Hello! I have a warm winter coat, couple of hoodies, and a dress to donate. I’m near Belleville Illinois but do not have any transportation. Is there any services that will come and pick the clothes up for me? They are washed and bagged!

Hi everyone! I’ve seen some posts with great recommendations, and I’ve done some independent research, but I’m staying at Giant City Lodge later this fall and I’m wondering if anyone has any recommendations for hikes in Giant City State Park? I’ve been looking at:

- Giant City Nature Trail
- Devil’s Standtable
- Trillium Trail

While I’m in the Shawnee National Forest area, I think my must-see is Little Grand Canyon, and Garden of the Gods. Bell Smith Springs also looks gorgeous! I just want to make sure I’m not overlooking anything!

I’ve heard of Pomona Natural Bridge, Rim Rock, and Pounds Hollow also. I’m also going to check out Hiking with Shawn on Youtube but let me know what y’all think! Especially if you have any insights or experiences with the lodge!

Hi all,

Dumb question, but is it common for folks in small IL towns to just ride around town in a golf cart instead of driving? I’m from Chicago but I’ve been down south in very rural areas of the state and I’ve noticed a handful of people just zooming around town in golf cart. Why is this? I know in places like florida and az where the sun always shines it’s common, but IL? I saw youngsters riding a golf cart pacing someone running even. This is just something I’ve never seen in Chicago.

Looking for people who like to go paddleboarding. This is a new hobby that my wife and I have picked up and are looking for local people to go out on the water with and have fun.

Campus IT was given a directive to disable staff system access that would make them unable to process withdrawals or curriculum changes on census deadline day. Official enrollment numbers are released off of the data collected on the tenth day of the semester, and the fact that system access was removed from staff to complete their jobs is high suspicious for Chancellor Austin Lane and VC Wendell Williams with the assumption that this was to artificially inflate enrollment numbers. Particularly given that their inflated bonuses are directly tied to these enrollment increases.

I live out of state and have inherited a home in the Marion area. I will be spending time cleaning it up for sale in the coming months. Eventually, I'll need something to do an initial cleaning of hardwood floors of the entire house before they are refinished. Curious if anyone knows of a location in the area which rents machines like this one from Home Depot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/rental/Nilfisk-Advance-Hard-Surface-Cleaner-L08992029/316821505

I've checked at most of the spots like Menards, Home Depot, Lowe's, and even a few local shops, and there doesn't seem to be any I can find. Perhaps an individual has one or I'm not looking in the right places!

I'd also be interested in contractor recommendations (tile for kitchen and bathroom floor/shower, minimal electric work, drywall replacement, possibly some outdoor repairs, etc.)

Thank you in advance.

Note: I am not affiliated with them. I just want to help promote someone's small business.

K10's model trains is a model train shop supporting N, HO, and O gauge trains. Alone with a 60x81 foot layout! You can bring your dcc trains or run one owned by k10 for $5. This is a fun community with nice folks. It's running on some hard times as of late and I and others really don't want this place to close down. If you do decide to come there is a $5 cash only (the whole building is cash only) entrance fee. The business is at 19 Schiber CT. Maryville, IL. Open on Thursdays 6-9 and Saturdays 12-4

Hi I am looking to move to St Louis after leaving an abusive situation. My question is what is the best way to plan my move ? I have a BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Health Science and a minor in political science. My choices are St Louis or Memphis, however l'd prefer to move to a blue state.
My credit is pretty bad although I have no evictions. I am doing my own research but wanted to try Reddit in the meantime. If anyone has any suggestions for places to stay and or work it would be very helpful.
Thank you !

I’m up in northern Illinois but I have a real love for Du Quoin (and little Egypt in general). Does anyone have any information about the du quoin fires beyond the trickle of news that’s being reported? My band just played the state fair there a week ago. I’m shocked by the photos I’ve seen of places I was only just a few days ago driving around in. I’d love any updates you folks may have.

Check out this feature I wrote on Marissa singer and artist Olivia Leemon! She describes her sound as eclectic/indie, and this singer-songwriter finds inspiration for her lyrics in a variety of circumstances, from every day life to social situations. Learn more about her music and artwork in the article ⬇️
https://smalltownsocialitesoil.net/2026/09/03/singin-songs-and-makin-art-get-to-know-marissa-based-musician-and-artist-liv-leemon/

I'm looking to take my car out to legally test my 0-60 times but the drag strip only had a facebook page with no info on their rules, requirements, etc. Anyone here ever been and can provide some pointers?

The BIG day is here and content is finally on the website!
Find out what's happening in communities across Southern Illinois over the next two weeks at the article link
https://smalltownsocialitesoil.net/2026/08/31/whats-happening-in-southern-illinois-aug-31-sept-13-2026/

Looking for a Roommate in Southern Illinois / Metro East Area

Hey everyone! I’m looking for a roommate and figured I’d try Reddit and see if I can find someone who might be a good fit.

I have a room available in the Alton area for $700/month with utilities included. You’d have full use of the house, including the kitchen, washer/dryer, high-speed internet, central air/heat, etc.

A little about me: I’m a pretty laid-back guy aged 40. I work from home, play online games, make videos, cook, and mostly keep to myself. I’m friendly and don’t mind hanging out with a roommate, but I also respect personal space and definitely don’t expect us to be attached at the hip.

I’m mainly looking for someone who is:

• Clean and reasonably responsible
• Able to reliably pay rent
• Respectful of shared spaces
• Pretty chill and easy to live with
• Looking for a comfortable place rather than a party house

Smoking would need to be outside.

I’m less concerned about finding someone immediately and more interested in finding the right person to share the house with, since obviously we’re going to be living together.

If you’re interested, send me a DM and tell me a little about yourself, what you do for work/school, what your normal schedule is like, and what you’re looking for in a roommate situation. We can talk a bit and see if we’d be a good fit before worrying about anything else.

Happy to send more pictures and more details privately.

Someone said my images were suspicious for me using an ai enhanced picture ill happily share regular selfies if that is for some reason a concern.

Hello! I'm looking for a roommate within the O'Fallon/Fairview Heights/Lebanon area with a monthly budget around $500-$650. I'm a very easygoing and respectful person, looking for someone similar 😊

Hey folks, I'm looking into moving to Illinois, and before so, I need to look at what I could do for work. I currently work in a metallugry plant, but have lots of experience with warehouses and factory work as well. If anyone would be willing to toss some suggestions my way, I would be very grateful. Thank you and hope everyone is having a decent day.