#21 Juneteenth

A little history:

Abraham Lincoln issued the the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862. It was to go into effect January 1, 1863. Juneteenth commemorates June 18 and 19, 1865. June 18 was the day Union General Granger arrived in Galveston, TX to enforce the emancipation of its slaves. On June 19, 1865 it was proclaimed that the slaves were officially free.

The Juneteenth Celebration is located at Comer Cox Park every third Saturday of June. The run time for this event is about 11 am until about 8 pm. Festivities include a parade down M.L. King Drive, games, contest, and food.

Big Group Friendly

Task: Attend and pick up some literature about Juneteenth.

Want to learn more about Juneteenth? http://www.juneteenth.com/

Thanks for the support

I have had an overwhelming response to the article in the State Journal-Register by Dave Bakke
(http://www.sj-r.com/bakke/x148963579/Dave-Bakke-365-things-to-do-in-Springfield)

Since the article I have had dozens of emails with great ideas and things I didn't even know existed in Springfield and surrounding areas.

For the past few days I have been organizing everything everyone has sent to me and I want to put it all in this blog. My hope is that we reach past 365.

Soon I will be issuing challenges, so get your cameras ready! There will be one every season (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring), one at the "end" and a few little ones in between. Prizes will be determined by how many people participate!

Thanks again for the support and send in your ideas no matter how big or small!

#20 Sangamon County Fair

Fair Season has begun!
*GET OUTTA TOWN! (But not too far!)

Located in New Berlin, IL ( Map http://www.sangcofair.com/Map.htm)a little less than 30 minutes away. The Sangamon County Fair is five days of concerts, rides, on site acts and Demolition Derby.

The Cost is about $15 for adults, $5 for the kids, $5 to park.

Big Group Friendly
Kid Friendly
Large Group Friendly
Alcohol Friendly (ID Strictly Enforced)

Task: Catch the Sangamon County Fair Queen Pageant.


Want to learn more? http://www.sangcofair.com/index.htm

#19 Cafe Brio

Located at 524 East Monroe Street this is a fusion restaurant that features an eclectic menu. The exterior is brightly colored compared to its surroundings so it's pretty hard to miss. It is a very intimate setting that's pretty good for afternoon meetings and dates later in the evenings. *A Tip: if you can't handle spicy food, ask if a dish is spicy before ordering. Some are surprisingly spicy.

Small/Medium Group Friendly
Date Friendly
Alcohol Friendly

Task: Have one of their many flavors of margaritas.

#18 The Black Sheep Cafe

Located at 1320 S 11th this is an all ages music venue. The venue showcases PG 13 friendly bands on the weekends. Because they shows are for all ages, there is no alcohol served and no smoking allowed in the venue. Parents are even welcomed to come and hang out if worried about their children.

All Ages (teenager) Friendly
Music Venue
Medium/Large Group Friendly

Task: Go and enjoy the show!

Want to learn more? http://www.myspace.com/blacksheepcafe

#17 Leann's Parkway Cafe

Located at 2715 N. Dirksen Parkway this restaurant serves inexpensive comfort food such as meatloaf and open face roast beef. There is always a daily special and it's also a great place to find some real sweet tea.

Big Group Friendly
Kid Friendly

Task: Have The Ox. It's a pound of beef. Can you handle it?

Want to learn more? http://www.eatparkway.com/

#16 Stella Blue

Located on the 2nd floor of 221 South 5th Street, Stella Blue is a cocktail and martini bar with an energetic vibe. There is never a cover and usually a DJ spinning something everyone can enjoy. The bar has pretty knowledgeable bartenders and is one of the few places to go until 3 a.m.

This beautiful bar can also be used for private events.

Big Group Friendly
Bar Hop Friendly
Music Venue

Task: After climbing the steps enjoy one of the house cocktails

Want to learn more? http://www.sebastianshideout.com/food-index2.html

#15 Norb Andy's Tabarin

Located at 518 E. Capitol Ave., Norb's is not that new to Springfield. It was however closed for about three years. Before that the basement had lived many lives.

This is the only bar located on Capitol Avenue, but don't feel like you have to look for it. The door is always open and there is always music. Either regulars singing or open mic nights on Mondays.

Small/Medium Group Friendly
Bar Hop Friendly
Music Venue

Task: Have a pint!

Want to know more about the history? http://www.sj-r.com/news/x536353687/Few-changes-seen-in-new-Norb-Andys

*There will be construction going on all summer in front of Norb's. However it is still open and worth the walk through construction.

#14 Cafe Moxo

Located at 411 East Adams, Cafe Moxo is pretty new to downtown. This cafe features a breakfast, lunch and coffee menu. They also cater and have specialty baked goods.

Many of the sandwiches have fun names such as Cinco No Mayo and Shawnee.

Kid Friendly
Big Group Friendly

Task: Try to create your own sandwich.

#13 Remy's on Monroe

Located at 225 E Monroe St, this downtown Jazz and cocktail bar has the perfect after-work kick-back-and-relax atmosphere. The hand painted interior and low lights and laid back mood is a little different than most bars downtown.

Most weekends a live jazz artist or band is featured. Sometimes there is a cover but it less than most larger cities would charge for a night of great jazz!

The space can also be used for private parties and events.

Date/Small Group Friendly
Alcohol Friendly
Music Venue

Task: Have a martini and listen to some jazz!

Want to learn more? http://remysjazz.wordpress.com/about/