Where to Eat?
Doc’s Smokehouse in Edwardsville has been making headlines for its barbecue since opening in 2014. The restaurant has landed on the national Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America list by Barbecue News Magazine for five years, most recently in fall 2021.
Located at 6108 Shoger Drive, Suite D, Doc’s popularity grows through word of mouth among barbecue enthusiasts. Across town, Peel Wood Fired Pizza opened in December 2009 in Glen Carbon near Edwardsville. Located in the One57 Building at 32 South Route 157, near Esic Drive, the restaurant offers a brewpub atmosphere. Alongside pizza, pasta and dishes inspired by Thai, Southern French, and Italian cuisines are available.
Also serving the Edwardsville area is Dewey’s Pizza, located at 112 E. Vandalia St. since 2012. Dewey’s expands on the chain’s origins in Cincinnati through its specialty pizzas, pasta, salads, and calzones offerings. Known for unique pizza names like Ryan’s Inferno, Edgar Allan Poe, and Dr. Dre, Dewey’s Pizza draws in patrons looking to enjoy its creative menu options.
Learn About Road Safety
Driving in Edwardsville requires vigilance as well as knowledge of local road safety practices. It is important for drivers to always be alert and aware of their surroundings. This means scanning not just in front of your vehicle but also checking mirrors frequently to see cars, pedestrians, or potential hazards to the sides and rear.
In addition to attentiveness, familiarizing yourself with Edwardsville’s traffic laws and road layout helps ensure safety. Understanding your vehicle’s capabilities under different conditions, like weather, plays an important role, too. Factors such as braking distance in wet weather or any specific performance quirks are worth knowing.
Adhering to safety practices through regular vehicle maintenance can help prevent dangerous breakdown situations. Simple checks of tires, lights, and scheduled services go a long way. Safe driving also means obeying practices such as wearing seatbelts, adhering to speed limits, and avoiding distracted behaviors.
If an accident or injury does occur, contacting a local Edwardsville personal injury lawyer is wise. Because they will be well-versed in these cases and have dedicated advocacy that can provide the best representation.
According to TorHoerman Law, their expertise in navigating the legal system on behalf of victims is invaluable.
Places to Explore
Edwardsville strikes a nice balance of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Edwardsville Township Community Park, which features open fields for picnics, a playground, and recreational opportunities.
You can immerse yourself further in the outdoors at Watershed Nature Center, where 40 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands await among paved hiking trails.
The downtown area near the Southern Illinois University campus infuses Edwardsville with vibrant energy. Various cultural activities thrive here, such as the art showcased at Edwardsville Art Center and performances at Wildey Theater.
Be sure to fuel up for more exploration over brunch at Twisted Biscuit, known for crafted meals like waffles. Whether enjoying nature or arts and entertainment, Edwardsville offers a great blend of experiences for travelers to discover.
Where to Stay?
Edwardsville offers over 300 hotel rooms to choose from when you need a place to rest during your visit. Whether you prefer an upscale hotel or budget-friendly option, a city center location, or something further from traffic, there are accommodations to suit different needs and budgets. Some hotels even provide extended kitchen areas ideal for longer stays.
Three highly-rated hotels you can explore are Holiday Inn Express & Suites Edwardsville, Country Hearth Inn & Suites, and TownePlace Suites by Marriott-St. Louis Edwardsville.
FAQs
1. What is Edwardsville known for?
A: Edwardsville’s early economy was driven by industries like woodworking, flour milling, clay mining, and brick manufacturing. The Kirkpatrick wood mill and Richards Brick Company, which is still in operation, were important contributors to the town’s industrial heritage. Given its role as a governmental and commercial center, Edwardsville also had numerous hotels to accommodate visitors.
2. What is it like to live in Edwardsville, IL?
A: Living in Edwardsville offers residents a relatively quiet suburban lifestyle, and most people in the town own their homes. The community is populated by many young professionals, and the residents tend to lean toward conservative political views. Edwardsville is known for its highly-rated public school system.
3. How many restaurants are there in Edwardsville, IL?
A: Edwardsville is a foodie’s paradise with over 70 restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines and dining experiences. The town caters to all tastes, offering a variety of dining options from sushi to spaghetti to street tacos to fine dining. These options are available throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
With its welcoming small-town charm paired with urban amenities, Edwardsville offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Be sure to leave time to soak in the scenery along the countryside roads and down quiet sidewalks.
The hospitality of locals and the quality of local businesses like Doc’s Smokehouse will leave you wanting to return again soon. Follow these tips to craft an unforgettable adventure exploring all this scenic town has to offer. Safe travels and bon appetit!
