Grafton, IL - Back and Better than ever!

LTH:

I had occasion to be in Grafton, IL on business this week and was impressed with the renaissance this small river town (pop. 600) has undergone since the Great Flood of 1993. Grafton lies on the Great River Road (Route 3) at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. It was nearly done-in by the 1993 flooding but, some 13 years later, the place has been rebuilt and offers quality pub-style dining, boating, live music, B & B's etc. Grafton is known as one of the best places in Illinois to observe bald eagles, too.

My visit to Grafton included a luncheon and wine tasting at The Grafton Winery:

http://www.thegraftonwinery.com/

They make their own wines at The Grafton Winery from juice shipped in from various locales, including California, Illinois and, I think, Missouri. Sweet whites and reds abound and, while I am not much on sweet wines, the Grafton Winery offers some solid dry red blends. Don't think Napa or Sonoma (or even Mendocino County) but tasty medium bodied cabernet-based wines nonetheless. A brewpub will also be in operation as soon as the Illinois authorities give their blessing.

I was treated to lunch at the restaurant perched above the Winery. Not only are there two huge outdoor dining spaces, the indoor space is an open plan with several large garage doors (with window panels in place of the opaque panels) on each side so the place can essentially be a wide-open, yet indoor dining area. The menu features the typical pub grub one might expect but every meal is made to order. Burgers are hand-formed (no hockey pucks) and salad dressings are house made. Daily specials are heavy on fish - we had grilled Chilean Sea Bass topped with a bourbon glaze that was cooked perfectly - served with sides of rice pilaf and steamed veggies for $11.95 - a value, IMO.

The development features a gift shop where a local artist sells her wares. There is even a concrete motorcycle parking lot so the kickstands don't sink into the hot asphalt of summer. I was told Route 3 is a popular scenic route for motorcyclists, but I suppose one could also boat from Chicago, via the Chicago River to the Des Plaines River to the Illinois River, to Grafton if one so wished! The marina offers transient slips for overnight boaters.

Anyway - if you're in the area, a place worthy of a stop!

Davooda

Good call Davooda!

Grafton has always been one of my favorite places to visit when we're staying with friends in nearby Godfrey. I remember the flood of '93 quite well, the water lapping at the buildings on Main St. Really sickening. We used to go to a little shop that did its own smoked fish (on the south end of town, off Main closer to the river), and they got drowned during the flood.

We always stop off at Piasa Winery (across the road from the Grafton Winery) because they have a retail selection of IL and MO wines that can't be beat, plus their deck with river view is great. But you're right: the town is back, it's fun to visit, and there's lots to eat and drink in the area. Tnx for your post!

Geo

Piasa Winery
211 W MAIN ST - GRAFTON, IL 62037
(618) 786-WINE(9463)
www.piasawinery.com

My mother-in-law was born and raised in Grafton, and still has family in the area. Her father worked at Pere Marquette State Park (a wonderful place to stay -- looks just like the lodge at Starved Rock). We used to go down to that area regularly for Kampsville Old Settler's Days in October and for family reunions in May. We are big fans of O'Jan's for fried catfish sandwiches. I always gorged myself on catfish on these reunion weekends because it is so fresh. Don't miss the Kampsville Inn in Kampsville if you are in the area. Some of the best fried catfish I've ever had.

I don't know if they still hold the flea markets at the old boat yard, but I've purchased a number of wonderful things there, including some strange and delightful yard ornaments.

Suzy

Looks like I may have a trip to Grafton coming up soon, and I'm wondering if anyone else has recent experience staying at the Pere Marquette Lodge? Feedback on TripAdvisor is, as usual, maddeningly inconsistent.

The last time we were there was nearly five years ago. I doubt much has changed. The lodge has a pool and the rooms good sized and very nice. I will say we had a room that overlooked the pool area and that it was noisy until the pool was closed. We had brunch in the dining room and the food was good.

Enjoy your stay there.

Suzy

Katie - should The Lodge not work out or if you seek alternatives, one of the brochures I picked up while in Grafton last week was for "Tara Point" B &B which is on a bluff adjacent to The Grafton Winery/The Moorings at Grafton development. This is a brand-new B & B. You drive up a very steep driveway to get there (which I did) and the view is breathtaking. The property has both an Inn and separate cottages. Advertised rates are from $168-$216. From the brochure, the website it http://www.tarapoint.com and email is tarapoint@gtec.com.

I also have one for Lucy Mae's Guest House, http://www.lucymaes.com - a small Victorian home on Main Street. I think it sleeps up to 6 persons and is "in the heart of the antique district!"

Hope this helps,

Davooda