Let me tell ya, seeing Kenny Wayne Shepherd live, one of the greatest guitar players of all time, will change you! We started out the night with a quick pivot after deciding I didnt want to people pre-concert…so we swapped our original dinner plans for Kaisen Hibachi Express in Marion and as always, no regrets. Huge portions, incredible flavor, and the sauce lives up to the hype.
We took it out to Wolf Creek Causeway at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, one of our favorite sunset spots in Southern Illinois.
Then we headed to Walker’s Bluff Casino for the show. Phenomenal.
What a night we had in partnership with Banterra Bank and Visit SI!!
.
#southernillinois #kennywayneshepherd
🌸 A Day for Her. A Moment for Memories. 🌸
.
This Mother’s Day, celebrate the women who have given so much by creating an experience she will truly cherish. From peaceful lakeside mornings to charming downtown strolls and unforgettable dining, Southern Illinois offers the perfect setting to slow down and reconnect.
.
Whether you are honoring a mother, grandmother, or a guiding figure in your life, the most meaningful gift is time spent together. Let Williamson County be the backdrop for those heartfelt moments.
.
✨ Plan a day she will never forget:
👉
.
Because the best memories are made together.
#MothersDay #VisitSI #SouthernIllinois #WilliamsonCounty #MothersDayGetaway #ExploreLocal #TravelIllinois #WeekendVibes #MakeMemories #SupportLocal
It’s Food Truck Season! Catch @eatdavesbagels throughout Southern Illinois for amazing grilled bagels featuring “The Hawaiian”.
.
.
Follow his page and ours for the next stop in our Food truck series.
#DavesBagels #GoodEats #FoodTruck #visitSI
Big news close to home ☕️
Velvet Moon Coffee Co. just opened a location in Carterville, IL literally within walking distance from us, and we are super geeked!
They’re set inside 62 Social, a historic space brought back to life by Jennifer Spence (one of our partners at Banterra Bank, which makes it even more special).
We can’t wait for the eatery portion, Monty and Co, to open later this year. Led by the chef behind Keepers Quarters, we know it’s going to be so good! All of this spearheaded by the owner of 618 Taphouse and the Cross Eyed Bear, the space is also available to rent for events.
.
#southernillinois
Tacos are always a yes for us 🌮🔥
We partnered with Visitsi and Banterra Bank to check out the annual Southern Illinois Taco Fest hosted at The Pavilion in Marion, a fundraiser supporting local vets and Disabled American Veterans.
So many local eateries showed up, bringing a wide range of proteins and bold flavor profiles to choose from, making for lots of variety.
Save the date for next year… tacos for a good cause, we’re in!
#TriviaTuesday: Name that trail.
.
Can you name this trail? We'll give you a hint, bluff is in the name.
.
We love a good April shower because it brings beautiful, serene, and peaceful waterfalls.
#Waterfalls #SouthernIllinois #CONWR #asmr #visitSI
New flavors have arrived in Marion! 🍜🥢
.
If you have not yet visited Izumi House, now is the perfect time to discover one of the area's newest dining spots. From savory ramen and fresh sushi rolls to flavorful hibachi dishes, fruit teas, and boba, there is something on the menu for everyone. ✨
. Are you planning a lunch date, dinner with friends, or simply craving something different? This cozy new restaurant is quickly becoming a local favorite. Visitors are especially loving the generous portions, welcoming atmosphere, and variety of dishes. 🌸🍣
.
Who is ready to give it a try? Tag your favorite foodie and start planning your next meal in Marion! 😍
#MarionIllinois #SouthernIllinois #EatLocal #FoodieFinds #visitSI #SouthernIllinoisEats #Ramen #Sushi #BobaTea #SupportLocal
🌕🌸✨💕
Blessed Pink Full Moon, my loves!
Let’s celebrate 🥳😍🥰
My body becomes a magnet for abundance.
My voice becomes a portal for an invitation for miracles.
May love choose you.
May opportunities multiply for you.
9 days until we gather at Lake of Egypt. Will you & your lover or bestie be our last pair to book? We have space for you if you feel called to join (🔗 in bio). Final prep in motion. Heart full of gratitude! 🙏
#yogaretreats #lakeofegypt #shawneeginger #meditation #optoutside #shawneenationalforest #gongs #enjoyillinois #soundbath
Last year at Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge we started noticing more bald eagles than we remembered seeing before, and it turns out we weren’t imagining it.
In the 1980s, Illinois only had 1–3 nesting pairs due to depleted numbers from a specific pesticide banned in the 70s. Today, Southern Illinois is home to 300+ nesting pairs, with thousands more passing through each winter, making this one of the most important bald eagle regions in the country.
While filming at Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge, we spotted several, making it an easy, family-friendly stop for birdwatching, fresh air, and a quiet day outdoors.
A simple reminder that conservation works, and some of the best Southern Illinois experiences are found just off the main road.
In partnership with Banterra Bank and Visit SI.
.
#southernillinois
