Springfield, IL 365

365 things to do in and around Springfield, IL. That's 1 thing a day for a year. And you thought you were bored!

Saturday, July 31, 2010

#51 Lincoln Photo Challenge!

Here is the first photo challenge everyone!

I plan on having about 5 photo challenges within the 365. There's never an entry fee and you have to live in or within 45 miles of Springfield to enter and win. There will be prizes and they will have to do with Springfield and the theme of the contest.

These are the rules
:
~10 Photos with "Lincoln" as you subject
~No NUDITY!!!!
~No obscenities
~Please submit your own photos and not ones that you have seen
~Effects are allowed but no retouches

To enter:
Submit photos via Flickr™, use your Yahoo!® ID to login to www.flickr.com. If you don't have an account, sign-up for free at www.flickr.com. Flickr™ and Yahoo!® are trademarks of Yahoo, Inc. After logging in, upload photos using the tools provided. If you aren't already a member of The Springfield 365 group on Flickr™( http://www.flickr.com/groups/spi365/), join by clicking "Join this Group?" on the group's homepage.

Browse to the image you want to submit, hit "Send to Group" and add images to Springfield 365 photo pool. Once added to the group, tag each photo with "LIN2010". If you don't upload your photo to Springfield 365 group on Flickr™, or do not tag your photo with a tag, it wont be considered for the challenge.

The best individual photo and best set will win a Springfield themed prize. And will also be featured on the blog!

The end date will be August 8 at midnight giving you all about week to take your best pics! The winners will be announced August 9 midnight

I think even I will get in on this and let everyone see my pictures!

Friday, July 30, 2010

#50 Go to a Sliders Game


The Springfield Sliders are a summer baseball team. Their home field is Robin Roberts Field at Lanphier Park.

This is a great setting to get the family or just to enjoy baseball locally without going all the way to St. Louis or Chicago.

Enjoy promotions, food, and pretty inexpensive ticket prices are more than enough to watch these homegrown games.

Small/Medium Group Friendly
Kid Friendly
Beer Friendly
Music

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

#49 Find Lincolns Family Pew

The Lincoln family purchased a pew in the First Presbyterian Church. The church is located at 321 S. 7th St.

You can easily spot the pew with a number 20 on the side and flags.

There is also a guided tour of the church from June to September 10 am until 4 pm.

Small/Medium Group Friendly
Older Kid Friendly

Want to learn more? http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/hpartners/hpartnerdetail.asp?id=41

Thursday, July 29, 2010

#48 Architectural Walking Tour

These tours happen every Wednesday from June to October.

This is a free tour!

The tour begins at 5:30 pm in front of Lincoln-Herndon Law Office located at Old State Capitol Plaza.

Observers take a 90 min. walking tour and learn interesting fact about some of Springfield's buildings.

Small/ Medium Group Friendly
Kid Friendly

Want to learn more? http://www.downtownspringfield.org/tours.htm

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

#47 Springfield Walking tours

Get up close and personalt with historic Springfield by participating on one of these walking tours.
Tours that are offered are:

SPRINGFIELD WALKS TOURS

Lincoln's Ghost Walk: Legends and Lore

The Haunted Dead Walk

Weird, True and Scandalous Walk

Springfield's 1908 Race Riot Walk

Springfield Trilogy Talk

From the Springfield walks website

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

Sunday, July 25, 2010

#46 Visit the Lauterbach Muffler Man


Another can't miss feature of the West side. Located not far from our friend "Pinkie" lives the Lauterbach Muffler Man.

Once upon a time this giant held a tire. Now he sports an American flag.

He had a mishap in 2006 when massive winds and tornadoes knocked his head right off his shoulders. Luckily, his head was found and now he sports Frankenstein like bolts coming out of his neck.

Task: Why do you pose with this jolly giant!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

#45 Garage Sales

Want to spend a day exploring Springfield and finding treasures along the way? Well go to garage sale. Local papers feature sales every weekend during good weather.

If you don't want to scourer the paper looking for sales, then just drive around until you see signs. Watch out for neighborhood sales, then you can just park your care and walk around!

TIPS:
~Have small bills and change ready. Its not very convenient when you by a 50 cent Hummle and they have to break a $20.
~Start early during the day (8am ish) so you can get first picks.
~Hit sales late for the best deals (1 or 2 ish)
~Bring water, stay hydrated.
~Bring your own reusable bag

Friday, July 23, 2010

#44 Horseback Riding at Riverside Stables

Located at 2310 Chinchilla Lane, these stables offer boarding for horses and lessons.

Visitors can rent a horse and ride the trails. Sessions last for an hour and are by appointment only.

They also offer riding lessons. The lessons are even offered year round.

Kid Friendly
Small/Medium Group Friendly

Want to learn more? http://www.riversidestable.com/index.html

Thursday, July 22, 2010

#43 Star Gazing

Pick a great spot and just look up at the stars. As long as its a cloudless day and there isn't much light coming from buildings, it's not hard to see star in general.

You can go deeper and use a telescope to look for specific starts and constellations.

Different ones can be seen during different times of night and of the year.

Want to learn more? http://stardate.org/nightsky/

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

#42 Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices

Located at 6th and Adams Street, this is one of the last building Lincoln practiced law and later William Herndon.
Visit and explore the offices and watch an informative video!

Small/Medium Group Friendly
Kid Friendly

Want to learn more? http://www.state.il.us/hpa/hs/lincoln_herndon.htm

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

#41 Snow Cones


What better way to celebrate hot weather than a snow cone!

There are many little stands all around Springfield that are open for this seasonal treat. If you are lucky enough to live walking distance from one, GO!

Kid Friendly
Small Group Friendly

Monday, July 19, 2010

#40 Visit Union Station


Located at 212 N. 6th St (Also known as Union Square Park) this historic structure is practically a one stop shop for attractions in and around Springfield.

This was once the location of town's train station. It was also a predominate part of Springfield skyline with it's three story tall clock tower.

Within Union Square Park many events have been held including Civil War reenactments and parties.

Explore the interior and see the station that many frequented from the late 1800's to the 1970's.

Kid Friendly
Med/Large Group Friendly

Task: Enter and find a random activity to do within 50 miles of Springfield.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

#39 Make a Vegetarian Vegan or Raw Food meal

Remember all that great stuff you got at the farmers market? Better yet, remember all those veggies that are just sitting in the fridge? Well lets put them to a healthy use! Create a vegetarian, vegan or raw food meal for yourself or your family.

Vegetarian:
Function: adj
1 : of or relating to vegetarians
2 : consisting wholly of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and sometimes eggs or dairy products vegetarian diet>
from dictionary.com


Recipes:
Double Tomato Bruscetta
Spicy Eggplant
Sweet Potato Casserole

Vegan:

–noun
a vegetarian who omits all animal products from the diet.
from dictionary.com


Recipes:
Spinach Artichoke Hummus w/ Roasted Red Peppers
Guacamole
Vegan Cupcakes

Raw:
The raw food diet is a diet based on unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, nuts, dried fruit, and seaweed.

Heating food above 116 degrees F is believed to destroy enzymes in food that can assist in the digestion and absorption of food. Cooking is also thought to diminish the nutritional value and "life force" of food.
from about.com



It's summer and it's pretty hot. There is no need to crank up the stove and make the kitchen hotter!

Recipes:
Raw Brownies
Veggie Casserole
Sunshine salad

Or look online for something you would like!!

Task: Make a vegan dish that other will like!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

#38 Visit the Farmers Market

Located on Adams Street between 5th & 3rd Sts, the market features fresh local produce, baked goods, and more.
The market is open from May until October every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 am until 12:30 pm.
Bring your own bag for convenient carry. Most stands offer their own.

Kid Friendly
Small/Medium Group Friendly
Music Venue

Task: Buy products grown or made within 100 miles of Springfield.

Want to learn more? http://www.downtownspringfield.org/market.htm

Friday, July 16, 2010

#37 Chatham Sweetcorn Fest

Get Out of town! But not too far.

Located at
Chatham Community Park S. Main St., Chatham, IL, this festival features food, kid's activities, demonstrations and more.

Small/Medium Group Friendly
Kid Friendly
Alcohol Friendly
Music Venue

Task: Get some sweetcorn and watch the Cow Chip Throw!
Want to learn more? http://www.chathamjaycees.net/Sweetcorn.htm

Thursday, July 15, 2010

#36 Visit the Lincoln Depot


Located at 10th & Monroe Streets, this is where Abe Lincoln boarded that faithful train and started his journey to Washington. This is also the spot where he gave his Farewell Address to friends and neighbors.

Many don't realize that visitors can go inside and tour the depot.

Small/Large Group Friendly
Kid Friendly

Task: Go to the depot and take a Lincoln picture
.
Want to learn more? http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/hpartners/hpartnerdetail.asp?id=38



Wednesday, July 14, 2010

# 35 Play Putt Putt/Mini Golf

Mini (Putt Putt Golf) is a a scaled down version of the real thing.
It's another great way to get out the house and move around a little.

Places that offer course are:

Knight's Action Park 1700 Recreation Drive
Boulder Creek Fun Park 2400 Hilton Head Drive
Putt Putt Golf Course 1717 Wabash Avenue
Glow Golf (inside White Oaks Mall)

Kid Friendly
Small/Medium Group Friendly
Date Friendly

Task: Try to finish with >36 strokes!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

#34 Get Certified in CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is an important life saving skill. Learning and becoming certified in CPR is not as hard as it seems. Not only can one save a life but can prevent injury if properly trained.
Classes are offered at the Illinois Capital Area Chapter of the Red Cross, The YMCA, and more

Want to learn more?
http://www.il-redcross.org/geteducated/classes.html

Monday, July 12, 2010

#33 Vachel Linsay House

Located at 603 S. 5th St. this is the birthplace and home of Vachel Lindsay.
Lindsay was a poet and artist during the early 1900's. He is best know for poems suchs as "Lincoln Walk at Midnight" which tells of Lincolns ghostly return to his old neighborhood.
Tours are offered year round and guides inform about the life and times of Lindsay, his family and his untimely death.

Small Group Friendly

Task: Visit and learn a VL poem

Want to learn more? http://www.state.il.us/hpa/hs/vachel_lindsay.htm

Sunday, July 11, 2010

#32 Find The Pink Elephant

No, you haven't had one too many

No, you aren't seeing things

Yes, that's exactly what you think it is!

There are some wonderful characters that live in and around Springfield. One of which is The Pink Elephant better known as "Pinkie". It's 12 feet tall, pink and holds a martini glass. You can't miss it!

Task: Find him and take a picture.

Here's a photo with me and Pinkie about 3 years ago!

* I've been asked for hint of where Pinkie lives. Try the west end of town. Pinkie has another friend you will be visiting soon not very far.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

#31 Tast of Downtown Springfield

Located at 5th and Washington, this festival features downtown restaurant fares and local artisans.

The cost is $2 for adults and free for kids under 12 to enter and last from noon until mindnight.

Sample food, listen to music and fee kids activities.

This is another way to have a great time out doors and walk around Springfield's downtown

Small/ Medium Group Friendly
Music Venue
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly

Friday, July 9, 2010

#30 Go Fishing!

Springfield is lucky enough to have a few bodies of water near by. (Lake Springfield and Sangamon River to name a couple)
In Illinois you are required to have a fishing license. A residential fishing license is about $20 (I'm rounding up for tax and convince fee purposes)
CWLP's website provides rules for fishing in the city limits. For example types of lines that can be used, what kind of fish are in the lake and so on.
But once all the legalities are in place, grab a pole, some bait, some mosquito repellent and have fun!

Small Group Friendly
Kid Friendly


Task: Try to catch a blue gill!

Want to learn more?
http://www.takemefishing.org/fishing/license/location/state/IL?gclid=CKy5o5it16ICFRAMDQodbj8Xvw

http://www.cwlp.com/Lake_Springfield/Water_sports/fishing/fishing.htm

http://www.cwlp.com/Lake_Springfield/Water_sports/fishing/fishing_rules.htm

Thursday, July 8, 2010

#29 Washington Park

Located on the west end of Springfield, this 150 acre park contains:
12 tennis courts, paddle tennis courts, and a pro-shop. To the west is a large playground and a large pavilion with ADA accessible restrooms. Historic features within the park include the large, enclosed pavilion, a band pavilion and a lagoon on the park's east side. Toward the park's west side along the Jacksonville Branch Creek is a lower lagoon.
Source SPD website)


This park is great for runners, dog walkers, picnicers (hmmmm I don't think that's a real word), photographers, or to just stand around and feed the ducks!
One can host anything from birthday parties, graduation parties, weddings, or photo shoots on these grounds.

Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Medium/Large Group Friendly
Music Venue


Want to learn more? http://www.springfieldparks.org/parks/washington.asp

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

#28 The Muni

Located at 815 East Lake Drive, this is Springfield's outdoor theater and boast one of the largest community theaters in the Midwest.
Every summer it features about four productions for audiences to enjoy throughout season.
Seating is either reserved or lawn, however there isn't really a bad view of the stage.
If acting isn't your thing they gladly take volunteers for anything from makeup, costumes, lighting, even clean up.

Small/Medium Group Friendly
Kid Friendly

Want to learn more? http://www.themuni.org/index.html

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

#27 Knights Action Park

Located at 1700 Knights Recreation Drive this is Springfield's own little amusement park. There's batting cages, bumper boats, wave pool, water slides and more.
Make sure you visit the golf range that's been open since 1952. It's open year round to practice that swing!
The park also has food available for purchase making KAP and all day experiences.
This is also a birthday venue if you want to have a party somewhere fun and exciting.

Kid Friendly
Medium/Large Group Friendly

Task:Spend the ENTIRE day at the park. Can you handle it?

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

Monday, July 5, 2010

#26 Open Mic Nights

Don't confuse this with Karaoke!
Singers and songwriters hit the stages in the bars, taverns and restaurants of Springfield, to show off their craft and get some constructive criticism from other musical movers and shakers in town.
Springfield has it's very own music scene sprinkled all over the town and it's surrounding areas. The best say to see examples of this are open mic nights.
These are evenings where artist play for the patrons. Some establishments that host open mic nights are Marley's (Monday nights) Norb Andy's (Monday nights) Bar None (Tuesday nights)
So ask your favorite watering hole if they host an open mic night, or stumbling in somewhere on a weeknight and be entertained.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

#25 Watch The Fireworks... and then some


It's the 4th of July. I'm sure many of you have been cooking out, or cooking in, visiting relatives, going on tours with relatives that are visiting, or avoiding all of it all together!

If you want all the excitement of the 4th head downtown for the Capitol City Celebrations! Located downtown (2nd and Capitol, 5th and Capitol, 2nd and Monroe)the party kicks off at noon.
Kids, there are some free kids activities downtown that day. Grown ups eat, drink, be marry and keep it together long enough to watch firework later that night!

Firework start at about 9:30

Kid Friendly
Big Group Friendly
Alcohol Friendly
Music Venue

Want to learn more? http://www.springfieldjaycees.org/capitol.htm

Saturday, July 3, 2010

#24 Head West Sub Stop


This place has 3 locations but they deliver. Good ingredient and large portions, these sub shops are worth a second look.
Their menu features something for meat eaters (Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef), to vegetarians (hummus loaded with veggies) and in between. They also Feature soups and salads.

Small/Med Group Friendly
Kid Friendly

Try the sweet bread with your sandwich.

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

Friday, July 2, 2010

#23 Lincoln Library

Located at 326 South 7th St (Main Branch)Lincoln Library system is home to many books for use in and around Springfield. But there aren't just books in the library. There's also audio and visual research aides.
The main branch also features conference rooms, classes and story time for children.
Don't forget to keep quiet :)

Small/Med. Group Friendly
Kid Friendly

Task: (A) Get your very own Library Card. If you have one already, check out a book on a subject you know nothing about!

Want to learn more? http://www.lincolnlibrary.info/

Thursday, July 1, 2010

#22 Lincolns Tomb


Located at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave, this is the final resting place of Abe Lincoln and his family minus his son Robert.
The tomb is open for most of the year for tours and special events.
Take the guided tour and here about tomb structures and grave robbers.

Medium/ Large Group Friendly
Kid Friendly

Task: Rub Lincoln's nose

Want to learn more? http://www.state.il.us/hpa/hs/lincoln_tomb.htm