🎮 Our middle guy is a gamer at heart, so we couldn’t wait to check out A2Z Trading Card Games in Murphysboro, IL! Tucked behind the courthouse, this spot has everything gaming—Pokémon, D&D, collectibles, and more.
✨ Bonus: They host gaming nights for both kids and adults! Be sure to follow their socials for updates and plan your visit during their hours:
🕒 Fri 3-9
🕑 Sat 2-9
🕐 Sun 1-8
🕑 Mon & Thurs 2-8
🕑 Tues 2-9
🚪 Closed Wed
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#murphysboroil #middleofeverything #gamingstore
✈️ Veterans Airport/Chicago to Southern Illinois: Part 2
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We recently had the chance to fly @iflycontour out of @veteransairport in Marion, IL, and our return proved to be just as smooth as our way there! If you haven’t checked out our Part 1 head to our feed.
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Day two highlights were incredible, but the ease of travel stole the show:
⏰ No early alarms—we got to the airport at 8:30 with time to spare.
🛫 Minimal lines, quick security, and a smooth flight back.
🚗 Landed and were home in just 10 minutes.
As for Chicago:
❄️ Skated the ribbon at @maggie.daley.park—so cool surrounded by skyscrapers!
🎡 Visited The Bean, explored downtown, and enjoyed street performers.
🍪 Ended the night with sweet treats from a @thebakehousechicago near our Airbnb in Roscoe Village.
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🙏Flying @iflycontour out of @veteransairport makes city trips unbelievably easy and stress-free.
#ContourAirlines #VeteransAirport #MarionIL #SouthernIllinois #middleofeverything
Green Earth Inc
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With six separate nature preserves scattered throughout Carbondale, we recently visited the Bush Hill site, surrounded by the stillness of winter, and spotted our first-ever frost flower! These delicate, icy ribbons form when freezing temps draw moisture from plant stems—like little works of art in nature.
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Afterward, we swung by the Winter Farmers Market (Sundays, 9 AM to noon at University Mall). It’s cozy, welcoming, and filled with everything from fresh produce to handmade goods—just as awesome as the summer market. 🥕🍯
Winter adventures like this make the season feel so much brighter
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#southernil #southernillinois #middleofeverything #carbondaleil
🍺Route 51 Brewery🍺
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When we’re in the mood for great food, good vibes, and live music, Route 51 Brewing Company just outside Murphysboro is where we end up. The food is next-level bar fare, the atmosphere is always lively and fun, and it’s family-friendly, which makes it perfect for all ages.
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✌️This has become our go-to for family nights out or when we’re hosting out-of-town relatives who love a high-energy, welcoming spot.
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Hours:
Thursday: 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 4 PM - 10 PM
Saturday: 12 PM - 10 PM
Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM
Check their social media for the live music lineup—it’s worth planning a visit around.
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#southernillinoismusic #southernil #middleofeverything #brewery #localbrewery
🎄Holiday Magic at @cedarhurstarts //Cedarhurst🎄
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In partnership with @banterrabank , we experienced The Lights at Cedarhurst in Mt. Vernon, and it was pure magic! Over 1 million twinkling lights wind through their stunning grounds, creating a whimsical, heartwarming walking experience (I may or may not have teared up🥹).
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Here’s the scoop:
🎟️ $15/adult, $5/kids
📆 Fri/Sat/Sun, 5-9 PM, through Dec 29
💻 Tickets available online or at the door
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🕊️We made a night of it with dinner at @seasoningbistro in Benton and cozy treats like hot cocoa and s’mores from Cedarhurst’s holiday shop. Just an hour from Carterville, this is a must-do for families, date nights, or anyone craving holiday cheer!
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#mtvernonil #middleofeverything #southernil #yessitb #cedarhurstcenterforthearts
✨Slip away in Jackson Co, Il✨
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Whether taking out of town guests, or getting a break from out of town guests, the #shawneenationalforest is waiting and she is overflowing with places to find some peace!
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🍁While some of the more well known so/ill attractions are on the East side (think Garden of the Gods) or near the university, we have found Jackson County and the west side of southern Illinois to have some of our favorite places to explore. We also find that we never have to deal with crowds, regardless of the season.
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Some of our fave spots include
💕Giant City State Park
💕Kinkaid Spillway
💕Cove Hollow
💕Piney Creek Ravine
💕Pomona Natural Bridge
💕Little Grand Canyom
💕Mississippi Riverfront
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Where do you slip away to in so/ill?
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#southernil #southernillinois #yessitb #middleofeverything #giantcitystatepark #shawneenationalforest
🎩Off the top🎩
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What is the best family friendly hike in Southern Illinois?
🍁Ferne Clyffe State Park// We mention the (rain fed) waterfall trail, ie Big Rocky Hollow Trail, but the Rebman trail located next to it is another one great for littles!
🍁Giant City Staye Park// with 7+ hiking trails and a great visitors center, this is a great family friendly state park!
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What are your recommended hikes with kiddos?
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#shawneenationalforest #giantcitystatepark #yessitb #southernillinois
🎩Off the Top🎩
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What is the most peaceful place in so/ill?
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✨Mississippi Bottoms + Riverfront
✨La Rue Pines
✨Active Falls // Some faves include Ferne Clyffe, Bork Falls, Kinkaid Spillway
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We could write a book with local spots that fit the bill! What are your peaceful go-to spots?
🎩Off the Top🎩
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Name some romantic spots for a southern Illinois date
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🧺Picnic or kayaking at 📍Devils Kitchen Lake
🦀Crab Rangoon from @china wok
🍭Sweet snacks from @tastebuds snack shop
🥾Hike 📍Rocky Bluff Trail
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We realized romantic is a relative term. We are shamelessly ‘crab Rangoon’ romantic! How do you get romantic in so/ill?
🎃 The Great Carbondale Pumpkin Race🎃
This annual tradition brings families and local groups together in the heart of Carbondale for an unforgettable day of creativity, competition, and community spirit. We checked it out for the first time today and heres a breakdown of the day:
🏎️ Pumpkin Racers of All Kinds: Participants can bring their own pumpkins or sign up on the spot. From serious racers to quirky entries like a carrot on wheels, every entry added its own charm.
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🛠️ Prep Workshop: For those wanting a head start, the event offers a workshop with rules, instructions, and hands-on help, making it accessible for everyone from pros to first-timers.
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🏆 The Races & Smashes: The competition was fierce for some, while others joined in for the laughs, aiming to see their pumpkins ceremoniously “smashed” by a guest of honor.
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🚒 Community Support: With the street closed down, local organizations like the fire department joined in, making it a true community event.
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Can’t wait to bring our own pumpkin racer next year!
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#southernil #carbondaleil #yessitb
🌮El Jalisco🌮
📍Murphysboro
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If you know, you know! Mondays are impossible to find places to eat out and as small business owners Mondays are often our weekend. We recently stopped into El Jalisco and were impressed with the bright atmosphere and flavorful food.
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✨The mango chipotle tacos were a huge hit and we will definitely be back!
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Hours
Sun-Wed 11-9
Third-Sat 11-10
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What’s your fave Monday eatery?
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#southernil #yessitb #murphysboroil
🎩Off the Top🎩
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Name a trail or hike that surprised you the first time. Here are our picks off the tops of our heads//
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🌳Panther's Den
🌳Garden of the Gods
🌳Little Grand Canyon
🌳Trail of Tears State Park
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What other trails took you by surprise?
