in this issue: October-November 2017

features A Place in TimeDecatur’s history is full of noteworthy moments that we explore in this issue. Stories about how Cheap Charley’s influence affected our landmark Transfer House or the legacy of fly swatter inventor Robert R. Montgomery – two men who made their mark on our community in lasting ways. Cover Illustration by Tronnie […]
Decatur Celebration Announces New Wine and Craft Beer Garden

Now in its seventh year, wine enthusiasts have found their home at Decatur Celebration. This year, organizers are kicking it up a notch by adding craft beer offerings and expanding the garden to a new location. The new location in Plaza Park at William & Water will continue to offer a relaxing bistro atmosphere with […]
The Godfather of Street Art Makes his Mark on Decatur

Renowned international artist Ron English came home to Decatur to create “Elefanka Trunk,” his original character painted on the side of Ken’s Aquarium and Pet Supply at 730 E. Cerro Gordo. Part of the Decatur Area Arts Council’s Mural Project, English and Team POPaganda finished the fourth mural in the series in mid-July. The murals […]
Here & There – Boulder, CO

Boulder, Colorado Located 25 miles north of Denver, Boulder is surrounded by mountains to the west and thousands of acres of protected open space to the east. A choice destination for outdoor enthusiasts and home to the main campus of the University of Colorado, Boulder is also a magnet for small business start-ups, ranking in […]
Calendar – August / September 2017

August/ September 2017 Art Concerts & Live Music Comedy & TheatreHistory & Museums Nature & Gardens Events for Children & Families Sports, Health & Fitness Festivals & Expositions Special Events Charity Datebook ART Decatur Airport Exhibit – August Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery. Featuring Mike Delaney’s works, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509. Library […]
in this issue: August-September 2017

features Room to GrowThe sky’s the limit when a great idea takes root. Whether it’s a new business start-up or a community-wide initiative, when the right ingredients are cultivated…magic happens. Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss Behind Door #4Lifelong local friendships inspired Decatur’s newest craft brewery, opening later this fall with an expansive taproom, loft area, […]
Fun in Soy City

Only in Decatur can you encounter wild animals who escaped from Scovill Zoo in a stolen golf cart or throw a party in a converted grain bin. Overlook Adventure Park promises a good time with 36-holes of mini-golf, a new Sky Trail Ropes Course and the GSI Party Bin – the perfect place to bring […]
Live Music Mecca

An unprecedented number of outdoor concerts are scheduled in Decatur this summer – over 50 are on the event calendar. Local and regional bands will take the stage to play country, southern rock, funk, bluegrass and more, bringing live music to every corner of our city. Did your favorite band make the list? Decatur Magazine […]
Here & There – Chicago

Chicago, Illinois Decatur residents who enjoy a low cost of living, short commute times and a convenient, central location think Chicago is a great place to visit, but they don’t want to live there. A short getaway to the “Windy City” is appealing, since getting there from here is easy – just a three-hour drive […]
Calendar – June / July 2017
June / July 2017 Art Concerts & Live Music Comedy & TheatreHistory & Museums Nature & Gardens Events for Children & Families Sports, Health & Fitness Festivals & Expositions Special Events Charity Datebook ART Decatur Airport Exhibit – JuneDecatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring Annette Russo’s works, airport lobby open hours, […]
in this issue: June-July 2017
features Hello Summer! Laying by the pool and a cold drink within reach, dinner sizzling on the grill and fresh vegetables from the farm, concerts in the park and soft evening breezes. It’s summer in Decatur and life is good… Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss Passport To DecaturA scavenger hunt is a great way to […]
Here & There – 2016 Top Ten Best Small Cities
Every year, Money Magazine publishes its “Best Places To Live” rankings in categories ranging from small towns and young people to work environments and retirement. Cities are evaluated by analyzing 60 key factors including home values, taxes and cost of living, as well as quality of life criteria like air quality and commutes, and earn […]
Happy Endings
Happy Endings Website Links A supplement to the story published in the April/May 2017 issue of Decatur Magazine. Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County: http://hsdmc.org/home.aspx Macon County Animal Control and Care Center: http://www.sheriff-macon-il.us/animal_control.html Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation: http://www.dmcasf.org/adoptable-pets/ Adopt a Greyhound: http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/ REGAP of Illinois: http://regapgreyhounds.org/ AKC Breed-Specific Rescue Groups […]
Calendar – April / May 2017
April / May 2017 Art Concerts & Live Music Comedy & TheatreHistory & Museums Nature & Gardens Events for Children & Families Sports, Health & Fitness Festivals & Expositions Special Events Charity Datebook ART Arts in Education Spring Show – March 31-April 7 Closing Reception – April 7Madden Arts Center, 3rd floor, 125 N. Water St. […]
in this issue: April-May 2017
features Building BlocksWhat would it take to re-build and rejuvenate Decatur’s blighted neighborhoods? The City of Decatur’s revitalization plan, slated to roll out later this spring, proposes incentives for developers and residents. Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss Happy EndingsNo matter how the story starts, adopting a “best friend” from a breed-specific rescue league or local […]
Blues in Central Park Ending
Decatur, Illinois, February 8, 2017 – Decatur Magazine publisher Beth Stringer announced today that the Blues in Central Park concert series will not return this summer. “We’ve had a great run over the past 16 years and have thoroughly enjoyed bringing talented blues musicians to the Central Park stage in downtown Decatur,” said Stringer. “After […]
Party Pix – UCP Miller Lite Barstool Open
UCP Miller Lite Barstool Open – January 14 Recognized as the largest Barstool Open in the country, Decatur’s event is still growing and anticipates raising $100,000 for necessary programs and services. Over 2200 golfers and 51 bars participated this year, with 4-man teams testing their putting skills on elaborate holes created at each location. Creative […]
Here & There – Lincoln Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska Located 475 miles northwest of Decatur, Lincoln is the capitol of Nebraska and county seat of Lancaster County and home to the Cornhuskers of the University of Nebraska. Government and education are the largest employers followed by the health and service industries, including a growing high-tech sector. The region makes up part of what […]
Calendar – February / March 2017
February / March 2017 Art Concerts & Live Music Comedy & TheatreHistory & Museums Nature & Gardens Events for Children & Families Sports, Health & Fitness Festivals & Expositions Special Events Charity Datebook ART Peace, Love, Posters – through February 24 Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1184 W. Main St. Exhibition viewing M-F 12-5pm […]
in this issue: February-March 2017
features Retail MattersBefore re-locating to Tinley Park, Illinois, former economic development officer Patrick Hoban reflected on Decatur’s progress, as well as the urgent challenge to fill gaps left by retailers exiting for “greener pastures.” Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss Barber’s ChairHaircuts and hot lather straight razor shaves are making a comeback in Decatur, as more […]