Kristina Pratt, REALTOR® - GoshenRealtyGroup.com

I've always had a love of history. Living in Madison County has allowed me to enjoy numerous historical landmarks such as the Lewis and Clark trail, Cahokia Mounds and The Benjamin Stephenson House.

My favorite area that relates to real estate is the charming Leclaire Historical District in Edwardsville.

State Route 159 cuts through the Leclaire District. It's lined on both sides by mature trees and creates a beautiful scene in the summer, spring and fall.

For lovers of historic homes, the Leclaire district has quite a story. It was founded in 1890 by N. O. Nelson, and was chosen as a location for Nelson's plumbing company. Nelson's vision was a "utopian" village, where each employee had not only their own home, but a host of other amenities. Access to schools, parks, and recreation were also part of Nelson's plan.

The Leclaire district is still enjoyed today. A beautiful park, complete with fountain and lake is in the center of the development. Historic Leclaire Field recently underwent a renovation, and the crack of a baseball bat is still heard on summer days. Leclaire is also home to the Madison County Children's Museum.

From a real estate perspective, the vision that Nelson had in 1890 can still be enjoyed today in this vibrant section of Edwardsville. Homes range in size, from small cottages to grand 2-stories. The Leclaire district is very affordable for everyone from new home owners, to empty-nesters and families.

My husband is a military brat. From Hawaii, to Greece, to Italy, he's been all over the world. For our first wedding anniversary he wanted Italian food. Growing up in Italy most of his life I knew he'd be disappointed in a chain restaurant. I planned on making the trek across the river to the Hill. Then I remembered Bella Milano - right here in my own backyard.

I researched the restaurant on-line, because he was really anxious for some osso buco. Unfortunately, it wasn't on their menu. We gave it a shot anyway.

Quite honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. They promise a "Taste Of The Hill", and they delivered. I had sea scallops seared in a lemon white wine butter sauce. My husband went with the veal parmigiana, and actually liked it.

The atmosphere was also very nice. For a busy restaurant it was surprisingly quiet and romantic. Our server was absolutely phenomenal as well.

Bella Milano truly shows what great restaurants you can find on the east side of the might Mississippi.

Bella Milano
1063 South State Route 157
Edwardsville, IL 62025
618-659-2100
www.bellamilanos.com

Although I'm a real estate professional by day, my night time guilty pleasure is watching Food Network.

I grew up right here in the Midwest, and as a kid my palette was pretty much limited to any vegetable you could fry, meat and potatoes, and sweet tea. Don't get me wrong - I love the Midwest culture - and that, of course, includes the food.

I moved to Las Vegas shortly after broadcasting school. It was here that I was forced to try new and exotic foods. Yes, a jalapeno pepper was exotic to me at that time. You see, in the arid desert atmosphere of the southwest food is far from bland. A college favorite of late night crammers, Taco Bell, suddenly tasted a lot spicier than it used to back home.

It was in Nevada that I discovered an entire world of culinary excitement I never knew existed. I was exposed to all different food cultures, and I'll be the first to admit that in the beginning I was dragged kicking and screaming to a Thai restaurant. But it was good. Really good.

So, in short, that's how I became a "foodie". I'm up to try just about anything. Which finally brings me to the topic of this post.

Tucked away in the corners of the Metro area are a lot of surprisingly good restaurants. I'm not just talking about fine dining, or your typical bar food after a Cardinals game. Even more surprising? They aren't all in St. Louis.

Far and away, my favorite restaurant on our side of the river is Fazzi's in Collinsville. Greek, Italian, and American all rolled into one. The chicken kebabs are my personal favorite, but I've heard rave reviews about everything from the gyro plate to the rib-eye sandwich. Did I mention it's very affordable? In my opinion it is the "diamond in the rough" of Madison County. One of the few places I can honestly say I've never had a bad experience. Period.

Fazzi's Bar and Grill
1813 Vandalia St
Collinsville, IL 62234-4845
Phone: (618) 344-5440

Periodically, I'll post about other great restaurants in our area. Next post... Bella Milano in Edwardsville.

I love the 4th of July. It's been my favorite holiday since I was a little girl for so many reasons. I've always been fascinated by the sizzle and loud booms of fireworks, I love summer, and most of all I love my country. The 4th of July is all that is great about America - from the flag lined streets in local cities and villages to the smell of St. Louis style ribs and hot dogs on a hot grill.

However, the 4th of July has had a more important meaning since our country has been at war. While we are celebrating our independence with our families, friends, BBQs and fireworks let us not forget to take a moment to remember our veterans and active duty troops that make it all possible.

Due to the recent flooding on the Mississippi River, the fireworks in my hometown of Alton have been canceled until September. There are plenty of other Metro-East communities with fireworks displays, here are a few:

Holiday Shores
July 4th, 9 pm
309 Holiday Dam Rd
Edwardsville, IL 62025

Bunker Hill Lake
July 4th, 9 pm
Bunker Hill, IL 62014

Lake Williamson
July 5 @ 9:15pm
Carlinville, IL 62626

Bethalto Fireworks
July 4th 9:20pm
St Louis Regional Airport Airport Dr
Bethalto, IL 63010

Alhambra Fireworks Display
July 4th 9:15pm
610 W Main St Alhambra, IL 62001

Troy Tri-Township Park Fireworks Display
July 4th - Dusk
Tri-Township Park
Troy, ILL 62294

Granite City Fireworks
July 4th
Wilson Park 2900 Benton St
Granite City, IL 62040

Collinsville Fireworks
July 4th - Dusk
Collinsville, IL 62234

Caseyville Park Display
July 4th - Dusk
W Reynolds St Caseyville, IL 62232

German farm families were the first non-native settlers in the area of Pleasant Ridge, now known as the village of Maryville.

Located between Glen Carbon and Collinsville, Maryville, Illinois -- like its neighbors -- also was home to coal mines in the early part of thr 20th century.

Today Maryville offers buyers a variety of housing options, including several new subdivisions. Commuters will find easy access to I-55/70 and I-270.

Historic structures that served the village's early farmers and miners are still in use today and car cruisers from near and far know Maryville for Bobby's Frozen Custard -- a 50's-style stop located along State Hwy. 159.

Other Maryville amenities include the 59-acre Drost Park, Stonebridge Golf Course and Oliver C. Anderson Hospital.

Maryville is part of the Collinsville School District.
Click here to see the Village web site.