WELCOME TO BETTY’S VINEYARD HOUSE!

We hope that you find everything in our guest house to be spotlessly clean and generally better than you expected. If, at any time during your stay, you find that this is not the case or need any assistance, please feel free to call us! In the meantime, the information in this booklet may help to answer many of your questions and ensure that you may have the most comfortable stay possible. It includes helpful tips about the amenities of the guest house as well as recommendations for food, beverages, outdoor recreation, shopping, and other experiences.

Thank you for visiting, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything at all!


Emergency – 911

Elissa cell – 618-697-0587

Beth cell – 636-698-4212


CHECK IN – 3:00PM

CHECK OUT – 11:00AM


GUEST HOUSE INFORMATION

AIR UNITS

There are 3 heating/air units: one in the main living area and one in each bedroom. Each is controlled by remote.

To Turn On: Press START/STOP Button in Center

To Change From Heat to Cool and Vice Versa: Press Master Control Button on Left

To Change the Temperature Setting: Press the Up or Down Arrows in Center

To Change the Fan Speed: Press the Fan Button on Right

NOTE: In the winter when the temperature falls to less than 40 degrees, please ensure when you leave the house that all three units are left on heat at 60 degrees (minimum) to prevent frozen pipes. Otherwise, the units may be turned off at the end of your stay. Thank you!


WiFi/TV/BLU-RAY

WiFi Username and Password is located in the Guest Information book on the table by the front door.

We love the privacy of being in the country and down the hill a bit off the main road, but unfortunately this leaves us with limited options when it comes to internet access. We are only able to access the internet via satellite, and it is typically very reliable but may occasionally be affected by inclement weather. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause! In case you need to reset the router, it is located on the TV stand.

The television is connected to a Roku and Blu-ray player so you may watch movies via DVD/Blu-ray, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc. Cable/satellite television is not provided.

To use the TV: The Roku remote and/or large remote control the television power and volume, and the small remote is for the Blu-ray player. When the Roku input is selected, a menu will appear with different Apps from which you may choose—Pandora, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc.—or you may choose to enter a DVD/Blu-ray disc in the Blu-ray player. (If the Roku or Blu-ray menu doesn’t appear right away, please press the “Source” button on the large remote until it appears.)


KITCHEN

Complimentary coffee and tea are located in the cabinet above the coffee maker. Olive oil and basic spices are provided in the cabinet above the counter to the left of the sink.

Tap water is potable, but please feel free to use the Brita pitcher in the refrigerator for drinking water, if you prefer. Ice trays are located in the freezer.

Upon your departure, please place used dishes in the dishwasher and run it. Detergent pods are located under the kitchen sink.

Oven use – please place foil on the bottom rack to prevent spills.

There are 4 extra dining chairs – 1 in each bedroom, and 2 in the coat closet by the front door. Feel free to pull the dining table out from the wall for extra seating!


TOWELS/LINENS/etc.

Linens for the sleeper sofa and Pack ‘n Play are located in the guest bath linen closet on the bottom shelf.

The Pack ‘n Play is stored in the master bath walk-in closet.

Extra towels may also be found in the guest bath linen closet on the next-to-bottom shelf.

A hair dryer, extra toilet paper, and extra shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. are located in the cabinets under the bathroom sinks.

Please feel free to use the additional blankets located in the basket under the windows in the living room or in the chest in the master bedroom. A box fan may be found in each bedroom closet.

If you use extra blankets, please leave them out so we know to wash them! We launder all towels and bedding after every guest, but we prefer not to wash any blankets that haven’t been used in an effort to conserve water and energy. Thank you for your help!


LAUNDRY/CLEANING

Iron and ironing board are on the back of the laundry room door.

Washer and dryer are free to use, but detergent, etc. is not provided. Please check your pockets to ensure gum, lip balm, and metal objects do not enter the machines. Thank you!

If necessary during your stay, basic cleaning supplies are located under the kitchen sink. These are simply for your convenience—please don’t worry about spending too much time tidying up. You’re on vacation! J


OUTDOORS

Cushions for the deck chairs may be found in the storage bench by the deck steps. Please replace them when you finish using them.

The electric grill may be plugged into the outlet under the light fixture on the back deck. To protect the house and deck while using the grill, please move it as far from the house as the cord will reach and ensure that the grill pad is placed under it. Grill tools are located in the bottom drawer to the right of the dishwasher in the kitchen.

You are free to use the fire pit! Firewood may be found on the rack under the deck by the steps. Please use caution and leave the mesh cover on while enjoying the fire pit, and then ensure the fire is put out completely before leaving it unattended. Also, please replace the weather-proof cover once the fire pit has cooled. Matches and lighters may be found in the bottom drawer to the right of the dishwasher in the kitchen.

Stored by the back laundry room door is an umbrella to set up over the outdoor dining table for shade. Please ensure that the umbrella is closed when not in use—even with the woodlands protecting us, we get some nasty winds from time to time!

Up for a little friendly competition? A couple of lawn games may be found inside the back laundry room door by the umbrella, as well!


MISCELLANEOUS

Books, games, cards, DVD’s, etc. for your use are located on the coffee/side tables and inside the television stand—please enjoy!



RECOMMENDATIONS

Please see the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail or Southern Illinois Tourism websites for more details on many of the recommendations below! www.shawneewinetrail.com www.southernillinoistourism.org


GROCERIES, ETC.

Duty’s Country Store (formerly Grammer’s Market) – Local store with most of the basics you’ll need just down the road in downtown Alto Pass. ( ~ 0.5 mile) 10 E Pine St, Alto Pass, IL 62905

Rendleman Orchards Farm Market – Local orchards and store with seasonal produce and specialty/gift items just north on 127. Open seasonally, July – December. ( ~ 1 mile) 9680 State Route 127 N, Alto Pass, IL 62905

Flamm Orchards – Local orchards and market with seasonal produce and desserts just a 4-mile drive away. Open seasonally, July – December. ( ~ 4 miles) 8760 Old Highway 51 N, Cobden, IL 62920

Dollar General – ( ~ 5.5 miles) 240 S Front St, Cobden, IL 62920

Neighborhood Co-op Grocery – Local store with all sorts of organic and sustainably produced/sourced foods including a hot bar lunch and dinner! ( ~ 16 miles) 1815 W Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901

Walgreens, Kroger, Walmart in Murphysboro ( ~ 14-16 miles)

Walgreens, Kroger, Walmart in Anna ( ~ 12-13 miles)

Schnucks, CVS, Aldi, 2 Walgreens, Kroger, Walmart in Carbondale ( ~ 16-19 miles)


DINING

* Denotes our absolute favorites!

Alto Pass Area Suggestions ( ~ 0.1-1.5 miles)

Alto Vineyards – Appetizers, flatbread pizzas, and seasonal offerings (usually a sandwich, soup/chili, etc.) perfect for lunch. And it’s next door! :)

Peach Barn Café at Hedman Vineyard – Appetizers, flatbreads, and more. 560 Chestnut St

Von Jakob Vineyard – Appetizers, grilled pizzas, and a good range of German, American, and one or two Mexican dishes. 230 IL-127

Cobden Area Suggestions ( ~ 5.5-11 miles)

*The Fork & Vine – Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch all showcasing Southern IL grown foods, wine, and craft beer! Reservations recommended, especially for Sunday brunch. 8595 US-51

Great Boars of Fire – A bit off the “beaten path,” but good BBQ. 820 Kratzinger Hollow Rd

*The Iron Whisk – Fabulous, unique, all-day breakfast and lunch menu with CRAFT breakfast cocktails. J 200 S Front St

Old Route 51 South BBQ – Great BBQ and lots of outdoor seating. 111 Oak St

*Taqueria Pequena – Authentic, fresh Mexican for a delicious lunch or early dinner! (Usually closes by 6pm or earlier.) 105 S Appleknocker St

Likkits Ice Cream – Because why not?!? J 220 S Front St

Murphysboro Area Suggestions ( ~ 13-15 miles)

Cummares – Best authentic Italian around. Good pizza, too! 1023 Chestnut St

Midland Inn – Very tasty menu including BBQ, Mexican, bar-style and “Homestyle” foods! Great margaritas and cold beer, too! 7570 Old Highway 13

Pat’s BBQ – Haven’t tried this yet, but have heard great things about their food. 1673 Business Highway 13

17th Street Barbecue – Yes, another BBQ place… but it’s the original location! 32 N 17th St

Carbondale Area Suggestions

( ~ 16-19 miles)

Global Gourmet – Semi-upscale with excellent wine, cocktails, and international/ ethnic-inspired dishes! Ask for patio seating when the weather is nice. 102 E Jackson St

*Harbaugh’s Café – One of the best places around for breakfast! Also serves lunch. Covers all the breakfast options from pancakes to veggie skillets. 901 S Illinois Ave

Hunan Fine Asian Cuisine – The name says it all. 710 E Main St

*Longbranch Café and Bakery – Another of the other best places around for breakfast! Lunch, dinner, coffee shop, too. Fresh, homemade, vegetarian dishes, most of which include organic and/or sustainably sourced ingredients. Many vegan options, as well. So delicious, you wouldn’t think it was good for you! 100 E Jackson St

Newell House – Great steak, seafood, chop, and pasta place for dinner. Fairly upscale, but semi-relaxed/casual welcomed, as well. Also offers a “Homestyle” menu on Sundays. Reservations recommended. 201 E Main St

*Quatros Pizza – Our favorite pizza! Deep pan deliciousness with fresh ingredients. Offer a thin-style pizza, too. 218 W Freeman St

Tres Hombres – Great Mexican food and margaritas! 119 N Washington St

*Thai Taste – Many are pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food here! Ample portions and very reasonable prices. Great lunch specials, too. 100 S Illinois Ave

Other Notable Suggestions

*Giant City Lodge – This place is set in the middle of the beautiful Giant City State Park and has delicious “Homestyle” food. Highly recommend the fried chicken! ( ~ 13 miles) 460 Giant City Lodge Rd, Makanda, IL 62958

Tom’s Place – If you’re looking for a nice place for a special occasion, this takes things up a few notches from Newell House and Global as true, 5-star fine dining. ( ~ 22 miles) 17107 N US Highway 51, De Soto, IL 62924


WINERIES

Many of the wineries offer live music on the weekends! Please see individual websites for details on performances, directions, and days/hours of operation.

Alto Vineyards – Alto Pass (Out the front door and to the left!)

Blue Sky Vineyard – Makanda ( ~ 17 miles)

Feather Hills Vineyard – Makanda ( ~ 16 miles)

Hickory Ridge Vineyard – Pomona ( ~ 7 miles)

Honker Hill Winery – Carbondale ( ~ 21 miles)

Kite Hill Vineyards – Carbondale ( ~ 8 miles)

Lincoln Heritage Winery – Cobden ( ~ 8.5 miles)

Owl Creek Vineyard – Cobden ( ~ 10 miles)

Peachbarn Winery – Alto Pass ( ~ 1 mile)

Pomona Winery – Pomona ( ~ 8.5 miles)

Star View Vineyards – Cobden ( ~ 11 miles)

Von Jakob Vineyard – Alto Pass ( ~ 1.5 miles)

Wichmann Vineyard – Cobden ( ~ 10 miles)


BREWERIES

Big Muddy Brewing – Murphysboro ( ~ 15 miles)

Buckwater Brew Works – Carbondale ( ~ 16.5 miles)

Route 51 Brewery – Elkville ( ~ 24 miles)

Scratch Brewing Company – Ava ( ~ 27 miles) **James Beard Semifinalist Nomination for Outstanding Bar

St. Nicholas Brewing Company – Du Quoin ( ~ 36 miles)


TRANSPORTATION

Please be safe as you travel along the Wine Trail!

Diamond Limo – 618-964-4315

Shawnee Shuttle – 618-201-4841

Wrightway Transportation – 618-893-2941 or 618-521-0033

VIP Club Limo Services – 618-889-9002

Walk to/from Alto Vineyards! :)


OUTDOOR RECREATION

Quetil Trail – Alto Pass – A short (approx. 1 mile) nature trail along the old late 1800’s Cairo & St. Louis narrow-gauge railroad bed. Trailhead marked with a red and brown sign on the east end of downtown Alto Pass.

Bald Knob Cross – A monumental landmark sitting on top of Bald Knob Mountain, the highest point in Southern IL and 2nd highest in the state. The view from here is breathtaking! South on 127 for ½ mile to ramp on left, then right on Chestnut St. Turns into Bald Knob Rd. Follow 4 miles.

Cliff View Park – Alto Pass – Scenic overlook just southeast of town. Parking and shelter available. Take Main St east through town. As you head up the hill on the other side of town, the park will be on your right.

Little Grand Canyon Trail – Pomona – Moderate to difficult 3-mile trail. Shorter segments to scenic overlooks can be taken, as well. Parking, toilets, and picnic tables available. Take Hwy 127 north 7.7 miles to Etherton Rd. Turn left and go west 2.5 miles to Poplar Ridge Rd. Turn left and go 1 mile, then continue straight through the 4-way stop onto Hickory Ridge Rd. The Little Grand Canyon entrance road is 2.3 miles ahead on the right.

Pomona Natural Bridge Trail – Pomona – Moderate 1/3- mile loop trail with scenic overlook of 90-ft natural bridge from above. Parking and picnic tables available. Take Hwy 127 north 3.5 miles to Pomona Rd. Turn left and go west 0.7 mile to Natural Bridge Rd. Turn right, go north 2 miles to the “Y” in the road, and veer left. Follow 0.25 mile to lot.

Trail of Tears State Forest – Jonesboro – Several trails passing through hills and valleys with lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. Hunting, picnic areas, and parking available. Take Hwy 127 south 7.3 miles, turn right on to State Forest Rd, and you’re there!

Giant City State Park – Makanda –So much to do here! 8 different hiking trails, archery, fishing, hunting, rock climbing, rappelling, guided horseback riding, picnicking, and dining at the historic Giant City Lodge.

Garden of the Gods – Herod – Short observation trail and lots of longer trail options, as well. Extraordinary views of sandstone rock formations and the surrounding wilderness. Parking, picnic tables, toilets, and drinking water available. About an hour and a half drive away, but definitely worth it if you have the time!

See other outdoor recreation options (biking, canoeing/ kayaking, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, rock climbing, and zip lining) on the Shawnee Forest Country website at: https://southernmostillinois.c...


SHOPPING

Alto Vineyards – Gifts, collectibles, and wearables. Local art, jewelry, etc. displayed may also be for sale!

Rendleman Orchards Farm Market – Fantastic local farm store with specialty/gift items and the BEST Peach Smoothies in peach season! “U-Pick” zinnia and sunflower fields and pumpkin patch = fun for the whole family. Delicious nectarines and apples, too! Open seasonally, July – December. 9680 State Route 127 N, Alto Pass, IL

Flamm Orchards Market – 8760 Old Highway 51 N, Cobden, IL

Packrats Paradise – 5000 sq. ft. of booths owned by local vendors. Antiques, vintage collectibles, art, crafts, ice cream, and fudge. 220 S Front St, Cobden, IL

Historic Makanda Boardwalk – A block of storefronts dating from the 1890s that have been restored and currently provide shop space for local artisans and craftspeople. Includes Makanda Trading Co. and Makanda Country Store. 530 Makanda Rd, Makanda, IL

Accents Old & New – Accents Old & New is a gift shop that specializes in gift baskets, unique gifts, gourmet foods and coffee, candleberry candles, and much more. 1515 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL

Heartland Roots Country Store – 1339 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL

Sis’s Memories – Antiques, home décor, and collectibles. 1300 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL

Think Vintage – Antiques, home décor, and art. 1338 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL


EMERGENCY/SAFETY INFORMATION

Fire/Police/Ambulance – Call 911

Guest House Address: 8425 State Route 127 N, Alto Pass, IL 62905

Exits: front door, rear door in master bedroom, rear door through laundry room

First Aid Kit: in the cabinet under the sink in the guest bath

Fire Extinguishers: one under the kitchen sink; one w/ the grill/fire pit supplies in the bottom drawer to the right of the dishwasher

Smoke/CO detectors w/ spoken alarms located in each bedroom and hallway.


St. Joseph Memorial Hospital - 2 S Hospital Dr Murphysboro, IL 62966

Memorial Hospital of Carbondale - 405 W Jackson St Carbondale, IL 62901