Guidebook for Cobden
My Favourite Spots
Lots of great places to hike, visit and eat out in the Southernmost Illinois. I own Cobden Village Shops (also Packrats Paradise) in downtown Cobden. We have local art, artisan made, handmade, vintage, antique, zero waste & fair trade items. We are open Thursday - Sunday 10-5. Iron Whisk, next door, is open 8 -2 the same days. They make the best breakfasts in Southernmost Illinois, hands down. Lunches are delicious as well. Harbaughs in Carbondale makes amazing breakfast as well. Kiki’s in Anna is a great little coffee house where guests sometimes go when they need stable WiFi. Union County Museum in Cobden, is across the tracks from my shops- an interesting stop plus there’s a shop with antiques & other neat items for sale. You’ll find a traditional Mexican stand one block up from the museum, open every day 11-3 except Sunday. Check out the Shawnee Wine Trail, The Beer Trail, local organic farms, alpacas, bison, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys, cows - it's fun touring around the area - amazing scenic, hiking & climbing attractions in our area. Printed brochures are located in the binder and you can find more every place you go. Enjoy your stay!!!!
The Iron Whisk Bistro & Bar
200 S Front StSo so good. That is all. :)
Shopping
Visiting the Makanda Boardwalk is a unique experience. The Makanda Trading Company is one of four shops along the boardwalk. They are all unique! Sandwiches, coffee and ice cream available.
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Makanda Trading Company
510 Makanda RdVisiting the Makanda Boardwalk is a unique experience. The Makanda Trading Company is one of four shops along the boardwalk. They are all unique! Sandwiches, coffee and ice cream available.
If you like antiques, vintage, repurposed items, handmade & regifts, you'll love walking around in Packrats. We support local artists, artisans and growers. Prices are very reasonable. Lots of unique finds.
Pack Rats Paradise Antique Mall
220 S Front StIf you like antiques, vintage, repurposed items, handmade & regifts, you'll love walking around in Packrats. We support local artists, artisans and growers. Prices are very reasonable. Lots of unique finds.
Food Scene
I can't say enough good things about this quaint, family-run business. The food is authentic and delicious. It's affordable for the whole family. Dine in, outside on the patio or take with you.
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Taqueria Pequena
105 S Appleknocker DrI can't say enough good things about this quaint, family-run business. The food is authentic and delicious. It's affordable for the whole family. Dine in, outside on the patio or take with you.
Great variety of coffee, tea and other drinks to choose from. A funky little place in old downtown Anna. Many guests go there for coffee and wifi. Open mic nights on Thursdays. Closed on Sundays.
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Kiki's Coffee House
326 S Main StGreat variety of coffee, tea and other drinks to choose from. A funky little place in old downtown Anna. Many guests go there for coffee and wifi. Open mic nights on Thursdays. Closed on Sundays.
Arts & Culture
The Tasting Room hosts works of local artists & serves as a venue for music & other local events. Enjoy a spectacular view of the vineyards & Southern Illinois. Part of the Shawnee Wine Trail.
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Alto Vineyards
8515 IL-127The Tasting Room hosts works of local artists & serves as a venue for music & other local events. Enjoy a spectacular view of the vineyards & Southern Illinois. Part of the Shawnee Wine Trail.
Cobden Museum
206 S Front StThe Old Feed Store is a unique venue for music, markets and more! Check their facebook page to see what's happening during your stay.
The Old Feed Store
111 N Appleknocker DrThe Old Feed Store is a unique venue for music, markets and more! Check their facebook page to see what's happening during your stay.
Parks & Nature
Quite a few of my guests have gone and love it. It's a rocky climb over rocks and water, but very beautiful.
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Little Grand Canyon
Quite a few of my guests have gone and love it. It's a rocky climb over rocks and water, but very beautiful.
My friends Mark or Joe are great guides for trips on the Cache River and for the area in general. Call and book a reservation for a canoe, kayak and do self-guided or guided. I recommend guided!
White Crane Canoe Rentals & Guide Service
240 Dean LnMy friends Mark or Joe are great guides for trips on the Cache River and for the area in general. Call and book a reservation for a canoe, kayak and do self-guided or guided. I recommend guided!
We'll need to give your directions to Kaolin pond, although it is located on the Shawnee Hills Forest Map if you have one. It's a great swimming hole and has a hiking trail. Nice spot for a picnic as well. A former clay pit, there are still pockets of clay in the pond that you can dig up and shape.
Kaolin Pit Lane
Kaolin Pit LaneWe'll need to give your directions to Kaolin pond, although it is located on the Shawnee Hills Forest Map if you have one. It's a great swimming hole and has a hiking trail. Nice spot for a picnic as well. A former clay pit, there are still pockets of clay in the pond that you can dig up and shape.
An easy hike with beautiful rock formations.
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Pomona Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge RoadAn easy hike with beautiful rock formations.
Hiking trails and places to picnic and camp.
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Trail of Tears State Forest
3240 State Forest RdHiking trails and places to picnic and camp.
Holy Boulders has the largest concentration of boulders in Southern Illinois. October to April is the best rock-climbing season in this area, both for temperature and minimal ticks etc.
Holy Boulders
1975 Hutchins Creek RdHoly Boulders has the largest concentration of boulders in Southern Illinois. October to April is the best rock-climbing season in this area, both for temperature and minimal ticks etc.
The trail is below the bluff and lookout on Skyline Drive - the road connecting Old 51 and Hwy. 127. Begin & return to Alto Pass -an easy & scenic trail on the former railway bed. Easy walking or bike ride. Choice to climb the stairs up to the Skyline overlook(which can also be accessed by car just outside of Alto Pass).
Quetil Trail
Quetil TrailThe trail is below the bluff and lookout on Skyline Drive - the road connecting Old 51 and Hwy. 127. Begin & return to Alto Pass -an easy & scenic trail on the former railway bed. Easy walking or bike ride. Choice to climb the stairs up to the Skyline overlook(which can also be accessed by car just outside of Alto Pass).
Everything Else
In Sync has a massage therapist for everyone's needs. If you are on your own, a couple or with a few people they will try to accommodate your schedule. Ask about prebooking - I'm the manager there : )
In Sync Mind Body Therapy Center
2031 S Illinois AveIn Sync has a massage therapist for everyone's needs. If you are on your own, a couple or with a few people they will try to accommodate your schedule. Ask about prebooking - I'm the manager there : )
On the way up to Bald Knob you will pass through the historic town of Alto Pass. Pick up something for a picnic at Grammer's Market. Alto Clay Works is located on the way out to Hwy. 127. You'll also find Rendleman Orchards Market, Van Jacob Winery and Alto Vineyards as you head west.
Alto Pass
On the way up to Bald Knob you will pass through the historic town of Alto Pass. Pick up something for a picnic at Grammer's Market. Alto Clay Works is located on the way out to Hwy. 127. You'll also find Rendleman Orchards Market, Van Jacob Winery and Alto Vineyards as you head west.