Marion's trendy coffee shop located in downtown Marion. We are always impressed by the inventiveness and local flair in their specialty drinks, and they have very good food (including homemade poptarts) as well.

Cute breakfast spot located in an old bank vault in downtown Marion.

Located in downtown Marion. Fun new restaurant that seeks to blend casual dining with chef-inspired food and quality.

Awesome classic breakfast spot 25 minutes from Marion. It's also right next door to the Gaia House, which has a huge geodesic dome over a labyrinth path. Anna did a project on it in high school.

Our favorite! This pizza & pasta shop is run by Anna's Uncle Jason. They specialize in double decker pizza, calzones, and hot sandwiches. Located 15 minutes from Marion.

Truly a Marion staple. Several wedding attendees, including a bridesmaid, worked there in high school, and they are known for their double decker pizza and salad bar. Ask Ben about his first experience with Walt's. Located near downtown Marion.

Typical Midwestern Mexican restaurant located very close to the reception venue.

Nicer steakhouse restaurant with a 1920's gangster theme and live piano music. Located a few minutes south of the reception venue.

Super good Thai restaurant located very close to the reception venue. Make sure to tell them if you want it spicy!

Trendy new spot. Food and drink with live music in downtown Marion.

Townie bar that Anna's dad likes located in downtown Marion.

Fun new bar with outdoor seating located very close to the reception venue. We might end up here afterwards!

Very cool brewery where you can try beers made with estate-grown and foraged ingredients such as nettle, dandelion, gumball, maple sap, hickory, and more. It is also very close to the Shawnee National Forest. Located about 1 hour away from Marion.

Gorgeous winery and vineyard located 30 minutes from Marion.

Very cool & historic bourbon bar that is known for smoked bourbon cocktails. 45 minutes from Marion.

Super beautiful place to hike that is just 20 minutes outside of Marion.

Another awesome spot with several good hiking trails located 30 minutes from Marion. The Giant City Lodge is also a nice place for a family style dinner, and after eating, you can climb up the water tower for a great view of the park and the surrounding forest.

Another one of Anna's favorite places to explore is the Makanda Boardwalk, which is also in Makanda. There are lots of small shops where you can look at rocks, gems, metalworks, jewelry, and antiques, and there is a beautiful garden passion project located in the back.

One of the most iconic hiking locations in Southern Illinois located 55 minutes from Marion. See rock formations such as Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, and Mushroom Rock.

Located 45 minutes from Marion, the Cache River is one of the most unique and interesting landscapes that Illinois has to offer. You can hike, fish, and canoe.

This area is not as well-maintained and easy to access as the others, but it is one of Anna's favorite places in Southern Illinois. It is a great place for swimming in the summer, but hiking along the springs is nice in the fall as well. Keep an eye out for the turquoise waters and lots of creatures. It is located 50 minutes away from Marion.