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Fall Guide

Welcome to your complete Guide to Fall in Springfield and surrounding areas! Think of this page as your hub for everything autumn has to offer—from pumpkin patches, horseback rides, and fall festivals to family-friendly events, local dining, and seasonal activities you won’t want to miss. We’ve gathered the best of the season into one easy-to-use guide so you can plan your weekends and discover hidden gems. Keep checking back—our Fall Guide will be updated throughout the season with fresh stories, new events, and local highlights.

CLICK HERE for trick-or-treat times and haunted houses, or CLICK HERE for local pumpkin patches!

Fall Guide
2 months ago
Fun things happening in November in the Capitol area

More trick-or-treating!

Walking or hiking in the fall.
Local
2 months ago
Go take a walk, or a hike, or a bike ride, or a wheelchair ride for Memorial Health this October

3.25 miles a day of walking X 31 days in October = 100 miles.

STARSHIP will perform Nov. 11 in Springfield as part of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration at Route 66 Motorheads.
Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide
6 months ago
STARSHIP to perform at Springfield Route 66 event

“We Built This City” for a Route 66 celebration.

Thanksgiving dinner
Holiday Guide
12 months ago
8 tips to avoid holiday weight gain this Thanksgiving

You could add up to two pounds to your weight with holiday food.

Small business is big business across much of North America.
Holiday Guide
12 months ago
The many reasons to support Small Business Saturday

Small business is big business across much of North America.

Communities can prepare for the arrival of SBS this holiday season in the following ways.
Holiday Guide
12 months ago
Prepare for Small Business Saturday

Communities can prepare for the arrival of SBS this holiday season in the following ways.

Black Friday
Holiday Guide
12 months ago
Mastering Black Friday shopping

The following tips can help shoppers master Black Friday.

Here's a look at some of the inaccuracies that have been revealed regarding the "First Thanksgiving."
Holiday Guide
12 months ago
Setting Thanksgiving history straight

Here’s a look at some of the inaccuracies that have been revealed regarding the “First Thanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving is consistently one of the busiest travel holidays of the year. In fact, AAA indicates that, in the United States, it may be the most traveled of all the holidays, with record numbers of both drivers and air travelers. In 2024, nearly 80 million Americans were expected to travel over Thanksgiving weekend. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a particularly busy day on the roads, but high volumes continue throughout the weekend. A high demand for travel during this time of year means individuals wanting to see friends or family for Thanksgiving should plan accordingly. These tips, courtesy of AAA and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), can make Thanksgiving travel go more smoothly. · Book flights early. If you are able, secure flights early in the day and use personal time off from work to fly in to a destination at the beginning of the week. The propensity for flights to be delayed or canceled increases as the day and week goes on. An early departure may increase the chances of a flight leaving on time. Also, the TSA reports that the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday after, are the busiest days for Thanksgiving air travel. Choosing an alternative day to fly may mean smaller crowds and less stress. · Consider TSA PreCheck®. TSA PreCheck is a paid program that enables you to get through security lines faster. Interested parties must verify their identities through a third-party service that handles PreCheck applications, and await confirmation of approval. A TSA PreCheck membership lasts for five years. This membership offers consistent time savings at the airport with dedicated PreCheck lanes, and the benefit of keeping items like laptops and liquids in your bag. · Consider traveling by train. If Amtrak services your destination, taking the train may be the least stressful way to travel over Thanksgiving. In addition to not having to navigate roadways or sit in traffic, you won't face security screening like you will at the airport. Once on the train, there is Wi-Fi, nice views and efficient travel. Trips booked in advance are more affordable than booking closer to the holiday. · Pack light. Avoiding the baggage carousel can shave much time off of travel. Plus, there's no risk of luggage getting diverted or not making it to your final destination. A carry-on bag is the way to go for ease, particularly if you must get on a different flight if the original one is delayed or canceled. · Service your car. If road travel is planned for Thanksgiving, make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip. Be up-to-date on oil changes, make sure the tires are properly inflated and double-check your emergency preparedness kit prior to leaving. It also may be a good idea to invest in AAA benefits, which afford extra peace of mind in the event of a breakdown as well as savings on travel-related expenses, such as lodging. · Pack your patience. In addition to your holiday essentials, it is wise to also pack some patience this Thanksgiving travel season. Leave extra time so you're not racing to your destination and can calmly contend with people also looking to get home for the holidays. Thanksgiving means turkey and trimmings, but also millions of people traveling to give thanks alongside those they love.
Holiday Guide
12 months ago
Thanksgiving weekend travel tips

These tips can make Thanksgiving travel go more smoothly.

Blending planning with heartwarming traditions can create a truly memorable Thanksgiving experience.
Holiday Guide
12 months ago
Host a memorable Thanksgiving

Blending planning with heartwarming traditions can create a truly memorable Thanksgiving experience.

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