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, February 12, 2011

#71 Sledding

In the winter months there is more than enough snow fall for sledding. Springfield has enough hilly areas to sled. Also, there are enough places that host sledding to keep it safe. Two of the best place to go are Centennial Park and Pasfield Golf Course.
Springfield Parks website offer these safety tips:

  • Only sled within the designated sledding areas listed above
  • Make sure children wear a helmet
  • Dress warm (hats, gloves, boots...)
  • Be courteous of other sledders.
  • Stay off of frozen ponds and creeks
  • Only sled with a responsible adult
  • Never sled alone
  • Never sled after dark
    And above all... have fun!

    Friday, February 11, 2011

    #70 Springfield Jr. Blues

    Springfield has its very own hockey team that is part of the North American Hockey League. The season last from September until March. They play their home games at The Nelson Center in Lincoln Park.

    Enjoy a fast pace game of hockey. Make sure to buy a snack and a beer.

    Tickets are affordable at under $10.

    Kid Friendly
    Beer Friendly
    Med/Small Group Friendly

    Want to learn more? http://springfieldjrblues.pointstreaksites.com/view/springfieldjrblues/home

    Thursday, February 10, 2011

    #69 D'Arcy's Pint

    Located at 661 W. Standford Ave. this place has been open since 1998 and boast the best horseshoes in Springfield.

    If you're not enjoying a horseshoe, then head to the bar and enjoy the Irish decor.

    This place fills up fast and does not take reservations. But the food is worth the wait. They are not open on Sunday's.

    TIPS: Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest. If you've never been try going during the week and as early as possible.

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

    Wednesday, February 9, 2011

    #68 Old State Capitol

    Located at Old State Capitol Plaza, near 6th & Adams Sts was once the daily work place of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.

    Visitor can take a guided tour or look around on your own. The building also host special events that are open to the public.

    This location is walking distance from many other sites and restaurants around downtown.

    Want to learn more? http://www.oldstatecapitol.org/osc.htm

    Tuesday, February 8, 2011

    #67 Trivia Night

    Are you one of those people who has a ton of useful and useless knowledge, yet you have no outlet for it? Try Springfield Trivia. The site let's the viewer know up coming trivia nights in the area. Not only that, but there are trivia challenge on the website.

    Not only is there a list of events, but there are teams searching for players and individuals who want to start a team.

    Teams are usually 5-10 people and cost is on average $10 a person. The prizes depend on the event!

    So get a team together, check the schedule.

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

    Monday, February 7, 2011

    #66 Boys High School Basketball City Tournament

    Held very January, The Boys Basketball City Tournament features Springfield High School, Southeast High School, Lanphier High School and Sacred Heart- Griffin. It takes place in The Prarie Capital Convention Center downtown.

    This is a 3 night tournament and each night 2 games are played. This is a great way to not only see up and coming players but to see the school spirit from the students. If you are from Springfield, it's fun to watch as an alum. If you're not from Springfield it's a great spectacle within its self.

    The cost is usually low. Usually it ranges anywhere from 5-7 dollars. Also, help out your old school and bring some can goods to help with the Spirit of Giving Award.

    The tournament is now somewhere in its 60's and is a Springfield tradition.

    TIP: Park somewhere downtown early, have dinner and walk to the PCCC. There will more than likely be little parking.

    Kid Friendly
    Med/Large Group Friendly

    Tuesday, January 11, 2011

    #65 Holy Land Diner

    Located at 107 W Cook St. in the historic Vinegar Hill Mall. It's also walking distance from the Capital building, The State Museum

    This restaurant boast a vegetarian buffet, Middle Eastern and Greek foods.

    They even have a Greek Horseshoe! It's a great place to get away from the Midwest meat and potato kind of meal. Try some hummus, falafel or baklavah

    Holy Land Diner is open during lunch hours Mon-Thurs 11am to 2pm and Friday 5pm to 9pm.

    Kid Friendly
    Small Group Friendly
    Date Night

    Monday, January 10, 2011

    #64 Browse the Elf Shelf

    Located at 413 East Adams St., the Elf Shelf Books & Music houses hundreds of new and used book, records, movies and more. The prices are low so you can stock up on books and movies for the lazy days. It's well organized and set up for convenient browsing.

    The location is walking distance from a number of downtown business. If you can't make it there during the week, they are open until 3 p.m. on Saturday.

    Kid Friendly
    Small/Medium Group Friendly

    Sunday, January 9, 2011

    #63 Volunteer with Catholic Charities

    Located at 1625 W. Washington St.

    If you want to give back to your community, what better way than giving your time to Catholic Charities. They offer services such as The St. John's Breadline, St. Clare's Health Clinic or Holy Food Pantry.

    This is useful for those that have groups that need community service hours or get a different perspective on Springfield and its residence.

    Want to learn more? http://cc.dio.org/area_offices/springfield/volunteer.htm