For the Birds
A Quick Trip to Alton, Illinois.
TK NEED ART
Where can you go eagle-watching, see a statue of the world’s tallest man and get a half-pound burger for 99 cents? Try Alton, Illinois. The quaint little town sits just 25 miles past St. Louis near the Mississippi River. January is the perfect time to visit, as eagle-watching should be at its peak right about now. Plus, choose from a variety of B & Bs, shop at antique stores galore, and don’t miss the world-famous Fast Eddie’s Bon Air—live music, cold beer and cheap eats. What are you waiting for?
See
Pere Marquette State Park in nearby Grafton offers free eagle watch tours through March. Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. and include a quick video and guided drive through the park. Reservations are required. If you call early enough, you can get a spot on the 12-passenger van, or you may choose to drive your own vehicle. Just be sure you have a full tank of gas, dress warmly and don’t forget your camera and binoculars. You can go through the park on your own, but you’ll miss out on the eagles’ nests. Call 618-786-3323. Note: Other places of interest in Alton include the Robert Wadlow Museum (a tribute to the world’s tallest man) and Lincoln Douglas Square. See visitalton.com for more.
Eat
If you ask anyone in Alton where to go for a nice dinner, they’ll likely say Tony’s (312 Piasa St.; 800-243-8384; tonysrestarant.com). It’s an Alton staple. Famous pepperloin steak and wonderful pastas. If you’re looking for something equally upscale, yet a little more contemporary, try Gentelin’s on Broadway (122 E. Broadway; 618-465-6080; gentelinsonbroadway.com). Impressive wine, martini and scotch lists. Finally, for lunch go to My Just Desserts (31 E. Broadway St.; 618-462-5881). And you simply must save room for pie.
Party
Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (1530 E. Fourth St.; 618-462-5532; fasteddiesbonair.com) Owner Eddie Sholar (a.k.a. Fast Eddie), instituted live music and a menu with dirt cheap eats: 99-cent half-pound burgers, bratwursts, baskets of fries and 29-cent peel-and-eat shrimp. The place is always packed, so get there early if you want a table. Note: No kiddos allowed (21 and up at all times), and no takeout.
Shop
For shopping in Alton head downtown, where you’ll find dozens of antique shops, specialty home stores, bookstores and more. Mississippi Mud Pottery (310 E. Broadway; 618-462-7573; mississippimudpottery.biz) sells handmade stoneware. The Prairie Peddler (413 E. Broadway; 618-465-6114), Country Meadows (401 E. Broadway; 618-465-1965) and New Frontiers Home Furnishings (101 W. Third St.; 618-465-8868; frontierfurnishings.com) are must-stops for antiques.
Stay
The Beall Mansion B & B (407 E. 12th St.; 866-843-2325; beallmansion.com), offers five guest suites. Prices vary depending on the time of year and whether you want to book a package (they offer eagle-watching packages), so it’s best to call or visit the website for more info. Bonus: Stay any two nights other than Friday and Saturday and get a free $50 gas card.
The Tiffany Inn B & B (410 E. Broadway; 618-462-4145) is a gem in the heart of downtown Alton. Located above Alton Stained Glass Works, the inn offers two suites for $98 per night or a single room for $88 per night, each with a private bath. Tiffany Inn is a half-mile from the Alton Belle Casino and within walking distance of shops, restaurants and bike trails. Call for pricing and information about packages that include private glass-working classes.
