The 200 Acres

Located in the heart of Illinois' Amish country, The 200 Acres is a working farm that features beautiful gardens, including a spectacular collection of more than 5,000 mums, and offers its heirloom seeds for sale. The 200 Acres is especially known for its more than 300 varieties of rare pumpkins, squash and gourds from around the globe that are grown right on the farm and displayed in its Great Pumpkin Patch from mid-September through October 31 every year. The on-site Homestead Bakery sells made-from-scratch goodies such as pies and angel food cake during spring, summer and fall.

CITY: Arthur

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery is a classic American bakery cherished for its selection of old-fashioned, freshly baked desserts. We are dedicated to serving fresh, handmade menu items with superior customer service.

CITY: Chicago

Eli's Cheesecake World

Eli's Cheesecake bakery cafe has the largest selection of Eli's anywhere! Take the Eli's experience and learn Eli's history, see cake decorators at work, enjoy a slice and more. Reservations required. Open Mon-Fri, 8a.m.-6p.m.; Sat, 9a.m.-5p.m.; Sun, 11a.m.-5p.m.

CITY: Chicago

Okaw Valley Orchard

Check out the store and bakery, where you can buy apples, peaches, cider, jams, jellies and apple butter. A playground and picnic area is available. An apple festival is held over Columbus Day weekend.

CITY: Sullivan

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

Heirloom Market & Cafe

This rural style cafe will capture your senses. The decor is clearly slated rustic with a cozy and a distinctively pleasant ambience. The cafe is a staple of small town life with a sense of community as it embraces the environment that has been set forth by the Heirloom Market. We feature homemade baked goods and gourmet coffee. The espresso drink with steamed milk or variegated flavoring is designed for a picker upper or as a way to pass your time with a good book or to surf the free wi-fi internet.

CITY: Thomson

Ge Gee's

Ge-Gee’s is a place where you can sit back and relax with a good cup of coffee and your favorite sandwich or salad. Enjoy time with good friends and family, read a book, or connect to our free Wi-Fi. At Ge-Gee’s you will find fresh made pecan rolls, huge cinnamon rolls, ooey gooey butter cake, and many other homemade desserts. You will also enjoy our salads, sandwiches, and daily homemade soups. Here at Ge-Gee's we value our customers. We strive for excellence in preparing a delicious meal, and we pride ourselves in treating each customer as a member of our own family.

CITY: Bethalto

Swedish Bakery

The Swedish Bakery is famous for specializing in Swedish coffeecakes, cookies, sweet rolls, toast, petit fours and marzipan cakes. We are known for using unique ingredients such as cardamom, saffron, anise, fennel, orange peel and almond paste. We are proud to offer our customers products that are never frozen or have any added preservatives. Our most popular items are our Andersonville coffeecake, cardamom coffeecake, Swedish and butter cookies as well as our fruit glazed cake. At the Swedish Bakery, the customer comes first. We are proud to serve a community that we love and support.

CITY: Chicago

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

St. Louis Bread Company

Every day, trained bakers craft and bake loaves of bread from scratch, using the best ingredients to ensure the highest quality breads. Panera Bread understands that great bread makes great meals, from made-to-order sandwiches to tossed-to-order salads and soup served in bread bowls.

CITY: Alton