Champaign: Best Things to Do
SIGHTSEEING
Walking around at Crystal Lake Park and become one with the pure nature may be the best theme to your visit in Champaign. In this waterside park, you can do many activities which make your body moves such as explore and learn about nature in Anita Purves nature Centre or getting splash by the water in the Family Aquatic Centre. But when you want to have a peaceful time in this park, you may rent a non-motorized boat to enjoy floating in the lake.
Crystal Lake Park
DOWNTOWN
A place which always packed with local and tourists youngster even when the night getting deeper is the definition of Downtown Champaign. In this area, you can easily find cafes which served from the breakfast menu to late-night snacks and also restaurants which offer the real taste of America. In this area, there is also Orpheum Children's Science Museum which almost loved by every kid in town. The children can learn about science in fun interactive educational exhibits.
Orpheum Children's Science Museum
SHOPPING
Urbana's Market at the Square is an open-space market which available in the summer or precisely from May through October. You can experience more than a market in one place because this market not only a meeting point of the seller and buyer but also a local music performer which take a turn to perform in every week. You will find fresh farmer product, cloths, plants, local handicrafts and food stands.
Urbana's Market at the Square
FOOD & DRINK
When you are in Champaign or precisely at Curtis Orchard, you have to try their signature Apple Donut in the Flying Monkey Cafe. They make the doughnut on the spot from scratch, so you can imagine the taste through the process. You have to make sure not to miss it because they use a certain kind of apple that you can not find in another place.
CULTURE
The culture of the city is the result of the mixed-culture from a lot of cultures by its history. It makes the vibes of the city is very vibrant and have a rich cultural life.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Champaign is in the middle of the year, from June to August, to meet the comfortable weather when strolling around the parks.
HOTEL
With the simple yet traditional America style decor, you can sleep like a baby in First Heritage Inn Rantoul. In this hotel, you can enjoy the summer while swimming in its outdoor swimming pool. On the other hand, I Hotel And Conference Center offers you a complete stay experience with a full-service spa and 24-hour fitness centre. The room is individually furnished and you can automatically fall asleep in their premium bed which covered by Egyptian cotton sheets.
First Heritage Inn Rantoul
I Hotel And Conference Center
RESTAURANT
KoFusion will give you the best dining experience by served natural meats, freshly caught seafood and other local produce. You have to order their signature Sushi which blends contemporary America and Asian cuisine along with Sake or Wine. But when you want to taste the American steak, you may head to Baxters American Grille and order what kind of steak do you want since this restaurant offers many different steaks. The atmosphere of the dining room inspired by Chicago-style steakhouse with warm light and exotic wooden table and chairs.
KoFusion
Baxters American Grille
CAFE
When you are looking for a place for breakfast, you may head to Cafe Kopi and order some sandwichs or salad along with their home-brewed coffee. In this down-to-earth coffee shop, you do not worry about having an idle time while waiting for your order come to your table, because you can enjoy the artworks of the local artists in the shop. But when you are craving for something sweets you can have a seat at the Aroma Cafe, because of this cafe famous for its pastries and wraps. But you have to try the organic lemonade and the smoothies to keep your health.
Aroma Cafe
Cafe Kopi
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
You can expect a warm greeting once you set your step in Big Grove Tavern because the staffs treat everyone like family. With their local craft beer or Champaign's best cocktails in your glass, you will forget your burdens in this rustic yet modern bar. But when you want to experience the hottest dance floor of Champaign you have to join the crowd in The Red Lion. You may get a new friend in this easy-going bar while taking a sip of cocktails or beer.
Big Grove Tavern
The Red Lion
INTERESTING PLACE
Krannert Art Museum is located at the University of Illinois which also home for more than 10.000 artworks from the heritage of ancient Egypt to contemporary photography. The museum also does the exhibitions of professional artists, faculty and student work. For your information, there is no charge to visit the museum. On the other hand, you have to visit the Spurlock Museum to learn about the ancient cultural heritage from the six continents. But, the objects that displayed in the gallery only five per cent of the collection in one time, the other objects are only for educational purpose for the student and saved in the storage to get it well preserved.
Krannert Art Museum
Spurlock Museum
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
While getting immersed with its natural beauty at the University of Illinois Arboretum, you have to take some pictures to be posted in your Instagram feed to grab more likes from your followers. When the spring bloom there is no other place to visit besides this garden which also used by the University student as an outdoor classroom. Lastly, Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch may be the best place to explore and to take some picturesque snaps when you come with your family. In this farm, you can buy many varieties of apples and pumpkin right after from the plants or try their signature bread.
University of Illinois Arboretum
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
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