The 2025 Spoon River Drive, a beloved fall tradition, returns to Fulton County on October 4-5 and 11-12. This scenic 100-mile route draws hundreds of visitors eager to savor homemade food, browse crafts, antiques, and artisan goods, and enjoy live entertainment.
The drive runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both weekends and covers numerous towns and stops including Ipave, Bernadotte, Smithfiled, Ellisville, London Mills, Farmington, Canton, Lewistown, Duncan Mills.
Food is a major highlight, with Smithfield’s Red Brick School serving more than 1,000 chicken and noodle dinners daily. The historic school, built in 1917 and now a community center, also offers homemade rolls and apple dumplings.
Vendors registered with the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Association display a red and white logo sign, marking them as official participants, although many others join in on the fun. Offerings include antiques, vintage items, handmade crafts like wood carvings and crocheted scarves, clothing, and lots of yard sales.
Starting on Route 41, visitors can stop at the junction with Route 116 and head east to London Mills, known for its crafters, flea markets, and family-style foods. From there, the route leads south to Smithfield and continues to Bernadotte, Ipava, and Lewistown, where antique stores, parks, and wineries await.
If you choose to contine east from London Mills on Route 116 it will lead you to Farmington, passing local favorites like “The Shed.”
OH, and don't forget the Knox County Drive collaborates so Knoxville, Maquon and even Galesburg host pumpkin farms, antique and vintage stores and so much more!
For a complete map and details, visit spoonriverdrive. org.
