Featured
Taste What the Dragon is Brewing in Carbondale
Got a thrust for original handcrafted beer? Then head to the Pinch Penny Pub to sip on brews made by the only micro brewery in Southern Illinois, Copper Dragon Brewing Company.Copper Dragon beers are unfiltered, fresh and never more than a few days old. The Pinch Penny Pub and the brewery are connected and collectively owned. There's also the Pinch Penny Liquor store nearby. The brewery becomes a concert venue hosting a mix of local and well established bands, but is closed when no special... Read More »
The Stage Company Brings Community Theater to Carbondale
The Stage Company has been entertaining audiences in Carbondale since 1982, when a small but enthusiastic group of actors came together and created this troop. The Stage Company typically offers five shows a year, ranging from dramatic plays and zany comedies to popular musicals and children's plays. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Performances are held at The Varsity Center for the Arts, which was a private theater but was turned over to the city of Carbondale in 2007. The... Read More »
Salukis Serve Up College Sports Action
The Salukis of Southern Illinois University offer a full gamut of college sports for your viewing pleasure. The nickname “saluki,” which is a hunting dog found in Egypt, ties to Southern Illinois being nicknamed “Little Egypt.” The university has 16 varsity teams that compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Salukis play home basketball games at SIU Arena (9,628 seats) and football games at the Saluki Stadium, a 15,000-seat, horseshoe-shaped venue. Softball games... Read More »
Science for Kids in Carbondale
Bring you little Einsteins to The Science Center in Carbondale, IL for some educational fun.The Science Center is a hands-on children's museum offering interactive exhibits that let kids experience fundamental principals of science. The target audience age is 3-13, but parents tend to join in the exploring and have fun too. The center is located inside the University Mall. Among the most popular exhibits are: the Dinosaur Exhibit with books, puzzles, video and dinosaur figurines; the... Read More »
Marberry Arboretum Blooms with Beauty in Carbondale
The number one rule at Marberry Arboretum is STAY ON THE PATH.It's easy to get lured off track by the beautiful display of more that 20,000 plants at this 25-acre natural sanctuary. You'll want to sniff the flowers, touch the leaves and stroll through the meadow. But don't.Locals call it a "living museum." The arboretum offers walking trails, picnic spots, a fishing pond and plenty of photo opportunities. The arboretum's roots stretch back to 1942, when William... Read More »
University Museum in Carbondale Offers a Study of Cultures
Located on the Southern Illinois University Campus in Carbondale is The University Museum. This 10,000-square-foot space showcases historical works of arts, geological collections, photography and artifacts. The museum has been open to the public since 1874. Among it's art collection, which features more than 2,500 objects, are 20th century works by regional, national and international artists. The museum's humanities collection has more than 22,000 artifacts that reflect world cultures... Read More »
Shopping in Carbondale, IL
Carbondale has a variety of shopping destinations to choose from. Below is a listing of some of the stores available here. Appliances SEARS HOMETOWN STORE, 1350 E. MALL RD., (618) 549-9400 Book 710 BOOK STORE, 710 S. ILLINOIS AVE., (618) 549-7304 BARNES & NOBLE, 1300 E. MAIN ST., (618) 351-0404 GOSPELAND BOOK STORE, 630 E. WALNUT ST., (618) 549-1632 SALUKI BOOKSTORE, 701 E. GRAND AVE., (618) 529-1900 UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE, 1255 LINCOLN DR., (618) 536-3321 BOOK WORLD, 823 S. ILLINOIS AVE... Read More »
Carbondale Eateries Cook Up First-Class Cuisine
As a college town and a magnet for small businesses, there are naturally a variety of flavors in Carbondale. Alongside commercial restaurants, the local eateries faithfully feed both visitors and residents in the Carbondale area.The Local Taste If you asked any SIU student where they would eat dinner on a Wednesday night, they would most likely say Quatro’s. Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza serves up a delicious menu complete with pasta, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs, lasagna and, of... Read More »
Carbondale Satisfies A Variety of Palates
Carbondale locals have been feasting on fresh cuisine at some of the cities most popular restaurants for decades. Any palate can find the perfect lunch or dinner spot with choices like Tre Hombres, Hunan Chinese Restaurant or Quatro's Deep Pan Pizza.For 30 years Tres Hombres has been bringing authentic Mexican dishes and nightly live entertainment to Carbondale. The restaurant has a full bar with famous margaritas or any other concoction. The menu has a wide range of items from chipotle... Read More »
The Bucky Dome is a Carbondale Must See
One of Carbondale's most unusual landmarks is called “The Bucky Dome.”This futuristic home at 407 S. Forest Avenue was built in 1960 by R. Buckminster Fuller, who was a professor of design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and also an engineer, inventor, author and futurist.In 1949 he developed the idea of the geodesic dome, which is a spherical, lattice-like structure. This complicated scientific idea became the basis for the domes seen everywhere today.In 1960 he built... Read More »
Shyrock Auditorium Appeals to the Artsy
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is home to one of the region's best performing arts centers, the Shyrock Auditorium.Built in 1917, the elegant architecture was designed to mimic the neoclassical Roman style, with a layout that allows even guests seated in the balcony to feel connected to the performance. The auditorium is located in the Old Campus of SIU and accommodates all kinds of events.The Shyrock is often the host of the Southern Lights Entertainment events, which bring... Read More »
Little Grand Canyon is Ideal for Hiking
Hidden along the Illinois Wine Trail is the Little Grand Canyon, a fantastic spot for hiking enthusiasts or anyone who loves admiring nature's lush beauty.The Little Grand Canyon Trail is 3.6 mile hike to the canyon floor and the entire trail is edged by the Big Muddy River.The trail offers hiking for many different experience levels.Casual hikers can take their time heading down the gravel path at Hickory Ridge and stop at benches along the way to enjoy the scenery.More experienced hikers can... Read More »
Historic District at the Heart of Carbondale
In the heart of Carbondale, the Arbor District is a quaint grouping of neighborhoods that brings the history of the city to new generations.The West Walnut Street Historic District here has been registered as a National Historic District since 1975, with more than 50 homes that are at least 100 years old.The Hundley House is the only home open to the public as a bed and breakfast and gift shop.The elegant architecture of the other privately owned homes can be admired from the street.The Arbor... Read More »
Penny Pinch Pub & Copper Dragon Serves Carbondale Nightlife
What's something a great college town can't be without? A great party scene. Carbondale offers several pubs and breweries in its downtown area just minutes away from the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus.The Penny Pinch Pub & Copper Dragon is one of the most popular spots for live music, finger-lickin' Buffalo wings and, of course, a never-ending supply of beer. In the spring and summer months patrons can enjoy their drinks and music at the outside beer garden. Weekends are... Read More »
