Quad Cities Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
The Quad Cities [1] are five, not four, closely-entangled cities and their suburbs. The area spans the Mississippi River alongside Iowa and Illinois.
Contents |
Cities
Understand
An article in the popular satirical magazine The Onion once questioned where the gay district of Moline could be found. To the readers of the publication, it was intended as a mockery of the American midwest and a damnation of all cities lacking national stature. Of course, this "joke" may just as easily be seen as a subtle condemnation of the ignorance of coastal snobs and big city yuppies who smirked when they read it, as every Quad Citian, regardless of their take on homosexuality, knows that Moline's gay district is actually located a few minutes away in nearby Davenport.
The Quad Cities has been passingly referred to as "forgottonia". Without a sizable core city, a major sports team or even formal recognition as a single urban entity from many planning comissions, it remains undetected on the national radar. As a result, it is frequently derided for its lack of stature when it achieves national attention. Such derision is more a reflection of the ignorance of those outside the area than it is legitimate fodder for amusement. Visitors are encouraged to check their biases at the door and explore everything the area has to offer.
Talk
Get in
The Quad Cities is accessible from the east by interstates 80 and 88, from the west by interstate 80 and from the south by interstate 74. It is also served by highway 61, a highway that runs alongside the Mississippi. Interstates 80 and 280 form a beltway which is bisected by interstate 74, making the entire area easily accesible by freeway. The area is also served by several bus stations, the Quad City International Airport and maintains access to an Amtrak Station in nearby Galesburg, IL.
Get around
Understand that despite its relatively small size, the politically fractured nature of the area has eliminated any central planning, making the area unusually difficult to get around in. For the public benefit, most gas stations post large, comprehensive free maps near their restrooms. Public transportation via city buses is available, but not widely used.
See
Though not officially named, the Quad Cities could well be another city called "The City of Bridges". Numerous pedestrian-friendly bridges span the Mississippi River, providing breathtaking views of several downtowns. Additionally, the newly completed "Skybridge" in downtown Davenport provides a bird's-eye view of that city's immaculate core while treating street-level pedestrians to an ever-chaning array of colors from light emitting diodes embedded in the bridge's structure. They area lies in a steep valley, allowing those approaching the Mississippi an astonishing view of the surrounding area.
Do
Visitors are strongly encouraged to explore the Village of East Davenport, a converted residential neighborhood that now houses a thriving arts community. The area includes Lagomarcinos, a reputable upscale confectioner and Elizabeth Bloom Studios, where world famous sculptures are created
Another notable shopping experiences is the District of Rock Island, a pedestrian mall which hosts several exotic bars and coffee shops, and maintains a near continuous series of music and ethnic festivals throughout the summer.
Any of the areas numerous riverfront casinos are recommended to those seeking to blend and old-time wild west cruise with the excitement of modern gambling.
For those interested in a more engaging experience, the Quad Cities plays host to the world-class Bix race.
Eat
The Quad Cities is home to a number of unique local chains. Whitey's Ice Cream provides numerous flavors of delicious top grade ice cream in a no-frills environment, and should not be missed. Additionally, this is where the Happy Joe's pizza chain originated, a series of restaurants which deliver premium pizza in a family-oriented atmosphere. Both establishments can be found throughout the area, and any local would be happy to direct visitors to the nearest one.
For those seeking something with a more unique flavor, The Filling Station provides delicious american fare at low prices. Visitors are strongly encouraged to pay it a visit.
Those seeking a more upscale experience can visit Centro, an italian-based restaurant in downtown Davenport. John Deere Commons in Moline also hosts an upscale dining establishment.
Drink
The District of Rock Island is a pedestrian mall which serves as home to numerous bars, and should not be missed. It also plays hosts to local several local festivals.
Davenport's downtown plays host to several large upscale nighclubs. Visitors need only park their car and follow the crowds.
Davenport's "Rainbow District" is a (very) small gay village located on the outskirts of the city's downtown. It consists of a handful of gay-oriented bars, nightclubs and restaurants, and is known for its popular drag shows. As with many areas in questionable parts of town, visitors are advised to proceed with caution when visiting the area at night. A string of recent violent incidents has garnered greater police protection, but has also illustrated some of the area's downsides.
As with many other working class cities, Davenport has a number of small neighborhood pubs located among its residential developments.
Stay safe
Like larger cities, visitors to the Quad Cities should make an effort to never travel on foot when alone at night, especially on the Illinois side of the river. That said, the area's greatest dangers tend to be experienced on the road; summertime deers make unfortunate moving roadblocks and most locals know of someone who has demolished their car against one. The winter months proudly represent the midwest's unpredictable weather and leave much of the area icy and unavigable with little notice. To further aggravate the situation, the area's residents are infamous for the unwillingness to use turn signals, check their blindspots or avoid the blindspots of their fellow commuters. All of this reduces the survivability of any roadtrip in the area to essentially a crapshoot.
Get out
Peoria, IL, Cedar Rapids, IA and Rockford, IL are all nearby. The QC is also situated just a couple hours west of Chicago, connected by interstates 80 and 88.
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