With the third installment of the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway quickly approaching, the team over here at Discover Downstate Illinois wanted to highlight some of the wonderful activities, restaurants, and hotels that visitors can take advantage of to ensure they get the most out of the weekend. Keep scrolling to find some of the best places to stay, play, dine, and drink in the Downstate area!

Stay

Starting off with hotel accommodation. After a long day of high-octane fun at the track, we know you want to come back to a nice, clean, and inviting hotel for the night. Choose from any one of the high-quality hotels located within a short drive of the track and ensure you’re well rested for the whole weekend! Listed from closest to furthest distance from the track:

Holiday Inn – Fairview Heights – 11.5 miles

Drury Inn – Fairview Heights – 11.7 miles

Comfort Suites – Fairview Heights – 11.8 miles

Hampton Inn and Suites – Fairview Heights – 11.8 miles

Country Inn and Suites - Fairview Heights – 11.8 miles

Four Points – Fairview Heights – 12 miles

Candlewood Suites – O’Fallon – 13.8 miles

Hamton Inn – O’Fallon – 14.7 miles

TownePlace Suites – O’Fallon -14.7 miles

Fairfield Inn – O’Fallon – 15.4 miles

Hilton Garden Inn – O’Fallon – 15 miles

Play

On top of the exciting motorsports-related attractions being offered on race weekend, the East Metro area is chock full of amazing places for the whole family to play! Fun for all ages can be found at:

Escape618 – 15.6 miles – This is the only escape room in Belleville! Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test in their classroom or haunted house escape room.

The Edge – 15 miles – Home to the largest laser tag arena in the country, The Edge in Belleville is the perfect spot for family fun. They offer laser tag, arcade games, go karting, and more!

Dogwood Social House – 15.8 miles – Dogwood Social House is another great option for indoor fun. Visit them for axe throwing, arcade games, and all you can drink (if you’re 21 or over).

Eckert’s* – Belleville – 21.5 miles – Take home a piece of Downstate (literally) when visiting Eckert’s. This u-pick farm has apples, peaches, blackberries, and more. They also have a restaurant on-site and brew their own hard ciders. 

Skyview Drive-In – See a movie at one of the last drive-ins in the state. The Skyview Drive-In is a Belleville staple.

Gateway Classic Cars – O’Fallon – 15.4 miles Gateway Classic Cars was established in 1999 and specializes in classic, exotic, and muscle cars. If you’re a fan of all things automotive, this place is for you.

 

Dine

After a long-day at the track, you’re sure to work up a strong appetite. Head on over to these local favorites to satisfy your hunger and unwind after the day’s action is over:

Fletcher’s Kitchen & Tap – Belleville – 15.5 miles This family-owned restaurant in Belleville offers sandwiches, pizzas, platters, and more. There’s something for everyone at Fletcher’s.

Lotawata Creek – Fairview Heights – 11.8 miles – I hope you’re hungry. Lotawata Creek is known for their HUGE portions. They serve American-style food including burgers and fries and more.

Lilly’s Gyros – Fairview Heights – 12.7 miles Lily’s Gyros has some of the best Mediterranean food in the area. They offer gyros, falafel, and more.

BEAST Craft BBQ – Belleville – 15.6 miles BEAST Craft BBQ is for the barbecue lovers. Their offerings include sandwiches, meat plates, craft beers, and more.

Sawmill BBQ – Cahokia – 7.4 miles Sawmill BBQ opened in 2017 when Steve and Vicki Will bought and renovated a barn to turn into the barbecue joint. Their barbecue is dry rub, slow smoked and they make their own sauces.

Spudz n More – Mascoutah – 26.3 miles – If you’re looking for a unique dining option, visit Spudz-n-More in Mascoutah. They offer all things baked potato, and their menu is one-of-a-kind.

Drink

If you like your beverages with a little extra kick, then the Metro East is the perfect place for you! From locally roasted coffee to small batch craft beers, there’s sure to be a beverage that suits your fancy when you’re not at the track. Some of the best are:

Stumpy’s* – distance to track 29 miles – Stumpy’s Spirits offers distillery tours to learn more about their process of making vodka, bourbon, gin, and more. When you visit, you’ll be able to sample their various products and drink a signature cocktail.

Stubborn German Brewing Company – distance to track 26.2 miles – Waterloo – Stubborn German Brewing Co. is a brewery in Waterloo. Their drinks on tap vary from week to week, but they often serve light, amber, and dark beers.

Sunset Overlook – Columbia – 15.9 miles – Sunset Overlook in Columbia overs scenic rural views while you’ll enjoy their various small plates, wine, craft-beer, and cocktails.

Millpond Brewing – Millstadt – 15.9 miles – Millpond Brewing in Millstadt offers a rotation of craft beers and often has food trucks on site.

LongStory Coffee* – distance to track 16.5 miles – Belleville -  This train depot-turned coffee shop is a great place to relax. LongStory roasts their own coffee on-site and they serve lattes, cold brew, and more. While you’re there, grab a bite to eat from Clara B’s Kitchen.

Pour@322 – distance to track 15.8 miles – Belleville – Grab a coffee at Pour in Belleville then visit their sister store Grimm and Gorly for all things home décor.

June’s Breakfast + Patio – distance to track 18.7 miles – Shiloh – June’s Breakfast + Patio is the brunch spot to visit. They serve lattes, breakfast, lunch, mimosas, and more!

 

For more information on places to stay and things to do in our region, visit downstateil.org

* An asterisk indicates the business is a certified Illinois Maker.