Money Smarts Blog

Whether you are new to the Quad Cities or are born and raised here, us locals are always on the hunt of finding adventure, and fun things to do without breaking the piggy bank. 

It was a daunting task to try to create a guide about the Quad Cities that would appeal to people of all ages and tastes. To come up with “The Complete Guide to Travel & Entertainment in the Quad Cities on A Budget” we dug deep into the Quad Cities community reaching out to local influencers, personally vetted recommendations, surveyed locals, and did hours and hours of research. 

We structured the guide to start as an easy crash course in how to save money while having fun and traveling followed by a list of recommendations and things to do.

As a local credit union our team at IHMVCU really enjoyed putting this guide together.

We hope it will enlighten you and give ideas of things to do in this amazing place we call home.

Thank you and please enjoy...

The Complete Guide to Travel & Entertainment in the Quad Cities on A Budget

Creating a Winning Budget That Allows for Travel & Fun

Before you plan out a trip no matter how big or small, it’s important to have at least a high-level understanding of your budget. 

If your budget is too strict or too free, it won’t work. We are big fans of the 50/30/20 method, it goes like this:

• 50% of your budget goes towards necessary expenses, including your rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities etc. These are things you need to survive.
• 30% of your budget goes towards things that help you enjoy life – shopping, eating out, going to the movies or whatever else makes you happy. These are wants, and you could live without all of them.
• 20% of your budget goes towards paying down your debt – credit cards, student loans,     what have you, and saving/investing.

This budget works because it includes fun stuff, and the important stuff. Oftentimes when we think of budgets we think of something boring and restrictive. And yeah, budgets are super boring, but they don’t have to be restrictive.

Why planning out your trip will result in a better experience (and bigger wallet at the end)

You know what ends up being one of the most expensive things when going out or traveling…

FOOD.

Even when you don’t travel going out ends up being one of the biggest ‘unrecognized’ expenses we all have. We grab a burger, then a soda, then maybe an adult beverage and when you get the check $30-50 just went down the drain!

The following travel tip can help you today, and when you plan your visit… and that is: MEAL PREPPING.

We had one of our staff members Jessica actually go through the motions of meal prepping and this is a little lesson from what she learned.

I always thought that I couldn’t afford a healthy lifestyle because “health” food seems so much more expensive than the alternative.

I was SO wrong.

To find out what we could afford (and what we might save), we started with our bank statements from the previous month. My fiancé and I added up cost of every time we took our family out to eat, stopped for coffee, ordered breakfast pizza or even grabbed an energy drink from the gas station.

We basically looked for any food or drink purchases outside of our regular trip to the grocery store.

I can honestly tell you I was a little sick to my stomach when I saw the total. We didn’t realize that in all those little moments of “convenience” (laziness, really) we were spending a ridiculous amount of money on food and drinks every month.

So, we made a meal plan.

Here’s how it works for me:

I start by making a grocery list of all the things we need for a week’s worth of meals. When we get home, I prep the whole week’s menu at once and store it in individual portions so there’s never an excuse to grab something else. It’s always ready to go.

After just one month we saved more than $310!

- Jessica

Isn’t that remarkable!

In terms of planning out a trip an extra $300 of savings a month can mean more time to invest in incredible experiences with your family.

One of the last two tips we have before you get started on having a blast around the Quad Cities will make a huge impact on your monthly cash flow.

Everyone has bills… but not everyone has a winning strategy on paying them.

Ever get a paycheck and it’s gone faster than you can say direct deposit? Ever have that happen 52 paychecks in a row?

If you’re consistently waiting for your next paycheck to make day-to-day financial moves – like filling up your gas tank or buying groceries – you’re probably living paycheck to paycheck. And if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you’re probably not saving.

So how do you fix it?

Sure, selling your plasma is an easy and only mildly invasive way to get a quick $20 when you need extra cash between pay days, but we’re talking about long-term solutions. You want to retire someday, or at least take a tropical vacation.

Here’s what we recommend:

Put a cap on non-essentials.

If you want to improve your financial situation, you’re going to have to understand your current financial situation. Yes, I’m sorry to say that means actually opening your bank statement. If you really dread looking at it, that probably means you need to.

Figure out how much you spend and how much of that isn’t even defendable (like this writer’s $7/month New York Times crossword subscription, for example) and cut that out first.

This doesn’t mean you can’t spend any money on anything fun, just think long and hard about that $25/month gift box subscription for your dog.

Consolidate, or at least snowball, your debt. If you were lucky enough to graduate college completely debt free, congratulations. If you’re like most grads and left with at least some credit card debt and a lot more student loan debt, these paragraphs are for you.

If you’re paying late fees because you can’t keep track of all your due dates, or all of your interest rates are sky high, consolidation might help.

Whether that’s transferring all of your credit card debt to one card or taking a consolidation loan with a better rate, many people find paying their debt is easier when there’s less to keep track of.

If your debt is (at least relatively) reasonable and your finances are otherwise manageable, but you’re struggling to figure out how to actually pay it off quickly, try a debt snowball. Pay only the minimum payment on all of your debt except the one with the lowest balance.

Put all of your payment energy and extra payments into that debt until it’s paid off. Once it’s paid off, take whatever you were putting towards that debt plus any extra money and put it towards the next debt. Repeat until debt free.

What is a Staycation? – And Why You Need One!

A staycation is exactly what it sounds like; a vacation where you stay at or around your home. Many people choose to stay overnight in their own homes during a staycation. Others specifically stay overnight at a hotel to get away from home, but still stay within close driving distance. In the US, the staycation came about between 2007 and 2010, when the economy took a significant downturn and many people were spending less money.

Why Staycation?

1. Save Money – A staycation can save a family hundreds of dollars. For the most part, travel is minimal, so expenses such as gas for the car, or airplane tickets, are mostly non-existent.
2. Bring Revenue to the Local Economy– Local shops, restaurants and hotels reap the benefits of their citizens visiting them rather than traveling out of town.
3. No Need to Take Time off from Work – A staycation can often be done over a weekend, as travel is minimal. Many parents can affordably go away for Saturday and Sunday with only the expense of a hotel room and babysitter.
4. Easier to Plan – Since most people know the area in which they live, planning a staycation can be a great deal less stress and take a lot less time than a vacation that is far away. Which hotels are clean and safe, which restaurants are reasonably priced and so forth, are either already known or easily researched when you live in the area you are staycationing in.
5. More Time to Actually Relax – Many vacations require a great deal of traveling, whether it be by car of plane. During a staycation, that time is basically cut down to zero, leaving people more time to actually relax during their time off.

In addition to saving money and reducing planning stress, staycations are a great way to unwind. If planned and done properly, a staycation can leave you feeling just as rejuvenated and refreshed as a normal vacation.

How to Staycation – Get the most out of your vacation:

1. Turn off your electronic devices – Of course, most of us will need to check our phones periodically, as we would do on any vacation, but checking email, Facebook and such should be kept to a minimum. Remember you are trying to unwind and not think about work and your daily life. A great way to do this is to spend some time disconnected from your everyday life.
2. Pack light – Since many staycations are kept short, there is little need to pack too many things. It is often reported that people who have fewer possessions feel freer and less stressed, so try it while on your staycation. Only bring the necessities, and remember if you absolutely need something you forgot, you are still close to home!
3. Plan, but don’t over-plan – Don’t overwhelm yourself with an itinerary. Choose a few local places to visit, or maybe even a spa day. But keep some time open to do what you feel in the moment. Whether that be taking a nap, or reading a book, time to just be can be extremely rewarding.

If you decide to stay at home or get a hotel during your staycation, there are many different options for what to do in your own town during the day.

Hometown staycations your family will love in the Quad Cities 

Putnam Museum & Science Center: This museum allows hands-on fun for everyone of all ages! It’ll cost around $30 for general admission tickets for the whole family. Want to pet a penguin? An Augmented Reality experience puts you into the world of different ocean creatures. Want to watch a documentary in the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater? You’re looking at $50 total for the outing. Kids two and under are free. Don’t forget the food! Snacks like popcorn and hot dogs add additional cost to your family fun day, so plan to spend extra or eat before you go. 

Bettendorf Family Museum: You’re looking at $36 total to explore this museum. Kids under one are free. 

This museum is full of opportunities for the kids to experience hands-on learning and role playing. Explore Fox Hollow, a kid-sized village where your littles can use their imagination to become a fireman, veterinarian or any other number of dream jobs. They can pick vegetables and harvest a field on George’s Farm, discover the giant, or... Lil ’Ssippi River Valley (it’s the Mighty Mississippi only much smaller).

The Iowa Children’s Museum: Your family will pay around $36 at this museum.  Kids under one are free. 

There’s something for all kids to experience here: music, art, planes and more. They can even dress up and put on a play in the PlayWorks Theater. 

Galesburg Discovery Depot: $24 allows your family hours of fun at this museum. Kids under one are free.  

Your kids can create works of art, become a First Responder and even play with a large-scale Lite Brite! All activities at this museum are designed to promote critical thinking and hands-on learning.

John Deere Pavilion Check out John Deere’s history!  Explore tractors, combines, a dozer – you and the kids can climb up and into some of John Deere's biggest machines. Best yet, it’s free!

Fairs & events 

Look for local fairs and events. That carnival atmosphere can really make it feel like you’ve traveled far from home. Here are some to consider:

• Galesburg Railroad Days, Burlington Steam Boat Days and Aledo’s Rhubarb Festival take place in June.
• The Mississippi Valley Fair in Davenport takes place August.
• Tug Fest can be enjoyed from the shores of Port Byron or Le Claire in August.
• Kewanee’s Hog Days Festival is Labor Day weekend.

Some of these festivals charge admission. All food and rides cost extra, so plan accordingly.

If you’re a family of music lovers, check out Live@Five in the River Music Experience courtyard in downtown Davenport: a family friendly, free outdoor concert series taking place every Friday at five o’clock, June – September.

Parks & nature preserves

Area parks offer plenty to do. Most towns and cities have free public parks. Take a picnic lunch, sit back and let your kids enjoy the playground or you can join in too! Have your phone? Take it out and start taking pictures to make those family memories last longer than just the day. 

Scott County Park:  The largest park in Scott County can be found in Eldridge, IA (just 20 minutes from the Quad Cities) has ample picnic areas, a pool (cost for admission), and plenty of trails to explore. Take a trip back to the 1800s in the historic Pioneer Village! Explore a blacksmith shop, an old school house, stop in at the Soda Shop for some ice cream. This is a seasonal attraction open April through October. Camping is also an option. Camping rates and times vary throughout the season. 

West Lake Park:  620 acres of land with four lakes for fishing and swimming. Rent paddle boats or have a picnic. Enjoy 24 holes of disc golf at their championship caliber disc golf course. Want to stay the weekend? Pick from two campground areas. Camping rates and times vary throughout the season. 

Nahant Marsh:  This is one of the largest urban wetlands on the Upper Mississippi River. This nature preserve offers education and fun. Take a hike along their nature trials or join a guided hike the first Saturday of the month. 

Sports & outdoor fun

Take in a ball game and Ferris Wheel ride! The Quad Cities River Bandits season starts in April and goes through August. Tickets to the game range from $28 to $80 for a family of four. If you’re just taking in a game, our BOGO (buy one, get one free) will cut your cost in half (wink, wink). 

Additional cost may vary depending on how much stuff you plan to do with your family and where you choose to sit. Throw in food for four and rides in the Family Fun Area for two kids you may be looking at a lavish outing. The good news is that it’s still cheaper than a trip to Disney World. 

Explore the Mississippi River Whether by bike, boat, or foot the Mississippi River offers many bike trails and walking paths at no cost. Feeling up to a boat ride? For a price, you can take a cruise on the Channel Cat Water Taxi. Your family can enjoy the Channel Cat for $24 if your kids are 10 and under. Kids under two are free. Kids over 10 pay the adult admission price.

For more ideas check out your local visitor’s bureau! Where do they recommend going? What do they tell tourists to do? If you don’t have a visitor’s bureau, head to a local hotel and see what brochures are available. Chances are they feature some great local places, some of which you may not have visited before.

And don’t forget that IHMVCU members enjoy discounts to some of the area’s best events and attractions. Learn more about our member-exclusive discounts at IHMVCU.org/MemberDiscounts.

Every city has it’s places that are mandatory selfie opportunities. We’ve curated a list of the best places for those instagrammers out there!

Places to take pictures:

• Downtown Davenport: The old buildings make for nice pictures if you want something either vintage or edgy.
• Vander Veer Park, Davenport: Very soft setting with all the flowers, rose & hosta gardens, a goamt fountain and the brick promenade walkway.
• Crow Creek Park, Bettendorf: Scenic backgrounds with trees, limestone quarry, hiking trails and gazebo (bonus: dog park!)
• Duck Creek Stampe Lilac Garden, Davenport: Garden of lilacs in the summer that make beautiful photos.
• Modern Woodman Park, Davenport: Great for urban shots with the river in the background.
• Figge Art Museum, Davenport: Very classy appeal with the glass and the silver wall. Really pretty at sunset.
• Village of East Davenport, Davenport: Rustic, vintage and antique feel. Just a short walk from the River & Lindsey Park. Lindsey Park has some great views of the river, mature trees and beautiful rolling hills.
• River Drive, Davenport: Taking pictures on the bike path right up against the river looks nice. You can see a bridge both ways which makes for a scenic backdrop with all the water.
• The Current, Davenport: This art themed hotel is full of unique animal statues (most notably a giant bronze cow near the elevators). The roof top bar serves Instagram worthy cocktails & a view of downtown Davenport and the surrounding area.
• Be Happy Bridge, Rock Island: Interstate overpass bridge reading “Have A Happy Day” on the side, complete with yellow smiley faces. Stand under it for an iconic Quad Cities photo op.
• Sky Bridge, Davenport: a glass, scenic walkway stretching over the streets of downtown Davenport to the river front. It even lights up at night.
• Welcome to Downtown Davenport Mural: Painted by Davenport’s own Johnny Cluney (most well-known for his artist portraits for Daytrotter/Paste Magazine) at the base of the arsenal bridge.

High quality, low cost, Quad City eats and drinks

In the Quad Cities, you won’t find it difficult to find good food at budget-friendly prices. But to make your life a little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of fantastic restaurants and breweries in the QC, along with some suggestions. So long, chain restaurants and hello QC hometown favorites. 

Front Street Brewery: Looking for a good meal at an even better price? Look no further! Whether you’re craving a burger, fish and chips or a salad, Front Street Brewery at 208 East River Drive in Davenport offers it all. This modernized tap room features old school looks with brick walls and industrial lighting, so the atmosphere alone will make you want to revisit. But the ambiance isn’t the only special aspect of this place. Because they’re a brewery with a full restaurant you can get amazing beer with your meal. 

Our recommendation: A staff favorite combo is the Cherry Bomb Blonde Ale with the Sesame Chicken Tacos ($11). Awesome meal, and it won’t break your budget. 

Armored Gardens: If you’re into beer and barbeque, this is the place. Armored Gardens at 315 Pershing Avenue in downtown Davenport is the perfect place to grab a pulled pork sandwich ($8.45), drink some beer and play ping pong on the patio. And don’t worry, if you’re vegan you can still find something on the menu. Their vegan BBQ ($6.95) is so good that it’s one of their most popular items. This restaurant is themed like an old school but modernized country club, but not the exclusive and expensive type. Anyone and everyone feels welcome and can find something they love. I mean, they have 100 beers on tap, so you’re bound to find something!  And if you’re not into ping pong or chess, they also host yoga on their patio on Saturday mornings ($5). So, the real question is, what can Armored Gardens NOT do?

Our recommendation: The brisket sandwich ($9.95) and the Iowa Strangler Cider are choices that can do no wrong. If you’re looking for side options, the Mexican cornbread ($1.50), mac and cheese ($4.95 for half, $7.95 for full) and the slow greens ($2.55) are winners. $15-$20 for a good night out isn’t bad! If you’re just looking to see what you like among their 100 beer options, they offer 50% off drafts on Tuesday nights. Now that’s a good deal.

Food Trucks: Food trucks are HUGE in the Quad Cities. Just head down to the Freight House Farmer’s Market (421 West River Drive, Davenport), on a Saturday morning (8:00am – 1:00pm) or Sunday morning (10:00am – 2:00pm) and you’ll find a line of them. These trucks range from authentic Mexican, BBQ, crepes, homemade bread, coffee and so much more. You could easily walk down the aisle of food trucks, get a different thing from each truck and it will still be cheaper than an average restaurant visit.

Plus, when you visit the farmer’s market you can bring your dogs and walk through all the other vendors. It’s a great way to kick off a Saturday or Sunday.

Our recommendation: A staff favorite food truck is The Noshery. Not only is it good food at a good price, but the menu is always changing so you never have to get the same thing twice. Some things you can almost always find on the menu are their famous smashburgers ($6.00), buffalo chicken grilled cheese ($6.00), fried egg grilled cheese ($7.00). Hint: everything is great.

Me and Billy: This restaurant isn’t the cheapest option the Quad Cities offers, but it made the cut because of their specials and consistency. Sitting at 200 West 3rd Street in Davenport you’ll find a very chic looking restaurant where everything is bright white décor and dark wood. To match their lovely interior, they also serve fabulous food that never disappoints! And being that their location is in downtown Davenport, you’ll be within walking distance to plenty of other bars and shops. No paying for Uber rides for you! 

Our recommendation: Because it isn’t the cheapest to get an entire meal, go with a friend or partner and split the Comfort Nachos ($13.00). This chef-inspired treat changes seasonally and never disappoints. They’re served on a sheet pan and can easily be a meal for two or a filling snack for 3+. They also have drink specials every day of the week, so you can get your nachos & a drink and you’ll only spend around $25. If you want to go out with some friends, try to go on a Saturday and take advantage of the $20 fishbowl! 

Analog Arcade Bar: If this place doesn’t bring out your inner child we don’t know what will. At 302 Brady Street in Downtown Davenport you can get your drink on and play old school pinball, air hockey, skee-ball and so much more! Even better, you can do it at a discounted price. When you sign up for Tap On It through the app, you’ll be alerted when they offer special deals. For example, in April any alcoholic drink purchase got you 20 free tokens when you redeemed Tap On It’s digital coupon. To learn more about the Tap On It deals visit their Facebook page. 

Our recommendation: This bar offers a wide selection of local craft beers, so you can never go wrong there. Also, play the Boom-A-Rang Hockey. You won’t be disappointed. 

Green Tree Brewery: Beers, views of the Mississippi River, what more could you ask for? At 309 North Cody Road in LeClaire they give you just that. Their small but spacious brewery offers inside and patio seating and of course, the beer. And if you need to kill some time before happy hour, LeClaire has plenty of options. Head up the hill to the American Pickers shop (free unless you buy something), spend some time in the shops LeClaire’s main street or visit the distillery right next door. Plenty of options in such a cute little town. 

Our Recommendation: A crowd favorite is the Mango IPA or the Chocolate Cherry Stout. Both refreshing and worthy of after work drinks. 

Bent River Brewing Company: If you’re up for a quick hop over the river, Bent River Brewing Company is a great place for afternoon drinks. When you cross the river, you can choose from their 1413 5th Avenue, Moline, Illinois or their 512 24th Street, Rock Island, Illinois location. Both locations conveniently have a patio, free live music and food to match their awesome beers. 

Our recommendation: Ask anyone in the Quad Cities what their favorite Bent River beer is and you’re bound to hear recommendations for the Uncommon Stout – a delicious oatmeal stout infused with coffee. If you’re visiting in the winter, you can’t leave without experiencing the Jingle Java a seasonal favorite stout featuring notes of coffee, vanilla and caramel. For food, the Beale Street burger ($11.00) is always great and pairs well with any of their beers.

Have any ideas on where you want to go now? No matter where you decide, we know you won’t be disappointed. And hey, you can always decide to stop at a few of these places in one night. Did someone say Friday night out? 

Best coffee in the Quad Cities on a budget 

Being out of town for even a weekend can get pricey. But that doesn’t mean you should add to the expenses because you’re prone to caffeine headaches. Instead, check out what coffee shops the QC has to offer. Whether you want a quick coffee break before shopping with friends in downtown Davenport or to sit and visit with a beautiful view, we’ve got you covered. We have plenty of options and all for a lower cost than you’d find in bigger cities like Seattle or Chicago. 

Redband Coffee Company: This isn’t a numbered list, but Redband is at the top for a reason. If you’re looking for a quaint walk-up or drive-thru style coffee shop, this is your place. They conveniently have two Davenport locations, one in the heart of downtown at 329 East 4th Street and on the hilltop at 110 West 13th Street. Both shops are cute; the staff is wonderful and the food and beverage are consistently on point. If you’re looking for something to do after your coffee stop, there are plenty of cute shops downtown like Urban Farmhouse and Riverbend Retro. Or it’s a short drive over to Vander Veer Park from their hilltop location. 

Our recommendations: If you’re more of a regular drip coffee kind of person we think theirs is worth writing home about. It will cost about $2.79 for a 16 oz. Otherwise, our perfect breakfast is their New Orleans style iced coffee and fried egg sandwich with chorizo. The New Orleans style iced coffee is a perfect mix of iced coffee with brown sugar and whole milk. It’s enough to make you think you can take a left at the light and be on Bourbon Street. Their sandwiches come with either sausage or chorizo (you can’t go wrong), they’re freshly baked on telera bread, come with smoked gouda, two fried eggs, and salt and pepper. It tastes approximately like, oh, I don’t know, heaven? You’ll probably have to wait in line unless you time it just right, but for $9.00 and killer food and drink, it’s absolutely worth it. 

Atomic Coffee Bar: This Davenport coffee bar came all the way from Portland, Oregon and they mean business when it comes to coffee. They even brought Black Cat Espresso to prove it. You’ll find this little drive-up coffee trailer at 4707 North Brady Street in Davenport and you’ll be happy you did! Whether you like black drip coffee ($1.45-$2.40), fruity energy drinks ($3.25-$3.75) or a signature latte ($3.45 -$5.70), you’re bound to find something you love. 

Our recommendations: A staff favorite is the iced white chocolate bliss ($4.23), and trust us, it’s great. It’s made with their blonde espresso, white chocolate macadamia syrup, and breve (half and half). It’s not as sweet as one might think because the breve and espresso balance it out perfectly. Waiting in line is almost always necessary (and yes, it gets super long), but most people will agree that it’s well worth the wait. 

Coffee Hound: Are you ready to have some “paw-some” coffee? Travel on over to Coffee Hound at 3451 Devils Glen Road in Bettendorf to get the full experience. You’ll find yourself in a comfortable and adaptable setting that can be used for catching up with friends, doing homework or your own personal office. While you’re there you’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi, cozy seating and the best part, good coffee! You can choose from flavored drip or iced coffees ($2-$3), hot or iced lattes ($4-$5) and a range of teas ($2-$3). If you’re taking your coffee to go, there’s a nice patio out front or walking path just beyond the parking lot so you can enjoy your coffee and a walk at the same time.

Our recommendations: Our favorite is the iced heath bar latte, not too sweet, but not too bold. It tastes like if Heath made a coffee heath bar. Perfect for any time of the day! 

Coffee Revolution: Are you the type of person who loves caffeine, but not in coffee form? Don’t worry, the QC’s got you covered. If you’re into sugary Monster Energy drinks or drinks that bring back that childhood nostalgia, this one’s for you. Or if you’re traveling with someone who needs their morning java, they have excellent lattes like the Peanut Butter Takeover and the Caramel Revolution. You can pick from their drive-up/walkup location at 2642 Brady Street or their new café at 2225 West 53rd Street. Both locations are super trendy and have drinks to match. No matter which location you visit, for a drip coffee you’re looking at $2.50 for a 16 oz., and their fancy blended drinks range from $4.35 -  $5.45 for a 16 oz. 

Our recommendations: After asking around, it’s safe to say that the Conan O’Brien is a crowd favorite. The gingerbread, brown sugar, and white chocolate all blend into pure caffeinated goodness. 

Milltown Coffee: If you don’t mind a quick hop across the river to Moline, Milltown Coffee is a great option. It sits right next to the mighty Mississippi river at 3800 River Drive #2. The atmosphere leans more toward cozy/trendy and industrial, and no matter how busy it is, you should never worry about finding a seat. They have a huge space with a variety of high-top tables, regular tables along with some comfy chairs. And if it’s nice outside, their patio gives you a gorgeous view of the Mississippi river. For a signature latte, you’ll spend roughly $4.00, but if you’re looking for a regular drip coffee, it will be roughly $2.00. On top of the awesome drinks they also have food for any time of the day. 

Our recommendations: Our favorite Milltown meal is an iced caramel latte and a banana toffee scone or blueberry muffin. Which may seem boring, but it’s really anything but boring. The latte is mixed with salted caramel syrup (made in house), a brown sugar reduction and shaken to alchemical perfection. Which means the espresso cools down quickly and mixes better with it’s delicious flavors. Talk about liquid gold in a cup. Always starts our day off right.

East Moline Coffee Company: This is another jump across the river, but boy is it worth it! This shop at 3537 Archer Drive in East Moline is a café only location but their coffee is so good people don’t care. We’ll get out of the car, go inside and let our baristas work their magic. Inside you’ll find a smaller sit down area, but it’s a very comfortable setting. You don’t feel like you’re at a huge company, you feel like you’re at home. Not only do they have drip coffee ($1.95, 16oz.), they also have hot chocolate ($2.90, 16oz.) and blended treats for the little ones. So, if you need to please everyone in your group, this is the place to go.

Our recommendations: If you’re having trouble deciding what to order, our team loves their flavored toddy’s and the iced Polar Bear. Hazelnut, white mocha and caramel make one delicious bear. Does it really get any better?

If you choose anything on this list, you can’t go wrong. Any of these options will help you achieve getting caffeinated, without wasting your hard-earned money. So, go get your coffee and don’t worry! You’re not spending much dough for the beans. Mission accomplished.  

5 QC summer activities $20 or under 

When people say, Midwest is best, they say it for a reason. We have some of the most enjoyable things to do, and unlike huge cities, we won’t charge you an arm and a leg! Help us prove this theory and spend a day at the Farmer’s Market, disc golfing or at the John Deere Pavilion. You’re sure to love these activities, all under $20. 

Freight House Farmer’s Market: Still have a few days until pay day? Not a problem, the Freight House Farmer’s Market is an inexpensive, fun day out. Located right next to the Mississippi River and downtown Davenport, you have plenty of options from the bike path, to shopping and eating. Most of your lunch options are going to be food trucks, so you can expect good food with a cheap price tag ($6.00-$11.00). 

They also have a bunch of local vendors there selling their homemade and homegrown products and produce, but anything you buy will be an additional cost. Either way, you can enjoy free live music and a cheap lunch on Saturday mornings from 8:00am – 1:00pm and Sunday mornings from 10:00am – 2:00pm (421 West River Drive, Davenport). It’s worth it for the people watching alone!

Total for 2: $15.00 - $20.00 if you choose to eat, free if you choose not to eat or buy anything.

Disc Golf: Ever been disc golfing? If not, find a cheap disc and hit the field! First timers can find a disc and some park recommendations for beginners at Iron Lion Disc Golf Supply at 2630, 5240, 16th Street in Moline, Illinois. If disc golf seems intimidating, no worries, the employees can point you in the right direction and help you find a disc that suits your needs. They can probably even tell you some good places to start playing. If you don’t feel like making the trek across the river for a disc, most sporting goods stores sell disc golf supplies. Try Dick’s Sporting Goods in Davenport for a wide selection.

If you still need a place to play after getting your disc, Eastern Avenue Park (2900 Eastern Avenue) is a great spot for beginners. Looking for something more advanced? Check out the Quad-City Disc Golf Club on Facebook for some more course recommendations. 

Total for 2: $20.00+, depending on what kind of disc you choose to purchase.

Sunderbruch Park: This 134-acre park at 4675 Telegraph Road in Davenport is where the Quad City mountain biking magic happens. Whether you’re a beginner, an expert or riding with a family, we have trails to meet all your requirements. One tip if you plan on going mountain biking: log onto their website and check the conditions of the trails. Sometimes if it has rained too much, some of the trails or the entire park will be closed. If that’s the case, a good alternative is hiking at Black Hawk State Park at South Rock Island Township, Rock Island, Illinois. Both options are ways to get outside and get moving without a price tag. 

Total for 2: Free

West Lake Park: If you’re not up for disc golf at West Lake, you can choose any of the other fun adventures they offer. You can start by choosing 1 of the 4 lakes to go fishing, paddle boating, swimming or just have a picnic on the beach. If you want to make it a weekend getaway, they also have cabins for rent and places for tent and RV camping.  Sure, it’s not a Florida beach, but Midwest beaches can be fun too!

Total for 2: Paddleboats: $10/hr
Daily beach pass: $8.00
Pool: $10.00 

John Deere Pavilion: Here’s your chance to climb up in John Deere’s biggest equipment. The John Deere Pavilion, located at 1400 River Drive in Moline, Illinois, offers numerous products for you to climb into, interactive simulations and tons of history about John Deere. So, if you’re traveling with a family, don’t worry. It’s a playground for everyone. And even better yet, it’s completely free! Once you’re done hanging out at the pavilion, you’re within walking distance of downtown Moline, so you might as well walk over to Lagomarcino’s. This old soda and ice cream parlor has the best sundaes, the caramel crunch sundae ($4.95) to be exact, you’ve ever had. Split it with your travel buddy for a cheap date and a cute photo-op.

Total for 2: $5.00

Once you’re done shoving that  sundae in your facecrepe from The Crepe Guy food truck in your face, walk the river and enjoy the exciting yet small town feel of the Quad Cities. You may even find yourself wanting to stay longer than you originally planned, #helloQuadCities.

Credit Cards 101: Your Best Friend in Travel Rewards (or enemy of not done properly)

Wondering if a credit card is right for you? Or maybe you’re wondering how a credit card works… or what this whole “credit” thing is in the first place. . . Well, you came to the right place.

So, what’s a credit card? In the simplest terms, a credit card is a short-term loan given to a user (that’s you) in the form of a plastic card that can be used to pay for goods and services. Generally, the agreement is that you won’t be charged any additional fees/charges if you pay the borrowed amount back in full each month. But if you only pay a portion, you’ll be assessed finance charges – usually calculated as a percentage of the total amount you owe. Easy enough, right?

What’s the deal with credit limits? A credit limit is NOT how much you can spend every day or every time you swipe your card. Basically, your credit limit is the maximum dollar amount you can carry as a total balance. It works like this:

If your credit limit is $1,000 and you charge $200 to your card, you can only spend another $800 before you’ve maxed out your card. If your card is maxed out, you can't charge anything else to it until you've made a payment (hopefully in full).

If you make no other purchases and pay off your full balance of $200, you have $1000 to spend after you make the payment.

Ok, but how does interest work? When it comes to calculating interest, the main thing you need to know is your APR, or Annual Percentage Rate.

APR is the rate you can expect to pay yearly but, since interest is charged monthly instead of just once a year, the periodic interest rate is a little more helpful. You can learn more about how to get that number and how it affects your payment from our friends at Nerdwallet – they’ve broken down the whole complicated equation for you.

Why get a credit card? Well, because if you’re smart about how you use it and don’t allow yourself to pile on a mountain of debt, a credit card can help build or improve your credit score. If you ever want to buy a car or house, you’ll need to have credit to get a loan.

Our best advice when it comes to credit cards is this:

• Only charge what you can afford to pay back in full each month. Whatever you don’t pay back will be subject to interest charges.
• Make whatever payment is due IN FULL every month.
• Limit usage to 30% of your credit limit to avoid any dings to you credit score for over usage.

The credit cards we offer include no annual fee, local servicing, fraud protection and convenient online access. In fact, you can manage your checking, savings and credit cards with just one login. Learn more by clicking here.

Coupon hunting

20 Mins of Coupon Hunting Could Equal $200 Or More
Everyone should find a way to make their getaway less expensive. Luckily, the Quad Cities has plenty of options.

The best deal we offer is the VIV wristband, which stands for very important visitor. To get your VIV go to any hotel on the list and receive your bracelet which offers you discounts to the most popular QC attractions. For example, you can get money off your hotel stay, get 10% off your purchase at the John Deere Store and then stop at the Mississippi River Distilling Company and receive $2.00 off a featured cocktail. 

Another great way to make sure you’re saving money on vacation is to check out the Locals Love Us Deals. This website shows you the favorite destinations for food, services and leisure in the QC. Just sign up with your email and you have the power to save money at your fingertips. 

Get deals sent straight to your phone with the TapOnIt app. Subscribe, download the app and voila! You’ll get deals for food, activities, shopping and more all in one convenient location. 

Let’s not forget about checking out the Quad City Convention and Visitors Bureau website, they not only promote the local happenings but also ways to save during your visit. Restaurant Week is a perfect example of that. Pick a participating restaurant out of the 30 plus listed on their website and enjoy a decent meal discount.

It typically takes place late February/early March every year. Lunches range from $7 to $10 while dinners range $15 to $30. The best part? You don’t need passes, coupons, or booklets. Just pick the restaurant and select a meal from their special Restaurant Week menu. We do recommend that you try to make a reservation if the restaurant allows, this popular event fills up seats quickly!

Tips & Tools of the Trade from Expert Fun Hackers

Social proof is one of the best ways to know if something is going to be a hit or not. Here is a curated list of some necessary apps to read reviews about a place or experience to make sure it’s exactly what you are looking for.

• TripAdvisor
• Yelp
• Search for the name of a business on Google+

Now that you are fully acclimated to things to do in the Quad Cities! We want to make sure your stay here, or elsewhere continues to grow in wonderful experiences.

One year, One Thousand Dollar Savings Plan

Everyone needs a little savings to help in emergencies or just cover the occasional unexpected expense. Experts recommend stashing away anywhere from three to eight months salary, but that might feel impossible if you've never saved a significant amount before. It’s too easy to feel discouraged and give up if it feels like you’ll never be able to reach your goals. The key to success is setting goals that feel attainable on your budget in a realistic time frame. You can’t expect the save eight months’ salary in just as long and still pay your bills. So where to start?

We recommend setting your first goal at $1,000 over one year. To get started, check out our One Year $1,000 Savings Plan below. If you consistently make deposits into the fund every week, it’s feasible on nearly every budget.  Download a printable version of the One year, $1000 savings plan and keep track of your saving!

The Credit Union Difference

If you’re in the market for a financial institution, it pays to learn more about the credit union difference.

You might think it’s hard to join a credit union, like it’s an exclusive club with a lot of weird requirements. The truth is credit unions are for everyone! Credit unions, like IHMVCU, serve a common field of membership based on things like geographical area, employer or membership in an organization. No matter who you are there’s a credit union for you and joining is easy!

Credit Unions even offer all the same services as banks—a worldwide ATM network, online banking, mobile deposit, loans, mortgages and checking accounts. Banks and credit unions might look pretty similar on the surface, but many credit union members claim to feel a stronger sense of loyalty and familiarity with credit unions. But why? What’s the credit union difference?

Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives. That means every member is an owner. What does that mean for you? Credit Unions work for your best interest—not stockholder profits. You can’t buy stock in credit unions and we don’t issue payouts to stockholders. Credit union earnings are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher deposit yields and lower fees.

Credit unions care about your financial well-being. We want our members to live their best financial lives and feel informed and empowered in their financial decisions.

Credit unions are people helping people. Credit unions exist to help people achieve financial success, not to make shareholders wealthy. At IHMVCU, we make our members feel like they’re worth more by giving back to the communities we serve. Last year our employees raised nearly $15,000 for Family Resources, Race for the Cure, Toys for Tots, City of Moline Police Department, Angel Tree and QC Paws through casual days, bake sales, raffles and personal contributions.

We’re committed to serving area youth with our support of Big Brother Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club and our Cash for Class scholarship program. We offer $26,000 in scholarships, paving the way for educational opportunities that won’t leave students with a mountain of debt.

People helping people isn’t just a motto to credit unions, it’s a way of life.

We hope you have enjoyed our complete guide to travel and entertainment in the Quad Cities on a budget and now we have a small favor to ask you!

If you happen to checkout any of these recommendations, please take a photo and tag us online at @IHMVCU and use the hashtag #QCfunforless