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Smile Politely Champaign-Urbana's Online Magazine: providing the inside scoop of what's happening around C-U. http://smilepolitely.com

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 opti...
20/12/2024

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 this New Year’s Eve.

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 ...

Fresh from the editing room floor, this new short film debuts as part of the legendary Travis Wayne Hurt Christmas Speci...
20/12/2024

Fresh from the editing room floor, this new short film debuts as part of the legendary Travis Wayne Hurt Christmas Special — busting out of your TV screen and into real life for its 12th annual edition.

The fun folks at Champaign Movie Makers invite you to their latest cinematic experiment this Sunday at the Channing-Murray Foundation. Fresh from the editing room floor, this new short film debuts as part of the ...

WORST failing up: Mark Holm’s appointment to Unit 4 Board, despite having lost his election.
19/12/2024

WORST failing up: Mark Holm’s appointment to Unit 4 Board, despite having lost his election.

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, right? By ...

Latrelle Bright has honed the craft of telling stories through live bodies and voices in space and on stage for more tha...
19/12/2024

Latrelle Bright has honed the craft of telling stories through live bodies and voices in space and on stage for more than three decades and her genius continues to ripen in her role as Teaching Professor in Theatre Studies.

Latrelle Bright is a theatre maker. In her mellifluous voice she noted, “I use theatre to learn about everything.” Bright’s curiosity has given Champaign-Urbana many stellar live performances. I’ve had a few chances to chat ...

Whether she's craving the bold spices of Indian cuisine, the comforting warmth of Korean stews, or the nostalgic sweetne...
19/12/2024

Whether she's craving the bold spices of Indian cuisine, the comforting warmth of Korean stews, or the nostalgic sweetness of Shanghai-style braised pork belly, Julie believes our local restaurants showcase the skill and dedication of chefs who truly know their craft.

From Golden Harbor's braised pork belly to Star BBQ's cheese dish, Julia shares five dine-in dishes for an Asian culinary journey.

Jess spoke with Matthew Currey, co-owner of Tempered Mettle Historical Fencing, about the founding of the school, what t...
19/12/2024

Jess spoke with Matthew Currey, co-owner of Tempered Mettle Historical Fencing, about the founding of the school, what the heck kunst des fechtens is, and why it’s fun to study.

A few weeks ago, I stood in the gym of CU Jiu Jitsu, holding a big foam sword. Across from me was Matthew Currey, co-owner of Tempered Mettle Historical Fencing. Currey, also holding a foam ...

BEST new food business: Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar.
19/12/2024

BEST new food business: Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar.

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 ...

"It’s called Amy’s Place, and it’ll be very close to downtown at 120 North First Street. So this is going to be Champaig...
18/12/2024

"It’s called Amy’s Place, and it’ll be very close to downtown at 120 North First Street. So this is going to be Champaign’s first gay bar since we lost Chester Street seven years ago." - Amy Beth Myers

A brand new bar called Amy’s Place is opening in Champaign next year. Owned by Amy Beth Myers, Amy’s Place will be a gay bar that offers low-priced drinks and dance parties on the regular. ...

As the name suggests, it’s a time when our small, independently owned shops in the area cooperate to promote the textile...
18/12/2024

As the name suggests, it’s a time when our small, independently owned shops in the area cooperate to promote the textile arts in the community by offering special events, prizes, sales, giveaways, and fundraising to support local charity organizations.

Central Illinois is my Narnia. That’s not me being hyperbolic. The prairie, the corn and soybean fields. The community. All stitched together with the threads of Midwest nice, scraps of stories told around campfires and ...

There are 14 establishments in Downtown Champaign that serve a burger, and some restaurants have made burgers their whol...
18/12/2024

There are 14 establishments in Downtown Champaign that serve a burger, and some restaurants have made burgers their whole thing.

The official burger inventory of Downtown Champaign looks at all 14 cheeseburgers that restaurants in Downtown Champaign serve.

What's important about Lincoln Square Urbana — and what has stood the test of time, long after its chic department store...
18/12/2024

What's important about Lincoln Square Urbana — and what has stood the test of time, long after its chic department stores have gone under or moved away — is its role as a hub for community in Downtown Urbana.

When I was growing up in Urbana in the 90s and aughts, Lincoln Square was considered a place where businesses go to die. It had its mainstays, of course, but for the most part it ...

WORST three-peat: Sweet Basil Café’s failed health inspections.
17/12/2024

WORST three-peat: Sweet Basil Café’s failed health inspections.

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, right? By ...

Amy spoke with one of the key players, director, producer, editor and all-round film talent, Luke Boyce of Shatterglass ...
17/12/2024

Amy spoke with one of the key players, director, producer, editor and all-round film talent, Luke Boyce of Shatterglass Studios.

By now, most of us have heard that Flyover Film Studios has set up shop in part of the former Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul. Back in February, it was announced that Governor Pritzker ...

From omakase to five wine-inspired courses at a steakhouse, Alyssa's sharing seven places that serve an unforgettable pr...
17/12/2024

From omakase to five wine-inspired courses at a steakhouse, Alyssa's sharing seven places that serve an unforgettable prix frixe dinner experience.

From

Andrew sat down with the president of Illinois Underwater Hockey, Luka Bettich, to learn more about the sport, the commu...
17/12/2024

Andrew sat down with the president of Illinois Underwater Hockey, Luka Bettich, to learn more about the sport, the community, and the camaraderie that the members of the club enjoy.

Underwater hockey is a sport that may fly under the radar for even the most dedicated sports fans. I sat down with the president of the University of Illinois’ Underwater Hockey Club, Luka Bettich, to ...

Our annual rundown of good things in C-U, highlighted by BEST Rumspringa: The Emu.
16/12/2024

Our annual rundown of good things in C-U, highlighted by BEST Rumspringa: The Emu.

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 ...

40 North 88 West's awards recognize the invaluable contributions of artists, teachers, business people, and advocates to...
16/12/2024

40 North 88 West's awards recognize the invaluable contributions of artists, teachers, business people, and advocates to the cultural life of Champaign County.

Last Tuesday, the City Center rolled out the metaphorical red carpet for 40 North’s 17th annual ACE (Arts, Culture, Education) Awards Celebration. The awards recognize the invaluable contributions of artists, teachers, business people, and advocates ...

This month, drink Champaign-roasted pour-over coffee and eat a doughnut that tastes like a hot cocoa, a big bowl of soup...
16/12/2024

This month, drink Champaign-roasted pour-over coffee and eat a doughnut that tastes like a hot cocoa, a big bowl of soup, and more.

This December, seek out comfort foods like a hot cocoa croughnut, handmade pasta, pour-over coffee, and more.

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