Weekend in Jackson County: Everything You Need to Know
How to spend a weekend in Jackson County: Southern Illinois Travel Itinerary
First off if you are reading this blog post you are debating whether to visit Southern Illinois and I AM SO EXCITED you are considering coming to one of the must fun and beautiful regions in the Midwest. We are so blessed with having the Shawnee National Forrest in our back yard, wineries that make up the Shawnee Wine Trail, hiking, camping, swimming for days and restaurants owned by locals who love this area. In this blog post you will find an array of places to stay, things to do, places to eat and so much more! I also want to thank Southern Illinois Tourism for making this blog post possible!
Second, my name is Jessica Baine and I am a Southern Illinois Native that has lived here collectively for about 25 years. My family is here and I raise my son here. I like to think I am an expert on all things Southern Illinois. I love sharing my experiences with my followers on instagram and writing blogs to find all of the information about my experiences in one place. I appreciate you taking the time to read this blog post and sharing it with your friends and family. Be sure to check out my instagram to keep up to date on all things CUC in Southern Illinois!
Lodging in Jackson County
A unique feature to traveling in Southern Ilinois is the amount of homes for rent. Between Airbnb and VRBO you can find some amazing spaces. Another website to check out is Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals. Another great option would be booking the cabins at Giant City Lodge. You get access to a swimming pool and hiking trails easily within Giant City State Park. This Airbnb in Murphysboro looks perfect for large groups. If you are looking for a hotel instead there is a brand new Holiday Inn Express in Murphysboro.
Giant City Lodge Pool
Where to dine in Jackson County?
Cummare’s is an authentic Italian restaurant located in the heart of Murphysboro, IL in a historic building. You will not find more authentic Italian food here in Southern Illinois! My top choices are the bruschetta and seafood ravioli with half white/half red sauce. While waiting for a table (or just plan to go before/after dinner) be sure to stop by Brews Brothers across the street for a beer!
Bruschetta
Seafood Ravioli with half white half red sauce
Faye is a new café in the heart of Jackson County that has been perfectly curated to bring joy and happiness to anyone who stops in. They are the “sister” restaurant to 17th street and between their espresso martini and pimento cheese, bacon biscuit sandwiches you will not leave with an empty stomach. Looking for a souvenir for your trip to Southern Illinois this is the perfect spot to check out because of their market. Make sure to snag a photo here because it is one of the most “instagramable'“ restaurants in Southern Illinois.
We are so blessed to have 17th Street BBQ, a world renowned BBQ joint, located right here in Murphysboro, IL! People travel from all over the world to taste their BBQ. I have worked closely with the owner over the last few years and I am blessed to get to experience all they have to offer!
Route 51 Brewery is located in Elkville, IL just off of route 51. Known for the beer, food and live music. This place is a must stop for some afternoon entertainment and BBQ nachos!
Maybe you are looking for the traditional Sunday Family Style Dinner. WELLLLL we have just that right here in Jackson County. Deep in the heart of Giant City State Park you can dine at Giant City Lodge and indulge in an all you can eat fried chicken dinner with all of the sides! It is truly amazing and I like to think a once in a lifetime experience if you are not local to the area! I always ask for their house made bbq/hot sauce to dip my chicken in and it is amazing. Maybe you are going on a Friday, be sure to check out their all you can eat fried fish too! Both are amazing! Maybe you are into the brunch life with cocktails with your Sunday Dinner well they have a full bar as well! The Bloody Mary at Giant City Lodge is the best you will ever have!
Whether you are looking for brunch or the perfect patio—look no further than St. Nick-MDH. The food, atmosphere and service is top notch! You will not be disappointed. The only airport that brews their own beer and you can enjoy their amazing nachos while watching planes take off and land. Maybe you are looking to host a larger group wellllll you are in luck! This location is able to accomodate 2-200.
Savanna Kathleen Photography
Things to do in Southern Illinois: Jackson County
When traveling to Jackson County you wil find so many amazing things to do while visiting. Be sure to check out this blog post all about my Top 5 Recreational Activites in Jackson County. If you are a history buff the history surrounding Jackson County is really impressive. The historical markers of Jackson County will take you on a behind the scenes tour of all things Jackson County. You can find that information in this blog post here—Historical Markers in Jackson County . Want to spend the day in Ava? Be sure to check out this post all about Ava, IL.
A great hike to do in Jackson County is here Cove Hollow Trail or the Little Grand Canyon. You can find information about Cove Hollow Trail here on my instagram. If you are looking for more hiking information be sure to check out Hiking with Shawn. He is an expert on all things hiking in Southern Illinois. When hiking I recommend downloading the app AllTrails.
Another spot to stop in Jackson County is Mileur Orchard. Known for their fresh homemade pies, be sure to add this orchard to your stop.
The stables at Giant City Park are also another great option if you love to horseback ride!
Wineries in Jackson County
Be sure you make the trek to Jackson County be sure to check out the Shawnee Wine Trail website to plan accordingly. Two wineries sit in Jackson County and they are so unique with delicious wine!
One of the most unique wineries along the Shawnee Wine Trail is Pomona Winery. Built enitrely from refurbished materials this eclectic winery offers wines made fruits besides grape. It is unique to Southern Illinois becuase you get the chance to try other types of wine. The tasting is cheap and provides so many educational benefits. The owners live upstairs and are so willing to offer so much detailed history about the property. Fun fact: the bricks lining the road into pomona winery are the same bricks used in the panama canal.
Kite Hill Vineyards is another amazing winery along the Shawnee Wine Trail, also located in Jackson County. Be sure to check out my highlight tab all about Kite Hill on my instagram page! Also be sure to order yourself a slushie while there. The views at Kite Hill are remarable and you feel right at home in this cozy vineyard!
Maybe it is not a winery but it is some of the best most unique beer you will ever have! While in town be sure to check out Scratch Brewing Company.
Another spot to grab beers is the first ever brewery in Southern Illinois. I have never been here but it is highly rated and everyone I speak to loves to go to Big Muddy Brewing. Located in Murphysboro, IL you can add it to your must stop list next time you are in Jackson County.
Transportation in Southern Illinois
The below has been taken directly from the Shawnee Shuttle website to give you a full description of exactly what they do! This is an amazing service being offered right here in Southern Illinois!
“Shawnee Shuttle is a professional wine trail tour service offering private mini-van tours of southern Illinois for small groups of two to six adults. Our guests work with a trip coordinator to develop a suggested itinerary for one of our customized seven hour tours. Shawnee Shuttle picks up and returns guests to their regional cabin, bed & breakfast, vacation rental, hotel or home. And while most tours focus on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, we service various local destinations, including craft breweries and bars, restaurants and cafes’, art galleries, gift shops, historical sites, antique and resale stores and more! Shawnee Shuttle provides each guest with an opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the sights, sounds, and tastes of southern Illinois. Our knowledgeable drivers are personable and skilled professionals. Call Jillian at (618) 201-4841 or send an email inquiry to Jillian@ShawneeShuttle.com for more information on booking a Shawnee Shuttle tour. Cheers!”
If you made it to the very bottom of this blog post—THANK YOU! I hope this post made your planning easier and you enjoy your time here in Southern Illinois and most importantly Jackson County! Happy Traveling!.
