SPlog

In an effort to make fresh, local food more accessible to all, The Land Connection has three different ways to maximize SNAP benefits at the Champaign Farmers Market, which is a pretty great thing.  1. …

One way to get to know the artists in your community is by going to their talks. Personally, for me, artist talks are always a gamble. Some artists are awful at describing their process and …

We all know that Watson’s is pretty fantastic. I have my favorite menu items (including the tofu po’ boy), and I like to think that I am quite familiar with the menu. I thought wrong. …

It’s just five short months until the midterms in November, and Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, Rodney Davis’ challenger for IL-13, is ready to officially launch her campaign here in C-U. Her local campaign office is situated …

From 5 to 7 p.m. next Thursday, June 12th, Prairie Fruits Farm will host a wine tasting with local wine connoisseur Michael Darin. For $8, you’ll get three generous tastes (additional glasses are $7; Italian …

Last year, the Champaign Park District launched their Bucket List Challenge, encouraging area families to visit each of their 29 playgrounds throughout Champaign. The challenge lasts from April through September. Haven’t started yet? There’s still …

Harvest Market‘s café and Farmhouse Restaurant offer quick and affordable ways to grab a bite or something to drink. I was recently there for a late-morning meeting and decided on the honey almond cold brew, …

Really any donut news is important donut news. Common Ground is now featuring Ye Olde Donut Shoppe donuts in their bakery case every day of the week. Fun fact (according to the Co-op’s FB post): …

The forest preserves that comprise the CCFPD are a wonderful escape from life for a bit, where you can immerse yourself in nature. However unless you are a botanist or nature specialist (is that a …

If you are a current or future Parkland student, or if you know one, this information is for you. The Marketing and Public Relations Department is looking for models to feature in their upcoming ad …

This Sunday, July 8th, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.,  join members of the Champaign-Urbana branch of Democratic Socialists of America, in conversation about Ursula K. Le Guin’s sci-fi classic The Dispossessed. Sunday marks the …

The 3rd Annual Midwest Beer Fest is Saturday, July 14th from 4 p.m. to midnight in Downtown Champaign. Hosting by Cowboy Monkey, the event features a bunch of craft brews, as well as food from …

The last week of Governor Bruce Rauner’s silly life has not been a good one. Yesterday, when the soon-to-be-ousted one-term elected official was in town to make up for a wicked PR blunder, State Rep. …

Led by the familiar sounds of a fire engine, and with the street flanked on both sides by neighbors chatting while a small parade of kids playing music walks by, The Washington St. 4th of …

Experimental/post-rock trio Staghorn have released their new record, Wormwood III, which you can stream now. The album was written and recorded at Earth Analog studios, engineered by Aaron McAllister. The single track spans nearly 23 …

Campus is a pretty quiet place during the summer, and the library is no exception. I mean it’s always a quiet place — it’s the library after all — but the schedule of lectures, panels, and other …

KAM has several things to be aware of during summer museum visits, whether you are are stopping by to beat the heat and check out the galleries for the first time, exploring new exhibits, or …

Last weekend Triptych released a new can of goodness: Virgil, a bourbon barrel rye wine. It’s described like this: Robust and decadent, Virgil is a massive rye-wine styled ale that was aged in barrels from …

Sadly, United Airlines will stop servicing flights to and from Willard Airport (CMI) on September 5th. The inaugural flights started last June, as United was added in addition to the continued American Airlines flights. Willard …

Willow Creek Farm has released the menu for their upcoming Dinner on the Farm July 13th. See below for the selections put together by Chef Leaf from V. Picasso.  You can still make reservations here.

This will be the 3rd annual event hosted by Katie Blakeman, the Champaign County Circuit Clerk. According to the Circuit Clerk website, this event “is designed to provide free legal assistance to those who wish …

While stocking up on coffee at Columbia Street last week, I noticed this nifty display of cold brew accessories prominently displayed. I love a cup of hot coffee first thing in the morning, no matter …

The Champaign Urbana Urbanized Area Transportation Study is looking for public input on local transportation projects. They’ve been tabling at various community events for the month of June, and will be out and about throughout …

Spindependence 2018 is July 3-4 at Blackbird, and the all-DJ show has announced the schedule, which you can check out below. All of this for free, the hangs will be in Downtown Urbana this 4th …

In preparation for Naya’s fall opening, Miga is offering tastes of their sister restaurant’s menu. This week’s specials (good June 25th through July 8th), look amazing. Photos courtesy of Miga

Like many people, in the summer I become a person who spectates. Each week I support and cheer on my loved one who participates in organized sporting activities. I use this outing as an excuse …

Shade-Spain was previously a new reporter and anchor for WCIA, and she will begin her hosting duties on July 12th. Here’s the full press release from Illinois Public Media: June 26, 2018 (Urbana, IL)—Illinois Public …

ICYMI, our governer made it a point to disparage C-U in an interview with WGN radio this week, as he was attempting to make a point about University of Illinois graduates seeking jobs elsewhere, rather …

The Urbana Free Library will host a free sculpture workshop, this Saturday, June 30th, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This event is part of the Artists in the Corridor series – an initiative by the …

Café Kopi has codified their daily drink specials (available hot or iced). Sunday’s special is indeed special — it’s something seasonal, and is announced each Sunday morning on Facebook.  Check out the menu with prices:  Monday …

On Saturday, June 30th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., C-U Woodshop Supply is having an open house featuring their School of Woodworking. Recent news is that they have brought on board a new educator …

The Meat Science Lab on the U of I campus is offering $50 bundles of meat for your fourth of July festivities.  Per Meat Mail (yes, you should be on this mailing list): These bundles …

Silvercreek has some new summer dishes on the menu, and is offering a special four-course prix fixe this Thursday, June 28th and Friday, June 29th.  For $55, you’ll get four courses: an appetizer, soup or …

As I’ve posted about before, kombucha is having a moment (you can now buy growlers of it from Harvest Market). Delight Flower Farm is hosting another edition of Kombucha with Flowers: A Home Brew Workshop Sunday, …

Japan House is a gem in the community. It’s really just a wonderful place to visit, whether you are strolling the surrounding gardens, participating in a tea ceremony, or attending one of their many events …

It’s true! That’s a photo from a reception that they hosted last weekend. Who needs steak/chicken/fish when you can serve your guests some delicious deep dish pizza. Here’s a quick reminder of what that looks …

We all know Farren’s serves some of the best burgers in town, and some delicious fries and mac and cheese and other stuff. But Farren’s also has great salads, and the house salad is simply …

Check out details from this flyer below: 

In the past, the city has hosted a one-time drop off event, which did not get great participation numbers. This year, they will be offering grants that neighborhood groups can apply for through the Small …

Monday, June 25th, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Unit 4 administrators will be hosting “Brilliant. Bold. Beautiful: Reclaiming the narrative of being a young black girl” at the Mellon Building. The discussion will be led by …

If the events of these past couple of weeks have you feeling a bit politically motivated, you can channel that motivation (anger, frustration…whatever) into some action this weekend. There are two events for canvassing happening …

Film enthusiasts are in for a good treat of local cinema at The Art Theatre. From 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, June 25th, Champaign Movie Makers will screen a series of short films along …

Community Blood Services of Illinois, part of the larger Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, is specifically looking for types O and B, which they are critically low on, but will accept all types. From their …

If you have ever wondered what goes into maintaining cemeteries and the proper procedures for gravestone preservation, then this Saturday is your chance to learn more. The Urbana Free Library is hosting John Heider — …

Blackbird opened last year in Downtown Urbana — 119 West Main Street to be exact — home to live music mostly, and an awesome beergarden/patio. They’re celebrating their one year anniversary next Friday, June 29th, …

Here’s an opportunity for you to get some inside info on what goes on in the newsroom at Illinois Public Media; specifically how they decide which topics get coverage, and which do not. Co-hosted by …

This Sunday June 24th, from 1 to 4 p.m., Allerton Park and Retreat Center and University of Illinois alumni Nandita Godbole invite you to “Meet Me for Tea.” This is an invitation to enjoy an afternoon …

Over the weekend I grabbed some sweet treats from Art Mart for a casual dinner gathering; I selected three for sharing. Clockwise from bottom right: almond tart with apricot ($3.95); blondie with roasted white chocolate …