When Rendleman Orchards approached me to do a curated Influencer retreat for the City of Alto Pass I immediately said yes! If you know the family you know they are the kindest souls ever!!!!

Nestled in the heart of Southern Illinois, Alto Pass is a hidden gem brimming with natural beauty, charming wineries, and local artistry. With just two days to explore, visitors can experience a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure. Here's a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time in Alto Pass.

Day 1: Alto Pass

We spent the weekend in all of Havisham House BnBs and loved the convenience of the location! The Havisham House sleeps up to four people and six if you use the pull out couch! You can book the house at this LINK here! Another area you can rent is the Carriage House which can also sleep up to 6! This is where I stayed and I loved the experience! You can book the Carriage House at this link HERE! Now above the bourbon bar there are two apartments Suite 18 and Suite 88. Both amazing and both offering something different! That’s the best part about staying with Havisham, they have options for different experiences!

Once we all checked in we headed to the Havisham Bourbon Bar for cocktails, social hour and dinner! We catered in food from Murphysboro but you can also order food here as well! We of course always love getting take out from Cummare’s which is a perfect spot to grab food if in town visiting! Then we got our pizzas from Whiffle Boys in Murphysboro. If you are local and have never tried their food you are seriously missing out!. Something fun to add to any group event is having a permanent jewelry come to your event like Beyond Bonded! She spoiled us all with some fun gifts.

Day 2: Alto Pass

We started our morning with a hike on the Quetil Trail. The Shawnee National Forest is a gorgeous place to stay! Hiking the Quetil Trail in Illinois is a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Nestled in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, this trail offers an array of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a sense of tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. The trail is approximately 4.5 miles long, making it accessible for both novice hikers looking for a moderate challenge and experienced trekkers seeking a peaceful day in the wilderness. From the Havisham House to the stairs it was only about 0.5 miles and then went up the stairs to the Cliff Park for spectacular views of Bald Knob Cross.

Aside from its natural beauty, the Quetil Trail is steeped in history. It traces routes that were once used by Native American tribes and early settlers, adding a layer of historical significance to your hike. Information boards along the trail offer insights into the area's past, making the hike not only a physical journey but also an educational one. Whether you're seeking solitude, a connection with nature, or a bit of historical context, the Quetil Trail in Illinois provides a fulfilling escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For breakfast Saturday Morning we had Sunny Street Cafe- Carbondale cater at the house! It was incredible and so fresh! The manager, Samantha came bright and early to set everything up! It was hot, fresh and LOCAL! The fruit was amazing and im obsessed with their homemade hot sauce for the breakfast burritos! The girls loved the cold brew bar that was set up as well!

Savanna Kathleen Photography: Sunny Street Cafe Catering

Rendleman Orchards

Our first official stop of the day was Rendleman Orchards, nestled in the fertile landscapes of Southern Illinois, is a family-owned farm with a rich history dating back to 1873. This fifth-generation orchard is known for its high-quality apples, peaches, and other seasonal produce, making it a cherished destination for both locals and visitors. The orchard spans over 800 acres, where the Rendleman family has perfected the art of fruit cultivation, ensuring that each harvest delivers the juiciest and most flavorful produce.

One of the highlights of Rendleman Orchards is its commitment to sustainable farming practices. The family employs integrated pest management techniques, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting a healthier ecosystem. They also prioritize soil health through crop rotation and organic matter enrichment, which not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality of their produce. These efforts reflect the orchard's dedication to preserving the land for future generations while providing fresh, wholesome fruits to their community.

Visitors to the farm can enjoy a one of kind experience with pick your own flowers and instagram worthy photo opportunities. We were spoiled with a one of kind BTS tour of the farm from the owners and they also had Wild Bloom Event Co. create the most amazing tablescape for our lunch. Every weekend there are different food trucks available. This weekend we indulged in Taco Jim's and enjoyed the freshest peach smoothies! The birria tacos from Taco Jim’s were insane and so delicious! Don’t forget to snag an order of elote corn!

Alto Pass, IL

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the town's artisan shops and galleries, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and locally made art. Visit the oldest bank in Illinois or snag some amazing pottery from Alto Works Clay!

After our morning in the flowers! We headed to Alto Vineyards to enjoy the local wine and live music. It is so important to immerse yourself in the local wine culture by embarking on a self-guided tour of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Alto Pass is home to several acclaimed wineries, including Alto Vineyards and Von Jakob Vineyards. With a tasting at Alto Vineyards, you can sample award-winning wines while enjoying the serene vineyard views. We also enjoy wine infused ice cream and frolicked through the vines. Be sure to continue your exploration at Von Jakob Vineyards, which offers not only exquisite wines but also a delightful German menu for a unique dining experience. We enjoyed beer, wine, dessert and even got a BTS tour of their new distillery!

We ended the evening with peach bourbon slushies back at Havisham Bourbon Bar before calling it a day! We were exhausted but our hearts and belly’s were full!