How to Spend Friendsgiving in Illinois

Friendsgiving is a chance to slow down, enjoy great food, and spend time with your favorite people. It's also a fun excuse to explore local restaurants, bakeries, and seasonal activities that make Illinois unique. From classic comfort food in small towns to farm-to-table dishes in the heart of the state, every region has its own flavor and festive energy.

Chicago & Beyond

Chicagoland offers a wide variety of food options. From creative spins on tradition to tried-and-true holiday staples, this region offers everything you need to impress your Friendsgiving crew.

Where to Pick Up Food:

1. Daisies in the Logan Square neighborhood serves handmade pastas and vegetable-forward sides that are perfect for a modern Friendsgiving menu.
2. Publican Quality Meats in West Loop offers cured meats, fresh bread, and prepared sides for a gourmet take-home feast.
3. Sugar Britches in Sycamore is a fun stop for nostalgic candy and sweets to add to your dessert table.

Things to Do Nearby:

1. Walk through the Christkindlmarket for a cozy, festive afternoon with hot cider and handmade gifts. In 2025, the Chicago market at Daley Plaza runs November 21 to December 24, with a preview opening on November 20.
2. Spend the day exploring Galena’s Main Street with its local boutiques and wine tasting rooms.
3. Hike through Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, just under 100 miles southwest of Chicago, and catch the last of the fall colors.

Great Rivers Country

This region, also known as the “Great River Road” region, includes river towns, bluffs, and scenic drives. It’s a fitting backdrop for a Friendsgiving that mixes culinary and outdoor elements.

Where to Pick Up Food:

1. JJ’s Catering & Café in Quincy is a local go-to for full catering spreads and takeout meals, JJ’s offers homestyle dishes perfect for feeding a crowd.
2. Pottstown Meat & Deli in Peoria is your go-to spot for Thanksgiving! Call to reserve Peoria’s finest all-natural, free-range turkeys, raised locally without hormones, antibiotics, or artificial ingredients.
3. Henn House BBQ in Altona specializes in smoked meats and BBQ comfort, perfect if you want something rich, smoky, and satisfying.

Things to Do Nearby:

1. Cruise or walk along the Great River Road to see bluff views, river vistas, and historic river towns.
2. Visit Grafton, Alton, or Elsah for riverside shops, scenic overlooks, and small-town charm.
3. Explore trails like the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail near Alton, which winds along the river and connects charming river towns in southwestern Illinois.

Land of Lincoln

In Central Illinois, Friendsgiving has a strong focus on fresh, local food. Farmers markets, craft bakeries, and small-town restaurants make it easy to plan a full meal with regional pride.

Where to Pick Up Food:

1. Epiphany Farms in Bloomington offers seasonal dishes and curated to-go meals straight from the farm.
2. Harvest Market in Champaign is a local favorite for produce, meats, and prepared sides perfect for a holiday meal.
3. Incredibly Delicious in Springfield, IL, is the perfect place to pick up your Thanksgiving treats! Handcrafted daily from the finest ingredients, their bakery offerings make your holiday table extra special.

Things to Do Nearby:

1. Take a walk through Allerton Park and Gardens in Monticello for peaceful trails and fall views.
2. Explore downtown Bloomington or Champaign for coffee shops, record stores, and small business shopping.
3. Catch a game this season at The Nelly! The Springfield Jr Blues return to the NAHL, playing home games at the Nelson Center in Lincoln Park.

Trails to Adventure

Southern Illinois is all about comfort food, scenic views, and getting outside. It’s the ideal place for a laid-back Friendsgiving filled with bold flavors and peaceful vibes.

Where to Pick Up Food:

1. Harbaugh’s Café in Carbondale serves up breakfast and baked goods that make the perfect start to your celebration.
2. I Am Java Coffee House in Marion offers seasonal lattes, pastries, and pies for Friendsgiving morning fuel.
3. 17th Street Barbecue in Murphysboro offers Thanksgiving pre-orders including smoked turkey or applewood‑smoked ham, sides, and desserts. Everything comes chilled with heating instructions.

Things to Do Nearby:

1. Visit the newly opened Buckwater Brew Works and Whiskey House in Carbondale to enjoy a variety of craft and domestic beers, liquors, and mixed spirits, along with classic pub fare like burgers and soft pretzels.

1. Tour the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in Pomona, visiting local family-run wineries (including Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass) with fall scenery.
2. Drive through the Garden of the Gods area in Herod or visit Giant City State Park in Makanda for breathtaking overlooks and forest trails.