Clemmons-Stott departing Downtown Springfield Inc., sources say

Lisa Clemmons-Stott, executive director of Downtown Springfield Inc., is leaving her post, according to multiple sources. The reasons behind her resignation aren’t clear. Clemmons-Stott, who was named DSI director in 2015, did not return two phone calls from Illinois Times. “We will send out a formal statement to the two of you first this afternoon,”…

Video of fatal jail encounter remains under wraps

It may be a month before the Sangamon County coroner’s office determines a cause of death for a county jail inmate who died early Tuesday after being tased by jail staff. Meanwhile, authorities have not released video that might show what happened. Jaimeson D. Cody, 39, died about 20 hours after he was booked into…

Shopping/Retail

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings 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.,…

This year’s big events

Event listings updated daily at illinoistimes.com Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings MAY Abe’s Mini Triathlon May 8, Sat, 8:30am. 100-yard swim, 5-mile bike ride and 1-mile run. triharderpromotions.com. Porta High School, Petersburg, 17651 Bluejay Road, 217-341-1309. Mother’s Day Remembrance Tribute May 8, Sat,10-11am. Honoring…

Uniquely Springfield

Cozy Dog Drive-In An icon in Springfield is the Cozy Dog Drive-in, home of the original batter-covered hot dog on a stick. This landmark, located on historic Route 66, features a great collection of Route 66 memorabilia. Although corn dogs are popular at state fairs, you have to go to the Cozy Dog drive-in for…

About the cover artist

David Hinds This year’s cover, “Welcome to Springfield,” is by David Hinds of Springfield, winner of this year’s Capital City Visitor cover art contest, which drew more than 40 entries. Hinds and the other entrants will have their artwork on display at the Old State Capitol beginning April 24, and cash prizes were awarded to…

Abe’s hometown

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings 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…

Springfield’s museums and historic sites

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings DOWNTOWN AREA Dana-Thomas House – A Frank Lloyd Wright design 301 E. Lawrence Ave. 217-782-6776 http://historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov/ Facebook.com/StateHistoricSitesOfSpringfieldIL Donations accepted A visit to Springfield is not complete without touring the magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House. The home contains the…

Springfield Art Association

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings 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…

Visual and performing arts

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many performing arts venues have postponed or cancelled their regularly scheduled seasons. Check the individual websites for up-to-date performance information as well as virtual offerings. Performing arts Copper Coin Ballet Company 420 S. Sixth St. coppercoinballet@gmail.com coppercoinballet.org Reimagines the context and potential for dance in our community to create unique collaborations…

The capital city

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings 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…

What the locals do for fun

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings 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…

The outdoors

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings 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…

The nightlife

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings 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.…

Food and drinks

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings American 2 Wingz 848 South Grand Ave. E. 217-670-1895 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…

Drink up

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advised to check individual websites for up-to-date information and offerings Microbreweries Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling 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,…


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