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The 50 Great Things to See & Do Guide covers over 2,500 square miles: How many miles can you cover this fall?

Traverse the Great River Road to scenic overlooks, historic lock & dam systems, wayside wineries, and old breweries turned destination eateries. The new 50 Great Things to See & Do encompasses three Western Illinois counties and 50 places and activities, with half of them FREE. The curated selection offers explorations in nature, art, architecture, history, agriculture, and food & drink. 

Located on the western border of Illinois on the Mississippi River where Missouri and Iowa meet, the Quincy area is teeming with delights for the curious traveler. The thriving agricultural community delivers surprises from a rural museum dedicated to preserving 1930s farm life, to seven scenic family-owned wineries. The city’s intriguing storyline includes notable cultural and historic milestones as well as exciting contemporary experiences. The first Underground Railroad stop east of Missouri was in Quincy and is now a touring museum. Steps away, Quincy’s downtown district is a hive of locally owned dining and drinking establishments. A rising star is The Patio Restaurant & Lounge, giving retro vibes all day and night. The swanky digs are in the lower level of the former Elkton Hotel. Top notch cuisine, classic cocktails like the Grasshopper, and Gucci wallpaper embrace patrons with glamorous ambience.

Winking’s Market

For a nostalgic and always friendly midday treat, Winking’s Market is a must. Celebrating their 75th anniversary, Winking’s is the only corner grocery and deli still in operation in Quincy. Frank Winking and his family serve brown bag lunches-to-go six days a week. The counter service offers a wide variety of cold cuts, cheeses, and ice-cold pop. And the penny candy corner prompts a smile with candy cigarettes and other bygone sweets.   

Visitors enjoy all things German at Oktoberfest each September in the Dick Brothers Brewery District. The day-long street fest offers frolicking bands, loaded Brats, brewery tunnel tours, and overflowing beer. A newer edition to the popular festival is the Ratskeller After Party. Casting a nod to the city’s German roots, the Ratskeller is a cozy underground bar serving European beers as well as classic, German, and craft cocktails.

50 Great Things to See & Do

With its surrounding fertile land and strong agricultural roots, Quincy is the nucleus of the Mississippi Valley Wine Trail, from Nauvoo to Rockport, Illinois. 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.

While on the northern portion of the Wine Trail, experience the forest wonders of Ten Acre Treehouses nestled on the outskirts of historic Nauvoo. This secluded, off-grid stay has been described as “magical and inspiring” by guests hailing from across the U.S. Choose from semi-primitive tree houses with 360-degree views and a reclaimed 1800s log cabin with a cozy wood burning fireplace. 

Read Also: Discover FUN for EVERYONE in FAIRMONT!

Travel the Great River Road to the historic Warsaw Brewery. The restored structure holds a colorful past surrounding Prohibition and still commands incredible views of the Mississippi River. Patrons come from far and wide to dive into the colossal Bloody Mary Tower and Build-a-Burger Menu. 

Explore more of the best adventures, attractions and accommodations in the tri-county area surrounding Quincy via the 50 Great Things to See & Do Guide + the Mississippi Valley Wine Trail Guide.

Quincy is an AMTRAK community.

 800.978.4748 | seequincy.com