Top Things to Do in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
Do
Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Robert Henry Allerton, an avid art collector, filled the gardens of his estate with more than 100 lovingly placed sculptures. allerton.illinois.edu
Cinema Gallery
The theater, built in 1870 as Busey's Opera Hall, now houses pieces from more than 50 local artists working in ceramics, paint and sculpture. cinemagallery.cc
Krannert Art Museum
More than 10,000 works of art are housed here, including ancient Egyptian sculptures and pieces by Andy Warhol. kam.illinois.edu
Market at the Square
Music hums and shoppers browse local goods on Saturday mornings. urbanamarket.org
Spurlock Museum
The mix of art and anthropological artifacts from around the world feels like a miniature of Chicago's Field Museum. spurlock.illinois.edu
University of Illinois Arboretum
At the campus arboretum, flowerbeds bloom in geometric patterns and paths wind throug cherry trees. illinois.edu
Wandell Sculpture Garden
Contemporary sculptures (mostly abstract, geometric and metal) jut out of the prairie grass. urbanaparks.org
Eat and Drink
Black Dog Smoke and Ale House
If you're lucky, you can snag their burnt ends before their daily sell-out. blackdogsmoke.com
The Blind Pig Co.
Try a microbrew under the twinkle lights on the patio. blindpigco.com
Courier Cafe
An on-site garden feeds their salad bar. thecouriercafe.com
Golden Harbor
The menu has over 3,000 dishes and an entire section dedicated to sea cucumber. goldenharboronline.com
Papa Del's Pizza
Pies are slung with puffy crusts and bold sauce here. papadels.com
Seven Saints
Sliders and whiskey are the house specialties, but diners also rave about the salads, soups and desserts (from local bakery Cafe Artist Studio). sevensaintsbar.com
Stay
Illini Union Hotel
Located near the University of Illinois campus, the 72 simple guest rooms have free Wi-Fi and reserved parking. illiniunionhotel.illinois.edu
For more information visitchampaigncounty.org