Things to Do in Champaign, Illinois: A Ten Week Series, Week 10- Explore Downtown
This post is the very last one in my ten-week series of Things to Do in Champaign, Illinois, so I wanted to make it good! As I was looking over my list for the previous 9 weeks, I realized that a major selling point of this area had so far been left out of the series...
And so, last but not least, my number 10 pick for things to do in Champaign, Illinois is to explore downtown! For the sake of those who don't currently live here, I'm going to tell you a little bit about downtown Champaign AND downtown Urbana, as each is unique and has much to offer.
Downtown Urbana has a distinguished small town feel about it. Main Street, which runs straight through the downtown area, is home to a variety of local businesses selling, for example, high-end clothing, used books, art and furniture and other specialties, as well. Of course, no downtown would be complete without the availability of great food. The downtown restaurants include Thai cuisine, southern-style barbecue, American, tapas, and baked goods, and range from casual cafes to elegant full service.
Downtown Champaign is quite a bit larger than downtown Urbana, and therefore, has a little more of a city feel to it...but it's still relatively small and relaxed as far as downtowns go. There's no doubt it offers more of a night life than its neighboring towns. Here you have your pick of respectable bars and restaurants, many of which offer trivia nights, karaoke, live performances and other evening attractions. Of course, there's plenty to see by day, as well. The businesses include local jewelry designers, art galleries, book stores and lots of great little cafes.
The local businesses in both downtowns have huge support from the cities and residents, and these areas are kept meticulously clean and beautiful. Also, over the years there have been several festivals which have become major events around here including the Sweetcorn Festival, Taste of Champaign, Blues & Brews, Downtown Arts Festival, Ebertfest, and many others. It seems there's always a festival coming up just around the corner, and local residents look forward to these events each and every year.
But even when there doesn't seem to be much going on, the downtowns are wonderful places to just walk around and enjoy. There are parks and libraries nearby, or you can simply window-shop and stop in a cafe for coffee and dessert. Our downtowns may be small compared to other, larger cities', but we boast a low crime rate, incredibly clean streets, and small businesses that make you feel right at home. A great way to spend a good part of day is exploring downtown.
Here's the list for all ten weeks of things to do in and around Champaign, IL. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Week 1: University of Illinois Arboretum
Week 2: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Week 3: Krannert Uncorked
Week 4: Farmers Markets
Week 5: Curtis Orchard
Week 6: A Walk in the Park(s)
Week 7: Wine Tasting at Alto Vineyards
Week 8: Tour the University of Illinois
Week 9: The Virginia Theatre
and Week 10: Explore Downtown
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