Do you like wine and nature? Then you will love the many wineries across Southern Illinois! You could spend hours at just one, or you could hit multiple in one day! The bride and groom highly recommend all of the wineries on the Shawnee Wine Trail, but here are a few of their favorites: Pomona Winery, Alto Vineyards, Blue Sky Vineyards, Hickory Ridge, and Owl Creek (especially if you love cider!).

This beautiful state park is only a few miles from Carbondale, and it is an extremely beautiful place to camp, hike, climb, picnic, or even just taking a scenic drive! There are many hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty, and there is an amazing visitor center. Finally, no trip to Giant City State Park is complete without a stop at Giant City Lodge, which serves amazing all-you-can-eat fried chicken, and delicious homestyle meals.

A bit of a drive, but this majestic trail is a must for anyone visiting Southern Illinois! This short but moderate hike will have you spending hours looking out at the amazing rock formations. This nature trail is full of truly breath-taking sites.

Discover the unique flavors of Southern Illinois at Scratch Brewing Company in Ava. Known for its innovative use of locally foraged ingredients, Scratch offers a diverse selection of craft beers that capture the essence of the region. The beer menu changes each weekend since each beer is made from locally farmed and foraged ingredients. Enjoy a tasting in their cozy taproom or beautiful outdoor garden, and experience the creativity and craftsmanship that make Scratch a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. Maddie and Paul highly recommend the goat cheese pizza for dinner as you sip your way through your beer flight.

A quaint and quirky boardwalk with unique shops, art galleries, and local crafts. It's a delightful place to explore and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Home of the hippies, and just barely outside of Giant City State Park.

Experience a unique natural wonder with its steep cliffs, lush vegetation, and scenic trails. The hike offers a challenging adventure with rewarding views of the canyon. This trail is where Paul proposed to Maddie.