<![CDATA[Illinois Times - Capital City Visitor 2008/09]]> <![CDATA[Springfield outdoors]]> You’ve been doing a lot of walking, mostly from one historic site to the next. It’s not really the legwork that wears you out — you’ve simply taken in all the details]]> <![CDATA[Quirky museums near Springfield]]> It takes more than a big rock on a ring finger to dazzle the eye — the smaller jewels arranged around it help make an even better impression. So it is with unique museums that surround]]> <![CDATA[Downtown Springfield]]> Springfield was born downtown, before there was a downtown, at the corner of Jefferson and Klein, where the first “permanent” structure was built. With the infusion of visitors ]]> <![CDATA[Something's always happening]]> Here are some Springfield a events to check out. For the most complete list of area events, turn to Illinois Times, the free news and entertainment weekly of Springfield (217-753-2226, ]]> <![CDATA[Just for fun]]> You did the right thing, for sure. You brought them here to learn about history, Lincoln, the Civil War — yadda, yadda, yadda. But kids are kids. And it’s a fact: All Lincoln and]]> <![CDATA[Where to go for live entertainment and fun]]> The entertainment nightlife of Springfield and surrounding communities is diverse and robust. In other words, if you want it, it’s here and it’s excellent. Blues, folk, jazz, roc]]> <![CDATA[Besides Abe...]]> The Air Combat Museum showcases the role of military aviation with an array of aviation memorabilia, including the gun sight from a Messerschmitt 109, and historical aircraft, includ]]> <![CDATA[The center of Illinois art]]> Untitled Document HOOGLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS Now named after the family that nurtured Family Video stores to nationwide prominence, the former Masonic Temple began its new ]]> <![CDATA[Get your kicks on Route 66]]> There’s something about Route 66 that confounds the “more is better” school of thought. It may be Illinois’ biggest tourist draw, yet it’s so small-scale and ]]> <![CDATA[Discovering the man behind the myth]]> Nearly two centuries after his birth, Springfield’s best-known resident remains a revered icon, a leader who bore the weight of destiny to his untimely demise. Born in dire poverty ]]> <![CDATA[A great place to live]]> Springfield and Sangamon County aren’t just great places to visit; they’re also great places to live. The capital city and the nearly two dozen smaller communities located in and]]> <![CDATA[Restaurants to satisfy every craving]]> Untitled Document Springfield offers dozens of places to grab a bite — from hot dogs on a stick to Eurasian bistros. Sure, we have all your favorite chain restaurants, bu]]> <![CDATA[The seat of Illinois government]]> ILLINOIS STATE CAPITOL Construction began on the sixth and current Capitol in 1868 after officials determined that more space was needed for government business. The building too]]> <![CDATA[Welcome to Springfield]]>