By now, your summer fling is either nearing an end,
you’re thinking about taking the relationship to the next level, or
the thought of spending the holiday season alone is depressing the heck out
of you. Luckily, Springfield and central Illinois host an array of autumn
activities and locales that are perfect for one last romantic rendezvous or
laying the groundwork for a lifetime of love and devotion.
Wishing on a star just might put a twinkle in your
eye if you and the luminary of your life visit a Star Party at the University of
Illinois at Springfield. The parties, which UIS has hosted for three
decades, are held each Friday (depending on the weather) at 8 p.m., and run
from Sept. 5 to Oct. 25. Call 206-8342 for information. Not counting your
date, the heavenly bodies that are viewable from the roof of UIS’
Brookens Library this fall include: Jupiter, the moon, ring nebula, and
coupled stars Alberio and Mizar.
Also, Hill Prairie
Winery kicks off its Harvest Festival and Fish
Fry on Saturday Oct. 4 in Oakford (23753 Lounsberry Rd.; 635-9900), north
of Petersburg. For $5 a piece, lovebirds can sip spirits to the tunes of
acoustic band The Mudbugs Unplugged and, later, Kilborn Alley. On Sunday,
Oct. 5, classic rockers AntoneDeRocchi and Jim Wicker perform. Doors open at noon each
day. Each Sunday through Oct. 26 a different band is also featured at the
winery. Visit www.hillprairiewinery.com for complete event info, events,
and a wine list.
Over in Monticello, the idyllic environs of Allerton Park include 1,500
acres of gardens and nature trails. And what’s more romantic than the
great outdoors? Allerton’s Music in Nature concert series continues
through the fall with Irish and folk bands Motherlode and Exorna on Sept.
20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Oct. 11 concert series event presents an
opportunity to get close to your significant other when Allerton hosts
Halloween-themed scary ghost storytelling, which begins at 7 p.m. If Mother
Nature is successful at playing matchmaker during your visit, Allerton also
rents space for weddings, receptions, and other
special events.
If your animal instincts are telling you to walk on
the wild side, then take your boo to the zoo. Springfield’s Henson Robinson Zoo, home to
over 300 animals, is open every day this fall except Thanksgiving and the
day after. Besides providing an excuse to chat about the birds and the
bees, the zoo hosts a number of activities this fall, including a
fundraiser to benefit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Amphibian Fund
on Sept. 27. Tickets to the walk cost $20-$25.
Springfield parks are another great way to enjoy fall
with the object of your affection. Located in the heart of Springfield, Washington Park is home
to a botanical garden, the beautiful music-making Rees Memorial Carillon
(in case you’re in need of inspiration), two lagoons, secluded wooded
areas, and lots of trees to watch turn colors.
On the north side of town, Lincoln Park, offers all the beauty
of Washington Park and contains the Nelson Center, which houses two skating
rinks. Nothing quite breaks the ice better than watching your date fall
down on it. Parks also feature concerts, movies, and other activities
throughout the fall. Check with the Springfield Park District for updates
at www.springfieldparks.org.
Lastly, and admittedly a little on the unconventional
side, Nov. 4 is Election Day. So why not go with your date to the polls? Democracy is hot
– and there is no better way to profess one’s adoration of
another than by exercising one’s own civic duty. Romeos and Juliets
can go here to find where they should vote:
www.co.sangamon.il.us/election/WhereDoIVote.asp.
Contact R.L. Nave at rnave@illinoistimes.com
This article appears in Aug 21-27, 2008.
