No money?

How to have a grand ol’ summer on an itty-bitty budget

Untitled Document The kids are revved up and want to know what’s planned for the 14 long weeks before they have to be back in the classroom. Even with gas at the $3 mark an

Summer Guide 2007

Untitled Document We have a co-worker with boundless energy and a short attention span. You know the type — a little manic, a lot excitable, mostly fun. One of our resident

Summer Guide Calendar 2007

Events & Happenings in Springfield/Sangamon County June-August 2006

Untitled Document Unless otherwise noted, events are in Springfield and Sangamon County. Information for some events was incomplete at press time. Check upcoming editions of Illi

Water wonder

See why Illinoisans voted Rend Lake one of the state’s top attractions

Untitled Document Whether you prefer the softly rippling waters of the lake on a summer’s evening or the pink-tinted sky above the lakeshore in the morning, it’s obvi

See you in the cornfields

There’s more to Champaign and Urbana than a big university

Untitled Document Sure, the skyline isn’t much, and there’s nary a roller coaster in sight, but for a low-key trip out of Springfield, the charming twin towns of Cham

At the river’s edge

Lose track of time on the road to Grafton

Untitled Document This time of year, office flu is going around. If you’ve ever suffered this malady, you know how the disease progresses: You clock in, get some coffee, sc

Summer exposure

Now is the best time for flora, fauna, and photos

Untitled Document From far away, it might look like an ordinary field, but once you step inside, you realize that the prairie is alive with bees, birds, and butterflies — a

Float your boat

Ozark streams offer opportunity for exploration and relaxation

Untitled Document Just a few hours from Springfield are hundreds of miles of floatable streams that offer an ideal natural playground for exploration, fishing, and relaxation. Ma

The plane truth

Flying out of Springfield is proving tougher these days. Here’s why — and what you can do to help reverse the trend.

Untitled Document Remember the day when some flights offered breakfast or lunch? At the least, a bag of pretzels and can of soda was standard fare on all flights. These days, eve

Burning up the screen

Summer brings zombies, Romans, superheroes, and Mr. Bean

Untitled Document The summer means blockbuster films, but for some reason the three biggest sequels were released in May. A little distance might have resulted in more money for

Summer Picks

Juneteenth CelebrationSaturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, making this year’s Juneteenth festivities

Decatur changes its image and its attitude

Rooted in history, growing in confidence, downtown leads a community renewal effort

Decatur’s historic downtown is launching a new era. A new look, a hip attitude, fresh paved roads, restored storefronts and a refreshed self-image have made downtown Decatur the place to be any

A river runs through it

Peoria has something for everyone

Paris, New Orleans, London – many fine cities around the world are built on rivers. And that’s also true in Illinois, where Peoria offers a great opportunity for a weekend getaway or day t

Zoos and flowers in St. Louis and Chicago

Sunshine, flowers and, of course, furry creatures make kids and adults alike light up. This year winter’s grip was a tight one, increasing our longing to shed the coats and head outside. In earl

Loco-motion

Springfield’s race schedule is crazy!

The gallons of sweat, aching muscles and months of training have led to this: race day. You’re at the starting line with dozens, hundreds or even thousands of other people, your mind amped up an

Summer theatrical fare covers all the bases

No matter what your taste in theater might be, whether it’s light musical comedy, modern musical bombast, prize-winning drama, kid-friendly shows or Pythonesque parody, at least one of the regio

Calling all volunteers

With summer rapidly approaching, Springfield residents will be planning various ways to spend their summer through activities like vacations and traveling. So, why not plan on spending a little time v

Release the beast

Biking, running, swimming and obstacle courses in the capital city

With such mild and beautiful weather so far this year, it’s a great time to go outside and get some exercise. And while you’re at it, why not play in the mud?Springfield and the surroundin

Summer theater has something for everyone

It’s that time of year again. Yes, ’tis the season for summer barbecues, local festivals and a boat on the lake. It also marks the start of a magnificent summer of local theater in central

Meet Me in St. Louis

Everyone has heard Julie Garland croon the tune, “Meet me in St. Louis, Louis, Meet me at the fair, Don’t tell me the lights are shining any place but there….” For those who w

Walking with ghosts

Along the Potawatomi Trail of Death

Untitled Document “We soon found ourselves on the grand prairies of Illinois, under a burning sun and without shade from one camp to another. They are vast as the ocean, an

Burning up the screen

Summer’s flicks include a fighting panda, girls in pants, and one very angry green man

Untitled Document Some of the big sequel guns (Indiana Jones, Narnia) had their releases in May, but plenty of action is left for the more traditional summer months.

Hot time in the city

Springfield announces lineup of summer music festivals

Untitled Document Music fans don’t want to hear this reporter wax ecstatic about Loretta Lynn’s classic coo (she’s scheduled to play Sangamon Audit

Test your limits

Find out how far and how fast you can go in area’s competitive runs and walks

Untitled Document If anyone marks the end of winter’s chill and spring’s fickleness with glee, it’s the capital city’s walkers and runners. They stream ou

It’s cool to be in school

Use summertime to learn something new

Untitled Document It’s funny how we spend our youths feverishly anticipating the end of the school year — and the completion of our educational careers — so we