I have to confess: I was unaware of the wonders Quincy, Illinois held until recently. Now, I find myself wondering: how did I ever not know about this place?!
Eric and I spent three days in this picturesque little city (population: 40,000), which is nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River in west-central Illinois–about five hours southwest of Chicago and 3.5 hours east of Kansas City.
Here’s the spoiler: Quincy stole our hearts–unequivocally!–with its historic charm and natural beauty. From the moment we rolled into town, we were captivated by the historic architecture, which is what I think most defines Quincy’s character. The buildings are so well preserved that you really do feel like you’re stepping into a time capsule.
Speaking of stepping back in time, did you know that Quincy played a role in American history as the site of one of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates? The city is steeped in historical significance, and you can feel the weight of the past as you explore its streets.
We had the pleasure of spending three amazing days in Quincy, and there isn’t one thing I’d change about our itinerary. So, without further ado, my recommendations:
DAY 1: Welcome to Quincy
We kicked off our Quincy experience by checking in at the Mansion on Maine—a statuesque historic home rental that transported us back in time. Built in 1910, this architectural gem exudes the ambiance of bygone eras, making it the ideal place to start your journey through Quincy’s rich history.
Ready to explore, Eric and I hopped on a pair of bikes and set out to discover Quincy’s architecture. Quincy’s crown jewel is, arguably, Villa Kathrine, a breathtaking Moroccan-style villa perched on a bluff, offering sweeping views of the majestic Mississippi River.
For dinner, we made reservations at The Maine Course in downtown Quincy. Chef Kevin Minnick (TikTok: @thatvintagewhiskeydude) made for us coconut curried cauliflower, apple salad, filet of beef and blueberry cheesecake–this culinary experience easily claimed a spot in our top five all-time favorite meals. As an added treat, Chef Minnick, a true whiskey enthusiast, graciously shared with us a selection of tastings (and his passion for whiskey!) from his extensive collection of over 500 whiskeys.
DAY 2: Delight in Quincy's Flavors
We kicked off day two at Washington Park. The Midsummer Arts Faire and the Farmer’s Market welcomed us with their local art, live performances, and farm-fresh produce.
Since Quincy boasts an impressive array of restaurants, we decided to reserve a spot on the Flavors Tour—an experience I highly recommend. Led by our awesome tour guide, Megan, we spent three delightful hours hopping between various culinary gems, including:
- Electric Fountain Brewing: Order the Electric Larry
- Krazy Cakes Cafe: Try any of the desserts. Literally any.
- Wicked Thyme Charcuterie: Say hi to owner Crystal and enjoy a phenomenal charcuterie snack & cocktail. (We loved the watermelon mint cotton candy drink!)
- The Patio Restaurant & Lounge: Order an Old-Fashioned and peep the Gucci wallpaper
- Quincy Brewing Company: Sample the black cherry mango
- Loyd’s Gifts & Collectibles: Ask about the fun history here…
Next, we paid a visit to the Quincy Axe Company. Channeling our inner lumberjacks / ninjas, we tried our hand at axe and knife throwing—where Eric was quick to show off his precision. We took a break from chucking knives to try our hand at Golden Tee. There was also giant beer pong, jenga, corn hole, darts and more. Although victory eluded me, this stop was definitely a highlight for the both of us!
For dinner, we wanted to try Tiramisu—a local favorite renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine and inviting ambiance. The parmesan risotto and four-cheese pizza were *chef’s kiss*.
DAY 3: Uncover Hidden Gems in Nauvoo & Warsaw
While Quincy will keep you plenty busy, we decided to venture beyond its borders and explore the tiny little nearby towns of Nauvoo and Warsaw—a decision we did not regret.
Our first stop was Warsaw Brewery, where Bloody Mary lovers must try the colossal Bloody Mary Tower—it’s as big as your head! After lunch, we walked around the grounds of the historic brewery, which is perched on a bluff along the Mississippi River.
Next, we journeyed to the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, a place of great historical significance for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The site is much bigger than I expected: there are several historic homes, shops, plus the beautifully restored Nauvoo Temple and even Joseph Smith’s grave site.
We decided to book an off-the-grid stay in Nauvoo, too. Enter: Ten Acres Treehouses, a whimsical treehouse village. We stayed at “Captain’s Quarters,” a secluded 400-square-foot treehouse in the middle of the forest. Surrounded by nature, we were greeted by two sweet black labs, Paris and London, who showed us to our home for the night. The treehouse is a truly unique and unforgettable experience–you’ll even get to shower on the porch under the trees!
To conclude our Quincy area adventure, we decided to toast to our unforgettable trip at Press House Winery. Here, we met one of the family members that runs the winery, Darren Koechle, who shared with us his family’s 100-year winemaking history while we sipped on about 17 different kinds of wine. Afterward, Eric and I took a lovely little stroll out in the vineyards.
The Midwest never ceases to amaze me with its hidden treasures, and Quincy is a perfect example of that. It’s incredible how a place so close to home can still hold such wonder and intrigue. Quincy may be a hidden gem for now, but I have a hunch that more adventurers like me will soon come to discover and appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty that this city has to offer.
We’d like to thank Holly Cain and the See Quincy team for an incredible weekend in Quincy.
Q: Have you ever been to Quincy, Illinois? Share your stories and suggestions below. I’m already thinking about my next trip back!
