The County seat of Clinton County, IL is Carlyle, a small city of 3,281 residents. The people who call Carlyle home are proud of the city’s history, they love the lake that brings many visitors to town, and they stick together in difficult times.
The location of Carlyle, at the southern end of the largest manmade lake in Illinois, gives it wonderful assets to enjoy and share with visitors. But right now, the businesses in Carlyle are sharing their special products and services to support the residents during the “stay-at-home” order.
There are many special things Carlyle businesses are doing to assist the residents and visitors during the current challenge. The most significant effect on everyday life was that dining-in at any restaurant ended and many businesses closed their physical place of operation. Restaurants began promoting their take-out options, curbside pick-up and even delivery services.
Duey’s on Fairfax is offering take-out lunch and dinner options at 11am – 2pm for lunch and 5pm – 7pm for dinner. Check out their FaceBook page for the most up to date specials. 
There are two restaurants making great sizzling Mexican cuisine. Guzman’s Restaurant has menu items for carry-out orders. They are open from 11am to 8pm. Call ahead to place your order. Los Amigos, which recently celebrated their one-year anniversary, is open from 11am to 8pm and offer daily specials.
Swamp Tales has their Cajun-themed menu available for take-out. Order sandwiches and even an alligator dinner online and they will have your food ready to pick-up. Their hours during the crisis are 11am to 2pm and 4-7pm.
Twelve Oaks Vineyard, located just outside of Carlyle, has closed their tasting room but their wines are available at Hoffman Supermarket and Carlyle IGA. Try their award-winning sweet blush wine called “Hummingbird Dance.”
Carlyle has several national chain restaurants that are open for take-out or drive-thru. Get pizza, ice cream, or subs from well-known chains.
As spring becomes summer and COVID-19 is in the past, Carlyle, IL and Carlyle Lake will be waiting for you. Make plans to visit us the summer and enjoy all the attractions and recreations our area offers.
Centralia, IL is located in four counties! The largest portion of the city is in neighboring Marion County. Other portions of the city are in Jefferson and Washington counties. Named for the Illinois Central Railroad, the municipality was located at the place where the two original branches of the railroad converged. It’s not surprising that a train locomotive is a key Part in See Centalia’s logo and that a trolley plays an important roll in visiting this city.
In these days of “social distancing,” you can still see one of Centralia’s most unique attractions. The history and legacy of the city is depicted on a series of murals that you can observe even now. Check out one display along South Poplar Street, another on East Rexford Street, and the final mural is on East Broadway.
The Centralia Carillon is the sixth largest bell tower in the world and you can hear the chimes from the comfort of your car during the Coronavirus crisis. The regular schedule for chimes is Wednesday at noon, Thursday at 7:00pm, Friday at noon and 7:00pm.
Enjoy lunch or dinner from one of Centralia’s restaurants that are serving take-out foods while studying the murals or listening to the bells playing. Find the latest news about restaurants and happenings in Centralia. One of the most common phrases you will see on the many Centralia FaceBook posts is: “We will get through this together!”
When this crisis is over, Clinton County businesses will be waiting to see you again – at the lake, in our restaurants, staying in our hotels, B&Bs, and campgrounds, and buying antiques and gifts from local shops. Stay safe!