Do So/ILL

08/12/2025

Day Trip Idea: Cave-In-Rock

Looking for a fun, family-friendly adventure that’s close to home but feels like a world away? Head toward the southeastern edge of Southern Illinois for a day full of history, views, and small-town charm. Here’s your , Banterra Bank, itinerary:

📍 Cave-In-Rock State Park
-Home to a 55-foot deep limestone cave carved into the bluffs of the Ohio River
-Steeped in pirate history from the 1700s and 1800s
-Short, paved walk from parking lot—perfect for families
-Panoramic river views and picnic areas

⛴️ Cave-In-Rock Ferry (Free!)
-Crosses the Ohio River into Kentucky
-Quick, scenic, and fun for kids and adults alike

🍕 Game Day Pizza & Wings – Marion, KY Gameday Pizza & Wings
-Great pizza + wings, cold drinks, and a spacious game room
-Pool, bags, and more make this a great stop for families

Nearby Stops Worth Exploring:
*Kaylor’s Restaurant – Dine on the bluffs with stunning views
*Riverside Mercantile in Elizabethtown – A charming general store with antiques, sweet treats, gifts, and riverfront vibe

08/06/2025

08/04/2025

Just over the river but a whole new vibe, this week we took a little vacation day to Cape Girardeau, and it was the perfect mix of food + fun! Huge thanks to Banterra Bank for helping make simple escapes feel so special. Here’s how we spent the day:

✨ Ultimate Air Trampoline Park Cape Girardeau – The kids got to bounce off their energy (and the walls), while we kicked back in recliners with a full view. Perfect spot to beat the heat.
- Roni's Mac Bar - Cape Girardeau, MO – We usually seek out locally owned restaurants, but this one was at the very top of the kids’ list/thanks to that viral cheese pull/and honestly, it was worth it.
🍫 Smoore’s Artisan Confections – Right across the street! A sweet little shop filled with international treats and 3D-printed chocolate skis.
🪞 Annie Laurie's – This eclectic emporium has been a must-visit for our family for over a decade. Floor-to-ceiling treasures, curated to perfection. Bonus: the owner also runs Soirée, an incredible date night spot downtown.
🧋 Onyx Boba Bar – Cloud cake + cool atmosphere = the perfect way to wrap up our food-filled day.

🍽️ Just a short drive from Southern Illinois, but it always feels like a mini getaway. Food-forward with a side of fun, Cape never disappoints.

08/02/2025

07/29/2025

A Perfect Summer Sendoff at Marion KOA Water Parkin partnership with Banterra Bank + Visitsi.

If you’re looking for a Southern Illinois summer experience that feels like a vacation, this is it:

💦 3-hour water park pass – $20/person
• Includes inflatable obstacle course fun
• Kayaks + stand-up paddle boards included
• Chill dock area (my personal favorite 🏖️
•Lounge chairs + umbrellas = tropical vibes
•Post-lake eats at the Burger Bar
• Family friendly games, ie Air hockey, ping-pong, etc
• Cheese curds = 10/10
•Burgers got the highest honor from our kids: “Just like Papa’s!”
🧡 What we loved:
-Not overcrowded
-Families everywhere, soaking up the sun
-Open Memorial Day to Labor Day
-Passes ideally purchased online (its first come, first serve and the DO sell out).
It felt like the throwback summer we all crave,and we’ll definitely be back.

03/30/2024

A great day in anticipation of the upcoming eclipse!
Where will you be?

02/05/2024

🗞️Monthly Newsletter🗞️
Have you signed up for our email newsletter yet? Starting in February we are now sending tips on experiencing So/ILL straight to your inbox!
Check it out and sign-up to for March and beyond!
🌟February features:
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
Brewed on Broadway
The Varsity Theater
Riverside Mercantile
Cristaudo's
Something Old & New
https://mailchi.mp/9ac7ecd08f94/do-soill-february-newsletter

01/23/2024

🗞️DO So/ILL Newsletter 🗞️
✏️Starting next month we will be sending out a monthly newsletter with a variety of things we love throughout the region, ie eateries, activities, hiking, and more.
💗At the heart of what we do is a deep desire to share the beauty of Southern Illinois, amplify the good and those doing great things and to make it all more easily accessible to those from here and visiting the area. The newsletter will be another way to expand on those goals.
🌟Located at the bottom of our website home page is a link to signup and follow along!
https://www.deliciouslyordinary.com