Food and drinks
American 6th St. Café 214 S. Sixth St. 217-572-9500 3Sixteen Wine Bar 316 N. Main St., Chatham 217-697-8569 3sixteenwinebar.com Abe’s Hideout 2301 S. Dirksen Pkwy. 217-679-2044 abeshideouts.com Alexander’s Steak House 620 Bruns Ln. 217-793-0440 alexanderssteak.com Anchors Away 518 E. Capitol Ave. 217-679-0166 anchorsawayil.com Applebee’s Grill & Bar 2554 Sunrise Dr. 217-528-7021 3335 Veterans Pkwy. 217-698-0550…
Drink up
Microbreweries Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distillin 619 E. Washington St. (downtown) 217-679-1195 anvilandforge.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…
Shopping/Retail
Antiques and Flea Markets Abe’s Old Hat Antiques & Country Store 111 N. Sixth St. 217-414-3320 Abe’s Tradin’ Post 2704 Peoria Rd. 217-753-2237 Barrel Antique Mall 5850 S. Sixth St. Rd. 217-585-1438 barrelantiquemall.com Hilda’s Antique Mall 14266 Frazee Rd., Divernon 217-628-9192 Lisa’s Antique Mall I-55 & Rte. 104, Divernon 217-628-1111 Merchant House 625 E. Monroe…
This year’s big events
Event listings updated daily at illinoistimes.com MARCH Liturgical and sacred art exhibit Through April 25. Part of the Liturgical Sacred Art Festival. The juried exhibit includes ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography and sculpture. It offers a unique opportunity to purchase original liturgical art. Admission is free. springfieldart.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art…
Abe’s hometown
Two centuries after his birth, Springfield’s best-known resident remains a revered icon, a leader who bore the weight of destiny to his untimely demise. Born in dire poverty and self-educated, Abraham Lincoln rose to lead our nation during its darkest time. His words inspired Americans during the Civil War, and they inspire us today. Lincoln…
Springfield’s museums and historic sites
DOWNTOWN AREA Dana-Thomas House – A Frank Lloyd Wright design 301 E. Lawrence Ave. 217-782-6776 dana-thomas.org Admission A visit to Springfield is not complete without touring the magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House, now an Illinois State Historic Site. The home contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture and was…
The capital city
Illinois State Capitol 101 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…
Springfield Art Association
The Springfield Art Association is at the heart of Springfield’s thriving arts and culture scene. Boasting two art galleries, an art school, a Lincoln-era historic house museum and a calendar packed with family-friendly events, there is always something to see or do at the SAA. For the art aficionado, the Springfield Art Association offers two…
Visual and performing arts
Performing arts Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787 hcfta.org The Hoogland Center for the Arts is a magnet for both practitioners and supporters of the arts, housing 18 different arts organizations with four performance sites, two art galleries and meeting space galore. The Hoogland Center is also home to the Springfield…
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 AMF Strike N Spare Lanes 2660 W. Lawrence Ave. 217-787-6111 amf.com/strikensparelanesil Traditional bowling on 36 lanes,…
The outdoors
Boating and fishing Lake Springfield 217-757-8660 x1011 cwlp.com Public 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 Marina 17 Waters Edge Blvd. 217-483-3625 lakespringfieldmarina.com Full service marina with slip rental by day, week, month or season.…
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…
Capital City Visitor cover art entries, top 3 and cover reveal
The annual Capital City Visitor cover art contest had more than 40 amazing entries this year, ranging from professional artists to students. We appreciate everyone’s participation, even though only one could be used for the cover of CCVG. Capital City Visitor online now and on stands soon. Winner – “With Malice Toward None” by Jane…
Staff Meals feed those out of work
Restaurant servers work for tips; their paychecks can be virtually non-existent once deductions are accounted for. And chefs and cooks largely live “paycheck-to-paycheck,” as Brian Reilly says. “One week can really make a difference with day-to-day bills.” Reilly, of Dawson, is the owner of Cured Catering, a venture he started with his wife Melissa about…
