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

Isaac Ellwood, Illinois king of the barbed wire

Most of us know the song “Don’t fence me in.” For those in the late 1800s who owned cattle, fencing them in was part of the ever shrinking range mentality and the “stay in your

Visit Missouri’s Hermann and Hannibal for river lore

For a river adventure with a bit of history, fiction and mystery, take a weekend and hit two Missouri landmarks, Hermann and Hannibal. Start with the farthest point and head for Hermann,

Things will be great when you’re downtown . . . Chicago

Remember Petula Clark? She used to sing, “The lights are much brighter there, You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares. So go downtown, things’ll be great when y

Hollywood close to home

For a winter adventure, visit movie sites in southern Illinois

Tired of the same ol’, same ol’? If so, maybe it is time to rev up your holidays with a bit of Hollywood glamour, southern Illinois style. Southernmost Illinois has a few conne

Ripple effect

Add the recent floods to factors driving up food prices

Maybe it’s time to consider going vegetarian. The recent Midwestern floods, on top of cool, rainy weather earlier this year, are sure to push meat prices higher, Ill

Visiting outdoor Chicago

Turn a weekend trip into memories for your children

Untitled Document Once the school bell has rung for the last time, parents are ready to schedule a little summer fun for the family. Try a weekend in Chicago, where it’s ea

Home for heroes

You don’t have to be Superman to enjoy Metropolis

Untitled Document Do you have a little one who loves to tie on a cape and play Superman? If so, head south to Metropolis for the 30th annual Superman Celebration, which will be h

Old iron

Farmers relieve the ‘50s in Rantoul

Untitled Document Andy Shireman of Chapin came to the biennial Half Century of Progress ready for field work.      The event, held in Rantoul, was a lead-u

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