Enjoy some active fun with a bike ride through southwest Illinois. Rent a bike at Covered Bridge Bike Rentals in Glen Carbon or Grotto Bike Rentals in Alton for a few hours of exercise and great scenic views. Take your pick of seven trails along the MCT Trails in Edwardsville or travel along the Great River Road on the Sam Vadalabene Trail along the Mississippi River.

Take a river cruise in the fall and see fall colors from a completely different perspective. The Hakuna Matata excursion boat sails out of Grafton Harbor Saturdays and Sundays in the fall with cruises showcasing the spectacular fall colors on display.

Looking for a more up-close-and-personal water adventure. Rent a kayak and paddle down the Mississippi River. New Kayak Kiosks are available to rent kayaks and gear at select locations along the river.

Saddle up at Pere Marquette Riding Stables and enjoy a 45-minute trail ride through Pere Marquette State Park for great scenic views and glimpses of local wildlife.

Bring the girls to EXO in Edwardsville and prepare to be pampered. This full service spa offers a Nail Bar, Med Spa and Lounge. A Michelin chef serves up a menu full of luxurious specialties. Want a cocktail with your massage? That’s available too!

Body rejuvenation is top of mind at Bodies Kneaded in Granite City. Six different massages on tap along with mud treatments, waxes and more.

Check out the Swedish, hot stone or integrated raindrop massages at Fitness for the Soul in Alton. The ancient art of reflexology is also available for anyone who wants a more focused experience.

Stroll through downtown Alton and drop in on these locally owned and operated businesses including Olive Oil Marketplace, Mississippi Mud Pottery, Mom Said No Gifts, Strangelovely, Honeybee Vintage and so much more.

Uptown Collinsville has a bit of shopping fun for everyone. Check out OSewPersonal for the quilters in the group and Lou Belle and Bing for that eclectic boutique vibe.

Take a walk along Main Street in downtown Grafton and soak in the charm of this small river city. Pick up a souvenir or two along the way.

If exploring Route 66 is on your bucket list, visit Litchfield and shop your way through this scenic small town that is a Mother Road icon. Another Route 66 stop should be the iconic Carlinville Square. A great place to shop and get a bite to eat. Soak in the small town charm!

Travel to Edwardsville for some great shopping opportunities. Check out Water Sweet Soaps, an Illinois Maker, and the perfect place to indulge your sense and splurge. Pick up some freshly popped flavored popcorn at The Chef’s Shoppe -- a local treasure. Visit a local indie bookstore – Afterwords Books -- and pick up a new read or browse through local artisan merch.

Foodie and craft beverage connoisseurs take note!

Brunch it is at Old Bakery Beer Co., in downtown Alton with classics, sweets and more on the menu. Make a boozy brunch with a mimosa, beermosa or enjoy a Fuddle Duddle coffee flavored with spirits. Try the sparkling herbal teas flavored by locally grown herbs from Flourish Farmstead. Pick up a six pack of locally brewed organic beer for Happy Hour on your own.

• Twisted Biscuit in Edwardsville offers a hearty breakfast menu that showcases -- what else -- biscuits!

• Spend time at the quaint and cozy State Street on LaSalle in historic Elsah featuring house-made soups, fresh organic salads, paninis and more. A creative selection of wine is available for both dine-in and retail carry-out for the wine lover in the group.

• Relax by the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers at the newly opened Southern Coastal Cuisine in Grafton. A Tiki Cabana overlooks the rivers providing the perfect atmosphere for a casual dining experience.

• Enjoy a taste of Italian cuisine at Mio Osteria in Edwardsville, has the feel of a small neighborhood Italian restaurant located in the heart of the city. Try the family-recipe Italian Beef sandwich and the soup of the day. Dine indoors or outside on the patio.

• Take your pick of authentic Mexican food from Taqueria Z, Chava’s Mexican Restaurant or Oaxaca Margarita Bar & Restaurant in Edwardsville; and Riviera Maya and Taqueria Maya in Alton.

• Classic comfort food is one tap at Cleveland Heath in downtown Edwardsville. Or indulge in a steak and creative cocktail at 1818 Chophouse in Edwardsville. Brown Bag Bistro in downtown Alton is known for its amazing sandwiches. Gentelin’s on Broadway in Alton is another choice dining option serving up elegant meals and great martinis.

Plan a trip to Grafton and spend time at the Grafton Winery The Vineyards. This is the only full production winery in the region and their award winning wines showcase the tastes of the region. Sip a glass of Apple Crisp in honor of Autumn or Blackberry. There are also more traditional wines available including Chardonnay, Captain’s Blush, Harbor Red and more.

For a spirited happy hour, visit Old Herald Brewery & Distillery in Uptown Collinsville. Sample one of the craft beers brewed on-site or order a Bloody Mary created with the brewery’s famous Horseradish Vodka. Sip on a Margarita crafted with local agave spirits.

Stop in at The Loading Dock perched on the banks of the Mississippi River in Grafton. Sit beside the river and sip on Dock Lemonade infused with vodka, a Daiquiri, Pina Colada or take your pick of river themed cocktails.

Take a ride on the Grafton SkyTour to Aerie’s Resort in Grafton and enjoy a drink on The Terrace at Aerie’s Resort. Boasting the Best Views in the Midwest, relax while sipping a glass of wine or other cocktail and enjoying the views of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers from 300 feet high.

FLOCK Food Truck Park in downtown Alton serves up refreshing cocktails, mocktails, wine beer and more. Dine inside or take a seat outdoors around a firepit.

Enjoy a curated cocktail at Brick & Bramble in Edwardsville. The chic eatery brings upscale small plates to the region But is also a great place for a relaxing drink or two.

Bossanova in downtown Alton serves up creative cocktails with an upscale vibe. Enjoy a menu of unique entrees.

Not ready to call it a night? Enjoy some casino fun at Argosy Casino Alton. The riverfront boat has over 500 slots and table games.

Enjoy eclectic and alternative live music at The Conservatory in downtown Alton. Be sure to check out the Kooliverse art work that fills the space from Alton Artist Michael Snider.

Enjoy a live show at Edwardsville’s famous Wildey Theatre. The art deco theatre showcases national cover bands every weekend in a cozy inviting space. Plan ahead and get your tickets in advance. They sell out fast!

The drinks are cold, the food is hot and the music is amazing at Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, a world famous dive bar located in downtown Alton. Stop in for the atmosphere and fun.

Mac’s Downtown in Alton serves up cold drinks and has live music on weekends. There’s also Off Track Betting at this local fav hangout.

Book your getaway stay at a local boutique hotel or bed and breakfast inn for the ultimate girlfriend experience!

Alton Cracker Factory – Great Rivers Lodging has stunning views of the Mississippi River in Alton. Each loft has an apartment-like feel and the Eagle’s Nest penthouse is great for a large group.

Urban Collective Boutique Hotel, Edwardsville is nestled in the city’s downtown but you wouldn’t know it. The hotel features eight distinct suites each with its own ambiance, and theme.

Green Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast in Elsah is a getaway like no other. Guests are treated to home cooked breakfast and afternoon treats. All rooms have private bath and there is a screened in porch and backyard fire pit for guests.

Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center in Grafton has guest rooms and rustic cabins available for overnight stays.