dr. • (618) 692-0400

Been There Home Décor • 13 E. Broadway • (618) 719-7310

BRIGHTON: Subway

Mother Road Antiques • 106 N. Side Sq. • (217) 854-8029

Bluff City Outdoors • 2813 E. Broadway • (618) 465-6175

GRAFTON | 62037

BUNKER HIlL: Subway

Olde • 254 S. Side Sq. • (217) 854-6533

By Design • 136 Front St. • (618) 433-1400

CARLINVILLE: Dairy Queen, Hardee’s, McDonald’s, Subway

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025

Caravan Resale Shop • 112 E. Broadway • (618) 462-6434

COLLINSVILLE: Arby’s, Burger King, Culver’s, Dairy Queen,

Doll Corner • 207 W. High St. • (618) 656-5366

Grafton Fudge & Ice Cream • 321 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3700 Ruebel Deli & Ice Cream Parlor 217 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2315 The Whole Scoop • 222 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2663

HAMEL | 62046 Route 66 Creamery • 11 S. Old Rt. 66 • (618) 960-3540

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 McCarry’s Dairyland • 400 W. Carpenter St. #B • (618) 498-6113 Redbird Deli & Ice Cream Parlor 109 S. State St. • (618) 639-0952

LIVINGSTON | 62058 The Twistee Treat Diner 908 Veterans Memorial Dr. • (618) 637-2544

ROXANA | 62084 Cone Barn • 323 N. Central Ave. • (618) 254-5601

Dominos Pizza, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Hardee’s, Jack in the Box, Jimmy John’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Little Ceasers Pizza, Long John Silver’s / A&W, McDonald’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Penn Station East Coast Subs, Pizza Hut, Qdoba, Sonic Drive-In, Starbucks, Steak ‘n Shake, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, White Castle

Edwardsville Flea Market • 1506 Troy Rd • (618) 655-0875

Christian Science Reading Room 237 Alton Square Mall • (618) 462-0964

Red Barn Antiques • 3616 Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 659-0145

Dora’s Spinning Wheel • 96 Northport Dr. • (618) 466-1900

Vintage 71 • 813 N. Main St. • (618) 307-9949

Farmstone Roots • 215 Piasa St. • (618) 409-9777

EAST ALTON: Domino’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Sonic Drive In,

My Antique Store • 1007 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-1616

Subway, Taco Bell, The Salad Shop

EDWARDSVILLE: Arby’s, Aunt Annie’s Pretzels, Captain D’s, Chick-Fil-A, Culver’s, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, Domino’s Pizza, Fazoli’s, Green Earth Grocery & Deli, Imo’s, Jack In The Box, Jimmy John’s, McDonald’s, Northside Dairy Haven, Papa Murphy’s, Penn Station East Coast Subs, Primo’s Italian Garage, Qdoba, Quiznos, Sonic Drive-In, Source Juicery, Starbucks, Steak n’ Shake, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Wingstop

Frew’s Bridal • 305 Piasa St. • (618) 466-8820

GODFREY | 62035 Craft & Antique Mall #2 • 5707 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-9997

GRAFTON | 62037 Golden Eagle Antiques • 300 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3333 Treasures Past & Present Resale Shop 1504 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3797

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 State Street Antiques & Jim’s Attic

ALTON | 62002 1904 General Store • 322 E. Broadway • (618) 433-8195 Cookie Express • 121 Alton Square Mall • (618) 462-5731 PopUtopia Gourmet Popcorn and Sweets 120 Alton Square Mall • (618) 900-1944 Sherry’s Snacks • 2500 College Ave. • (618) 433-9200

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025 Chef’s Shoppe Gourmet Popcorn & Candy Store 2320 Troy Rd. • (618) 659-9840 Jilly’s Cupcake & Ice Cream Bar 222 E. Park St. • (618) 307-9545 Smoothie King • 1501 Troy Rd., Suite A • (618) 692-5552 The Cup • 1057 Century Dr. • (618) 656-2287

Hansen’s Meat Co. • 450 Landmarks Blvd. • (618) 465-4400 Indigo Moon • 301 E. Broadway • (618) 717-0546 It’s Raining Zen • 301 E. Broadway • (618) 717-0546 Jan’s Hallmark • 112 Alton Square Mall • (618) 462-9454 Merle Norman Cosmetics Salon & Spa 110 W. Third St. • (618) 462-6455 Mississippi Mud Pottery • 310 E. Broadway • (618) 462-7573 Mystical Journeys 3090 Homer M. Adams Parkway • (618) 433-9913

GLEN CARBON: DQ Restaurant, Hardee’s Red Burrito, Jack in the box, Jimmy John’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Little Caesars Pizza , Subway

New Frontiers Home Furnishings 101 W. 3rd St. • (618) 465-8868

GODFREY: Arby’s, Domino’s Pizza, DQ Grill & Chill, Hardee’s, Imo’s, Little Caesars Pizza, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Subway

Olive Oil Marketplace • 108 W. 3rd St. • (618) 304-3769

GRAFTON: Beasley Fish Stand, O’Jan’s Fish Stand, The Whole Scoop

Piasa Photo • 219 Piasa St., 3rd Floor Suite B. • (618) 462-3337

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

HAMEL: McDonald’s, Subway HARDIN: Subway JERSEYVILLE: Arby’s, Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, DQ Grill & Chill, Hardee’s, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell, Wok Restaurant

STAUNTON: Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, Subway WOOD RIVER: DQ Grill & Chill, Hardee’s, Jack In The Box, Jimmy John’s, Little Caesars Pizza, Long John Silver’s, Marco’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Steak’N Shake, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s

75 Great Rivers & Routes

Grapevine • 2 W. Broadway • (618) 462-6502

Mississippi Hippie • 301 E. Broadway • (618) 717-0546

GILLESPIE: Dairy Queen, Subway

SWEET TREATS

Golden Road Organics • 624 E. Broadway • (618) 433-1554

11 A.M.– 4 P.M.

Score! Records • 210 Market St. • (618) 798-0122 Second Reading Book Shop • 16 E. Broadway • (618) 462-2830

FRESH DAILY!

Slacker’s CD’s & Games 317 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 462-2005

SOUPS & SALADS SANDWICHES HOMEMADE PIES.

31 E. BROADWAY, ALTON

Picture This & More • 520A W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-0940 PopUtopia Gourmet Popcorn & Sweets 120 Alton Square Mall • (618) 900-1944

Something Different • 822 E. Broadway • (618) 463-4306

618-462-5881

WWW.MYJUSTDESSERTS.COM

Tangled Tinsel Christmas Tree Farm & Gift Shoppe 5 Christmas Tree Ln. • (618) 465-7036 Ted’s Motorcycle World • 4103 Humbert Rd. • (618) 462-3030

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Today’s Beauty • 1415 Central Ave. • (618) 462-2991

My Sister’s Closet • 364 S. Side Sq. • (217) 854-8215

Chef’s Shoppe • 2320 Troy Rd. • (618) 659-9840

The Cyclery • 3100 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 468-1128 The Fashion Lane • 302 E. Broadway

Starr’s Primal Meats & Package Liquor 115 S. Plum St. • (217) 854-7746

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate • 6667 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. (inside Dierbergs Edwardsville) • (618) 655-0511

Slackers • 150 Junction Dr. • (618) 655-0940

The Gift Box • 300 E. Broadway

The Silver Owl • 514 N. Side Sq.

Edible Arrangements • 447 S. Buchanan St. • (618) 656-2400

To Do’s • 4215 S. Rt. 159, Ste. #1 • (618) 656-8899

Three Charming Chicks • 219 William St. • (618) 954-9761

COLLINSVILLE | 62234

Elegant Brides • 6 Club Centre Ct. • (618) 656-5353

Tricked Out Leather • 117 Glen Crossing Rd. • (618) 973-8608

White Birch • 701 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-9100

Barrel Brands • 101 N. Seminary St. • (618) 806-2610

Four Muddy Paws • 2127 S. State Rt. 157 • (618) 692-4729

GODFREY | 62035

Wow Furnishings & Event Center 513 E. Third St. • (618) 444-7969

Biegert’s Jewelry • 113 W. Main St. • (618) 345-3399 Code 3 Spices • 302 E. Main St. • (618) 855-8855

BETHALTO | 62010

Collinsville Sports Store • 2211 Vandalia St. • (618) 345-5588

Bethalto Party World • 60 Airport Plaza • (618) 377-4743

Cullop-Jennings Florist • 517 W. Clay St. • (618) 344-0404

Homestead Flea Market • 5205 Rt. 140 • (618) 377-0452

Goshen Butcher Shop • 246 N. Main St. • (618) 656-1477

Round 2 Relics • 5101 Rt. 140 • (618) 406-2827

Dean’s Liquor & Tobacco Store 210 W. Main St. • (618) 344-4930

Sweet Ashley’s Cottage • 130 W. Central • (618) 791-7048

Dizzy Dugout • 131 E. Main St. • (618) 345-6453

Green Earth Grocery • 441 S. Buchanan St. • (618) 656-3375

J.L. Krafts & Flowers • 69 Rose Ln. • (618) 883-2490

Evolution Cycles • 506 Vandalia St. • (618) 363-8917

Hansen’s Packing Co. • 1059 Century Dr. • (618) 692-5266

The White Door Cottage • 506 S. Maple St. • (618) 477-7103

Happy Up, Inc. 6654- A Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 656-9596

GRAFTON | 62037

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Resale Shop 101 E. Clay St. • (618) 223-1711

BRUSSELS | 62013

L.E. Smith Jewelry • 9501 Collinsville Rd. • (618) 344-1632

Heroic Adventures • 1005 Century Dr. • (618) 659-0099

Village Consignment • 144 E. Main St. • (618) 771-9827

Lux Boutique Uptown • 308 W. Main St. • (618) 855-8255

CARLINVILLE | 62626

Monster Vinyl • 107 E. Main St • (618) 772-7213

BRIGHTON | 62012

Catholic Charities Thrift Store 20 Carlinville Plaza • (217) 854-3029 Cherry Tree Gifts & Souvenirs 236 E. Side Sq. • (573) 826-1515 Deb’s Ceramics • 140 Carlinville Plaza • (217) 854-8883 Main Street Bridal • 124 E. 1st St. • (217) 854-8824 Main Street Florist and Gifts 240 E. Side Sq. • (217) 854-8224

Rich’s Record Emporium • 131 W. Main St. • (618) 795-1333 Spiritos Italian Grocery Store 228 W. Main St. • (618) 344-3256 Swing City Music • 1811 Vandalia St. • (618) 345-6700

Frames By 3 • 113 Plaza Ct. • (618) 692-4488 Gingham Buffalo • 500 N. Main St. • (618) 656-8700 Glik’s • 124 S. Buchanan St. • (618) 655-0084 Good Sports Cards And Memorabilia 1990 Troy Rd. • (618) 655-1361 Goshen Coffee Company • 206 E. Linden St. • (618) 659-0571

Innovative Sports Nutrition • 211 Harvard Dr. • (618) 655-0775

Cleta’s Nutrition • 3004 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-1659 Godfrey Meat Market • 6017 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-6111 Josephine’s Tea Room and Gift Shops 6109 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-7796 Shops at Beverly Farm • 6133 Humbert Rd. • (618) 466-1187

GOLDEN EAGLE | 62036

Aerie’s Grounds & Gifts 600 Timber Ridge Dr. • (618) 786-8438 Buena Vista Art • 307 E. Main St. • (618) 581-8586

Jan’s Hallmark • 2312 Troy Rd. • (618) 656-9445

Eckert’s Country Store & Farms 20995 Eckert Orchard Rd. • (618) 786-3445

Kettle River Furniture • 1091 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 656-5111

Grafton Fudge & Ice Cream • 321 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3700

Klaussner Home Store 6698 Center Grove Rd. • (618) 307-9933

Grafton Harbor • 215 W. Water St. • (618) 786-7678

Milo’s Tobacco Road • 288A N. Main St. • (618) 692-1343 MOD on Trend • 871 S. Arbor Vitae #102 • (618) 659-9797

Grafton Market • 1415 W. Main • (618) 786-2337 Grafton Winery & Brewhaus • 300 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3001 Harrison’s Gifts • 224 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3370

EAST ALTON | 62024

Mojo’s Music • 144 N. Main St. • (618) 656-8700

Community Seed & Feed 300 N. Shamrock St. • (618) 259-8270

My Treasure House • 104 S. Buchanan St • (618) 650-9096

Jeni J’s Gifts & Guest Houses 202-214 W. Main St. • (618) 786-2737

Olive Oils & More • 1990 Troy Rd. • (618) 656-4645

Knotty By Nature • 15 E. Main St. • (618) 556-7020

It’s Sew Sandi • 136 E. St. Louis Ave. • (618) 216-3115

Otherside Games • 229 N. Main St. • (618) 692-5525

Lutes Bait & Escape • 1446 W. Main St. • (618) 786-4025

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025

Restore Décor • 223 N. Main St. • (618) 980-2018

New to You • 315 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2907

Revival Boutique & Gifts • 101 E. Vandalia St. • (618) 307-5958

Pajarito • 316 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3490

RunWell • 142 N. Main St. • (618) 659-9903

The Wood Artisan • 22 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3699

Sour Mash Boutique • 116 N. Main St. • (618) 975-7997 Stix & Stones Interiors • 100 E. Vandalia • (618) 307-5559

Wild N Crazzy Biker Apparel 301 E. Main St. • (618) 920-5054

Swing City Music • 244 S. Buchanan St. • (618) 656-5656

HAMEL | 62046

A Wildflower Shop • 2131 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 692-5077 Afterwords Books • 441 E. Vandalia St. • (618) 655-0355 Big Frog Custom T-shirts and More 6654 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 223-5788 Bike Surgeon Outpost • 2341 Plum St. • (618) 692-5595 Bin 51 Wine & Spirits • 118 N. Main St. • (618) 307-5909 BingShop • 211 E. Vandalia St. • (618) 692-8271 Bridal Couture • 440 E. Vandalia St. • (618) 656-2222

The Bike Factory • 616 Franklin Ave. • (618) 659-8706 The Cyclery & Fitness Center 2472 Troy Rd. • (618) 692-0070

Flowers By Glenda • 301 W. Main • (618) 576-9014

JERSEYVILLE | 62052

Where They Roam • 303 N. Main St. • (618) 692-5252 Whisker Bones Supply Co • 138 N. Main St. • (618) 593-3603

Dance Things & More • 1670 S. State St. • (618) 462-3656 Hansen Packing Co. • 807 Rt. 16 • (618) 498-3714

ELSAH | 62028

Lost Treasures • 1600 S. State St. • (618) 639-3849

Crocker & Springer Pottery, Ltd. 25337 Beltrees Rd. • (618) 466-8624

Lula Bells • 519 S. State St. • (618) 639-1200

Elsah General Store • 22 La Salle St. • (618) 556-0709

Nature Kist Nutrition Center 110 E. Exchange St. • (618) 498-6060

The Look Factory • 43 Mill St. • (618) 703-5500

Outrageous Outdoors • 902 S. State St. • (618) 639-4867

GLEN CARBON | 62034

310 E Broadway Alton, IL 62002 • 618.462.7573

Beyond the Backyard Gate • 301 N. State St. • (618) 494-5779

JCH Hope Chest Resale Shop 109 N. State St. • (618) 639-4673

The Village Toy Chest • 106 S. Macoupin St. • (217) 839-2006

Sun. & Mon. Noon–4pm • Tues.-Closed • Wed.-Sat. 10am-5pm

2nd Time Around • 905 S. State St. • (618) 639-7253

Wild Heart Boutique • 2121 S. Rt. 157 • (618) 307-5155

GILLESPIE | 62033

Store Hours

HARDIN | 62047

Trusty Chords Record Shop • 1514 Troy Rd. • (618) 692-5245

What To Wear • 921 S. Arbor Vitae • (618) 655-0222

mississippimudpottery.com

Sandy’s Seasonals & More • 9180 Rte. 140 • (618) 578-9032

Tot Spot Resale • 1512 Troy Rd. • (618) 655-0515 Water Sweets Soap Company 112 N. Main St. • (618) 692-5221

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Pottery Hollow Painting & More 23 Junction Dr. • (618) 656-5200

Allison’s Shoes • 4225 S. Rt. 159, Ste. 1 • (618) 288-9297

By Grace Boutique • 117 Glen Crossing Rd. • (618) 205-1088 Exactime 4225 • S. Rte. 159 • (618) 288-9999

Peg’s Flower Cottage • 707 W. Pearl St • (618) 498-5371 Rosa Linn’s Creations • 114 S. State St. • (618) 498-3302 Sweet Peas Florals & Designs 221 S. State St. • (618) 639-1997

MT. OLIVE | 62069 Cristal Lantern • 107 E. Main St. • (618) 225-3649

Karma On Main • 164 S. Main St. • (618) 205-8449

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STAUNTON | 62088 Country Classic Cars • 2149 E. Frontage Rd. • (618) 635-7056

RETAIL STORES

Henry’s Rabbit Ranch 1107 Historic Old Rt. 66 • (618) 635-5655

ALTON | 62002

Itch’n to be Stitch’n • 111 W. Main St. • (618) 635-2429

Bath & Body Works • 131 Alton Square Mall • (618) 463-1264

Route 66 Storage & Markets • 20623 Rt. 66 • (217) 710-3284

Cato Fashions • 1837 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-9280

Vintage Station • 225 Phillips St. • (618) 779-2956

Christopher & Banks • 116 Alton Square Mall • (618) 462-2350

VIRDEN | 62690

Claire’s • 129 Alton Square Mall • (618) 462-7881

Alton Square Mall • 200 Alton Square Mall • (618) 300-3164

Books on the Square • 153. E. Jackson St. • (217) 965-5443

Dick’s Flowers • 34 E. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-3400

Silvernicks • 231 E. Jackson St. • (217) 891-6514

Famous Footwear • 122 Alton Square Mall • (618) 465-8107

The Sly Fox • 123 N. Springfield St. • (217) 965-3641

Farm & Home Supply 2600 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 462-9688

WOOD RIVER | 62095 Cleary’s Shoes & Boots • 48 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 254-0276 Dick’s Flowers • 232 N. Wood River Ave. • (618) 254-3441 JMP Cycle • 1490 E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 255-6116 Mallory Sports • 1818 Vaughn Rd • (618) 259-4236

Finish Line • 124 Alton Square Mall • (618) 465-9630 GameStop • 128 Alton Square Mall • (618) 465-3125 Harbor Freight • 2606 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 462-0307 Hibbett Sports • 108 Alton Square Mall • (618) 462-5501

Patchwork Plus • 62 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 251-9788

Home Depot • 1710 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-5803

Sandi’s Costumes, Fabric & Alterations 34 W. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 251-6338

J.C. Penney’s • 150 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 463-9595 Kay Jeweler’s • 1702 Homer M. Adams Pkwy • (618) 462-0392

Rustic Roots • 200 W. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 660-7766

Kohl’s • 1770 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 462-2649

Sandi’s Costumes, Fabric & Alterations

Lowe’s • 1619 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 474-9900

34 W. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 251-6338

Maurices • 123 Alton Square Mall • (618) 463-3768

The Dress Shop • 22 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 471-9200

Payless ShoeSource • 106 Alton Square Mall • (618) 462-8093

Von Dell Gallery & Studios 102 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 251-8550

Ross Dress for Less • 101 Alton Square Mall • (618) 463-1413 Savvi Formalwear • 212 Alton Square Mall • (618) 465-1110 Spencer’s • 127 Alton Square • 800-762-0419 Target • 300 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-4950 Tractor Supply • 3001 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • (618) 433-2905

Alton • Godfrey • Bethalto

CARLINVILLE | 62626

Michael’s • 6639 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 659-4697

Walmart Supercenter • 18600 Shipman Rd. • (217) 854-7082

Old Navy • 6617 Edwardsvile Crossing Dr. • (618) 692-8179

COLLINSVILLE | 62234

Petco • 6631 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 692-3961

GameStop • 1120 Collinsville Crossing Blvd. • (618) 343-0232 Kohl’s • 605 Beltline Rd. • (618) 344-3576 Rural King • 9525 Collinsville Rd. • (618) 344-0105

Ross Dress for Less 6610 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 692-2129 RP Lumber • 514 E. Vandalia St. • (618) 656-1514 Sally’s Beauty Supply • 2214 Troy Rd. • (618) 692-4621

Walmart Neighborhood Market 1101 Beltline Rd. • (618) 381-7557

Shoe Carnival • 6625 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 659-2156

Walmart Supercenter 1040 Collinsville Crossing Blvd. • (618) 344-4480

TJ Maxx • 6647 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 659-1368

EDWARDSVILLE | 62025 Ashley Homestore 6609 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 656-2333

Target • 2350 Troy Rd. • (618) 659-3200 Vallow Flooring • 1009 Plummer Dr. • (618) 656-7788 Wild Birds Unlimited • 2216 Troy Rd. • (618) 307-9604

GLEN CARBON | 62034

Beauty Brands • 6659 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 655-0622

Cato Fashions • 110 Junction Dr. • (618) 692-6680

Best Buy • 6670 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 659-9895

GameStop • 3022 S. Rte. 159 • (618) 659-4649

Books-A-Million 6601 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 659-3526

Office Max • 220 Junction Dr. • (618) 659-9722

Carter’s OshKosh B’gosh 6622 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 659-0512 Elliott Fine Jewelers Inc. • 1405 Troy Rd. • (618) 656-3090 Famous Footwear • 2306 Troy Rd. • (618) 659-7063 First to the Finish • 2341 Plum St. • (800) 747-9013 Friar Tuck Beverages • 6715 Goshen Rd. • (618) 692-6434

Lowe’s • 159 Whistle Stop Dr. • (618) 655-2140 Payless ShoeSource • 146 Junction Dr. • (618) 659-9462 Sam’s Club • 5 Illini Dr. • (618) 659-7336 Walmart Supercenter • 400 Junction Dr. • (618) 692-0550

GODFREY | 62035 Factory Connection • 5735 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 433-8245

Glik’s • 124 S. Buchanan St. • (618) 655-0084

Walmart Supercenter • 6660 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 433-3008

GNC • 2210 Troy Rd. • (618) 656-8767

JERSEYVILLE | 62052

Hibbett Sports • 2302 Troy Rd. • (618) 659-0409

Cato Fashions • 1404 Windy Ln. • (618) 498-4280

Home Depot • 2500 Troy Rd. • (618) 659-3682

Walmart Supercenter • 1316 S. State St. • (618) 498-7744

Hudson Jewelers 6679 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 656-3188 Kirkland’s • 6624 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 692-2289 Kohl’s • 2120 Troy Rd. • (618) 692-4710 Maurice’s • 2316 Troy Rd. • (618) 692-7131

WOOD RIVER | 62095 GameStop • 662 Wesley Dr. • (618) 258-8611 Hibbett Sports • 1853 Vaughn Rd. • (618) 258-7341 Walmart Supercenter • 610 Wesley Dr. • (618) 259-0290

Men’s Wearhouse 6628 Edwardsville Crossing Dr. • (618) 659-0576

“Best Bank in the Riverbend.“ “As voted by area residents.”

“Proud to be part of the community.”

BankLiberty.com • (618) 462-7000

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GETTING HERE

GETTING AROUND TOWN

Amtrak Rail Service • #1 Golf Rd. • Alton • (618) 462-1879 Amtrak.com

Alton’s Best Cabs • 1102 Milton Rd. • Alton • (618) 578-3344

Lambert International Airport 10701 Lambert International Blvd. • St. Louis, MO • (314) 890-1333

Champagne Limousines 3406 Delmar Ave. • Godfrey • (618) 466-7001

St. Louis Regional Airport 8 Terminal Dr. • East Alton • (618) 259-2531

Enterprise Rent-A-Car 3000 Washington Ave. • Alton • (618) 462-0001 Enterprise Rent-A-Car 4251 S. Rt. 159 • Glen Carbon • (618) 288-8812

MARINAS & FERRIES

Excel Transportation • (618) 251-9410 • excelstl.com

Alton Marina • 1 Henry St. • Alton • (618) 462-9860 Brussels Free Ferry • Rt. 100 • Grafton • (618) 786-3636

Mungenast Alton Toyota (Car Rentals) 850 Homer M. Adams Pkwy. • Alton • (618) 208-2643

Grafton Ferry (Seasonal) • Rt. 100 • Grafton • (800) 258-6645 Grafton Harbor • 215 W. Water St. • Grafton • (618) 786-7678 Golden Eagle Ferry • Ferry Rd. • Golden Eagle • (618) 535-5759 Kampsville Free Ferry River Front Dr. • Kampsville • (618) 653-4518

quick FACTS High Speed passenger rail service is coming soon! That means the travel time between Alton and Chicago will be cut by nearly one hour!

NEARBY CITIES Branson: 272 miles Chicago: 286 miles Indianapolis: 245 miles Kansas City: 258 miles Memphis: 307 miles Milwaukee: 386 miles Nashville: 325 miles

A stay to remember in downtown Grafton.

Historic hotel nestled on the bank of the Mississippi River.

217 E. Main St. | Grafton, IL 62037 | (618) 786-2315 RuebelHotel.com 81 Great Rivers & Routes

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