Like other veteran shoppers, campus shops have gotten tiresome for me now that Green Street’s freshman year glow has worn off. I searched Champaign-Urbana to find places off campus that most students don’t know about and found that, although I generally avoid off-campus transit, downtown Champaign and Urbana have proven to house some great places to spend my time. Whether I’m in the mood to relax after 11 hours of sorority recruitment or need a place to buckle down on the readings I’ve avoided all semester, downtown has a place fit to my needs. Champaign’s Walnut Street is packed with cute shops and funky bars that guarantee a good time, while Urbana’s cultural feel sets a productive atmosphere.

Here are some of the places I have found are worth the trek off campus.

*Ten Thousand Villages:*

This little corner store gives me a guilt-free place to shop for stylish jewelry and decorations for my room. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit, fair-trade store, meaning it works with developing countries in creating products for sale in the U.S. Because the products are handmade from natural materials, I know I’m going to find something fresh and original.

“It’s nothing you’re going to find anywhere else ,and whatever you buy is going to help those in need,” said assistant manager, Minta Herold.

I love that I can add a colorful or funky twist to an outfit without breaking the bank and giving to those in need at the same time.

*Cafe Kopi:*

With my recent move to Urbana, Espresso Royale has become a staple in my daily routine, though its lines often keep me waiting. Cafe Kopi in downtown Champaign will see a lot more of me now, as I fell in love with its quiet and relaxed atmosphere. The cafe provides two quiet rooms with generous seating perfect for downtime or catching up on last week’s class readings.

“We get a lot a studiers here, especially with the free WiFi,” said Paul West, Kopi’s owner.

While the downtown location may turn students away, for many the cafe means taking a break from their fast-paced lives and the busy chains on campus. The natural light and quaint atmosphere gives the cafe a homey feel that can make students feel at ease.

*Urbana Free Library:*

The historical archives in the Urbana Library make the trip off campus worthwhile. Students from the area can use the archives to track their heritage back to the 1800s, which can be an interesting way to spend a Saturday. The second floor archive room holds information on births, marriages, migration and more that can help students track their lineage.

“People can start here, find their families and work their way all the way back to wherever they came from originally,” said Eric Fair, the archives’ librarian.

*Cream and Flutter:*

While students rave about Insomnia Cookies, Champaign’s Cream and Flutter provides a tasty and cute dessert alternative. Though it lacks 2 a.m. delivery, its oversized cupcakes are served on real dishes with silverware, giving students a chic experience. The tall set tables, original wall hangings and pastel colors give the shop an adorable, modern feel. The shop is perfect for a first date or an evening off campus with friends, as champagne is served with dessert.

*Cowboy Monkey:*

Students looking to mix up their nightlife might want to try an off-campus bar other than the same old Green Street establishments. Cowboy Monkey’s salsa dancing adds a new aspect to a night on the town.

“The outdoorsy atmosphere along with dance lessons provide for a casual laid back atmosphere,” said Drake Robards, senior in ACES. “Not to mention the fish tacos are to die for.”

After hearing about Cowboy Monkey from more than a few people, I plan to get my friends together for an unconventional night out.

_Becky is a sophomore LAS._