Over the weekend we took at trip to visit Jason’s parents (and my lovely in-laws) who live in Milan, IL an area known to many as The Quad Cities. Now, let us not argue over exactly what cities are a part of this whole “Quad” group, because as I have learned since marrying into this section of the country, there are five cities and it’s best if we don’t ask why there are five and not just four. Regardless, if you happen to find yourself in the Rock Island, IL, Moline, IL Davenport, IA, Bettendorf, IA or East Moline, IL aka the Quad Cities, there’s plenty to do to and see and plenty of great places to eat. So, here’s Our Wandering Families 10 Must-Dos when visiting.
Have you visited the Quad Cities? Got something you’d add to this list? Keep the conversation going, leave a comment and let us know what else is out there!
17 Comments
Barbara Gutierrez · July 21, 2016 at 6:25 pm
What about the famous maid rite just under the bridge? We always hit that place plus Tony’s Mexican store in Silvas makes homemade tortillas, tamales, and enchiladas! I never leave for home without them.?
Jason Epperson · July 22, 2016 at 12:39 am
Oh man, if it were me, Maid Rite would certainly be on the list. I don’t think Abby “gets it” though 🙂
Joe · August 1, 2016 at 11:50 am
You should check out ComedySportz in Rock Island. They have all ages shows every Friday and Saturday night.
Lisa · August 1, 2016 at 12:40 pm
Being in Milan, you should have taken advantage of Meatheads Meat Market. We are a Quad Cities Original since 2004! A local phenom! We have 70 kinds of giant HOMEMADE/ HANDMADE brats and 40 smoked items. It is like no other meat market! 100s of rubs and spices, biggest sprinkles collection and gummy collection in the Quads. Also, we do a Cookout 6 days a week. Great people to help you out too. We’re at the Freight House Farmers’ Market on Sat and Sundays. 250 vendors and no one like Meatheads! Check us out or check out our website and Facebook. MeatheadsMeatMarket.com and Facebook at Milan Meatheads Meat Market.
Pablo · August 1, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Happy Joe’s and Whitey’s are Top 10!
Carol · August 2, 2016 at 1:12 pm
Those were the two I was just about to enter! Especially Whitey’s! I believe there is at least one in each of the 5 “Quad” cities. We live three blocks from one in Moline, and we go broke when the CA and AZ grandkids visit! 🙂
Chet DeSmet · August 1, 2016 at 7:07 pm
I honestly dont think a trip to the Quad Cities is complete without some Whiteys. The rest of the list is pretty right on.
Robb McCoy · August 1, 2016 at 7:51 pm
QC Pancake House in Rock Island for breakfast. The best omelets, skillets, fresh breakfast meats, and original specials. Plus blueberry or cinnamon pancakes that are out of this world. Check out Circa 21 across the street for great theater. Including at least one kid-friendly show a year (like Junie B Jones or Strawberry Freckleface). Adults can check out Daytrotter or Analaog Arcade in Davenport for amazing live concerts and a fun night of NBA Jam, Burger Time, Off Road, other classic arcades and about 80 pinball machines.
Jane McChesney · August 1, 2016 at 10:45 pm
Isabel Bloom, Whitey’s, Arsenal Island historic buildings and cemeteries,and Augustana College’s beautiful campus.
Sarah · August 2, 2016 at 11:53 am
I agree with milltown! Great with kids! We went when they first opened with our then under 2 year old and asked if they had high chairs. They said, “no, but that is a great idea!” We came back a week later and they had gotten them in already! It is a weekly must do with my husband and now 2 boys.
mike roesner · August 2, 2016 at 6:32 pm
You guys forgot, Maid Rites, Whiteys ice cream,, Frank pizza, an Vander rubinsk
Jim Kelley · August 2, 2016 at 7:32 pm
Putnum Museum and Giant Screen theater in Davenport. Exhibits, hands on exhibits, traveling exhibits and National Geographic documentaries on Giant Screen.
Jim Schneider · August 3, 2016 at 9:30 am
Great additions to the list…. Pretty sure there are SEVERAL other coffee shops worthy of mention (Dunn Brothers?), also several other pubs/bars (Barrel House)… My list would certainly include Whitey’s, Happy Joe’s, Putnam Museum, Naibi.. etc., etc., etc… Let’s face it, there are MANY excellent outings here in the QC!
Linda Bousson ( Edgeworth ) · August 5, 2016 at 9:40 pm
Hungry Hobo and Country Style chocolate marshmallow malt.
Lynne Verdun · September 15, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Franks Pizza! It has been in Silvis for more than 50 years and should be considered the original QC pizza! Whitey’s and Maid Rites (although, Maid Rites originated in Muscatine, IA.).
Emily M. · May 29, 2017 at 10:39 pm
I grew up in the Quad Cities and went to high school with Jason. 😉
1. Whitey’a Ice Cream
2. Olde Town Bakery (Moline)
3. Channel Cat
4. Bettendorf/Davenport bike trail
5. Jim’s Ribs
6. Davenport Farmer’s Market
7. Botanical Center
8. Isabell Bloom
9. Maid Rite
10. Putnam Museum
11. Niabi Zoo
Unique Events:
1. Ride the River
2. Bix Race and Arts Fest
3. Bald Eagle Days
4. Beaux Arts Fest
5. John Deere Classic
6. Tug Fest
7. Festival of Trees
Emily M. · May 29, 2017 at 10:45 pm
And I knew I would forget a few…
12. Happy Joe’s Pizza
13. Rick Island Aresonal and National Cemetary (even has a confederate cemetery)
14. Lock and Dam (tours out into the first lock and dam on the Mississippi) & watch the railroad bridge rotate.
15. Frank’s Pizza
16. Circa 21
17. Comedy Sportz
18. The Machine Shed
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