(GRAFTON, Ill.) — Southwestern Illinois is a beautiful place to visit in the fall. The clear blue skies, crisp air and a healthy mix of indoor & outdoor activities are easy to find. Less than one hour outside of St. Louis, Missouri lays Grafton, Illinois. A town with a population of 650 that welcomes countlessContinue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Grafton Winery”
Tag Archives: Foodie
Illinois Wine Tour: Lynfred Winery (Wheeling)
(Wheeling, Illinois) — During an adventure to Lake County, Illinois, about an hour north of Chicago, I researched the area’s winery scene and found Lynfred Winery! They didn’t have one… two… or three wineries. They had FIVE locations! The most logistical stop for our drive up to the Illinois Beach Hotel was the Wheeling location,Continue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Lynfred Winery (Wheeling)”
Escape to the only beachfront hotel in Illinois
(Zion, Illinois) — I asked my Facebook followers what the first word they thought of when they hear “Illinois.” Some negative remarks said “high taxes,” “corruption” and “pot holes.” The positive statements said “family,” “home” and “corn.” Well, just like corn, I believe in growing where you’re planted. I’m a Missouri boy, born and raised,Continue reading “Escape to the only beachfront hotel in Illinois”
Illinois Wine Tour: Old Mill Vineyard
(METAMORA, Ill.) — They say you can never get back a first impression, and at wineries, I believe there are two first impressions to be made. 1: The outdoor ambience 2: The indoor vibe Well, at Old Mill Vineyard in Metamora, Illinois, I was greatly impressed by both. A gravel road and a sign orContinue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Old Mill Vineyard”
From Vineyard to Cave: Illinois Wine Tour meets August Hill Winery
(PERU, Ill.) — Producing roughly 100,000 bottles of wine a year, August Hill Winery opened up shop in 2002. The inspiration of the winery comes from August (Augie) Engelhaupt, a farmer who tended to his land, teaching great life lessons to his grandson Mark Wenzel. Over two decades and a mechanical engineering degree later, MarkContinue reading “From Vineyard to Cave: Illinois Wine Tour meets August Hill Winery”
Illinois Wine Tour: Hidden Hills Winery
(KNOXVILLE, ILL.) — From sweet and dry wines to wine slushies and raspberry cider, Hidden Hills Vineyard and Winery has it all. Located in Knox County, Illinois, Hidden Hills was a retirement dream of David Poland. Now his dream is a reality, and I’m glad I was able to visit his great establishment with myContinue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Hidden Hills Winery”
The Perfect Summer Drink Just Dropped: Sprecher’s Tropical Cherry!
(MILWAUKEE, WI.) — Wisconsin is known for a vast array of beer, and Sprecher Brewery is a large part of that. But while I do love Sprecher’s alcoholic beverages, there’s something they have that many breweries don’t. Introducing the Soda Lab! And the brand new Sprecher soda flavor: Tropical Cherry. Each time I’ve been upContinue reading “The Perfect Summer Drink Just Dropped: Sprecher’s Tropical Cherry!”
From Prime Rib to Fried Strawberries! Suite Fire has it all
(PEORIA, Ill.) — It’s not everyday you see a popular hotel chain and think “Man, I really wanna stop by their restaurant!” Well, I hope this article makes you think twice on that. Many central Illinoisans know about the Holiday Inn & Suites at Grand Prairie on N. Orange Prairie Rd. But next time youContinue reading “From Prime Rib to Fried Strawberries! Suite Fire has it all”
Rib Report KC-Style: Q39 Barbecue!
(OVERLAND PARK, KS) — If you’re a barbecue connoisseur like me, you need to make your way to Kansas City! I’ve enjoyed KC BBQ now three different times, and I’ve loved it every time. In 2017, we had Joe’s. In 2022, it was Jack Stack. This year? We headed to Q39 (Overland Park location). Let’sContinue reading “Rib Report KC-Style: Q39 Barbecue!”
Illinois Wine Tour: Water’s Edge Winery & Bistro
(PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill.) — One of my go-to places on a weekend or when I have friends in town is Peoria Heights. Specifically, Heritage Square! In this area, you have any kind of food and drink option you’d need; plus it’s walkable! One of the newer tenants of Heritage Square is Water’s Edge Winery &Continue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Water’s Edge Winery & Bistro”
Matt Sheehan Official 