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 avail able

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.