Fall Guide

As autumn sets in, Springfield audiences can rest assured the rich repertoire of local and regional musicians will temper the cooling weather. From Labor Day pops concerts (think baseball) to Christmas choruses, musicians in central Illinois offer their talents as the soundtracks to our seasonal experiences. Illinois Symphony Orchestra With the exit of its 11-year […]

While many are gearing up for the Decatur Farm Progress Show Aug. 30-Sept. 1, lovers of old iron are bent on heading to the former Chanute Air Force Base to see machines built 50 years ago work the soil. This year’s Half Century of Progress show takes place Aug. 25-28 at the National Aviation Center […]

As the hot summer days are slowly replaced by brisk winds and bursts of colorful leaves, the Springfield area has a wide array of festivals that will allow you to enjoy the beautiful season of autumn. Art Rees Carillon’s annual Art Spectacular showcases up to 50 juried fine arts and crafts artists, musicians, food vendors, […]

In the dead of winter we hope for summer, in the summer heat and humidity we long for snow, but fall is perfect and everyone just wishes it would linger. To fully experience the beauty of fall, load up and meander along the Spoon River Drive. Check out the food, festivals and cultural icons and, […]

No one currently working in the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office smokes a pipe. So, what could possibly explain the aroma of pipe tobacco that employees at the historic site claim to notice from time to time? Is the aroma embedded in the walls and woodwork? Or is it the ghost of Abraham Lincoln’s long deceased law […]

When Brian and Tracey Meade’s air conditioner went out, club members showed up with two window units. The club is the Mid-America Sport Parachute Club, based out of the Taylorville airport. “It’s like a family,” Tracey said. “Everybody helps everybody.” The laid-back family atmosphere makes this the best drop zone in central Illinois. According to […]

Fall is a great time of year, and there’s always an interesting list of theater productions in the area. Take a look at what’s happening here this fall. Theatre in the Park at New Salem has two more performances of Kari Catton’s play Healin’ Home this weekend, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The play […]

Rock, pop, Christian and jazz are among the musical offerings in central Illinois this fall. There’s something for everybody, so plan ahead, then get out and enjoy the music. Sangamon Auditorium Sept. 14, 8 p.m. Gordon Lightfoot Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, known for his folk finesse, will perform at Sangamon Auditorium. Tickets are on sale […]

As the days become shorter, the temperature cools, and leaves turn vibrant colors of yellow, orange and brown. The Springfield area is not short on its variety of fall festivals sure to keep you and your family entertained this autumn. SpringfieldSome come for the mouthwatering barbecue. Others come for good old down home blues. Whatever […]

Venture into southern Illinois this fall and discover two outstanding art venues that may not have been on your radar screen — the Mitchell Museum at Cedarhurst in Mt. Vernon and the Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center at Rend Lake. The Mitchell Museum, the legacy of oil entrepreneur John R. Mitchell and his wife, […]

Classical music is reaping rewards for listeners and practitioners alike in the 21st century, thanks to ease of accessibility provided to concert planners and fans. Increasingly part of “classical” concerts are selections of “global music,” which merits listeners for its variety and diversity, compared with works composed in ancient days when Marie Antoinette still possessed […]

About an hour and a half south of Springfield, meandering down highway 127 to where it intersects Interstate 70, is the town of Greenville. According to the town fathers it has been hailed as “a Norman Rockwell town,” or “a town for all seasons.” With the picturesque square featuring the Bond County Courthouse, a Civil […]