So a hidden gem or fun long weekend trip to Southern Illinois’ wine region called the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. 12 + wineries strong and still growing around the area, this unique area in southern Illinois has some wineries with great charm that you would find in Woodinville, WA. Several of the wineries have outdoor seating, music on the weekends, lakes and grassy umbrella’d areas to sit outside and sip your favorite choice. See the map of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail below. While you are down there, why not go explore the Shawnee National Forest, or Ferne Clyffe State Park and take a breathtaking, medium effort hiking trail to burn some of those wine calories off. Another hidden gem in this area is Lake Egypt and a resort called The Resort at Egyptian Hills, where you can rent a chalet and get the nicest folks around to help you with your stay, renting a boat, discovering places around the area, seeing some music concerts on site in summer or enjoying some free water sports of a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. The Lake is winding and has branches all off of the main rectangular freeway. You can easily get lost seeing all the homes and boating to all the branches on this large lake. Slowdown in the no wake areas and be careful not to go where too shallow waters are, to protect your motor, but also to protect the Eagle’s nests in the shallow parts of the lake. 