Get off the tourist track and relax
Haven’t you seen enough sights? How about some fun? Take it from the locals – here are 17 ways to have a good time in the capital city that don’t involve learning anything at all. Just enjoy.
Family friendly entertainment
Wet, wild family fun: Knight’s Action Park Prepare to get wet and wild at Knight’s Action Park. In addition to various pedal boats and water slides – including the four-story “Devil Ray” and the popular Caribbean Water Adventure – this perennial local favorite also offers mini-golf, a driving range, batting cages, laser tag and gokarts. For more information call 217-546-8881 or visit www.knightsactionpark.com The park is just south of I-72, west of I-55. Exit at MacArthur Boulevard and follow the signs to Recreation Drive.
How about a night at the drive-in? Route 66 Drive-in If your schedule includes time after dark you can’t beat a nostalgic family movie night in the car. Route 66 features two screens each showing double features that begin shortly after dusk on the weekends April through October and 7 nights a week between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Generally the first show is kid friendly, the second more for grownups. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for kids 4-12.
The drive-in is located at 1700 Recreation Drive, right next door to Knight’s Action Park. Follow I-72 west of I-55. Exit at MacArthur Boulevard and follow the signs to Recreation Drive. Call 217-698-0066 or visit www.route66drivein.com for movie times and titles.
Accessible fun: Visit Southwind Park Southwind Park is part of the Springfield Park District. This unique 80-acre state-of-the-art park is designed to serve the needs of those with special physical and cognitive needs. There are 2.5 miles of urban trails, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts. The family can walk, stroll or roll up to a fully accessible treeless tree house, enjoy the accessible playground or cast a line into the fishing lake. 4965 S. Second Street, 217-753-0702, www.southwindpark.org/.
Horses, home shows, crafts and more: Illinois State Fairgrounds If you happen to be visiting the capital city between Aug. 10-19, 2012 we recommend the spectacular Illinois State Fair, featuring all the animals, rides, tractors, concerts and attractions you can imagine. But nearly every weekend of the year there is something special happening on the fairgrounds, which is just a couple of miles north of downtown Springfield. Events run the gamut from horse shows, dog and cat shows and a giant flea market, to a weekly farmer’s market (spring through fall) and craft sales. Other weekend long events including a home show, art fair, Ethnic Festival, garden sale and coin show – among many others. If you’re looking for something fun to do on a weekend visit the Department of Agriculture’s calendar of fairground events at www.agr.state.il.us or call 217-782-6661.
Swim or Skate: Nelson Center Pool and Ice-skating Rink In the heart of lushly landscaped Lincoln Park (an excellent place for a run or bike ride) sits Nelson Center, home to a perfectly fun ice rink that features year round public sessions and skate rental. The Nelson Center also has an outdoor pool that is open between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Supervised by professionally trained lifeguard staff, Nelson Center Pool features a twisted flume slide, diving board and separate kiddy pool. For more information about skating or swimming, call the Nelson Center, 217-753-2800 or visit www.springfieldparks.org.
Monkeys and lizards and snakes: Henson Robinson Zoo Just south of town on Lake Springfield, the Henson Robinson Zoo features more than 300 wild creatures from Africa, Asia, Australia and North and South America. From April through October the zoo is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. and Sun. From Nov. through March, it’s open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. most days. Admission is $3.50 for seniors 62 and older, $5 for adults 13-61, $3.25 for children 3-12, and free to kids 2 and under. Parking is free. Food is available, or you can bring your own and have a picnic in the pavilion. For more information, call 217-753-6217 or visit the zoo’s website, www.hensonrobinsonzoo.org.
Did you bring your boat? Visit Lake Springfield Lake Springfield allows canoes, motorboats, pontoons, rowboats and sailboats as well as jet skis. At various points around the lake you’ll find some great parks with picnic shelters, picnic tables, playground equipment and grills. About 15 sport fish species can be caught in Lake Springfield. Fishing is allowed either from boats on the water or from any public portion of the shoreline. There are two posted public fishing areas: at the Dividing Dam and the Sunset View Fishing Area (on East Lake Drive just south of the zoo turnoff). In addition, there is an un-posted fishing pier between East and West Tom Madonia Parks, which is also designed for persons with disabilities.
Lake Springfield Marina rents everything from personal watercraft, pedal boats and canoes to pontoon boats and party barges. Famous for its “Rock the Dock” celebration during the Independence Day weekend, you’ll find food and fun, lots of music and a fireworks display visible (we understand) from Saturn. Beginning May 1, the Marina is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m., seven days a week. For hours before May, call ahead or visit www.lakespringfieldmarina.com, 217-483- 3625. Take exit 88 from Interstate 55 south of Springfield and follow the signs to the marina.
Adult-oriented fun You’re in wine country: Hill Prairie Winery and Walnut Street Winery Close your eyes and you could almost convince yourself you were in Napa Valley. Okay, maybe not, but these two Springfield-area establishments create distinctive wine experiences all their own. Hill Prairie, in Oakford (about 40 minutes northwest of Springfield), offers a wide variety of wines for sale as well as live music every Sunday afternoon and monthly performances of the popular Mystery Theatre. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Rd, Oakford, 62673, www.hillprairiewinery.com 217-635-9900.
Walnut Street Winery, located in Rochester (25 minutes east of Springfield) also has live music along with daily wine tastings featuring their house label, Shanle. Walnut Street Winery, 309 South Walnut St., Rochester, 62563 http://www.walnutstreetwinery.com. 217/498-8619.
Lincoln’s neighborhood brewery: Obed & Isaac’s The historic Booth-Grunendike Mansion has recently been renovated to accommodate this newly minted restaurant and microbrewery. Just a block west of Abe’s house this neighborhood pub is home to eclectic food choices and locally crafted beer, including its own Obed’s Pride amber ale. The establishment is owned and operated by the Conn family, best known for the historic Inn at 835, but Obed & Isaac’s has a flavor all its own. 503 S. 7th St. 217/670-0627.
This dose is easy to take: The Pharmacy The Pharmacy is an evolving artist-run co-op which has already achieved great success across a variety of formats. Member visual artists display their paintings and sculptures at periodic juried gallery shows, but the Pharmacy also presents poetry readings, films, musical performances and other showcases for local talent to strut its stuff. The calendar is ever-changing, but there is always something of interest going on. Visit http://www.thepharmacygallery.com to see what’s happening there now. 401 S. Grand.
It’s a spectacular view: The Pinnacle Club / Nick & Nino’s There may be no better way to take in the Springfield skyline than by enjoying cocktails or a steak dinner at the top of its most prominent feature. Both located on the 30th floor of downtown’s Hilton Springfield, the Pinnacle Club and Nick & Nino’s each offer a panoramic view of the city while providing highend beverages and classic steakhouse dining, respectively. 700 E. Adams St. 217/789-1530.
Sip and sample: Rolling Meadows Brewery Here’s the city’s only other microbrewery located two miles north of Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport on Route 29. Tours are available by appointment only but their beer is readily available on tap in a number of local establishments as well as for sale by the bottle at a variety of liquor stores. 217-899-7239 or 217-725-2492 or visit www.rmbrewery.com.
What day is this?? Third Thursday If you’re in Springfield on the third Thursday of any given month, it’s worth the effort to seek out the Third Thursday art show, which has been happening at various locations since December of 2009. An adventurous mix of professional and amateur artists and craftspeople comes together every four weeks to give Springfield an eyeful of fun and excitement. As much bazaar as art show, there’s never a dull moment on Third Thursday. For information visit www.thirdthursdayartshow.com.
Four music venues not to miss downtown
Downtown Springfield has lots of bars and clubs; it is pretty darn easy to find a live band playing somewhere any night of the week. Four special featured nights deserve an extra shout out:
Every Friday - Jazz: Jazz at Robbie’s every Friday from 5:30-7:30. This gig has gone on for 18 years and benefits the Springfield Area Arts Council. Local jazz groups play, dinner and drinks are available. No cover. Robbie’s is on the South Old State Capitol Plaza next to Lincoln-Herndon Law Office.
Every Sunday - Folk/Country: Local singer-songwriter Tom Irwin and his band play at the Brewhaus. He’s been playing there every week since 1993 and is worth the trip. No cover. 9pm-1am, 617 E. Washington St.
Every Monday - Blues: It’s Blue Monday at the Alamo. The Illinois Central Blues Club has been hosting this evening of live blues for decades – sometimes featuring local groups but often featuring outstanding talent from around the U.S. stopping along the way to a gig in Chicago or St. Louis. $2 cover. Mondays, 8pm- 1am, The Alamo, 115 N. 5th.
Every Tuesday - Hip Hop: It’s Torch Tuesday at Bar None, the downtown rock and roll club turned mecca for local and regional hip-hop talent. The brainchild of former Chicagoan Howard “Torch” Tomas, Torch Tuesday has spirit and attitude to spare. Cover varies. Tuesdays, 9pm-1am, Bar None, 245 S. 5th St.
Illinois Times, the city’s free newsweekly, includes a complete schedule of the week’s live music and cultural events, festivals and such. Look for IT at your hotel, restaurants and tourist stops all over the area and online at www.illinoistimes.com, IT is also availabe on the iPad and iPhone.
