1. You're Either A Student Or A Townie Here
If you live here and don’t actually attend the University of Illinois, prepare to be called a townie. But that’s not always a bad thing. You get to live in Chambana, after all.
2. But Everyone Is ILLINI For Life
This is a college sports town, so you'll love it or leave it. Trust me, get yourself a lot of orange and you'll quickly learn to love it. But be warned: Once you pledge your allegiance, you’ll never be able to go back again.
3. Champaign-Urbana Is Not Chicago
So stop comparing them. The best way to tell the difference is that this city is called Champaign-Urbana. But other ways to tell are all around you.
But when the mood really strikes, Chicago isn’t that far away. Still far enough away to avoid all the big-city crazy.
4. Deep Dish Pizza Always For The Win
So you think deep dish is nothing more than tomato soup in a bread bowl? That’s because you (still) haven’t had real deep dish. The thick crust style reigns supreme here. Don't even mention anything about New York.
5. Everyone Knows Where To Get The Best Pie...
And not everyone agrees, so clearly someone’s wrong. You can go for a Gut Buster from Garcia’s, but everyone knows that the truly best place to go is Papa Del’s. I’m not saying it’s a fact, but it’s a fact.
6. … And How To Eat It Right
It’s with a fork and knife. Argue about all you want, but deep down everybody knows if you do you're one of those barbarians.
7. These Folks Don't Need Your Chicago Attitude, Friend
Everyone in the Chicago region seems to get straddled with the same reputation for having a bit of an attitude. But people in Campaign-Urbana are some of the friendliest and nicest people you’ll ever meet. It’s much more of a mid-west welcoming than it is a Chicago throwdown.
8. That’s “Chambana” To You
The area is frequently treated as just one big metropolitan area. The much larger Champaign gets lumped in with Urbana by locals with the hybrid name Chambana for short. Kind of like a celebrity couple name.
9. But Everyone Picks Either Cham Or Bana
Everyone refers to the area as Chambana right up until there’s something about the other side that they don’t like—then the distinction gets very clear that they either live in Champaign or Urbana, not both.
10. You Are Now A Hops Lover
Champaign County’s craft beer scene has been growing astronomically with everything from microbreweries to craft-beer bars. And places like DESTHIL and Triptych Brewing and The Blind Pig Brewery have been raking in the awards, too. So it's not all just hype.
11. Chambana Folks Give All Their Love To Ebert
Don’t be confused when you see the bronzed statue of Roger Ebert sitting on a bench giving you the thumbs up outside of the Virginia Theater. He's a town hero, and everyone is in agreement that he never gave a bad review in his life. Long live Ebert.
12. Having A Name Like Champaign Means You Never Stop Celebrating
Everybody in Chambana makes any excuse to celebrate. There’s a festival or a community going on literally all of the time, all year long celebrating everything from the season changing to their love of Corvettes and blues music. They even have a big party after their local marathon race. Yay running!
13. Everyone Loves Sweetcorn So Much They Gave It A Festival
You’ve never had corn until you taste the sweetcorn from the Champaign-Urbana region. One bite and you’ll understand why it's worthy of its own bash every year.
14. Ice Cream Is Nothing Compared To Custard
Thanks to Jarling’s Custard Cup, the people in Champaign-Urbana are ruined for "ice cream" forever. Sorry not sorry.
15. You'll Always Be Near Everything
No matter where you live in Champaign-Urbana, you’re looking at a 15-20 minute commute to almost everything you’re looking for. Period.
16. REO Speedwagon Is Sacred
If you don’t have anything good to say about REO Speedwagon, don't anything at all. They’re hometown musical heroes and you’re not changing that any time soon. Flip up that collar and show some Speedwagon respect.
17. But Chambana Is Still Just As Rock 'N Roll Today
The same music scene that brought the world REO Speedwagon continues to thrive with independent record labels, recording studios and management teams. Undertow Music, Parasol Records, and Polyvinyl Record Company to name a few.
18. You Don’t Need Bottled Water
The water here is naturally soft and is a completely stark comparison to the hard stuff in Chicago. Forget about all those “springs.” The locals could bottle the stuff right out of their tap and sell it.
19. You’re Welcome for All Your Favorite Websites
YouTube, Netscape, Yelp, and PayPal. Some of the biggest names in the tech world all have founders who call the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign their alma matter. Your move, Silicon Valley.
20. Having The Best Farmer’s Markets in Illinois
This area's farms produce the cream of the crop… well, crops. You don’t have to look far to find anything fresh around here. Everyone stops by the farmer’s market to shop, picks their own at orchards, and samples it at local restaurants.
21. Believe It Or Not, Thin Crust 'Za Does Exist
As much as everyone loves deep dish, there are people who still do prefer their crusts thin, New York-style, and there are places that cater to those weirdos. Yep, I said it.
22. Everyone Picks Pumpkins Under A Giant Indian
Fall is the best time of year in Chambana. And the awesome farms like Curtis Orchard make it so much more special every single year. And all you adults know you love it just as much as your kids.
23. What’s With All The Abe Lincoln Pride?
Four score and seven years ago, Abraham Lincoln had major ties to the Champagne-Urbana area. Okay so my math is a little off, but Lincoln’s ties are definitely true. And you'll find a little piece of Lincoln almost everywhere you go around here.
24. The 10 Acre Corn Maze Might Just Stump You
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch goes all out with their maze every fall, with some seriously spectacular designs. It's even cool enough to attract the college kid crowd, so you know it's legit. Just don't forget a flashlight or you'll never make it out.
25. The Real Rudolph Lives In Champaign
Don’t believe me? If you stop by Hardy’s for the corn maze, make sure to ask about the real Alaskan Reindeer. Then go up to one of them and ask for yourself.
26. Beer Isn't The Only Drink Of Choice
Along with some quality beer, Champaign County has seriously amazing wineries and vineyards for wine lovers to visit and enjoy. Alto Vineyards is only one, but it's one of the best.
27. And The Soda Is Special, Too
Come out for the Homer Soda Fest to try the bottle fizzy drinks and see for yourself. They’re truly something awesome.
28. A Diner Stack From Merry-Anne’s Will Be Your Happy Place
Merry-Anne’s is where everyone goes for pancakes and diner food and you should, too. With nostalgic diner décor and awesomely griddled food, you won’t regret your decision.
29. It Really Is The Best Little Transit System In The USA
Maybe it’s not the best, but it has to be one of the best. While most people complain about their city’s public transportation, the people in Champaign County brag about it. That’s how awesome it is.
Feature Image Source: Visit Champaign County Facebook
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Champaign-Urbana? Tell us in the comments below! 
