By Maria Bernardi and Chris Wissmann
Here we go again! Another chance for us to revisit the natural beauty of Southern Illinois as we prepare for the WIDB 50th Anniversary Reunion!
So many reunioners blow into Giant City on Friday as the reunion formally begins and head out Sunday morning right after breakfast. They see little more than Giant City—and maybe the station, if they can get up early enough to head over there after an all-nighter. But there’s a lot more to this area than Giant City—and most of our formative experiences didn’t even take place there.
- Downtown Makanda
Many come a long way. You could spend almost as much time traveling as reuniting. That’s why we invite you to come early and stay late! Don’t turn the reunion into a light speed trip. Slow it down and give yourself the opportunity to savor the moment. There is so much more to experience.
- Garden of the Gods
Shawnee National Forest has everything.
Check out the Shawnee Wine Trail. Tastings, tours and scenic vistas. 800-248-4373. After visiting Garden of the Gods, stay at Tree House Cabins, 618/264-9091
Cave-in-Rock is a city, state park and former pirate outpost.
Pomona Natural Bridge is close to Giant City.
Pine Hills offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and sunsets.
- Pine Hills sunset
Bald Knob Cross is still seen for miles from Alto Pass and still says “Peace hope, faith and charity.”
- Bald Knob Cross
Cache River (30 min. from Giant City) offers a unique ecosystem, waterfowl and flora not found for 1000 miles.
- Cache River Wildlife Refuge Cypress Trees
Cape Girardeau and Paducah, each about 45 minutes from Giant City, are historic restored river towns featuring booming arts, education and restaurant areas. Paducah has the McCracken County Fair June 24-29, 2020.
- Revitalized downtown Cape Girardeau
- Paducah floodwall murals
Journey to Chester (less than an hour from Giant City) to see Fort Kaskaskia, where pirates operated bordellos and fired on ships before taking prisoners. The fort overlooks the town of Kaskaskia, first capital of Illinois, now at the bottom of the Mississippi River.
- Town of Kaskasklia (under water) from Ft. Kaskaskia
And—lest we forget—there’s Carbondale itself. Look around at all of the changes. The Strip looks great—especially at night. Come in time for the Sunset Concerts on Thursday—still one of the area’s best traditions, where great music provides an incredible soundtrack for a parade of the city’s always wondrous freakscape. Head out afterward to check out more live music and keep the party going. Food offerings have grown by leaps and bounds, with an amazing farmers’ market and many excellent restaurants, wineries, and breweries (but at Carbondale prices!).
- Looking southwest Main & Illinois, Carbondale
Meanwhile, back at Giant City, there’s camping, hiking and horseback riding. And don’t forget the 50th Smokie Links WIDB Golf Event Thursday June 25, 2020, 9:30 am, Keller’s Crossing at Stone Creek.
How can anyone experience any or all of this (and the Reunion too) in 48 hours?
To enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer—everything that made this place magical for you as a student and WIDBer—and that the busy schedule of the reunion won’t begin to allow for—remember: Come early and stay late! Giant City Cabin rates are lower weekdays. You can count on cabins being available weekdays (with lower rates) before & after the reunion weekend (trust us).
- Young reunion attendee
Visit SouthernmostIllibnois.com for more info.
