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Decatur’s Favorite Newsletter

Decatur news, events, and recommendations delivered free every morning.

Decatur, IL
6Events this week
1Free things to do
79New spots
83New stories

● Checked this morning, before the 6 AM send.

This week in Decatur

Four picks from this week's calendar. See all 6 events, day by day →

The Linda Ronstadt Experience

Friday 7pm · Lincoln Square Theater

Intuitive Tarot Reading

Saturday 11am · Decatur Wellness Collective

Boo at the Zoo with Sensory Friendly Hour

Saturday 1pm · Scovill Zoo

Wednesday Night Trivia

Wednesday 7pm · Lincoln Square Lounge · Free

New in Decatur

Places that opened, reopened, or earned a mention this month — the ones we'd go back to.

Fairgrounds Cafe

Restaurants

Your new breakfast HQ: When you need a low-key spot that feeds you well and treats you like family, Fairgrounds Cafe comes through with high-quality food, generous portions, and prices that feel friendly too.

fairgroundscafeil.com ↗

Helen's Corner Thrift Shoppe

Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage

Real western finds: Helen's Corner Thrift Shoppe is Decatur’s spot for authentic western wear, hand-picked shirts and cowboy hats with real character, not fast-fashion fakes.

helenscornerthriftshoppe.com ↗

Main Gate Bar & Grill

Nightlife

Pizza, chicken, horseshoes: When the craving hits, Main Gate Bar & Grill nails the Springfield trifecta with crispy Broaster chicken, saucy pizzas, and legit horseshoes swimming in cheese sauce.

maingatebar.com ↗

Decatur’s best businesses

Every spot worth knowing, in one place.

The restaurants, shops, and services the newsletter recommends, all in one place — every listing checked, and paid pins marked every time.

Browse Decatur’s best →

Most read in Decatur

The five stories Decatur readers clicked most this month, from the daily editions.

  1. Your Trader Joe's wish might be coming true: 30 new stores announced across 16 states

    The California-based Trader Joe's is expanding its national footprint with 30 new stores planned across 16 states, spanning Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington.

    Full story at lehighvalleylive.com ↗

  2. Oglesby Mansion & Mansion To Host October Open House

    The Oglesby Mansion and Museum in Decatur, Georgia, will host its final fall open house on October 25th.

    Full story at decaturtribune.com ↗

  3. Heritage permanently closes Oasis Day and Resource Center in Decatur

    Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur, Ill., has permanently closed its Oasis Day and Resource Center in response to financial issues and increased demand for mental health resources.

    Full story at wandtv.com ↗

  4. This Forgotten Illinois Cemetery Has A Dark Secret That Still Gives Visitors Chills

    The Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, Illinois, has a reputation for its eerie history and eerie stories that have haunted the grounds for years.

    Full story at decorhint.com ↗

  5. WAND’s Happy Tails featuring Rock and Lowell

    WAND's Happy Tails is back to feature animals from the Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation (DMCASF).

    Full story at wandtv.com ↗

Explore Decatur

The rest of what BaseLocal keeps current for the city.

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