There is still time to shop for your loved one. We know that going online and ordering from a box store or other large retailers is easy, but why not make it something a little more personal? Downstate Illinois is FULL of local shops and businesses that offer up unique, thoughtful gifts. Best part is, you’re supporting your local communities AND treating your significant other at the same time. Below is a gift guide for a few ideas that may work well for that awesome gentleman in your life. 

Southwest Illinois Region

WWT Raceway, Madison  
If your loved one has a need for speed, World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison is the perfect place to pick up a Valentine’s Day gift. They have the Gateway Kartplex on site, with go-karts that can go up to 55 miles an hour – so there is a great gift card idea. Of course, WWT Raceway has a TON of events coming up this summer that you can purchase tickets for, most notably the FIRST EVER NASCAR CUP SERIES RACE at WWT Raceway! 

Stubborn German & Hopskeller Brewing Company, Waterloo
Beer is usually a safe bet with most guys, and Waterloo is home to TWO different craft breweries. Surprise your significant other by taking a road trip to enjoy both Stubborn German and Hopskeller Brewing Company for a few hours. They each offer a giant array of beers, beer cocktails, as well as flights - and there is an opportunity to buy some to take home to enjoy as well!

South Central Illinois Region

Kretzer’s Grill & Bar, Hoyleton 
For many guys, usually the fastest way to their heart is through their belly…right? If your loved one is REALLY into all-you-can-eat crab, we highly recommend treating them to dinner at Kretzer’s Grill & Bar in Hoyleton. There are not many places around that offer all the snow crab legs you can eat, so folks travel from more than an hour away to experience this joint! On the weekends they can go through thousands of pounds of crab. Make sure your loved one brings his appetite with him! 

Witness Distillery, Vandalia 
If the person you’re shopping for is a fan of whiskey, rum, vodka, or any combination of the three – Witness Distillery in Vandalia is the place for you. They offer a variety of flavors in a multitude of bottles; or if you’d rather consume their beverages in person, Witness Distillery has the always awesome Whiskey Underground where you can elbow up to the bar and really savor what they have. 

Southeast Illinois Region

A&a Vintage Variety, Olney 
There is a shop in Olney that carries everything from vintage video games and systems to board games, trading cards, and a little of everything in between. If you are shopping for a gamer or a collector, A&a Vintage Variety is a great place to peruse. They have been known to carry old school Sega Genesis and Nintendo systems, so if you think a nostalgic Valentine’s Day gift is perfect – check out A&a Vintage Variety. 

Quail Creek Country Club & Resort, Robinson 
Golf is another popular pastime among gentlemen, and there is a GREAT option to check out in Crawford County. Quail Creek Country Club & Resort in Robinson has an amazing 18-hole PGA Championship course and a 34-room resort complete with room service, a restaurant, a swimming pool and more. We’re sure that if you book a tee time for your loved one here, you will certainly win Valentine’s Day! 

As a note, because we cover 21 counties this is merely a gathering of recommendations, we wish we could mention every applicable business in the span of 100-thousand square miles, but unfortunately, we cannot. That said, we have a fantastic listing of many businesses on our website, so make sure to visit downstateil.org for more business ideas if you’d like!