Hidden Lake Bed & Breakfast

Welcome to Hidden Lake Bed and Breakfast ... situated on eighteen acres of woods, gardens and water in the midst of the Shawnee National Forest, along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and just moments away from Alto Vineyards, Blue Sky Vineyards, and Russell Hill Winery to name just a few as well as Giant City State Park, the Cache River Wetlands, Little Grand Canyon, Bald Knob Mountain and the Southern Illinois Wine Trail.

 

Unseen from the house or the road is a two-acre lake (hence the name “Hidden Lake”) complete with a pier for wetting your feet in the warmer months and a paddleboat for lazily making your way around. The lake is stocked for fishing but Hidden Lake please practice CPR—catch, photograph,and release—so the fish are there for your next visit! Feel free to enjoy a lakeside campfire on a cool evening—John has a pile of wood always at the ready - and our new hilltop gazebo is a terrific place to enjoy an evening glass of wine or an early morning cup of coffee. Be sure to walk the grounds, checking out our woodland walkway as well as fruit trees and our herb and flower gardens. Help yourself to whatever is in season—it's all organic!
 

At Hidden Lake, you have your choice of four luxury suites, each decorated with a different, yet captivating theme and each offering varied amenities. Three - The Romance Jacuzzi, The Tuscan Jacuzzi and The Loft in the Clouds - are located in our GuestHouse. The fourth suite, The Wine Country Jacuzzi, is adjacent to the Main House. All of our suites, of course, enjoy private, in-suite baths, outside entrances for added privacy and all of the amenities you might need for an extended stay. Each of the Jacuzzi suites incorporate a large, 2-person, Jacuzzi bath while all of the suites in the Guest House also offer the ambiance of a nice, cozy fireplace. Those in the GuestHouse also incorporate private balconies while a beautiful flower garden and patio are just steps outside the Mission Jacuzzi Suite.

My favorite is probably the Romance Jacuzzi Suite with its cherry wood fireplace, oversized king bed and elegant decor. John's favorite, on the other hand, is the The Loft in the Clouds with its airy design, wonderful views, and hand painted vignettes of Southern Illinois birds. But take a look at the “Accommodations” page on our web site and choose your favorite. Then click on "Check Availability" at the top of any page or "Book It Now" to see when your favorite suite is available. You can make a reservation online or feel free to give us a call. Whichever suite you select, we feel confident that you'll find the accommodations at Hidden Lake elegant, comfortable and, most of all, relaxing.


Before I end, let me encourage you to take a look at the “Area Attractions”, “Calendar of Events” and the “Special Packages” sections of our web site as well as “Great Ways To Spend The Day”. Each section offers a variety of ideas on ways to ensure that you enjoy your visit to Southernmost Illinois. You'll find information about places to eat as well as things to do under “Area Attractions" while “Great Ways To Spend The Day” tells you about some of our favorite excursions. The “Calendar of Events” includes special events happening in the area such as Murder Mystery Dinners and Festivals at the area wineries.
 

John is always saying that Southern Illinois is the best-kept secret around! And Hidden Lake is uniquely situated with the Cache River Wetlands just south of us, Giant City and other state parks just a few miles northeast and northwest of us, and Shawnee Hill Wine Trail Vineyards and Wineries all around. There is so much to see and do and no crowds to hinder your travels. As you make your reservations to stay at Hidden Lake, keep in mind that John and I are available to assist with all of your travel plans. The locale of Hidden Lake ensures that you will be afforded the privacy and beauty of the country without needing to travel too far to see our great sites or enjoy a wonderful meal.
 

Come join us! We truly hope to see you soon and exceed your expectations.

Choose from five lovely and uniquely decorated accommodations, all with private, en-suite baths, luxury linens, in-suite central heat and air (with a thermostat you control!) and a host of other amenities. The Romance Jacuzzi Suite, the Tuscan Jacuzzi Suite, and the Loft in the Clouds Suite are located in the Guest House while the Wine Country Jacuzzi Suite is adjacent to the Main House and The Victorian Room is located in the Main House. All of our suites incorporate private outside entrances for the utmost in privacy.
 

Looking for a double whirlpool? Take a look at our Romance, Tuscan and Wine Country suites. Or do you prefer a fireplace? Well, then the Romance, Tuscan and Loft may be to your tastes. And while a three course served breakfast is our standard, please know that we offer options ranging from no breakfast to "breakfast in bed". Be sure to check out our Special Packages page for these options and an array of other Discount, Epicurean, Adventure, Celebration and Luxury Service packages.

In-Suite Amenities

At Hidden Lake, you'll find that all of our suites are designed to provide our guests with the amenities and privacy of a small condo without losing the ambiance of a luxury bed and breakfast. Amenities include:

• All suites and rooms are non-smoking as are all 18 acres at Hidden Lake
• Private entrances to each suite for the utmost privacy during your stay
• All suites and rooms include private baths with showers
• Luxurious double Jacuzzis are included in the Romance, Tuscan and Mission Jacuzzi Suites
• Warm, cozy gas fireplaces are included in the Romance and Tuscan suites
• Private balconies with beautiful views are included in the Romance, Tuscan and Loft Suites while the Mission Suite has a beautiful flower garden outside its door and a patio just around the corner. The Victorian Room offers a beautiful view with its French balcony.
• In-suite wireless internet access
• Complimentary basket of yummy snacks for those late night munchies
• Complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and coffee service including a variety of teas, hot chocolate and apple cider
• In-suite refrigerator, coffee service, microwave oven and assorted dining accessories
• Expanded cable television, a DVD/ VCR, and access to a complimentary video library of 100 + movies
• Central heat and air with in-suite temperature control
• Warm monogrammed robes, fluffy towels, and complimentary slippers
• Steam pressed, triple-sheeted luxury linens on king-size beds
• Luxury bath amenities including signature glycerin soaps, conditioning shampoo and body lotion in addition to toothbrushes, toothpaste, vanity packs, and a sewing kit. Guests will also find a variety of after-bath sprays for their use, hair spray, and a hair dryer.
• In-suite iron and ironing board
• Daily housekeeping service
• The Victorian Room, with a queen size bed versus a king, includes most of the amenity listed here. It does not offer a microwave, stereo or private entrance.

We are also happy to pick-up any additional items you might need (particularly if you are trying to plan a surprise get-away!) for simply the cost of the item(s) and a nominal (typically $7) service charge.

What's for Breakfast ...

At Hidden Lake Bed & Breakfast, we take great pride in our breakfast! As John will tell you, we spent sixteen weeks at a breakfast and brunch cooking class before opening Hidden Lake just to ensure your breakfast pleasure ... and yes, it's true, he received the better grade!

There are three options for breakfast at Hidden Lake:

First, you have the option of a three-course, gourmet breakfast, served from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the sunroom overlooking the majority of our 12 acres and a host of birds visiting the backyard feeders. Year-round, as you sit down to eat, you'll be able to enjoy cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, tufted titmouse, red bellied woodpeckers, downy and hairy woodpeckers, bluebirds, indago buntings, blue jays and, in season, hummingbirds! A guaranteed way to help you relax!

Before planning our menus, you'll find that we first ask for your preferences. Do you have special dietary considerations? Are you sticking to a low-carb or low-fat menu? Maybe Weight Watchers? Are you a vegetarian? A diabetic? Is there anything to which you are allergic? Perhaps you prefer a coke for breakfast versus coffee. Or perhaps there are breakfast foods that you simply don't enjoy or you'd something special that you'd like. Just let us know and we'll take it all into account!

Breakfast service begins with a choice of five juices in addition to coffee and a variety of teas. Our 1st course? A fresh fruit dish which some say is like starting with dessert: orange parfaits, poached pears in a vanilla cream sauce, fresh melon topped with lime mousse and cold strawberry soup are just a few examples. Next up, a fresh baked item. We're trying new things all the time. Some favorites? Blueberry kuechen topped with whip cream, pumpkin bread with cinnamon butter, apple crumb cake, warm and gooey raspberry morning muffins, golden raisin buns (my personal favorite!), banana sour cream coffee cake (with a hint of chocolate!) and orange raisin scones with orange marmalade butter. And as a final course, you'll be served a hot entrée and a breakfast meat. Souffled leek and feta frittatas, savory Italian egg cups, yeast raised blueberry pancakes and maple syrup, baked French pancake topped with a blueberry coulis, stuffed French toast, eggs in herbed pastry, and an apple-cinnamon Dutch pannekuchen are just Breakfast Pastries at Hidden Lake B&Ba very few of Hidden Lake's scrumptious main courses.

Not a breakfast lover or prefer not to get out of bed before noon? Opt for our "I'd Prefer to Skip Breakfast" European Plan ($20 discount/night) or our in-suite "Breakfast-in-Bed" package ($20 additional/night on the weekends; no additional charge mid-week)! Although we don't literally deliver breakfast to you in bed, we will place it in your suite the night before ... wake up early or sleep late ... either way you'll enjoy breakfast at your leisure and in the privacy of your suite! And if you're in the area to visit family or friends, be certain to invite them for breakfast. Extra breakfast guests are always welcome ($11/person).

Please make your selection when submitting your reservation request.

Picnics & Such ...

While we don't boast a full service restaurant at Hidden Lake, we do offer some alternatives to dining out for every meal.

An arrival tray and a choice of salads offers a great alternative, particularly on the day of your arrival. Our arrival tray ($40) is overflowing with a variety of cheeses, fresh fruit, chocolate dipped strawberries, mixed nuts, olives, fresh bread and a variety of crackers. Salad choices include a fresh green salad with lots of veggies, a Caesar salad (without the anchovy topping unless you ask!) or a yummy chef salad. You can order a full salad to share ($15) and intended to serve 2 or a salad for one ($9). Both can be awaiting your arrival upon prior request. And don't forget to order a bottle of wine as a great accompaniment.

A Hidden Lake picnic or backpack lunch ($40) provides a great dinner and/or lunch alternative whether you're intending to go out and explore Southernmost Illinois or enjoy the scenic grounds at Hidden Lake B&B. Our hearty picnic begins with a variety of cheeses and fresh fruit as well as a green salad with all of the trimmings. We then incorporate a roasted chicken and a loaf of fresh bread. And to finish it off we add a yummy dessert - key lime pie, apple cake, or perhaps a couple of pieces of chocolate fudge cake. All of this as well as bottled water and other essentials are all wrapped up with ice packs in a pretty picnic basket. Enjoy one out by Hidden Lake, at one of the area wineries, or even in your suite ... perhaps on your private balcony. (Add $5 for an in-suite picnic)

A Tasty Midnight SnackOur backpack lunch ($45), originally intended for the hikers and birders but now enjoyed by all, puts a different twist on our traditional picnic. Everything in the backpack lunch is carefully planned to be eaten on the go. At the core are a couple of hearty sandwiches made to order. A few of the more popular choices? Mesquite turkey on ciabatta with provolone, roasted portabella mushroom with red pepper and mozzarella on Kaiser rolls, traditional ham and Swiss piled high on seeded rye. But let us know your favorite! To this we add fresh fruit, potato chips, trail mix, granola bars, homemade cookies, bottled water and, of course, all of the essentials packed up in a light weight thermal bag lined with ice packs! Our picnic and our backpack lunch are both truly yummy alternatives!

A midnight snack lunch ($50) offers yet another tasty alternative for a late arrival or really any time. Although we won't be serving this at midnight, you'll enjoy a fruited chicken salad, croissants, fresh fruit and dip, a soft cheese and crackers, a few chocolate dipped strawberries and something for your sweet tooth.

As with everything at Hidden Lake, if there is something we can do to make your request more enjoyable, just ask. We are always happy to accommodate special requests.

Property Amenities ...

At Hidden Lake Bed & Breakfast, you'll find 18 acres of woods, gardens and water to explore and enjoy. As with our guest accommodations, all 18 acres is off limits to smoking for the joint pleasure of all guests staying at Hidden Lake.

Hidden Lake is approximately two acres and stocked with bass, red ear, bluegill and catfish as well as grass carp for pond management and a large population of turtles. The lake is available to all guests for fishing and paddle boating, but no swimming, please. As you fish, please practice CPR - catch, photograph, and release - unless prior approval is obtained to keep some of the fish. And if you forget you're fishing pole, just ask! We always have extra poles available for guest use. Prefer paddle boating to fishing? Use of the paddle boat is complimentary - in fact, we love to see our guests enjoying it - and is available during the warmer seasons. A canopy on the paddleboat comes in handy to keep the sun off and please remember to take the safety floatation cushions with as you head out!

Not into fishing or paddle boating? You'll still find ample reason to visit the lake. A bridge at the far end provides access so that guests may enjoy a leisurely stroll around the water. As you do so, you'll find a scattering of benches at which to stop, rest and simply enjoy the beauty. Wandering guests will also find a beautiful pergola complete with climbing wisteria and a lovely swing for kicking back and relaxing. I highly recommend it for 'veg-ing out'! If you're looking for a lazy day, be sure to order a Hidden Lake picnic to enjoy out by the lake. We'll even include the blanket! Or visit our hilltop gazebo ... the views are spectacular and I can highly recommend it, both for an early morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine. Either way you are certain to appreciate the beauty and quiet as you sit with a grove pine trees behind you, the lake in front of you, and a veil of ornamental grasses surrounding you.

In the evenings, enjoy a romantic campfire under the stars perhaps with a bottle of wine you picked up at one of the nearby wineries or order one, and we'll have it delivered. A small campfire area is always at the ready with extra wood nearby. Just ask John or I for newspaper, matches and 'boy scout' juice to get it started! We'll even supply the marshmallows if you're interested!

A woodland walkway and several gardens are also available at Hidden Lake for your enjoyment. Approximately 1/4 mile long, the woodland trail leads you from the MainHouse to the grove of pines at the top of the hill. Listen as the wind blows through the pines and inhale their wonderful fragrance (can you tell where I spend my free time!). In the spring, you'll find the woodlands alive with hundreds of colorful daffodils, red bud trees and white dogwoods. And as you stroll through the woods, look for the statuary garden begun two years ago and ever evolving. I particularly enjoy the woods in the hot summer months.

Flower gardens, an herb garden, and an ornamental grass garden also grace the 18 acres of Hidden Lake Bed & Breakfast. Guests are welcome to explore them all! The flower gardens are always showing off something in bloom — roses, daffodils, tulips, gladiolas, peonies, hibiscus, and so much more — while the herb garden, in addition to providing herbs used in our breakfasts, always has extra for our guests. Let me know and I'll bundle up a few herbs for you to take home as a remembrance of your stay. Fresh herbs are wonderful addition to any meal! The ornamental grass garden is probably my favorite beginning it with just few grasses six years ago. Today it boasts 50+ plants and is growing every year. Bamboo grass forms the backdrop for this garden with maiden grasses, zebra grasses, blue fescue, Japanese blood grass and more vying for attention.

Concierge Services ...

John and I are waiting to exceed your expectations so let us know if there is anything we can do to make your stay as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. A short list of other services we provide includes:

• Special events planning (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
• In-suite spa services
• Dinner reservations
• Horseback riding and rock climbing reservations
• Complimentary trip planning
• Car rental arrangements
• Southern Illinois wine -- your choice -- available on arrival with complimentary delivery
• Birthday and anniversary cakes
• Business Services: Fax, copy, supplies, Internet access

Let me take a moment to tell you about "us", the owners. My husband, John and I, (I'm Mary Jo, by the way) are transplanted Chicagoans. We opted to retire to a new lifestyle in 1998, wanting to get out of the "rat race" and spend more time together...the new American dream! Being empty nesters, we decided we could make this happen and chose Southern Illinois as our new home. With its warmer climate, hilly rural terrain, and its wonderfully friendly people, Union County was an ideal match for us.

Deciding to open a bed and breakfast was an idea that appealed to us instantly. What better way to meet new people and to do “a little something“ in this new life? People often ask if this had always been a dream of ours … ironically we had never stayed at a B&B! So as we set off on this new course of life, John and I decided that we had better get educated! Neither of us was certain that degrees in business were going to suffice for the hospitality industry! We had traveled a lot, however, and as we set off to create our vision of the "perfect B&B", we knew that we wanted to combine the amenities of a premier hotel with the private attention afforded by a small bed and breakfast. We also wanted to provide the elegance of an upscale establishment yet retain the relaxing atmosphere of a rural setting. At Hidden Lake we believe you'll find just that!

Our “education” centered on a sixteen week bed & breakfast curriculum at Oakton Community College. The only one of its kind in the country at the time, the curriculum focused on B&B Operations, Marketing, Management, Food Safety and, perhaps most importantly, Breakfast and Brunch Culinary Expertise! As John likes to tell our guests, I made him attend sixteen weeks of cooking school just so I wouldn’t end up in the kitchen alone! (And wouldn’t you know it, he ends up with the better grade!) But the sixteen weeks were well worth it! Today, a typical breakfast at Hidden Lake B&B consists of poached pears with a vanilla cream sauce, slices of crunchy raspberry crostada topped with toasted slivered almonds and a mile high pannekuchen topped with cinnamon apples and whipped cream! And we’ll never serve you the same thing twice during your stay! We have developed quite a repertoire over the years that we believe you will enjoy. And if you don't like what we serve, scrambled eggs and cereal are always a back-up!

The “little something” we first envisioned turned out to be a magnificent understatement. To-date, we have hosted guests from 38 states and 16 foreign countries! Hidden Lake now offers four wonderul suites, three with large double Jacuzzis and king-size beds. All offer the amenities of a vacation condo ... small refrigerators, microwaves, in-suite coffee service and so much more.

Most recently, we have added an Alaskan sled dog to our family. Part husky, part malmute, part greyhound, Keetna is from the Seavey IditarKeetnaod team out of Talkeetna, Alaska ... hence the name Keetna. She's tall and skinny at 53 lbs with beautiful blue eyes that John is always taking credit for ... he has the same blue eyes!

Keetna's mom, Lucky, and her, dad, Run's Fast, had an unplanned litter allowing us to bring "Keetna" home with us from our Alaskan vacation in 2010. Bred for speed and endurance, Keetna lives to play with anyone or anything. Her first choice, of course, other dogs but she's pretty certain that our guests come just to spoil her. And, of course, when she bats those baby blue eyes at them, they usually do!

But please, don't worry. If you are not a dog lover, Keetna does not have to part of your visit to Hidden Lake. She has an electronic fence that keeps her away from the lake, the gazebo, the woodland walkway and the majority of the 12 acres unless we are with her. Keetna has passed her Good Citizenship Test and is on her way to becoming a certified therapy dog.

So come visit Hidden Lake B&B! John and I are doing this for fun and we are enjoying every minute of it. It is our sincerest wish that you will too!

Tour The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Tour the twelve wineries/vineyards that comprise the popular Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and discover your favorite .... Located within 15 minutes of Hidden Lake, you'll sip wine at a Tuscan style villa rising from the Southern Illinois hills or in an old peach barn turned Swedish cafe and winery. Relax at an outdoor amphitheatre as you enjoy a bottle of wine with friends or choose one the many decks overlooking breathtaking vistas of Southern Illinois vineyards, Koi ponds, and so much more. Enjoy music in the vineyards most weekends or choose to attend a murder mystery or wine festival. Take along a specially prepared picnic from Hidden Lake and sip some of Southern Illinois' finest.  Check our calendar of events for special winery events.

Explore Our State Parks

There are numerous state parks and resource natural areas (RNA), within 15-30 minutes of Hidden Lake, which make up just part of the 280,000 acre Shawnee National Forest. All offer varying terraines of interest for hiking, biking, horseback riding or even a driving tour if you're not interested in the more physical endevours.

Giant City State Park, receiving over 1 million visitors each year, is noted for its impressive rock formations. Eight, well-marked hiking trails, ranging from easy to rugged, offer the opportunity to experience these unique formations up close and are well worth the effort. A scenic drive through the park with a stop at the new Visitor's Center is also an option.

The Pomona Natural Bridge Trail Little Grand Canyon is considered one of Southern Illinois' most beautiful hiking trails. Come hike a winding, hilly trail complete with waterfall! A great stop before visiting the wineries. The trail can be a bit tricky so don't venture out in rainy or snowy conditions.

The Pomona Natural Bridge, carved by flowing waters over hundreds of years, is well worth the short walk (1/2 mile round trip) from the parking area. The peace and beauty of the area offers a surreal view of Southern Illinois' natural wonders.

Trail of Tears State Park pays tribute to the force march of the Cherokee Indians to Oklahoma in the winter of 1838-1839 where many perished along the way. 5,000 acres makes up this state park with fire trails open year round for hiking ... much of it up hill!

LaRue Pine Hills RNA is most famous for the biannual ‘Snake Migration’ across the LaRue Road at the base of the bluffs, adjacent to LaRue Swamp. The road is closed tocar traffic every spring and fall to help protect thousands of reptiles and amphibians during their migration. About 66 percent of the amphibians and 59 percent of the reptiles known to occur in Illinois are found here (approximately 35 species of snakes). Not personnally being a fan of reptiles, I enjoy a drive through upper and lower La Rue Roads during the non-migration months.

Tunnel Hill State Park offers 45 miles of biking trails along converted rails-to-trails. My favorite sections? The leg south from Vienna through the Cache River Wetlands or north through the 543 foot tunnel ... although I did find that length of tunnel a bit spooky!

The Cache River Wetlands, totaling over 14,000 acres, is an echo system unlike any other in the midwest. A floating boardwalk leads out into swaplands where a canopy of cypress tress tower hundreds of feet into the air and the new Visitor's Center provides an intereesting peek into the history of the Cache and it's importance to the area. If you have only time to visit one natural site, this is the one!

If you are willing to venture a bit further, Garden of the Gods and Cave in Rock State Park are well worth the drive (50 and 40 minutes away respectively) and the lodge at Cave in Rock offers a beautiful place for lunch.

Shopping in the Hills ... the Shawnee Hills

There are numerous antique shops, farm markets, gift shops and more in Southernmost Illinois, most within 5-15 minutes of Hidden Lake. If you just like to browse or if you're looking for something unique, you'll find it along the shopping trail. Artisans display their work at the Makanda Boardwalk. Craft items are on display at Enchanted Gardens, This N That, and Momma Mayberry's. Wine-themed gifts are featured at many of the wineries ... Alto Vineyards, Blue Sky, Von Jakob, Pomona, and Starview.

Pick up a Shopping Trail map at any of the wineries, stores or at Hidden Lake so that you can visit them all. Get an early start after breakfast and then be relaxing over a glass of wine at your favorite winery by the afternoon!

Rendleman's Farm Market

There are several orchards in the area that offer some amazingly tempting treats in addition to an array of seasonal fresh fruit. There are homemade goodies like strawberry shortcake, peach cobbler and smoothies, apple pie and dumplings that you can enjoy on-site or take home for the family. In addition, the orchards offer a wide array of jams, jellies, salsas, soups and much, much more.

Bald Knob Mountain & Cross

The highest point in Southernmost Illinois is Bald Knob Mountain, rising more than 700 feet from the valley below. From Bald Knob, on a clear day, you can see beautiful vistas of Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky. In the fall, the colors are spectacular. On top of Bald Knob stands a cross 111 feet tall. It serves as a non-denominational symbol of God. When lit at night, is can be seen over an area of 7,500 square miles. Easter services are held each year at Bald Knob.

Experience the Challenge of Rock Climbing

I highly recommend this adventure for those with any interest in rock climbing!  The hills and bluffs of Southern Illinois offer great rock climbing experiences for the beginner to the experienced. As a beginner, try Vertical Heartland Climbing School (www.verticalheartland.com).  They will provide the equipment and have you climbing within the hour.  Lessons for those wanting more than just a taste of rock climbing as well as rock climbing expeditions are also available. Take along a backpack lunch from Hidden Lake, then return here for a long, relaxing soak in one our Jacuzzis!

Birding

The twelve acres of woods, gardens and water at Hidden Lake are a great place to catch site of a variety of birds.  As you enjoy breakfast in the Sunroom you're likely to see Hairy, Downy, Red Bellied and Red Headed Woodpeckers; Indigo Buntings; Cardinals; American Gold Finches; Carolina Chickadees;  Tit-mice; Blue Jays; Flickers; and a variety of wrens. Elsewhere at Hidden Lake, you may catch sight of a Great Blue Heron feeding at the lake, a pair of Green Heron, a pair (or more) of Pileated Woodpeckers, Bluebirds, Swallows, Purple Martins, Red-Tailed Hawks, and Coppers Hawks.  Eagles are abundant for the sitting in January along the Mississippi and a few have been known to visit Hidden Lake. Join a guided eagle tour through the Crab Orchard Wild Life Refuge during the months of January and February or join in May Birdfest in the Cache River Wetlands. May is the month for the spring bird migration in Southern Illinois so bring your binoculars and maybe add new bird (or two?) to your birding life list!

Horseback Riding

Enjoy a leisurely a one or two hour ride or even a full day expedition through the Southern Illinois' orchards and the Shawnee National Forest with Lake Glendale or Honeybee Stables. You'll enjoy the privacy of being on your own with a guide with horses that are anxious to out enjoying the countryside as you. Be sure to take along a saddlebag lunch to enjoy along the way or once you're through! Let us know that you're interested and we'll make the reservations for you.

Scuba Dive at Mermet Springs

Scuba dive in Southernmost Illinois at Mermet Springs, an 8.5 acre spring fed quarry offering terrific clear water diving experience with visibility from 15 feet to over 65 feet and depths in excess of 100 feet. Diving includes exploration of wrecks at various depths. Take lessons including certification, just dive or even snorkel.

The Home of Superman

Metropolis, as you know, is the home of Superman. But did you know that Metropolis is located in Southern Illinois? Approximately 45 miles from Hidden Lake, the town of Metropolis holds an annual Superman celebration the 2nd weekend of June. Celebrity appearances include the man of steel himself. Take your picture with him or with the 15 foot statue of Superman that adorns Metropolis. Visit the Super Museum, a $2.5 million collection spanning 60 years. And yes, the name of the town paper is, of course, The Daily Planet!

Area Restaurants

There are many nice restaurants from which to choose when visiting Southernmost Illinois, both Casual and Fine Dining, several within five minutes of Hidden Lake Bed and Breakfast. Listed below are those we most often recommend.

Fine Dining Options

Let us make reservations for you at any of the following:

Bogey's at Stone Creek, 20 minute drive, 618-457-5455. Open: 5-9 pm, Thursday-Sunday. Located in the clubhouse at Stone Creek Gold Course, Bogey's offers fine dining overlooking beautiful golf course views with a casual atmosphere.

Celebrations, Cape Girardeau, MO, 30 minute drive, 573-334-8330, Open: Tuesday-Saturday. Celebrations combines a casually elegant atmosphere with excellent service, an extensive menu, and an enviable wine list. They have a beautiful courtyard area open in the warmer months for dining and live music most weekends.

Mollie's Cafe, Cape Girardeau, MO, 30 minute drive, 573-339-1661, Open: 5-10 pm, Monday-Saturday for dinner and 11-2 m Monday through Friday for lunch. Mollies is located in an old store front on historic Spanish Street near the river. It is small but quite special with great service, an optional outside eating area, and a wonderful menu.

Ask about Hidden Lake’s Dinner Package at Mollie's Cafe!

Mary's, Herrin, IL, 45 minute drive, 618-942-2742, Open: Tuesday-Saturday. Mary's is located in a lovely old peach-colored Victorian home. Like Celebrations, they have never advertised except by word of mouth. A bit more formal than the other fine dining restaurants, Mary's offers a lovely experience.

Casual Dining

Within 5 miles...

In addition to a host of fast food restaurants - Subway, KFC, Taco Bell, Mc Donald's, Hardy's, Dairy Queen, Sonic, and Burger King - the following local restaurants are within minutes of Hidden Lake.

The Blue Boar - Owned and operated by the owners of Great Boars of Fire, caterers to the St. Louis Rams, the Blue Boar offers a wide range of food from cajun to steaks to burgers and more. Big screen TVs over the bar televise the big games. Open Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday 4-9 pm for dinner; Friday and Saturday 11-9 for lunch and dinner. The bar is open until midnight Monday through Saturday.

The Brick House Grill, open for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, 4 pm to 9 pm . While not a white table cloth restaurant, the menu and service are up to par. You'll enjoy such scrumptious entrees as a 10 oz ribeye, pan seared scallops with a blue cheese and white wine beurre blanc, cashew crusted chicken, herb and garlic encrusted pork tenderloin and many others.

The Country Cupboard, open for lunch, Monday through Saturday,11 am to 2 pm and Friday's for dinner from 4 to 8 pm. Originally an 1880’s potato barn, this building was also once the “Wal-Mart” of the area (until the real thing came to town!) and then an upscale country clothing store. When the owners retired in 2001, local owners opened this wonderful country restaurant.

Dixie Barbecue, a favorite of former Governor Jim Edgar! Open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday, serving up Southern style barbecue, within walking distance of Hidden Lake.

Cerro de la Silla, open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, a very small, family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant within walking distance of Hidden Lake, on the Jonesboro Square.

The Depot, good food, friendly people, casual environment and some very interesting historic pictures of Anna and Jonesboro hanging on the walls!  Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.  My recommendation?  Try their thick cut pork chops!

Pizza Hut, newly renovated and expanded, eat in or call for delivery!

EL Jalapeño, open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, a great Mexican restaurant with an extensive menu - although I never seem to get beyond the chicken fajitas! – and I understand that they serve up a great margarita!

Willing to take a bit longer ride?

The Peach Barn Café, Alto Pass, IL, approximately 10 miles northwest, a lovely couple from Sweden serves up lunch and dinner in an old peach barn Wednesday through Sunday. I understand that their Swedish meatballs simply melt in your mouth! And while you're there, taste some of their wines ... Open November - April: Fri. - Sat. 12 noon - 9 pm, Sunday 12 noon - 5 pm; May - October: Wed. -Thurs. 12 noon - 5 pm, Fri. - Sat. 12 noon - 9 pm, Sunday- 12 noon - 5 p.m.

The Root Beer Saloon, Alto Pass, IL, approximately 10 miles north, just off the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail, serves up lunch in a place that reminds one of Alaska with a pot belly stove, root beer and cream soda on draft, a hundred different kinds of tea, coffee, and spices and an interesting menu! Be warned ... the Root Beer Saloon also sports an amazing amount of taxidermy and the owner is known to vent about any topic of the day!

The Yellow Moon Cafe, Cobden, IL, approximately 10 miles north, on the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail as you cut through the quaint town of Cobden, serves up lunch in an espresso cafe! Open Tuesday through Friday, 11 am to 2 pm; Friday dinner from 7-10 pm and Saturday from 9 am to midnight. Check out their schedule of live music on the weekends.

Giant City Lodge, Makanda, IL, approximately 20 minutes northeast, located in Giant City State Park, open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, noted for their all-you-can-eat family style fried chicken but offering a wide variety of entrees. The Lodge itself is worth checking out. Built by the CCC during the depression it’s architecture is that of large rough hewn beams and stone.

None of these choices interest you or you’re thinking that you‘d like to check out one of the bigger towns?

Carbondale, Marion and Cape Girardeau (each approximately 30 minutes away) offer a multitude of restaurant options such as Lone Star, Panera, Outback Steak House, Red Lobster, Cracker Barrel, Applebees and more. Cape Girardeau also has a very nice Italian restaurant called Belle Italia if you find yourself craving some great pasta. They’re open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Our favorite place in Marion is Honeybakers with truly great desserts – 7 or 8 kinds of pie and equal number of cakes from which to select – as well as terrific rolls to enjoy with your meal. And I highly recommend their Louisiana sweet potato as a part of dinner! Last but not least, try the number one ranked "Place to Pig Out in America" ... Lambert's Cafe , Home of the Throwed Roll, in Sikeston, Mo.
 

From St. Louis Via I-55
Take I-55 South to Cape Girardeau, exiting at exit # 95 (Rt. 74 East Cape Girardeau/Illinois Rt. 146). Follow Rt. 74 East 4 miles to Illinois Rt. 146. Take the Cape Girardeau bridge across onto Illinois Rt. 146 and into Jonesboro (approximately 25 miles). Once inside the Jonesboro city limits, watch for Cook Ave. Turn right and proceed to address (433 Cook Ave). (Hints: Watch for Rt. 146 to turn left approximately 4 miles after the bridge when the road "T"s, then watch for it to turn right as you enter the town of Ware, approximately 13 miles later. Cook Ave is approximately 9 miles further after you turn right in Ware. A Casey's General Store & Gas Station is on the corner of Cook Avenue & Rt. 146. If you pass the AJ One Stop Gas Station or enter the Jonesboro Square, you've gone too far.) Hidden Lake is a half mile down on the right, about a block or so past the deadend sign.

From St. Louis Via The Illinois Scenic Route
Take I 70 to I 64 to exit 50, Illinois Rt. 127. Take Rt. 127 South approximately 1 1/2 hours (90 miles ?) to Rt. 146 East. Turn left onto Rt. 146 to Cook Ave (approximately 2-3 miles). Turn right onto to Cook and proceed to address (433 Cook Ave). A Casey's General Store & Gas Station is on the corner of Cook Avenue & Rt. 146. If you pass the AJ One Stopl Gas Station or enter the Jonesboro Square, you've gone too far. Hidden Lake is a half mile down on the right, about a block or so past the deadend sign.

Either route from St. Louis will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Taking the scenic route, however, will allow you to visit some of our sites and attractions on your way:

Visit 4 of the 6 Shawnee Hills Wine Trail vineyards/wineries on your way down if you are so inclined; (generally open until 5 p.m.)
Do some hiking at Little Grand Canyon;
Stretch your legs with a short walk to the Pomona Natural Bridge; or
Stop at the Root Beer Saloon in Alto Pass for draft root beer and/or a tasty snack.

From Chicago
Take I-57 South to Rt. 146 West (exit #30). Take Rt. 146 West to Cook Avenue (approximately 7 miles). Turn left on Cook Avenue, then to address (1/2 mile). Hints: Rt. 146 will turn left at the four-way stop in Anna. As you enter Jonesboro, you will find yourself in a driving rotunda. Proceed 1/2 way around the town center and exit the rotunda. Cook Avenue is the first left after you come out of the Jonesboro Square and pass Dixie Barbecue. A Casey's General Store & Gas Station, the 2nd one that you will pass since leaving I-57, is on the corner of Cook Avenue & Rt. 146. Turn left onto Cook Ave. Hidden Lake is a half mile down on the right, about a block or so past the deadend sign.

From Paducah
Take I-24 North to Rt. 146 West. Take Rt. 146 West to Cook Avenue (approximately 25 miles). Turn left on Cook Avenue, then to address (1/2 mile). Hints: Rt. 146 will turn left at the four-way stop in Anna. As you enter Jonesboro, you will find yourself in a driving rotunda. Proceed 1/2 way around the town center and exit the rotunda.Cook Avenue is the first left after you come out of the Jonesboro Square and pass Dixie Barbecue. A Casey's General Store & Gas Station is on the corner of Cook Avenue & Rt. 146. Hidden Lake is a half mile down on the right and a block or so past the deadend sign.

From Carbondale, IL
Take Rt. 51 South to Rt. 146 West. Take Rt. 146 West to Cook Avenue (approximately 4 miles). Turn left on Cook Avenue, then to address (1/2 mile). Hints: Rt. 146 will turn left at the four-way stop in Anna. As you enter Jonesboro, you will find yourself in a driving rotunda. Proceed 1/2 way around the town center and exit the rotunda.Cook Avenue is the first left after you come out of the Jonesboro Square and pass Dixie Barbecue. A Casey's General Store & Gas Station is on the corner of Cook Avenue & Rt. 146. Hidden Lake is a half mile down on the right and a block or so past the deadend sign.