Maeystown, Illinois was founded by Jacob Maeys in 1852. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Only a few villages in the state of Illinois hold this honor. You enter this tiny town through a one-lane stone bridge. The population of this small town is approximately 150. Don’t let the small population fool you. This town is full of heart, kindness, and some of the most beautiful architecture you will ever see.
The Maeystown General Store
Maeystown is one of the friendliest towns you will visit. Anita, the owner of the General Store, was the first person we met. She told us about the upcoming events, the surrounding businesses, growing up in Maeystown, and gave us a quick little tour of the Corner George Inn, the bed and breakfast next door! The General Store has antiques, household decor, jewelry, candy, locally made jams, salsas, souvenir ornaments, and much more.
The Maeystown General Store is located at 1101 Main Street, Maeystown, Illinois 62256.
The Corner George Inn
The Corner George Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast located next to the General Store. The General Store and Corner George Inn used to be a saloon and hotel.
The Inn consists of four buildings: the original Inn, the summer kitchen, and two rock houses. There are five guest rooms, each with their private bathroom. The rooms are decorated beautifully with antique furniture. I still can’t get over how beautiful the Inn was. If you want a unique experience while visiting Maeystown, the Corner George Inn Bed and Breakfast is your place to stay. If you find yourself in need of something sweet during your stay, the Corner George Inn Sweet Shoppe is next door!
The Corner George Inn Bed and Breakfast is located at 1101 Main Street, Maeystown, Illinois 62256. Their website is: https://www.cornergeorgeinn.com/
Georgia Mae’s Antiques & Collectibles
For a little bit of everything when it comes to antiques, you need to go to Georgia Mae’s Antiques & Collectibles.
Georgia Mae’s Antiques & Collectibles is located at 1103 Mill Street, Maeystown IL 62256
The Roastery by Living Millennially
The Roastery was still a work in progress when we happened to take a little peek inside from the antique shop we happened to be checking out. The pretty pink wallpaper and colorful coffee pot caught my eye. Paige and Caleb welcomed us in and told us a little bit about their business. They have a pop-up coffee shop that you can find at the Monroe County Farmers Market, and they will have the Roastery open by Oktoberfest (Sunday, October 8, 2023). For Oktoberfest, they will have the walk-up window open only. They roast their own beans, and the word is that they have the BEST oat milk lattes. I still need to try one! I can’t wait to see how the roastery looks once it’s finished!
The Roastery by Living Millennially is located at 1103 Mill Street, Maeystown, IL 62256, and their website is https://www.livingmillennially.com/
Maeystown Mill & Museum
We happened to make it to the museum a few minutes before it closed, there was a lot to see, and Caleb was extremely friendly and offered us some fun brochures and made sure we knew about the upcoming events.
The Maeystown Mill & Museum is located at 1113 Main Street, Maeystown, Illinois 62256
Hank & Lilly’s Creekside Bar & Grill
If you want good food, go to Hank & Lilly’s. My husband said his steak was the best he’s ever had. Everything was delicious, and the service was great! Also, if you’re a fan of the movie A Christmas Story, check out the leg lamp above the bar!
Hank & Lilly’s Creekside Bar and Grill is located at 1026 Main Street, Maeystown, Illinois 62256
Maeystown may be small, but it is one of the most beautiful towns I’ve seen. I think my favorite part about our time in Maeystown was the people that we met. Everyone was kind, more than happy to tell us about the town and upcoming events, and most importantly, had nothing but great things to say about each other. Our day in Maeystown was something we won’t forget. I have a feeling we will be back soon.
P.S. A special thanks to these guys for stopping so I could get a picture of their cool car!
