When I was a freshman, I didn’t realize that Champaign-Urbana consisted of more than what was in between First Street and Lincoln Avenue, and the area around Marketplace Mall. I remember looking out one of the windows from my home at ISR and seeing what I later learned was the Lincoln Hotel in downtown Urbana.

Pause. Urbana has a downtown? Isn’t that what Green Street is?

No, not even close.

Champaign-Urbana may not have as much to do as a large city, but I believe it is the gem of east-central Illinois. I’ve discovered certain activities or places in the past four years that have made C-U win my heart. There’s so much more to these towns than the Quad and Kam’s, and it took me years to really appreciate that. So whether you have three weeks left here or three years, get off campus, even if it’s just for a day.

Take a bus — any bus I stepped onto a bus last year, thinking it would drop me off in front of my apartment within a few minutes. An hour and a half later, it did. I went on a ride that took me far into east Urbana. Although at first I was livid about my mistake, I eventually calmed down and really got a sense of the town I never had before. OK, so maybe this wouldn’t be the most fun thing to do for a day, but maybe you’ll find something you never knew existed.

Go to Ebertfest I went for the first time this year, and it was unexpectedly fun. It was something I had previously ignored, and I regret it. Roger Ebert is an Urbana native and University alumnus — and a legend. The movies are excellent and you can ask questions of the directors and actors. If nothing else, go see something at the Virginia Theatre. The popcorn and pop are cheap, and the theatre is so much prettier than any of the larger movie theaters in town.

Take a walk through historic Urbana Did you know downtown Urbana used to be Abraham Lincoln’s old stomping ground? Many of the buildings have quite a history, and it’s fun to learn about. If you’re still looking for more, check out the Champaign County Historical Museum.

Barcrawl downtown At some point during your years here, the allure of the campustown bar scene will diminish. Both downtown Champaign and Urbana have bars with live music, delicious drinks and interesting options for food. It’s something different to do, and you never know who you’re going to meet and your shoes usually don’t stick to the floors.

Buy groceries from the farmers market Urbana’s Market at the Square opens this Saturday and continues every Saturday through November. Take advantage of the fresh local food. It’s much more fun to walk through the vendors at the farmers market than to push a cart through the produce section at Meijer. And it makes you feel a little better knowing you’re helping a local food producer.

Daytrip to Allerton Park Although technically not in Champaign or Urbana, Allerton Park is one of the coolest places to go within a short driving distance. Located in Monticello, Allerton is owned by the University and boasts “1,500 acres of beautiful outdoor surroundings.” I first went there on an awkward date, so I can confidently say that even if you don’t like your company or go by yourself, it’s easy to enjoy the day hiking through the trails.

That’s my list of favorites, but there is so much more to see and do. Go find your own favorites. And maybe in the process, Champaign-Urbana will win your heart, too.