DAY TRIPPING: BELLEVILLE

It was “stay and train” day for our sweet Doodle, so Big Guy and I got in our car and headed east. We decided to head to Belleville, Illinois for breakfast and book shopping.

Our first stop was to @clarabskitchentable and @longstorycoffee. As their website states, this place “is an homage to a time when scratch cooking and baking was all there was.” These two businesses share a space in an old train depot located near the heart of Belleville.

We were impressed with the service and friendliness of the staff. We asked for food and drink suggestions and the staff gave us great options. The maple cappuccino was impressive, and the loaded burrito and biscuits and gravy was outstanding. I wish I could include a taste, but I can tell you I said “wow” with my first bite.

We headed next to Belleville Books to see this great new independent bookstore located in the town’s old bank building. It was impressive to see this reuse of a cool building including using the old vault as their history room. It was a great visit, and we cannot wait to see what the owners do next with this incredible space.

We took the long way home and even stopped @stclairantiquemall for a little antiquing before picking up our girl. We were all tired after a fun day out!