Illinois residents can now conveniently recycle household batteries. As a result of legislation that took effect Jan. 1, Illinois has a battery stewardship program. Lowe’s in Springfield and Home Depot in Jacksonville are examples of places where people can take household batteries to be recycled at no charge. The Portable and Medium Format Battery […]
Special Issues
Posted inHome & Garden
Home & Garden Events 2026
ONGOING Spring Migration Bird Hikes Tuesdays, 8-9 a.m., through May 12. Matt Hales of the Illinois Audubon Society will lead hikes looking for migratory species as well as resident species. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473. April Nature Walks Saturdays in April, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nature lovers can enjoy guided […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Spring Home & Garden 2026
This year’s Spring Home & Garden issue has 10 easy projects you can tackle to freshen up your home, tips on container gardening, new options to recycle paint and batteries and more. Plus, find a special calendar of upcoming home and garden events.
Posted inHome & Garden
Year-round container gardening
Container gardening offers a practical and beautiful solution for growing flowers, vegetables and herbs in central Illinois where weather extremes and limited space often challenge traditional gardening. For leafy edibles, start with herbs and salad greens, which tolerate a wide range of light conditions from windowsill to kitchen garden and actually favor a little shade […]
Posted inWomen's Business Showcase
6th Annual Women’s Business Showcase
Spring in Central Illinois is the perfect time to put your business in front of new customers—and the Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois (WECI) Women’s Business Showcase is built to do exactly that. Join us on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for one of the region’s most anticipated events celebrating women-owned […]
Posted inWomen's Business Showcase
Empowering growth
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, […]
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 […]
