Six Ways to Recharge During Fall in Champaign-Urbana
Fall is usually met with fanfare: The blushy hues of the leaves, the chilly air, soup season, sweater weather, (and we can’t forget Pumpkin Spice season)—but to some, it feels overwhelming, and that means taking extra care for your mental health. Luckily, we belong in a community that offers many ways to nurture your mind, body and soul. From comfort food to taking a stroll at one of our vibrant parks, here are 5 ways you can recharge your mental health in Champaign-Urbana.
start your day with an apple caramel butter latte at mad goat coffee
A twist on your typical fall beverage, the Caramel Apple Butter Latte is seasonal staple at Mad Goat Coffee, and the perfect way to start your morning right. With hints of apple and caramel, the coffee isn't too sweet nor too bitter. Pair it with oat milk or get it as a steamer (without espresso) for a real treat!
JAM TO LIVE MUSIC AT THE ROSE BOWL TAVERN
They say music helps uplift the mood, and what better way to enjoy some tunes than sitting at the Rose Bowl Tavern, with live performances every day, 7 days a week. Rose Bowl houses an array of genres, from folk, jazz, blues, country, swing, Americana, Zimbabwean Pop, and so much more. If the weather permits, sit outdoors, enjoy a tasty beverage, and listen to quality music—your seasonal blues may melt away in no time! Check out their full listing of calendar events.
BUY A SCENTED CANDLE OVER AT FIRE DOLL STUDIO
The smell of a scented candle offers benefits to your overall mood, stress levels, and mental clarity. Fortunately, Fire Doll Studios in Downtown Champaign will have you covered. Their wide variety of handmade artisan candles and wax melts will transport you to a place of solace, from scents like Moroccan Cashmere, Red Ginger Saffron and Hazelnut Biscotti. Did we mention their candles are soy based? No harmful pollutants or chemicals here!
ENJOY A PLATE OF SOUL FOOD OVER AT WOOD N’ HOG BARBEQUE
Nothing says “self-care” more than a hefty plate of warm, steamy comfort food. Wood N’ Hog in Urbana is notorious for their hickory wood smoked BBQ, but their baked mac n’ cheese, collard greens, and loaded baked beans will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds).
TAKE A STROLL AT ONE OF OUR MANY PARKS OR FOREST PRESERVES
It’s no surprise that spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional well-being. Luckily for us, we live in an area that gives way to breathtaking Fall foliage. You can’t go wrong with community favorites like Meadowbrook Park, Busey Woods, or the University of Illinois’ Arboretum and Japan House. If you’re wanting a quick and easy loop, we recommend the Boneyard Creek Trail on E Springfield Ave.
GO SEE A SHOW AT THE little theatre on the square
Sometimes, in order to recharge we need an escape—experiencing a play or musical might do just the trick! In the month of November (select dates) and December, Little Theatre on the Square located in Sullivan is putting on two musicals, the Spongebob Musical, and Elf the Musical—perfect for the entire family! For tickets, visit here.
We hope these suggestions will help you as we transition into cooler weather. Make sure to bundle up and take care of yourself! Do you have any recommendations in the community regarding self-care? Let us know on Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram!