Brightly colored leaves floating through the air, campfire smoke curling into the cool, crisp evening air and such special events as tagging monarch butterflies and dressing in costumes make a perfect time to fall in love with Illinois state parks. Whether you opt to book a room at an historic lodge, set up a tent […]
Mary Bohlen
Mary Bohlen is a retired journalism professor who is a regular contributor to Illinois Times. She specializes in writing about interesting places in Illinois and nearby states worthy of day or weekend trips.
Posted inOpinion
The Barbie dilemma
I have never been a Barbie fan. By the time she came rolling into town in her pink convertible, I was starting to age out of the few dolls I enjoyed. I did end up getting, but not playing much with, Midge, a decision therapists could ponder for days. Why did I opt for a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Riding the waves at central Illinois water parks
Floating on an inner tube in a lazy river. Thrilling to a wild ride down a twisting, turning slide. Riding a wave into shore. What says “summer” more than water on a hot, sticky day? Fortunately, central Illinoisans don’t have to go all the way to oceans, lakes or rivers for relief. Area water parks […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Did Lincoln ever eat a bagel?
Abraham Lincoln likely never ate a bagel, but you can combine a taste with a visit to some of his haunts if you head to the Mattoon-Charleston area this summer. Outdoor fun and history brought to life also make this area less than 100 miles southeast of Springfield worth a day trip. Mattoon produces more […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
More to Indy than racing
The roar of the cars and crowds is an iconic start to summer for many as they flock to Indianapolis for the Indy 500 on Memorial Day weekend. But a 213-mile trip east on I-72 and I-74 yields many other delights, including dinosaurs, a gondola ride, LOVE and the spiciest appetizer around. Nate Swick, senior […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Chihuly in the garden
The Sun is rising in St. Louis this year and is sure to be a big hit. That’s because the Missouri Botanical Garden is hosting an exhibit of world-famous artist Dale Chihuly’s blown glass sculptures, including “Sun” in the day lily area. “It is a large yellow and red sculpture with hundreds of pieces of […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Super-size the fun in southern Illinois
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman’s hometown! Sort of. Those of us who grew up on comic books know the superhero’s fictional home was Metropolis. Its deep southern Illinois twin is out to help us relive our youthful fantasies with a giant statue of Superman and a jam-packed museum dedicated to him. The […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The famous old bakeries of Illinois
When my family lived on South Lincoln Street in Springfield, we could turn the corner onto Governor and satisfy our sweet teeth with gooey butter cake from the Community Bakery. Once it closed, we followed the crowds to B & Z Bakery, a downtown institution for many years. While those and other old-style bakeries are […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Meet in St. Louis for some holiday magic
If grand displays of lights, old-fashioned Christmas traditions and special holiday performances are your things, then meet in St. Louis for some magic this winter. Plenty of family-friendly festivities await you less than two hours away. The city and nearby spots are bursting with holiday events, according to Catherine Neville, Explore St. Louis’ vice president […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Surprising Joliet
When Elwood picks up Jake from the old state prison in Joliet, the Blues Brothers reunite outside a huge gate on the prison’s eastern edge. Now, thanks, to some dedicated guides, you too can walk through that gate but in the opposite direction. What awaits you on the other side is a living, albeit decaying, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Door County in the fall
Travel experts traditionally tout New England as the place for seeing fall’s color explosion, but you can experience the joys of autumn much closer to home. Just head north for a long weekend to the tip of Wisconsin’s thumb, Door County. The county topped USA Today’s list of 10 best places to see fall foliage […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Short trips for mid-summer
If your social media feed makes it seems as if everyone but you is on an exotic vacation, don’t despair. Nearby destinations can bring you a touch of other countries without the cost and hassle. How about marveling at Michelangelo’s artwork just 40 miles from Springfield? Checking out a magnificent basilica that puts some in […]
