Visit the Top Orchard in Southern Illinois
Rendleman Orchards in Union County, Illinois
Looking for things to do in Southern Illinois??? Look no further than Rendleman Orchards, nestled in the hills of Southern Illinois. It was first founded in 1873. This little slice of heaven is often overlooked but becoming a popular “tourist” attraction. I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of time with the owners Michelle and Wayne Sirles. They have given me a behind the scene tour of their over 800 acres of property. The love this family has for their farm is undeniable. Everything on the property has a piece of history and a story behind it. Michelle and Wayne are committed to the Southern Illinois region and local farming. I love hearing the history of the farm houses, furniture inside the market and the actual process of picking of the fruit and vegetables. This fifth-generation orchard is known for its high-quality apples, peaches, and other seasonal produce, making it a cherished destination for both locals and visitors.
One of the highlights of Rendleman Orchards is its commitment to sustainable farming practices. The family employs integrated pest management techniques, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting a healthier ecosystem. They also prioritize soil health through crop rotation and organic matter enrichment, which not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality of their produce. These efforts reflect the orchard's dedication to preserving the land for future generations while providing fresh, wholesome fruits to their community.
Savanna Kathleen Photography
It is important to note that month to month during summer and fall their “seasonal” items change. June, July and August you are able to get peaches, nectarines and peach smoothies available daily! The u-pick zinnia field is available for about six-eight weeks starting the end of July. The sunflower field starts in August and lasts for about 2-3 weeks. The pumpkin patch will open the last weekend of September and run through October 31st. The Farmer’s Market is about the cutest thing ever where you can get souvenir seasonal t-shirts, jams & jellies, dip and baking mixes, candies, and more. Apples start around LATE august and go into October. They have multiple varieties of peaches and apples and they are so helpful with providing education about their produce. Another specialty they have is apple cider, apple cider donuts and apple sauce all made with their apples.
Michelle has created all the best Instagram worthy photo opportunities that include swings, benches throughout the floral fields, chicken house murals and more. I was blown away by everything Rendleman’s has to offer for their visitors. It is important for everyone to know that this is a working farm and they are providing crops throughout the Midwest so they do not allow guests to venture into their orchards to pick their apples or peaches.
Savanna Kathleen Photography
Top Orchard in Southern Illinois
The local community of Southern Illinois should be so thankful for this farm for providing produce to our area. Not only are they providing food to our community they are also creating an experience/destination for all of us to enjoy. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram where they share their latest updates as well. They are passionate about working with others and growing tourism and farming in the region.
I hope you take the trip and enjoy the amazing experience that Rendleman Orchards soon to see all it has to offer in this season! Keep reading to see all about their newest adventure on the farm!
Photos by Savanna Kathleen Photography
Rendlemans Cottage: Southern Illinois Vacation Rental
Nestled in the heart of the farm you will find the Rendlemans Cottage! This two bedroom one bathroom cottage is perfect for your next weekend getaway to Southern Illinois! Welcome to the newet BnB in Southern Illinois. The Rendlemans cottage is everything you would think it would be and MORE. Every detail even down to the Quatro’s Half Baked pizza in the freezer is PERFECTION. This two bedroom one bath cottage is perfect for your next getaway! BOOK HERE!
The team at Rendlemans has created the most picture perfect quaint getaway I have experienced in Southern Illinois. It is truly a farm immersion experience. The cottage is nestled between peach and apple orchards and less 5 minute golf cart ride away from the farm market and flower fields.
This farm immersion experience gives you a little slice of the southern Illinois country life. You are surrounded by the Shawnee National forest, wineries, farms, chickens, natural landscape and wildlife of the southern most region. If you are even thinking about visiting Southern Illinois I can’t recommend the rendlemans cottage enough! The wineries, hiking trails and orchards are waiting for you!
So you are staying the weekend at The Rendlemans Cottage in Alto Pass, IL? Let me help you curate the best overnight stay ever! It can be difficult to figure out exactly what to do in a rural area. If visiting I always suggest checking what is open on the days you are in town. Typically Thursday through Sunday is the best chance to visiting the top spots in the area. For me personally I always suggest going to Faye for breakfast or lunch and always make a stop at the world famous 17th Street BBQ in Murphysboro, IL.
Grab some of the to go items like pimento cheese and sausage so that you have some yummy snacks for later! Since you are nestled in the Shawnee national forest I suggest checking out the Quetil Trail, Little Grand Canyon and Pomona Natural Bridge! All amazing and gorgeous hiking options. The cottage is minutes from multiple wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail ( read all about the wineries HERE )so what better way to visit the area then checking out wineries. Another top spot for me Is the Havisham Bourbon Bar in downtown Alto Pass. If looking for dinner options I always recommend Cummares in Murphysboro but I like to note that the wineries and Havisham had food options too! Whatever you find in Southern Illinois you will make memories to last a lifetime!
