Showroom

Open Thursdays through Sundays from 1 to 5 pm, the show room is stocked with handmade, wood fired functional pottery for sale. Prices start at $25. I’m often at work at my wheel and am happy to show visitors how I make pots.

Lodging

There are so many nice cottages to rent in the area! Here are some that are close to me that I can personally recommend.

Havisham House is exquisite and right down the road. There’s a popular wedding venue there, so it books fairly far ahead.

Cave Creek Cabins are about a mile north of Alto in a wooded setting on the creek. Great accommodations with handmade furniture.

Skyline View Cabins are less than a mile south of Alto Pass. Lovely cabins with a great view.

Betty’s Vineyard House is just up the road next to Alto Vineyards.

Makanda Inn is a few miles away at the entrance to Giant City State Park. Many of the buildings are Straw Bale construction.

SOmething to Drink?

This area wouldn’t have its growing tourism economy without the Wineries. (And now, we have a couple of good breweries!) These are some that I personally like and that are close by. Most have live music on the weekends.

Alto Vineyards is the one that started it all. Good dry and sweet wines, and lots of great spots to sit outside. Snacks

Peachbarn Winery & Cafe is also here in the village. They make my favorite Norton in the area, and the Dry Traminette is a lovely summer treat. Small Plates

Hickory Ridge Vineyard is a tiny place up near Pomona that makes the best dry reds in the region.

Wichman Vineyard has been resurrected by Hannah Wichman, daughter of Ted, one of the original gurus of local wine. She’s been learning from one of the best.

Havisham Bourbon Bar in downtown Alto Pass is a very classy cocktail lounge featuring traditional Bourbon drinks plus seasonal specialties. The Bourbon Bar carries a wide selection of whiskeys, whiskys, and other spirits for sipping, plus a number of craft beers on tap. Boy, do I love this place!

Scratch Brewery in Ava is making delicious, award-winning beers with foraged and gardened ingredients. Excellent! Small Plates

St. Nicholas Brewery in the Southern Illinois Airport has outstanding food and the beer is just as yummy as their location at the historic St. Nicholas Hotel in downtown DuQuoin. Great beer and bar food. . Pub Food

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is the association of local wineries. Check their page for links to most of the wineries and a calendar of events.

Good Eats

There are lots of dining options in the area, from simple to fancy. Here are some of my favorites that are unique to the area.

Underground Public House is my very favorite restaurant in southern Illinois. The menu is ambitious but approachable with lots of local ingredients. They have an extensive tap beer selection plus wine list and cocktails. Service is always excellent. Reservations recommended. Gastro pub.

Tom’s Place north of DeSoto is a fine-dining establishment that’s been around forever. Chef Lasse Sorensen consistently puts out excellent dishes, both classic and cutting-edge. How is there such great food in what feels like the middle of nowhere? Don’t ask, just enjoy! Fine Dining

Fork and Vine features an extensive wine list and local ingredients when available served in a beautiful setting. Upscale casual

17th Street BBQ in Murphysboro was founded by the legendary Pit Master Mike Mills. Favorite sides are the BBQ beans and the Collards. Famous for a reason. Bar and Grill

The Iron Whisk in Cobden is fast becoming the go-to place for breakfast and brunch. Get there early as there’s often a wait for a table. The Bloody Marys are divine. Bistro