In or near Madison County

Beall Mansion (Alton, IL)
A bed and breakfast with fireplace rooms, HDTV, premium movie channels, free wifi, 24 hour hot beverage service, whirlpool tubs, a 24 hour chocolate bar, and a spa. Offers optional in-room massages and breakfast in bed.  (In Madison County)

Bella Vista Winery (Maryville, IL)
Situated by rolling green hills and a sparkling lake.  Cabins come with continental breakfast served en suite. Offers dining paired with award-winning wines.  Wines are produced with locally-grown fruit and bottled on site.  (In Madison County)

Bretz Wildlife Winery (Carlyle, IL)
Approximately 2 miles from Carlyle Lake.  A restaurant, winery, & banquet facility.  (about an hour)

Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston, IL)
Situated in Silent Forest, well known to those who hunt deer and forage for wild mushrooms. The Silent Forest continues to enchant and entertain guests. (About an hour)

Hermann, Missouri (about 2 hours)

  • Alpenhorn Gasthaus: Private accommodations, gourmet meals, a hot tub under the stars and a wine cellar.
  • ​Hermann Hill: Offers luxury amenities with steam showers, jetted tubs, fireplaces, flat screen TVs, and king size beds. Some suites offer kitchens, BBQs, saunas, fire-pits, private hot tubs, nightly cookies and ice cream, free margarita bar-decks with views, and more. Tour area wineries and distilleries. Don't miss the driving scavenger hunt to earn a 25.00 gift credit. 

Chicago Area (about 4 hours)

Sybraris Pool Suites (Multiple Sites in Chicago Area)
Features either a hot tub attached to a pool or a separate whirlpool tub. All suites come with a private pool, a king-size bed, massage chair, and a fireplace. ​​

Lake of the ozarks (About 4 Hours)

Stay

Kansas City, mo (About 4 Hours)

Eat
  • Joes bbq! The food is great! There is a ton of history along with it.
  • Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
  • Crayola restaurant
  • Mildreds for breakfast/ brunch: amazing selection of coffee, smoothies and all sorts of food
PlayStay
  • ​The hotel connected to the crown center there is a ton to do that’s in walking distance. 

french lick, IN (about 4 hours)

  • Spring Mill State Park (30 min drive) has old water mill and old buildings to explore plus trails. 
  • Big Splash Adventure. They have weird hours though so make sure to check
  • French Lick Train
  • French lick resort
  • ​Larry Bird restaurant

Galena, IL (about 5 Hours)

  • Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast (Galena, IL)  Multiple types of rooms, including pet/children friendly and those for romance. Amenities vary to include flat-screen TVs, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and sleeper sofas. Complimentary breakfast has eggs to order, tea, coffee, juice, a signature entrée, and more.  
  • Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa (Galena, IL) Arrive to chocolates, a long-stem rose, and champagne. Choose horseback riding, hiking, biking or relaxing in the spa. On-site dining and other amenities are available. 
  • Goldmoor Inn (Galena, IL) Has suites, log cabins, and country cottages. Cottages and cabins have private porches, galley kitchens, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. Has a spa, on-site dining, and access to Ski Slopes.  Breakfast delivered to cabin. 

Branson, Missouri (About 5 hours)

Stay
  • Welk Resort: Book a room that includes the water park or you have to pay per use.
  • The Cliffs: Has nice condos with full kitchens and an infinity pool that overlooks the hills. Next door to Silver Dollar City.
  • Holiday Hills Golf Resort: reasonably priced condos on Air B&B. Close to everything. 
  • Hilton right by the Landing: Has indoor pool.  Walking distance to restaurants, shops, Turkey Trot, and polar express.
  • Westgate Resorts
  • The Village at Indian Point: Close to Silver Dollar City overlooking Table Rock Lake. Has a boat dock, outdoor pool, indoor heated pool and hot tub that is open year round. One or Two bedroom available.  Some condos are dog friendly. 
Play
  • Fritz Adventure (10% military discount. Foster\Adopted kids are free, 4 and under are free.)
  • Dogwood Canyon: Waterfalls, fishing, hiking, tram tours, bike rental, and Segway rental.  There is a cost to enter 
  • State Marina, cheap pontoon rentals
  • ​Dixie stampede
  • Branson Scenic Railway has a four course candlelit dinner aboard vintage rail cars Saturdays at 5:00 pm July 4th- October.​
Eat
  • The Funky Twig: Great Ice Cream
Tulsa, Oklahoma (About 7 hours)
Play
  • Gathering Place:  Has a five-acre adventure playground where kids can let their imaginations run wild by exploring climbing structures, slides, suspension bridges, puzzles, instruments, net climbing structures, tiny houses, spray area, mist area, tunnels, dams, streams, a water lab, and the water plaza.  In the Gathering Place, you can also find interactive water fountains, a skate park, koi ponds, soccer fields, basketball courts, a water maze, and a soft sandbank.

other adventures

Jefferson City, Missouri
Visit the Missouri River, tree lined bluffs, historic buildings, architectural treasures, and landmarks. There are also museums, fine cuisines, quaint boutiques, and beautiful parks. (About 3 hours)

Memphis, Tennessee
Lots to do and great food.  Date night at Flight for great food. Try Fam for Asian and the Beauty Shop for brunch. They are known for BBQ. Kids adore the Memphis Zoo.  Also visit Shelby Farms Park, Botanical Gardens, Zoo, and Meeman-Shelby State Park. (About 5 hours)

West Plains, Missouri
Tucked in the Ozark Mountains, near pristine wilderness areas and spring-fed streams, a small-town feel with big-city conveniences.  (About 4 hours)