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

The American game

The play-by-play on baseball in and around the capital city

Not a full year after the first organized baseball game was played in New Jersey’s Elysian Fields, in 1846, poet Walt Whitman is said to have written of the fledgling sport, “I

Bike and run, a pace for everyone

As the summer sun emerges and time-consumers like Lost and Dancing with the Stars end (just for the season!), the capital city’s trails and parks come alive with walkers, joggers and

Visit Missouri’s Hermann and Hannibal for river lore

For a river adventure with a bit of history, fiction and mystery, take a weekend and hit two Missouri landmarks, Hermann and Hannibal. Start with the farthest point and head for Hermann,

Dinosaurs, aliens and magicians

This summer’s movie season is no picnic in the park

Remember the writer’s strike that hobbled Hollywood 18 months ago? While it had an immediate effect on the television industry, it’s only now being felt on the big screen

Visit central Illinois wineries for close-to-home tourism

If you’re craving fun in the sun or a relaxing romantic rendezvous this summer, bypass the travel headache and head for a nearby central Illinois winery. The Illinois Grape Gr

Play in Peoria this summer

For some, a trip to the Peoria area is sheer Par-A-Dice, as they seek to fatten their pockets on the riverboat. While the riverboat is a popular spot, the river city, about 70 miles north

Ride the rails to Alton

For affordable day-trips to Alton and St. Louis, take the train

Passenger rail may have seen its heyday come and go, but 21,000 miles of train track still crisscross America. Ten of Amtrak’s routes wind through Illinois and can connect those look