About the cover artist
One of her favorite projects was illustrating a book due out in April 2015 that features Lindsay’s poems for children. It will be available at his home. Her art can also be found at FeliciaOlin.com, The Old State Capitol Art Fair, The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space in Spingfield, as well as Horsefeathers in Elkhart.

Abe’s hometown
Two centuries after his birth, Springfield’s bestknown resident remains a revered icon, a leader who bore the weight of destiny to his untimely demise. Born in dire poverty and self-educated, Abraham Lincoln rose to lead our nation during its darkest time.

What the locals do for fun
than 90 species of animals 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 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. and Sun. From November through December and during the month of March, it’s open 10 a.m.

Illinois State Museum
Not to be missed during a visit to Springfield is the Illinois State Museum, just a few blocks west of downtown in the State Capitol complex. People of all ages will enjoy this free museum, which has been called “world-class” and “a gem in its own right.

The capital city
Construction began on the sixth and current Illinois Capitol in 1868 after officials determined that more space was needed for government business. The building took 20 years to complete and cost more than $4.5 million. The first legislative session in the new Capitol was held.

Besides Abe
Anyone looking for a complete parts manual for a World War II Martin B-26 Marauder – or another obscure relic from the aeronautical past – should visit AeroKnow Museum.

Performing Arts
The city’s premier arts venue, the Hoogland Center for the Arts, is a magnet for practitioners and supporters of the arts. Named after the family that nurtured Family Video stores to nationwide prominence, the venue houses 18 different arts organizations.

Guide to galleries
Illinois State Museum Gift Shop, Illinois Artisans Gallery.

Downtown city map
Welcome to Springfield, Ill., home of Lincoln. The map on the opposite page features some of the city’s historic sites and places of interest. Besides visiting individual venue websites, you can access some venue info (and a Bar and Restaurant Directory) via the Illinois Times calendar at www.

The outdoors
This is the perfect place for a quick nature walk without driving out of town. Just off one of Springfield’s busiest streets, Clear Lake Avenue,the sanctuary is a hidden jewel that’s accessible in minutes. Once a mid-19thcentury farm, it’s now a wooded haven for birds and birdwatchers and is owned by the Illinois Audubon Society.

Mother Road
Countless songs, movies, books and TV shows chronicle this section of pavement, but the reality about this piece of history is that touring Route 66 requires as much or as little time and money as you like. The journey costs only the price of gas, and even that can be omitted through use of a bicycle or a walking stick.

Heart of Illinois
Head south for a day of art. At Cedarhurst, they have it all. Located on a 90-acre site, Cedarhurst offers exciting visual and performing arts programs for the public. In the Rolling Meadows enjoy Cedarhurst’s Sculpture Park, an outdoor gallery with more than 60 large-scale sculptures.

The nightlife
The nightlife of Springfield and surrounding communities is diverse and robust. Blues, folk, jazz, rock, country, hiphop, dance music, open mics and karaoke are all well represented on any given night in central Illinois and the capital city. Solid local acts playing original and cover material mix with national touring bands on the road from St.

Bars and clubs directory
Where to find live music & entertainment.

Restaurant directory
Where to go in Springfield when it’s time to eat.

This year’s big events
Oct. 2-3, 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Fri, 1p.m -12 a.m. Sat. BBQ competitors and vendors, local and national blues talent and children’s activities. Fifth and Washington. Downtown Springfield. 544-1723, downtownspringfield.org..

Living here
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 around it offer many attractive reasons for you to make the Land of Lincoln your home..