Great Rivers & Routes

Clock out of your 9 to 5 and live a little more like Dolly Parton! ✨💖

This 9 to 5 Day, grab your rhinestones and sparkle and explore the places in southwest Illinois that’ll make you feel a little closer to the Queen of Country herself.

After all, she said it best: “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” ✨

Good plans don’t make themselves. Lucky for you, we’ve got the 411 on The Edwardsville Art Fair, a charming lunchtime escape at the Garden Gate Tea Room and more! 👇

Something Fun is Calling👏 Email from Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau Good plans don’t make themselves. Lucky for you, we’ve got the 411!   Discover these Four Can't-Miss Events All Roads Lead Home Turn up the Cougar p

Sweet meets a little fire on the Javapalooza Coffee trail. ☕🔥

Make your way to Hawthorn Tree Coffeehouse - Carlinville for their Salt & Fire Latte, a brown sugar crème brûlée creation that brings sweet and savory together in every sip.

While you’re there, join the Javapalooza scavenger hunt for a chance to win a coffee-themed prize. 🔎☕

Click the link in the comments to cast your vote for your favorite Javapalooza specialty drink! 👇

You can feel the energy before the first serve! 🏐

Bump it, set it, and spike it over to Plummer Family Park in Edwardsville for the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Midwest Open Tournament, Sept. 25–27!

Watch teams from around the world hit the court and bring their best game to southwest Illinois. Grab a seat and get ready to cheer for the next ace! 🙌

📷: Scott Evers Photography

Go ahead… have one more scoop of frozen custard, you’ve earned it! 🍦☀️

Grab the family and head to Uptown Scoops in Collinsville, where every scoop tastes like summer and the good vibes come with it! 🌞🍦

Whether it’s a single or a double, cone or cup, every bite is totally worth it. 😋

Route 66 is turning 100 and Girard and Livingston are celebrating with a spooky, kooky twist! 👻🎃

Hit the Mother Road Oct. 9–11 for the Last 100 Miles Festival, where 13 communities along the route are putting their own spin on the Route 66 Centennial.

Brave the haunted halls of Livingston High School during Route 66: The Haunted Hundred Festival, then trade the scares for fall fun at Girard’s Pumpkin Fest.

Both festivals are family-friendly, with a collectible trading card waiting for you at each stop. It’s the perfect keepsake from your centennial ride along the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois!

Something giant this way comes. Five giants, to be exact! 👀

Meet the towering stars of Granite City on your next Route 66 road trip. These larger-than-life landmarks celebrate the roots of this hardworking industrial town while giving you five more reasons to pull over, look up, and explore.

Because on the Mother Road, you never know what, or who, you’ll meet along the way. 😉

Broadway has bloomed in Alton, and now it’s time to show those flowers some love! 🌸

The Broadway flowerpots have earned an honorable mention in EarthPlanter's nationwide annual photo contest! Help them shine by voting every day through Thursday, Oct. 1! Here's how: 👇

🌷Click the link in the comments.
📱 Cast one vote per device, per day.
🗳️ Choose your favorite of the six featured photos.
✅ Tap “Vote” at the bottom to submit your choice.

These blooms are the result of a great partnership with the City of Alton, Illinois and Pride Beautification. Let’s show Earthplanter's how much Alton loves its Broadway flowers!

The atmosphere welcomes you. The flavors feed your heart, soul, and stomach. And the drinks? They’ll have you dreaming of your favorite Mexican getaway. 🌮🍹

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Mr Pancho's Mexican Restaurant and Grill in East Alton, where colorful surroundings, flavorful dishes, and festive drinks turn dinner into an experience. 🎉

❗Javapalooza Spotlight Alert ❗

Try Kismet Coffee Co.'s Teddy Graham Latte in Litchfield, a nostalgic sip inspired by a favorite after-school snack! ☕🐻

But wait—there’s more! When you visit Kismet Coffee, join the scavenger hunt for a chance to win a coffee-themed prize!🔎🗳️

And don’t forget to vote for your favorite specialty drink! 👇

https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/javapalooza/