Reading the Region: The Three Corridors of Southern Illinois

At the risk of sounding contradictory to our 'cross county lines' encouragement, we also understand the vast nature of southern illinois and the need to break it down into digestible pieces. It covers a sweeping part of the state and can't be taken in in just a day. We find this reality to be both wildly expansive and mildly intimidating. Rural travel comes with such a rewarding rhythm, and these corridors make it a little more approachable.

Having a basic grasp of these corridors and their corresponding notable stops helps create an anchor for planning to visit or explore the region. We’ve found that having a simple understanding of these three veins and their corresponding notable stops creates an anchor, especially for visitors. It removes the pressure of knowing everything and replaces it with a sense of familiarity. You don’t need to understand the entire region to explore it well. You just need a few fixed points that help you place yourself within it.

While traveling, this is often how I navigate, asking Tim to orient me back to the corridor and anchor location. It allows me to move confidently, notice more, and stay present. The roads become less about getting somewhere and more about understanding where you are, because GPS isn't guaranteed here, and that's a reality that's becoming less common, and one to embrace.

Down here you get to stumble around a bit, sans traffic, enjoying roadside stands without a Facebook page. Where the places you couldn't plan for if you try, are waiting within the rhythm of the corridors.