While exploring Southern Illinois for a couple days during the summer, we took a drive to Rendleman Orchards located in Alto Pass, Illinois. This orchard has done a really great job at welcoming tourists with their U-Pick Flower Fields, Instagram worthy photo locations and well-stocked country store.

Since we visited during the week, access to the Fields was free. Back home, sunflower fields are extremely popular, but at Rendleman, they had not only a sunflower field, but a zinnia and cosmos field!

I think my favorite was the zinnia field as it felt like it stretched on forever and the colors were beautiful!

After strolling through the fields and capturing some pictures, we visited the store and since peaches were in season, got a famous peach smoothie! We drove the short distance to the Quetil Trail in Alto Pass and took a leisurely walk and drank our smoothie =)

Be sure to check out this gem located in the Shawnee National Forest! Also, if you are looking for a place to stay in Southern Illinois, be sure to check out Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals. You will not be disappointed in their properties. They are located all over the area so depending on what you are looking to do, there is probably a rental near by and so many are pet friendly!