It’s that time again, when we reflect upon the last year. It’s sometimes hard to remember what happened in May or June, never mind January and February. But it’s important that we make a point of ...

Hey folks, Tom here. Just wanted to get in one last little tidbit before the holidays. Illinois Terminal is Champaign’s own combined bus station, train station, and Subway™ station (eat fresh!). If ...

This year, we wrote a lot about the area’s food and drink scene from restaurants to bars, coffee shops to farmers markets and food trucks. In 2024, Smile Politely food writers covered eats and drinks ...

This time of year should be a season of joy, and people 21+ can add a little cannabis for some extra merry and more holly-jolly. For my final list on Smile Politely this year, I’m sharing four ...

Nestled in Urbana-Champaign, Sun Singer is a culinary haven where they reimagine familiar comfort foods with refined elegance and bold flavors. From rich, velvety cheese fondue to expertly grilled ...

Unleash your inner Krampus at the Dandy Hound’s spirited Christmas murder mystery. Your ticket includes a complimentary drink while you play detective — perfect for sharpening those sleuthing skills ...

In this annual tradition, our editors spend time thinking about all of the things that were stupid, annoying, irritating, and terrible about the last year. After all, we can’t have BEST without WORST, ...

I’ve been feeling a bit down lately about the status of all our small businesses in the C-U area. If they haven’t already been forced to close down, in many cases, they are struggling to keep the ...

The most recent entry on my list of favorite local desserts is the flourless chocolate cake from Common Ground Food Co-op. My fiancée Alicia and I keep bringing up how amazing this cake is in ...

J’Lyn Hope considers herself from Urbana because “she doesn’t know anything else.” Currently performing in Champaign-Urbana solo as J’Lyn Hope and the 505, she also performs in popular local bands ...

Happy New Year, everyone! If you’re looking for something to do to say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025, you’re in luck. There are plenty of options for dining, dancing, and being out on the town on ...

Skip the usual holiday flicks. From hilarious heists to supernatural reunions, six locally-made films from Champaign or Champaign-adjacent filmmakers and studios are hitting theaters and major ...