Fall Guide

Just as the changing leaves of the season provide a broad spectrum of colors to delight the eye, so do the sonic offerings available to local music fans range all over the palette of pleasing sounds this autumn – indeed, from country to punk to symphonic grandeur, there’s no shortage of variety to the sounds […]

Fill your fall by feeding your spirit and experiencing joy at the Chiara Center, a scenic and inspirational site for contemplation.  Hundreds of guests each year are uplifted and enlightened through retreats, days of quiet, the Food and Faith series and collaborative programs. The Chiara Center is one of the healing ministries of the Hospital […]

Jacksonville Farmers MarketAug 24, 26, 29, 31, Sep 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30, Oct 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31, 7am-12pm. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Oct. jaxfresh.org. Lincoln Square, Jacksonville. Speaking in DecayAug 24-25, 9am-5pm. Exhibition curated by […]

Effingham, population 12,500, seems an unlikely locale for a renowned gourmet restaurant and perhaps the largest Corvette party in the world, but this town at the crossroads of I-57 and I-70 is full of surprises. While most interstate exits feature the usual dreary assortment of fast-food spots and chain motels, Effingham, 100 miles southeast of […]

For a fun fall outing about an hour’s drive from Springfield, take a trip to Morton – the Pumpkin Capital of the World. Ackerman Family Farms, LLC, located at the eastern edge of Morton, is the perfect place to purchase pumpkins, fall décor and local products in a family-friendly setting. Fourth generation farmer John Ackerman […]

Jeff and Lisa Broom are getting ready for another busy autumn in their Carlinville orchard and Farm Market. Customers will head into the orchard for you-pick apple days beginning Labor Day weekend, the orchard will celebrate its 35th anniversary Apple Fest Sept. 23 and 24, and family fun will fill the grounds two weekends later […]

The Midwest is rife with simmering discontent and sweet poppy distractions all at the same time. Connections are missed and women have had it with the patriarchy. I’m talking about fall theater offerings, of course. Here in Springfield, there are some shady characters at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. If your kids are fans […]

Does anything go together better than crisp fall weather and live music? The days of sticky, sweaty outdoor festivals are in the past, replaced by cardigans, multicolored leaves and bands hitting the road one last time before the onset of harsh winter weather can make touring by van or bus hazardous, climate change notwithstanding. Leaders […]

Soon, but not just yet, it will be that time of year again. Summer lingers, at least for now, which is a good thing in more ways than one, especially for booze hounds. Margaritas, gin fizzes and other cocktails of summer are easy to contemplate, and, properly made, even easier to drink. If it’s light […]

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream Sep 15-18, 7pm Thu-Fri; 11am, 3pm, 7pm Sat; 1pm, 5pm Sun. Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse share the heroic stories of Rapunzel, Snow White, Princess Tiana and Cinderella. $17-45. springfieldpc3.com. Prairie Capital Convent August Washington Park Historic Photography DisplayAug 25-Sep 4, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun. Annual photo display […]

For a quick fix to get your kicks on 66, pile the family or friends into the coupe and head north to Atlanta, Illinois. Fewer than 50 miles from Springfield, Atlanta is chock full of enough Mother Road memorabilia to make your own memories. You can snap a photo under a 19-foot, hot dog-holding Paul […]

One of the loveliest places I’ve been in some time is Ryan’s Round Barn. Located six miles from Kewanee on Route 78, the barn is about two hours north of Springfield, near the entrance to Johnson’s Sauk Trail State Recreation Area. It’s a surprise in the midst of an Illinois state park. The park offers […]