2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 299 items
14
$5 Friday Summer Concerts: Changes in Latitudes
The first concert of the season will feature Changes in Latitude - a tribute to Jimmy Buffett. Tickets are $5 per person. Changes in Latitude is known as one of the country’s premier tribute bands to Jimmy Buffett. The band has 10 members including Steve Kareta (vocals, guitars), Allen Stevens (guitars/vocals), Amy Sullivan (vocals, Jon Berman (saxophone), Clark Seibold (drums), Bob Casinghino (keyboard/vocals), Brandon Marger (percussion), Jason Roseman (steel pan drums) Mark Neveu (bass) and Don Hemmer (pedal steel guitar). For more information call (800) 258-6645 or visit www.riverfrontamphitheater.com.
CITY: Alton
2 Rivers Guest House
If you’re looking for a family friendly, comfortable guest house, you’ve come to the right place. Bright and sunny rooms with river views await you at 2 Rivers Guest House. Located just off Route 100, the Great River Road in beautiful Grafton, Illinois, our guest house sleeps six comfortably and includes living room, kitchen / dining, 3 bedrooms, and 1 bath. 2 Rivers Guest House is available for daily, weekly and monthly rentals. Come stay with us to relax and unwind.
CITY: Grafton
300 State
Stop by for any of the specialty or create-your-own pizzas or calzones/strombolis. You can side that with a salad and fresh cold beer.
CITY: Alton
Feb 15
A Day in Eagle Country
The limestone bluffs and woodlands that line the Mississippi River Valley offer the American bald eagle an ideal winter roosting site. We invite you to come view the magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Take a day long adventure of eagle and wildlife spotting with Bluff City Tours. The tour includes: transportation by motorcoach or trolley, professional tour guide, continental breakfast and lunch at Pere Marquette. All tours depart from and return to the Upper Level Parking Lot at Alton Square Mall off Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. These tours are scheduled on Wednesdays & Saturdays in January & February.
CITY: Alton
Acapulco Family Mexican Restaurant
Acapulco has a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine for the whole family.
CITY: Granite City
Aerie's Cottages & Vacation Villas
At Aerie's, the individual Cottages include jaccuzzi tubs, kitchenettes and private decks. The Lodge, perfect for family gatherings includes a common room, full kitchen and a deck shared by four ensuite rooms. The Vacation Villas offer multiple arrangements and include private deck space with access to the swimming pool and clubhouse.
CITY: Grafton
Aerie's Riverview Winery
The view is incredible and the wine selection is unbeatable every season of the year on top of the bluffs at Aerie's Winery. During the spring and summer, the outdoor deck offers a breathtaking view of recreation on the river. As the temperatures cool, you can lounge inside next to the fireplace. Aerie's also offers cottages and a lodge to accommodate the needs of overnight guests, all within walking distance of the winery. Seasonally, check our calendar for live music on the decks Wine, cheese, sausages and pizza are available.
CITY: Grafton
Alexander's
If beads are your bag then Alexander's in Alton is the place to shop! This one-stop shop features a wide variety of gifts, jewelry making supplies, beads and bridal jewelry. Jewelry is custom made and great for any special occasion from proms to anniversaries, black tie events to graduations. Jewelry making classes are also available.
CITY: Alton
Along the Way Bed & Breakfast
During your stay in the area come and lose your everyday stresses at Along the Way guesthouse. It offers alternative accommodations for travelers. It is your home away from home where you will experience gracious mid-western hospitality. Three suites available.
CITY: Mitchell
Alton Antique Center
There is something for everyone at the Alton Antique Center. Merchandise from around the world, from inexpensive to investment quality pieces, abound in this shop located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Rare one-of-a-kind items, exotic pieces, oddities, and items from Asia, Great Britain, Europe and America are available. From beautiful to whimsical, there is always something to capture the eye and the imagination at the center.
CITY: Alton
Alton Exchange
New merchandise arrives daily at this 13,000-square-foot store. From antiques to crafts to gifts and collectibles, there are unique items available to fit nearly every budget and taste. Over 100 independent dealers offer a wide variety of merchandise. Doors are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.
CITY: Alton
Nov 1
Alton Hauntings Tours
Based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown, taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton. Uncover the eerie folklore, ghostly tales and documented haunted spots on a three-hour walking tour of the city’s most haunted sites. Visitors will see sites that have become nationally known, like the old Alton penitentiary, First Unitarian Church, Enos Sanitarium and many others. The tours have been proven to be popular with ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and nowhere else can you learn as much about the real, haunted history of Alton. Walking tours and bus tours are offered during two touring seasons – Spring & Summer and the Haunted Fall Season. Private tours are also available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations must be made in advance for all tours.
CITY: Alton
Alton Hauntings Tours
Based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown, taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton. Uncover the eerie folklore, ghostly tales and documented haunted spots on a three-hour walking tour of the city’s most haunted sites. Visitors will see sites that have become nationally known, like the old Alton penitentiary, First Unitarian Church, Enos Sanitarium and many others. The tours have been proven to be popular with ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and nowhere else can you learn as much about the real, haunted history of Alton. Walking tours and bus tours are offered during two touring seasons – Spring & Summer and the Haunted Fall Season. Private tours are also available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations must be made in advance for all tours.
CITY: Alton
Alton Landing
Looking for quality restoration of your antique furniture? Check out Alton Landing which offers a complete restoration service. Repair work is also available for pottery, clocks and chair caning.. Canvas boat covers are also available. Open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
CITY: Alton
Alton Little Theater
Entertaining audiences since 1934, the Alton Little Theater offers a season of great live theatrical performances from dramas to comedies to everyone's favorite musicals. The Alton Little Theater is one of the oldest community theaters in the state of Illinois.
CITY: Alton
Aug 3
Alton Little Theater: 9 to 5: The Musical
9 to 5: The Musical is based on the 1980s hit movie Nine to Five. Pushed to the boiling point by their boss, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. They conspire to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do - even in a man's world. Set in the late 1970's, 9 to 5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business. This production is scheduled for July 24 - 27 and July 31 - Aug. 3, 2014.
CITY: Alton
1 - 11
Alton Little Theater: Hallelujah Girls
Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. The action in this rollicking Southern comedy by the authors of Southern Hospitality takes place in SPA-DE-DAH!, the abandoned church-turned-day-spa where this group of friends gathers every Friday afternoon. After the loss of a dear friend, the women realize time is precious; and if they're going to change their lives and achieve their dreams, they have to do it now! But Sugar Lee, their high-spirited, determined leader, has her hands full keeping the women motivated. The comic tension mounts when a sexy ex-boyfriend shows up unexpectedly, a marriage proposal comes from an unlikely suitor, and Sugar Lee's archrival vows she'll stop at nothing to steal the spa away from her. By the time the women rally together to overcome these obstacls and launch their new, improved lives, you've got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout "Hallelujah!" This production is scheduled for May 1 - 4 and 8 - 11, 2014.
CITY: Alton
Feb 2
Alton Little Theater: Moonlight and Magnolias
Legendry Hollywood producer David O. Selznick has a problem. He has just fired the director of Gone With the Wind and the script is on its umpteenth version. He desperately needs a new director and writer -- immediately! However, the writer he wants, Ben Hecht, has never read the novel and his director of choice, Victor Fleming, is not sold on the success of the storyline; but Selznick believes in this movie so much that he locks the three of them in his office for five days, with bananas and peanuts as their only food, to pull together a new script. As work begins, Selznick and Fleming attempt to act out all the characters in the novel while Hecht types. Take a fun, farcical look at the behind-the-scene birth of one of the most beloved films of all time. This production is scheduled for Jan. 23 - 26 and Jan. 30 - Feb. 2, 2014.
CITY: Alton
13 - 23
Alton Little Theater: Sex, Please, We're 60
Mrs. Stancliffe's Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast has been successful for many years because her guests (nearly all women) return year after year. Her next door neighbor, the elderly, silver-tongued "Bud the Stud" Davis, believes they come to spend time with him in romantic liaisons. The prim and proper Mrs. Stancliffe steadfastly denies this, but reluctantly accepts the fact that "Bud the Stud" is good for business. Her other neighbor and would-be suitor, Henry Mitchell, is a retired chemist who has developed a blue pill called "Venusia" to increase the libido of menopausal women. The pill has not been tested until Bud gets his hands on some and the fun begins. The women mix up Bud's Viagra pills with the Venusia, and we soon discover that it has a strange effect on men: it gives them all the symptoms of menopause, complete with hot flashes, mood swings, weeping and irritability! When the mayhem settles down, all the women find their lives moving in new and surprising directions. This production is scheduled for March 13 - 16 and March 20 - 23, 2014.
CITY: Alton
12 - 22
Alton Little Theater: The Drowsy Chaperone
The curtain rises on a present-day musical theatre fanatic eager to tell you about his favorite Broadway musical - The Drowsy Chaperone. As he begins listening to the rare cast recording, the show cleverly blooms to life, telling the hilarious tale of a pampered Broadway starlet and her debonair fiance, an overzealous producer, a dizzy chorine, the Latin lover, and a couple of bumbling gangsters. Ruses are played. Hi-jinks occur. And the plot spins everyone into musica comedy euphoria. This production will Sept. 12 - 15 and Sept. 19 - 22.
CITY: Alton
Nov 3
Alton Little Theater: THe Haunting of Hill House
Dr. Montague, an anthropologist whose true passion is the supernatural, rents the supposedly cursed titular building in order to investigate the existence of psychic disturbances. His guests are the house's heir and two women with previous experience of the paranormal. The group bonds almost immediately, but fear is a corrosive emotion and the house's manifestations soon cause cracks to appear. The horror inherent in the play does not lie in Hill House (monsterous though it is) or the events that take place within it, but in the unexplored recesses or its characters' (and its audiences') minds. This is perhaps why it remains the definitive haunted house story. This mystery is scheduled for Oct. 24 - 27 and Oct. 31 - Nov. 3.
CITY: Alton
18 - 28
Alton Little Theater: The Music Man
The 80th season of Alton Little Theater kicks off with The Music Man. In July 1912, a traveling salesman, “Professor” Harold Hill, arrives in River City, Iowa, intrigued by the challenge of swindling the famously stubborn natives of Iowa. Masquerading as a traveling band instructor, Professor Hill plans to con the citizens of River City into paying him to create a boys’ marching band, including instruments, uniforms, and music instruction. Once he has collected the money and the instruments and uniforms have arrived, he will hop the next train out of town, leaving them without their money or a band. It’s all part of a big swindle, but falling in love with the town librarian wasn’t part of the deal. With classic tunes that include the show-stopping “Seventy-Six Trombones,” The Music Man is an irresistible, all-American musical for the entire family!This will be an all-youth production scheduled for July 18-21 and 25-28.
CITY: Alton
Alton Marina
A destination port on the Mississippi with picnic area's, playground, outdoor pool. Within a half of a mile to Alton's historic antique district and the Argosy Casino.
CITY: Alton
27
Alton Memorial Day Parade
Celebrate Memorial Day by experiencing the oldest consecutive running parade in the entire nation. This parade began in 1868. Celebrate the history of Pie Town, Upper Alton and those who serve our country.
CITY: Alton
Alton Museum of History and Art
Winged monsters, explorers, riverboats and a gentle giant. The Alton Museum of History & Art shows the crossroads of American history in Alton. The museum is located in the historic Loomis Hall across from the Wadlow statue. Loomis Hall is the oldest building in the state of Illinois continuously utilized for education. One of the most popular rooms, the Wadlow Room, pays tribute to Alton's "Gentle Giant" and the World's Tallest Man. The Pioneer Room explores the history of Alton from the Lewis & Clark Expedition to the Civil War with exhibits on Elijah Lovejoy, the Lincoln-Douglas Debates and the "Alton Route" on the Underground Railroad. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.
CITY: Alton
Alton Riverfront Amphitheater
The 4,000 seat Alton Riverfront Amphitheater hosts a variety of events from community festivals to live concerts throughout the summer months. With the Mighty Mississippi River as a backdrop, bring your blanket and spread out for an evening under the stars. Check out our website for a list of upcoming events.
CITY: Alton
Alton Sports Tap
Alton Sports Tap is everyone's favorite place in town to catch a game. With screens all around, you are sure to find the best games on during every time of the year, and every seat in the house offers the perfect view. Kids and adults alike will enjoy our wide selection of pinball, darts and video games with a few classics including bags and golf. Pull up a chair and make a new friend where the sports are always on, the food is always hot and the good times are rolling!
CITY: Alton
Alton Square Mall
Anchored by JCPenney and Macy's, Alton Square Mall is the area's regional mall destination. A full-service food court, U.S. Post Office, satellite city library and Christian Science Reading Room are also featured at the mall. Hours: Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
CITY: Alton
Alton Stained Glass Works
Visit this working studio to shop for hand-crafted works of art - lamps, window panes, ornaments, sun catchers, glass beads and more. From decorative items to window panes, make a purchase from the floor or have Lynne custom design a piece for you and your home. Classes are also available. Hours: Tuesday 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by appointment.
CITY: Alton
Alton's Antique District
Historic Downtown Alton is better known as "Antique Row," boasting of more than 40 antique and specialty shops offering a wide array of treasures, trinkets, antiques and unusual gifts. Pick up a piece of Alton's rich history from one of the many local antique dealers. From the simple to the sublime, just about everything can be found along Broadway, Third Street and the surrounding neighborhood.
CITY: Alton
5
Alton-Audubon Eagle Festival
Join us for the kick-off of the eagle watching season. Activities include: live eagle meet & greet, preview of events at the Eagle Watching Hot Spots, kid's activities, crafts and eagle viewing walks. Learn about eagle watching - how to spot eagles, where to look and what brings the eagles here each winter. Then, head across the river to Downtown Alton for ice sculpting on the streets.
CITY: Alton
3
Alton/Godfrey Fireworks on the Mississippi
Alton's spectacular fireworks display are a must see in Alton! With the Clark Bridge as a backdrop over the Mississippi River, this fireworks show is always a crowd pleaser. For more information, call (618) 465-6676.
CITY: Alton
Amarillo Tex's Steakhouse & Saloon
Family style steak house, full of all your favorites. Choose your own cut of meat, or choose from the menu, you're sure to get your fill!
CITY: Alton
Applebee's - Wood River
Applebee's is an attractive, friendly, neighborhood establishment featuring moderately priced, high-quality food and beverage items, table service and a comfortable atmosphere that appeals to all ages. Applebee's menu features beef, chicken and pork items, as well as burgers, pasta and seafood, with a selection of signature menu items found only at Applebee's.
CITY: Wood River
Aquatic Center
Splash around at the Aquatic Center. Climb up four stories and launch down your choice of two waterslides with more than 320 feet of winding turns and diving wells, or take a dip in the pool.
CITY: Wood River
Argosy Casino - Captain's Table Buffet
Even the heartiest of appetites is no match for the Captain’s Table Buffet. Enjoy seasonal favorites, hand-selected by our chefs. From comfort foods like special-recipe fried chicken and mashed potatoes to fresh fish and steamed vegetables we are sure to have exactly what you are looking for.
CITY: Alton
Argosy Casino - Outfitter's Grill
A breathtaking view of the Upper Mississippi and the Clark Bridge is the perfect complement to an Outfitters Grill menu that has prime cuts of USDA Choice beef, the freshest seafood, mouthwatering pasta and so much more.
CITY: Alton
Argosy Casino-Alton
Enjoy three levels of action on the first riverboat casino in Illinois, with more than 1,000 of the most popular machines, from penny to $25 slots. Try your luck at the tables with blackjack, roulette, Caribbean stud poker, pai gow poker and craps.
CITY: Alton
Aunt Sam's Uptown Eatery
Aunt Sam's specializes in providing a warm, clean, inviting atmosphere for people to come and get a good meal. Whether you're looking for breakfast, brunch or lunch, we will be able to accommodate. We also make pies, cheesecakes, cakes, muffins and cookies. So if you're looking for a good treat, come on in and try us out, we look forward to having you as our guest.
CITY: Alton
Backstitch Quilt Gallery
Classic Americana is the theme of this charming quilt gallery/antique store located in historic Elsah. There is a little bit of everything in this shop, although hand made quilts are the main theme. Backstitch Quilt Gallery also sells jewelry, paintings and furniture, as well as antiques. Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
CITY: Elsah
Mar 6
Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette
Scott Isringhausen, site interpreter at Pere Marquette State Park, will be presenting informative programs about bald eagles this winter. Visitors will learn to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what eagles eat, why they spend winter months in the area and much more. All programs will begin at the park's visitor center at 8:30 a.m. Reservations are required. There will be a short video presentation followed by an observational drive to view the wintering bald eagles. Please dress warmly and have a full tank of gas. For more information or reservations, call 618-786-3323.
CITY: Grafton
Barefoot Restaurant
Catfish fritters and fried chicken are the specialties for this riverside restaurant. In the winter, view the eagles flying over the Illinois River as you enjoy some of the best fried fish and homecooked meals in Calhoun County. The Barefoot Restaurant is also famous for its ample food portions. Hours: T - Su 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
CITY: Hardin
Beall Mansion - An Elegant Bed & Breakfast Inn
Welcome to the mansion built as a wedding gift. Designed by Lucas Pfeiffenberger and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this elegant mansion features 18 ionic columns, eleven and a half foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers and marble and bronze statuary throughout. Let us pamper you with sumptuous feather beds, whirlpools for two, 24 hour "all you can eat" chocolate buffet, and optional gourmet breakfast in bed. Free wi-fi. In room massage, spa, golf and corporate packages available.
CITY: Alton
Beall Mansion Historic Tours
Tour the mansion built as a wedding present by railroad baron and riverboat magnate Z.B. Job for his son and bride Mary Drummond, heiress to the Drummond tobacco fortune. Today this three-story mansion serves as a bed and breakfast.
CITY: Alton
Beasley Fish Stand
Sit at a picnic table along the Mississippi River in Grafton and enjoy fried buffalo fish, catfish fritters and homemade cole slaw from Beasley Fish Stand. Beasley has a fish market on one side and an outdoor dining area on the other. Hours: T - S 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
CITY: Grafton
Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel
Originally called Monticello, the village of Godfrey was named for a Massachusetts sea captain, Benjamin Godfrey who founded the Monticello Seminary in 1838. One of the more rapidly growing Illinois community colleges, Lewis & Clark Community College, now calls the Monticello campus home. Located on the campus, the Benjamin Godfrey Chapel, built in 1854, has become a landmark in the community. This church has been designated as one of only six churches outside of the northeastern United States that are authentic copies of New England church architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
CITY: Godfrey
Best Western Plus Parkway Hotel
Perfect for business or pleasure and conveniently located with easy access to key area attractions, restaurants and businesses.The friendly staff is ready to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Make a reservation today and save at this Alton hotel!
CITY: Alton
Bethalto History Museum
A log cabin originally built in 1873 is this city's history museum. The cabin is authentically furnished as it might have appeared 150 years ago. The building once housed Bethalto's water, fire and police departments. The tiny one room jail can still be seen. Open M - F 1 - 4 p.m. for tours. Call for tour appointment.
CITY: Bethalto
Beyond the Backyard Gate
There is something for everyone at this whimsical antique/craft store. Primitive and country home decorations, hard-to-find vintage items and antiques are among the merchandise. A country store is also incorporated and features Amish honey among other items. Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10:30 - 4:30.
CITY: Jerseyville
Biker Brother Leather Company
Whether you are just getting started in the motorcycle scene with a sport bike or an experienced rider with a chopper, Biker Brother Leather Company offers high quality road clothes and customized leather motorcycle gear. From wallets to chaps, bike seats to touring bags, there is something for everyone who desires fine quality leather items. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
CITY: Alton
Bliss Bake Shoppe & Cafe
Located in the historic village of Brussels in Calhoun County, Bliss Bake Shoppe & Cafe is sure to satisfy the hunger pangs of any traveler. Breakfast and lunch are served in addition to the large variety of desserts featured in the shop. Homemade cinnamon rolls, cookies and cheesecakes are regulars on the menu but each week unique dessert items are featured. There is a $5 lunch special each week as well. Lunch menus range from pizza to calzones to thick and hearty grilled cheese sandwiches. Enjoy your meal indoors or on the outside patio. Hours: S - Su 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
CITY: Brussels
Bluffdale Vacation Farm
Our hideaway "cottage in the woods" and "log cabin" are cozy and secluded on a 200-acre ancestral working farm in the bluffs of the llinois River Valley. Dude ranch fun with woodland hiking and horse trails. Charges include 3 family-style meals a day.
CITY: Eldred
Bluffdale Vacation Farm
Bluffdale is an Illinois farm vacation dude ranch and bed & breakfast. Parent Magazine's "Top 10 Family Resorts in North America." Our family has been welcoming guests to our historic Illinois farm near Eldred, Illinois since 1963. Recreation activities include horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, hayrides, bonfires, sing-alongs and more. Bluffdale is famous for its generous home cooked meals with home baked bread, rolls and pies. Our luxury cabins, featuring a fireplace and hot tub, are ideal for romantic getaway weekend or honeymoon bed & breakfast lodging. Spring brings a wide variety of wildflowers and morel mushrooms. In fall the bluffs make a colorful drive and eagle watch from Alton to Bluffdale along the Great River Road, a National Scenic Byway. Check our website for rates and availability.
CITY: Eldred
Book N Barber Coffee House
Browse thousands of good, used books while you wait for your haircut, Want to learn some local history? Read a classic by the river? Looking for that rare book? Books N Barber has a book for everyone. While you browse, breathe in that classic aroma of locally roasted coffee beans or sit back and enjoy an espresso, latte or cappuccino all freshly brewed.
CITY: Grafton
Bossanova Restaurant & Lounge
From smoked salmon ragoon to the Thai barbeque pizzette, the seasonal menu is always fresh and healthy. Come for the food or just relax and try one of the fun martinis, approachable wine list, lots of beers and specialty drinks.
CITY: Alton
Brussels Historic Village Jail
Once known as the local "calaboose", the Brussels Jail was built around 1876 and centered in the heart of the village. The jail mainly housed men overnight for drinking too much and the last person to stay in the jail was in 1952. The jail is open seven days a week.
CITY: Brussels
Bubby and Sissy’s
Located just a few blocks from the riverfront Argosy Casino Alton, this bar hosts drag shows every weekend, karaoke on Thursdays, amateur drag queen and king shows the last Wednesday of the month, and dancing to DJ-driven music.
CITY: Alton
Buca Pizza Pub
Build your own pizza or simply enjoy pasta, calzones and beef rolls at Buca Pizza Pub. Unique pizza offerings include the "margharita" and the "pizza Greco". Or design your own special pie at this family-oriented restaurant. Hours: M - F 3 p.m. - 10 p.m., S - Su 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
CITY: Cottage Hills
Buena Vista Jewelry
There is nothing run of the mill about Greg Brummett's hand-crafted jewelry. Each piece is unique and is crafted from the finest quality metals and semi-precious gemstones, that include turquoise, bolder opals, agates, quartz, hematite, onyx, coral, tiger eye, and others. Many stones are cut, shaped and polished by Greg personally. He also creates "steampunk" jewelry which blends Victorian styles with modern science fiction. Think steam engine versus combustion engine when viewing his designs. All pendants are created using the art of wire-wrapping. Wire-wrapping has been around since the time of the Phoenician Empire, about 1000 years B.C. Today, wire wrapping has become popular because of the uniqueness and the individuality of each piece - no two are ever exactly alike!
CITY: Grafton
By Design
By Design is a unique shop, warm and inviting, offering a variety of art and wearables. All are handmade by highly skilled local and regional artists. Hand-dyed silk scarves, jewelry, fiber art, couture clothing and much more is available. Local artists also showcase their work in the in-store gallery. Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
CITY: Alton
Cabin at Blueberry Ridge Farm
Beautiful walking trails, full of wildlife and bird watching. The house sleeps 6, fully furnished kitchen, and 1 1/2 bathrooms.
CITY: Hardin
Carver's Southern Style BBQ
Get ready for pulled pork, kabobs and Southern style ribs that will have you coming back for more! Try your favorite meat with one of the homemade sauces at Carver's, or served up with a side of homemade slaw, potato salad or baked beans. Hours: Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
CITY: Godfrey
Casa Romero Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Craving a little south of the border sizzle? Casa Romero Mexican Restaurant & Cantina boasts some of the most authentic Mexican dishes in the area. Casa has the standard Mexican tacos, enchiladas, burritos and chimichangas. But step out a little with the Fiesta Seafood Nachos or the Tequila Fiesta Shrimp. Also known for their margaritas. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, Noon - 10:30 p.m.
CITY: East Alton
Cassen's Guest Rooms
Cassen's Bait Shop has added two new guest rooms perfect for fishermen or hunters. Amenities offered are free wi-fi, refridgerator & microwave. You'll enjoy a great view of the Ilinois River with shopping and restaurants within walking distance.
CITY: Grafton
Castelli's Restaurant at 255
It has been over 75 years since Alfonso Castelli opened Moonlight Restaurant. One of the most popular items is the fried chicken. The TALK-N-CHIC is a house secret, a trademarked recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Castelli's Restaurant at 255 also offers other homemade specialties such as the “Roman” house salad dressing, tortellini, and ravioli. All are absolutely delicious! If you're a steak, chop or seafood lover, you can't go wrong. The menu from top to bottom is wonderful and the prices are a great value.
CITY: Alton
Center For American Archeology
Archeological field experience. Archeological research. Education programs. Museum exhibits and tours. Scientific publications. Public events.
CITY: Kampsville
Cheney Mansion
As one of the first houses built in Jerseyville, the Cheney Mansion is a 12-room mansion featuring vintage clothing, military artifacts, toys, pictures and other items of historical interest. Serving as the Jersey County Historical Museum, the mansion is available for touring
CITY: Jerseyville
Chez Marilyn
If you're looking for a taste of Hollywood in Alton, Chez Marilyn serves a star-powered lineup of martinis. Maybe you wanna rub shoulders with "The Frank Sinatra" or get a little flirty with "The Marilyn Monroe." Spend the night with your favorite star or mingle a bit with the whole crowd. Lunch and dinner menu offers wide variety, including sandwiches, burgers and pasta. Desserts and soups are made fresh daily. Our patio is the place to be in the warm months of summer. We have live music Wednesday nights.
CITY: Alton
Chico's Restaurant & Lounge
Home of the hand-dipped double coated onion rings, Chico's offers daily food and drink specials. Burgers, sandwiches and wraps and pizzas are among the menu features. Karaoke each Wednesday. Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. and Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
CITY: Wood River
Chocolate Air
Imagine a store filled with chocolate - chocolate turtles, carmels, cupcakes and tiered cakes. Add in a dash of antiques and collectibles and you have Chocolate Air in Godfrey. This homey store makes all its chocolate creations from scratch so they are sure to delight. Don't leave without trying their three signature confections: Turtles, Chocolate Covered Bacon and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
CITY: Godfrey
Dec 27
Christmas Wonderland
Begin your holiday celebration escaping from the chaos of the season and experiencing the enchantment of Christmas at the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display. The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again transforming Rock Springs Park in Alton, Illinois into a Winter Wonderland. Visitors can drive through the park to view more than 2 million lights, cascading waterfalls of lights, lighted trees and displays, and visit Santa Claus in the Enchanted Forest. Christmas Wonderland 2009 will be open from November 27th through December 27th. The suggested donation is $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people. Carriage rides will be available with advanced reservations by calling Greatting Horse Farm at 618-458-6986. For more information about Christmas Wonderland, call 1-866-465-7890.
CITY: Alton
Clifton Country Inn & Bake Shop
If its biscuits and gravy you crave, then Clifton Country Inn & Bake Shop is the place to go in Godfrey. In addition to traditional bakery goods like donuts, this family-owned diner also features a full breakfast and lunch menu. There are also daily lunch specials. Hours: Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday, 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.
CITY: Godfrey
Comfort Inn - Alton
From the moment you arrive at Comfort Inn, we want you to relax and feel at home. Our helpful staff is there to welcome you, and you'll find everything to suit your needs, including clean, comfortable, and well-appointed rooms with cozy beds. We also offer free high-speed Internet access. Feel at ease knowing that your satisfaction is important to us!
CITY: Alton
Confederate Cemetery and Memorial
This monument remembers those who died in the infamous Alton prison. A smallpox virus spread rapidly through the Alton Prison in 1863, killing more than 1,435 incarcerated soldiers. The soldiers are laid to rest here and each of their names is commemorated at the Memorial. The Alton Prison and Confederate Cemetery are some of the rare northernmost monuments to the Confederate Soldier.
CITY: Alton
Confederate Prison Site
Built in 1833, Alton houses Illinois' first state penitentiary. During the Civil War, the facility imprisoned thousands of Confederate soldiers. Partial remains of the structure can still be observed today.
CITY: Alton
Corky's Emporium
Primitive antiques and collectibles are everywhere in this antique mall in Alton. Over 60 booths are in this 6,800-square-foot antique mall. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday, Noon - 6 p.m.
CITY: Alton
Country Meadows
Treasures abound at Country Meadows Antiques. From bone buttons (very hard to find) to quilts and antique furniture and everything in between, Over 5,000 square feet of floor space houses early country, textiles, jewelry, pottery, glassware, vintage clothing, collectibles, and glassware items, Open Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, noon - 4:30 p.m.
CITY: Alton
Crazy Beaver Pizza Lodge
Hungry after a day shopping and seeing the sights in Grafton? Then stop by the Crazy Beaver Lodge for a hand-tossed fresh pizza made with the toppings of your choice. On Fridays only, you can buy a 5 pound deep dish pizza which is sure to satisfy even the biggest pizza lover in your crew. Sandwiches, salads and appetizers are also available. Live music on Sundays. Hours: W - F 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. S - Su 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
CITY: Grafton
Crocker & Springer
Early American folk pottery is the specialty of nationally known potters Jan & Jonathan Wright. They create pie birds, butter crocks, Pennsylvania wide mouth jars and whimsical chicken banks among other items using a salt glaze to impart a distinctive orange peel-texture finish on these early-American style pieces. Visit the studio to watch the duo fashion clay into brilliant pieces of art. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
CITY: Elsah
Doc Holliday's Saloon & Eatery
In the mood for a "Shoot Out" filet mignon? How about a "Cowboy" on your dinner plate? Steaks, fish, ribs and pasta are among the many entrees available at Doc Holliday's Saloon & Eatery located in Cottage Hills (between Alton and Bethalto). This full-service bar and restaurant carries out the western theme with its menu offerings from Doc's Smoked Ribs to the OK Corral Sirloin. For smaller appetites, pizza and sandwiches are also available. Hours: Daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. The bar is open until 2 a.m. Su - F and 3 a.m. on Saturday.
CITY: Cottage Hills
Don & Penny's
Family restaurant and bar. Dinner Thurs. - Sat. cooked by Penny herself. Darts, friendly bartender.
CITY: Alton
Donzo's Sports Bar & Grill
The original Wood River Sports Bar, Donzo's offers family-friendly dining options as well as a full service bar. Daily specials and even better specials when the Cardinals play the Cubs! Watch your favorite sporting event while you dine. Open daily 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
CITY: Wood River
Dora's Spinning Wheel
Quilting supplies, customized embroidery and everything in between can all be found at Dora's Spinning Wheel. This shop also offers gifts from salt lamps to soy candles and jewelry. Hours: Monday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
CITY: Alton
1 - 31
Eagle Days
Held in January, Eagle Days includes educational eagle programs presented on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge with viewing scopes set up for watching the regal birds in flight.
CITY: Madison
14 - 28
Eagle Meet and Greet
Come see live eagle demonstrations by the World Bird Sanctuary. See a live bald eagle up close and personal! Ask and learn about their species and habitats. Then, grab your official All Around Alton Eagle Watcher's Guide as you journey out along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway to see eagles in their natural habitat. FREE. For more information, call 1-800-ALTON-IL or go to www.VisitAlton.com.
CITY: Alton
Mar 2
Eagle Watching in Alton
Illinois boasts the largest concentration of wintering American bald eagles in the continental U.S., and the Alton area is a great place to see them. Mingle with a live eagle at the National Great Rivers Museum. Get a bird’s-eye view from eight stories high as majestic eagles soar along the Mississippi River at the adjacent Melvin Price Locks & Dam. Or drive along on an exciting eagle-watching expedition with a nature expert at Pere Marquette State Park during Bald Eagle Days, held from late December through early March.
CITY: Alton
Eagle's Nest Restaurant
Eagles Nest has a varied menu where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. The place is clean, cheerful and features home-cooked fare. Very reasonably priced.
CITY: Bethalto
Feb 11
Eagles Over the Confluence
Come to the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower on Saturdays in January and February for eagle activities - wood carvers, ice sculptors, photography, kid's activities and more. Or, just stop in to enjoy the view from the platforms at 50, 100 and 150 feet in the air. There is no better place for a bird's eye view of the region and the eagles migrating along the Mississippi River. Bring your binoculars!
CITY: Hartford
East Alton Ice Arena
Grab your skates and hit the ice any time of the year at this indoor ice arena. Didn't bring your skates? No problem. Rent a pair and take a few laps around the rink. It's the coolest place in town all year round!
CITY: East Alton
Eckert's Country Store & Farms - Grafton
Eckert's rustic barn and farm looks just like it did years ago, specializing in peaches, apples and pumpkins. Take a free wagon ride out to the farm to pick your own produce, and enjoy the charming country store and bakery.
CITY: Grafton
