Travelocity spotlights state park lodge in Southern Illinois
It looks like a favorite hangout in this Southern Illinois town might be getting a bit more crowded.

That's because the Giant City Lodge, known affectionately as "the lodge" by locals, has been named one of 10 places in Illinois as a "Local Secret, Big Find" by the travel search engine Travelocity.

The honor goes to destinations that tourists often overlook, but that locals treasure, said Steven Morse, a spokesman for Travelocity.

Giant City Lodge, in Giant City State Park about 10 miles south of Carbondale, already draws a sizable crop of visitors from around the state looking to dine at the lodge's restaurant or stay overnight in one of its 34 cabins, said co-owner Mike Kelley.

Chicago Daily Herald, IL