Shawnee |Original Log Cabin Overlooking Ohio River

OVERVIEW OF THE AREA: About Elizabethtown: E'Town, for short, is a quaint, quiet town on the Ohio River. The population hovers around 200, while Hardin County total population is approximately 3,600- making it the least populated county in the state of Illinois. That doesn't mean you won't see people. Hardin County attracts over 1 million visitors per year with the scenic attractions such as Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest, Rim Rock and Cave-in-Rock & on the Ohio Scenic Byway. There is a gift store called Riverside Mercantile of the same owners. LOCAL AMENITIES : While there is ice cream and local meats and goodies at Riverside Mercantile in town and E'Town River Restaurant serves daily caught fish from May-October, this is a VERY rural area. The nearest convenience store /gas station is just down the road on Rt. 146. The nearest basic grocery store is in Rosiclare, approximately 6 miles away. If you plan to do a lot of cooking, we suggest stopping for groceries before you arrive so you can spend more time relaxing. The nearest chain stores like Kroger or Walmart is in Harrisburg, 30 miles away (35-40 minute drive). ABOUT THE OHIO RIVER: The Ohio River stretches from Pennsylvania to the Confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi River located in Cairo, IL. It is uniquely part of "The Great American Loop" which connects to the Gulf of Mexico. Those that travel the Loop are known as "Loopers." This is why you may catch the occasional yacht, skipper or troller in the midst of the barge traffic. The Loop is on our personal bucket list. You can read more about the Loop here. If you have the urge to explore the Ohio by water, you can rent pontoon boats at Golconda Marina. ABOUT THE AREA: Harrisburg is the closest town (not village). It has a population of approximately 8,000 and growing. The town has many of your familiar chain stores as well as boutique places that are recommended in of this ebook. On the larger scale, orchard and winery country is on the west side of southern Illinois, while hiking is all around but most notably on the east side (where you are/will be). We have great hiking within a 10 minute drive. You can view our recommendations in this guide. THE GREAT OUTDOORS: While Garden of the Gods is the most notable hiking attraction in the area, there are many others within a short drive. Southern Illinois has a typical midwestern climate as outlined below. Please note: ALL of our properties are considered rural- surrounded by natures beautiful elements which include trees, flowers, insects, spiders, and the occasional marcupile. We do our best to create the best outdoor entertainment space, but we are limited on our battle with Mother Nature. Please consider this when enjoying the outdoors. Put the mosquito spray on standby. Springs are wet and are ideal for chasing our local waterfalls. Summers are humid and a perfect time to do some outdoor country swimming. Falls are just not long enough. It's a popular time for experiencing the wineries and hiking. Winters are mild. Until they are not. November- mid January tend to be mild with limited precipitation. Late January and all of February is the timeframe for "wintery mix" which can include sleet, snow and freezing rain. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: No Pets. No Smoking or vaping inside. Ring camera on site. If evidence of a pet you may be charged an additional fee and/or asked to leave. Basic checkout procedures are appreciated: start a load of used towels and wash your dishes before you go. Shut off everything including lights, turn thermostats to 65 for winter & 75 for summer. Excess trash beyond the kitchen trash can must be taken to the cans located outside.