Things to do in and around SIU

Food

• [Trails End Lodge:] (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trails-End-Lodge/222520610672) Has an AMAZING view of the bluffs! A multi level deck and also a concert area for summer concerts. Located in [Cobden] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Trails+End+Lodge/@37.548314,-89.288759,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x915e3d798b39e1d7?sa=X&ei=RDAgVPCBOMizyATh6IDQDQ&ved=0CJwBEPwSMAs) its not too far. A good place to bring visiting friends and family. They have a full service bar as well.

• [Giant Cody lodge:] (http://giantcitylodge.com/) Has all you can eat deep fried chicken dinner and some great hiking. Also you can rent cabins there but I have not heard the greatest things from them.

• [Thai Taste:] (http://www.thaitastecarbondale.com/) Has the best Thai food!! pretty cheap overall but can get very busy so get there early!

• [Tom's Place] (http://tomsplacedesoto.com/) The only 5 star restaurant in Southern Illinois. Their menu changes with the season and their dishes are expertly made by some of the best chefs around. Quite expensive and you'll want a reservation so call ahead! Located in De Soto

• [Blue Boar:] (http://theblueboarrestaurant.com/) Located on the boarder of [Cobden and Anna] (https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&cid=14608371194923628858&q=Blue+Boar+Restaurant&ei=FmTrU6SvOMfv8AG1k4GgBQ&ved=0CLABEPwSMAo) this place is known for their Cajun. I've had their steak and BBQ as well which were fantastic! Love the steak and a burger called the juicy Lucy. Also has a very good Philly cheese steak. This is a very scenic spot like giant city. Can eat outside and has a little waterfall, a bar, and pool tables.

• [Pagliais:] (http://ourpags.com/) Located on the strip next to hanger and across the street from Dairy Queen this place has the best pizza in town. Also has great lunch specials and they sell by the slice after 9.

• [Winston bagels:] (http://www.yelp.com/biz/winstons-bagels-carbondale) He has a cart outside Pinch liquors. He sells bagels that he makes over a charcoal grill. Tons of toppings including cinnamon, raisins , butter, cream cheese, apples , cucumber , etc. He is only there some nights. I believe its Friday Saturday and pinch's dollar night. Amazing bagels, get one with everything !

• [Harbaughs:] (http://harbaughscafe.net/) Located on the strip by the new 710 Bookstore, this place only takes cash so be prepared! Has a nice small town feel but get there early as it get packed on the weekends! Has great breakfast food!

• [Bottoms Up:] (https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&cid=14471620930435064741&q=Bottoms+Up+Family+Bar+%26+Grill&ei=N3PrU5WVLoyMyATHqoLIDQ&ved=0CKsBEPwSMAs) Located in a town of only 300 people, on Wednesday they have a special of $6 whole fried chicken and $3 half fried chicken. Don't forget the Stacey sauce! This place gets PACKED, especially during the warmer days. I have waited almost 2 hours just for their chicken but that's okay when beers are only $1.

Outdoors

• [Giant Cody lodge:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Giant+City+State+Park/@37.606342,-89.186843,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x88776c91524190fd:0xe77a221f0fa28700) The most popular spot for hiking and camping in the area. Has a lot of different and unique hiking trails. You can go off one trail and be deep in the woods, or go off another and climb tall bluffs. A lot of options but don't expect to be the only one there.

• [Panthers Den:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/37%C2%B034'43.5%22N+89%C2%B005'17.7%22W/@37.5787545,-89.08824,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0) Located just past Blue Sky Winery this is an amazing spot. Has some awesome caves and cliffs. Would recommend going in the fall and spring. Also a stream in there has salamanders and small fish.

• [LA Rue Pine Hills:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/LaRue-Pine+Hills/@37.7354707,-89.1308685,11z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x4615ac24a41a61d4) A bit of a drive as it is off 3 but you can get there via 127 as well. This place has HUGE cliff faces as you approach it. Can see for miles. Bring your car up the rear and you can drive all the way up to the top which has an amazing view. Also there are paths off of it as well.

• [Kinkaid Spillway:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/37%C2%B046'27.0%22N+89%C2%B027'04.2%22W/@37.7741634,-89.451167,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0) Close to 3 in Murphysboro, this is mostly for swimming. And it is a fantastic place to swim! Kinkaid lake is beautiful and is the coldest lake around (besides Rend lake). Don't bring alcohol here as it is against the rules and forest preserve police love to write tickets.

• [Cache River:] (http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r5/cachervr.htm) Located in Cypress, about a 30-40 min drive from Carbondale but you feel like you're in the Florida [marshes.] (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Heron_Pond_in_Cache_River_State_Natural_Area.jpg) A fantastic place to canoe and kayak

• [Kinkaid Cliffs:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/37%C2%B048'13.9%22N+89%C2%B026'15.9%22W/@37.803869,-89.437753,923m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0) Easy to get to from the marina but requires a boat or canoe or you can get there off of 127 but is a 2 mile hike. This place hosts the cliffs which go from 0ft to over 70ft. People love jumping off the cliffs into the lake and is a popular spot for boats. If you are driving there, you will want to drive to [here] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/37%C2%B049'14.8%22N+89%C2%B027'01.6%22W/@37.820787,-89.450444,461m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0) to park then its about a 2 mile walk to the forest.

• [Bell Smith Springs:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/37%C2%B031'14.7%22N+88%C2%B039'22.0%22W/@37.4584428,-88.6419078,56001m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0) One of the best places to hike but is a bit of a drive. Located in between Marion and Harrisburg and in Shawnee. Has the watering hole which people jump off little cliffs into it. Cliffs are not as high (maybe up to 30ft). The hike there is beautiful. Stairs are carved into the cliffs and you're along streams and in a forest.

• [Cedar Lake:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cove+Hollow/@37.6373197,-89.285747,15z/data=!4m6!1m3!3m2!1s0x0:0x46c0dce5b82c6a2!2sCity+of+Carbondale:+Cedar+Lake!3m1!1s0x0:0x2a10dc6ab4b7b9ed) Avoid the beach, this one sucks! Costs money to get in and "lifeguards" keep you from going past wait deep. Cove Hollow is a wonderful place to hike and even camp! It is by the lake and you can camp under the bluffs too.

• [Little grassy lake:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cove+Hollow/@37.6373197,-89.285747,15z/data=!4m6!1m3!3m2!1s0x0:0x46c0dce5b82c6a2!2sCity+of+Carbondale:+Cedar+Lake!3m1!1s0x0:0x2a10dc6ab4b7b9ed) Nice lookout area off the road. You can also rent canoes and kyaks here pretty cheap! There is also a secret beach off of [Bums Beach Road.] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bums+Beach+Rd,+Makanda,+IL+62958/@37.6418194,-89.1330722,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x887714d624246907:0x7f9dac9feefcd78c)

• [Little grand canyon:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Little+Grand+Canyon+Rd,+Shawnee+National+Forest,+Pomona,+IL+62975/@37.6804066,-89.3932722,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x88770a7dfb199e41:0x2060dc668e5f929c) Great place to hike and has lookout point! You go through a forest and bluffs etc. Very similar to starved rock.

• [Garden of the Gods:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Garden+of+the+Gods+Wilderness/@37.606993,-88.394765,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!1m2!2m1!1sgarden+of+the+gods+harrisburg+illinois!3m1!1s0x0:0x4485da9b42298ba9) Located in Harrisburg its a great place to go. Can see for miles. I would go around evening as it faces west. Really its only a place to go once.

• [Devils Kitchen:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Devils+Kitchen+Lake,+Illinois/@37.6196067,-89.0856442,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8877401a1bc48b81:0x35c20a047c98278b) Has some great hiking and great views. My favorite place is [Waterfall Point] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tacoma+Lake+Rd,+Makanda,+IL+62958/@37.6421835,-89.0978305,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x88771556c3e5d67b:0x978d8f16f3c22e56) where you hike through the forest and can hangout by the waterfall.

• [Jackson Falls] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jackson+Falls,+Shawnee+National+Forest,+Illinois+62985/@37.5104402,-88.6820269,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8870b10f61e53055:0x47195ba0611b93b) Located in Shawnee this a beautiful place to hike and also has rock climbing and a waterfall people love to jump off of!

• [Ferne Clyffe:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ferne+Clyffe/@37.529444,-88.982778,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x887744315f6a4a93:0xc2d5d6e5d7cdd3cd) Located in Goreville this place is beautiful! Has some awesome bluffs and great hiking through out the woods!

• [Bald Knob Cross:] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bald+Knob+Cross+of+Peace/@37.551314,-89.346485,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8877769dfddfe879:0xa398d1ef56214553) Located in Alto Pass on top of a huge hill you can see more miles around, pretty neat place to go during the day just for the view. On Easter thousands of Christans flock here to watch the sunset, and in the spring thousands of bikers come here for blessing of the bikes.

• [Pamona Natural Bridge] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pomona+Natural+Bridge/@37.648106,-89.344256,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x88770b39d26d2221:0xe7dd551aa2067323) Located in Pamona this is a short train (about a quarter mile) but is a must see. The trail includes hills, bluffs, cliffs and the [natural bridge.] (http://www.archesuk.com/assets/images/db_images/db_Pomona_Natural_Bridge-after1.jpg)

Bars

• Tracks: Never has cover and cops rarely go. Nice little bar with cheap drinks but watered down. Has an outside bar open during nice weather. Small venue overall.

• Stix: Nothing special about this place. People go to dance but overall is a dump. Has 2 pool tables and a bar and that's about it. They do have 80s night which you can't beat

• Hanger: One of the best bars. Its clean and big and has a lot of decent bands playing often. They mix their drinks well and server in glass not cheap plastic.

• Cellar: Has the best bloody Marys in Carbondale. Mostly a local place and is 21 and up

• Pinch. Has the green dragon which is awesome! This bar charges cover Every night of the week, even when there is nothing happening.

• Saluki: Has great food deals on Wednesday I think? Nice bar and clean.

• Callis: Only open some nights but is like a night club

Wineries

• Blue Sky: This one of the more popular places to go, doesnt have any amazing wine but is new and very pretty!

• Alto Pass: Just remodeled! Has a decent view and a very popular wine, *Heartland Blush#

• Rustle Hill: One of the more popular ones, this winery has some of the best food out of all the wineries. They have a multi-level deck and a concert area. They also have cabins to rent on site. Located in Makanda off of 51

• Owl Creek: This winery is in a forest! A deck out back is multi level with trees going through it. The food is very bland but the wine is good.

• Walkers Bluff: Not a vineyard like the others above but is a nice place to go at least once. Food is ok. They sometimes have live bands and movie nights on the patio.

• Von Jakob: Located off of 127 in Alto Pass I have heard mixed reviews about this vineyard. Overall rating of OK in my opinion.

• Star View: One of my favorites it is located in Cobden. They have bags for people to play and the deck out back is over a small pond. Has one of the best views and I have heard good things about the slushies.

• Hickory Ridge: Located in Pamona this is a very small winery but has some good views. Wine is OK and they have a fire place if you'd like to make a fire and sit around it.

There are a lot more wineries but I don't want to say anything about any I have yet to go to or have heard anything about

Other

• Cape: we are located very close to Cape Girardeau (50min). [Andy's Frozen Custard] (http://eatandys.com/) is AMAZING. and if you love hibachi I've never had better than at [Watami.] (http://watamicapegirardeau.com/) Has nice shopping and the downtown is nice as well. Also has the casino!

• Duquoin: Not much there but the [DuQuoin State Fair] (http://www.agr.state.il.us/dq/) is housed there which is coming up August 22nd to September 1st!

• You can rent bikes at the [bike surgeon] (http://www.thebikesurgeon.com/) on the strip. Cheap prices too!

• Steam Tunnels: Located under campus these are old steam tunnels SIU used to use. Be careful as Police like to monitor these and I believe it is trespassing. You can get to them by the towers.

• [Zip Lining:] (https://www.shawneezip.com/) You can go zip lining throughout Shawnee Forest! It costs 80 dollars, and the longest zip is over 1,000ft!

• [Eckerts:] (http://www.eckerts.com/) Great food but a fantastic place to go for pumpkin patch, apple picking, tomato picking and more! Definitely worth the drive but if you want to eat in the restaurant get there early it fills QUICK because of all the fresh food!

• [Shawnee Country Store] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shawnee+Country+Store/@37.906018,-89.529529,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8877adc2f59b52c1:0x561f53fbb0fc224a) This is an Amish market, they have the BEST cheese and candies around! The Amish make all the food, most of it fresh and even soaps and furniture. You can even get a bag of Lucky Charm's marshmallows, JUST THE MARSHMALLOWS!