Having grown up in northern Illinois, Madison Magazine editor Andrea Behling sees herself as a small-town girl at heart. One of the things Behling likes most about living in her adopted hometown is that she can navigate between the urban sprawl of downtown Madison and the laid-back setting of rural Wisconsin with relative ease. “If you want a fun night downtown, you can stay out for drinks and visit one of the posh places like EnoVino,” Behling says. “Then, on Sunday morning, if you want brunch in the ’burbs, you can go to GreenLantern in McFarland, Wisconsin, and get a lobster Benedict and a bloody mary while sitting on Lake Waubesa and feel like you’re in the north woods.”
The Madison food scene features much more than Spotted Cow ale and fried cheese curds—but if that’s your thing, The Biergarten at Olbrich Park is a good place to grab a pint and a pretzel. For approachable fine dining in Madison, Behling recommends Fairchild. Chef Itaru Nagano blends upscale eats with neighborhood hospitality. On the east side of town, recent James Beard semifinalist Sean Pharr’s Mint Mark is the place for vegetable-forward small plates.
Plan a fall visit around the WillyStreetFair, which takes place the weekend of September 20. The festival features a parade, live music, local vendors, and the cartoonish Bubblemobile—an older-model Cadillac that blows bubbles as it’s driven. Later in the season, anyone looking for fall foliage will find gorgeous views, particularly on the hourlong drive from Madison to Devil’sLakeStatePark in Baraboo. University of Wisconsin football games are not to be missed. This fall, the Badgers will play seven home games at CampRandallStadium. “There’s a real energy in the town when there’s a game going on,” Behling says. “When you tailgate on Regent Street, you’ll see the whole street is filled with red shirts.”
Unwind nearby at The ACHotel, with some of the best views in Madison. Another option for visitors is TheEdgewaterHotel, which is located—as the name implies—on the edge of Lake Mendota. “You’ll get the full Wisconsin experience there,” Behling says.
ON THE WAY ROCKFORD ILLINOIS
Experience early-20th century Midwestern living at the Midway Village Museum, where visitors can take a self-guided tour of a rural village that features original buildings, as well as built-to-scale replicas. The museum has several permanent exhibits that illustrate northern Illinois’ historical contributions to American life.
IOWA CITY IOWA
HOME OF THE IOWA HAWKEYES
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courtesy of Think Iowa City
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courtesy of Think Iowa City
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courtesy of Think Iowa City
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Catch the homecoming parade on Friday, September 26.
Iowa City native Emma McClatchey knows what the naysayers think about her home state. She doesn’t put much stock in the grousing. “People will say there’s nothing to do in Iowa,” says McClatchey, managing editor of Little Village magazine. “We take that in stride. There are constantly things to do here.” McClatchey offers some of her top picks.
WHERE TO EAT
Hamburg Inn No. 2: It’s one of the classic places where politicians will come to press the flesh while they’re in town during caucus season.
Mosley’s Barbecue and Provisions: Delicious barbecue. It’s where we do all of our staff lunches.
Vue Rooftop: It’s located at the top of the Hilton Garden Inn and has some of the best views in Iowa City. They also do dueling pianos.
Crêpes de Luxe Café: This is a nice breakfast/brunch spot. The owners brought a French and Moroccan pastry tradition here, and it’s a real success story. It’s also just a really cool place.
WHERE TO STAY
TheHighlander is the No. 1 place I would recommend. There’s a lot of history with it, and it was recently revamped and renovated to be a modern hotel with a classic twist of 1970s groovy style. There’s also TheGraduate, which you can find on a lot of different college campuses. They mold the personality of the hotel to whichever campus the hotel is near.
WHAT TO DO
There are a bunch of cool things to see while walking around Iowa City’s PedMall. You can hop into the bars, restaurants, and boutiques. There are also free concerts on weekends. In the fall, EnglertTheatre hosts the Witching Hour festival, a mix of experimental films, lectures, and talks. The university’s StanleyMuseumofArt also reopens this fall.
ON THE WAY QUINCY ILLINOIS
One of our country’s underrated architectural gems, Quincy features an eclectic variety of homes built in the styles of Second Empire, Romanesque, Queen Anne, Arts & Crafts, Italianate, and Midcentury Modern, among many others. Take a driving tour or schedule a private home tour to see one of Quincy’s perfectly preserved, ornate abodes in the East End Historic District.
BLOOMINGTON INDIANA
HOME OF THE INDIANA HOOSIERS
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courtesy of Visit Bloomington
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Jeremy Hogan / SOPA Images via AP
Homecoming weekend kicks off with an evening parade down Woodlawn Avenue on Friday, October 17. The next day, the Hoosiers will welcome Michigan State to Memorial Stadium.
By nature of his job, Zach Osterman, the Indianapolis Star’s Indiana University athletics beat reporter, spends a lot of time in college towns. For 16 years, he’s also lived in one. To Osterman, Bloomington stacks up favorably to its peer towns—and to much larger ones. ¶ “It’s a small town that feels like a big city without a lot of the hassle of a big city,” Osterman says. “The university keeps everything lively. It’s just a wonderful place to spend some time.” Here are some of Osterman’s suggestions.
FOR PIZZA:Mother Bear’s. It’s what you think of as that classic college-town pizza joint, with the wooden booths and the ambiance. Plus, it’s fantastic pizza.
FOR FINE DINING:The Uptown Café has a really good diversity of options on the menu. Janko’sLittleZagreb might have the best steak in town, and OsteriaRago does genuinely authentic Italian food. My wife swears by their wine list.
FOR BRUNCH:The Village Deli does a giant pancake. It’s thick. It’s fluffy. It’s really good. You better have a good appetite.
FOR DRINKS: Go to Nick’s for the college-town ambiance, as much as anything. I’m always a fan of TheTap for their beer selection. Next door to The Tap is a place called TheOrbitRoom, which has a completely different vibe. It’s darker and quieter than other places, and when you’re trying to find a place that isn’t going to be full of crazy college kids, it’s a nice change of pace.
STAY
A number of friends who went to college here and come back to visit swear by Grant Street Inn, a little boutique hotel downtown. You could also stay outside of Bloomington. The FourwindsLakesideInn& Marina is located on Lake Monroe, roughly 20 minutes outside of downtown, and it has some resort qualities. Staying there allows you to experience the best of both worlds.
PLAY
Outside of town, Monroe Lake is the largest body of water in the state—Lake Michigan aside. You’re also not far from HoosierNationalForest and YellowwoodStateForest. If you want to see a show, The Bluebird is a small, quintessential venue. The Buskirk–ChumleyTheater gets pretty big acts. And the IndianaUniversityAuditorium always has a rotating list of shows.
ON THE WAY CASEY ILLINOIS
This small town is home to a dozen of the world’s largest roadside attractions. You can listen to the world’s largest wind chime, gawk at a supersized swizzle spoon, marvel at the planet’s most magnificent mailbox, take a gander at a giant golf tee, and check out many more mega-curiosities.
OXFORD MISSISSIPPI
HOME OF THE OLE MISS REBELS
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courtesy of Visit Oxford
courtesy of Visit Oxford
courtesy of Visit Oxford
Thomas Graning/Associated Press
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Thomas Graning/Associated Press
It’s tough to choose just one game this season, as the Rebels host football powerhouses: LSU on September 27, Washington State on October 11, and South Carolina on November 1.
After spending the first nine years of her life in Oxford, Mississippi, writer and photographer Erin Austen Abbott has lived in Florida, Seattle, L.A., and Boston, to name a few. But no matter the place, she always compared them to her first home and came to one conclusion: “It’s not Oxford,” she’d say. It was with this love of the region that she, her husband, Sean Kirkpatrick, and their son, Tom, now call it home. Austen Abbott shared some favorite stops.
James Beard Award finalist SaintLeo is where you’ll find wood-oven pizzas made with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant also has an innovative cocktail menu and the city’s only female head of bar. John Currence’s Snackbar brings the Creole flavors of New Orleans to Oxford. Restaurateur Alexandra Santiago, who grew up eating breakfast tacos in San Antonio, recently opened SleepyCactus—it’s already a favorite for Tex-Mex. For a caffeine fix, head to HeartbreakCoffee, and if you want a sweet to accompany your coffee, BottletreeBakery bakes from scratch every day.
Austen Abbott’s son, Tom, loves TheEndofAllMusic record shop, located on the main square of the city. SquareBooks and its kid-friendly counterpart, SquareBooks, Jr., are also favorites. TheMuseumofNaturalHistory, also known as Oxford University Museum, offers rotating exhibits, in addition to its permanent collection. Bailey’sWoods Trail connects the museum to William Faulkner’s onetime home, RowanOak. And if you’re visiting in April, go to TheDoubleDeckerArtsFestival, which includes an old-fashioned double-decker bus from England that offers tours and rides to games.
Looking for a place to stay? Austen Abbott recommends TheGraduate, a hotel known for its Southern sensibility, as well as TheChancellor’sHouse.
ON THE WAY MEMPHIS TENNESSEE
There’s always something to do at Graceland, which will host several seasonal events late this fall. That includes Graceland Christmas Tours (November 21—December 23) and the Graceland Holiday Lighting Weekend (November 21—November 23).
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN ILLINOIS
HOME OF THE ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
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Eddie Scott
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Eddie Scott
Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via AP Images
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Eddie Scott
courtesy of Visit Champaign County
Eddie Scott
Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via AP Images
Consider a trip to see the University of Illinois football team for one of these big games: Ohio State University on October 11 or Northwestern University on November 29.
Patrick Singer was born in St. Louis and grew up in Chicago and Charleston before moving to Urbana-Champaign. Singer is the music editor of Smile Politely magazine, and he’s involved with the Pygmalion arts festival, so he knows the area well. He shared some favorites.
WHERE TO EAT
Maize Mexican Grill: Armando Sandoval’s restaurant serves some of the best traditional Mexican food in the Midwest.
Flying Machine Avionics: Josh Lucas’ Flying Machine has taken on a few forms over the years. The present coffeehouse location, in midtown Champaign, is a mainstay. No matter when you visit, it’ll most likely be buzzing with people.
Quality Beer: There’s an ever-rotating tap of regional and local brews, as well as an awesome beer garden in the heart of downtown Champaign. On a sunny day, you won’t want to go anywhere else to get a cold one.
WHERE TO STAY
If you want to stay in downtown Champaign, HyattPlace is a natural pick. Get a drink at the bar, Punch.
WHAT TO DO
Rose Bowl Tavern: Enjoy live music of all sorts seven days a week at this historic honkey-tonk tavern.
Japan House: Take a stroll at this magnificent arboretum, full of incredible cherry blossom trees.
Allerton Park & Retreat Center: In nearby Monticello, philanthropist Robert Allerton’s former estate often hosts events and is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
ON THE WAY SPRINGFIELD ILLINOIS
During a particularly divisive time in the country’s history, it might be eye-opening to travel to the Land of Lincoln and reflect. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recently introduced Walk, Hike and Bike History Tours—guided experiences that revolve around a range of topics: Black history, women’s history, military history, Frank Lloyd Wright, and, of course, the 16th president.
COLUMBIA MISSOURI
HOME OF THE MISSOURI TIGERS
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LG Patterson
LG Patterson
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LG Patterson
LG Patterson
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Looking to take in some traditions? Go during homecoming against UMass on September 27.
A Chicago native, Madeleine Leroux, the editor of Inside Columbia magazine, recently moved to Columbia but says it already feels like home. “Columbia is a perfect mix of big-city amenities and small-town friendliness,” she says. Below are her top picks.
FOR PIZZA: It’s not a trip to Columbia without Shakespeare’s Pizza. My go-to is a simple pepperoni pizza. The pepperoni is thicker than you’d normally find, as the staff at Shakespeare’s cuts their own.
FOR A BURGER:Booche’s is an institution, and you can get an incredible burger.
FOR GREAT JAZZ: Several nights per week, Murry’s hosts live jazz music, with Tom Andes often playing or leading a trio. It’s really the best spot in town for live jazz music.
FOR DINER FOOD: I love a good diner, and Columbia has a couple of iconic diners. TheBroadwayDiner and Ernie’sCafe are both great places to get typical diner food, especially after a night out and you want some good, greasy eggs and potatoes.
FOR A CUP OF COFFEE:Fretboard Coffee in the North Village Arts District serves delicious coffee and espresso drinks.
FOR LODGING NEAR IT ALL: TheTigerHotel is right downtown and has great views. TheBroadway is also downtown and has a rooftop bar. In the winter, it has heated igloos.
FOR OUTDOOR FUN: Cooper’sLanding has live music, food trucks, and a [site that’s] kind of like Stonehenge but with boats. There are also probably 50 trails that are all connected in Columbia—you can go anywhere without having to take a car.
ON THE WAY FULTON MISSOURI
2022 marked the 75th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s famous Iron Curtain speech at Westminster College, in which the former British prime minister urged the U.S. and Britain to stand together against Soviet communism. Today, you can visit America’s National Churchill Museum, situated in a 17th-century church that was moved to Fulton from London, and see sections of the fallen Berlin Wall.
LAWRENCE KANSAS
HOME OF THE KANSAS JAYHAWKS
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KU played its first homecoming game 112 years ago against Mizzou, a rival it faced for every other homecoming for years. This year’s homecoming game will be against Oklahoma State on November1.
On the heels of the jayhawks winning another national title, it’s no surprise that WalletHub.com recently named Lawrence among the “Best Cities for College Basketball Fans.” Less than an hour west of KC, the city’s known for far more than sports, though. Travel site Matador noted it’s “not fussy or trendy—it’s just a great area for creative folks to show the world than Kansas can be seriously cool.”
STAY
If you’re staying in Lawrence for a game, TheOread is conveniently located next to campus. (You can also watch the game at the hotel’s BirdDogBar if you don’t have tickets.) TheEldridgeHotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and a great option in downtown Lawrence.
EAT
To start the day, head to Decade, a coffee and espresso bar with an extensive menu. Looking for something stronger? Try Free State Beer, which became the state’s first legal brewery in more than a century in 1989. It’s situated in the up-and-coming Warehouse Arts District. For Mexican and Latin American food, stop by LaParrilla. And be sure to grab a burger at TheBurgerStand at the Casbah, which Zagat named one of the best burger joints across 25 American cities.
PLAY
Any trip to Lawrence isn’t complete without a stop at Allen Fieldhouse, which boasts James Naismith’s original 13 rules of basketball. Take the JayhawkExperience walking tour to visit athletic facilities across campus. The KU BiodiversityInstituteandNaturalHistoryMuseum houses artifacts and animals. And if you want some fresh air, the Lawrence Loop is a series of trails stretching around the city.
ON THE WAY KANSAS CITY KANSAS
CPKC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current, is the world’s first women’s professional sports facility. And soccer fans should be on the lookout for ticket info about the 2026 FIFA World Cup games at Arrowhead Stadium.
FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS
HOME OF THE ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
Wesley Hitt
courtesy of Inn at Carnall Hall
courtesy of Bordinos Restaurant & Wine Bar
Icon Sportswire via AP Images
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Wesley Hitt
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courtesy of Bordinos Restaurant & Wine Bar
Icon Sportswire via AP Images
Call the Hogs at the annual homecoming game on October 25. The Razorbacks will take on Auburn.
Dickson Street hasn’t changed much during the 60 years that Tracy Hutchens has called Fayetteville home. Sure, a few shops, bars, and restaurants have come and gone, but the vibes have endured. “It’s always a unique experience,” says Hutchens, director of external relations for Celebrate Arkansas. “You never know what you’ll see on Dickson.”
The street is the center of University of Arkansas sports revelry, and it’s a must-stop destination on any trip into the heart of Razorback country. “You could be there and see a celebrity or the coolest [motorcycles] you’ve ever seen,” Hutchens says. “There are also some super dining places on Dickson.”
Farrell’sLounge, Bar & Grill serves the Hangover Burger, with applewood-smoked bacon, crispy hash browns, American cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg. Across the street, Bordinos Restaurant & Wine Bar offers Italian cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere. For drinks, head to Vault, where cocktails are served from a bar inside a former bank vault.
While there’s plenty to do in Fayetteville proper, one of the best art museums in the country is a half-hour drive away. Situated amid 120 acres of Ozark forest, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses masterpieces from every era in U.S. history. Back in Fayetteville, the WaltonArtsCenter hosts top recording artists and major musicals.
Of course, any fall trip isn’t complete until you’ve attended an SEC football game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. To get the full Razorback experience during your stay, consider booking a room in the University of Arkansas–themed GraduateHotel. The InnatCarnallHall, a boutique hotel located in what was once a fraternity house, offers guests another twist on the campus experience. And the DicksonStreetInn is just steps from the nightlife scene in Fayetteville and its eponym. “It’s the place to go,” Hutchens says.
ON THE WAY OZARK MISSOURI
Just south of Springfield, Missouri, the quaint town of Ozark is host to Johnny Morris’ newest attraction: Finley Farms. Situated on the Finley River, the reimagined Ozark Mill site offers fine dining with farm-fresh ingredients, a workshop with crafts and coffee, and speakeasy-style spot The Garrison.
