Southern Illinois' Winter Wonderland

Photo Credit: Zach Stewart Creative

The leaves may drop in November, but southern illinois is hard-pressed to find below-freezing temperatures until January and February.  This year has been no exception.  So what's a person to do while visiting our cabins when an artic blast hits the midwest?  Here are my top picks.  

1. Ferne Clyffe Big Rocky Hollow Trail, Goreville 
Big Rocky Hollow Trail is the most traveled waterfall trail- for good reason.  It is a 0.7 mile out-and-back trail that is primarily chat gravel and flat.  It's great for strollers and persons with disabilities if you are up for the distance.  Leashed dogs are allowed.  

​The waterfall is dry in the winter unless there has been recent rain or snow.  But the reason we chose to come here in the winter not just the site of the waterfall.  The dormant trees expose all of the beautiful bluffs flanking the trail.  For the adventurous wanderer, there are plenty of rugged places to climb as you near the trail's end (which is the waterfall).  It is truly a majestic site.  

Tip: On the other side of the parking lot, is Hawk's Cave- the largest shelter bluff in Illinois.  If your toes aren't too cold, check out Hawk's Cave in the same trip! 

Photo Credit: Grant Twiss

Photo Credit: Matt Eisenhauer

2. The Hub Recreation Center, Marion
Not the cold-weather farer? That's ok.  We have you covered.  The Hub is a state-of-the-art recreational center just 10 minutes up the road in Marion.  With a $10 per person pass, you can go in and out as you please. 
​Amenities include:

• Classes (virtual and in person): Spin, Yoga, Fitness
• Free weights, machines and plyo/HIIT equipment
• 2 full size basketball courts
• Indoor Track

• Aquatics Center has full size olympic lap pool, hot tub, lazy river, little kid splash pad and big kid slide. 
• Full locker rooms and family rooms
• Staffed babysitting room
• Concession Stand

All Photo Credit: The Hub Recreation Center

3. Chill at Crown Brew Coffee Co., Marion
Where are my coffee lovers??? Even if you don't love coffee, you can surely appreciate a well crafted ambiance of design, art, with a tall glass of artisan lemonade.  Pick your potion, grab your book and support one of our newest small businesses in town with customer service like no other.  Our friends, Josh and Jared are the masterminds behind Crown Brew.  But it's not just their love of exquisite coffee drinks that makes me proud to know them- their stories, their purpose is so much greater.  You can read about that here.  
Tip: If you are staying in the Teal Door cabin, the couches may look VERY familiar!  ;) 

Photo Credit: Jared Gravatt

Photo Credit: Jared Gravatt

4. Boutique Shopping in downtown Marion 
Southern Illinois is home to many a boutique.  And I already have a feeling you have great taste.  So if you are in the mood to find that perfect gift, or add a few rockstar outfits to your already impressive wardrobe, here are our top picks for boutique shopping: 

• M Boutique- fun and cheeky gifts, great clothes and jewelry at the most competitive prices.  
• Lavish Bath Box- the most luxurious skin care and bath products.  Let owner, Katie, create your gift basket for Mother's Day while you shop around.  
• Perfectly Posh- high end clothes and gifts for the modern farmhouse girl.  Brands include Simply Southern, Mudpie, and Spanx

Photo Credit: Lavish Bath Box

Photo Credit: M Boutique

Photo Credit: Perfectly Posh Boutique

5. Absolutely nothing at Dam Near Lake of Egypt Cabins
I must admit, doing nothing is sometimes the most enjoyable.  We offer locally published books of all kinds, a few games and puzzles to get the party started and of course, complementary streaming.  Start a fire in the firepit with complementary starter wood, grill a steak or two on the deck, or chill with your favorite southern Illinois wine and music playing in the background.