Explore the Region Restaurants & Shopping

Places to eat and shop in our eclectic and diverse southern Illinois towns.

 

 
A close up of some food on the table
A plate of food with fish and mashed potatoes.
A group of people sitting at tables on top of a deck.
A table filled with lots of different fruits and vegetables.
A bowl with a colorful design on it.
A table with food and drinks on it.
A wooden statue of a man playing the flute.
A room with wooden floors and walls.
A steak with butter and vegetables on the side.
A person holding onto a plate of pasta

The Best Food and Shops in Town

Our southern Illiois cabins are located in Makanda, Illinois; a perfect starting point to explore the region.

Be sure to take a stroll through Cobden and stop by Village Arts and Gifts to see more local art. Check out the Old Feed Store and see about their upcoming events. Drive down to Flamm's Orchard and, depending on the season, take home some fresh apples, strawberries, peaches and home made goodies. You'll find orchards everywhere in the area - Cobden, Alto Pass, Murphysboro.

Local shops are usually where you find treasures to take home, with a story behind your purchase.

Make time along your way to stop at the Makanda Boardwalk and have a cup of Makanda Java, ice cream or sandwiches. While you're there, stop in and look at Dave's garden at the Rain Maker Studio, or Visions Art Studio. Maybe you'll be here for the Makanda Boardwalk Vulture Fest in the fall. Local residents celebrate the black and turkey vulture's annual migration each fall as an end to the hot summer and the beginning of cooler fall weather. The weekend festival features live music and displays by local artists for purchase.

We've pulled together a collection of places we have been or recommend to eat, buy groceries, or the always fun day of antiquing.