Deliciously Ordinary | Lindsay + Tim Stockhecke
March 2023 | www.deliciouslyordinary.com
Whether you work from home or have an unexpected day off mid-week outings present a unique opportunity to beat the crowds and enjoy specials not available on busier days. We started our day-date stumbling upon the Big Muddy Monster mural located on a building behind 104 N. 14th Street. We were blown away by the detail, color and incorporation of fabricated 3-D materials. This is just one of many murals that have recently been created throughout town in alignment with efforts to revitalize and rejuvenate, efforts we are pleased to enjoy!
After capturing some shots at the mural we head over to Cummare’s right off Murphysboro Main Street. We visited on a Thursday when they have their homemade pizza + pasta buffet from 11am-1pm (available Tues-Thurs). The ambiance created by exposed brick, bright front windows, sweet tunes, attentive service, and high-quality eats transported us to Little Italy. We left feeling overwhelmingly satisfied and promising to return soon.
After lunch we headed down to the Pomona Natural Bridge, thirteen miles south of Murphysboro Main Street. We arrived to a large parking area and well marked trail. Located within the Shawnee National Forest this .3 mile trail descends down and around into a sandstone arch or natural bridge, the result of millions of years of erosion, and is approximately 90 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 25 feet high. The trail provides for exploring both above and below the bridge with caution but ease, including walking across the top. When we visited the Spring Beauty wildflower was blanketing the top of the bridge, the rain-induced waterfalls were trickling and the sun was flooding through the trees.
While this is a short trail there is so much to see you could enjoy a quick visit or explore for 30+ minutes. Along the top of the trail there is a bench to sit and enjoy the sweeping scenery and at the start of the trail head their is a picnic table to enjoy a pre/post hike snack. This hike is a must visit and enjoyed during all seasons.
