Sisters Trip 2024

It’s been a while since my sisters and I have taken a trip together, but we had a good reason. Little sis, Laura wanted to celebrate her 60th birthday since she was joining the club Annie and I joined a while ago. Laura wanted a vacation by the water and instead of the ocean, we found a closer place. Although we did not hear waves all night, the combination of the large pond at the AIRBNB, Rend Lake IL and surrounding towns provided us with some fun.

Thursday, June 20. I picked up the sisters and loaded all luggage and essentials (wine and snacks) and headed south. First stop was Arcola, IL. We visited Broomtown Cafe for late breakfast. We had sandwiches and coffee at a cozy spot upstairs above the register. We planned the rest of our day.

Annie wanted to visit Libman factory so we drove there, but there were no tours available that we could tell. We couldn’t enter the facility. But she got her picture! Driving through Arcola we also visited the One and Only Hippie Memorial.

We took a slight detour to Charleston to visit Pensees Book Shop (used books); then to Starbucks for some afternoon coffee (I had cold brew). We wanted ice cream but couldn’t find a close ice cream shop so we just kept going.

Arriving at our AIRBNB near Mt Vernon, IL, we were surrounded by woods and grain fields. The home was very large and we each had our own bedroom on each floor of the house. We unpacked and rested a bit before heading out to dinner. In Mt Vernon, we found Rare Chop House. Dinner was delicious.

Friday, June 21. Laura and I wanted to do some kayaking and the pond near the AIRBNB wasn’t very large, so we decided on Rend Lake which is about 40 minutes from the house. Ann decided she would stay at the house and read in quiet. I think she enjoyed herself.

Laura and I arrived at Black Dog Storage and Kayak Rental right at 8:00 am as they opened. Don, the proprietor, was very helpful in determining where to set-in and the route we would take. This is all based on the weather and on kayaking experience of the customer. He loaded up 2 kayaks and we followed him to the launch point. We found the Jackie Branch Cove to be very beautiful and just right for us. We paddled under the road to see the old Trestle train bridge and saw numerous birds and plants/flowers. The water was calm in the cove and the temperature was perfect. After 2 1/2 hours, we were ready to head in. We called Don and he picked up our boats. We would recommend Black Dog for your next kayak adventure on Rend Lake.

Quite proud of little sis since she broke her shoulder a few months ago and was able to handle the paddle. We had a really nice time. Weather was great that day.

We were hungry and called Annie to see if she wanted some carryout – yes. We stopped at Anchor Grill in Sesser and placed a take out order for burgers and a chef salad. While we waited, we ate some boneless chicken wings which were very tasty. We returned to the AIRBNB with the food and it was delicious as well. Time for a nap!

After that, we had some wine and cheese and just relaxed and visited. Our next activity was to visit the Pheasant Hollow Winery in Whittington for wine tasting and for purchase. Outside, they were setting up for music that evening and a food truck was available. We did not stay for the music, but drove to Burtons in Whittington for dinner. I had chicken and dumplings and of course all of us tried a piece of pie for dessert. Burtons is known for their White Pie.

Saturday, June 22 – Last full day and we started it with a visit to the Farmer’s Market in Centralia. Although it was a smaller market, we were able to find many items to purchase. We discovered a coffee shop close-by called Rail Coffee Room. The coffee was great and we found it to be a very fun spot!

Rail Coffee Room

One of the fun elements we found at the Rail Coffee Room

We drove to Mt. Vernon for late breakfast at Farmhouse Bakery. We found the breakfast portions to be large and the food tasty. The bakery also sells retail items including baked goods, frozen meats and meals.

A couple more stops in Mt. Vernon before leaving: Jefferson County Historic Village. There were no other people there but we were free to view the older buildings. Poor Laura ended up with a wasp sting – ouch!

Next we took a few pictures at the 5th Circuit Appellate Courthouse in Mt. Vernon where Abraham Lincoln practiced law.

Honest Abe

That evening, we headed to Mass at St. Joseph Church in Benton, but first we drove out to tour the Rend Lake Cabins where David and I have stayed several times. The church service was very nice and afterward, we drove a short couple blocks to Jack Russell Fish Company. We all enjoyed our meals there. We sat inside due to the heat, but as we left we saw a musical group performing for customers sitting outside. Maybe next time we’ll try the outdoors.

Sunday, June 23 – heading home! We packed up and completed the AIRBNB checklist. On the way, we stopped at The Hole Dozen in Salem. I had a wonderful warm/fresh cinnamon roll with icing.

We have been through Effingham, IL many times and admired the giant Cross near the main road. The three of us decided we wanted to stop and investigate. Wow! Cross at the Crossroads was so inspiring and beautiful. Monuments to the 10 Commandments surround the cross at the base of the Cross. As we walked from the welcome center, we found life-sized monuments showing the life of Jesus Christ. So beautiful.