“Go...” listings
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Apple and Pork Festival
Feast on homemade ham and beans, a tender pork chop or ham sandwich, or the countless other pork- and apple-based food options before browsing through hundreds of craft, antique and arts vendors on the homestead grounds and throughout town at this 43-year-old festival. Sept. 24-25. (09/2011)
At C.H. Moore Homestead 219 E Woodlawn St, Clinton
217- 935-6066
chmoorehome...le-pork.htm -
The Rock Restaurant
Owner Said Saliba, whose father owns a restaurant by the same name in Lebanon, brought the best of his heritage to Normal and created a hit with this restaurant. Popular menu items include gyros, falafel and baklava, as well as American burgers and subs for the less adventurous. $ (09/2011)
203 W North St, Normal
309-451-4976
therockrestaurant.net -
Jim’s Steakhouse
Dark wood and a glowing fireplace set the mood for fine dining here and the menu takes it one step further. Try one of Jim’s famous aged steaks, the mouthwatering prime rib or the daily seafood selection. After dinner, relax with a drink at the piano bar. $$$ (09/2011)
2307 E Washington St; Bloomington
309-663-4142
jimssteakhouse.net -
Third Sunday Market
Plan to spend several hours browsing through the antique furniture, sports memorabilia, folk art, jewelry, glassware and other flea market finds at this sprawling indoor/outdoor market with more than 450 dealers from 17 states. (08/2011)
At the Interstate Center 2301 W Market St, Bloomington
217-202-2847
thirdsundaymarket.com -
Comlara Park
Pitch a tent and stay the weekend or just pack a picnic for a day of communing with nature in this rural 2,200-acre park. There are 10-plus miles of wooded trails for hiking and biking, and 900-acre Evergreen Lake—home to Glasener Beach—is stocked with prize largemouth bass. (08/2011)
13001 Recreation Area Dr, Hudson
309-434-6770
mcleancountyil.gov/parks -
Fat Jack’s
Kick back with a stogie in the couch-filled cigar room, chill with a craft beer or specialty cocktail at the main bar or bust a move on the dancefloor to live DJ beats at this hotspot in downtown Bloomington. (08/2011)
511 N Main St, Bloomington
309-821-9222
fatjacksinc.net -
Fabulation
This riches-to-rags tale by Lynn Nottage is about a high-profile career woman who loses her job and returns to the projects where she grew up. Staged by local New Route Theatre company as part of a one-year run—dubbed “Corn Rose Theatre”—where it brings plays-in-the-making and established plays to the intimate setting of artist Herb Eaton’s gallery the second Wednesday of each month. July 13. (08/2011)
At Eaton Studio Gallery 411 N Center St, Bloomington
309- 828-1575
eatonstudiogallery.com -
Joe’s Station House Pizza Pub
Tuck into some fried pickles (dipped in ranch) before devouring into one of Joe’s Special signature-sauce pizzas topped with sausage, green peppers, mushrooms and onions. Wash it down with a craft beer, then finish your meal on a sweet note with a s’mores pizza. $ (08/2011)
305 N Veterans Pkwy, Normal
309-452- 5637
joesstation...izzapub.com -
Illinois State University Horticulture Center
Enjoy all the beauty that early summer in Central Illinois has to offer by strolling among flowers, vegetables and native trees in themed gardens on these 10 acres. If you feel like getting your hands dirty, join the volunteers who maintain the grounds. (06/2011)
W Raab Rd, Normal
309-438-3496
horticultur...isstate.edu -
Grady’s Family Fun Park
Endless fun for all ages abounds here. Warm up at the batting cages, take a ride on a Go-Kart or bumper boat, play miniature golf or spin on a carnival ride. Feeling hungry? Grab a slice of pizza and finish off with a hot-fudge sundae. (06/2011)
1501 Morrissey Dr, Bloomington
309- 662-3332
gradysfunpark.com -
Avanti’s Italian Restaurant
A favorite of Illinois State University students, this casual and affordable restaurant is probably best known for its Gondola sandwiches (essentially Italian submarines), served on delicious, fresh-baked sweet bread. But don’t stop there. Try the pizza, lasagna or Italian beef. $ (06/2011)
407 S Main St, Normal
309-452- 4436
avantisnormal.com -
Lancaster’s Restaurant
The upscale, romantic atmosphere here sets the mood for a perfect evening— and the food takes it over the top. Try calamari or crabcakes for starters, then move on to the game special, surf and turf or steak. Top it off with the famous bananas Foster. $$$ (06/2011)
513 N Main St, Bloomington
309- 827-3333
lancastersrestaurant.com
