Only in Decatur: Haunted Decatur
Celebrating their 25th year of tours in 2018, the Haunted Decatur Tour was created by author Troy Taylor and Avon Theater owner Skip Huston in 1993 and is downstate Illinois’ original ghost tour. It is one of the longest-running in the state and takes a look at the darker side of the city – revealing […]
Calendar – October / November 2018
October / November 2018 ArtConcerts & Live MusicComedy & TheatreHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events Charity Datebook ART Decatur Airport Exhibit – OctoberDecatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 Airport Rd. Featuring the works of Sue Goodpaster, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509. Decatur Public […]
in this issue: October-November 2018
features CornucopiaNowhere else in world is the “horn of plenty” more prevalent than during the fall months in Central Illinois. Warm days and cool nights bring out vibrant autumn colors (cozy sweaters, too!) And, the bounty of the harvest is celebrated at local fairs & festivals and by giving thanks for our blessings. Enjoy! Pilgrim […]
Here & There – Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN Chattanooga, TN is a city located along the Tennessee River near the southeastern corner of Tennessee. With an estimated population of 177,582 in 2017, it is the fourth-largest city in Tennesse. Served by multiple railroads and Interstate highways, Chattanooga is a transit hub. Chattanooga boasts that they have low cost of business, with […]
Calendar – August / September 2018
August / September 2018 ArtConcerts & Live MusicComedy & TheatreHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events Charity Datebook ART Decatur Airport Exhibit – AugustDecatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery. Featuring Rae Nell Spencer’s artworks, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509. Rock Springs Exhibits – August Rock […]
in this issue: August-September 2018
features It’s Showtime!Entertainment is alive in Decatur this season! Whether it’s a small venue or a festival stage, we have a diverse menu of performances that is sure to please people of all ages. We also go behind the music to see what it takes to bring quality acts to our town. BookedWhat does it […]
Only in Decatur: The Bikini Tree
Warm weather has returned to Central Illinois, so residents have been on the lookout for the new painted suit on the tree in Fairview Park…the Bikini Tree, to be exact. Her roots have been traced back almost 60 years, when members of the Decatur High School Class of 1959 painted the first bikini as a […]
Here & There – Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, WI Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has a population of 595,070 and ranks 2nd largest in the Midwest, right behind Chicago. Once known almost exclusively as a brewing and manufacturing powerhouse, Milwaukee has taken steps in recent years to reshape its image with numerous construction projects. In the past decade, […]
Calendar – June / July 2018
? June / July 2018 ArtConcerts & Live MusicComedy & TheatreHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events Charity Datebook ART AFRICA – June 1-July 28Opening Cultural Event – June 1Pre-K African Art Experience – June 30Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Exhibit […]
in this issue: June-July 2018
features Civic PrideThere’s nothing like it in the Midwest – a training center armed with advanced technology and innovative facilities and a hands-on, interactive experience that’s more than a children’s exhibit. With a focus on law enforcement, both centers are creating a magnet for new visitors to Decatur. Elite Training GroundHeralded as a model for […]
Here & There – Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis, Indiana Indianapolis is the nation’s 12th largest city and the capitol of Indiana. As the host of major sporting events and home to several professional sports teams, the Indianapolis 500, and headquarters for the NCAA, Indy has a strong sports history. With a diverse economy based in healthcare, education, insurance and manufacturing, […]
Calendar – April / May 2018
? April / May 2018 Art Concerts & Live Music Comedy & Theatre History & Museums Nature & Gardens Events for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events Charity Datebook ART Decatur Airport Exhibit – AprilDecatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring the works of Beki VanMeter, airport […]
in this issue: April-May 2018
features Good TasteHouse specialties, farm fresh ingredients, creative blends and a comfortable ambiance all come together to create a recipe for success in Decatur. Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss River Boat CookTraveling aboard the Mary Evelyn for 28 days at a stretch along the Mississippi River, longtime resident Cindy Blair commands the kitchen — preparing […]
Calendar – February / March 2018
? February / March 2018 Art Concerts & Live Music Comedy & Theatre History & Museums Nature & Gardens Events for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events Charity Datebook ART Perkinson Exhibit – through February 22 Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1184 W. Main St. Selected works from […]
in this issue: February-March 2018
features Home Sweet HomeInspired by the original cross stitch created by artist Shani Goss, we talked with residents to find out what makes Decatur such a sweet place to live. Whether it’s perks for pampered pets, preserving an historic building or easy access to home improvement professionals, the desire to create our own personal haven […]
The Sugar Plum Ball
by Ruth Siburt This holiday season could go down in Decatur history as one of the most exciting and magical times ever. Fresh on the heels of the Millikin Decatur Symphony Orchestra’s (MDSO) magnificent accompaniment of the “Great Russian Nutcracker” performance comes the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur’s gala Sugar Plum Ball. If you’ve ever […]
in this issue: December-January 2018
features Making MemoriesWhether it’s the perfect gift, a favorite song or a cherished family tradition, those moments of inspiration remind us the joy of the season can be found around every corner of the city. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss Mega ShoppersLongtime downtown retailers Chrissy Spurlock and Vicki McGorray […]
Christmas in the Country
The small towns surrounding Decatur are making plans to host special events for residents and visitors this year. From carriage rides through illuminated landscapes to parades and train rides with Santa Claus, the magic of the holiday season shines throughout Central Illinois. Arthur Breakfast with Santa For the early bird Saturday, December 2, 7 a.m. […]
Castle in the Cornfields
Dedicated in 1930, the Staley building was the vision of A. E. Staley, the man – a grand tribute to the company that reflected the spirit of the institution. Nicknamed the Castle in the Cornfields, the Neo Gothic building was appointed with rich mahogany and marble interiors and soared twelve stories high, topped by a […]
Here & There – Central Illinois
We’re all connected by highways, interstates and the cost of doing business in Illinois. But, each community in the center part of the state has its own distinct personality: Decatur has strength in the agribusiness, research and transportation industries; Springfield in state government and service agencies; Champaign in higher education and technology; and Bloomington in […]