Hiking & Wine Tasting - Exploring area nature trails and sampling Southern Illinois wines is a great way to see the sites.

Explore the Cache River Wetlands - One of the few remaining wetland ecosystems, canoeing the Cache River Wetlands is something not to be missed!

Learn to Rock Climb - The breathtaking bluffs of Southernmost Illinois are waiting to be conquered!

Golfing - Nine 18-hole area golf courses and Southernmost Illinois' more temperate climate provides challenging golfing of all skill levels almost year round.

Horseback Riding - Picture yourself riding through the orchards and forests of Southern Illinois selectively choosing an apple or a peach off a nearby tree as you mosey on by!

Exploring Area Antiques - If you love to explore local antique shops, you'll love Southern Illinois.

Bike Tunnel Hill State Trail - If you love to explore local antique shops, you'll love Southern Illinois.

Hiking & Wine Tasting — The Pomona to Alto Trail

After enjoying a wonderful night's sleep at Hidden Lake Bed & Breakfast - and a delicious breakfast - exploring area nature trails and sampling Southern Illinois wines is a great way to see the sites. Be sure to order a Hidden Lake picnic to enjoy along the way! And take a copy of the Wine Trail map that depicts not only the Vineyards and Wineries but also the hiking areas and other scenic stops. Be sure to flip a coin for a designated driver - or hire a limo! There are 5 wineries to enjoy along the Pomona to Alto Trail!

• Start by visiting the Pomona Natural Bridge. A beautiful, pristine walking trail highlighting a stone bridge carved out over thousand of years by the waterway which ran beneath. Only 1/2 mile to and from the parking area, Pomona Natural Bridge has a spiritual aura about it.


• Next, drive on to Little Grand Canyon about 5 miles south of Murphysboro but bring your hiking boots and your water bottle, Little Grand Canyon is noted for its challenging 3 and 7 mile trails. Assuming our springs rains are sufficient, you'll find yourself climbing up along side a waterfall!


• Then stop at Pomona Winery. A producer of fruit wines, a visit to Pomona will have you walking away feeling like a vintner - or at least a knowledgeable wine connoisseur. Don't think you like fruit wines? Our last guest to say those words purchased a case to take home! Be certain to try their Orchard Spice - I hear it's great served over ice cream!


• Von Jakob Vineyards is your next stop and a great place to enjoy that picnic. You have two locations from which to choose - one on Rt. 127, south of Pomona with fantastic views and their original location on the Wine Trail with beautiful decks overlooking sweeping acres of vineyards. Stop in to taste their wines and browse their gift shop. Then choose your favorite wine to enjoy on the deck while you partake in the gourmet delights of your Hidden Lake picnic basket!


• Onward now to Alto Vineyards, the largest and oldest winery on the Pomona to Alto part of the wine trail. The largest producer of wine in Southern Illinois, Alto Vineyards is also the oldest winery in the area boasting over 230 medals for their award winning wines since 1988. I hear great things about their Chamborcin if you're into dry reds as well as their Alto Festa if you enjoy a sweet blush. Alto also boasts a neat gift shop to check out while you're there.


• Forgot to ask for a picnic and in need of some lunch? Stop in at the Root Beer Saloon in Alto Pass just south of Alto Vineyards. Offering an eclectic menu - peel and eat shrimp, poor boy sandwiches, applewood smoked duck, and the "Elvis Special" - a honey, banana and peanut butter sandwich - to name just a few, there is also an espresso and cappuccino bar. They also have a large variety of coffees, teas and spices for sale. But be warned! The Root Beer Saloon is not for the fain to heart when it comes to taxidermy! And for dessert - stop in at Ms. Froggy's, just next door, for great variety of fudge - many made with our locals wines! - or perhaps some ice cream!


• Next, try Hedman's Orchard and Winery. New just this year, a stop at Hedman's offers the chance to try a few wines, pick up some fresh peaches and enjoy lunch in the Peach Barn Café which serves up authentic Swedish cuisine! You'll also enjoy their small gift shop and some beautiful views.


• Then take a drive up to the top of Bald Knob Mountain. Boasting the highest elevation in Southern Illinois, Bald Knob Mountain is also home to Bald Knob Cross, a cross which stands 111 feet high serving as a national symbol of God for all denominations. The views from Bald Knob Mountain make it worth the drive! During the fall color change, a drive up Bald Knob Mountain is an absolute must!


• Last but not least is Inheritance Valley Vineyard and Winery. One of the newest winery along this part of the trail, Inheritance Valley began producing commercial wines during the 2002 harvest and opened for sales in 2003. One of the smaller wineries along the wine trail, Inheritance Valley makes up for it with great service and personality!

More Hiking: Hiking trails are abundant in the State Forests of Southern Illinois. Others include: Giant City State Park on the Anna to Makanda Trail, Ferne Clyffe noted for its impressive rock formations including , a 150-foot-long shelter bluff, and a 100-foot intermittent waterfall; Trail of Tears used extensively by prehistoric Native Americans who were pushed south and west around 1803 as settlers of European descent entered; LaRue Pine Hills - noted for its scenic overlooks as well as its spring and fall snake migration!; Dixon Springs State Park and Garden of the Gods.

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Hiking & Wine Tasting — The Anna to Makanda Trail

After enjoying a wonderful night's sleep at Hidden Lake Bed & Breakfast - and a delicious breakfast - exploring area nature trails and sampling Southern Illinois wines is a great way to see the sites. Be sure to order a Hidden Lake picnic to enjoy along the way! And take a copy of the Wine Trail map that depicts not only the Vineyards and Wineries but also the hiking areas and other scenic stops.

• Begin the 2nd day of your hiking and wine tasting adventure by driving up to Giant City State Park for some hiking. Stop off at the new Visitor's Center and pick up a map of the hiking trails. Giant City State Park offers six different hiking trails for you to explore with such curiously interesting names as Devil's Standtable, Post Oak and Stonefort to name a few. Say hi to Jenny, one of Giant City's naturalists. She'll point you in all of the right directions! And while you're at the Visitor's Center, stop in the viewing room for a brief 10-minute movie highlighting the park, why it's called Giant City, and more.


• Hungry after hiking? Check out Giant City Lodge before you leave the park. Built by the CCC during the Depression, the Lodge is famous for their all-you-can-eat fried chicken family style dinner. They also offer a full menu of tasty entrees including some lighter fare. The architecture of the Lodge itself is worth checking out even if you're not hungry!


• Although you can leave the park via Giant City Park Road and hook right up with the Wine Trail, John and I always recommend that our guests first visit the stores along the artsy Makanda Boardwalk. At one end of the boardwalk is Southern Sister's Workshop that uses antique looms to weave rugs, placemats, and wall hangings. At the other end is Rainmaker's - housing the copper jewelry and very interesting sculptures created by artist, Dave Dardis - definitely worth seeing! You'll also enjoy a stroll through Rainmaker's back garden. A work in progress with many interesting points to enjoy. In between Rainmaker's and Southern Sisters, you'll find a variety of other artisans shops selling paintings, photography, pottery and more. If its not too early, stop in for an ice cream cone, a hot cup of tea or perhaps a sandwich at the Makanda General Store on the Boardwalk.


• Now onto some wine tasting! Your first stop...Winghill Winery - not yet officially on the Shawnee Wine Trail and soon to be renamed Starview Winery - this winery was just recently purchased by a lovely young couple from Atlanta. They are selling out the current stock on Winghill wines while they work to build a new tasting room/banquet center and develop wines of their own!


• Then move onto Owl Creek Vineyard. Boasting one of the prettiest tasting rooms, Owl Creek produces wine only from grapes grown here in Southern Illinois. Try some as you relax on their back deck and gaze over the vineyards of Owl Creek. I understand that their Water Valley White is terrific!


• Next stop - Blue Sky Vineyard. The newest winery along the Shawnee Wine Trail (opening May 2005), Blue Sky Winery brings the ambiance of Tuscany to the hillsides of Southernmost Illinois! 360-degree hand painted murals of Tuscany fill the arched ceilings of the Tuscan style villa which comprises their tasting room. A little off the beaten track, Blue Sky definitely is worth the drive! ? Blue Sky Vineyard

More Hiking: Hiking trails are abundant in the State Forests of Southern Illinois. Others include: Little Grand Canyon on the Pomona to Alto Trail, Ferne Clyffe noted for its impressive rock formations including Hawk's Cave, a 150-foot-long shelter bluff, and a 100-foot intermittent waterfall; Trail of Tears used extensively by prehistoric Native Americans who were pushed south and west around 1803 as settlers of European descent entered; LaRue Pine Hills - noted for its scenic overlooks as well as its spring and fall snake migration!; Dixon Springs State Park and Garden of the Gods.

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Explore the Cache River Wetlands

With an ecological status equal to that of the Florida Everglades and totaling 12,956 acres, exploration of the Cache River Wetlands is something not to be missed! And for those of you old enough to remember Harrison Ford fleeing US Marshall Sam Gerard through the swamps of Southern Illinois as Dr. Richard Kimble in the movie The Fugitive, you might even recognize some of the sights!

First stop? I would recommend the new Barkhausen Wetlands Center. This 6,500-square-foot wetlands center completed in 2004 provides a wealth of information on the importance of wetlands with new exhibits completed just this year as well as audio-visual presentations and viewing decks. Open Friday and Saturday, 8:30 to 4:30, the building itself is worth the stop!

Begin your morning by canoeing the Cache River Wetlands. Surrounded by Cypress trees, bugs keep their distance making this a truly enjoyable canoe trip. For those seeking a white-water rafting experience, this is not it! The wetlands offer a very scenic, non-arduous experience for the novice. Most of our guests take 2 1/2 to 3 hours for this wonderful excursion. Of course, always exercise caution while in a canoe - tipping over into the wetlands would not be a highlight. As you make your way through, keep your eyes open for a view of the oldest Cypress tree east of the Mississippi. Nearby you'll find an overlook and a short hiking trail on which to stretch your legs. As you canoe the waterway, you're most likely to see a number of great blue heron as well as a multitude of other birds.

Done canoeing? Explore on foot! There are 10 hiking trails from as little as 250 feet to the see a cypress tree over 1000 years old with a circumference of 40 feet to as long as 5.5 miles on the difficult Little Black Slough Trail. My favorite? The Heron Pond Boardwalk! This floating boardwalk takes you into a magical world unlike anything else in the Midwest, offering breathtaking views of cypress tress towering hundreds of feet into the skies. It's a short 1/2 mile walk from the parking lot to the boardwalk and well worth the effort. While you there be sure to check out the championship cherry bark oak tree. Over 25 feet in circumference, it's impressive enough to make the little extra walk worthwhile. But try several of the trails - you won't be disappointed in the unique beauty of the Cache River Wetlands.

Now onto some wine tasting! One of the newest wineries to Southernmost Illinois is the Cache River Basin Vineyard and Winery. Located in Belknap nearby to the Heron Pond Boardwalk, Cache River Basin Winery is a good place to enjoy a Hidden Lake picnic or backpack lunch while you enjoy a bottle of your favorite wine. Forgot to order a picnic? There's a cute restaurant just north of the winery in Vienna called Little House of Pastries. Unfortunately the restaurant is not smoke-free but they will pack up an order to go and their pastries, pies and cakes make the stop-in worthwhile! While you're there, be sure to ask about their special 'Pig Lickin' Good' cake! Personally I can't get past their cinnamon twists! And before you head back, check out the Shawnee Winery Cooperative. Located just east of 'downtown' Vienna and north on Red Bud, the Shawnee Winery Cooperative was formed to create a market for small grape growers in the southern Illinois area. They offer a nice selection of wines and their Tiffany's Gold was a recent award winner!

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Learn to Rock Climb!

Looking for a little adventure? Looking for something to really talk about when asked about your last vacation? Learn to rock climb!

The hilly terrain and breathtaking bluffs of Southernmost Illinois offer perfect rock climbing conditions for the beginner as well as the experienced rock climber. For the beginner, sign-up for a 1/2 day or full day class designed to get you climbing within the first hour. Not to worry! You'll progress at your own pace starting with the smallest of hills and only moving on when you feel comfortable. You'll learn some of the climbing jargon to impress your friends, a bit about safety, and a lot about the technique of rock climbing.

Already have some experience? Kathy & Eric will help you pick up where you left off. Everything you need is supplied by Vertical Heartland. You just need to wear comfortable clothing, sneakers for the short walk to the bluffs, light weight socks to wear with your climbing shoes, lots of water, snacks, and plenty of film in your camera! I've done this several times now with my 14 year old niece - in fact she reports that the rock climbing wall in the gym is no longer a challenge!

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Golfing

Interested in getting in some serious golfing practice on a variety of golf settings? Southernmost Illinois is the place to visit! Within 1 hour of Hidden Lake Bed & Breakfast, and several within 30 minutes, are nine 18-hole golf courses offering a variety of challenges to golfers of all skill levels. All offer winter golf so extend your golf season - come enjoy our warmer temperatures and terrific golfing opportunities! After golfing, head out to visit some of the area wineries. Stone Creek Golf Course is within minutes of Owl Creek, Winghill and at bit further out, Blue Sky Winery.

• Union County Country Club (Anna) - Within 5 minutes of Hidden Lake, Union County Country Club offers an 18-hole, Par 71, 6000 yard golf course with a full Pro Shop and cart rentals. Greens fees run $20-$29.


• Stone Creek Golf Club (Makanda) - One of our newest area golf courses, Stone Creek is receiving high praise for its golfing challenge. Its 18-hole, Par 72, 6900 yard golf course is accompanied by a full Pro Shop and cart rentals. Greens fees run $20-$23. Stone Creek also offers a terrific restaurant on-site. John and I have enjoyed dinner there on many occasions!


• Kokopelli Golf Course (Marion) - Also receiving rave reviews from previous golfing guests of Hidden Lake B Kokopelli offers an 18-hole, Par 72, 7150-yard golf course with a course/slope rating of 75.2/139. Greens fees run $25.50-$29.50. Facilities include a full Pro Shop, cart rentals and restaurant. Kokopelliís also offers a terrific restaurant on-site. Enjoy a relaxing lunch after a successful 18 holes!


• Crab Orchard Golf Course (Carterville) - Crab Orchard offers an 18-hole, Par 70, 6420-yard golf course with a course/slop rating of 71.0/129. Facilities include a full Pro Shop, cart rentals and restaurant. Greens fees run $20.


• Hickory Ridge Golf Course (Carbondale) - Hickory Ridge offers an 18-hole, Par 72, 6865-yard golf course with a course/slop rating of 71.6/134. Facilities include a full Pro Shop, cart rentals and snack shop. Greens fees run $20-$23.


• Jackson Country Club (Carbondale) - Jackson offers an 18-hole, Par 71 course with a course/slop rating of 69/68. Facilities include a full Pro Shop, cart rentals and Club House. Greens fees run $23.


• Red Hawk Country Club (Du Quoin) - Red Hawk offers an 18-hole, Par 71, 6100yard golf course with a course/slop rating of 71.0/129. Facilities include a full Pro Shop, cart rentals and restaurant. Greens fees run $20.


• Metropolis Country Club (Metropolis) - A unique opportunity to combine a day of golf with an evening of Riverboat Gambling! Metropolis Country Club offers an 18-hole, Par 71, 6179-yard golf course with a course/slop rating of 68.5/121. Facilities include a full Pro Shop, cart rentals and snack shop. Greens fees run $15-$20.


• Gambit Golf Course (Vienna) - Gambit offers an 18-hole, Par 71, 6546-yard golf course with a course/slop rating of 72.4/137. Facilities include a full Pro Shop, cart rentals and snack shop. Greens fees run $32-$38 including cart rental.
  

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Horseback Riding

Do you love to horseback ride but hate the thought of plodding along a designated trail for 50 minutes behind a long line of other riders who were hoping for more than horses who would rather be back at the barn (and who can blame them!)? Well you're in luck! Here in Southern Illinois we are fortunate enough to have a wonderful stable where you can rent horses - real horses - the kind that like to trot, and gallop, and look forward to a ride as much as you!

Picture yourself riding through the orchards and forests of Southern Illinois selectively choosing an apple or a peach off a nearby tree as you mosey on by! Then stretch your legs by the side of a clear running creek as you stop to water the horses. Rides can range from 2 hours to a whole day and rates are very reasonable - 2 hours/$25/person, 4 hours/$75/person. Saddlebag lunches are provided on the longer excursions. And as I found out, if you haven't ridden in years, galloping may not be the experience you remember! Although my sixteen year old niece had a great time! Reservations are limited so you have to plan ahead but it's well worth it!

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Exploring Area Antiques

If you love to explore local antique shops, you'll love Southern Illinois. We usually recommend two days to visit them all! Begin your antique hunting at Isom's Antiques in Anna. A series of three store fronts on Main Street just south of the 4-way stop, Isom's offers the chance to dig into corners and under tables in the quest for your next small treasure. They also display a nice showing of better antiques, particularly glass and china. Isom's is also home to the Kirkpatrick Pottery Museum. In the early 1900s, the manufacturing of Kirkpatrick Pottery was big industry in Anna. Almost 2 million clay pipes were shipped to Europe in their heyday. The clay for Kirkpatrick pottery was mined at Kaolin Pond in Anna where a town of nearly 1700 once lived. Find a piece of Kirkpatrick pottery today and you will have discovered a true treasure. Most unusual are the Kirkpatrick pottery pigs - you'll never guess what they were used for! - and their infamous serpent vases, at least one of which is displayed in the Smithsonian.

Then backtrack a bit to Off the Beaten Track in Jonesboro, on Rt. 146, just west of Rt. 127. One of the newer antique stores in the area, John and I found it a fun place to visit. Then take a drive north on scenic Route 127 to Alto Pass - you'll pass several of Southern Illinois' wineries along the way if you are of mind to stop in.

Once in Alto Pass, you will want to visit Austin's Antiques. Although John and I are not connoisseurs of antiques, we love visiting Austin's. Situated in what was once an old schoolhouse, Austin's houses a great variety of newly refurbished antique furniture. They also offer an array of glass and other antiques.

Then on to Murphysboro where antique stores line the main street. Take Rt. 127 north to Rt. 13, then left into downtown Murphysboro. While you're there, stop in at The Old Train Depot or 17th Street Bar and Grill for dinner. The Olde Train Depot does a great fried chicken while 17th Street is famous for their barbecue. Either way we know you'll enjoy a terrific meal.

On your way back to Hidden Lake meander south on Rt. 51 to Shawnee Hill Barn Antiques, about 1/4 mile east of Rt. 51 on Water Valley Road. Shawnee Hill Barn is itself an antique - a barn built in the 1800s and now home to the sale of antiques. Say hi to Rhea and Tony and ask Tony to show off his antique blacksmith shop! It's not in operation yet but each year Tony reports 'soon'! Assuming that you still have some energy left, head into Cobden via Cobden Rd. and visit the Cobden Museum. Okay, so not an antique shop but housing a lot of antiques none-the-less. And don't be put off by its small, non-descript exterior. The Cobden Museum is worth the stop. Pay particular attention to the Kirkpatrick Pottery on display. Also be sure to stop in at the Yellow Moon Café on Cobden's main street for a coffee or fountain creation.

As a last thought for you antique lovers, an antique auction is held the last weekend of every month in Anna. Typically a two or three day event, you are welcome to arrive a day early for viewing. Come visit Southern Illinois and discover our antiques!

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Bike Tunnel Hill State Trail

Tunnel Hill State Trail offers bicyclists 45 of the most beautiful and peaceful miles in Illinois. The Trail stretches south from Harrisburg, through Vienna to Karnak, and includes a 2.5-mile spur through the Cache River State Nature Area. Developed on a portion of the Norfolk Southern Railroad rail bed, the crushed gravel Tunnel Hill State Trail passes through flat farm country then into the hills of the Shawnee National Forest. After that it passes through wetlands, including cypress-tupelo swamps, and continues along meandering creeks and bluffs. The tunnel at Tunnel Hill, which has given the Trail its name, is one of the most fascinating features of the trail. Originally 800 feet long, the tunnel was shortened to 543 feet after a portion of the tunnel collapsed in 1929. There is an otherworldly sensation when entering such a long tunnel. One enters in full daylight, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel, but somewhere in the middle darkness and perspective merge. Bring your own bikes or rent bikes at the park - and if you're interested, the park also offers a drop-off service so you can peddle your way back from a drop-off location!

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