Fall is one of the best times to plan a cozy weekend getaway. Located just an hour and a half from St. Louis, Effingham, Illinois, is the perfect place for a romantic retreat, a road trip with friends, or an affordable family escape.
Chicago-based content creator Rachel Kawate recently made her first trip to the Midwest destination. “Effingham is a quaint and pleasant city that offers the Midwest charm and hospitality that makes for an ideal getaway,” Kawate says. “I was very impressed with the fantastic food scene and city amenities.”
Kawate shared a detailed itinerary for visiting Effingham to ensure that visitors can experience all that the area has to offer in one weekend.
FRIDAY
7 p.m.: Visit The Cross at the Crossroads on your way to Effingham. On your route along Interstate 70 to Effingham, you’ll pass one of the area’s most iconic landmarks, The Cross at the Crossroads. Located south of Effingham, at the intersection of interstates 70 and 57, the 198-foot-tall cross stands as a beacon of hope and encouragement. Visitors are invited to stop at the welcome center, located off Exit 159.
8 p.m.: Check into The Exchange. Effingham is home to a number of great places to stay, but The Exchange’s Airbnb options downtown offer a fun, unique experience for visitors. The Exchange is a vibrant co-working space in the heart of the city with upstairs lofts that are available via Airbnb. Kawate describes the space as “unique industrial lodging with great amenities.”
9 p.m.: Grab dinner and drinks at Wheat Penny. If you’re ready to unwind after making the drive to Effingham, consider this new speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar, conveniently located in The Exchange building. (Be sure to make reservations at www.wheatpennybar.com.)
SATURDAY
9 a.m.: Grab coffee from Joe Sipper’s, and head to the farmers’ market. What’s a beautiful fall crisp morning without a cup of joe? Head to Joe Sipper’s, a “well-loved cafe with delicious coffee and food” as Kawate describes it, for a seasonal coffee and a light breakfast. Before you leave, pick up a cultural guide to the city to help explore downtown. Then, head to Jefferson Avenue for the weekly farmers’ market, located on the lawn of the historic Effingham Courthouse Museum. The market remains open through the end of October. It features fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade items, and other vendors, as well as live entertainment.
10 a.m.: Explore boutique shopping and public art in downtown Effingham. Afterward, continue your trek through downtown Effingham, where you’ll find a number of unique places to shop including Baseball Card Connection, America’s Groove Record Store, Millennium Accessories, and The Last Straw Home Accents & Gifts. Along the way, enjoy Sculptures on the Avenue, a self-guided walking tour ending at City Hall’s “Flame of Hope” piece, which started it all.
Noon: Enjoy lunch at Taqueria Don Pedro. This authentic Mexican restaurant’s dishes are influenced by the Pacific Coast of Acapulco and the highlands of Oaxaca. While the fajita bowls and tacos are popular, don’t miss the Oaxacan-style tamales and house-made margaritas.
1 p.m.: Explore MY Garage Museum and other museums. After lunch, visit nearby historical sites and museums. See thousands of pieces of Corvette history at MY Garage Museum, and pick up some memorabilia for your favorite car fanatic at the retail shop. History buffs will also love stops at the Dr. Charles M. Wright House and Monastery Museum. Many of these stops are located on U.S. Route 40, known as National Road, the first major improved highway built by the federal government.
5 p.m.: Enjoy dinner and a glass (or two) of wine at Tuscan Hills Winery. Visit the scenic winery to enjoy handmade pizza, stuffed breads, and gourmet desserts, along with a glass of wine crafted and bottled directly from the wine cellar. The winery also hosts a number of events from Wine Bingo to live comedy shows. The heated patio is a great spot to spend an evening enjoying the fall weather without getting too chilly.
7 p.m.: Take in a show at Effingham Performance Center. The performance center hosts a mix of touring acts, Broadway musicals, comedy shows, local theater, and more. Look for the full schedule of events online. Times and dates vary by show, so book your tickets, and plan your trip around the performance.
SUNDAY
10 a.m.: Enjoy a seasonal brunch on the patio at Firefly Grill. One of Effingham’s most beloved restaurants, Firefly Grill offer fresh seasonal fare, often made with local ingredients. “It’s hands down one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to,” says Kawate. “The food is spectacular.”
Noon: Relax in nature before returning to St. Louis. Take a leisurely stroll at Ballard Nature Center or along the TREC trail system to enjoy the fall foliage. Visit Lake Sara for an afternoon on the water spent fishing, boating, or paddleboarding. Or enjoy a few rounds at Cardinal Golf Course or Fore-Way Challenge Golf before the trip home.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Visit Effingham. To learn more, visit visiteffinghamil.com.
