Illinois' Lively College City Is A Hidden Gem With Diverse Cuisine And A Thriving Arts Scene

When people think of Illinois, Chicago tends to steal the spotlight. The Willis Tower, Wrigley Field, and deep-dish pizza define the state. Outside of the city, Illinois is recognized for its vast plains, where miles upon miles of corn stalks wave in the wind. But around halfway between Chicago and St. Louis, you'll find a college region where big-city energy mixes with small-town charm. This Illinois hidden gem is made up of the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, usually referred to as Champaign-Urbana, where the food and arts scene can rival that of any metropolis.

Champaign-Urbana is around a two-hour drive south of Chicago and is home to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, one of the country's best engineering schools. The university is attended by over 56,000 students from 115 countries, lending the cities a distinctly diverse vibe. The streets burst with colorful murals and unique sculptures, and live music spills out of local venues every night. Local restaurants serve up diverse fare, ensuring there's something for everyone. Champaign-Urbana makes the perfect weekend getaway in Illinois.

The beautiful college campus is a must-see in Champaign-Urbana. Covering over 6,000 acres, the site is full of pretty historical buildings set among lush green lawns, making it a great spot for an afternoon stroll. While you're there, pop into the Krannert Art Museum, which showcases fine art pieces from all over the world. You can also head to the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts to see global superstars or support up-and-coming student performers.

To explore more, download the Art in CU Trail. Follow the trail to discover sculptures and murals scattered all over downtown and the university campus — check in at 50 of them to receive an item from the Chambana Proud store. There are also arts festivals sprinkled throughout the year, including the Boneyard Arts Festival in April, which attracts over 100 artists.

If live music is more your thing, you're spoiled for choice in Champaign-Urbana. Country music fans won't want to miss the Rose Bowl Tavern, where live acts perform nightly either indoors or outside under the stars in warmer weather. For those looking for a more eclectic lineup, head to Pour Bros., which features diverse acts every night in its courtyard in the summer months.

Champaign-Urbana is a foodie haven, partly thanks to its diverse population. You can find everything from Korean to Congolese cuisine here. Asian food is especially widespread, and there's even a CU In Asia Food Trail you can follow. The trail leads you to restaurants serving flavorful dishes from all over Asia, including Japan, Vietnam, India, and Laos, and following it gives you a chance to win a gift card for a local restaurant.

There's much more to discover, too. Local institutions like Black Dog Smoke & Ale House serve up some of the best barbecue in the Midwest, with the brisket, pulled pork, and ribs getting the biggest shoutouts. To experience the farm-to-table scene, you can't beat a visit to Caprae at Prairie Fruits Farm, a goat dairy where fine dining meets local ingredients.

You'll also find a flourishing craft drinks scene. Start by checking out the expertly made espresso at Mad Goat Coffee in the Champaign part of town, or try Sinclaire's Coffee near the university, where the setting, service, and drinks are all top-rated. Champaign-Urbana are great cities for beer lovers. Pay a visit to Riggs Beer Company to try a rotating cast of seasonal brews. Or head to Twenty-Five O'Clock, where reviewers on Google rave about the beers, friendly atmosphere, and helpful staff. Whether you're in town for the thriving arts and music scene or to enjoy the culinary delights, we're sure you'll agree that Champaign-Urbana is one of Illinois' best-kept secrets.