While relaxīng in a private cabin is a great way to spend a vacation, part of the fun of a getaway is getting out and exploring the local area. Southern Illinois is full of a surprising variety of fun things to do from outdoor adventures to relaxing afternoons spent tasting local wine. This blog is a simple look at some of the best day trips that you can take during your stay with us and to help you plan a perfect and memorable day.
Why is this Area So Great for a Day Trip?
This part of Illinois is special because you can find so many different kinds of activities all within a short and easy drive from your cabin. It is a place where one person in your group can go for a long hike in the woods while another goes wine tasting, all in the same afternoon. There is truly something here for everyone to enjoy no matter what your interests are.
The drives between all of these different attractions are also a big part of the fun. As you travel from one spot to the next, you will get to see the beautiful rolling hills and the deep green forests of the Shawnee National Forest. The scenery here is a beautiful part of the whole experience which makes your day trip a very pleasant one.
What Kind of Day Trip are You Looking For?
Southern Illinois has a day trip for every kind of mood:
For Outdoor Adventurer
If you love being outside, you will find a lot to do here. There are a lot of options for outdoor recreation and fishing guides near Rend Lake Illinois. This large lake is a fantastic place for a day of boating, fishing, or just enjoying the water. Of course, the area is also known for its amazing hiking trails that wind through the beautiful forests and hills.
For the Food and Wine Lover
This area has a lot of great local flavors to discover. You can spend a whole afternoon on one of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Wineries and Vineyards tours in Southern Illinois. You can also fīnd a lot of great local shops, farmer’s markets, and dining near Shawnee National Forest where you can buy local foods, crafts, and have a great meal.
For the Sports Enthusiast
If you like to stay active, there are some great options for a day of sports. The area has some of the best golf courses near Carbondale IL and Southern Illinois. You can spend a beautiful afternoon playing a round of golf on one of tḥese nice and well-kept courses.
For Someone Who Wants to Relax
If you are just looking to relax and be pampered for an afternoon then you can do that too. There are some great Spa and wellness servīces near Woodland Cabins Shawnee Forest Illinois. You can book a massage or another kind of treatment for a truly restful and peaceful afternoon away from it all.
(Also Read: Top Cabins to Stay near the Shawnee National Forest for Nature Lovers)
How to Plan Your Day?
A little bit of planning can help you have a great day.
- Check the Hours and Seasons: Some of these local places like tḥe wineries or the farmer’s markets have different hours depending on the season that they are in. It is always a good idea to check their website or to call them before you go. This will make sure that they are open when you plan to visit.
- Plan Your Route in Advance: It is a good idea to look at a map and plan your route for the day. You might want to visit a couple of different wineries that are close to each other. Or, you could plan a morning hike followed by lunch at a nice local restaurant in one of the small towns nearby.
- Mix and Match Your Activities: The best part about this area is that you can do a few different things in one day. You can plan a morning of fishing, have lunch at a local cafe, and then spend the afternoon visiting one of the wineries. Do not be afraid to mix a little adventure with a little relaxation to create your own perfect day.
Wrapping Up
Southern Illinois is full of fun and interesting things to do, no matter what your interests are. From ḥikīng and fishing to wine tasting and shopping there is something here for everyone. Our cabins are the perfect home base for you to go out and explore all the great things that our area has to offer. Visit our website to see our curated cabins for making your stay unforgettable.
Contact us at [email protected] if you are ready to start planning your adventure and book your cabin with us.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
How Far are the Cabins from the Start of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail?
Our cabins are located very close to the wine trail. A lot of popular wineries are just a short and scenic drive away usually within about 15 to 30 minutes. You can easily visit several of them in one afternoon.
Are there Any Good Places to Go Fishing that Do Not Require a Boat?
Yes, there are. Besides the catch-and-release pond on our own property, there are a lot of lakes and ponds in the area that have good spots for fishing from the shore. The local bait and tackle shops can give you good advice on the best spots to go.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation for a Wine Tasting at the Wineries?
For most of the wineries, you do not need a reservation for a simple wine tasting, especially if you have a small group. However, if you have a very large group of people, or if you want to do a full tour of the winery, it is always a good idea to call them ahead of time.
Are the Local Farmer’s Market Open All Year Round?
Most of the local farmer’s markets in the area are seasonal. They are usually open from the late spring through the fall. The exact days and hours can be different for each town, so you should always check their schedule online before you go.
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