Go out on the town with your best girlfriends! Credit: kevin dooley, Flickr
By Dawn Coyne
While we all love to find out about activities we can take our kids to, we also need some adult-only activities! Date night or just a night with the girls is important and can be very refreshing. First things first, we need a sitter. This means we need to do some planning. I have compiled a list of great adult-only events this summer and some great date night ideas. Plan your night away from the kids soon and post your favorite Chambanamom’s night out idea too!
Trivia Night at Cowboy Monkey—My boyfriend and I discovered this on a rare Sunday night out before Memorial Day. We always plan a Sunday night date when we have a Monday off of work. Trivia here is challenging but so much fun! Categories range from movies to food, and the service is great! The menu is not extensive but everything is tasty. Best part is, even if you don’t have Monday off of work, Trivia starts at 7:30 p.m. every Sunday and is finished by 9:30 p.m. Plenty of time to tuck yourself in and not miss a beat on Monday.
Downtown Streetfest—These are sponsored by the Champaign Park District and held in Downtown Champaign. Streets are blocked off, tables are set up and there is a full stage all evening. I always see someone I know and I have a great time with an adult beverage and enjoying the music. Get there early if you would like a seat! Otherwise wear comfortable shoes on Aug. 11!
Urbana Sweetcorn Festival—Sure, this is a family-friendly event, so grab the kids and get an ear of corn during the day. But, then take them home for a nap, get ready and get a sitter. Figure out which music lineup you like best—yep, there are headliners on Friday and Saturday. Grab an ear of corn, a lemonade shake-up and enjoy the evening. The Sweetcorn Festival is on Friday, Aug. 24, and Saturday, Aug. 25, this year.
Car X Crazy K—this a non-traditional “night out” but I think it is awesome. This can be a family-friendly event as well. Run an extreme 5K with foam, mud, hurdles and a bunch of other crazy things! They also have a great entertainment lineup afterwards and the best part is it is for a good cause! The goal of this race is to give back to the community so grab your favorite partner, a few friends and go get dirty. (Editor’s note: we’re planning a Chambanamoms team!) Sept. 8, 2012 is the date for this night out.
Alto Vineyards Music Among the Vines—This is pretty self explanatory—Go have a seat outside at the winery and take in the music. Alto Vineyards is just beyond the Champaign city limits but not too far of a drive. Sip some locally made wine and enjoy your favorite band. Their lineup is here and it is packed with great local music. My favorite is The Sugar Prophets!
If you don’t see something you like here try a new restaurant—we have great local flavor or just grab a drink and a seat outside in downtown Champaign. Summer is wonderful here in Chambana.
Dawn Coyne works full-time for her parent’s business, Marble’s Catering in Savoy and attends Parkland College 3/4 time working to get her criminal justice degree. She is also the treasurer for the Champaign County Crime Stoppers board of directors. Dawn currently resides in Mahomet with her 8-year-old son, Brian.
