A reference to what goes on in the other parts of this state (and Wisconsin, too) for all of those who plan to escape DeKalb.

West side story

Driving distance: 180 miles

If you’re heading over to the campus at Western Illinois University, there are a few hot spots you will have to be sure to hit.

One of the spots is The Ritz. It has two floors, downstairs being the place to chill and upstairs being the place to dance, WIU junior accounting major Patrick Foust said.

There also is The Cafe, which catches a lot of students’ attention.

The Pace is another hot spot for nightlife. The beer garden is the highlight.

But if it is dancing and a more rave-type place you are looking for, be sure to hit The Top of the Town, also know as The Top.

“The Top is more of a club-like place, with the techno music and strobe lights and cages and whatnot,” Foust said.

If you aren’t into the bar scene, check out Argyle Lake, which is seven miles from Macomb. This scenic state park has boating, fishing and horseback riding.

– Kim Krichbaum, Weekender Reporter

Where the cheese flows like wine

Driving distance: 110 miles

Wisconsin isn’t where you typically would expect to have a great party atmosphere. But up in Badger Country, those kids know how to get down and have a great time. They must know a little about partying, especially since the University of Wisconsin-Madison was named the No. 10 party school in the latest Princeton Review of party schools.

“Not a weekend goes by where there isn’t something fun to do,” Wisconsin student Hayley Sawyer said. “There are just so many places to choose from that no matter where you go, the place is always packed with people ready to party.”

With so many choices of places to party, Sawyer helped narrow down the best places to go.

The bar Kollege Klub, also known as the K.K., is where you are sure to find the football players and jersey chasers.

Street Brats, Brothers, Wando’s and Madhatters also are bars that students frequent because of the awesome party-like atmosphere.

Now, if there is a special occasion like a birthday, be sure to make a stop by the Nitty Gritty Bar. The employees there make sure you have a birthday that you will never forget.

If you aren’t in the 21-and-over crowd, house parties are where it’s at. All you need to do is walk around the campus and there are parties on every street.

– Kim Krichbaum, Weekender Reporter

Starved Rocked

Driving distance: 60 miles

Starved Rock in Utica has long been an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts.

With the Illinois River flowing through it, the park, which is surrounded by 18 canyons formed by glacial melting, has hiking, fishing and boating available to everyone.

Starved Rock is a scenic wonderland; the park is brimming with beauty – overhanging waterfalls undercut vaulted cliffs and glaciers have sunk awesome canyons deep into the lithosphere.

Campers can backpack more than 13 miles of camping trails, and fisherman can catch catfish, bullhead, white bass, sauger, walleye, carp and crappie. Boats may be launched from the west end of the park, and paddleboats are available.

– Casey Toner, Weekender Reporter

Normalville?

Driving distance: 120 miles

Illinois State University may be in Normal, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way. This school offers tons of fun for the college student on the road.

If you find yourself on the Bloomington-Normal campus on a Friday night, you’ll find quite the laid back atmosphere.

“Fridays are more laid back than Thursday or Saturday,” said ISU special education major Agnes Skibinski. “You’ll most likely find a few parties on Cherry Street.”

Come Saturday, things can get crazy. Be sure to reserve a cab for about 9 p.m. to take you over to Daddio’s, 527 N. Main St.

“A lot of people start drinking at 6,” Skibinski said. “After Daddio’s, hit up Bistro, the gay bar down the strip. It’s a blast.”

For those not interested in a weekend of alcohol consumption, ISU offers plenty of nearly cost-free alternatives.

Frisbee Golf is huge on campus, and many students just hang out and play catch in the Quad, located right in the center of campus.

– Marcus Leshock, Assistant Weekender Editor

Prairie party

Driving distance: 150 miles

Champaign-Urbana, home to the University of Illinois, draws flocks of college students on the weekends.

Some go just to catch up with friends. Others go to partake in the college scene. Although the university is known for its large Greek system, the town has plenty options for fun:

If you want to grab a bite to eat, visit Murphy’s Pub. It has the biggest and most delicious cheeseburgers this side of the Mason Dixon Line.

The Highdive, the Iron Post and Canopy Club are trendy downtown clubs that often feature excellent live entertainment.

If you’re the techie type, there’s fun for you, too. Jerry Jaskierny, a junior computer science major at U of I said, “you can get a tour of the cube. It’s basically a 3-D virtual reality room. And, there are guards downstairs at the Beckman Institute that guard all the supercomputers. I heard that if you’re caught down there, they’re supposed to shoot on sight.”

However, if you desire something a little more, um, fun, you may want to attend the International Marilyn Manson Meetup Day on May 14 in Champbana. There you can meet hundreds of fans to discuss Manson and his music.

– Betsy Perveiler, Assistant Copy Desk Chief, and Jessica King, Weekender Reporter

Dirty south

Driving distance: 360 miles

Having lived in Carbondale, one gets to be familiar with the local establishments.

One of those establishments that is frequented by nearly all SIU students, not to mention townspeople, is Pinch Penny Pub. Pinch is the best of all three worlds: a bar, a beer garden and a liquor store in front.

Situated behind Pinch is the Copper Dragon Brewing Company, a microbrewery that hosts all kinds of bands from The Urge to Leftover Salmon.

You could even hike up and down the Strip, or Illinois Avenue. This is where the infamous Halloween disasters took place, but since has calmed down. And make sure to stop by “the bagel man,” who can be found on the Strip.

If you are looking for a less invasive experience, chill at Turley Park or Shryock Auditorium when the Sunset Concert Series starts in June. Every Thursday during the summer, bands of all sizes and genres play in the open air. This is one of the biggest attractions in Carbondale over the summer.

Or, check out Giant City State Park just outside of town. It has climbing rocks, forests to hike through and Fat Man Squeeze, where you try to jimmy your way through a small space in between two huge rocks.