Things To Do
Rhubarb Fest
We’re getting married during Rhubarb Fest weekend! For our out-of-town guests, this beloved festival in Aledo celebrates all things rhubarb and brings the whole town together for a lively, festive atmosphere. Some of our favorite rhubarb activities include the Rhubarb 5k, stopping for kettle corn (this is a must for Jackson), getting energy drinks from Koffee Junktion and looking at all the vendors and their creations (this is what Maddie likes.. not so much Jackson). We hope you have a great weekend! Go eat some rhubarb pie because we are THE Rhubarb capital of Illinois so this is quite the bucket-list opportunity for you ;)
Koffee Junktion
Be sure to stop by Koffee Junktion, our favorite local coffee shop in Aledo! They’re known for their fun energy drinks (a personal favorite of ours) as well as great coffee and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Maddie's favorite is the Pom Pom and Jackson likes a Pick Three with strawberry, watermelon, and raspberry.
Whitey's Ice Cream
One of our favorite local traditions is Whitey's Ice Cream! Founded in the Quad Cities in 1933, it’s a classic spot known for its rich, homemade ice cream, thick shakes, and nostalgic small-town feel. It’s a must-visit while you’re in the area—and a favorite of ours for a sweet treat (especially on a warm June weekend when you're in town for a wedding). Jackson recommends a Graham Central Station shake with oreos or a cookie dough shake with oreo added (he likes oreo a lot.. our wedding cake is cookies and cream!). Maddie recommends a chocolate shake with KitKat or a scoop/shake of Chocolate Peanut Butter Revel.
The Aledo Movie
We were in a movie! It’s called Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois, a lighthearted, locally made film that highlights small-town life, friendships, and all the quirky, fun things to do in Aledo. We make a cameo in the “cruising the loop” scene as a couple on a date—see if you can spot us! You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video if you want a fun preview of our home town.
Aledo Area
If you have extra time, there are plenty of things to do in and around Aledo—the town where we both grew up and met! Enjoy the outdoors at local parks, explore the charming shops and yummy food downtown, or simply take in the small-town atmosphere that means so much to us.
Quad Cities Area
If you’re up for a short drive, the Quad Cities offer even more to explore, including great restaurants, local breweries, riverfront views along the Mississippi River, and live music throughout the weekend.