No money?

How to have a grand ol’ summer on an itty-bitty budget

Untitled Document The kids are revved up and want to know what’s planned for the 14 long weeks before they have to be back in the classroom. Even with gas at the $3 mark an

Summer Guide 2007

Untitled Document We have a co-worker with boundless energy and a short attention span. You know the type — a little manic, a lot excitable, mostly fun. One of our resident

Summer Guide Calendar 2007

Events & Happenings in Springfield/Sangamon County June-August 2006

Untitled Document Unless otherwise noted, events are in Springfield and Sangamon County. Information for some events was incomplete at press time. Check upcoming editions of Illi

Water wonder

See why Illinoisans voted Rend Lake one of the state’s top attractions

Untitled Document Whether you prefer the softly rippling waters of the lake on a summer’s evening or the pink-tinted sky above the lakeshore in the morning, it’s obvi

See you in the cornfields

There’s more to Champaign and Urbana than a big university

Untitled Document Sure, the skyline isn’t much, and there’s nary a roller coaster in sight, but for a low-key trip out of Springfield, the charming twin towns of Cham

At the river’s edge

Lose track of time on the road to Grafton

Untitled Document This time of year, office flu is going around. If you’ve ever suffered this malady, you know how the disease progresses: You clock in, get some coffee, sc

Summer exposure

Now is the best time for flora, fauna, and photos

Untitled Document From far away, it might look like an ordinary field, but once you step inside, you realize that the prairie is alive with bees, birds, and butterflies — a

Float your boat

Ozark streams offer opportunity for exploration and relaxation

Untitled Document Just a few hours from Springfield are hundreds of miles of floatable streams that offer an ideal natural playground for exploration, fishing, and relaxation. Ma

The plane truth

Flying out of Springfield is proving tougher these days. Here’s why — and what you can do to help reverse the trend.

Untitled Document Remember the day when some flights offered breakfast or lunch? At the least, a bag of pretzels and can of soda was standard fare on all flights. These days, eve

Burning up the screen

Summer brings zombies, Romans, superheroes, and Mr. Bean

Untitled Document The summer means blockbuster films, but for some reason the three biggest sequels were released in May. A little distance might have resulted in more money for

Calling all volunteers

With summer rapidly approaching, Springfield residents will be planning various ways to spend their summer through activities like vacations and traveling. So, why not plan on spending a little time v

Release the beast

Biking, running, swimming and obstacle courses in the capital city

With such mild and beautiful weather so far this year, it’s a great time to go outside and get some exercise. And while you’re at it, why not play in the mud?Springfield and the surroundin

Summer theater has something for everyone

It’s that time of year again. Yes, ’tis the season for summer barbecues, local festivals and a boat on the lake. It also marks the start of a magnificent summer of local theater in central

Meet Me in St. Louis

Everyone has heard Julie Garland croon the tune, “Meet me in St. Louis, Louis, Meet me at the fair, Don’t tell me the lights are shining any place but there….” For those who w

Travel back in time to Amish country

Go to Rockome Gardens, Arthur and Arcola

Open for the 2012 season, Rockome Gardens is an iconic place that brings back childhood memories for many. Today, under the management of the Rockome Gardens Preservation Inc., the popular tourist ven

Life on the Mississippi

Historic Alton offers something for everyone

Don’t take the freeway.A drive into yesteryear is best taken on back roads, so skip Interstate 55 and spend an extra half-hour cruising Illinois 111 south to Alton, a great bet for a day trip 90

Summerguide Big Events

Festivals, fairs and fun in central Illinois

Old Capitol Farmers Market8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 27 Lamb from Knob Hill Livestock Co. in Petersburg, Amish bakery goods from The Homestead Bakery in Arthur, pecan

Summerguide 2011

Big Summer Events Excursions Benton and the Shawnee National Forest St. James Farm Activities Theater Children Illinois wine Sports Ultimate Frisbee Sw

Bike and run for fitness and fun

See the city with pedal power and foot force

There’s no better way to blow off steam and stay in shape than running or biking this fair city. And whether you need a little help working the winter kinks out of your joints, or you’re s

Raise a glass to nearby winemaking

More than 100 years ago, Illinois was the fourth largest wine-producing state in the nation. Now the Treasury Department holds Illinois responsible for just 72,000 of the more than 41 million gallons

Walking with ghosts

Along the Potawatomi Trail of Death

Untitled Document “We soon found ourselves on the grand prairies of Illinois, under a burning sun and without shade from one camp to another. They are vast as the ocean, an

Burning up the screen

Summer’s flicks include a fighting panda, girls in pants, and one very angry green man

Untitled Document Some of the big sequel guns (Indiana Jones, Narnia) had their releases in May, but plenty of action is left for the more traditional summer months.

Hot time in the city

Springfield announces lineup of summer music festivals

Untitled Document Music fans don’t want to hear this reporter wax ecstatic about Loretta Lynn’s classic coo (she’s scheduled to play Sangamon Audit

Test your limits

Find out how far and how fast you can go in area’s competitive runs and walks

Untitled Document If anyone marks the end of winter’s chill and spring’s fickleness with glee, it’s the capital city’s walkers and runners. They stream ou

It’s cool to be in school

Use summertime to learn something new

Untitled Document It’s funny how we spend our youths feverishly anticipating the end of the school year — and the completion of our educational careers — so we