2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 174 items
Firefly Grill
Firefly Grill is a modern roadhouse restaurant located on the shores of Lake Kristie. This wonderful place operates on an oasis of American fresh cuisine in the heart of the Midwest. Firefly's menu changes daily and boasts fresh seafood, oak fire steaks and brick oven pizzas. Firefly uses local ingredients whenever possible and fresh herbs and vegetables from their garden. The beautiful facility and grounds make this the perfect place for a wedding or group event. Cooking demonstrations and tours are also available.
CITY: Effingham
Jun 2
Funfest for Air-cooled VW
This FunFest is Mid America Motorworks way of saying "Thank You" to all VW enthusiasts. The three-day event is the best Air-Cooled enthusiasts party anywhere. Expect to see more than 1,000 VWs and 8,000 enthusiasts. This is not your typical car show. With non-juried fun judging, one of a kind expert seminars and a guest list including some of the best-known names in the VW world, it's no wonder that Funfest has become a must-attend event.
CITY: Effingham
Tuscan Hills Winery
Tuscan Hills Winery, recently opened in 2011, is located on Historic Hills Drive, directly behind the Harley Barn. This winery is located on eight picturesque acres which helps bring an Old World Tuscan feel to the heart of Effingham. The owners are focused on creating elegant, approachable, and perfectly balanced wines of the highest quality. Wine tastings, along with space available for reservations makes this a must stop for group tours. Tuscan Hills Winery wants you to "Come as our guest, but leave as our friends."
CITY: Effingham
15 - 18
Windsor Harvest Picnic
Come and enjoy this family-friendly festival which is in its 117th year. Entertainment comes to you in gospel, country and rock, with entertainers from as far away as Australia and Country Star "Eddie Raven". Fountain City Amusements provide a carnival atmosphere with plenty of food served by various organizations as well as the Ice Cream Social. There is also a 5K run/walk, a pedal tractor pull, parade, and a raffle drawing.
CITY: Windsor
My Garage Museum Collection
Showcasing classic and one-of-a-kind Corvettes and memorabilia, My Garage Museum is a must-see attraction for any car enthusiast. Corvettes on display include Indy pace cars, racing machines, the last C-4 and the first 21st century model.
CITY: Effingham
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
The last home of Thomas and Sarah Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's parents. It shares the site with the Sargent farm, an 1840's living history farm.
CITY: Lerna
Dvorak Concert Hall
This hall offers a wide variety of recitals and concerts year round, and is home to the renowned Eastern Illinois University Symphony Orchestra.
CITY: Charleston
12 - 12
Sculptures on the Avenue
Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the City of Effingham's avenues into an art gallery. Over 30 sculptures created by some of the Midwest's best known and unknown sculptors bring life to the streets of Effingham as part of the annual "Sculptures on the Avenues" outdoor exhibition. Sculptures on the Avenues is a self-guided walking tour that begins at City Hall, located at 201 E. Jefferson Ave. From there, the exhibition winds in and out of Downtown Effingham. An informative guide, which facilitates a walking tour, is available at the Effingham Visitors Center or City Hall.
CITY: Effingham
McGrady Inn Bed and Breakfast
A pleasant walk from the campus of Eastern Illinois University, The McGrady Inn honors its heritage, a United Brethren church constructed in 1919. From the original maple floors to the nine-panel stained glass window at the center of the 23-foot sanctuary ceilings, guests are surrounded by the results of a three-year restoration matching the original craftsmanship. The Inn offers modern amenities such as flat screen televisions, wireless internet and spacious bathrooms in the company of intricate oak woodwork and nineteenth century church pews. Enjoy a stroll to one of the many restaurants located on Charleston's courthouse square or simply relax in the shade of a hard maple tree on our front porch. The McGrady Inn is centrally located among the distinguished homes in our college community.
CITY: Charleston
Evergreen Tree Walk
The Evergreen Tree Walk features over 90 species of trees indigenous to Illinois. Markers beside the trees list the common and Latin names of each species. The tree walk is a relaxing experience, especially after a long day of travel.
CITY: Effingham
Wilhelmina Art Gallery
Browse award-winning oil paintings by Wilma Woldt Krueger. Limited and open edition prints, landscapes, wildlife, still life and portraits are sold.
CITY: Effingham
Unique Suites Hotel
For this locally owned hotel, showing guests special attention is our goal to make your stay as comfortable as possible. We have connections with caterers and plenty of ballroom area to host your next party or conference. We are a 77 room hotel with ballroom facilities, seasonal swimming pool, free WIFI and continental breakfast. Located in Charleston, Illinois near Eastern Illinois University.
CITY: Charleston
Moore Home
This is the preserved home of Reuben Moore and his wife Matilda, who was a daughter of Sarah Bush Lincoln and stepsister of Abraham Lincoln. The frame Moore Home dates back to the late 1850s.
CITY: Lerna
Lake Sara
A quiet cove at dawn, where the only sound is the whir of a casting reel and the gentle splash of the fly hitting the water’s surface...that’s Lake Sara. A sunny afternoon slalom skiing behind a powerboat or running along the beach...that’s Lake Sara. A family picnic in the grass at water’s edge or a family reunion, with fried chicken and the works, under one of the pavilions...that’s Lake Sara. Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline, encircled by a winding road. Spend a day, a week, or a season on the shores of Lake Sara. Lake Sara has something for everyone, in every season of the year.
CITY: Effingham
Cameo Vineyards
This family-owned winery manages seven acres of French-American hybrid grapevines and makes eight different wines, including reds, whites and blushes. A gift shop, and complimentary tastings and tours, are available.
CITY: Greenup
Copper Eagle
The largest antique mall in Charleston, Illinois. The Copper Eagle antique mall is located at the corner of 3rd Street and Madison Avenue, known locally as "Five Points". The Copper Eagle has grown to around 75 dealers offering over 3000 square feet of antiques and collectibles. Inventory changes daily and many of vendors offer periodic specials. Copper Eagle is open every day of the week, so stop in and spend some time browsing - you might just find that one piece you have been searching for!
CITY: Charleston
Turkey Creek Lodge
A 3,000 sq. ft. lodge features a master bedroom with a private bath and two bedrooms with semi-private bathrooms. Located in rural Jasper County, Turkey Creek is perfect for hunters or individuals wanting a weekend retreat.
CITY: Newton
Thomas Lincoln Cemetery and Shiloh Church
This cemetery is the final resting place for many Civil War veterans, as well as Thomas and Sarah Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's father and stepmother.
CITY: Charleston
Grandpa's Place
Antiques, collectibles, and things in between. Monday-Friday call for appt.
CITY: Jewett
Ambero Antiques and Decorative Arts
Located on the west side of the historical Courthouse square in Charleston, IL, Ambero Antiques & Decorative Arts provides authentic antique, vintage, and contemporary furnishings at fair prices. Here you will find an eclectic mix of furniture, mirrors, art, ceramics, metalwares, textiles, and jewelry.
CITY: Charleston
John Boos & Company
John Boos & Co. is the oldest industry in Effingham, open since 1887. John Boos products, butcher blocks and cutting boards, are being used by celebrity chefs throughout the U.S. Some celebrity chefs currently using the products are Charlie Trotter, Ming Tsai, Paul Kahan, and Susan Spicer at Bayona Restaurant in New Orleans, just to name a few. In addition, the country's premier food channel, "The Food Network," features chefs, such as Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse, who prepare meals every day on John Boos cutting boards. A factory outlet and showroom is open to the public for tours, groups, or just to purchase the products.
CITY: Effingham
Arndt's Fudge
Arndt's produces mouth-watering fudge in a variety of flavors. Stop by for a sample.
CITY: Newton
Douglas-Hart Nature Center
Explore 70 acres of prairie, wetlands and forest habitat.The Visitor Center features interpretive exhibits, sensory displays and live critters, including a bird observation area.
CITY: Mattoon
Vahlings Vineyards & Winery
All wines are fermented and bottled on site at this family-owned winery.
CITY: Stewardson
Bigard Orchard & Berries
Stop by for fresh strawberries May-June, and peaches from July-August.
CITY: Newton
Charleston Putt-n-Swing
This family fun spot features an 18-hole miniature golf course and batting cages.
CITY: Charleston
Meadowview Golf Course
This 18-hole, par 72 course features moderate to gently rolling terrain, manicured greens, a full-service pro shop and a food court.
CITY: Mattoon
National Road Covered Bridge
The Embarras River, near Greenup, was the site of a covered bridge built by Abe and Thomas Lincoln and Dennis Hanks. The original bridge was 200 feet long. The reconstructed bridge was dedicated in 2000.
CITY: Greenup
Olivier's Country Creations & Gifts
Fabric, craft supplies, beads, finished crafts, gifts, handmade quilts, birdhouses, collectibles, books, videos, furniture, and much more.
CITY: Strasburg
Dec 25
Mattoon Lightworks
Enjoy the lights of the season in beautiful Peterson Park. Over 50 magnificent light displays, many of which are animated. Definitely a site to see! Drive through at your leisure evenings starting at 5pm. Over 15,000 visitors each year see this great display of holiday lights. Admission is free, donations accepted.
CITY: Mattoon
Henpeck Mercantile
Located one block off Main in Oblong, Henpeck features Painted Cabinets, birdhouses, curtains, candles and all weather baskets.
CITY: Oblong
Super 8
Suites available, small pets allowed, cable/movies, kitchenettes aveniable, in-room safe, FREE super start breakfast from 6:00 am - 10:00 am.
CITY: Effingham
Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum
Charleston's newest heritage tourism attraction. Learn more about the 1858 political debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. This site is a designated, "Looking for Lincoln" site.
CITY: Charleston
Wal-Mart Supercenter
Newly expanded, this Wal-Mart Supercenter has everything from groceries with deli, meat, and fish departments, to a pharmacy, one-hour photos and vision center. They also have clothing, furniture, gardening supplies, along with much, much more
CITY: Effingham
Mattoon Welcome Center/Peterson House
The historic Peterson House serves as the Mattoon Welcome Center, offering information about area events and attractions.
CITY: Mattoon
Lincoln Prarie Grass Trail
Ride your bike or walk from Charleston to Mattoon on the Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail.
CITY: Charleston
Charleston Alley Theatre
Located in the historic courthouse square. A local theater at its best. In an intimate setting, offering a wonderful mix of old and new drama.
CITY: Charleston
Martin Ranch Bed & Breakfast
Newly constructed French Country style home located on 100 acres featuring equine hotel, nature trails, and fishing pond. The outdoors is as enchanting and as lively as it is indisde. Each of the 4 guest rooms is tastefully decorated.
CITY: Effingham
Cross at the Crossroads
Soaring nearly 200 feet into the Midwestern sky, the Cross is a landmark for the more than 19 million travelers who pass through Effingham each year along Interstates 57 and 70. Other features of the site include a visitor center, chapel and a 10 Commandments display.
CITY: Effingham
Charleston Historic District
Downtown Charleston includes a historic courthouse and many historic homes listed on both the Coles County Register for Significant Places and the National Register of Historic Places.
CITY: Charleston
Historic Charleston Courthouse Square
See the majestic Coles County courthouse and discover historic murals in Charleston's Courthouse Square.
CITY: Charleston
Comfort Suites - Effingham
All suites with kitchenettes. Accessible rooms, FREE local calls& HBO.
CITY: Effingham
Jasper County Golf Club & Banquet Facility
Jasper County Golf Club & Banquet Facility is a premiere golf course. Tee times are also available for non-members.
CITY: Newton
Moran Orchard
Pick your own strawberries in season, and buy fall apples, Indian corn, pumpkins and gourds.
CITY: Trilla
Angus Links
18-hole golf course set in the countryside of Windsor. GPS ADDRESS: 1300 N 3050 E
CITY: Windsor
Lincoln-Prairie Grass Trail
two miles of paved surface and 10 miles of aggregate surface. Jogging, walking, equestrian riding and biking permitted.
CITY: Charleston
Cumberland Road Collectibles
General line of antiques and collectibles, old books and depression glass.
CITY: Greenup
Paradise Inn - Effingham
Small pets allowed, cable/movies, bus parking, adjacent to restaurants.
CITY: Effingham
Abe Lincoln Motel
American family owned and operated for over 20 years. AM coffee and local calls free. Some kitchenettes available.
CITY: Effingham
Motel 6 - Effingham
Outdoor pool and Evergreen rooms which are filtered for people with allergies.
CITY: Effingham
Lincoln School Museum
The Lincoln School Museum is a restored 1880’s one-room brick school located one mile north of Martinsville, Clark County, Illinois on a spur of the National Road. The Lincoln School is representative of the brick construction of one-room schools built during the 1880’s, representing the typical one-room school of the era, and the education available of that time. The Lincoln School Museum is open to the public on weekends from June through August and any time by appointment.
CITY: Martinsville
Timber's Lodge
Three Story, six bedroom log home on 30 acres with fireplace, large deck, kitchen, central air, spa, large meeting room, trail rides, continental breakfast, TV, VCR, 5-person spa, gas grill and 2 charcoal grills. Next to Hidden Springs State Forest.
CITY: Strasburg
Effingham County Courthouse
The current courthouse was built in 1871 after Effingham was named the county seat. The courhouse retains a pristine exterior and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
CITY: Effingham
U.S. Grant Motel
Experience a fun, comfortable stay. Free continental breakfast. Clean rooms, affordable rates.
CITY: Mattoon
Putt-N-Swing
Try the 19-hole miniature golf course, plus six state-of-the-art pitching machines.
CITY: Charleston
Comfort Inn - Effingham
Indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, exercise room, FREE continental breakfast, in-room safe, and 5 whirlpool suites
CITY: Effingham
Illinois Oilfield Museum & Resource Center
One of only seven of its kind in the nation, this museum at Oblong Park highlights an industry that revolutionized the country.
CITY: Oblong
Howard Johnson - Effingham
Meeting facilities, handicap access, free breakfast, small pets allowed, indoor pool, bus parking, meeting services available, free movie rental.
CITY: Effingham
Newton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
This 1,775 acre lake features 540 acres of shoreline as a day use conservation area. Recreational activities include fishing, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hunting.
CITY: Newton
The Tower of Baa-Goat
The one and only goat tower in the U.S. It is modeled after a tower that Dave and Marcia Johnson saw in a wine magazine from S. Africa. The original goat tower was in Portugal. The Johnston's tower is 31 foot tall and has 5,000 bricks with 276 spiral steps that encompass the tower.
CITY: Windsor
Dennis Hanks Gravesite
View the burial site of Abraham Lincoln's tutor in the Old City Cemetery.
CITY: Charleston
Queen Anne's on 7th Street
Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1892; sits on a wooded 1½-acre lot and is located 3 blocks from Eastern Illinois University.
CITY: Charleston
Legacy Harley Davidson
Legacy Harley-Davidson is not only a great place to stock up on the latest Harley-Davidson gear, but it is an attraction that brings thousands of visitors to the area. The Harley Barn houses new and pre-owned motorcycles, along with clothing, merchandise, parts, and much more. The folks at the Harley Barn also invite travelers to visit their one-of-a-kind events that they hold throughout the year at the barn.
CITY: Effingham
Dahnke's Pine Patch
Located in Martinsville, this tree farm features Colorado Blue and Norway Spruce, Douglas and Fraser Fir, and White and Scotch Pine trees.
CITY: Martinsville
Eastern Illinois University
This campus consists of 316 acres. German Gothic architecture of Old Main towers above the campus.
CITY: Charleston
Effingham Performance Center
Arts Connection of Central Illinois has been established for the citizens of Effingham County and beyond to showcase arts and entertainment, to encourage interaction with and appreciation of live performance, to endorse the educational process and to enhance the quality of life and cultural vitality of the region.
CITY: Effingham
Illinois Wildlife Connections Lodge
All deer and turkey hunts include clean and comfortable accommodations in our new 3400 sq/ft. lodge. The lodge has 7 bedrooms, 5 showers, pool table, mud room, washer and dryer, patio, and more. Guide, stands, transportation, and meals are also included. All meals will be continental style breakfast, soup and sandwich type lunch, and an out of this world gourmet country style dinner, guaranteed to put on a few extra pounds. Airport pickup is available if needed. More than 5,000 acres for Archery Only Whitetail Deer and Eastern Wild Turkey. A lodge with full amenities await hunters. Their GPS Coordinates N39 .03.297' W088 .06.482'
CITY: Newton
Fox Ridge State Park
Campgrounds, recreation shelters, several miles of trails, fishing, and canoeing.
CITY: Charleston
The Village Stitchery
Features a wide variety of quilt fabrics & supplies, home decor items, gifts & clothing, and much more.
CITY: Oblong
The Yarn Studio
Visit our shop in downtown Casey and your creative spirit will soar. The newly renovated space provides a relaxed atmosphere for browsing. Our supplies include items for knit, crochet, spinning, and weaving. Many items are sold exclusively through independent retailers. We strive to help the beginner as well as motivated advanced knitter.
CITY: Casey
Jitters and Bliss Coffee and Treats
Large selection of coffees and teas, coffee drinks, home made ice-creams. Fresh baked breads and pastries. Sandwiches and soups. Gift baskets available.
CITY: Charleston
Ambraw River Trading Company
With a large red barn and "Mary's Wash House" full of early country and primitive furniture and accessories.
CITY: Hidalgo
T.G.I. Fridays - Effingham
Full service, credit cards accepted, non-smoking area, handicap accessible, delivery.
CITY: Effingham
Lake Charleston
Enjoy the sparkling beauty of Lake Charleston, which features hiking and biking trails.
CITY: Charleston
Tarble Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University
Offering a year-round schedule of art exhibits and activities for all ages. Gift shop and sales rental gallery. Focus on Paul Sargent and Midwest art.
CITY: Charleston
KOA Campground and Camper Sales
8-acre lake, some shade trees. 82 sites with three cabins, summer active.
CITY: Casey
Osage Inn
A Civil War era, hewn log house that has been moved to Central Illinois and restored. It is furnished with mid-19th Century antiques, has a full kitchen and bath, and sits on 55 acres of woodlands, meadow and fields.
CITY: Charleston
Fox Ridge State Park Campground
43 sites, electricity at each site, shower building, and shared water. Dump station. Reservations accepted.
CITY: Charleston
Magic Wok
Magic Wok serves a wide array of Chinese specialties. Check out our website.
CITY: Charleston
Bent Tree Country Club
This 18-hole, par 70 course is a challenge for players of all levels.
CITY: Charleston
Homewood Grill
Opens in April and closes in October. Snack stand with ice cream and frozen yogurt.
CITY: Effingham
Jackson Avenue Coffee
Located one block east of historic Courthouse Square. Large selection of coffees and coffee drinks. Pastries. Salads. Entertainment. Next door to and communicating with Calliope Court Boutique.
CITY: Charleston
