While the pandemic continues to affect the activities offered around town, there are still many options for fall fun. Art fairs and gallery shows are still happening, as are a variety of Halloween events. Schools aren’t offering field trips these days, but we have suggestions for field trips (and day trips) that will be enjoyable […]
IT Staff
Posted inArts & Culture
No fair
In a normal year, the Twilight Parade would be kicking off the Illinois State fair tonight, but 2020 has already been anything but normal. COVID-19 cancelled the Fair for the first time since World War II, affecting everything from agriculture to nonprofits who rely on revenue from working the gates and Grandstand. In this issue, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Milestone birthdays
Brian Bowles Birthday: Aug. 27, 1970 I was born in 1970 to an absentee father and mother, and by age 13 had begun a life in group homes, foster care, a juvenile correctional center and juvenile treatment facilities such as Arrowhead Ranch. I enlisted in the U.S. Army at 19, served honorably for four years […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The capital city
Illinois State Capitol 101 S. Second St. 217-782-2099 Illinois boasts a stunning State Capitol, and in recent years the legislative chambers and multifloor west wing were magnificently restored. It is well worth visiting this National Historic Landmark. Construction began on the sixth and current Illinois Capitol in 1868 after officials determined that more space was […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Springfield Art Association
The Springfield Art Association is at the heart of Springfield’s thriving arts and culture scene. Boasting two art galleries, an art school, a Lincoln-era historic house museum and a calendar packed with family-friendly events, there is always something to see or do at the SAA. For the art aficionado, the Springfield Art Association offers two […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Food and drinks
American 6th St. Café 214 S. Sixth St. 217-572-9500 3Sixteen Wine Bar 316 N. Main St., Chatham 217-697-8569 3sixteenwinebar.com Abe’s Hideout 2301 S. Dirksen Pkwy. 217-679-2044 abeshideouts.com Alexander’s Steak House 620 Bruns Ln. 217-793-0440 alexanderssteak.com Anchors Away 518 E. Capitol Ave. 217-679-0166 anchorsawayil.com Applebee’s Grill & Bar 2554 Sunrise Dr. 217-528-7021 3335 Veterans Pkwy. 217-698-0550 […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Visual and performing arts
Performing arts Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787 hcfta.org The Hoogland Center for the Arts is a magnet for both practitioners and supporters of the arts, housing 18 different arts organizations with four performance sites, two art galleries and meeting space galore. The Hoogland Center is also home to the Springfield […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Drink up
Microbreweries Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distillin 619 E. Washington St. (downtown) 217-679-1195 anvilandforge.com One of a burgeoning number of craft breweries in the capital city, Anvil & Forge opened in late 2018. The place has a no-nonsense vibe, with walls made from metal siding and reclaimed barn wood, a cement floor and a mix […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
What the locals do for fun
Haven’t you seen enough sights? How about some fun? Take it from the locals – here are many ways to have a good time in the capital city that don’t involve learning anything at all. Just enjoy. FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT AMF Strike N Spare Lanes 2660 W. Lawrence Ave. 217-787-6111 amf.com/strikensparelanesil Traditional bowling on 36 lanes, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Shopping/Retail
Antiques and Flea Markets Abe’s Old Hat Antiques & Country Store 111 N. Sixth St. 217-414-3320 Abe’s Tradin’ Post 2704 Peoria Rd. 217-753-2237 Barrel Antique Mall 5850 S. Sixth St. Rd. 217-585-1438 barrelantiquemall.com Hilda’s Antique Mall 14266 Frazee Rd., Divernon 217-628-9192 Lisa’s Antique Mall I-55 & Rte. 104, Divernon 217-628-1111 Merchant House 625 E. Monroe […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
This year’s big events
Event listings updated daily at illinoistimes.com MARCH Liturgical and sacred art exhibit Through April 25. Part of the Liturgical Sacred Art Festival. The juried exhibit includes ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography and sculpture. It offers a unique opportunity to purchase original liturgical art. Admission is free. springfieldart.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art […]
