Cover Story
Best Of Springfield 2024
Every year, we ask our opinionated readers to tell us about their favorite people, places and things in the Springfield area. Over the decades we’ve been doing this, we’ve continued to tweak both the process and the results issue to try to keep things fresh and interesting. Our readers tried to demonstrate they are cultured,…
Early results show Democrats likely to maintain supermajorities in Illinois General Assembly
Preliminary, unofficial election results show no seats in the state House or Senate have changed party hands, although a few races remained too close to call according to the Associated Press. That means Democrats will maintain supermajorities in each chamber of the General Assembly even as President Donald Trump appears to have vastly outperformed his…
State unveils ‘Help Stop Hate’ program in response to rising hate crimes
With global tensions and an intensely partisan presidential campaign fueling division among Americans, Illinois is launching the Help Stop Hate program to combat the severe increase in hate crime throughout the state. “We are here today to officially launch Help Stop Hate, a new resource that will help protect and empower victims and witnesses to…
For Indiana woman, ‘worst-case scenario’ led her to Illinois for abortion care
In the spring of 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the longstanding abortion protections established under Roe v. Wade, leaving decisions about the reproductive health care procedure up to the states. For Hoosier Abbey Hall, she never imagined such a change would impact her. “When Roe v. Wade got overturned, I remember thinking, ‘Oh…
A time to see
I heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; Job 42:5 If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too: If you…
Vilifying immigrants, the oldest trick in the book, is a racist one
At this writing, we don’t know what the outcome of this election will be. It has been painful to endure as it centered on the vilification of immigrants and refugees. It is not new. Germans arriving in the 1700s were thought to be barbaric. Called “Huns,” they were considered suspicious if they practiced the traditions…
False claims abound in state races
As usual, plenty of false claims have been made during this state legislative election cycle. But the campaign I keep going back to in my own mind is the battle in the 97th House District. The race features freshman incumbent Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, a union ironworker and a former local elected official. The Republican…
Here a frustrating narrative, Conclave is intriguing, Liam Neeson needs more action in Absolution
Emotionally, Here never gets there As an art installation, Robert Zemeckis’ Here might have worked. As a movie, it’s a noble failure. From the prehistoric era to modern day, the film touches upon various stories that occur over this period, all of them taking place in the same spot, which would eventually become a spot…
Unions lead the way on funding state elections in Illinois
This year in Illinois, there are no statewide elections. There are no fights over a Supreme Court seat. There are no constitutional amendments. At the Statehouse, more than half of general election races are uncontested. And yet, political campaigns in Illinois raised about $600 million in itemized individual contributions, according to a Capitol News Illinois…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: KIDS STUFF
Children’s support organizationMini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery 1011 N. Seventh St., (217) 525-6800 Finalists: Compass for Kids, Girls on the Run, Children’s Miracle Network, YMCA Children’s clothing storeOnce Upon A Child 4225 Wabash Ave., (217) 679-7134 Finalists: Luers Group, Sweet Pea Consignment – Chatham, Carter’s, Just Kids Dance studioSpringfield Dance 5531 International Parkway, (217) 483-3623 Finalists:…
OVERALL BAND / ORIGINAL BAND
Now hard at it for more than 10 years, Lick Creek continues to dominate the local scene as a top band. Mixing some originals along with an ever-changing list of popular covers to straddle a country and rock sound, our readers say Lick Creek is the best we’ve got to offer in Springfield. Originally started…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: MUSIC
Bass player Ty Ellis Finalists: Jeff Cunningham, Chris Harris, Bruce Williams, Gary Davis, Tim Copp, Blake Martin, Max Beckman Choral group Springfield Choral Society Finalists: Glenwood Titan Fever, Rochester High School Madrigals, Springfield High School 7 & Senators, Lincoln Troubadours Cover music band Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters Finalists: Lick Creek, Deja Voodoo,…
BUSINESS GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY / COOKIES
We’re sure pretty most everyone knows about the devastating fire that’s closed Café Moxo and other businesses located nearby on Adams Street for the time being. Until it reopens, Moxo has deployed its employees all over the city – from cleaning up downtown, making sandwiches for PBJ Springfield (a nonprofit serving hundreds every week) and…
ITALIAN / BUSINESS LUNCH
Bella Milano won top billing this year for best Italian food and best business lunch. Everyone talks about the addictively delicious Italian dressing that Bella Milano makes in house. It truly is exceptional, especially when paired with the crispy prosciutto (rather than bacon crumbles) that garnishes Bella’s house salad. If there is any left on…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: RETAIL
Antique or vintage storeSpringfield Vintage 215 S. Fifth St., (217) 652-8413 Finalists: Abe’s Tradin’ Post, Dear Yesteryear, Hilda’s Antique Mall, Barrel Antique Mall Auto dealer newIsringhausen Imports 229 E. Jefferson St., (877) 364-6099 Finalists: Green Hyundai, Bob Ridings Taylorville, Friendly Automotive, S&K Buick GMC Auto dealer usedIsringhausen Imports 229 E. Jefferson St., (877) 364-6099 Finalists:…
SONGWRITER
Once again, Micah Walk takes first place as the best songwriter in Springfield as our readers very much appreciate that he takes the songwriting challenge as a serious and profound task, using his innate ability to shape words and melodies into memorable pieces of art for us to experience. From his days as a young…
GLUTEN-FREE / VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY
This locally owned eatery creates made-from-scratch dishes ranging from simple to sophisticated. It claims to bring together “a team of passionate chefs to create a menu of delicious and creative dishes. From classic comfort food to more daring dishes, our chef is always challenging himself to stay ahead of the curve.” Seasonal ingredients play an…
MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
The Crafted Stag is a new and novel addition to Springfield’s retail scene, and it is already making a name for itself as a destination space. Grant and Jennifer Hammer purchased a building in Parkway Pointe that had been vacant for five years – and cycled through several occupants prior to that – then extensively…
USE OF TIF FUNDS
Tax increment financing (TIF) is a tool that utilizes tax gains for community improvement and redevelopment projects. The Central Area TIF district in downtown Springfield was created in 1981 and later extended by 12 years, then extended again by the legislature in 2016 for another 12 years, making it the first in the state to…
CATERER
With more than 25 years of experience in full-service catering in central Illinois, Nelson’s Catering has put its skills and talent to work for corporate events, weddings, galas, social gatherings, fundraisers and more. The caterer’s No. 1 goal is to provide a catering service above and beyond the standard experience. Menu selections are extensive and…
THRIFT STORE / NEW BUSINESS (NOT DOWNTOWN)
While the Springfield area is home to many well-loved thrift stores, WILD Thrift & Sniff has already made an impression after launching this past June. The upscale thrift store operates for the purpose of supporting WILD Canine Rescue, a women-run, Springfield-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing unnecessary euthanization of dogs. Funds generated by the store for…
BIGGEST CBD COLLECTION / PLACE TO BUY CANNABIS ACCESSORIES
The trippiest place in Springfield has again been voted the best place to buy cannabis accessories, taking back a title last claimed in 2019. Penny Lane was also recognized for its vast selection of cannabidiol (CBD). The business started out in 1968 as a hopping pinball arcade with beanbags and waterbeds for sale. Joe Utterback…
NEW RESTAURANT / PIZZA
Sapori, the Italian word for flavor, caught readers’ attention with the restaurant’s multiple styles of artisan handmade pizza, homemade pasta and fresh deli selections. The menu offers small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches and a variety of regional pizza styles such as New Jersey Tavern, Detroit, New York and more. Specialty pies are on the menu…
Area artists, businesses and organizations to be honored
For the 22nd year, this ceremony will recognize outstanding talent and dedication to the arts in Sangamon and Morgan counties – the area served by the Springfield Area Arts Council. This elegant afternoon event, hosted by Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher and the arts council, will honor exceptional artists, organizations and businesses that enrich the area’s…
CLERGY
The Rev. Susan Phillips says she is “grateful for my colleagues in the community and our collaborative partnerships.” Phillips, 57, pastor of Springfield’s First Presbyterian Church, added, “I am so grateful for partners in town that are all focused on the health and welfare of the wider community.” Phillips, a native of Springfield, Missouri, became…
BUILD YOUR OWN BOWL
With a proliferation of build-your-own bowl restaurants popping up over the last few years, it became a new category for this year’s Best of Springfield. Readers declared Yummy Bowl, a Mongolian barbecue and sushi restaurant that opened on Springfield’s west side last October, to be the standout. Housed in the former Bakers Square, the building…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Abraham Lincoln historic siteAbraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 212 N. Sixth St., (217) 558-8844 Finalists: Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln Tomb, Old State Capitol State Historic Site Actor – FemaleAnna Maisenbacher – Beautiful: The Carol King Musical Finalists: Ava Southern – The Little Mermaid, Rachel Hettrick -…
DANCE STUDIO
Established in 1995, the small studio made a quick spin in growth with enrollment tripling within the first two years. Its current 5,000-square-foot state-of-the-art dance facility on International Parkway, just southwest of the Wabash Avenue exit off of I-72 was built in 2003. It hosts four studios, two dressing rooms, two bathrooms and two waiting…
GROCERY STORE / PRODUCE
Hy-Vee was recently voted the Best Grocery Store in America, according to USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, taking the top spot among the most-loved grocery stores in the country. And along those same lines and independently, Illinois Times readers voted the Springfield store No. 1 here. Employee-owned Hy-Vee’s slogan is “a helpful smile…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CANNABIS
Biggest cannabis selectionAscend Horizon Drive 3201 Horizon Drive, (217) 718-6355 Finalists: Ascend Downtown, Maribis Lindbergh Boulevard, Maribis Denver Drive, Shangri-La Biggest CBD selectionPenny Lane Gifts 2901 S. MacArthur Blvd., (217) 787-2996 Finalists: Simply CBD, CBD Botanicals, Prairie State Hemp, Food Fantasies, Happy Daze Budtender and locationChristian Velasquez, Shangri-La Dispensary 3128 S. Dirksen Parkway Finalists: Bobbi…
BEST COUNTY OFFICIAL
It’s anything but dead at the Sangamon County Coroner’s office. Jim Allmon’s job is an important one, but it gives some folks the willies. His job is to determine the cause of death for everyone who dies outside of a hospital or hospice setting. “I tell people all the time – and it may sound…
LAKE CLUB
The Firefighters Postal Lake Club, which traces its roots back to the 1940s, won best lake club in a new category this year. The club, originally known as the Lake Springfield Postal Club, opened in 1948 after local postal service workers and their families fundraised for a clubhouse they constructed themselves over the course of…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CIVIC AND COMMUNITY
Business giving back to the communityCafé Moxo 411 E. Adams St., (217) 788-8084 Finalists: Lulu’s Diner, Scoop Du Jour, The Wakery, Food Fantasies City officialMisty Buscher – mayor Finalists: Shawn Gregory – Ward 2 alderman, Erin Conley – Ward 8 alderwoman, Lakeisha Purchase – Ward 5 alderwoman ClergypersonSusan Phillips – First Presbyterian Church 321 S.…
CHORAL GROUP
To sing a song can send out joy to listeners, and a choral group, with several trained human voices coming together at once, is a truly joyous sound. Our readers say no one does it better here than the Springfield Choral Society. Originally established in 1971 by Melody Turner as the Springfield Oratorio Society, others…
COUNTRY FRIED STEAK
This needs to be said before anything else: Lulu’s Diner is much more than its country fried steak, for which it is recognized this year. That’s a great dish – comfort food well-seasoned, gently fried and topped with creamy gravy. It also comes with the “country fried steak and eggs” menu item, which provides the…
NEW BAR / NEW BUSINESS DOWNTOWN
Friends Brittney Robinson, Hannah Goss and Caitlin Becker teamed up to open a unique business downtown last November with a goal of providing a place to bring people together. The establishment cites its mission is to create joyful moments by blending standout dishes, art and friendship in a humble and dignified community. Bloom Wine Bar &…
THEATER PERFORMANCE, FEMALE LEAD
Following in the footsteps of crowd-pleasers such as Jersey Boys (more on that here, too), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a biographical dramatization of singer-songwriter Carole King’s rise to fame. It’s also known as a tremendous showcase for the lead actress, who is tasked with a portrayal of a very famous person from teenager…
BEST CITY OFFICIAL
After a year and a half in office, Misty Buscher is coming into her own. Illinois Times readers voted the new mayor best city official. During her short time in office, Buscher has already faced a trinity of tragedies: the derecho that swept through Springfield in June 2023, the fire that consumed several downtown businesses in…
FESTIVAL / PLACE TO BUY LOCAL ART
What happens with the backdrop of the Old State Capitol every summer is not only an arts event, but also a major two-day community event attracting thousands of people to downtown Springfield. For visitors to the fair, it’s easy to navigate the outdoor setting and to purchase original artwork, including paintings and drawings, sculpture, mixed…
PAINT STORE
Throughout many changes, and now in its third generation of current ownership, this family business has been providing Springfield with quality paints and painting expertise for more than a century. Current owner Don Dellert Jr. inherited the business from his father, Don Sr., who was 9 years old when his father, Paul Dellert, purchased the…
THEATER PERFORMANCE, MALE LEAD
In the IT review of Jersey Boys, Courtney Wick wrote: “Damien Kaplan’s portrayal of (Frankie) Valli is particularly noteworthy, a masterclass in embodying the transformation of a naïve, young singer into the seasoned star grappling with fame. Kaplan’s vocal prowess is on full display, effortlessly hitting high notes that define Valli’s signature sound while conveying…
DAY CARE CENTER / KIDS’ EVENTS/DAY CAMPS / TUTORING OR LEARNING CENTER
DAY CARE CENTERHead Start/Early Head Start KIDS’ EVENTS/DAY CAMPSCDF Freedom School TUTORING OR LEARNING CENTERProject Ready The Springfield Urban League has been on the forefront of locally developed innovative services for 98 years, since its founding in 1926. It was recognized this year by the National Urban League as the “Small Market Affiliate of the…
TATTOO SHOP / TATTOO ARTIST
New Age Tattoos and Body Piercings has once again won best tattoo shop in Springfield, and another of the parlor’s tattoo artists, Jesse Flock, has been voted the best tattoo artist. Established in 1998 and currently located on Wabash Avenue, New Age Tattoos is owned by professional tattoo artist Jason Lee, and has a professional…
ROOFING COMPANY
Established in 2015, Acosta-Angeli Construction services commercial and residential properties in Springfield and the surrounding areas. Family owned and operated by the Acosta brothers, Juan and Tony, and by Zach Angeli, Acosta-Angeli Construction has built strong community relationships and gained a positive reputation throughout central Illinois. In 2023, Acosta-Angeli Construction was recognized as the “Best…
TREE FARM OR NURSERY
Poems have been written about the beauty of trees, including this famous stanza from Joyce Kilmer: “I think that I shall never see/ A poem lovely as a tree.” And with more than 50 species and 40,000 trees to choose from at Paul Tree Farms, a lot of poems could be written. Touting 20 years…
LOCAL FACEBOOK PAGE / UP-AND-COMING LEADER
Who on earth is Brian Skeeters? Well, Illinois Times readers voted him best up-and-coming leader. And they designated his ongoing endeavor, Sangamon County Crime Watch, the best local Facebook page. Those are pretty lofty laurels for a 44-year-old man who became a father at 14, was nearly killed by the Springfield police when he threatened…
ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY / INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY
When considering a move to a senior living community, the conveniences and amenities provided to support the lifestyle desired is important. Another consideration is how a community can meet future needs. Concordia Village offers a variety of living options with first-rate services and life-enriching amenities, all in a prime location. The faith-inspired mission of Lutheran…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: FOOD AND DRINK
Drink Bartender & locationJessica – Curve Inn 3219 S. Sixth Street Road, (217) 529-5806 Finalists: Elizabeth Wake – The Wakery, Billy Monnett – Win, Lose or Draught, Brady Meredith – The Blue Grouch Pub, Nina Meidel – Bar Bella Beer gardenObed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery 500 S. Sixth St., (217) 670-0627 Finalists: Route 66…
MUSIC FESTIVAL
It’s rather difficult to remember Springfield summers before the Levitt AMP concert series broke into the downtown scene and gave us all something extraordinary to do on a Thursday night. Plenty of folks around town sure do appreciate the effort by local organizations and volunteers, in combination with the national Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation,…
MOBILE PET GROOMING
Fur-Ever Friends Mobile Grooming is a come-to-you pet grooming business offering specialized services to clients across Sangamon, Macon, Christian and Macoupin counties. Owned and operated solely by expert groomer Jamie Daniel, this small business provides full and partial grooming, bathing, haircutting and nail clipping services to dogs. While Daniel works with dogs of all shapes…
HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER / WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC / CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Tana Frisina and her clinic, Frisina Family Wellness, have been providing holistic chiropractic health care to Springfield citizens since 2001. Located on MacArthur Boulevard, Frisina Family Wellness provides chiropractic care to the whole family, including prenatal care to pregnant mothers and pediatric care to children as young as newborns. The clinic specializes in treatments…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: GOODS AND SERVICES
Accountant Troy A. Washko, CPA 1924 Sangamon Ave., (217) 522-3300 Finalists: Clay Rotherham, Coonrod Financial Group – Chatham, David Humke, Danielle Alstott Apartment community Lake Pointe Apartments 1600 Toronto Road, (217) 529-2900 Finalists: Cardinal Ridge, Ash Grove, The Villas Downtown, West Woods Apartments, Prairie Vista Apartments Auto detail Precision All Out Customs & Restorations 230…
FEMALE VOCALIST
Delivering songs with a stage presence dripping in energy and intensity, while backed by a hard-rocking, accomplished band (Matt Smegal, Tony Tarro, Bryan Ealey, Brandon Drew), Brandy Kristin gives her all in every performance. For that, our readers think she’s the best female vocalist in town. A night of music with the Brandy Kristin Band…
UNSUNG HERO / PUBLIC ART
When Sonya Massey was shot to death in her kitchen by a white Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, the tragedy devastated the Black single mother’s children and her large, extended family in the Springfield area. But the ripple effect of Massey’s July 6 death in her Woodside Township home has extended far beyond central Illinois. It…
GARDEN CENTER
Readers found this garden center to be the apple of their eye. The Apple Barn in Chatham, operated as an orchard since 1992, prides itself on locally grown and locally sourced items. It features a year-round cornucopia of fruits and vegetables with seasonal flowers and perennials, apples, pumpkins, gourds, mums, hay bales, corn stalks, Christmas…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Assisted-living communityConcordia Village 4101 W. Iles Ave., (217) 793-9429 Finalists: The Villas Senior Care Facility – Sherman, Rochester Estates, Illinois Presbyterian Home Communities, Springfield Supportive Living ChiropractorDr. Tana Frisina – Frisina Family Wellness 1533 S. MacArthur Blvd., (217) 787-4345 Finalists: Dr. Samantha Waggener – Waggener Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Dr. Rodney Holzmacher – Holzmacher Chiropractic,…
CANNABIS DISPENSARY / BUDTENDER
Shangri-La became the seventh cannabis dispensary in the Springfield area when it opened in July. Despite being a latecomer to this market, it was recognized as the best by Illinois Times readers and one of its budtenders was also voted the best. The parent company launched in 2019 as a family-founded chain of dispensaries with…
PLACE TO PLAY POOL
Opened in 2002 and run by business partners Andrew Denton and Jeremy Bredemeyer since 2016, Floyd’s Thirst Parlor sports a curated selection of beer, a regularly updated cocktail menu and a favorite spirits list. The business operates a full bar and an arcade with table hockey and other games in addition to pool tables. Readers…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HOME AND GARDEN
AC/Heating companyRich Gatschenberger Heating & Cooling 501 Charter Oak Drive, Sherman, (217) 753-4287 Finalists: Henson Robinson Company, Rick Ray & Sons Plumbing, MB Heating & Cooling, Eades Heating and Cooling Air duct cleaningDuct Dusters, LLC (217) 553-0272 Finalists: Peerless Cleaning & Restoration Services, Nyilas Cleaning Service, Klughart Mechanical & Construction Contractors Carpet & flooringStaff Carpet…
Litchfield man awarded military honors at Governor’s Mansion
A Litchfield man was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor among other honors at the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 28. Major Chase Wilhelm’s superiors said he saved lives and “demonstrated selflessness and heroism” on Jan. 28 when his base in Jordan was hit by a drone attack. More than 100 soldiers were…
CAJUN FOOD / SOUL FOOD
Aunt Lou’s Soul Food opened this past June but is off to a seasoned start for lunch and dinner. While this is owner Corey Dickerson’s first restaurant venture, he has an extensive background in the industry. His late grandmother, known to many as Aunt Lou, raised him and passed along her cooking skills to him.…
