57 Reasons Why I Love Southern Illinois
I often hear the question “What is there even to do in Southern Illinois?”
While this part of the world isn’t right next to a city, it is a special place with gifts that cities do not hold. Southern Illinois is a place for slow living, relationship building, honoring nature and so much more. We are nestled in the Shawnee Forest - a gorgeous environment perfect for outdoors enthusiasts.
Even if hiking isn’t your “thing”, there is much more to explore here in the 618. Read below to see 50 reasons why I personally love Southern IL!
Summer Fun at the Super Splash Park in Carbondale, IL
Community
Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market
Annual Juneteenth Block Party
SIU’s Annual Maple Syrup Festival
Summer Sunset Concerts at Turley Park
Trying out a Yoga Class at True Nature Yoga Studio
Paint & Sip Parties with Project Human X
Getting cozy & reading a book at Common Grounds Coffee
Painting Pottery Trinkets at Fish Tales Pottery in Herrin, Illinois
Crystal Shopping at the Trading Post in Makanda, IL
Close by Airport at Veteran’s Airport in Marion, IL
Enjoying Plays, Musicals and More at The Varsity Center
Sound Healing Workshops at True Nature
Pilates with Barbara at The Rec Center, SIU
Shop Healthy Foods at The Co-Op
The Splatter Room Experience at Project Human X Art Center in Carbondale, IL
Nature
15. Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddle Boarding on Little Grassy Lake
16. Family Friendly Hiking at Giant City
17. Watching the Sunset at Little Grand Canyon
18. Learning About Local Nature at a Green Earth Trail
Kids & Family
19. Jump Around & Learn Gymnastics at Saluki Gymnastics in Carbondale, IL
20. Have Water Fun at THE HUB Indoor Waterpark in Marion, IL
21. Princess Parties in Anna, Illinois
22. Playdates at the Attucks Park Splash Pad in Carbondale, IL
23. Monthly Mommy & Me Paint Parties at Project Human X
24. Stroller Friendly Trail at Chautauqua Bottoms
25. Going out for Ice Cream at Cool Spoons in Carbondale, IL
26. Having A Picnic with Mom Buddies & Kids at Blue Sky Vineyards
27. Summer Fun at The Splash Park
28. Going for a Walk / Hanging out at the Playground at Evergreen Park
Restaurants & Food
Lovely Tuscan Atmosphere at Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, IL
29. Date Nights at Underground Public House in Carbondale, IL
30. Meeting a New Friend for Coffee at Crown Brew Coffee in Marion, Illinois
31. Enjoying Indian Food at Bombay Olive in Carbondale, IL
32. Going out for Breakfast at Harbaugh’s Cafe in Carbondale, IL
33. Trying out Thai Food at Thai Taste in Carbondale, IL
34. Get a Healthy Lunch at The Local Co-Op
Holiday Events
Annual Lights Fantastic Parade in Carbondale, IL
35. Annual Lights Fantastic Parade in Carbondale, IL
36. Painting Ceramic Christmas Trees at Project Human X in Carbondale, IL
37. Creating Glass Ornaments at SIU’s Craft Center
38. SIU’s Annual Craft Fair (Usually the 1st week of December) in Carbondale, IL
39. Horse & Carriage Rides at Marion’s Square Pavillion
40. 4th of July Fireworks, BBQ & More at Lake of Egypt in Creal Springs, IL
41. Unity Point’s Annual Holiday Fair in Makanda, IL
Painting Holiday Ceramics & Light Up Trees at Project Human X
Autumn Themed Fun
42. Walking at Green Earth’s Annual Pumpkin Glow Trail in Carbondale, IL
43. Pumpkin Picking at Brandy’s Pumpkin Patch in Carbondale, IL
44. Painting Ceramic Pie Plates at Project Human X in Carbondale, IL
45. Apple Cider Donuts at Rendleman Orchards in Alto Pass, IL
46. Annual Makanda Vulture Fest in Makanda, IL
Our Autumn Family Photoshoot in 2021 at Rendleman Orchards
Educational Opportunities
47. Classes at John A. Logan
48. Classes at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
Night Life
49. Girls Night Out For Lemon Drops & R&B at Yummy’s in Marion
50. Karaoke Night at Hangar 9
51. Salsa Dance Nights at True Nature Yoga Studio
52. Going out Dancing at LEVELS
53. Poetry Nights at Project Human X
54. Ecstatic Dance Nights at The Healing Moon
Culture
56. Out here you have the ability to live on a few acres of beautiful land. You can’t do this in the city. Southern Illinois is the place to be if you want slow living surrounded by nature. We are fortunate to have the Shawnee Forest as our backyard!
57. Friendliness - The people down here are quite friendly from my personal experience. It’s not weird to say hello to someone passing you by. People do small acts of kindness like holding doors open for each other and enjoy getting to know one another.
