After visiting the Dana-Thomas House, architecture fans should face east on Lawrence and look up…read more The yellow stone cross visible above the rooftops a few blocks away tops the central spire of Springfield's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The church is situated between the school and convent on one side and the rectory on the other, all executed in the same deep yellow stone. The imposing facade is Greek Revival, and when I walked up the steps in the middle of the day (on a Wednesday), the doors were open. The sanctuary is expansive and as opulently decorated as any of the great churches in Chicago. Marble is everywhere, from the wainscoting, to the niches, to that which frames the icon behind the altar. The stations of the cross are done in mosaic, but the most striking part of the church are the windows. Light floods into the tall, narrow windows showing the vivid colors of the images. Even though services weren't scheduled when I visited, there were several people seated around the church having quiet moments to themselves. More people came in while I was there, so it seems that the church is commonly open, but that visitors should enter quietly and move through the church unobtrusively and respectfully.

Tucked away behind parks and on a long residential road, you'll find this picturesque and secluded…read moreretreat center that abuts lovely Lake Springfield. Let me set your expectations right now. This is not a Hyatt Andaz with luxurious linens and room service, this is also not and no tell motel. At Villa Maria, the rooms are dotingly modest and you will be provided with the necessities; yet you come here for something so much greater than the Illumination of things. Villa Maria has many rooms and all of them have at least two twin/ full-size beds and a desk. The rooms are numbered and all named after a Saint. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom that is very clean and tidy. There is a huge gathering area with very comfortable chairs to listen to lectures, watch videos or participate in group activities. There's even a sanctuary area for those that want to participate in worship/song. The room is handsome yet traditional in a classic Catholic Church design with the most awesome acoustics. I must also say that while this was originally a Catholic retreat - it is also non-denominational. You use the space for what you would like and no one is there thumping bibles or pushing any religion. Villa Maria is a safe space to delve into silence and relaxation. The dining area has several large wood communal tables that parade a perfect view of Lake Springfield. The kitchen staff was excellent and accommodating! We were served with vegetarian meals that were all organic and any processed foods were also organic. It doesn't have to be your thing though, if you choose to use this facility the staff is very accommodating and will prepare meals with meat or whatever suits you and your event. Mere footsteps away, in all its splendor is Lake Springfield. Depending on the time of year you go, The Lake will present the sounds of roaring or calming waters. Grab a buddy, a jacket and stroll along all while enjoying the fresh air and the views! The group I was with had a very special time and experience. You never know how much rest you need until you put away the phones, stop taking selfie's, put down the apps/laptops and phones; and just retreat into yourself and in the magnificence that we are placed in every day that goes unrecognized.

The Islamic center of greater Springfield brings the Muslim community together and more united. For…read moreinstance every Ramadan we serve iftar to break our fast which brings the community together. However there is some stuff it could work on. For example it could work on building more classrooms and building more parking spaces for Eid and Ramadan events.

Very nice building for a conference. Clean and friendly place. Lots of parking. Peaceful…read moreneighborhood.

A beautiful place for a retreat or meeting in a pastoral setting that includes meeting rooms,…read morebeautiful church, and accommodations where you can stay in a hotel-like room and receive three meals a day, all for $95. This is a hidden gem in Springfield. I was there for a quarterly meeting of the marketing and communications division of OSF HealthCare. It was a sunny, gorgeous fall day and if I had had more time, I would have strolled along the beautiful walking paths. I was excited to receive an interesting tour from Program Director Dan Frachey who explained the symbolism behind a wall of stained glass that included Saint Frances and his friend and contemporary Saint Clare who I also knew to be the patron saint of television because in her later years when she could no longer attend mass, she was said to have seen it unfolding on the wall of her bedroom. It was also wonderful to view the small museum that archives the work of the sisters that began in the 1800s. It includes a photo of one of the first open heart surgeries performed in the country and Dan offered a fun tidbit about a nurse in the background who heard a photographer was going to be present and so she came to the surgery room for a "photo bomb." The center is owned and operates by the Hospital Sisters of the order of Saint Francis. We also received a tour of the warehouse and learned about the unbelievable Foundation that runs the sister's Outreach Ministry that now works with hospitals to donate excess medical supplies to some 95 countries around the globe. Fascinating operation that is no small endeavor and it is run with a level of efficiency comparable to a military operation. So, it was quite an experience. Thanks to all who made it happen. I highly recommend staying here if you are simply touring Springfield or looking for a meeting or retreat space. It was a respite from the hectic pace of today's workplace.

Lincoln's church is two blocks down from his house. I understand his pew is here, but the doors…read morewere locked. We saw a plaque and a poem outside.

I have appreciated the beauty of their services & sanctuary for two decades. Even though I belong…read moreto a different faith tradition, I have marvelled at their vibrant community ministry, which has enriched the lives of their neighbors and their neighboring faith communities. These are people who embody in their actions more than creeds can express.