Do you find yourself needing a little R & R on your time off, something to distract you from the concerns at hand? There’s hardly a shortage of ideas in our region to satisfy these requirements. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Hot times call for cool eats! Some of the best ice cream in Illinois is found at Culvers with two locations, 903 W. Marketview and 2302 S. Neil Street in Champaign-Urbana. Cool off with their daily specials, which are always different. They work with 100 recipes including Black Forest, Peanut Butter Cup and Mint Oreo, deliciously made with fresh milk and custard. Customize your cup with anything from fruit to nuts and candy. One to three scoops generally run from $2.00 to $4.00, and they’re worth it!

Let the cool waters of Lake Michigan soothe your body and soul at Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton, Indiana. This destination preserves an important stretch of this Great Lake and includes prime beachfront, miles of hiking trails, picnicking, camping, naturalist-led programs, exhibits in the visitor center and spectacular views of the Indiana dunes. Just a short drive from Chicago, this is an easy and satisfying outdoor weekend retreat.

Cool collections of rare and interesting objects can be easily found at the University of Illinois library. The library’s Special Collections department is home to material the university describes as “rare books, manuscripts, prints, posters, maps, photographs, sound recordings, music scores and instruments to moving images, artworks, coins and other items of historical and cultural importance.” Very cool! 

It doesn’t get much cooler than the hip monthly schedule of events offered by the Madame Walker Theatre Center located at 617 Indiana Avenue in Indianapolis. Considered a leader in central Indiana’s arts and cultural community, the historic Madame C.J. Walker Building is not just for performances, though. There are art exhibitions, films, classes for youth and much more. In June, the roster of activities includes “Jazz on the Avenue,” “West Coast Swing” with dance lessons and “LOA - Laughin on the Avenue.”

Seek out the serene and peacefully meditative Modoc Rock Shelter, a highly stratified archeological site located approximately two miles southeast of Prairie du Rocher near the little village of Modoc in southern Illinois. Nine thousand years ago, Native Americans utilized the Ice Age-created sanctuary, and many civilizations thereafter sought refuge there as well. Some very interesting artifacts were uncovered that confirm this. Discovered in 1951, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.

Maintain your cool and be inspired this month all over Illinois and Indiana.