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

Summer onstage brings classics and comedies

An abundance of exciting and fun theater takes place on area stages this summer. It is interesting to see how summer theater fare has changed in recent years. In years past, summer theater was all com

The summer of rock

Concerts and festivals from central Illinois to St. Louis to Chicago

We know you audiophiles are mourning. Ameren’s Summer Serenades fizzled out and the Washington Street Jazz Festival is no more, but fear not. There’s still a hundred ways to rock your eard

The 10 top flicks of the season

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, more than 80 different films will be released in North American movie theaters. Some will fly under the radar, with total budgets amounting to less than what’

Explore central Illinois

For a memorable summer, take these day trips close to home

The sun is shining, the sky is blue and it’s time for summer family fun. Pack for a picnic and head out in the car for a fun day under the Illinois sky. Let Illinois Times and a black ribbon of