DeKalb, IL and Cedar Falls, Iowa
 

I am planning to visit DeKalb and Cedar Falls in January to check out some graduate schools there. <BR><BR>Does anyone have any good reccomendations for dining or great things to do? When I go to IL, I will be with my mom and I am going to Iowa with friends. We'll be arriving on a Friday and then leaving each city on Saturday evening. <BR><BR>I know these cities aren't exactly the mecca of tourism, but I thought if anyone would have some suggestions, it would be the Fodorites!<BR><BR>Also, if anyone would like to comment on what it is like living in either of these communities, I would love to hear it. I'm from Wisconsin, so I have an idea of what living in the Midwest is like, but any thoughts would be appreciated. <BR><BR>Thanks so much!<BR>Becca

Next to DeKalb is a small town called Sycamore (like the tree). We went to a good restaurant after graduation that had the name Charhouse in it. It was on Route 23, about 10 minutes from NIU. I can't remember the exact name, but it had a great selection of food. Sycamore isn't big, so you should be able to find this place. it mighta been Johnny's Charhouse, can't remember

Dekalb is a lovely small IL town, but a Dekalb 6 course dinner is 5 beers and a ear of corn. My undergrad ex. at Niu left a sore taste in mouth.

Thanks for the responses. Any others?<BR>

I would also suggest going to Sycamore.<BR>DeKalb is a depressing little town. If<BR>you want really nice restaurants you'll have to drive about 20 miles east to the Geneva/St. Charles area. If you think you want to make this drive, post here with your ethnic preferences and I'll give some suggestions.

Becca,<BR><BR>I didn't read your whole posting. I've never lived in DeKalb but I probably go there six times a year. I assume your considering going to Northern Illinois University. At this point in my life, and I'm older than you, I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time in DeKalb. It's<BR>a college town with a somewhat dying downtown(empty stores). However if I was a college student I would be ok with it. I'm sure there are a few decent places to eat and hangout. You'll also be about 60 miles from Chicago so that is an option for some fun. You can drive into the city, or drive into Geneva, 20 miles east, and catch the train in. If you go to school in DeKalb I'm sure you'll be fine. But I suspect you won't want to hang around after graduation.

Dan,<BR>Ouch, that doesn't sound too encouraging about DeKalb. Frankly, I'm going to visit with not too much hope that I will actually like the place - not the best attitude, I know, but maybe I will change my mind.....<BR><BR>Anyway, I will take your advice on restaurants in Geneva/St. Charles. Since I will be with my mom, we would probably like to eat some Italian or go to a nice steakhouse. <BR><BR>Thanks for your honest comments!<BR>Becca

Becca,<BR><BR>Like I said, DeKalb would be ok for college so just look around. Sycamore to the north is a charming little town.<BR>A reader said she went to Johnny's Charhouse in Sycamore. I've been there, its ok. A chain but pretty good. If you want to drive to the St. Charles/Geneva area, about 30-35 min. I'd reccomend Francescas (very popular)or La Trattoria Za Za in St. Charles, both Italian. See if they take reservations. Steakhouses in the area are very expensive, and I'm not that familiar so I won't make a reccomendation. Granada in Geneva is a<BR>tapas restaurant, spanish (not mexican!)<BR>but a lot of fun. Even unadventurous eaters can find something. You order a few small dishes and pass them. We always take visitors there. To get to geneva just go east on rt 38 for about 20 miles or so and you'll be right downtown . St. Charles is directly north of Geneva. I'm sure there are other options in Sycamore, I just don't know them Good luck.<BR>

Becca, I live in DeKalb, was born in DeKalb, so I will be biased on my opinion. It is not a depressing or dying town, the main street is dying, but the road between DeKalb & Sycamore is a booming street now, all the chain stores are building here. New home construction is also booming. The best thing about DeKalb is it's only 60 miles west of Chicago. You can enjoy all that Chicago has to offer, but come home to a much more peaceful way of living. I work at NIU & it's a growing college.<BR>As for restaurants, try the Hillside on 2nd street, a quaint little restaurant.<BR>If you like Mexican food, there is Rosita's or Eduardo's, both on Lincoln Hwy. Come to DeKalb w/ an open mind & know that if you find it a bit too small, that entertainment is only a short drive away, besides Chicago, the suburbs are only 20 minutes away. If you have any more questions, post them & I'll reply.

I've got to agree with Susan--Sycamore street is really booming. Right now we've got a Target and a Wal Mart just about side by side for great shopping! We Midwesterners know good value when we see it, Becca, you'll fit right in!

Heartland Man, don't forget the brand new TJ Maxx, Old Navy & Borders! At least we don't have to drive that 20 miles to shop anymore...LOL! Are you from DeKalb or Sycamore? If so, do you like living here? I really don't think it's as bad as one of the previous posters said it is. I think Becca will find it a good place to go to Graduate School, as for living here after, that's up to her.

Sue, I live about 10 miles north of DeKalb, but come into town at some of the places you mention to do my shopping. Don't mind the shopping area, but then again I don't live around it. Yeah, I guess I like it around here--like the peace and quiet, mainly.

Heartland Man, living 10 miles north, you live in a smaller town than DeKalb or Sycamore. Yes, the best thing about this area is the peace & quiet, but knowing that Chicago is just an hour away. I love the farms & the cornfields & hate to see them disappearing a little every year.

Sorry Susan. Didn't mean to knock yout hometown, just stating my opinion, not a fact. A dying downtown and strip malls with chain stores is just not for me. I live in Geneva, its not perfect either. I'm glad you like it out there. Wish we had your traffic situation.

Dan, I love the Geneva/St. Charles area also, it's a nice divertion from DeKalb & we go quite often. I always get a little defensive of my hometown, I think most people do. If DeKalb would've taken better care of their downtown, it could be a Geneva. Your town closes up about the same time at night as DeKalb does, so it's nice for both of us to have Chicago to entertain us.

Susan,<BR><BR>Well it wouldn't take much for DeKalb to improve, just some stores on rte 38 and it would be on its way. Yeah Geneva is nice, but we've become more of a tony suburb. I liked it better when we were an out of the way small town. Oh, the traffic! And we just got a Krispy-Kreme store so we are oficially doomed now. I used to enjoy going to the box office restaurant in De Kalb, I'm sorry it closed.

DeKalb has tried unsuccessfully over the years to improve it's downtown, I think that's been a problem for many cities. Naperville has done a really nice job w/ their downtown. We do have a few unique shops though. The Box Office was good & different, you know Cindy Crawford use to even go when visiting...ha! We still have the Egyptian Theatre. Oh, your Krispy Kreme, I've been a couple times now, I really don't know what the fuss is all about, they are good, but not to die for. I hope the Fox Valley area quits growing, because it will lose it's charm. BTW, your 3rd Street at Christmas time, rivals downtown Chicago for it's atmosphere!<BR>Traffic in DeKalb is getting worse, especially on Sycamore Road. I guess it's hard to find a perfect town, it's all a matter of trade-offs.

I confess that I've enjoyed a jelly roll or two at the Krispy Creme--good donuts. Don't know what all the fuss is about with Sycamore Street. You're going to find good value at a fair price all along that road. Plus, free parking.

Lots of interesting comments - thanks for them all! <BR><BR>Dan, I spoke with my mom last night and she is excited to try out the tapas restaurant. I had heard about that kind of place before, but I have never been, so it should be fun all around. :)<BR><BR>Downtowns: Yes, it's definitely been a problem all over. My hometown is a perfect example of that - people prefer to drive a little bit to the bigger cities with the big chains. <BR><BR>Oh, and Robert: Well, what do you think the purpose of these trips are? I am going to go have meetings with the departments and admissions people. Education and reputation are very important, but who want to be stuck in a place that he or she doesn't like for two years? Not me. <BR><BR>Thanks for the comments and if anyone could comment on Cedar Falls, that would be great. :)<BR><BR>Thanks again!<BR>Becca<BR><BR>

Ok Becca,<BR><BR>Just remember that Geneva is about a 30-35 minute drive. The directions couldn't be any easier though. DeKalb's main St. is Route 38. Take rte 38 east all the way into downtown Geneva. Turn right on 3rd St. It's the second or third door on the right, called Granada. 630-262-1000.<BR>Make reservations. Two people can do ok there, although it's better for groups as you can order more appetizers. I suggest getting a pitcher of sangria, and I reccomend the garlic potato salad, although don't kiss anyone for a week.<BR>Good luck in your school search.