Western Courier

Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Art Self III Short-order cooks at Cafe Aroma prepare meals for customers.

Though Western Illinois University students often complain their only entertainment is Macomb's alcohol scene, those with a willingness to scour the town for fun can discover otherwise.

"I like that there's a lot of outdoor beauty in Macomb and the surrounding area; you can just go and do so many things outdoors, like camping, which I love," said junior agriculture major Ron Wildemuth.

Spring Lake Park, found west of the intersection of Lafayette and North 1500 streets, may be open as late as November, depending on when temperatures fall. There, one may rent boats, fish, camp or enjoy several nature trails on foot or bike.

People who enjoy the bike trails at Spring Lake might also want to check out Critical Mass, which meets near Chandler Park's southeast corner at 5:30 p.m. on the last Friday of every month. A group of enthusiasts gather for a leisurely ride through an ever-changing route around Macomb. Those in need of bicycle repairs or a new bicycle can head to The Bike Shop on West Jackson.

For those who seek leisure on more than just two wheels, there is a skate park north of the YMCA comprised of a concrete slab and several ramps of various sizes, as well as Skateland, located off of West Jackson Street.

For lighter outdoor activity, Ball Fore, open from noon until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. the rest of the week, offers batting cages, mini-golf, a driving range and an archery range, among other activities. It is located on Jackson Street on the west edge of town. Equipment can be rented for all activities except archery.

"Frisbee golf is free and fun," said junior political science major Dustin Miller.

Western offers its own disc golf course behind Lincoln and Washington halls, and Macomb's Park District sports a second disc golf course between Everly and Glenwood parks, to the west of North Lafayette.

Evening entertainment can be found in abundance on Macomb's Square. The location of most of the town's bars, it also houses Magnolia's and Chandler's, both "shirt-and-tie"-style restaurants.

Aurelio's and Pagliai's can also be found on the Square for sit-down Italian-style food, along with Vitale's, which is located just down West Jackson from the Square. Further west, one finds Rocky's, The Red Ox and The Jackson Street Pub for those interested in "bar food" with a local atmosphere.

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