Partners

Springfield has plenty to do indoors with cultural, culinary and affordable places and events to check out. Amy Beadle with VisitSpringFieldIllinois.com and Chris Wills with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum provide details on why you should consider visiting Illinois’ capital city.

Our state serves as the gateway to an extensive network of trails for snowmobiling in the upper Midwest. Hear from snowmobiling enthusiasts that describe the trail network in Illinois, in surrounding states, and why this family fun, winter sport continues to grow.

From climate-smart farming, to small-town distilleries, to home-state parks worthy of discovery in 2020, which Partners podcast was your favorite? Listen in on segments from the top-five most listened to Partners podcast episodes over the last year, and get these Illinois farm, family and food-related places and events on your to-do list in the new year.

After a wild weather year, Illinois’ new state climatologist Trent Ford, provides an outlook for 2020 and beyond with a group of Illinois farmers from across the state.

After a half-decade of tough economic and weather conditions, some Illinois farmers and others involved in the state’s food and farming sector may need a helping hand when it comes to mental wellness. Hear what Amy Rademaker, rural health and farm safety coordinator, Carle Foundation Hospital, and Josie Rudolphi, Ph.D., assistant professor of agricultural safety and health, University of Illinois, have found across the state. You’ll also hear about a new program in Illinois designed to train individuals in mental health first aid.

Move over Taste of Chicago, Illinois farmers provided a Taste of Illinois featuring fresh food from across our state. Hear from some of the farmers that provided Illinois-grown leafy greens, peaches, bread, beef and a lot more at the event held in Chicago.

An Illinois farm couple converted a classic, old corn crib into an art studio and gallery on their farm, which attracts visitors from town and well beyond. Take an audio tour of this DeKalb County venue, learn how it happened and what it features with Valerie and John Weberpal of rural Sycamore.

Some Illinois farmers describe how they’ve maneuvered through one of the toughest years to farm in recent memory, yet still have much to be thankful for as well. Southern Illinois farmer Richard Guebert Jr., central Illinois farmer David Meiss, and northern Illinois farmer Tammy Halterman also share some of their favorite Thanksgiving memories on their farms.

A former high school on old Route 66 in downstate Illinois has been converted into a family-run destination that attracts visitors from across Illinois and around the world. Meet the owners, Dave Hammond Sr., Dave Hammond Jr., and diner manager Tonia Pickerill to find out why you don’t want to pass up the Pink Elephant not far off of I-55.

You can find sweets in virtually all shapes, sizes and maybe even flavors at the Chocolate Factory near Golconda in the heart of Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest. Find out the back story to the winter Partners magazine article and hear from business owner Linda Meherg, her daughter and co-worker Angela Bailey, story author Kim Hill and video producer Helen Dobbyn Reedy.