This Illinois Wine Trail Is Being Called “the Napa of the Midwest”—and It’s Surprisingly Affordable

Some summer destinations —like Cape Cod, Sedona, or Palm Beach—are known for their luxury and exclusivity . We understand the appeal of these places, but they might not be for everyone’s taste or budget. That’s why we’re always looking for more wallet-friendly options . We want a vacation destination that feels grand without having to dip into our long-term savings account. And it turns out we don’t have to. There are mountain towns with hot springs , charming lakefronts, and places with spa-like settings at a fraction of the cost. MarketBeat, a financial media company, surveyed 3,011 travel professionals to rank the top “bougie-on-a-budget” destinations —places where families can enjoy upscale experiences without breaking the bank. Coming in at 56 was the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. You might be surprised to hear “Southern Illinois” and “wine” in the same sentence , but yes, this place is worth considering. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail boasts forested hills, boutique wineries, and rustic-chic cabins nestled between the vines. It’s a great summer getaway that feels more like Napa meets Appalachia than the Midwest. The top 10 budget locations for a summer vacation: ------------------------------------------------------ 1. Twin Lakes, Colorado 2. Kaunakakai, Hawaii 3. Cold Spring, New York 4. Mount Dora, Florida 5. Cape May Point, New Jersey 6. Saranac Lake, New York 7. Grand Rivers, Kentucky 8. Paris (and Kentucky Lake), Tennessee 9. Dauphin Island, Alabama 10. Los Alamos, California Source: https://secretchicago.com/shawnee-hills-wine-trail-bougie-on-a-budget-destination/