#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!

#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

#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/

#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

#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/

#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

#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

#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

#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

Updates and what not.

Hey readers!

Well, have had some adventures with this blog already. This includes a hiatus because of tech problems, performances and of course going out and doing a good portion of the things I list. But don't worry, I have plenty to put on this site, I just have to find the time to do it.

Also, I'm going to go back and add click-able links to some of the pages so you don't have to cut and paste into the browser! Plus, more tips and adding "Date Worthy" to some of the pages. I know, you're welcome.

But keep reading and keep sending me ideas! I'm pretty sure this might go past 365.

#62 Bike Trails

What better work out (other than running) is there than biking? Springfield has a good amount of trails that will keep you moving and some are even away from traffic and more convenient for the bikers.

Want to learn more? http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/hpartners/hpartnerdetail.asp?id=552

#61 Go to a winery

Scattered all over Illinois are wineries that offer tours, samples and much more. Most are a very short drive from Springfield and make for a perfect day trip.

The Central Region offers the closet vineyards and wineries to Springfield.

Do anything from wine tasting, tour properties, attend concerts, have dinner, throw a party or sit in on a Murder Mystery Dinner.

Small/Medium Group Friendly
Alcohol Friendly
Music Venues

Want to learn more? www.illinoiswine.com/

#60 Visit the Apple Barn

GET OUT OF TOWN!!!! (Sort of)

Located at 2290 E. Walnut in Chatham, IL this orchard offers freshly picked produces and goodies made with them.

They offer tours and apple picking when the season calls for it. There are food stuffs and activities during the summer, winter and fall.

The orchard is open from 9 A.M. - 6 P.M. from April until Christmas

Go for the apple butter and try and apple slushie!

Want to learn more? http://www.applebarn.net/

#59 Springfield Runners Club

Established in 1977 this is one of the oldest running clubs in the area. The club offers training and sponsors events for runners in and around the Springfield area.

Races include the Abe's Amble, Frostbite Festival and Lincoln Memorial Half Marathon.

Membership is only $15 for a year and gets you access to the newsletter, races, discounts, socials and more.

CHALLENGE: Join for a year and train for a race!

Want to learn more? http://srrc.net/

#58 Visit the Dana Thomas House

Located at 301 East Lawrence Avenue this was a masterpiece of renovation by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Lawrence family in 1904.

Explore the many floors and decorations of this house. Learn about the history of the family and everyday goings on of the home. Also, learn about the events thrown in the home. There's a little hidden secret to the house, but you have to go on the tour to find out what it is!

There are lots of stairs for the many levels so it's not exactly wheelchair accessible. The stairs aren't exactly a hike, but they would be inconvenient for someone in a cast or has walking problems. However, there is a virtual tour for those that can't walk the home in person.

There is a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children.

The house is open for tours Wednesday-Sunday from 9 A.M-4 P.M.

TIP: Take a restroom break before the tour. It takes about and hour to an hour and a half.

Kid Friendly
Small/Medium Group Friendly
Open Year Round

Want to learn more? http://www.dana-thomas.org/

#57 Get a Slice at Joe Gallina's

Located at 432 E. Monroe street this is a great place to grab a slice downtown.

It's been open for over 20 years. The pizza is served hot and fresh not too long after it's ordered. They feature and array of topping including anchovies!

Not only can you walk in but they deliver! Also, what else goes better with pizza than a great selection of beer or wine?

TIP: They are a little busy during the downtown lunch rush, but they have a great crowd during dinner. Also they have pretty good hours Monday - Thursday 10:30 A.M. - 11 P.M. and Friday and Saturday 11 A.M. to Midnight.

Kid Friendly
Family Friendly
Small/Medium Group Friendly

#56 Visit the Illinois State Museum, Springfield

Located at the corner of Spring and Edward streets, this museum is walking distance from the State Capitol Building.

Visit the main museum in Springfield to view art from in and around Illinois, natural history and interact in the children's area.

Admission is free!!!!! The hours are Monday - Saturday 8:30 A.M.-5:00 P.M. and Sunday Noon-5:00 P.M

Kid Friendly
Medium/Large Group Friendly

Want to learn more? http://www.museum.state.il.us/geninfo/

#55 Krekles

In the mood for something so simple and so spot on? I'm talking hand crafted burgers, fries, chili, ice cream, nothing fancy just awesome eats. You want to go to a Krekles!

The first Krekles was established in Decatur, IL in 1949. Springfield didn't get theirs until 1993. There are about 7 locations throughout Central Illinois.

You can either go inside order and have a seat or you can order outside the window and hang out outside.

TASK: Have a chocolate milkshake and dip your fries in it. (Oh come on just try it for me!)

Small/Medium Group Friendly
Kid Friendly

Want to learn more? http://krekels.weebly.com

SORRY!!!!!!

My computer has been busted for a little bit. When it's up and running I have a TON of post to put on! The fair is in town and I will not only blog about that but alternatives to the fair! See you soon and look out for those updates!!!!!

Where are the photos?

There has been little participation in the Lincoln Photo Challenge, so I'm extending it until August 15. That's one more week!