If you’re in need of a weekend getaway or perhaps a girl’s trip, the Wabash Valley Wine Trail is the perfect solution! This wine trail will take you through charming towns to see stunning wineries and unique places. 

Day 1

Begin in Jasper County with a refreshing walk through Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area. If you’re making the trip in late July or early August, fields and fields of sunflowers will be in full bloom. Then, head over to Irene’s Vineyard, a gorgeous winery with nearly 20 different wines to taste. Before heading out of Jasper County, check out the Burl Ives Memorial Statue and take a walk over the unique Old Mill Bridge in Newton.
 
The next stop on the wine trail is in Richland County, at Chilly Willy’s Ice Cream & Grill for lunch and a tasty ice cream dessert. After your belly is full, set out on a search for the town’s most beloved critter – the White Squirrels! There is a large population of albino squirrels in Olney, and many of them can be found at Miller Grove Park, which sits right next to East Fork Lake on the outskirts of town. After you have snapped a few pictures of the White Squirrels, head out to Berryville Vineyards in Claremont where they make traditional grape wines, as well as other fruit wines. Their most popular selection is aptly named ‘White Squirrel.’ 

After spending time at Berryville, you can head to Wildwoods Gallery and Framing, which is home to the White Squirrel Shoppe. From coffee mugs to apparel, it would be a shame to leave town without something reminding you of the White Squirrels. From there, you can take a stroll downtown and admire the new beautiful murals that have been added to Olney in the last several months. Next, head to Hovey’s Diner to enjoy delicious chili and burgers for dinner (among other things). After that, call it at night with a stay at the Best Western Plus Parkside Inn & Suites.

Day 2

Start your day off right by heading over to Fox Creek Vineyards in Olney, which opens at 10am! The selection here is fantastic, with nearly 30 different wines to choose from – but they go quickly. One of the more unique offerings is a sweet wine made with plums! From there, make your way to Coco’s Café and Wine Bar for a delicious lunch in Lawrenceville. From salads to more hearty selections like chicken and dumplings, you’ll love the food at Coco’s. Once you’re finished, take a few steps next door to the Mandarin Spa at New Leaf to treat yourself to ultimate relaxation.

After your spa time is up, take a drive out to rural Lawrence County and visit Lasata Wines. There are some very unique wines here that pair well with bloody mary mix, and others that are made from Elderberries. One thing is for sure, this place doesn’t disappoint! Not far from Lasata lies the Lincoln Trail State Memorial, which is a large statue and sculpture that honors Abraham Lincoln’s travels into Illinois along this very path! Make sure to enjoy some dinner at Griffin’s Pizza House in Lawrenceville, before heading to Mt. Carmel to rest your head at the Super 8 by Wyndham.

Day 3

Once you’re up and running, take a drive over to Albion to get your coffee fix at Colyer Coffee House. While you’re sipping your coffee, take a stroll around town to see the iconic pagoda, some picture-worthy murals, and the Veteran’s Memorial. Last but not least, wrap up you trip by visiting Homestead Vineyards in West Salem and enjoy delicious wine, along with a gorgeous barn and gazebos. Make sure to take a ton of pictures and tag us – we love to hear your stories!