In a small rural community in Southern Illinois, a passion for barbecue stretches back over 100 years and houses two out of 18 total Barbecue Hall of Famers in the nation. In 2015, the Illinois House of Representatives designated this town, Murphysboro, as the “Barbecue Capital of Illinois” in recognition of their rich barbecue history and success.

Murphysboro not only hosted national competition teams and locally produces its own Cairo Bar-B-Q Sauce, but it also is home to two famous barbecue national competitors. The House resolution recognizes both hall of famers, Mike Mills and Pat Burke, as the inspiration for the 17^th Street Barbecue and Pat’s BBQ. Both gained attention for their Apple City Barbecue Team, with Burke competing in over 255 competitions and winning 185 grand championships – “more than any other living person” according to the resolution.

This fall, the town kicked off their 37^th annual Praise the Lard Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off, welcoming a record 119 teams from 20 states. This marked the ninth year of 17^th Street BBQ’s successful partnership with the Steak Cook Off Association and expanded the competition to include taco and appetizer cook-off ancillaries.

As the weather gets colder, local farmers are gearing up to embrace the fall season with exciting and tasty treats for Illinois foodies. From sugary apple cider donuts to farm-fresh pumpkins and apples, these popular spots have a variety of seasonal items and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Illinois has countless orchards and family farms to visit year-round. Here are the top 10 must-visit fall foodie destinations near you:

1. Eckert’s County Store & Farms – 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville

• • Country Restaurant, Cider Shed, Mr. E’s Donut and Custard Shop, bakery, deli, concessions

2. Kuipers Family Farm – 1 N. 318 Watson Road, Maple Park

• • Orchard Shop Bakery, Farmhouse Kitchen, Tree Top Tap, Smoke House & Grill, Farmyard Bar, Donut Dugout, Corncession Trailer

3. Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm – 4853 US Highway 52, Minooka

• • Heap’s Home Cookin’

4. Prairie Moon Farm – 1467 State Route 97, Knoxville
5. Mariah’s Mums & More – 16727 Airport Road, Clinton

It’s National Pie Day! Celebrate today by enjoying a delicious piece of this decadent dessert – from apple to chocolate cream to Illinois’ official pie: pumpkin!

Pumpkin pie was designated as the state’s official pie in 2015. The General Assembly passed the legislation as a tribute to how much pumpkin is produced in Illinois. About 85% of consumed pumpkin in the U.S. comes from Illinois.

Pumpkin pie also has a rich history in America. The roots of pumpkin pie go back to a time when European settlers were experimenting with locally grown foods. They learned how to boil or steam pumpkins that were first domesticated by Native Americans. Early recipes for pumpkin pie can be found in both early Colonial and French cookbooks.

An 1827 novel is responsible for pumpkin pie’s connection to Thanksgiving. In “Northwood: A Tale of New England,” author Sara Josepha Hale dedicated a whole chapter to the description of the now-classic Thanksgiving dinner. In 1863, Hale convinced President Abraham Lincoln to declare a national day of Thanksgiving.

In Alton, what is known as a portion of the town titled “Upper Alton” is also known as Historic Pie Town. In 1846, soldiers gathering near Alton, on route to the Mexican war, camped in an area which is now Rock Spring Park. Ladies in surrounding homes delivered pies to the travelers, thus the town’s name became Pie Town.

Here are some of the best spots for pie in Illinois:

• Pies by Ingie, Monticello – made from scratch small-batch pies
• Lucky Moon Pies & More, Mahomet – pie shop with pie of the month club
• Common Grounds Café & Pie Shop, Gridley – specialty coffee drinks and seasonal pies
• The Confectionary Inc., Morton – from scratch pies, open since 1976
• The Apple Barn, Chatham – plants, bakery with homemade pies

Celebrate National Pie Day today by indulging in some delicious pie.

Thanksgiving is approaching rapidly this year – meaning the delicious menu is on the horizon. Turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, and traditional Thanksgiving foods will likely be on the table this year.

Illinois’ favorite? Mashed potatoes and salad.

Every year, Campbell releases its “State of the Sides,” which shows each state’s favorite side dishes.

The top dish in the United States is mashed potatoes. Second place went to stuffing/dressing. Third place was macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes and green bean casserole took the fourth and fifth place spots.

More than 65% of Americans prefer side dishes compared to the main entrée.

Indiana and Wisconsin both chose stuffing as their favorite side dish.

The average American household serves five side dishes with their holiday meals.

To read more about Campbell’s “State of the Sides”, click here.

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food?