Situated along the curves of the Mississippi River in western Illinois, Quincy is a destination all about locally made discoveries. From time honored vineyards and architectural craftsmanship to innovative organic farms and young makers on the scene, Quincy and the surrounding region are overflowing with tantalizing options. Fall is the perfect time to explore and experience the western Illinois bounty like home grown and plate-ready eats, distilled whiskey from the hollow, and lively community events.

The new Created in Quincy Guide is the go-to resource for locally made consumables and goods, featuring over 50 products. Everything from pantry and bar staples to personal care items and pet treats are represented, like sweet treasures from Queen’s Crop Raw Honey and organically grown catnip from Fawn Berry Apothecary. The guide informs where to buy and where to try, including small shops & studios, restaurants & bars, and Makers Market events.

Self-guided Exploration

In keeping with the locally made theme, a new itinerary organizes a one to two-day experience of dining, shopping and touring. Made in Quincy is a self-guided exploration of gathered local treasures– the insider scoop on the best times and places to enjoy everything from the first sip of coffee in the morning to the last nip at night. It introduces the community’s friendly shop owners and barkeeps, including a farm-fresh breakfast at Thyme Square Café & Bakery, showcasing artisan breads & English muffins, house cured bacon, homemade jams and the tastiest Bloody Mary around with secret recipe pickles. 

Vibrant outdoor murals, historic sculptural works and architectural masterpieces are also featured. One stop is a Greek Revival mansion built by German craftsmen in 1835, then cut in half and moved across the street 30 years later.

The John Wood Mansion was established for Quincy’s founder and the 12th governor of Illinois, anchoring the corner of the East End Historic District. Another stop is historic Washington Park, Quincy’s first park and home of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Within the park’s central plaza stands a magnificent bas-relief sculpture by artist Lorado Taft depicting the debate, dedicated in 1936, along with views of city murals.

The park is also home to the Saturday Farmers Market and is surrounded by established eateries and bars, plus new ventures. A must-try is Wine Gal Meets Whiskey Guy. This inviting watering hole was established in 2025 and offers over 70 types of wine and more than 90 whiskeys, including locally sourced sips from Ghost Hollow, a distillery in rural Quincy.

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The itinerary incorporates sights to see correlating with Quincy Makers & Shakers, featuring famous artists, adventurers, and inventors from the 19th century to current-day creators impacting the community in a big way. The list includes internationally recognized Neysa McMein, the American illustrator who created the portrait of fictional housewife “Betty Crocker.” McMein was born in Quincy in 1888 and went on to be the highest paid artist of the Jazz Age with over 60 illustrations gracing the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. She is featured locally in an exhibit at the Quincy Art Center. 

Made in Quincy Itinerary concludes at Quincy Brewing Company, where a local couple have made their mark on the region through love of beer and community. The owners are “fiercely committed to making Quincy better one building, event and beer at a time.” QBCo is situated in a restored complex of buildings along the Sixth Street Promenade in historic downtown Quincy, specializing in craft beer, friendly service and onsite events + Makers Markets.

Download Created in Quincy Guide + Itinerary > seequincy.com.