7 minute read
Illinois/Iowa Quad Cities
Quad Cities on a Budget
By Kandy Derden
Things to Do Editor
Are you a bargain hunter? Have I got a deal for you! Four cities for the price of one. Davenport, Iowa along with Bettendorf, Iowa plus Rock Island, Illinois and Moline, Illinois are commonly called the Quad Cities. Make your plans now so the next time you find yourself with a hankering to escape for a few days, you’ll already have a plan of where you want to go and what you want to do.
When visiting the Quad Cities, make your headquarters the Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons. Being geographically located in the center of the metroplex means easy access to the major roads leading to . . . well, everything!
Going to Davenport? Just a short drive across the river. Heading to Rock Island? Just a few blocks away. Bettendorf on your itinerary? A straight shot up the interstate. Planning to stay put in Moline? There are dozens of unique spots to visit, most within walking distance.
If you are traveling with children, be sure to visit the Family Museum which is known for providing learning experiences for all ages. The variety of interactive displays are designed to stimulate the imagination and promote creativity. For current information go to www.FamilyMuseum.org or call (563)344-4106 for hours and rates.
When traveling on a budget, free is always a good thing. I can honestly say, a lot of the most interesting things we have ever seen while on a trip, were the free sights. We have toured factories, shopped unique stores with local artisans giving demonstrations and watched free shows. One of the most memorable was the first time I saw a ski show much like the one provided by the Backwater Gamblers.
This non-profit team performs free professional water ski shows in Rock Island, Illinois twice a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For some great memory-building family fun, check dates, times and location at BackwaterGamblers.com.
Seasonal events in Quad Cities are not limited to summer hours. It’s not too early to begin planning your winter adventure. Make it a winter to remember! Snowstar skiing, boarding and tubing is a family-friendly park with something for everyone. Lessons are available as are rentals. To celebrate special events, reserve the Lodge for groups. Snowstar Village offers a variety of eating places also. Worried about the weather?
No need as a snowmaking system ensures plenty of snow coverage even when nature is not cooperating. Let family memories begin by contacting SkiSnowstar.com or calling (309) 798-2673 for hours and rates.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy golf on a grand scale in the Quad Cities. There are numerous challenging courses which host professional tournaments. See the entire story by our Sports Editor, Duane Duchesne in this issue on page 6.
If you prefer something more sedate, there are multiple advantages to riding the Channel Cat Water Taxi. You may board from any of their four locations for a round trip along the Mississippi just to see the sights. With multiple departure times, you may choose to disembark at one of the landings and explore a bit. Check your traveler’s guide to find which boast the best shopping and which claim the best eateries. Then with your ticket, you can catch the next water taxi back to your original starting point.
Expecting something a bit larger than a water taxi? The Celebration Belle is the largest non-gaming riverboat ride excursion vessel on the Mississippi River. In addition to voyages which include dinner and dancing, or narrated lunch trips or simple sightseeing tours, there are also themed cruises and allday journeys. Information regarding special events or private charters is available at www. celebrationbelle.com.
I recently saw a rummage sale where the best-selling item was puzzles. I had no idea puzzlers were so serious about their hobby. In retrospect, I shouldn’t have been surprised. After all, some puzzlers are making a living from clients who like a good puzzle, with a twist. I’m talking about Escape Rooms. If you are as intrigued as I am, visit Hidden Barn Escape. The owners design all their escape rooms to be unique with three levels of difficulty. These are great activities for businesses and parties for those who want to do team building. It is also great for families who are bonding and creating memories. For more information about rates and booking, see HiddenBarnEsdcape.com.
History buffs take note: Buffalo Bill was born in the vicinity of Quad Cities. Allow plenty of time to visit multiple locations and explore all the interesting details about one of America’s most recognizable historic figures. Besides the family homestead, there is a pioneer village to learn about life during the years of his life. And to compete the set, see the Buffalo Bill Museum. For more information go to www.scotcountyiowa. com or www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com.
Quad Cities is rich with opportunity through music. Whether it be as an educator, performer or spectator, music is a universal language. Music is for everyone. Common Chord is the place to learn about programs, concerts, education, performance and all other aspects of music in the community. Learn more at www.common-chordqc.org and be enriched. While you’re at it, visit the Bix Beiderbecke Museum for a free look at his story and then listen to his music from the golden days of jazz.
For a bit of nostalgia, don’t miss the Iowa Quilt Museum. Quilt making is an American legacy which was born out of necessity and has developed into an art form. Open yearround, with featured creators and speakers, the focus changes periodically. Check the website to find out what is being featured during the dates of your visit in the area at www.iowaquiltmuseum.org
Would you enjoy a chance to reminiscence a bit more? This is a great place for multi-generational families to enjoy together. Iowa 80 Trucking Museum offers a glimpse back in time as you enjoy rare antique trucks from the past 100 years. This is both educational, and fun. Check it out at iowa80truckingmuseum.com
Whew! After all that, I’m hungry! Anyone for pizza?
Bad Boy’z Pizza and Pub in Moline, Illinois is located in a very well-maintained historic building with plenty of parking, even though it is within walking distance of the John Deere Pavilion.
Friendly staff will tell you about daily specials, but if you are in a hurry, try the lunch buffet. In addition to pizza, options include a salad bar, taco bar, soup and extra sauce for dipping. The pizza has a firm crust which is chewy without being tough. Generous toppings and gooey cheese can be customized to your request.
As any typical sports bar, there were televisions set to various channels. In some areas, there was one per table. Patrons will have no trouble seeing them from any seat in the house. I was pleasantly surprised to notice how the music playing was loud enough to hear and understand every word and yet not so overwhelming that we couldn’t hear each other. Lights had not been dimmed which gave the whole place
