Are you a curious foodie? Summer Flavor Tours offer the perfect marriage of food & history. 

Five top-notch chefs and mixologists create signature brunch/lunch menus each Saturday, all summer long. Your food adventure takes place in the heart of Quincy’s historic downtown and is guided by an entertaining food ambassador, infusing nuggets of the city’s colorful past. Often the tour meanders through the local farmer’s market and may pause at a locally owned boutique. You’ll see incredible architecture and artistic murals, while your taste buds are delighted with creative menus, house-roasted coffee, and fresh cocktails.

Quincy’s downtown is just the tip of the architectural iceberg. The city is crowned with four National Register Historic Districts, along with a prolific portfolio of Mid-Century Modern marvels. Thirty of these buildings are showcased on the Mid Mod Quincy Tour—a self-guided driving tour of swanky residential neighborhoods and iconic commercial and religious structures. 

For a totally immersive architectural experience, explore 48 points of interest on Quincy’s keystone tour, Abundant Architecture. This self-guided driving tour encompasses a range of styles from A-Z. Literally. From stylish Art Deco theaters to a Mission influenced boat club moved by barge in 1909, and the city’s tidy Zwick Row of Art Moderne homes established in 1939. The Abundant Architecture Guide also maps out a lovely walking tour in Quincy’s East End Historic District, featuring eighteen eclectic residences. 

Blues in the District

Got a passion for the Blues? So do we. On the second and fourth Friday nights during the summer, local groupies and tourists alike gather in Washington Park for four hours of free music. Regional and national talent fills the pavilion at this historic park where the Great Debate of 1858 between Lincoln and Douglas took place. The festive atmosphere will be extra amped this year, as 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of Blues in the District. The park is bordered by eateries and bars for local fare, along with an onsite food truck (oftentimes tasty Midwestern BBQ).

Quincy’s Downtown

With its premier location on the Great River Road and surrounding fertile land, Quincy is the central point of the Mississippi Valley Wine Trail. Seven family-owned wineries are represented from Nauvoo to Rockport, Illinois. The wineries and vineyards each hold unique stories and timelines. The oldest winery in Illinois, Baxter’s Vineyards, was founded in 1857 and graces our trail today, rubbing shoulders with a new tasting room offering exquisite sunsets, 57&Vine, established 2021.

To top off the fun of the Trail, win free Wine Trail swag by visiting all seven locations. Signature t-shirts or wine glasses are awarded to participants over 21 who complete the Trail Blazer Challenge.

Read Also: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kenosha, Wisconsin

In salute of our river roots, a fresh catch is being released this year: The 3-Country Catfish Trail, launching prior to Lent, March 2, 2022. Follow the sounds of sizzling filets being prepared in a variety of heartland styles. The Trail incorporates three counties in Western Illinois and will feature over 40 stops. Follow each trail separately or enjoy all three together, with a prize drawing at the end of three months. Two menu teasers for your palate: Crispy catfish with Cajun seasoning, malt vinegar and caper sauce, and Southern style catfish, lightly breaded in corn meal, served with remoulade sauce, corn on the cob & cornbread.

Visit SeeQuincy.com to peruse our 25 Guides + 8 Self-Guided Driving Tours or call for your copies today. Enjoy!

Flavor Tours are Saturdays, June-Aug from 10am-1pm and require 24-hour advance reservations.

Quincy is a Cape Air & AMTRAK community.

 800.978.4748 | seequincy.com