Somehow, we’ve come to the end of the summer. Students will be returning to the U of I campus very soon, and that means Champaign Center Partnership’s 13 Thursday promotion is too. The annual promotion encourages us townie folks to check out Campustown businesses while the students are away. It helps the businesses thrive during a slower time, and is a great opportunity for us to see what’s there while things aren’t very busy.
While it’s probably too late to partipicate in some of the bigger 13 Thursday challenges, you can definitely set a goal of visiting five businesses in one day for one entry into the grand prize drawing, which is pretty sweet:
Colonnade tickets to Illinois vs. Nebraska (Aug. 28)
Colonnade tickets to Illinois vs. Wisconsin Homecoming game (Oct. 9).
One night stay at TownePlace Suites in Campustown during Homecoming.
Gift basket with merchandise and gift cards from Campustown businesses
If I were going to try this on Thursday, here is what I would do.
1. Coffee and pastry from Brewlab Coffee
You can get $1 off any drink at Brewlab. I’ll grab a pastry to go with it, then sit myself down on the patio and read a book for a bit.
2. New Nike Illini gear from Illini Union Bookstore
It’s just about time for Illini Football, so maybe it’s time for me to invest in some new apparel for the occasion. I don’t typically spend much time in the stadium, but it’s important to look nice in case I decide to tailgate. IUB is offering 25% off Nike products.
3. Lunch at Murphy’s Pub
After a stroll around campus to work up an appetite, I would head to Murphy’s and cash in on a free half order cheese curds with any order. Will a do a little day drinking and have a beer with that? Maybe I will.
4. The Beach on John Street
I can get a spray tan and look like I’ve just returned from vacation in Florida, without actually having to travel to Florida, which doesn’t seem like a good idea right now. If you book it on Thursday, you get 25% off.
5. Grab some Pokelab to eat later
You can get $5 off two poke bowls, so I would grab some dinner for the family and stick it in the fridge for later (because of the cheese curds). I love to build my own bowl. So many choices!
Don’t like my choices? There are so many other businesses to hit up on Thursday. Check out the full list of deals here.
Top photo from Champaign Center Partnership website.