Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard

QUAD CITIES – Tourists are a valuable commodity these days. So much so that a 2-weekend promotion is all about them.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard Weekend offers area visitors a chance to take in some sights and maybe get some deals. This winter promotion is Jan. 13-16 and Feb. 17-20.

More than 50 Quad Cities organizations and businesses have issued coupons for these weekends. That includes lodging with special rates and packages, area attractions and restaurants.

So what can a traveler do on those weekends? Here’s a sampling:

n The Late Nite Blues Brothers Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State St., in Bettendorf, Iowa. On Jan. 15, Ron Royals, an illusionist, will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the center. And not to be missed is a 5 p.m. Jan. 14 ice carving courtyard party complete with professional ice carvers.

n The fourth annual Winter Wine Experience is from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 14 at the River Music Experience, 129 Main St., in Davenport, Iowa. There’ll be wine tasting, live music, raffles, a wine pull and hors d’oeuvres. Tourists will come away with a free wine-tasting glass.

n The kids are sure to enjoy meeting Max and a Wild Thing from “Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak. From 2 to 4 p.m., crafts, refreshments and activities will take place at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St. Look for an exhibit of Sendak’s work, which will be on display through Feb. 24.

n The Quad City Mallards will get into the swing of things with two hockey games. One is at 7:05 p.m. Jan. 13 and the other is at 7:05 p.m. Jan. 14 at the i wireless Center, 1201 River Drive, Moline.

For more January and February participating businesses and attractions, visit the Be a Tourist website. There, visitors will find discounts at the Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire, Iowa, and the Figge Art Museum, the German American Heritage Center and the Putnam Museum & Giant Screen Theater, all in Davenport.

Whether Sauk Valley travelers stay the night or just visit for a day, there should be plenty of action to push away any possibility of cabin fever. Go browse for awhile and take advantage of the promotion.