From the Idea Store: 

"In honor of the store's 15th anniversary, we are holding an event that is reminiscent of how the store began.  While not in someone's garage, the items are free to teachers.

On Monday, August 4th, 3 - 7pm the Idea Store (southwest corner of Lincoln Square Mall, 125 Lincoln Square in Urbana) is holding a special giveaway in the event space.

All educators are invited to fill two bags (we provide the bags) with school, classroom, office, and art supplies for free.  Additional bags can be purchased for $5 - $10 depending on size.

People must bring something that shows they are a current educator."

THANK YOU TO OUR TEACHERS, AND TO THE IDEA STORE!

Exile on Main Street, 100 N. Chestnut in downtown Champaign, is giving a full 10% off any new items and 15% off any used items through July 30 when you say the magic words: "Summer of Solidarity"!

Located in the old train station, Exile on Main Street is downtown Champaign's much-loved record shop. Since 2004, Exile has been gifting us with precious vinyl (and cds, tapes...), hosting great shows, and continuing a long-standing tradition in CU in being a cool place to learn about, hear, and buy music. 

This record shop is alive, and simply bursting with stock and personality, as the best ones are. The knowledgable owner is a long-time music supporter, and many employees are musicians. Want to get suggestions and talk music? Want to be left alone to browse in peace? In either case, this is the place! 

They even have a wall for posters that help us know what's going on.  

Stop in and thank them for helping to make our town special, and maybe even buy em a drink. (21 years old! Whoo!) And pick up music while you're there.

In doing so, you will be supporting a local business that hires locals, adds creativity to our community, uplifts a local leader, and pays into our tax base (unlike greedy online & big box shops).

Offer runs through July 30, 2025. In-store purchase required. 

Thanks, Exile! Summer of Solidarity, y’all.

See you there! (And remember to say the magic words!)

Speaking of records....  As locals will tell you, the Loose Cobra, 113 E. Main in Tolono, is home to magically beautiful things that you have to experience in person to understand. 

Their house-made margaritas is among them.

For a limited time, on Wednesday through Saturday nights beginning at 6pm, you can drive south 15ish minutes through the sun-kissed fields to visit the Loose Cobra and get the best margaritas in Champaign County.  

Pass the dancing fireflies, turn right after the corn high as elephant eyes, continue on under stunning sireny skies, and you've found the lovely Loose Cobra, the dive bar of our dreams where vinyl spins, live music lives, and on special nights, the sweetest of bartenders sling THE BEST MARGARITAS IN CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.

Always fresh, never frozen, the Cobra's margaritas involve real fruit and no pre-made mixers. "That's part of why they're so frikin' good, regardless of what flavor you're getting," a Cobra regular explained.

The massive manual citrus juicer behind the bar tells only part of the story; sweet Matt and Becca change the margarita menu from night to night, spotlighting seasonal treats. Beyond the traditional margarita, maybe a strawberry margarita will be offered? Maybe pineapple  jalapeño? Who knows? Visit them and see! You won't be sorry.

On Saturday, July 5, the Loose Cobra will celebrate CobraFest with a day of live music on two stages, summery shenanigans, and abundant goodness starting at 5pm. Parking lot margaritas are among the offerings. Don't miss out.

Like top-tier, fresh-squeezed margaritas at non-bougie, small-town prices? Like the idea of supporting a kind CU music god whose business supports live music and locals? This is the place.

Cash only and 21+. Margaritas typically sell out early; once they're gone, that's it for the night. Get em while you can. Offer runs through July 30, 2025. Car pool, spring for a cab, bike, or otherwise travel safe, friends. Fair winds.

Support a local business that hires locals, adds music and charm to our community, uplifts a local leader, pays into our tax base (unlike greedy online & big box shops). and serves up the frikin' best margarita in the county. Whooo!

Thanks, Cobra! Summer of Solidarity, y’all.

See you there! 

Circles Boutique, 114 N. Neil in downtown Champaign, will take a mighy 10% off your total in-store purchase through July 30 when you say "Summer of Solidarity"!

If you see someone dressed in the coolest clothes ever, odds are they found 'em at Circles, CU's longstanding oasis of lovely fabrics, fresh cuts, gorgeously unique jewelry, and edgy vibrance. 

Just stepping into Circles makes the day better. And everyone knows that a present from Circles is always a really great gift. 

Unlike other boutiques, no one works on commission here, either, which only furthers the down-to-earth goodness. 

Plan to stop by for their big 32nd anniversary celebration on July 19 (THIRTY TWO YEARS IN CHAMPAIGN!), but also pop in before to take advantage of this offer. They have such lovely things. 

Pick up a present, or treat yourself!  

In doing so, you will be supporting a local business that hires locals, adds creativity to our community, uplifts a local woman leader, and pays into our tax base (unlike greedy online & big box shops).

Offer runs through July 30, 2025. In-store purchase required. Gift cards, online purchases, and combining with other discounts excluded.

Thanks, Circles! Summer of Solidarity, y’all.

See you there! (And remember to say the magic words!)