The Best of Jacksonville Awards
The Source
Springfield’s Illinois Times’ most awaited issue is their “Best of Springfield” feature, and our own Journal Courier holds an annual “Reader’s Choice,” that’s enjoyed by many. So far I’ve not seen a similar awards issue from The Source, and I certainly don’t speak for the newspaper, but in case anyone is interested in my occasional-visitor observations I’ll toss out a few idea for “Best of Jacksonville” as the year winds down to the nub end of 2014. BEST NEW FEATURE: The opening of the downtown square’s south side. Now we are complete! Last month the vintage convertibles broke the ribbon barrier and Jacksonville once again became what it was. . . a genuine town square with exits in each direction. The only downside goes to any forgetful Lincoln Land student who steps out the side door. BEST NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENT: County Market’s acquisition of a small army of cute little mini shopping carts. If you’ve not seen them, they’re worth the trip. No more pushing a boxcar on wheels around the grocery store when you have these little rascals to use. They can take corners on two wheels and you no longer have to fear the intersection of coffee and frozen meat without a half-mile of shopping cart sticking out in front of you. Sometimes I stop to push one around when I don’t even need groceries. BEST PLACE TO DRINK A CUP OF COFFEE: Norma’s Café just off the square because the cups don’t match. I love it. Just like Grandma’s house. BEST ADDITION TO THE DRINKING SCENE: The downtown area now has three espresso machines! Schiraz, SafeCo Coffee Shop, and The Soap Company Coffee Shope all feature espresso. You can define heaven how you like, my pearly gates quiver and shake to the hum of an espresso machine. If I missed one, not only forgive me but tell me where it is! BEST SOUP: Heck, I’ve not tried them all, but Annabel Lee’s is still in my beard. De-lish! MOST FRIENDLY HOST: If you’ve been lucky enough to step into Hardee’s when the manager is behind the counter you’ll have learned how to treat a customer. BEST NEW DOWNTOWN VENUE: Okay, I’m a bit prejudiced because I’ve done shows there, but Rich and Laurie McCoy’s Playhouse on the Square is a wonderful and welcome addition to our area and another reason why we have a leg up on most communities when it comes to quality of life. What could be more pleasant than to browse a bit at Our Town Books, then step next door and see live theatre? BEST DARNED IDEA: The New Directions Center at Grace Methodist. Yeah, that’s putting feet on Christ’s message. BEST SALAD DRESSING: Lonzo’s may change hands, but the recipe continues to float to the top of the local lists. BEST REASON TO EAT IN JACKSONVILLE: Look at the choices we now have downtown! Wowsers! Go ahead and spend an hour driving to Springfield, finding a parking space, then taking a number to wait. Meanwhile I’ll be finishing up one of the many places on the square or within a block or two. BEST RETURN TO THE WAY WE WERE: To once again hear the voice of Ron Tendick broadcasting games on WLDS/WEAI. BEST REASON TO DOUBT STATE GOVERNMENT: Drive by the abandoned Jacksonville Developmental Center. BEST TOPLESS BAR: I’m not sure, but I think you have to go to Peoria. BEST PLACE TO WATCH A BASEBALL GAME AT LENZ FIELD WHEN IT’S OVER 100 DEGREES IN THE SHADE: On the bed of Dr. Prabhakar’s #2 examination room. You have to lean over a bit and hold tightly to your sheet. The nurses can sneak up on you. BEST CHEESEBURGER IN JACKSONVILLE: There’s no such thing as a bad cheeseburger. BEST PLACE TO GET A HAIRCUT: How in the heck should I know?