Guidebook for Normal
Food Scene
Starbucks
307 Veterans PkwyIt's within walking distance for morning coffee and breakfast.
Local brewer, within walking distance, that has good appetizers and outdoor garden. I recommend the fried asparagus or bavarian pretzels!
11 locals recommend
DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works
318 S Towanda AveLocal brewer, within walking distance, that has good appetizers and outdoor garden. I recommend the fried asparagus or bavarian pretzels!
Healthy cuisine; Its a 'you pick it and they grill it' buffet within walking distance.
Flat Top Grill
Veterans ParkwayHealthy cuisine; Its a 'you pick it and they grill it' buffet within walking distance.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
1601 E College AveWithin walking distance.
Parks & Nature
Daily exercise, escape to nature, and or travel anywhere in cities.
7 locals recommend
Constitution Trail
Constitution TrailDaily exercise, escape to nature, and or travel anywhere in cities.
I grew up around this lake. It hosts lots of trails and wildlife. When I'm in town, this is a fav place on weekends to escape. Approximately 15 minute drive from Normal.
Evergreen Lake
I grew up around this lake. It hosts lots of trails and wildlife. When I'm in town, this is a fav place on weekends to escape. Approximately 15 minute drive from Normal.
Shopping
Shoppes at College Hills
314 Towanda AveHas just about everything.
Uptown Normal
11 Uptown CircleLive music on circle, eateries, pubs, movie theater and unique shops.
Essentials
They have the best organic selection in town. And you can get about any essential at this grocer, including a pharmacy.
11 locals recommend
Kroger
1550 E College Ave They have the best organic selection in town. And you can get about any essential at this grocer, including a pharmacy.
Walgreens
1525 N Veterans PkwyPharmacy within walking distance.
Entertainment & Activities
If you like artsy, foreign or indie flicks ~ this restored theater is a treat. I love it.
8 locals recommend
The Normal Theater
209 W North StIf you like artsy, foreign or indie flicks ~ this restored theater is a treat. I love it.
This place will serve you dinner, drinks at the movies. Lounge like atmosphere. Pretty neat. Reserve tickets ahead of time if you want a seat!
Ovation 10 Bloomington
415 Detroit DrThis place will serve you dinner, drinks at the movies. Lounge like atmosphere. Pretty neat. Reserve tickets ahead of time if you want a seat!
Why not climb inside a grain bin while in central Illinois?!
12 locals recommend
Upper Limits Climbing Gym
1304 W Washington StWhy not climb inside a grain bin while in central Illinois?!
Arts & Culture
I've seen every play by Shakespeare. Well worth your time. This is not a winter activity as it is an outdoor amphitheater. Lovely space.
Illinois Shakespeare Festival
48 Sunset RdI've seen every play by Shakespeare. Well worth your time. This is not a winter activity as it is an outdoor amphitheater. Lovely space.
Heartland Theatre
1110 Douglas StTroupe puts on exceptional plays all year round.
Music, comedy, and dance acts all year round.
15 locals recommend
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
Music, comedy, and dance acts all year round.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Castle Theatre
209 E Washington StIf you like live music, this is the place to go. Great fun.
A wine festival every weekend with live music. A magical space in the middle of cornfields.
7 locals recommend
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
33633 IL-9A wine festival every weekend with live music. A magical space in the middle of cornfields.