Alto Pass, Cobden and Pomona are the communities with the closest proximity to the cross, so any businesses with those address will be nearby. Southern Illinois offers a wide variety of cabins, inns, bed/breakfasts, Airbnb, campgrounds….whatever you’re looking for to get away for a while. Murphysboro has been named the BBQ Capital of Illinois, and Bald Knob Cross is in the heart of the Wine Trail. Many options await your visit!
Southern Illinois
Southernmost Tourism Bureau
You’re invited to visit anytime throughout the year. It’s easy to get there from Interstates 57 or 24. Southernmost Tourism Bureau is less than three hours from St. Louis, Memphis, Nashville, or Evansville and is eager to assist you in any way to make your stay in Southernmost Illinois memorable.
Visit their web site at: www.southernmostillinois.com
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
In 1995, the owners of the first three wineries in Southern Illinois, Alto Vineyards, Pomona Winery, and Owl Creek Vineyard worked together with Debbie Moore, executive director of the Carbondale Convention & Tourism Bureau and Cindy Benefield of Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau, and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail was born. It was the first wine trail in the state of Illinois.
Visit their website at: www.shawneewinetrail.com
Shawnee Wine Trail Lodging Association
Visiting the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail means you are going to have lots of lodging options for your Southern Illinois Vacation. Whether you are looking for an upscale hotel or a cozy cabin in the woods, an abundance of inns, cottages, and vacation rentals are available.
Visit their website at: www.shawneewinetrailbb.com
Southern Illinois Cabin Association
The Southern Illinois Cabin Association is made up of the owners of several cabins in southern Illinois. Each individual cabin rental is located on or near the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. Each cabin rental is individually owned and operated and meets the requirements of the Southern Illinois Cabins Association.
Visit their website at: www.southernillinoiscabins.com
Alto Pass
Peach Barn Winery & Cafe
Located in Alto Pass, Peach Barn Winery & Cafe offers many different activities on your visit. Browse through their Scandinavian Gift shop while tasting their Estate wines, from grapes grown their vineyard. Dine at the Cafe, serving authentic Swedish cuisine and stay overnight at the Peach Barn Bed and Breakfast, and relax in the peaceful surroundings of Southern Illinois.
Visit their web site at: www.peachbarn.com
Rendleman Orhards
Nestled in the hills of Southern Illinois, Rendleman Orchards has been committed to growing and shipping quality peaches, nectarines, apples, and vegetables to the commercial produce markets throughout the Midwest since 1873! During their harvest season, which runs from June through October, Rendleman Orchards also offers retail packages of our best quality farm-fresh, tree ripened peaches, nectarines and apples along with a wide selection of other fruits and vegetables, as well as jams, jellies, pickled items, baking and soup mixes, ciders, salsas, snack mixes, candles, linens, apple cider donuts. An online store featuring apple gift boxes and specialty food gift boxes are quite popular during the months of November and December!
Visit their website, http://www.rendlemanorchards.com
Alto Vineyards
Alto Vineyards is a family owned winery and vineyard offering a wide array of premium wines. Since thier first vintage in 1988, their wines have won over 300 medals in national and international competitions.
Visit their web site at: www.altovineyards.net
The Bitty House
Three miles about from Bald Knob Cross, The Bitty House is a modern cabin with an outstanding view of the Cross. AirBnB accomotations for 5 guests. 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1.5 baths.
Cave Creek Cabins
Raised in rural Southern Illinois in a family that loved to camp and fish, the owner enjoyed the beauty of this region long before attending SIU Carbondale. A home builder and a woodworker, he also loves good wine and good food. Throw in his “I never met a stranger” attitude and you have an idea how the vision for Cave Creek Cabins was born. Add up all these traits and the end result is cabins that are beautiful, comfortable and just a great place to gather.
Visit their website at: www.cave-creek-cabins.myvr.com
Havisham House
Havisham House has both a Main House and a Carriage House. Both have been updated with modern accoutrements to bring a touch of luxury to these classically beautiful homes. Each house exhibits a wonderful juxtaposition of modern luxury and comfort with the undeniably cozy charm of old world architecture. Beautifully intricate woodwork is on display throughout each home, while lovely arched-top windows adorn almost every room and nearly a dozen chandeliers glisten in the space above!
Visit their website at: www.havishamhouse.com
Alto Wine Loft
Located on Main Street in historic downtown Alto Pass, the Alto Wine Trail Loft provides new and unique accommodations for experiencing the wineries and wilderness of Southern Illinois. Close to all the cabins in Southern Illinois, the Wine Loft is a vacation loft rental in Southern Illinois. A unique getaway in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, the Loft is a private vacation rental, close to Giant City, Southern Illinois University, and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
Visit their website at: www.altowinetrailloft.com
Duty’s Country Store
Duty’s Country Store is Alto Pass’s local, neighborhood convenience store. They offer everything from ice cold beer and sandwiches to basic hard wares.
Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/dutyscountrystore
Von Jakob Vineyards
Located among the beautiful rollings hills of the Shawnee National Forest just south of Carbondale, IL, Von Jakob offers an enjoyable atmosphere to relax and unwind. Their spacious decks (covered and uncovered) and cozy fireplaces provide an opportunity to relax and unwind any time of the year. With over 20 varieties of wine and a growing craft brewery, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Visit their website at: www.vonjakobvineyard.com
Alto Clay Works
Alto Clay Works is the home of Steve Grimmer’s studio, a showroom for handmade functional pottery, a classroom for adult and youth pottery classes, and resident artist studios. In 2015, Steve completed construction of a large, two-chamber wood burning kiln which is fired in November, January, and April.
Visit their website at www.altoclayworks.com
Quetil Trail
A short nature trail along the path of the Cairo & St Louis Narrow Gage railroad used before it was abandoned in 1981. Starting from downtown Alto Pass, the walk offers very scenic views.
5 Elm St, Alto Pass IL 62905, Phone: 800-248-4373
Cobden
Flamm Orchards
A working orchard with a farm market. Take a drive out to the orchards and buy in-season strawberries, peaches and apples. Flamm’s Fruits & Cream Stand offers treats like strawberry shortcake, cobblers, apple dumplings and pies. We sell desserts out of our concession window. Picnic seating available.
Visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Flamm-Orchards-140416935995156/
Old Route 51 South BBQ
Old School BBQ! No wires, No electricity smoked meats. Open Friday and Saturday 11am to 6pm Sunday from 11am to 2pm. Or until we are sold out
Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/oldroute51southbbq
Taqueria Pequena
Taqueria Pequena, the Little House of Tacos, is located in Cobden, IL. It offers a variety of different items and a selection of meats, including Steak, Chicken, Pork, Chorizo and occasionally Tongue!
Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/Taqueria-Pequeña-Little-House-of-Tacos-1248519585270505
The Old Feed Store
The Old Feed Store hosts smaller events such as classes, seminars or business presentations to family or class reunions, retirement parties or wedding receptions and showers. The Old Feed Store can be customized to meet your needs. The Old Feed Store has seating for up to 125 people, audio-visual support including a 47″ TV, PA and sound system, basic or custom linen service, and free popcorn.
Visit their website at www.theoldfeedstore.com
Downtown Abbey
Downtown Abbey offers pizza, hot subs, beer, wine, and spirits.
Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/downtownabbey215
The Iron Whisk
The Iron Whisk boasts a unique and delightful menu, with an ambiance that draws inspiration from the artistic beauty and charm of the Southern Illinois.
Visit their website, https://www.theironwhisk.com
Skyline View Cabins
Skyline View Cabins invite you to Southern Illinois, to enjoy the most beautiful view in the area. From your cabin front porch, you can see the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Bald Knob Cross, and lots of wildlife. In the Winter and early Spring there are 10 acres of hillside woods to tromp through, The property joins the Quetil Walking Trail, into Alto Pass.
Visit their website at http://www.skylineviewcabins.com
Murphysboro
17th Street BBQ
Located in Murphysboro, IL, 17th Street BBQ is owned by Mike Mills and his daughter, Amy Mills. Over fifteen awards and nominations have been won.
Visit their website at: http://17bbq.com
Hull House Inn
Historic Hull House is an Italianate style Victorian home built in 1887 by William H. Hull House and boasts a stellar reputation of elegance, charm and rich history. Hull House is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The newly renovated Inn’s historic structure and interior still reflects an overall elegant Victorian nuance. Overnight guest accommodations feature three unique themed quarters with private bath. Overnight and event venue guests enjoy the charm and comfort of Inn’s formal dining area with adjacent kitchen, cozy sitting parlour and private courtyard. Luxury linens, silver tea service and motto “give us the details we do the rest” hallmark this historic destination.
Visit their website at: www.historichullhouseinn.com
Rule of Pie
We love food and we hate gimmicks–almost equally. With that said, our menu is straight forward. We try to to source as many ingredients as possible from local folks. With those ingredients, we make our food fresh for every open date. For every order. You won’t get left overs. You wont get re-heats. You won’t ever get stale food from us. You’ll get handmade selections, from scratch, every time.
1308 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL 62966, (618) 565-5189. Visit their website, https://www.ruleofpie.com
Unique Shops of Murphysboro
Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/Unique-Shops-of-Murphysboro-Events-1509222099349428
I Am Java Coffee House
I Am Java is a locally-owned, family-owned, and veteran-owned Specialty Coffee House. They specialize in hot and cold coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, espresso, and specialty teas. They believe in their community and support their community with 100% of all tips going to various community needs.
Their Mission Statement:
Love All. Serve Selflessly. Encounter Community.
Coffee + CommUnity
Visit their website at www.iamjavacoffeehouse.com
Jonesboro
Hebrewz Coffeehouse
HeBrewz Coffeehouse has recently opened to serve the community of Jonesboro, Illinois and the surrounding communities in Union County. As a family owned and operated business, they take pride in creating a comfortable and relaxing place to enjoy some coffee or make a quick stop on your lunch break.
Furthermore, they offer an extensive menu that includes all the coffee and tea you can dream up, in addition to a host of breakfast and lunch items. If you have a special occasion they offer room rentals.
Visit their website at: hebrewzcoffeehouse.com
Dixie BBQ
Dixie Barbecue – serving the residents of Southern Illinois delicious real pit barbecue since 1948. Home of the Hog Burger.
Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/Dixie-Barbecue-482015615281892
Anna
Kiki’s Coffeehouse
Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/KikisCoffeehouse
Davis Pastry
Davis pastry is a family owned business that has been in business for 60 years. Famous locally for their pink cookies.
Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/pg/Davis-Pastry-641989669245434
Anna Baking Company
Located in Anna, Illinois, they make custom cakes for your special occasions. They also offer cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and more!
Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/pg/annabakingcompany
Davie School Inn
One of the most unique places to stay in Illinois. Our Bed and Breakfast is set in a beautifully converted 1910 schoolhouse. Come stay in one of the 8 subject-themed suites or one of 3 romantic luxury suites. Conveniently located centrally to all the major activities in the area and with many restaurant options just two blocks away. Davie School Inn is the perfect place to pamper yourself.
300 Freeman St, Anna, IL 62906, (618) 614-0707
Visit their website, https://www.davieschoolinn.com
Pomona
Abbey Ridge Brewery
Abbey Ridge Brewery is located on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail at the entrance to Cedar Lake.
Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/AbbeyRidgeBrewery
Makanda
Giant City Lodge
The Bald Knob dining room, with seating for 200, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with an excellent reputation for food and hospitality. You’re sure to enjoy some of the best fried chicken ever if you choose the specialty of the Lodge, our all-you-can-eat Family Style Chicken Dinner.
460 Giant City Lodge Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, (618) 457-4921
Visit their website, https://giantcitylodge.com
Along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail has a wonderful selection of unique inns, intimate bed & breakfasts and cozy cabins, all nestled in the scenic Shawnee Hills. Whether you are looking for a family vacation, romantic getaway or girls/guys night out, our lodging members offer a variety of options, amenities and pricing. Each offers a unique experience in their own right and all offer the comforts of home without the hassle.
View Lodging Options here, https://www.shawneewinetrail.com/recommended-lodging