In communities that are growing and thriving, opportunity is not reserved for a select few, it is cultivated intentionally, shared broadly and supported through meaningful partnerships. At the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA), that belief is central to our mission. While our work often focuses on attracting new businesses and supporting major economic development projects, […]
Special Issues
Posted inArticles
Showcasing women’s stories
Physician and public health professional Dr. Kemia Sarraf (“Dr. K”) with no regret shares with the world her experience with impostor syndrome through a video noting Women’s History Month in March. Sarraf, CEO of the trauma-responsive coaching and consulting business Lodestar, shares her life’s mission and how at times she doesn’t feel “up to the task” […]
Posted inWomen's Business Showcase
Helping female entrepreneurs grow
Women entrepreneurs are one of the fastest-growing forces in the American economy. Yet when it comes time to scale – buying a building, expanding a facility or investing in equipment – many founders run into a familiar obstacle: access to the right kind of capital. I am president of Small Business Growth Corporation, an SBA […]
Posted inWomen's Business Showcase
What I wish more women knew
A few years ago, I did what many women consider at some point in their careers. I stepped out on my own and built a consulting business. I craved a sense of control, autonomy and the chance to work with leaders who truly wanted to “buy what I was selling.” For six years, I ran […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
This year’s big events
ONGOING Bob Waldmire Art Exhibition Fridays, 12-6pm and Saturdays, 12-6pm. Through Dec. 19. Bob Waldmire was the iconic hippy artist of Route 66. See displays of his life story and original artwork. Free, donations accepted. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278. David Schwartz Photography Exhibit Fridays, 12-6pm and Saturdays, 12-6pm. […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
Shopping
Antiques and Flea Markets Abe’s Old Hat Antiques & Country Store111 N. Sixth St. 217-414-3320 Abe’s Tradin’ Post2704 Peoria Rd.217-753-2237 Barrel Antique Mall14266 Frazee Rd, Divernon.217-628-9192 Hilda’s Antique Mall5850 S. Sixth St. Rd.217-585-1438barrelantiquemall.com Northfield Flea Market3226 E. Sangamon Ave.217-306-1873 Sangamon Antique Mall3050 E. Sangamon Ave.217-522-7740 Springfield Vintage215 S. Fifth St.217-652-8413springfieldvintage.com Boutiques Beige Bee Boutique3255 Ginger Creek […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
Drink up
Microbreweries Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling619 E. Washington St. (downtown)217-679-1195anvilandforge.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 of fluorescent and […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
Food and drinks
American 5th Street GEM 221 S. Fifth St.217-970-4019 66 Mother Road Diner(inside Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center)625 E. St. Joseph St.217-529-6626 A&Q Café3141 Baker Dr.217-679-1822 Abe’s Hideout2301 S. Dirksen Pkwy.217-679-2044abeshideouts.com Applebee’s Grill & Bar2554 Sunrise Dr.217-528-7021applebees.com Aunt Lou’s Soul Food524 E. Monroe217-717-1916auntlous.com Big Sharks Fish & Chicken 330 South Grand Ave.217-717-9700 Bob Evans4221 Conestoga Dr.217-698-3800bobevans.com Boyd’s […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
The nightlife
The nightlife of Springfield and surrounding communities is diverse and robust. Blues, folk, jazz, rock, country, hip-hop, dance music, open mic events and karaoke nights are well-represented on any given night in central Illinois and the capital city. Solid local acts playing original and cover material mix with national touring bands on the road from […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
The outdoors
Boating and fishing Lake Springfield217-757-8660 x1011cwlp.comPublic boat launches are available from a variety of locations. Try your hand at fishing from the shoreline or from your boat in a private cove. Lake Springfield Marina17 Waters Edge Blvd.217-483-3625lakespringfieldmarina.comFull-service marina with slip rental by day, week, month or season. Rent a pontoon boat, personal watercraft or canoe, […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
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 Amazing Xscapes1650 Wabash Ave.217-679-6396amazingxscapes.comChoose from several different escape room themes and book your private adventure online. […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
The capital city
Illinois State Capitol 401 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 needed for […]
