Life at the University is about more than just Green Street staples. Just a few blocks away, Champaign-Urbana is full of spots where you can sip, shop and stumble upon things you didn’t know you needed — from vintage dressers to jungle-like plants to gaming consoles.

Here are a few local favorites to check out the next time you’re ready to explore off campus.

Avionics Flying Machine Coffee

Not too far off campus, residing at 202 S. First St., Avionics Flying Machine Coffee offers a cozy retreat for students and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for a morning coffee, an afternoon study spot or a place to catch up with friends, the café combines a welcoming atmosphere with carefully crafted drinks.

Owner Joshua Lucas began his journey in culinary school but soon left to pursue his own vision of a coffee shop. He brings his culinary expertise to every aspect of Avionics, from crafting unique drinks and syrups to curating a menu that balances flavor, creativity and quality.

“We just released a new menu,” Lucas said. “I kind of go a little crazy. We are caramelizing things, burning honey and doing all sorts of stuff.”

Avionics will soon launch a monthly tasting event where guests can sign up to sample exotic, imported and experimental coffees — a unique opportunity to explore bold flavors and see the café’s creative approach to coffee in action.

Fire Doll Studio

Located at 29 E. Main St., Fire Doll Studio is a must-visit for candle lovers. 

Owner Kayla Brown started Fire Doll Studio in 2011 from the kitchen of her Champaign apartment. What began as a side hustle selling natural, asthma-friendly candles at artisan markets has since grown into a 3,200-square-foot downtown space.

Visitors can stop in Tuesday through Sunday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to design their own custom scent. Each session takes about 30–40 minutes, with prices starting at $30. The candles require a few hours to cure before pickup.

The studio also hosts events like Candle Happy Hour, where a ticket includes one drink from the full bar menu. 

Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, a creative date idea or just a break from routine, this female-owned studio offers more than candles. It offers an experience built around scent, craft and community.

Live Action Games

What started as a surprise project for owner Adrian Astorina has become a destination for gamers across C-U. 

Astorina admitted he never set out to run a business, but today Live Action Games, located at 111 N. Market St., thrives as a hub for everything from vintage consoles and games to the latest releases.

“I run (LAG) like it is my living room,” Astorina said. “You come in, you hang out, you may buy something, you may not, we may have a conversation, we may not. It is just a very low-key and chill atmosphere.”

The store’s inventory reflects that philosophy — a mix of classic games that invoke nostalgia for longtime gamers and new releases that keep things fresh for players. Astorina also purchases games, some of which are rare or collectibles. 

If you’re browsing for a collector’s item or just looking for a place to hang out with fellow gamers, LAG offers a welcoming space where the love of gaming comes alive.

Plant Mode

Plant Mode’s new location at 520 N. Neil St., Suite 110, is filled with every plant from easy-to-care-for starter plants to lush statement pieces that can transform any bare space. But the shop is more than just plants — owner Matthis Helmick also sells artwork, incense, stickers, coffee and thrifted clothing.

Helmick brings a wealth of knowledge, helping customers choose plants that fit their lifestyle, whether that means something low-maintenance for a busy student or a show-stopping centerpiece for a living room. To make things even easier, he offers a free potting service, so shoppers can walk out with a plant ready to thrive.

This fall, Plant Mode will serve as a venue for the C-U Jazz Festival, inviting music and culture into its already vibrant space.

Whether you’re after a low-effort way to bring life into a dorm room or a new centerpiece for your apartment, Plant Mode makes plant shopping less intimidating and worth the visit, even if it is just to browse.

The Crow at 110

The Crow at 110 is more than just a shop — it’s a community art space showcasing the work of artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

A.J. Zwettler, director of employment services, and Zakiyyah Turner, community-first manager, wrote in an email interview that the gallery grew out of strong interest from  Developmental Services Center participants.

“It was created from a large interest voiced by those we serve, to support them in realizing their artistic goals while making connections within the local art community,” Zwettler and Turner wrote. “It has also served as an employment opportunity for these artists, as they are able to attend daily art classes and sell their work during special events.”

The Crow’s pieces are one-of-a-kind, selling homemade candles, soaps and wax melts. These are available on DSC’s website and during special events. They also have an annual holiday open house as well as an annual art show in the spring.

The Furniture Lounge

For students and locals looking to add personality to their spaces, The Furniture Lounge, residing at 11 E. University Ave., offers curated mid-century pieces that stand out from anything on campus.

Opened in 2002 by Amanda McWilliams and Scott Schaub, the store grew from a personal passion for vintage design into a well-known destination for eclectic finds in C-U. The store focuses on pieces from the ’30s to the ’80s, as well as complementary vintage clothing, artwork and home decor.

“We try to be particular and not just throw anything in there that we want,” McWilliams said. “We want it to be interesting to the customer.”

Beyond merchandise, the shop engages with the local community by supporting other small businesses, promoting weekend shopping trips and carefully selecting pieces to bring into the store. They buy estate items, specific furniture and unique finds, ensuring that every addition reflects their mid-century focus and adds value for shoppers.

As Plant Mode owner Helmick put it: “All of these small businesses depend on University students,” Helmick said. “Get out there. You’re likely going to find something that you like, and it’ll feel really cool to turn some of your friends onto it later.”

[email protected]