Uncork a great fall getaway along southern Illinois’ Autumn is a wonderful time to explore the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in southern Illinois and experience international influences at several wineries. Cooler weather, amazing fall color in Shawnee National Forest, good food, charming inns and special events combine for a wonderful weekend getaway that’s within reach and your budget.
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail was organized in 1995 by two regional tourism bureaus and Alto Vineyards, Ponoma Winery and Owl Creek Vineyard. The region has a federal designation as an American viticultural area. A little Germany in southern Illinois Sip, sleep and sup in a barn Blue Sky’s heavenly wine | Sept/Oct 2009 Issue
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By Patsy Bell Hobson Southernmost Illinois is home to several exceptional bed-and-breakfast inns that will make your Shawnee Hills Wine Trail experience special enough to repeat every year. | |||||||
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By Deborah Reinhardt Palmer One of the joys of travel is discovering tucked away treasures and interesting people. These opportunities are plentiful along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. On a recent two-day trip, I found two treasures that are too good to keep to myself. Historic Bell Hill Darn Hot Peppers |
Todd Suwana and Julia Todd welcome guests to beautiful Historic Bell Hill in Cobden. Deborah Reinhardt Palmer photo | ||||||
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
Southern Illinois’ Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Straw bale bed and breakfast in Southern Illinois
Straw bale bed and breakfast in Southern Illinois
Green living is more than a commitment at home.This new Southern Illinois green bed & breakfast is getting a steady business simply by word of mouth. The Makanda Inn is an energy efficient small retreat and B&B.
Makanda Inn incorporates both high and low-tech methods for minimizing its impact on the environment. Most impressive is the straw bale wall construction which provides energy efficiency and insulation. Mikanda Inn supports several local farmers and artisans. Much of the spectacular art is from local artists and craftsmen.
The seasonal breakfast menu showcases natural ingredients broth organic and sustainable when available. Breakfast this morning will be strawberry French toast for the six guests staying at the inn.
On the way are a natural swimming pool, outdoor musical performances on a to-be-built stage, a hot soaking tub and hiking trails. Makanda Inn is landscaping now and although the Inn looks like it is under construction, it has been occupied by the owners for about a year.
Guests hear about the b&b’s four completed rooms by word of mouth. If you would like to enjoy the early stages of what promises to be long term commitment to our community, check for availability on the Makanda Inn website.
The fall promises to be a busy time for the Inn because they are in the heart of the Shawnee Wine Trail. It’s the kind of harmonious retreat where guests tend to return and consider the Inn a private getaway.
Mikanda Inn is growing and changing everyday, keep up with their progress at the Mikanda Inn website. Southernmost Illinois Touism Bureau has the most uptodate information about fall events and festivals. For more information about the area B & Bs,Shawnee Wine Trail links to a B&B website.
Makanda Inn, 855 Old Lower Cobden Road, Makanda, Illinois 62958, phone: (618) 697-7929
truth wall, so you can actually see that the wall is built of straw.Posted using ShareThis
Monday, August 10, 2009
Travel 101 Show me Caves in Missouri
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Travel 101 Show me Caves in Missouri
3 Cool State Park Cave Tours
Naturalist-led tours are offered in three State Parks
- Lake of the Ozarks SP - Ozark Caverns features Angel Showers, an unusual cave phenomenon, the never-ending shower of water seems to come out of the solid ceiling of rock. Traditional tours of the cave are given at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., through Aug. 15. Aug. 16 through Aug. 31 - traditional tours of the cave are given at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. The cave is 56° F. Adults $6, Children $4
- Meramec SP - Fisher Cave Tours through Aug. 31 - 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily and Sept. 1 through Oct. 15 - 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday through Monday Inside rooms and passages are well-preserved bear claw marks, cave wildlife and and calcite deposits in massive columns 30 feet tall. Adults $6, Children $4.
- Onondaga Cave SP -Visitors to Onondaga Cave State Park can tour both Onondaga and Cathedral caves. The cave's temperature is 57ºF (13ºC) year-round, so, bring a jacket and wear comfortable shoes.
Onondaga Cave - Tours are offered each day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They are walking tours, just less than one mile long, and last about one hour and 15 minutes. spectacular registered National Natural Landmark Adult admission $10, children $5.
Cathedral Cave - Lantern tours are given every Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day and by special arrangement. Tours are given on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. during April, May, September and October. It is a lantern tour that lasts approximately two hours. The cave tour itself lasts about an hour and 30 minutes. The remaining time is spent traveling on the trail to and from the cave entrance. It is more strenuous than the Onondaga Cave tour and covers one and two-thirds miles round trip. Adults $6, Children $4.
More Ozarks Information: To receive updates when new Ozarks travel information is published, return to the top of this article and click on “Subscribe to Email.” Your email address will not be used for any other purpose. Patsy also has a gardening blog: Oh, Grow Up!
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Dog days vacations in Springfield MO

Dog days vacations in Springfield MO
Dog days vacations in Springfield MO
Springfield-Greene County Park Board has some special programs geared toward dogs and dog lovers for September.
Checkout the dog swim and the dog fest hosted by the park board. Safety rules and event guidelines are on their website.
Cruse Dog Park, Springfield’s first off-leash dog park, is open to pets and their human guests at 2100 W. Catalpa (Main entrance is around corner Grand and Kansas Expressway.)
Annual Registration Fee: $25.00 per dog (maximum of two (2) dogs per person) or visitors and vacationers can try the park for a day with a daily pass available for $10 (per dog), limit of 2 dogs per owner plus $10 deposit.
Owners must provide a current copy of Certificate of Vaccination for Rabies, rabies tag number and pet medical records from a licensed veterinarian documenting current vaccinations for PARVO, DISTEMPER and BORDETELLA. For questions, call the dog park hotline number, 864-1404.
Here's the scoop
6th Annual Dog Swim, presented by: Pet Warehouse and Deerfield Veterinary Hospital is Tuesday, September 8, 2009, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.The pool is located at Fassnight Park Pool. Cost is $8.00 per dog (includes 1 owner; each additional human guest: $3.00)
Proof of current vaccinations required for participation. All proceeds benefit theCruse Dog Park.Call 864-1049 for more information.
Free Admission to Dogfest 2009, Saturday, September 26 at Chesterfield Family Center Park 10 a.m. -2:30 p.m. (Rain Date: Sun. Sept. 27th, 1pm-4:30 pm) Dogfest includes demonstrations, vendor booths and the 5th Annual Dachshund Dash.
Read these stories about pet friendly hotels in Springfield.
Missouri's Great American Road Trip - Camping Pet Friendly Camping at KOA
Great value at Springfield Days Inn Pet Friendly Hotel with great pet exercise area and complimentary pet package with no charges or deposit.
Springfield, Missouri, Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourist Information Center: 3315 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, MO 65804.
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Great value at Springfield Days Inn
Great value at Springfield Days Inn
Springfield is a halfway spot on my travels, mostly I want a clean, quite room and a good nights rest. I’ve found an economical, place that is pet friendly at the US 65 Hwy. & Battlefield Rd. exit in Springfield, Missouri.
Walk in the door and be welcomed by that famous Ozarks hospitality. The front desk is helpful and will always make sure you get the best room rate. They can even make a dinner recommendation or give directions and map out a sightseeing location. Days Inn is a Wyndham Rewards free travel rewards program.
You know you are in a pet friendly hotel, English bulldogs Buddy and Sissy are usually behind the desk to greet guests. See their video to learn about the great pet exercise area and complimentary pet package with no charges or deposit.
Owners Craig & Beckie Chandler seem to be there most all the time. Yes, that’s probably Beckie with the clip board inspecting the rooms after they have been cleaned. Rooms are always very clean and fresh smelling. The hotel is a 100% smoke free. Highspeed internet is free and easy access in all rooms.
Free Daybreak breakfast is included. Chances are owner Craig Chandler will personally make your breakfast waffles, if that is your choice. There is also Kellogg's™ cereals, breakfast breads and pastries. The Minute Maid® juice is cold and the Folgers® coffee is hot.
Groceries and fast food are within walking distance. Each room has a microwave and mini fridge.
Days Inn Battlefield Rd/Hwy 65, 3260 East Montclair Street, Battlefield Road/Hwy 65, Springfield, MO 65804 USA, Phone: 417-882-9484. Property is behind Price Cutter. One block from McDonald's.
Posted using ShareThisDine or overnight at the Noble House Restaurant Bed and Breakfast in Watonga
Dine or overnight at the Noble House Restaurant Bed and Breakfast in Watonga
Take a trip to Watonga, 70 miles northeast of Oklahoma City and visit the Noble House. Listed on the National Registry of Historical Buildings the Noble House was originally built in 1912 as a boarding house and expanded in 1937. Today the Noble House contains a restaurant downstairs with a menu that ranges from sandwich
es, to salads, to dinner entrees. The bread pudding is a specialty of the restaurant which is open Monday-Wednesday 6 am-2 pm, Thursday-Saturday 6 am-8 pm, and Sundays 11 am-2 pm. Noble House is also a Bed and Breakfast with 6 rooms upstairs furnished with antiques. All rooms have private baths, TV, DVD, and internet access. And of course breakfast is furnished for overnight guests. The Noble House is located at 112 N. Noble, Watonga; phone 580-623-2559.
While in Watonga visit the T.B. Ferguson Home, at 519 N. Weigle. Admission is free at The Ferguson Home which is open Wednesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm.
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Saturday, August 8, 2009
Branson Café serves country style food for 100 years
Branson Café serves country style food for 100 years
If there is a culinary dynasty in Branson, they are the owners of the Branson Café. Tom and Susie Roten and, John and Tami Roten and their families have cooking somewhere in the Branson area since 1954.Tom and John’s mother, Betty, started a down town institution, The Dutch Oven Pastry in 1959. Tami’s mother, Bette Beasley handled cooking chores of The Branson Café from 1954 to 1961. Brother Ken Roten owned and operated The Branson Café from 1985 to 2005.
The last time I was there, the Saturday lunch special was a two piece fried chicken dinner including mashed potatoes and gravy, hot roll, and choice of vegetable. My choice was peak of the season zucchini and tomatoes. Really, it was a hardy lunch, not something your waistline could afford everyday. Budget wise it was a bargain at $5.99.
The restaurant is famous for the pies. Fruit and cream pies are baked every day. Local favorites include raisin pie and gooseberry pie.
Branson Café is closed Sunday. Open Monday through Saturday,6:00 am to 8:00 pm. Breakfast is served from 6:00 am to 10:45 am.
The Café closes for two weeks in January. Beginning when they reopen in February, Branson Café will begin a year long Celebration of their 100 anniversary. Branson Café 20 W Main St, Branson, MO 65616, (417) 334-3021
The Downtown Branson Main Street Association (DBMA) http://downtownbranson.org/ works to revitalize historic downtown Branson. Click to view other dining and lodging options in historic Branson. DBMA always has the most up-to-date event schedule and list of shopping options.
Wake up and smell the coffee, it’s a breakfast worth getting up for: Branson Café - Breakfast for early risers, cinnamon rolls for late sleepers.
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Branson Café - Breakfast for early risers, cinnamon rolls for late sleepers
Branson Café - Breakfast for early risers, cinnamon rolls for late sleepers
Dinner plate sized cinnamon rolls are famous at the Branson Café. photo PBH
"Featuring Our Own Tom's Town Bakery Fresh Baked Goods"
If “Tom's Town Bakery Fresh Baked Goods” doesn’t mean anything to you, then check out the made fresh daily dinner-plate-sized cinnamon rolls at the register. They are not only big, but good. Tom Roten is Branson’s baker. You probably won’t see him in the Café, because he got up real early this morning to bake all the dinner rolls, pies and cinnamon roles you are eating or taking home from the Branson Café.
Breakfast includes eggs anyway you want, bacon, ham or sausage, omelets, hash browns, served with a choice of toast or biscuit. French toast and pancakes are served with butter and warm syrup.Service is fast and the food comes to the table hot off the grill.
Food never sits under the lights while you are hungry and waiting to be served. The longtime wait staff can turn tables steadily all morning without making diners feel rushed. The morning crowd, split about evenly between locals and vacationers, always get a hot breakfast with plenty of coffee.
The two favorites are Branson Cafe Originals: Tom's Scratch Biscuits with Big John's Gravy, and Tom's World Famous Cinnamon Roll is a baked, plate-sized cinnamon swirl topped with buttery icing.
Branson Café is closed Sunday. Open Monday through Saturday,6:00 am to 8:00 pm. Breakfast is served from 6:00 am to 10:45 am.
The Café closes for two weeks in January. Beginning when they reopen in February, Branson Café will begin a year long Celebration of their 100 anniversary. Number crunchers could tell you how many times that many fresh baked biscuits lined up side to side it would take to circle the globe. I don’t know the answer, but I am pretty certain Tom has baked that many biscuits.
Branson Café 120 W Main St, Branson, MO 65616, (417) 334-3021
"Keeping Ozark's Traditions Alive For 99 Years" at
120 West Main, Branson Missouri 65616, (417) 334-3021.
Open Monday - Saturday 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Breakfast is served from 6:00 am to 10:45 am.m.
The Downtown Branson Main Street Association (DBMA) to revitalize historic downtown Branson. Click to view other dining and lodging options in historic Branson. DBMA always has the most up-to-date event schedule and list of shopping options.
More Great values in Branson:
Branson's Riders of the Circle B real cowboy music, food and fun
Branson's Sugar Leaf Bakery Cafe in Grand Village
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