The dog days of summer are almost here. Balmy days and abundant sunshine beg for leisurely walks in the park, al fresco dining and browsing the farmers market. For many, these quintessential summer activities just wouldn’t be complete without their canine companion by their side. Indeed, many local businesses and activities in the area are dog-friendly. […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inArts & Culture
The Lucky Horseshoes come to town
“People will come, Ray,” intones the mysterious character played by the actor James Earl Jones in the film Field of Dreams. “They’ll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they’ll watch the game, and it’ll be as if they’d […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Pet Issue 2022
People love their pets, and rates of pet ownership have only increased since the pandemic began, with 70% of U.S. households now including at least one furry friend. It’s an appropriate time for our first Illinois Times’ pet issue, which includes tips on getting your dog to behave in public, what to do about that […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Spring Guide Calendar
MARCH Friday Night Jazz March 18 and every Friday, 5:30-7:30pm. Sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council. No cover charge. Family friendly, free parking and accessible. Boone’s, 301 Edwards St. 217-679-3752. “Color Symphony” reception March 18, 5:30-7:30pm. A reception of the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society’s judged member show. Open to the public. Free. Springfield Art […]
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Spring Guide 2022
A new acquaintance was wondering why we hadn’t met before, after having worked within blocks of each other for the past 20 years or so. “I don’t get out much,” is what I told him, although I do, but it’s to the same routine things, not much new. And for the past two years, nobody […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Gathering to garden
When we think of community gardens, what usually comes to mind is a juicy strawberry or a tomato plucked fresh from the vine. While home-grown local produce is delightful, also keep in mind that community gardens function as a nexus of community. They are places to meet and get to know others with similar interests, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Cherry blossom time
Rows and rows of blooming cherry trees are a happy sign of spring, but if you can’t make it to Japan or even Washington, D.C., to take in the stunning sight, don’t despair. Three spots within a few hours of Springfield can provide petal magic. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Missouri Botanical Garden in […]
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Getting away from it all
The 164-acre eco-center Jubilee Farm in New Berlin sits just a handful of miles away from Springfield and has been a peaceful destination for many since its original opening in 2000. Jubilee Farm is run by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield and features outdoor walking trails, an outdoor labyrinth, indoor meeting spaces for retreats or […]
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Starting kids in sports
For many of us, the start of warm weather means the return of beloved outdoor activities like walking, running, biking or hiking. For families with young children, finally getting outside to play can feel like a breath of (literal) fresh air after a winter spent cooped up indoors. Many families choose to enroll their little […]
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Cardinals pitching ace Wainright to visit Springfield Sunday
January and February are traditionally months when baseball fans look forward to the opening of spring training and the celebrated day when pitchers and catchers report to training camp. This year that enthusiasm is tempered by a lockout of players that threatens to jeopardize the early portion of the 2022 season. But for baseball fans […]
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Healthy, wealthy & wise
The ongoing pandemic has thrown off many of our regular routines. This year’s Healthy, Wealthy and Wise issue has tips on how to get back on track physically, mentally and financially or simply just keep better tabs on your goals and progress so that you can see how far you’ve come. It’s easy to feel […]
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Ditch the diets, just cook your own food
There are countless diets in existence, all touting various and often contradictory methodologies aimed at improving well-being. The do’s and don’ts of what and how and when to eat can be dizzying, and it can be incredibly overwhelming to try and simply figure out what to have for dinner. Specific diets aside, the best way […]
