SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com

Southern IL Folklore

2009-01-23T16:42:00.000-08:00

The story goes...a young man and woman fell deeply in love after meeting on a Mississippi River bank near Grand Tower, Il. She was the daughter of settlers to the bluff, and he was a rugged river boat worker. It was the typical 'Romeo and Juliet' story as the daughters parents did not approve of their love. The couple leapt to their death from the large rock hanging over the Mississippi River know as Devils Backbone to preserve their love forever.

Bleeding Hearts Photo Contest

2009-01-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard, there's a photo contest going on, check on the information here on HeartlandArts.Net.

Fall Fest Fundraiser

2008-10-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

Fun for the Whole Family at the 3rd Annual Fall Fest Fundraiser Event

The Dayemi Parent/Child Collective is hosting the 3rd annual Fall Fest on Saturday, November 1 from 4-8pm, rain or shine. As in past years, families can enjoy all kinds of games and activities, storytelling, good food, a costume parade, live entertainment and more. The event is a fundraiser for the Collective and will take place at their facility at 214 E. Jackson Street in Carbondale, behind the Bank of Carbondale. Admission is $2 per person.

The Dayemi Parent/Child Collective is a project of the Dayemi Tariqat, a non-profit social service organization, and the Collective offers a morning program for toddlers. The Collective is a home away from home for children where they learn to love and care for each other. For more information contact Tria Milo at (618) 534-3063.

Pictures from the 2006 event

"Stroll Around the Square"

2008-10-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Some things are getting started with HeartlandArts.Net. Stay tuned for more about visual arts!

By Brent Stewart, The Southern

Businesses in downtown Carbondale open doors to art lovers

Art Around the Square – 7 to10 p.m, Friday, Carbondale Town Square.

It's fall. The humid days of the last few months are far behind us, and there isn't a better time to enjoy a walk in Southern Illinois.

So, why not take a stroll Friday night, when businesses in downtown Carbondale will open their doors for Art Around the Square, an event hosted by heartlandarts.net and the Historic Town Square Business Coalition.

Heartlandarts.net is a for-profit partnership of retail gallery owners, artists, marketers and patrons of the arts, including Amy McMorrow, owner of southernillinoisspecialties.com, a Web site project of Innucopia, LLC, in Carbondale, Sue Mills, owner of Art Lovers Trading Co., and Lauren Zadikow of The Red Ear, a new gallery space in Alto Pass.

"Basically, we just want to promote art shows and artists in the region," McMorrow said.

Mills opened Art Lovers five years ago after seeing a need in the community for an artistic outlet. In the last few years, Southern Illinois' place in the art world has seemed to expand, with more businesses offering gallery or display space. Mills feels there are more artists moving into the area, and now is the perfect time to get the different businesses and organizations on the same page in encouraging the development of this community.

It's a partnership that could be good for the artists and the town, especially downtown.

Art Around the Square is a step in that direction.

"I think people want something now, and they're getting on board," Mills said.

Although you can take whatever route you like, conceivably a person could start out at Thai Taste, which will be featuring its artist of the month, at 100 S. Illinois Ave., walk around the town square, and end up at Art Lovers at 201 E. Main St. to see its diverse collection of Southern Illinois artists.

Along the way, you'll be able to see paintings by Eileen Doman at the office of Dr. Brian McElheny, paintings by Jackie Tice and photography by Daniel Tice at Longbranch Coffeehouse, interior design at Global Gourmet, Myers Avripas mixed media designs at the Arthur Agency, paintings by Andrea LeBeau at Hair Brains, paintings by Rachel Christine Nowicki at Fusion Ultra Lounge, and photography by Susan Phillips at the Newell House Grotto. The Tree House, a new artist studio about the Town Square Market, will also be open for visitors and will exhibit the photography of Terry Hickey, an installation by Hilary Chandler and sculpture by Danielle Konings.

"If people want to have a nice meal while they're here, they can go in to one of the restaurants, eat and walk off their food," Mills said.

Mills and McMorrow are both very excited about the event, hoping it will encourage commerce in the town square area and raise the profile of local artists. They also hope it will become a regular event involving more and more participants.

"We still have a lot of things we can do with it," McMorrow said. "We're just getting started."

brent.stewart@thesouthern.com / 351-5074

Karen Hand in the news

2008-09-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the Chicago Sun-Times article about women winemakers, which mentions Blue Sky's own Karen Hand.

All Kinda Activity

2008-09-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

We have been busy getting HeartlandArts.Net off the ground. We're going to be launching with art shows along the Shawnee Wine Trail the weekend of Colorfest, October 11-12. Stay tuned to the website for more information! Here are some related announcements.

Call to Artists:

Seeking visual artists for diverse indoor and outdoor juried art shows along the Shawnee Wine Trail in October, November and December 2008. Submissions accepted and additional details online at www.HeartlandArts.Net or call 713 2896.

Festivals and Celebrations:

Carbondale Art Walk on the Town Square, Friday, October 10, 6-9pm. Browse art exhibitions and enjoy local food and entertainment in businesses, galleries and shops on and around the Town Square.

Colorfest Art Trail along the Shawnee Wine Trail, October 11-12. Enjoy diverse indoor and outdoor juried art exhibitions at various locations in Makanda, Alto Pass, Cobden and select wineries. More information on www.HeartlandArts.Net or call 713 2896.

Art Classes/Classes and Workshops:

Artist Social and Workshop at the Red Ear in Alto Pass, Thursday, September 25, 6-9pm. Network with other artists and get pointers for an inexpensive and easy-to-update website using blogs, online photo albums and calendars. $10 fee includes refreshments and printed workshop materials. Workshop space limited. More information on www.HeartlandArts.Net or call 713 2896.

If you haven't seen it, there's a great article about Illinois wine in this month's Illinois Country Living, including stats and links to more info.

Artist Social August 21 in Alto Pass

2008-08-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

New HeartlandArts.Net Visual Arts Network Launching with Artist Social in Alto Pass August 21
Partnership will promote artists and art shows in southern Illinois and the surrounding regions

Carbondale, Illinois, August 6, 2008 – HeartlandArts.Net, a new organization to support and promote the visual arts throughout southern Illinois, southeastern Missouri, western Kentucky, southwestern Indiana and the surrounding communities, will launch with an artists social in Alto Pass, southern Illinois on August 21. The event will give artists a chance to network with other artists in the region and get more information about the new HeartlandArts.Net. Admission is free and hour d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. The event will take place from 5-8pm at the Red Ear, 65 N. Elm Street in Alto Pass, a new gallery space along the strip.

HeartlandArts.Net will aim to serve visual artists by helping them sell their art to locals and tourists in the region, as well as online. Through art shows along the wine trails, getting art on display in local businesses, and online promotion, among other things, artists can reach a wider audience and begin to build a loyal customer base. The HeartlandArts.Net partnership is a cooperation among Art Lovers Trading Company and SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com in Carbondale, and Red Ear in Alto Pass. For more information visit http://www.heartlandarts.net or call 618 713 2896.

Art Lovers Trading Company (www.artloverstradingcompany.com) is an art gallery and gift shop located on the Town Square in Carbondale, Illinois.

SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com (www.southernillinoisspecialties.com) is a website project of Innucopia, LLC, dedicated to promoting art and tourism in southern Illinois.

The Red Ear is a new gallery space along the Shawnee Wine Trail located on the strip in Alto Pass, Illinois.

Please tell your friends!

Ste. Genevieve Art Walk and New Winery Opening

2008-07-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

I ended up at the Art Walk in Ste. Genevieve, MO on Friday evening, it was their first art walk and I was happy to be a part of it. Tiny little town, oldest on the Mississippi River, established something like 1738. I will be back next month, every last Friday!

If you're looking for something to do this upcoming weekend, check out the new Rustle Hill Winery, they have all kinds of grand opening events going on. Cheers!

All About Art Shows and the Downtown Art and Wine Fair

2008-07-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

I've had some questions from artists about how we are working art shows. Here are the answers to some questions related specifically to the kind of show we did out at BlueSky on June 27, and also about some of our plans for more shows. Please submit any additional questions to this blog or info@southernillinoisspecialties.com. Of course, I'm only speaking for myself and not on behalf of BlueSky or anyone else. Questions about anyone else's specific policies and practices would need to be directed to them.

1. What is the commission, and who gets it, Blue Sky, Southernillinoispecialties.com, or both? Are you putting on shows for Blue Sky, acting as their contractor?
For setting up the show and publicizing it we take 35% commission. We are putting on the shows as the 'sponsor', we are all acting independently and there are no contracts in place. Myself (SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com, which is a project of my company Innucopia, LLC), and Art Lovers Trading Company share the commission. The venue so far is giving us the space for free and benefits from the additional traffic. You benefit by getting your work out in front of locals and tourists in a nice setting and hopefully selling some of your work. That's how it's working for the moment. It's all about working together and all of us being able to focus on our areas of expertise, and getting adequtely and fairly compensated for our contributions.
2. Will this be a one day show only? I usually keep a show up for 3-4 weeks.
The Last Friday shows at Blue Sky are 3 hours, part of the Sunset Friday events. These are great for up-and-coming artists or any artists who want to have a nice and easy show at the winery, invite collectors and friends for a relaxing evening, possibly show some new work, etc. We are working on finding venues related to the wine trails that can host longer shows. If you have any ideas please let me know.
3. Who is responsible for putting on the reception, me, you, Blue Sky, or some combination of the 3?
I'm trying to set up shows that do not interfere too much with the venues, because they often don't have the infrastructure or personnel to handle it, besides possibly publicizing it a bit. For the most part you and I will be responsible for the actual setup and takedown of the show, wherever it may be, and having the structures needed to display your art, and that will not need to damage their walls (unless they already have something in place). So far I have some easels and a folding wall with a cream-colored canvas background with three panels, each panel approximately 7' tall by 36'' wide.
4. How is publicity handled, and who handles it?
I'm primarily handling the publicity, mostly online, making sure press releases get out to local and regional media, and working with the venue and whatever other available resources (websites, mailing lists, online calendars and event listings, etc.) to get the word out. If you want a printed flyer, I can design one and get it printed and distributed, for a small extra charge, or you can get it printed and distribute it yourself (I won't charge for the design). We would like for the artists to be able to provide a list of invitees (i.e. your buyers, collectors, friends, family, etc.) that we would include in the show's email announcement that also goes out to the Art Lover's mailing list and the list we build through the shows.
5. Who is responsible for providing reception entertainment- or will the entertainment be a part of Blue Sky's regular entertainment lineup?
It's great if you have entertainment to go along with your work, we would prefer to do it that way if you have something in mind. It's basically a way for everyone to work together and promote themselves individually and as a part of the art show. Everyone (you, musician, venue, myself, Art Lovers) invites everyone they can. Once we find a venue that can sustain a longer show, we could have an opening and/or closing reception where your band could play.

Contact us if you'd like to get lined up for a show in southern Illinois!

In the meantime, get out and about in Carbondale for the Downtown Art and Wine Fair tonight:

Andi's Art Show at BlueSky

2008-06-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

Pictures from the show

Enthusiasm, joy, balance, enjoyment, beauty. I am not a writer but these are some of the words that pop into my head when I think about Andi's show at BlueSky last night. We kept our expectations conservative since it was our first show, and to say the least the way it turned out was a pleasant surprise. That pleasant feeling just radiated through the show and everyone felt it, like the feeling of amazement one feels when watching a flower bloom. We look forward to more. Thanks to everyone who came and participated! Special thanks to Josh Brown for the music, BlueSky for the hour d'oeuvres and space, and my set builder, without whom I could not have done it at all. The picture is myself, Andi and Sue, owner of Art Lovers in Carbondale.

The weather went from hot, sunny and breezy to stormy thundering skies to downpour, replete with a rainbow like a little shiny bow to tie up the package.

A lot of the families from our schoolhouse/daycare came out for the show so there were lots of kids around raising the general level of energy in the room. Here they're outside by the pond looking at a frog.

Art Show Today!

2008-06-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

Don't miss Andrea LeBeau's art show this evening, 5-8pm, at Blue Sky Vineyard. Hope to see you there!

Solstice Festival Rundown

2008-06-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day for the Solstice Fest at Starview on June 10. GlassRoots by MaryAnne, Grandma Coyote, and Tom Horn had booths outside while and a new permanent exhibit featuring Tom Horn, Janet Althoff and Jurhee Veech was on display inside the winery.

Tourpreneurs Debrief

2008-06-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Networking Event for Southern Illinois Tourism Entrepreneurs a Success
Plans Launched for Continuing Expansion of Assistance

June 12, 2008, Makanda, IL – Local tourism entrepreneurs and officials met Tuesday at Blue Sky Vineyard for the first SI Tourpreneurs meeting. Tourism business owners were given a chance to voice their observations and suggestions about the local tourism industry and special issues in southern Illinois. Jon Musgrave, the Director of the Southern Illinois Tourism Development Office (www.illinoisadventure.com), informed tourism entrepreneurs about what is being done for them by the tourism administration. Kathy Lively, Executive Director of Connect SI (www.connectsi.us) was on hand to listen to the attendees’ suggestions and requests for assistance. Kathy Lively said, “The excellent turnout and positive feedback we received from the attendees are evidence that we need to continue to provide a forum for on-going communication and networking among our Tourpreneurs.” Items of discussion included: broadening the lodging links on the SIU website to include bed and breakfast options; researching insurance options for local outfitters; combining bed and breakfast trails with wine trail information, and creating an ongoing action newsletter for tourism entrepreneurs via SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com. The event was sponsored by Connect SI, the Southern Illinois Tourism Development Office, Blue Sky Vineyard, and SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com. More events and activities aimed at assisting tourism entrepreneurs are in the planning stages.

Go to the SIS Home Page to fill out a short contact form for more information about the Tourpreneurs newsletter!

For Immediate Release: ART SHOW Friday June 27

2008-06-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

Artist Andrea LeBeau Exhibits Latest Work at Blue Sky Vineyard Friday, June 27
Sunset Friday Includes Art by LeBeau and Music by Josh Brown

June 18, 2008, Makanda, IL – Andrea LeBeau, an emerging artist who studied at the Art Academy in Budapest, Hungary, brings her experiences living in Europe, the Caribbean and the USA to life on canvas with an exhibition at Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, Illinois. The exhibition is Friday, June 27, from 5-8pm, as part of the Blue Sky’s Sunset Friday celebration. The exhibition includes oil-on-canvas paintings featuring themes of meditation, feminine energy, and angelic light. Hour d’oeuvres will be provided along with music by Josh Brown. Admission is free and open to all. The event is sponsored by Art Lovers Trading Company, SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com, and Blue Sky Vineyard.

This event is the first in a series of art shows being organized by Art Lovers Trading Company and SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com this year. The art shows will feature emerging and established artists with ties to the heartland of the USA. For more information contact Sue Mills at Art Lovers, (618) 351-9444 or Amy McMorrow at SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com, (618) 713-2896.

About the Artist

Born in Hungary, Andrea (Andi) studied the History of Art and the technique of painting at the Art Academy in Budapest. She experimented with different techniques and media, and never limited herself to only one mode of expression. She has traveled around the world capturing the energy and life that has touched her. Always striving follow her heart, Andi tries to be honest to herself and others. She believes that good and beauty is everywhere and in everyone.

She spent a year living on and island in the Caribbean, where she evolved her art into mixed media applying natural fibers and shells to her oil on canvas creations. Moving to the USA, first to Carbondale, Illinois for a short time, she searched for new way of expression. There were beautiful flowers, and she felt a desire to capture their inner beauty. She then spent a year spent in St. Paul, Minnesota, exploring new things, meeting new friends, and developing a new style.

Carbondale always had a warm, cozy impression on Andi, and after a year living in Minnesota, she decided to return there and continue her journey of life and creation. She never stops and continuously challenges herself to create new innovations, media and techniques.

While trying to find herself in this very new place, this country that becomes her new home, she continually searches for peace and happiness inside herself. “Pieces of Meditation” help her to find her way through it. With a graphic designer she created “Oceanica I” and “Oceanica II.” These represent the force of feminine energy, and another way of self-expression. Most recently she has created “Born from the Light” and “The Angel of light.”

“Every action carries with it a specific energy and force. This energy and force can be captured in the moment, in art, and relived again and again. Optimism and Simplicity are the energies I strive to cultivate and capture in my work.”

Art Lovers Trading Company (www.artloverstradingcompany.com) is an art gallery and gift shop located on the Town Square in Carbondale, Illinois.

SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com (www.southernillinoisspecialties.com) is a website project of Innucopia, LLC, dedicated to promoting art and tourism in southern Illinois.

Blue Sky Vineyard (www.blueskyvineyard.com) is a winery offering a taste of Tuscany on the Shawnee Wine Trail in southern Illinois.

How to make a page on MySpace.com

2008-06-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

I prepared this: how to make a page on MySpace.com, to hand out at yesterday's Tourpreneur's meeting, hope you find it useful!

The meeting was excellent and I will have more to report as soon as I have time to get my thoughts down on paper! In the mean time, check out this article about another tourism meeting that took place here in Carbondale yesterday. Illinois tourism is worth $30 billion annually! That's pretty amazing, I just wonder what the breakdown is by region.

In the news!

2008-06-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

Don't miss today's article in the Southern about the Tourpreneurs meeting tomorrow, and be sure not to miss the meeting too! And in the meantime join our group on MySpace.com: http://groups.myspace.com/sitourpreneurs.

ATTENTION: TOURISM ENTREPRENEURS

2008-06-04T04:06:00.000-07:00

Do you own a small business in southern Illinois related to tourism, or do you have ideas about changing the local tourism industry for the better? Then please join us next Tuesday, June 10, at Blue Sky Winery, from 5-8pm for the first SI "Tourpreneurs" meeting. You can meet one-on-one with Kathy Lively, Executive Director of Connect SI, and John Musgrave, the Director of the Southern Illinois Tourism Development Office, and let them know what your business needs. Also, network with other tourism entrepreneurs. See you there!

Call to Artists: Solstice Fest at Starview

2008-05-23T04:33:00.000-07:00

Time again for the Solstice Festival at Starview Vineyards! I'm helping again with the craft fair. There's a bonus for artists that register by May 31, here's the vendor registration form.

Last year's fest was a beautiful day, and late in the afternoon a wicked storm blasted through to keep things interesting.

MySpace

2008-05-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

Please be my friend:)

CALL TO ARTISTS - Event June 28-29, 2008

2008-05-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

Southern Illinois Music Festival - Art Fair

John Medeweff: Metalsmith, Sculpture, Furnishings

2008-05-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to be contacted today by Cynthia from John Medeweff's studio in Murphysboro. They specialize in custom architectural metalwork and furnishings, lighting, sculpture, and sculptural fountains. They also do restoration of metalwork. Check it out!

The Carbondale Main Street Wine and Art Festival has been postponed due to bad weather so I'll try and find out when that's rescheduled. In the meantime there are lots of activities going on around here these days, be sure to check schedules of events at the vineyard wepages, you can start here on the Shawnee Wine Trail page. I'm going to be hitting the Tay-Sachs Benefit Concert at Blue Sky Vineyard myself tomorrow. Join in for the fun!

Southern Illinois Music Festival

2008-04-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

I will be posting more about this but be sure to put this on your agenda if you're going to be visiting the region this summer.

The 4th annual Southern Illinois Music Festival features more than 50 performances in venues from Mt. Vernon to Cairo and Murphysboro to Marion, including a six-concert series at SIUC’s Shryock Auditorium. Musicians from throughout the United States, Europe and Asia perform orchestral and chamber music, opera, ballet, musical theater, jazz, patriotic and new music, in an informal atmosphere. Several programs are formulated just for kids, and the majority of the performances are free.

For complete schedule information, see www.sifest.com.

Upcoming Art and Wine Fair

2008-03-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Press release from CarbondaleMainStreet.com:

Carbondale Main Street
121 S Illinois Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
www.carbondalemainstreet.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carbondale Main Street is proud to announce a new, exciting event! The First Annual Downtown Art and Wine Fair is coming to the Historic Town Square on Friday, May 2, 2008.

Starting at 4 pm, you can sample local area wines, hear jazz and blues, and meet artists from all over the region. We are expecting over thirty artisans, all nine of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail wineries, and the Carbondale community to join in the fun!

Entry to the tasting area is $5, and wine will also be sold by the glass. Sit down, relax, and tap your toe to Lynn Drury, a jazzy singer straight from New Orleans. If you come later, or stay all night, you’ll hear Ivas John play the blues until 10 pm.

Step into a downtown restaurant for a bite, or stop in and see what the other Town Square businesses have to offer. Come see what makes Downtown Carbondale the place to be! For more information, call the Carbondale Main Street office at 529-8040.

Mark your calendars for May 2! We'll see you downtown!

Giant City Park's Post Oak Trail

2008-03-26T05:09:00.000-07:00

I've got a three-year-old who loves hiking. The Post Oak Trail is a short and easy trail with some beautiful views, and a little pond where you can see turtles and other wildlife. The best part about any trail though, in my opinion, is the off-trail possibilities. And the Post Oak Trail is much more than it appears on first glance if you're talking about off-trail.

I love walking and hiking. Breathing in beautiful views is therapeutic, and the better the view the more profound the therapy. One of my favorite places in the whole world is Land's End in San Francisco. The reason I love it so much is that it was very untamed whenever I had been there, which was probably most recently ten years ago. It was so impressive because you could take these trails that were just little indentations in the cliffside with unfettered views of the crashing surf just below you. Another incredible hiking venue is the Cinque Terre in Italy, which I have only visited once but where I plan to return. The ancient paths clipped onto the cliffsides and the variety of distractions along the trail, from olive gardens to sunbathing pools, make it something unique in the world as far as I can tell. As far as hiking hours, my biggest hiking destination is the King's Park in Belgium (officially know in English as the Sonian Forest). It's beautifully manicured by what I call the 'forest elves' since I hardly ever saw them and wasn't sure they existed, although I know they were always around. The gorgeous trails and enless off-trail hiking was so bountiful that it was never boring after 2.5 years of living just about 100 meters away.

The reason I like the Post Oak trail is because of its dexterity; it's got the cliffs and the views, and while being well manicured it's got some untamed areas on the off-trail. There is the main trail that is often times just enough for a nice easy hike. Or there's the long string of off-trail you can access (if you know where you're going) that runs along the top of one of the bluffs in the park. It's a straight trail that just goes up and back as far as I know, since I've never gone all the way to the end. There are some cliffside trails that make me grab on to my three-year old's hand as we pass, and some beautiful rock formations. There's no surf crashing below but it's a pleasant view, an easy hike, and good enough for rock climbers to set up their ropes and go careening over the side. Definitely worth a visit if you're looking for some nice nature in southern Illinois. More information is availalbe on the Giant City State Park website.

Tourism News

2008-03-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Some great articles from this weekend's Southern that can give a picture of interesting things to do in the southern Illinois region now, and what can be expected for the future.

March 22 2008: Agritourism Grows More than Wineries

March 23 2008: Tourism Bureau Nibbling on Food Trail Idea

SELL YOUR ART, ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

2008-03-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

If you're not aware of what SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com is doing, here's a little sumup of our services (also available on our "Services" page). In summary, we are here to promote southern Illinois art and tourism. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, comments or suggestions!

SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com is committed to bring the hidden treasures of southern Illinois to the whole world!

If you're looking for unique products, lodging, or art and tourism related information (this weblog), you've come to the right place.

This site is brought to you by Innucopia, LLC. If you're located in southern Illinois and would like to promote your art or business on our site, there are several services we can provide. Services include:

Showcase your products on SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com
Get and build your own Website
Get an ecommerce website built for you or your site redesigned (Contact)
Get a great lodging availability system (Webervations - Contact)
Advertising on SIS or swap links with us (Contact)
Email your announcements, openings, sales, news for the SIS Weblog (Contact)
Want us to review your establishment for the SIS Weblog? (Contact)

CONTACT INFO: Email: info@southernillinoisspecialties.com or call: (618) 713-2896.

Flipside Longlist

2008-03-15T07:06:00.001-07:00

Just looking for something to do today and visited the 'Flipside Longlist' for 'Art, Events, Exhibits, Workshops, Festivals, Lectures, Theatre, and more.' Very useful for both artists and fun-seekers.

2008-03-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

Mase's Place Bar and Grill in Pomona would like to announce their season opening on 4/4/08. They are giving a 10% discount on an entree dinner, mention code #2621.

Review: Blue Sky Vineyard

2008-03-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

This is the beginning of my 'review' portion of the weblog. Coming soon: Giant City State Park's Post Oak Trail, the Makanda Boardwalk, Starview Vineyard, Back 2 Basics Cabins, and more. Hope you enjoy!

At a Glance: A dramatic contrast to the wild and untamed nature of southern Illinois, Blue Sky Vineyard stands out as not only an eye-pleasing attraction but also an excellent spot to wile away the afternoon with family and friends. Its popularity ensures that there’s almost always a good crowd, so some times are better than others to sample the wines, secure your spot and your pitcher of Sangria. Not to be missed!

Ambiance: Starting with the drive from Carbondale, passing Little Grassy Lake and winding down Rocky Comfort Road, you’ll feel a bit like driving off the world, into a quietude where time goes on by standing still. Blue Sky Vineyard is an anomalous destination popping out of the hills that will inexorably draw your eye but not sting it. You won’t believe it the first time you drive up and see what has been prepared just for your enjoyment, with every detail attended to on the exterior, down to patches of exposed tiling under the “peeling” brand-new plaster. Rivaling California wineries in the attractiveness and comfort of the facilities, the interior of the main building has been decked out with art imported from Italy accented with custom woodwork and murals by local artisans.

Spacious seating inside offers views out of the expansive windows. Take in the vineyards, the rolling courtyard and a sweet pond with a waterfall and climbing rocks that the kids love, as well as a pillared pergola where you may take in a wedding if you’re lucky. You’re going to see something beautiful any time of the year; kicking back and watching the sunset on Friday night is my personal favorite. During the pleasing weather months, a raised terrace holds several tables with chairs, and across the lawn, tables with large umbrellas and sturdy folding chairs are available for any size of party. There is plenty of space to relax; right in the middle of the action or off at a quiet table out on the lawn. Although the main areas get pretty crowded at times, there is almost always seating available.

Entertainment is often provided, ranging from local musicians to St. Louis and Chicago bands. Soft acoustic tunes may be heard inside, while the band plays on the stage out by the pond, with plenty of space for dancing. Barrett Rochman, the owner, can often be spotted on weekends working away or entertaining his special guests.

Food: The pizza is heavy and cheesy, some of the best in town. The spiced oil for the bread is a special recipe and shouldn’t be missed, and is lovely paired with some cheese and salami as well. Portions are generally large and there’s no excuse to leave with your stomach tugging at you.

Wine: There is a wide variety of young wines, ranging from sweet to dry in both reds and whites, and also some port wines, and new wines coming out on a regular basis. Something nice about Blue Sky is that the management is always busy trying to find new things to complement and bring out the flavor in the wines. I normally drink the Vignoles or the Infinity if I’m feeling sweet. If you’re into Sangria, you can pick up a kit during certain months to take home and enjoy. My grandmother loves the Concord, my sister-in-law the Misterioso; there’s something for everyone. As far as reds go, I have on several occasions enjoyed the Chambourcin although it seems to make my nose tingle and eventually gets right to the top of my head. Beer (including imports like Stella Artois), cocktails, and of course non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

Service: You’re likely to run into long lines and frazzled bartenders during busy times, so it’s recommended to hit Blue Sky early if you’re a serious taster and want some breathing room. And if you do end up there during a busy time, make sure to look around for the ‘side’ tasting bars that are normally set up outside during the busy months to handle overflow. Also, when there are not events at the pavilion, drinks are also served there. The bartenders are, for a good part, college students with a questionable expertise in everything wine, but they have clearly been trained and will be able to answer your questions. The vintner, owner and managers are always happy to handle more in-depth inquiries.

Lots more information on the Blue Sky Vineyard Website.

Please feel free to leave details of your experiences!

Winter Photos and Fun

2008-02-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

If you've had a chance to experience winter in southern Illinois this year and have photos to show for it, you could win a prize. The Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau is running its AN EYE FOR ILLINOIS - WINTER PHOTO CONTEST. Here's the copy:

Winter in Illinois provides picturesque settings everywhere you look, Along the Mississippi or Ohio Rivers, in the Shawnee Forest or the Cache River Wetlands. Submit your favorite photos to the Illinois Winter Photo Contest for a chance to win a digital camera or Shell gift cards.

Enter your best photos by March 31st, 2008.
http://www.ibotimages.com/3-day/photoconteststart.aspx

Also coming up soon: Enjoy unique copper sculptures by Thomas Horn at Blue Sky Vineyard March 1st and 2nd. From 12-5pm you can meet the artist and enjoy refreshments, award-winning wine and unique southern Illinois art. Also, April 12 you can meet the BSV winemaker, improve your palate, vocabulary and overall wine knowlege at their second annual "Wine and Food 101" course.

CALL TO ARTISTS

2008-02-25T12:54:00.001-08:00

There's a wine and art fair coming up in Carbondale, May 2, 2008, featuring regional artists and craftspeople, sponsored by Carbondale Mainstreet. Artists, click here for the entry form.

This Friday there is a fundraiser for Klassics for Kids. Here's the copy:

Please join us for a fun evening to support SIU's
Klassics for Kids and Child Development Laboratory
Silent Auction
Hors d’oeuvres and desserts
Variety of local wines (and beer)
Live music by The Swivel Rockers
Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center
Friday, February 29, 2008
6:30-9:30pm
$17 per person by February 27
$20 per person after February 27
RSVP: Call 453-4221 for credit card reservations

2008-02-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

Back 2 Basics Cabins is having a "Spring Break Escape" special in the month of March, here's the copy:

This spring break, get Back 2 Basics and save! This March, take the B2B Spring Break Escape and get 5% off the already discounted weekly rate for a stay at the secluded A-Frame Cabins nestled on 42 acres in the Shawnee National Forest. Revive your body and mind by taking time to enjoy the award-winning wine and food found along the Shawnee Wine Trail, and revive your soul by enjoying the pristine nature at the many state and national parks less than an hour away. With the panoramic views, fine wine selection, and unique attractions, you won't believe you're still in Illinois! If rest and relaxation is what you want, you will find it at Back 2 Basics this spring break. For more information about things to do, click here. To check availability and reserve now, click here. Redeemable on weekly stays during the month of March, to book you must be 23 or older with a valid credit card. Not combinable with any other offer.

2008-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

OK I had to chuckle when I read this news article this morning. Anyone who comes to southern Illinois from outside will soon find that southern Illinoisians are a breed all their own. And I say that in a way that has both up and down sides, as your perspective may determine, but is definitely interesting and will keep you on your toes. Here is an article about a local guy who wants to people take a stand about the new smoking law. Which btw has been enacted but has no organization to enforce it. Pretty typical I guess. As far as I can tell everyone's following the rules, but maybe we'll see a mass rebellion, who knows.

2008-02-21T14:06:00.001-08:00

OK I've got a couple things to post so no more waiting around. Cabin on the Hill is having a "open house/art exhibit" at their big cabin this weekend. Sunday, 11am-4pm. Food and wine will be available!

I got this through another grapevine, I don't know much about it but it's a friend so I'll post it. It's an art show hosted by a friend of mine, and also a seller on SIS. Cheers Ashla!