34 Metro East Destinations That Are Totally Underrated

Slashfest at Skyview Drive-In
October 7,8 and 9
8 p.m.
Skyview Drive-In
5700 N. Belt W.
Belleville, IL 62226

Every year, Skyview Drive-In takes a vote among its Facebook followers to see which movies they want at Slashfast, a weekend featuring Halloween classics on the drive-in's two big screens. One screen is reserved for family-friendly Halloween flicks, while the other is geared for those prepared for hardcore horror. This year's Slashfest will show Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters and Rocky Horror Picture Show on the first screen, while The Exorcist, Poltergeist and Texas Chainsaw Massacre will play on the other. Three movies for the price of one? Can't beat that. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Dennis Dixson.

Skyview Drive-In
5700 N. Belt W.
Belleville, IL 62226
(618) 233-4400

Sure, you could pay 10 bucks to see the latest blockbuster in a megaplex -- or you could have a way-cooler experience by seeing it at Skyview Drive-In. You'll get a generous dose of nostalgia at this theater, which opened for business in 1949. Bring your radio, blankets, lawn chairs and snacks that are way cheaper than what you would've bought at that megaplex. Oh, and did we mention that you get two movies for the price of one? Photo courtesy of Flickr / Dennis Dixson.

Highland

Blue Springs Cafe
3505 George St.
Highland, IL 62249

It's true, Highland is quite the hike -- which is why we're sending you only to our favorite destination in town. Blue Springs Cafe is famous for its "foot-hi" pies. But beyond the meringue-covered goodness, you should also try selections off the main menu. Blue Springs Cafe serves meals family-style, with selections such as roast pork, pickled beets, applesauce and other dishes that show off Highland's Swiss heritage. We remain positively unneutral about those beets. Photo courtesy of Instagram / sharemarrow2015.

Maryville/Collinsville/Granite City

Bobby's Frozen Custard
2525 N Center St.
Maryville, IL 62062


This '50s-style custard stand draws fans from near and far -- which is especially obvious from the long lines that form at every window on the opening and closing days of the year. But even arriving at peak time shouldn't turn you away from this deliciousness; the staff is notoriously quick, often delivering your cone as soon as you get your change. In addition to serving amazing custard, caramel apples and chocolate-covered strawberries, Bobby's also hosts concerts on weekend summer nights. You'll walk away full and happy -- and quite possibly with a new favorite frozen custard destination. Photo courtesy of Instagram / bobbimclin.

Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower
800 S. Morrison Ave.
Collinsville, IL 62234

Just like most of us haven't been up in the Arch since our fourth grade field trip, Metro East residents often drive by this massive ketchup bottle without much excitement. But this 1949 water tower was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and even has its own fan website. It stands as the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, so of course you need to make the trip and take a photo with it at least once. Photo courtesy of Instagram / garypeppersweet.

Lascelles
1324 Niedringhaus Ave.
Granite City, IL 62040
(618) 709-7375

Wait, you can have an upscale dining experience in Granite City? Yes, that is correct -- at Lascelles. Here you'll get upscale American comfort food in a stylish, art deco setting. You can check out our review before you go. Photo by Mabel Suen.

Grafton/Godfrey/Alton

The Loading Dock
401 Front St.
Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-3494

The bar food menu at The Loading Dock isn't fancy -- but it doesn't need to be. Located along the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, The Loading Dock is the ideal place to enjoy a casual atmosphere, live music, patio dining and a great view. You can access the restaurant by both boat and walk-ins. This destination isn't just for the warm months, either -- you'll also find an ice rink at The Loading Dock during the winter. Photo courtesy of Dreaming Tree Photography.

Grafton Zipline
401 Timber Ridge Dr.
Grafton, IL, 62037
(618) 786-8439

Seeking a little adventure? We have just the Metro East destination for you. Make your way to Aeries Resort, where you'll find a winery, lodging and -- wait for it -- a zipline! No need for any nerves; you'll have two guides directing you along as you soar through the trees and take in some terrific views. It's a must-try for any adrenaline junkie. Photo courtesy of Instagram / simply_emily18.

The Grafton Winery
300 W Main St.
Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-3001

After you've worked up an appetite from all that ziplining, head over to The Grafton Winery. Here you'll find good food and drinks, live music every weekend, wine and beer pairing dinners and theme dinners. The first floor is home to the brewhaus, which boasts craft beers made in house, and the second floor has food, wine and a beautiful waterfront view from the patio. It's the perfect spot for some relaxation. Photo courtesy of Grafton Winery.

The Great Godfrey Maze
1401 Stamper Lane
Godfrey, IL 62035
(618) 466-1483

Fall isn't complete without getting lost in a corn maze -- and Godfrey has one of the best. When the leaves start to change, make your way to the Great Godfrey Maze, an annual tradition cut into seven acres of corn that confuses visitors throughout September and October. An additional haunted maze is also added in October and open after dark on Friday and Saturday nights. Photo courtesy of Instagram / thissweethappylife.

Old Bakery Beer Company
400 Broadway Connector
Alton, IL 62002
(618) 463-1470

The St. Louis area's amazing craft beer isn't limited to the Missouri side of the river. The brainchild of husband-and-wife team and Urban Chestnut alums Lauren Pattan and James Rogalsky, the Old Bakery Beer Company provides sustainable, handcrafted beer with organically grown American hops and malts. You'll find year-round beers as well as seasonal and guest taps to keep things interesting. Known as Alton's first craft brewery, the Old Bakery Beer Company is a must-visit for any beer connoisseur. Photo by Mabel Suen.

Piasa Bird
IL-100, one mile north of the Alton Visitor Center
Alton, IL 62002

No, you're not hallucinating. That enormous painting of a lion-bird-horse on the Great River Road bluffs just outside of Alton is most definitely real — and completely creepy. Known as the Piasa bird, this ancient Native American mythological creature has a long history of freaking out inhabitants of this part of Alton. Visit the site to find out why. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Mike Linksvayer.

Mineral Springs Haunted Tours
Mineral Springs Mall
301 East Broadway
Alton, IL 62002
(618) 465-3200

If lore and gore is your thing, make sure to pay a visit to the Mineral Springs Mall. Here you'll find attractions such as a haunted hotel, a haunted swimming pool and the Historic Museum of Torture Devices (yes, that is actually a thing). Experience the paranormal activity with Mineral Springs Haunted Tours, and feel the shiver go up your spine. Photo courtesy of Instagram / courtneyjean.

Fast Eddie's
1530 E. 4th St.
Alton, IL 62002
(618) 462-5532

You'll see everyone from the college kids to the biker dudes to the cute older couple at this joint -- and it's no wonder. This bar is a dive lover's dream, serving up absurdly cheap food and drinks, free (yes, free) popcorn and live music. It's simple, it's fun, and it's worth the drive if you're looking for a good time outside of the city. Photo via RFT archives.

Corral Liquors
965 E. Edwardsville Rd.
Wood River, IL 62095
(618) 259-1011

If you're looking to drink yourself under the table, you'll have plenty of poison to choose from at Corral Liquors. This storefront may not look like much, but inside you'll find an impressive assortment of beers, wines and spirits for a price you can't protest. Good luck trying to choose what you want. Photo courtesy of Yelp / Corral Liquors.

Edwardsville/ Glen Carbon

A Little Taste of Heaven Bakery
219 Hillsboro Ave.
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(618) 659-8569

Step inside this cute and cozy bake shop, and you'll quickly find yourself wanting to buy one of everything -- and that's OK, because the prices here won't break the bank. Choose from cookies, cakes, danishes, cheesecake, pies, scones, pastries and more (we hear the summer blueberry almond cookies are definitely worth a try). You can also make custom orders for birthdays and other occasions. Needless to say, your sweet tooth will be very happy whenever you pay a visit. Photo courtesy of Instagram / stacymmccann.

Afterwords Books
454 E. Vandalia St.
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(618) 655-0355

This Edwardsville gem is a book lover's heaven. Tucked inside a cute yellow house, this local book shop has two floors worth of new and used books. Free books sit in crates on the front porch, and locally crafted cards and gifts can also be found in store. You can even trade in your used books to build store credit. Sounds like a good deal to us. Photo by Harlan McCarthy.

Sacred Grounds Cafe
233 N. Main St.
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(618) 692-4150

At first glance, you may want to leave Sacred Grounds to the hipsters. Our advice: don't. This coffee shop has tasty vegetarian food, delicious bakery items and great coffee at a fraction of Starbucks prices -- which is proven by the crowd gathered here for brunch on the weekends. The walls display work by local artists, and you'll find everyone from families to college students to, yes, that guitar-playing hipster gathered here. Stop by and stay a while. Photo courtesy of Instagram / goshencommunitymarket.

Teaspoons Cafe
2125 IL-157
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(618) 655-9595

The first time we visited Teaspoons, we asked the staff at the counter for a recommendation. Their answer? "Everything." Even those who swear by St. Louis Bread Company will be impressed by this cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch and a long list of freshly brewed teas and coffee. Whatever you do, make sure to try the house poppy seed dressing. Photo courtesy of Instagram / lindsaypedigo.

Cleveland-Heath
106 N. Main St.
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(618) 307-4830

Arguably the best restaurant in the entire St. Louis area, Cleveland-Heath satisfies the foodie in everyone. The owners boast impressive resumes, and it shows in the food: While the menu may list classics such as pork chops and bread pudding, it's likely to be the best pork chops and bread pudding you've ever had. You'll quickly see why Cleveland-Heath won RFT's Best New Restaurant title in 2012 -- and has been going strong ever since. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.