Whether you’re a hot off the press freshman, a well versed returner or someone who hasn’t left campus since you’ve stepped foot on Ambrose soil, there’s something on this list you haven’t done yet. Don’t let the lame excuse of “there’s nothing to do” keep you from experiencing the all of the amazing activities Davenport and the Quad Cities has to offer.
Music Venues
The Quad Cities has an unbelievably “hip” music scene. What started as a DIY scene, has moved to a US staple. Downtown Davenport is home to Daytrotter and River Music Experience. Although Daytrotter might not have a huge list of shows, you’re guaranteed quality by any act that comes through. *check out upcoming artist Foxing* The slightly busier non-profit River Music Experience, or better known as RME, has a plethora of shows reaching almost all genre’s of music. *check out upcoming artist The Ballroom Theives, Chicago Farmer, or their weekly Live @ 5 FREE concerts* Most importantly however, find a show, make a weekend of it and go to Codfish Hollow. The dirt road that takes you to the insanely unique venue is only the start of the experience. After parking your car in a field, a lovely little old man will come pick you and your friends up on a giant tractor with a hayrack attached to the back of it. You’ll then spend your evening listening to – more than likely – one of the best touring artists you’ve ever heard, in a renovated barn, on one the most gorgeous farms you’ve ever seen. Seriously do this, you’ll remember it forever.
Bike Paths
Good for biking, blading, boarding and running, Davenport is filled with bike paths. Duck Creek bike path runs just north of Campus, through Bettendorf, down to the IA Mississippi River Bike Path. If you’re feeling brave, you can venture across the good ole Mississippi to Illinois and ride along the IL side.
Yoga
Hidden on Brady St. is the cutest little yoga studio, run by the cutest little Austrailian lady. The Davenport School of Yoga has a class that will fit almost any schedule, including an acro-yoga class at their Bettendorf location. If hot yoga is more your style both One Tree Hot Yoga and Sol Yoga offer classes with college student specials.
East Village
Basically the east village belongs in a story book. From the old timey “saloons”, adorable shops, an ice cream shop straight from the 50’s, a winery, superior quality food, and a beautiful park that overlooks the Mississippi River, you can’t really do better than the Village.
Food Truck Tuesday’s
With it’s debut last week, Food Truck Tuesday has already proved successful. Sept 13 the trucks will be parked across the street from Great River Brewery from 4-9pm. On Sept 20 from 11-2, they’ll be on the Riverfront just off of Brady St. On their final tuesday they’ll be back by Great River Brewery from 4-9pm. *I highly suggest The Crepe Guy*
Bars and Breweries
During your years at Ambrose you’ll hear of four bars: Rookies Sports Bar, Carriage Haus, Kilkenny’s and Mac’s Tavern. These bars are going to be huge part of your college experience, but please do me a favor and check out a few others during your time here. Play ski-ball, Mortal Kombat or even challenge your friends to a good old fashioned Mario Kart race at Analog Arcade Bar. Grab some local brews from Great River Brewery, Front Street Brewery and Bent River Brewery. Spend some time on the back patio at Circle Tap. Just heed my advice and do it.
Rozz-Tox
Ok, you might not believe me, but Rozz-Tox is probably the coolest place in the whole QC. Aside from being a kicka$$ music venue/coffee shop/bar/part-time movie theatre/poetry palace, it’s the perfect place to study. They constantly have perfect indie jams playing in the background, ideal for studying. *On Tuesday’s you can get 20% off every menu item with your student ID*
Museums
There’s a billion little museums in the QC. The big ones to pay attention to are Putnam Museum of history and natural science and Figge Art Museum. Putnam has an IMAX theatre and they’re constantly changing their exhibits. Through September 25th Figge is offering free admission *even though you already get free admission with your student ID*. The “Wonderful World of Oz” exhibit was featured as one of USA Today’s top museums exhibits of 2016.
Thrifting
In almost every neighborhood, you can find a thrift store. From Goodwill and Salvation Army to D.A.V. and Neat Stuff, there’s plenty of places to fulfill your incessant need to spend, while still adhering to your college budget.
Freight House Farmer’s Market
Not only is the farmer’s market great for the amazing, locally sourced food, it’s seriously great for dogs. They’re everywhere. You’ll be overwhelmed by the amount of adorable pups all over the place. Open every Saturday and Sunday morning – and Tuesday evenings – you’re sure to get your pup fix and some amazing food!
Theatres
If you’re into musicals/plays/observing people who have way more talent than you, head no further. Just down Locust St. is the QC Theatre Workshop, where chances are, if you take a theatre class, you’ll be sent to. Adler Theatre is downtown Davenport and hosts a series of musical acts, comedians, ballets and plays – this Christmas “Elf the Musical” will be here!! And last but certainly not least, is Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse. You can grab, dinner, drinks and watch some of the Quad Cities most talented performers all from one seat.
Hiking
About 45 minutes north of Davenport is a teeny little town called Maquoketa. Go there. It’s not even up for questioning, you MUST do this during your time at SAU. The Maquoketa Caves State Park is unbelievably beautiful and full of adventure. Sometimes you won’t have time to travel 45 minutes for a hike, and that’s still ok. Wildcat Den isn’t quite that far and is still full of beautiful views.
Don’t listen to people when they say there isn’t anything to do in the Quad Cities. There’s more than you could imagine, you just have to take advantage of the opportunities.