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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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.…
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…
Visual and performing arts
Copper Coin Ballet Company420 S. Sixth St.coppercoinballet@gmail.comcoppercoinballet.org The goals of the Copper Coin Ballet Company are to develop collaborative projects, to support the creative efforts of the region and to provide free and open experiences in which the art of dance may be shared and improved in partnership. CCBC stages annual performances of “Rockballet” and…
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…
Museums and historic sites
DOWNTOWN AREA Dana-Thomas House – A Frank Lloyd Wright design301 E. Lawrence Ave.217-782-6776http://historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov/Facebook.com/StateHistoricSitesOfSpringfieldILDonations accepted A visit to Springfield is not complete without touring the magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House. The home contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture befitting Wright’s first “blank check” commission. In 1902, Springfield socialite and…
Looking for Lincoln
Discover your very own Lincoln story right here in Springfield, where history isn’t just a chapter – it’s the whole book! As the proud home to a treasure trove of historic sites connected to our nation’s 16th president, Springfield is a vibrant hub that invites you to stroll down its streets, where over 50 captivating…
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…
