Travel

A coating of snow adds charm to the winter scene of the Galena River and historic Main Street. PHOTO COURTESY VISITGALENA.ORG One of the most scenic towns in Illinois, Galena is a picturesque wonderland in the winter, with its snow-covered hills, valleys and charming 19th century architecture. If you’re looking for a variety of outdoor […]

Frontier Santa is one of nine Santa characters who participate in the St. Charles, Mo., Christmas Traditions festival during December. Other favorites include Father Christmas, Civil War Santa and World War II Santa. PHOTOS COURTESY GREATER ST. CHARLES,MISSOURI, CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU You say you’re tired of the neighbors’ inflatable Santas, pushy crowds at the […]

Matisse paintings such as “Purple Robe with Anemones” reveal his love of color and his emotions. Indianapolis is known for the Pacers, the Colts and the Indy 500, but this heartland city has much more to offer. Indy has a wonderful mix of cultural treasures such as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, now hosting a […]

Nine cabins at the Prairie Lake Campground have electricity but no plumbing. Each cabin sleeps six and is within walking distance of the campground’s shower house. Go to www.reserveamerica.com to make reservations for the cabins or camping sites. ALL PHOTOS BY BRENT BOHLEN A long name but a short hop from Springfield, the Jim Edgar […]

In the first act, an evil-looking insect perches on an actress’s arm. Later in the play, bats take flight during a heated argument and finally a small plane drones overhead as the actors reveal a terrible secret. At the American Players Theatre, the outdoor setting is part of the drama, in this case a performance […]

Holiday World is located in Santa Claus, Ind., in the southern part of the state east of Evansville, about four hours from Springfield. In Santa Claus it’s all about Christmas. Oh and about Halloween and Fourth of July, but mostly Christmas. The park was the first themed park in the United States, created by Louis […]

Thinking about gardens and summer and checking out new sights and sounds? Why not head north this summer and check out St. James Farm? For years the locals only saw the gate of the lovely farm where the McCormicks, descendants of Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the commercial reaper, lived and worked. In 1851, Cyrus McCormick […]

You can find information about almost any kind of history in the small town of Benton. This is where Charlie Birger, the Prohibition-era criminal, was the last person to be hanged in Illinois, as well as the town where the first Beatles record was heard stateside. Come to this southern Illinois hamlet, tour the sites […]