Southern Illinois Favorites

In an old bank -- a fun place for breakfast or lunch.

Cute coffee shop.

Good place for dinner and drinks.

A Carbondale tradition, those of us raised there can recite the phone number by heart. Get the deep dish.

A very cool zip line if y’all are into that sort of thing.

If you like antiques!

Cute boutique shopping.

Very cute!

You Pick Flower Farm (depending on when you are there).

Farm market!

Recommended by a friend!

Amazing and cute!

Ice cream at the country store and other unique shops.

A Carbondale tradition and a great diner. Get there early for the biscuits and gravy before they sell out.

I like the patio here (and the sangria) if the weather is nice.

The pink cookies are my Proustian Madeline’s, your mileage may vary.

I’ve heard good things about the beer and food here — and yes it is in an airport.

Carbondale fancy (and they have a nice patio out back).

Lots of different trails for walks and hikes.

Even if the Southern Illinois wines aren’t your favorite they’ve got a nice space to sit if the weather is nice and often music.

Recommended to me by many people!

This is a great space (I used to go to the winery that was here) and my family says the new restaurant is good too.

A beautiful spot to hang out especially if the weather is nice. Southern Illinois wines are mostly sweet, but this one has beer and decent food.

Known for their fried chicken and family style dinners. The location is fun though — in the state park and a WPA era lodge.

Amazing little taco stand. Check their Facebook page for their hours.

Recommended by my family!

My favorite takeout restaurant.

This place is very casual but serves some of my favorite local beers. A great place to hang out indoors or outdoors. Last time I was there they didn’t have food but would let you get food delivered (if they still do Pat’s delivery get the BBQ nachos).

If you are going to eat BBQ on your visit, go to the original 17th Street location in Murphy.

A must visit! They are a James Beard award nominated brewery. Most of their beers are made with locally foraged and farmed ingredients. A great spot to visit on the edge of Shawnee National Forest, with indoor and outdoor season (I love when I can sit by the fire). They also have food. Note: they are cash only so come prepared.