Summerguide

May Museum After Hours – Prohibition May 24, 5-8pm Fri. The museum is turned into a speakeasy to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the ratification of the 18th Amendment (Prohibition). Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. Ages. 21+. $10 members, $15 non. 782-0979. museum.state.il.us. Clay Date Night May 25, 6:30-9pm Sat. Bring your […]

A trip to the Art Institute of Chicago is a popular excursion while visiting the Windy City. The bridge from Millennium Park beckons you to cross over the street below to an outdoor area on the top floor of the Art Institute with sweeping views of the skyline and Millennium Park. The Art Institute of […]

“You can’t beat fun at the old ballpark” was the trademark mantra of legendary announcer Harry Caray. While Harry was correct, the modern problem is one of affording fun at the ballpark. The Fan Cost Index measures the price for a hypothetical family of four to attend a major league baseball game. It includes the […]

You can leave your job in the city and go rollin’ on the river this summer. You also can dig the Panama Canal, build your appreciation of LEGOS and pass time at a ballpark – all while playing in Peoria. The city hugging the Illinois River offers several special events worth the 75-mile drive from […]

You don’t need to plan a road trip to have an awesome outing. Instead, embrace your inner tourist and discover some of the many hidden gems this town has in store. Get outside this summer and take advantage of all that Springfield has to offer.   Downtown SpringfieldSpend a day rediscovering Springfield’s downtown. Head to […]

Matilda Wormwood has been charming parents and children alike since Roald Dahl’s book, Matilda, was published in 1988.  The Hoogland Center for the Arts’ production, Matilda the Musical (June 28-30, July 5-7), is based on playwright Dennis Kelly’s adaption of the story and proves to be no less delightful. The Springfield Youth Performance Group, an […]

From the walking bass of ska to the oompha of big brass bands, from 30-year-old heavy metal rockers to teenage pop boy bands and from Moscow to Wyoming, here’s a look of the music that’s coming our way this summer. Presented by the Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation, in partnership with Downtown Springfield Inc. and Springfield Area Arts Council, […]

It’s a year of anniversaries in Bloomington-Normal, and you can join the celebrations with a 70-mile drive north on I-55. Add some punch to your summer with the twin cities’ pedals, plays and parks. Bicycle enthusiasts are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Constitution Trail, which follows an old railroad path. Multiple branches bring the […]

May Pressure Canner TestingMay 24, 8am-4pm Thu. Sign-up to have your pressure canner gauge(s) tested to ensure safety during the home canning process. University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Dr., 782-4617. Art ExhibitionMay 24-27, 30, Jun 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 10am-3pm Wed-Sun. Artworks on display by Felicia Olin, Renee Baldwin-Sisk, Katherine Pippin Pauley, George […]

Union County was born the same year as Illinois – and just happens to have some spectacular spots for a 200th birthday party. A popular state park, a giant cross, a significant Lincoln site and an old school turned into a bed and breakfast await visitors to this scenic area deep in southern Illinois. The […]

Just two hours east of Springfield with plenty of highlights that can be enjoyed in a few hours, Danville is a pleasant daytrip – and a city claiming a progressive new status. A strong foundationDanville considers itself at the corner of progress and history. Its water tower says so. That history is based on hard […]

Iced is an engaging novel. It’s set in a fictionalized but recognizable central Illinois town that is known for the strong odor of its grain-processing facilities that some optimistically call “the smell of money.” The events of the novel are set against a backdrop of a town struggling with a protracted union strike, vanishing industry, […]