Top 10 places in the Quad Cities
Who knows better than students who've been on campus awhile about the best places OFF campus to eat, relax and have fun? We polled some upperclassmen about their top spots and this is their list.
Special thanks to senior Hannah Johnson and Joel Novick, Class of 2011, and the students in the Office of Student Activities. Do you know of a place that should be on this list? Email your nominee to sharenews@augustana.edu!
1. Cool BeanzRight down the street from campus, Annette Zapolis, Class of 2009, serves up hot coffee and cocoa, free wi-fi and live music five days a week. Also, sandwiches, salads, pastries, beer, wine and gourmet cocktails. Her slogan: "A Warm Place to Chill" Students taking a summer class in advertising practiced their skills by shooting a video at Cool Beanz (at right). |
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2. La RancheritaIf someone at Augie asks you if you'd like to have lunch at "the ranch," they're talking about La Rancherita restaurant. On the edge of campus, La Ranch has a reputation for tasty, authentic Mexican that won't break a student budget. La Rancherita has its own group of Facebook fans: "Description: Quesadillas, Horchata, and TACOS. You know what I mean." |
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3. Figge Art MuseumStunning inside and out, the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa, is a showplace of art and architecture. Word is that students gravitate to the museum's modern art — such as Jackson Pollock's Mural — then take in the light show on the adjoining skybridge. |
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4. Modern Woodmen ParkModern Woodmen Park is the home of the minor league Quad City River Bandits, a St. Louis Cardinals farm team. This 1931 stadium, one of the oldest in the minor leagues, had a major renovation in 2004. Fans get a view of the Mississippi River as well as the action. |
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5. Great Escape Movie TheaterThe Great Escape is just what it sounds like, and where students go for first-run movies on the big screen. It opened in 2005 with 14 screens. There's also Rave Cinemas in Davenport with 18 screens, the Nova 6 in Moline for bargain seats, and the IMAX at the Putnam Museum.
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6. Northpark/Southpark MallSometimes you've just got to shop. Then Augie students head for Northpark Mall in Davenport or its twin, Southpark in Moline. Southpark's a little closer but Northpark has a Barnes and Noble! Both are on the bus route, which students ride free. |
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7. Whitey's Ice CreamAugie loves Whitey's, no doubt about it. Whitey's even has a special flavor for us: Augustana Viking Pride. Augustana and Whitey's teamed up to break the Guinness world record for most people eating ice cream in a chain: all 2,694 of them!
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8. Bike pathsOr walk, run, rollerblade paths. The 60-mile Great River Trail runs through the urban area in Illinois along the Mississippi riverfront, dotted with playgrounds, marinas, restaurants, boat launches and picnic areas. On the Iowa side of the river, the Davenport bike path covers 11 miles and the Duck Creek path adds another 13 miles. |
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9. Ski Snowstar Winter Sports ParkNearby Snowstar has 14 trails in use from early December through mid-March. There's also night skiing and snowboarding, and five lanes on the Stargazer Tubing Hill. Snowstar has a day lodge with a cateteria, bar, fireplaces, plus a patio for cookouts on mild days. |
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10. Putnam Museum/IMAXYou might find a hissing cockroach at the Putnam Museum. It's certain you'll find Egyptian mummies, a walk-through river and aquarium exhibit, Hall of Mammals and all sorts of other things. This natural history museum, opened in 1867, added an IMAX 3D theater in 2002. |
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Also on the list:
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The District |
Arthur's Garden Deli |
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Whitewater Junction |
i Wireless Center |
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Disc golf |
Celebration River Cruises |
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Botanical Center |
The River's Edge |
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Niabi Zoo |
The District Theatre |
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Harris Pizza |
Davenport School of Yoga |
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Schwiebert Riverfront Park |
Rozz Tox |
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Lincoln Park |
