Summerguide 2011

Big Summer Events Excursions Benton and the Shawnee National Forest St. James Farm Activities Theater Children Illinois wine Sports Ultimate Frisbee Sw

Bike and run for fitness and fun

See the city with pedal power and foot force

There’s no better way to blow off steam and stay in shape than running or biking this fair city. And whether you need a little help working the winter kinks out of your joints, or you’re s

Raise a glass to nearby winemaking

More than 100 years ago, Illinois was the fourth largest wine-producing state in the nation. Now the Treasury Department holds Illinois responsible for just 72,000 of the more than 41 million gallons

Summer onstage brings classics and comedies

An abundance of exciting and fun theater takes place on area stages this summer. It is interesting to see how summer theater fare has changed in recent years. In years past, summer theater was all com

The summer of rock

Concerts and festivals from central Illinois to St. Louis to Chicago

We know you audiophiles are mourning. Ameren’s Summer Serenades fizzled out and the Washington Street Jazz Festival is no more, but fear not. There’s still a hundred ways to rock your eard

The 10 top flicks of the season

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, more than 80 different films will be released in North American movie theaters. Some will fly under the radar, with total budgets amounting to less than what’

Explore central Illinois

For a memorable summer, take these day trips close to home

The sun is shining, the sky is blue and it’s time for summer family fun. Pack for a picnic and head out in the car for a fun day under the Illinois sky. Let Illinois Times and a black ribbon of

Isaac Ellwood, Illinois king of the barbed wire

Most of us know the song “Don’t fence me in.” For those in the late 1800s who owned cattle, fencing them in was part of the ever shrinking range mentality and the “stay in your

Plan a summer getaway to the Gateway City

Here are festivals and attractions to get you headed toward the river

It’s known for its 630-foot arch that greets you upon entrance to its city, a site to behold. The “Gateway City” has much to offer. From festivals and fairs to amusement parks, conce

The summerlong guide

A guide to fun in central Illinois

Old Capitol Farmers Market8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 30The excuses not to eat fresh, healthier and local just got fewer in number. Old Capitol Farmers Market spreads it