Firefly Grill is Named "Delicious Destination"

The Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) and Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau have announced Firefly Grill in Effingham is a recipient of an “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination” award, which honors local food establishments around the state that are destinations for visitors and locals alike. Firefly Grill is among a select group of Illinois establishments to receive the designation from the tourism bureau. All award winners will receive a certificate from the state and a window cling to inform diners of the state designation.

“From family-owned restaurants with long and storied histories to the hottest new cuisines in the world, Illinois has emerged as a premier culinary destination for both domestic and international visitors,” said Jen Hoelzle, Illinois State Travel Director. “The ‘Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination’ award honors those restaurants that are authentically Illinois, making a trip to the state unforgettable.”

Firefly Grill is a modern roadhouse restaurant located on the shores of Kristie Lake. Firefly’s menu changes continually with the seasons, in large part due to their on site garden. They are a farm-to-table restaurant and strive for sustainability. They are redefining fresh one meal at a time.

Kristie Campbell, co-owner of Firefly Grill said, “Niall and I are delighted to become a Delicious Destination. Effingham is such an easy stop for travelers and we love to offer them a break from the road with homegrown food and a stroll through our garden. We strive to redefine fresh for our guests and truly ensure that when they are here, in our home, they feel at home too.”

“Firefly Grill is a true culinary destination,” said Jodi Jackson, Director of Tourism for the City of Effingham. “It is a joy to be able to offer visitors and locals an unique culinary experience in our beautiful city. We see travelers from all over the state and beyond making travel plans just to come to Effingham and try Firefly Grill. This allows us an opportunity to showcase our city in other ways when travelers come into town.”

Many travelers come to Illinois because of the state’s flourishing restaurant scene. According to a 2013 D.K. Shifflet & Associates Study, nearly one third of leisure travelers to Illinois reported participating in a unique “culinary experience” as a key part of their vacation, proving culinary offerings are a key motivator for travel.

To be considered for an award, restaurants must be nominated by a Convention & Visitors Bureau, community member or Enjoy Illinois social media fan. The nominee must be a one-of-a-kind restaurant that is authentic to Illinois and an established part of its community. Only restaurants located in Illinois will be considered for the “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination” award, which is chosen by IOT.

For more information about the state’s culinary offerings and “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination” awards, visit EnjoyIllinois.com or Facebook.com/EnjoyIllinois