Summertime is when lots of people plan getaways to explore new cities and sites. But you can also have fun, new adventures and experiences right here in Springfield. Your hometown offers concerts, theater, sports and historical sites without having to deal with the vagaries (and cost) of travel. Here are a few ideas for a staycation:
Free Carillon and Municipal Band concerts
Did you know the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Washington Park is one of the largest and finest carillons in the world? It is known internationally due to its 67 cast bronze bells made in the Netherlands. The music sounds similar to church bells, but with a much broader range of octaves. Master carillonist Carlo van Ulft, a native of the Netherlands, and assistant carillonists play a variety of music, including original compositions, classics and pop songs. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks to relax and enjoy the concerts at 6:30 on Wednesdays through Sundays, plus 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Visit Edwards Place on a Friday afternoon (2-4 p.m. through Aug. 4) to enjoy music by the Springfield Municipal Band, plus free ice cream. Abe, Mary Todd Lincoln and other period characters round out the event, with Lincoln giving his Farewell Address at 3 p.m. The Municipal Band also performs free concerts on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 8 in the Duncan Park bandshell and at 10 a.m. on Saturdays in July at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site
This historic site is a short drive northwest of Springfield and has lots to offer. If you haven't been there since your last school field trip, it's worth a return visit.
The authentic log cabin village where Abraham Lincoln spent six years of his life is an immersive experience of life in the 1830s. Visit July 1 or 4 for Independence Day celebrations with the reading of the Declaration of Independence, interpreters in period clothing and various demonstrations. July 15 is Children's Day with a focus on involving kids in period games. Gift bags will be given away while supplies last.
The site also has 700 acres of wooded terrain with hiking trails, picnic areas and modern campgrounds with about 150 campsites for your RV, trailer or tent. Half of the campsites offer electricity.
Another attraction is Theatre in the Park, a 500-seat outdoor theater surrounded by wilderness. There are two remaining shows you can take in this season. The Merry Wives of Windsor, based on a Shakespeare comedy, runs July 20-23. Murder on the Orient Express, the classic Agatha Christie murder mystery, runs from Aug. 3-6. All shows start at 7:30 p.m.
Lucky Horseshoes baseball
They won't replace your favorite professional team, but it's still fun to root for the Lucky Horseshoes, your hometown team that plays at the collegiate level. This is the team's second season under new owners who have pulled out all the stops to draw baseball fans to Robin Roberts Stadium. Perhaps the most noticeable addition is the big LED digital scoreboard created by Ace Sign Co. The owners also added the Knob Hill Beer Garden, a patio designed and built by Knob Hill Landscape Company.
Several players on the team are from central Illinois, including Zane Danielson of Springfield, Cole Smith from Auburn, Logan Monroe from Williamsville and Trent Koehler from Lincoln.
To keep things lively, you will find daily themed specials and promotions, starting with Sunday FUNday featuring games and activities for the family. On Mondays, the club partners with local nonprofits to raise funds and awareness, followed by Tail Waggin' Tuesdays (when dogs are allowed), senior promotions on Wednesdays, beer and soda specials on Thirsty Thursdays, gate giveaways on Get Lucky Fridays and live entertainment on Saturdays. For the schedule and tickets, visit shoesbaseball.com
Scavenger hunt for Abe's hats
VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com launched a free program this summer that is educational and fun for all ages. Abe's Hat Hunt is a scavenger hunt to various historical sites throughout Springfield. Start your adventure by picking up a pocket-sized Abe's Hat Hunt Passport containing a map, clues and stickers at any of four passport and prize stop locations.
Then, visit at least six of the 12 Hat Hunt sites such as the Illinois State Capitol, Dana-Thomas House, Edwards Place, Lincoln Memorial Garden and the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum. When you spot the hidden hats, match the correct hat sticker to the corresponding location. Once you've successfully filled your passport, head to a passport and prize stop to collect your prize.
These are but a few of the events and activities you can experience right here as a tourist in your hometown.
