Smile Politely's Avatar

Smile Politely

@smilepolitely.com

Champaign-Urbana’s Culture Magazine

520
Followers
14
Following
1,733
Posts
17.10.2023
Joined
Posts Following

Latest posts by Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com

Preview
Thirsty Thursday: London fog at Hopscotch Bakery - SPlog Those sunny days tricked me. It’s not spring yet; what a fool I was laughing in the sun without jacket the other day. Illinois winter still has a little more in store for us. I ...

In need of a drink to match the slog of this weird almost spring, almost spring break feeling? This How about the London fog at Hopscotch Bakery + Market.

12.03.2026 17:00 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Sean Evans is this year's Illinois Commencement speaker - SPlog University of Illinois just announced on Instagram that the 2026 Commencement speaker will be Sean Evans. Evans is a U of I alumnus, Times acclaimed creator, and host of the popular show Hot Ones wher...

University of Illinois just announced on Instagram that the 2026 Commencement speaker will be Sean Evans.

12.03.2026 16:35 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
The Weekender: March 13-15 - Culture It's officially spring break—and Pi Day! Walk your dog, take a boozy flight, enjoy art, culture, music, and podcasts.

It’s officially spring break—and Pi Day! Walk your dog, take a boozy flight, enjoy art, culture, music, and podcasts.

12.03.2026 15:01 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Venture to campus for a bite or a beverage  - SPlog Spring break for University of Illinois students begins on Monday, March 16, kicking off a week for locals to potentially crawl east over Neil Street and into campus. The population will momentarily…

Spring break for University of Illinois students begins on Monday, March 16, kicking off a week for locals to potentially crawl east over Neil Street and into campus. Head over for drinks and delicious eats.

12.03.2026 13:01 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
A review of the Mexican-Peruvian cuisine at Encanto - Food & Drink Encanto Restaurant & Bar is a respectable Mexican-Peruvian comfort spot in Downtown Urbana. Opened in September 2023 in the old Crane Alley space, Encanto inherits a room with memory, and the…

Opened in September 2023 in the old Crane Alley space, Encanto inherits a room with memory, and the restaurant wisely leans into atmosphere: bright murals, contemporary Latin music, friendly hosts, and a menu sprawling enough to satisfy—or at least not displease—a big table.

11.03.2026 23:01 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
I will find Caesar salad, fries, and a dry martini at Hamilton Walker's in every lifetime - SPlog There's nowhere else better in Champaign-Urbana for that trending steakhouse bar moment of Caesar, fries, and martini than Hamilton Walker's.

With the trending combination of Caesar salad, fries, and martini at a bar, Alyssa can’t help but think there’s nowhere else better in Champaign-Urbana for this steakhouse bar moment than Hamilton Walker’s.

11.03.2026 21:01 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Columbia Street Cafe has coffee for every mood - SPlog How do you take your coffee when there are 48 different temperatures and weather conditions in one week? Are you a traditionalist who doesn’t sway from their regular? Is your coffee order entirely…

How do you take your coffee when there are 48 different temperatures and weather conditions in one week? Columbia Street Cafe at The Yard on Broadway has all our moods—and the weather patterns—covered with a wide variety of options from their own classic roasts to something indulgent.

11.03.2026 19:01 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Of course we want more train service to and from Chicago - Opinion Way back in 2009, the US Department of Transportation proposed a vision for an extensive high-speed rail system that “would safely, conveniently, and efficiently connect communities across America…

In Illinois, there is a new bill circulating through the state house and senate that is proposing implementing hourly train service between Champaign and Chicago, as well as other frequently traveled destinations from the Chicago hub.
www.smilepolitely.com/opinion/of-c...

11.03.2026 17:00 👍 5 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 1
Preview
Dr. Mélanie Clapiès joins Jupiter String Quartet - Music Champaign-Urbana’s string quartet in residence, Jupiter String Quartet, will debut its newest member in a concert on March 12 at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. Mélanie Clapiès is a…

Champaign-Urbana’s string quartet in residence, Jupiter String Quartet, will debut its newest member in a concert on March 12 at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

11.03.2026 15:02 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Papa Del’s Pizza Factory location turns 10 - SPlog The Papa Del’s Pizza Factory on Neil Street is celebrating 10 years. Smile Politely got a sneak peek of what has to be one of the largest restaurants in Champaign-Urbana back in 2016, and it’s ...

The Papa Del’s Pizza Factory on Neil Street is celebrating 10 years, and nothing says “tenth birthday” like a good, old-fashioned pizza party.

11.03.2026 13:01 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
How to find your polling places - SPlog It’s almost Election Day. Do you know where your polling places are? Due to an election judge shortage, these polling places will be closed:  There will be signs posted at these locations to let…

It’s almost Election Day. Do you know where your polling places are?

11.03.2026 00:00 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
The menu for JM's Texas Craft BBQ - SPlog JM’s Texas Craft BBQ will open soon inside Lincoln Square Mall. Urbana’s new food court vendor will offer barbecue plates and smoked meat by the pound in addition to from-scratch sides and the…

JM’s Texas Craft BBQ will open soon inside Lincoln Square Mall. Urbana’s new food court vendor will offer barbecue plates and smoked meat by the pound in addition to from-scratch sides and the restaurant’s only dessert: secret-recipe banana cream pudding.

10.03.2026 22:00 👍 3 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Questions for candidates: Sanford Hess for Champaign County Executive - Culture Primary elections are currently underway; Election Day is Tuesday, March 17. On the ballot for everyone in Champaign County is County Executive. There are two people running in the Democratic…

Primary elections are currently underway; Election Day is Tuesday, March 17. On the ballot for everyone in Champaign County is County Executive. There are two people running in the Democratic primary: Michelle Jett and Sanford Hess.

10.03.2026 20:00 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Questions for candidates: Michelle Jett for Champaign County Executive - Culture Primary elections are currently underway; Election Day is Tuesday, March 17. On the ballot for everyone in Champaign County is County Executive. There are two people running in the Democratic…

Primary elections are currently underway; Election Day is Tuesday, March 17. On the ballot for everyone in Champaign County is County Executive. There are two people running in the Democratic primary: Michelle Jett and Sanford Hess.

10.03.2026 20:00 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Parkland celebrates 60 years - SPlog Parkland College will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year, kicking off this Thursday, March 12 with a Day of Giving. On this day in 1966, area residents voted to approve a referendum to…

Parkland College will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year, kicking off this Thursday, March 12 with a Day of Giving.

10.03.2026 18:00 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Seeking art through Wa at Analog - Arts On March 6, an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Analog Wine Library in Urbana for the opening reception of “Seeking Art through Wa.” The exhibition’s curator, Satomi, defines Wa as a traditional…

Seeking Art through Wa, an exhibition’s from curator, Satomi, defines Wa as a traditional Japanese concept of harmony and balance, but also as a form of peace—a tranquility expressed beautifully through ink-based arts like calligraphy and sumi-e.

10.03.2026 16:01 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Check in for a tasty flight - Food & Drink There’s no better time than spring break for a flight. Several restaurants in Champaign-Urbana and Savoy regularly run flights. Some samplers of the house specialties are choose-your-own adventure,…

There’s no better time than spring break for a flight. This spring, explore the town’s flavors via a collection of mini pours.

10.03.2026 14:30 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Homebuying 101 with Habitat for Humanity - SPlog Buying a home? In this economy? The possibility of homeownership seems more and more unattainable these days, but it doesn’t (totally) have to feel that way. Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County…

Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County has upcoming financial education courses that are free, accessible, and promising for those who long to ditch the landlord.

09.03.2026 23:00 👍 3 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Natalie MacMaster and the Celtic All Stars played one of their longest shows at KCPA - Music On Tuesday March 3, Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy, and a collection of their friends and family members took the stage in Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ Foellinger Great Hall for what…

On Tuesday March 3, Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy, and a collection of their friends and family members took the stage in Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ Foellinger Great Hall for what they described as “one of the longest shows we’ve ever done.”

09.03.2026 21:30 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Sidney Dairy Barn opens for the season Friday, March 13 - SPlog Start screaming; it’s ice cream season. The cute seasonal ice cream stand Sidney Dairy Barn opens for the season this weekend. Starting Friday, March 13, the dairy destination will be open Friday,…

Start screaming; it’s ice cream season. The cute seasonal ice cream stand Sidney Dairy Barn opens for the season this weekend.

09.03.2026 19:00 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Four beers at 25 O'Clock Brewing Company - Food & Drink At 208 West Griggs Street sits a cozy craft beer brewery named 25 O’Clock Brewing Company. The discerning beer connoisseur can find it on the south side of the railroad tracks on Race…

Offering an often-changing list of craft beers, 25 O’Clock Brewing Company targets a more mature audience with a discerning palate for craft beer with intellectual stimulation in its menu

09.03.2026 17:01 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
A new exhibit is coming to the Children’s Discovery Museum - SPlog Hang tight if you planned to visit the Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal today or tomorrow. The museum will be closed March 9 and 10 for construction on their brand new “From the Farm to ...

Hang tight if you planned to visit the Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal today or tomorrow. The museum will be closed March 9 and 10 for construction on their brand new “From the Farm to A Healthy Me” exhibit.

09.03.2026 15:00 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
The Week: March 9-12 - Culture Take care of business at the beginning of the week, and kick of spring break early with tons of events on Wednesday and Thursday.

Take care of business at the beginning of the week, and kick of spring break early with tons of events on Wednesday and Thursday.

09.03.2026 13:31 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Rain, rain, don't go away just yet - SPlog How about this weather we’ve been having? Most of the state is in a severe drought, and here in Champaign County, we’re in an extreme drought. According to reporting, we are not prepared for this. ...

There is much more work to be done with regard to water use laws, agriculture, and massive data centers. So keep up the good work of educating yourself and others, and contacting your state reps to protect our resources.

06.03.2026 16:28 👍 4 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Let’s hear it for the bugs - Culture Wait, wait! Don’t go. I know they can seem creepy. They’re crawly. They’re ooky. But, really, aren’t they just…misunderstood? Insects are extremely important. They’re vital to this world we live in,…

This year marked the 43rd installment of the Insect Fear Film Festival, solidifying itself as a unique community event that provides a fun experience for all ages.

06.03.2026 00:00 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Five things in arts: March 2026 - Arts March in East Central Illinois can’t make up its mind. One day you’re squinting into actual sunlight, the next you’re fishing the ice scraper out from under the passenger seat—one more offering to a…

From the raw talent of our area high schoolers to the world-class grace of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, there is a lot to love about arts this month.

05.03.2026 22:00 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Pond Street does catfish right - Food & Drink This past Friday as the weather finally warmed up into no-jacket temperatures, I decided to venture out during my lunch break. I ended up at Pond Street, a restaurant located inside of the VFW…

Pond Street—a restaurant located inside of the VFW building off of Main Street in Urbana—has a crisp, clean menu, keeping the list of dishes short, but the restaurant excels at every one of them.

05.03.2026 20:00 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Thirsty Thursday: Mango lassi at NAYA - SPlog This week’s rainy, dreary days have me longing for bright flavors and happy, little moments like dining out in Campustown. This week, I’m thirsty for the mango lassi at NAYA. This lassi ($4.99) was a…

This week, Alyssa is thirsty for the mango lassi at NAYA.

05.03.2026 18:00 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
The Marching Illini are going to Ireland - SPlog The Marching Illini will perform in Kilkenny as part of St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny on March 15. “The Nation’s premier college marching band” will begin their performance at Kilkenny Castle Park,…

The Marching Illini will perform in Kilkenny as part of St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny on March 15.

05.03.2026 16:00 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
The Weekender: March 6-8 - Culture Read Across America, which may include swapping and / or donating books. Then, see some art, enjoy live music, and treat yourself to something sweet.

Read Across America, which may include swapping and / or donating books. Then, see some art, enjoy live music, and treat yourself to something sweet.

05.03.2026 14:08 👍 3 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0