Trail of Tears Lodge in Jonesboro, Ill., specializes in country favorites

One of the region's most rustic dining spots is a little bit off the beaten path.

In Jonesboro, Ill., off Highway 127, where Old Cape Road becomes Fair City Road, is the Trail of Tears Lodge.

In 1988, an old barn that dates back to the 1930s, was converted into a bed and breakfast lodge. The lodge is tucked away in Illinois' Shawnee National Forest, and the restaurant is destination dining. Most people who eat there stay there, but even for just a meal, the Lodge can appeal to anyone.

"Personally, we like the catfish, chicken and shrimp," owner Debra Charles said. "But we also do great gourmet baby back ribs, frog legs, Cajun shrimp, blackened fish, steaks, which everybody likes. We've got good food, some of the best around."

The dining area is decorated with American Indian paintings and seasonal centerpieces. The lodge area has a gaggle of geese and deer on the wall as trophies.

Charles said that while April is the busiest time, there is always something going on at the Trail of Tears Dining Lodge.

"People that go on the wine trail, we do bed and breakfast for them," Charles said. "And there is the Morrell Mushroom Festival."

Charles said diners who double as guests can ride the Lodge's motorcycles and ATVs, and they also offer horseback riding. Both camping or cabin rentals are available as well.

"You name it, any kind of outdoor activity," she said. "We have some of the archers who come out and shoot targets, and we have a rifle/pistol range."

She said the seclusion and intimacy of the Lodge keep her and her husband, Ronald, doing what they do.

"It's just so far off the track," she said. "The stress that people have is just gone when they come here, and they just love it. It's like stepping back in time, and it's just something that works for us."

Trail of Tears Lodge is open 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

To get there, take Highway 3 to Reynoldsville, Ill., and then turn onto Old Cape Road.