Campus itself feels like an adventure on some nights, but when you get bored with the University’s territory, it’s time to go and explore the rest of Champaign-Urbana. From swanky downtown cupcake shops to Chambana’s local music scene, there’s a place for everyone on the weekends.

Downtown Champaign and downtown Urbana are both short walks from campus. If you and your friends are tight on money, walking through downtown and taking in the new scenery can be a fun and cheap adventure. There are plenty of ornate shops in downtown Urbana that you won’t find anywhere else. Grab a Mother’s Day gift or get started on your Christmas shopping at one-of-a-kind places like Heartland Gallery or International Galleries in Lincoln Square Mall. You could also visit Crane Alley and grab some of their signature beet chips.

Once you visit downtown Urbana, take a trip to downtown Champaign. Cafe Kopi is sure to please any die-hard coffee or tea lover. In fact, a 12-ounce cup of hot tea at Kopi costs just under $2. If your sweet tooth is aching, check out Cream & Flutter. The store is a confectionery masterpiece and a dangerous spot for any sugar addicts. No matter your sugar addiction, though, trying the Oreo brownie is necessary. At least once.

While you’re downtown you may want to pick up some old video games. Exile on Main has Nintendo games, Sega games and Playstation games along with a wide selection of others. I could spend hours shoveling through the old games, reliving childhood and contemplating how to fit buying a Super Nintendo into my weekly budget.

To check out the local music scene, keep an eye out for local bands playing on WPGU 107.1 or at the Canopy Club on weekends. Sean Hermann, senior in Media, said he enjoys spending time at Error Records near downtown Champaign.

“They have a really great selection of vinyl and tons of shows each week,” Hermann said.

Downtown Champaign also has an eclectic and delicious spread of restaurants. If you’re feeling something lighter, check out Radio Maria’s tapas menu or head to KoFusion for a Sunday or Monday night. On Sundays and Mondays, KoFusion offers dollar sushi. Each roll of sushi is $1, and you can customize your own plate. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious; even if you aren’t a “sushi person,” give it a try. I wasn’t a sushi person, either, until I tried the dollar sushi.

If you’re old enough and into the bar scene, the Blind Pig or Guido’s are cool, laid-back places to spend a Friday night. Keep in mind there are two Blind Pig locations — one on Neil Street and one on Walnut Street. Local folks refer to the Neil Street brewery as “the Piglet,” while the Walnut Street bar is simply “the Pig.” Be cool and teach your friends the local Chambana language – trust me, it’ll allow for less confusion when meeting friends at the bars downtown.

If you’re confused about how to find any of these places, use the ever-powerful Google to guide your way. Champaign-Urbana isn’t huge, and it’s difficult to get lost.

Janelle is a senior in Media. She can be reached at [email protected].