This story was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center. For more stories about the effect of COVID-19 on museums, please visit the Prairie State Museums Project at PrairieStateMuseumsProject.org. It is practically impossible to overestimate the impact of COVID-19 on museums, according to the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). The organization released a survey on […]
Summerguide
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Salvaging summer
This summer, we had big plans. For the first time since we’ve been a family of five, we were going to go on vacation. We decided to drive north to a tiny town in Michigan, rent a cottage on the lake and spend a week surrounded by breathtaking scenery and shimmering, silver water. During the […]
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Summerguide calendar
May Museum After Hours – Prohibition May 24, 5-8pm Fri. The museum is turned into a speakeasy to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the ratification of the 18th Amendment (Prohibition). Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. Ages. 21+. $10 members, $15 non. 782-0979. museum.state.il.us. Clay Date Night May 25, 6:30-9pm Sat. Bring your […]
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Take a Museum Hack tour
A trip to the Art Institute of Chicago is a popular excursion while visiting the Windy City. The bridge from Millennium Park beckons you to cross over the street below to an outdoor area on the top floor of the Art Institute with sweeping views of the skyline and Millennium Park. The Art Institute of […]
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Sliders step up to the plate
“You can’t beat fun at the old ballpark” was the trademark mantra of legendary announcer Harry Caray. While Harry was correct, the modern problem is one of affording fun at the ballpark. The Fan Cost Index measures the price for a hypothetical family of four to attend a major league baseball game. It includes the […]
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Go play in Peoria
You can leave your job in the city and go rollin’ on the river this summer. You also can dig the Panama Canal, build your appreciation of LEGOS and pass time at a ballpark – all while playing in Peoria. The city hugging the Illinois River offers several special events worth the 75-mile drive from […]
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Be a tourist in your hometown
You don’t need to plan a road trip to have an awesome outing. Instead, embrace your inner tourist and discover some of the many hidden gems this town has in store. Get outside this summer and take advantage of all that Springfield has to offer. Downtown SpringfieldSpend a day rediscovering Springfield’s downtown. Head to […]
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Go out and play
Matilda Wormwood has been charming parents and children alike since Roald Dahl’s book, Matilda, was published in 1988. The Hoogland Center for the Arts’ production, Matilda the Musical (June 28-30, July 5-7), is based on playwright Dennis Kelly’s adaption of the story and proves to be no less delightful. The Springfield Youth Performance Group, an […]
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Sounds of summer
From the walking bass of ska to the oompha of big brass bands, from 30-year-old heavy metal rockers to teenage pop boy bands and from Moscow to Wyoming, here’s a look of the music that’s coming our way this summer. Presented by the Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation, in partnership with Downtown Springfield Inc. and Springfield Area Arts Council, […]
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Pedals, plays and parks in Bloomington-Normal
It’s a year of anniversaries in Bloomington-Normal, and you can join the celebrations with a 70-mile drive north on I-55. Add some punch to your summer with the twin cities’ pedals, plays and parks. Bicycle enthusiasts are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Constitution Trail, which follows an old railroad path. Multiple branches bring the […]
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Summerguide calendar
May Pressure Canner TestingMay 24, 8am-4pm Thu. Sign-up to have your pressure canner gauge(s) tested to ensure safety during the home canning process. University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Dr., 782-4617. Art ExhibitionMay 24-27, 30, Jun 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 10am-3pm Wed-Sun. Artworks on display by Felicia Olin, Renee Baldwin-Sisk, Katherine Pippin Pauley, George […]
