Metro Illinois Must See Places

Rick Lachner: If you like the beer and being cramped this is the hangout. Add the burgers and the peel & eat shrimp and the live music on weekends, you've got a happening joint for all ages - over 21.

Rick Lachner: Stand next to a life size statue of the World's Tallest Man, according to the Guiness folks.

Rick Lachner: Its worth the drive any time of the year: a beautiful park with trails, camping spaces, and cabins to stay in. The lodge has a stone fireplace and HUGE chess board.

Rick Lachner: Part of the folklore of the area, dating to Native American times.

Rick Lachner: An early hero martyred by racists, this monument is easy to see crossing the Alton Bridge.

Rick Lachner: Designed by Arnold Palmer it is a gorgeous course.

Rick Lachner: Water park, what else needs to be said?

Rick Lachner: Famous for their Talkin' Chicken. Start off with an order of monstrous Onion Rings. Or have steak or Italian.

Rick Lachner: The best pizza not a franchise in this area.

Rick Lachner: It's another area landmark. Have the Pepper Steak.

Rick Lachner: Many antique shops in Alton and Grafton.

Rick Lachner: The King Louie, an order of potato planks and a quart of fresh root beer. What else needs to be said?

Rick Lachner: The entryway to the Riverbend area.

Rick Lachner: Lots to do: antiques, winery, parks, etc.

Rick Lachner: Overlooking the bluffs.

Rick Lachner: Listen to a concert at the Ampitheater.

Rick Lachner: Featured on Food TV with Alton Brown.