There's plenty to do if you look around

DIXON – There's nothing to do in town.

When I first moved here, this was something I heard often from people. Especially young people.

There aren't the nightclubs or happening spots that people who moved here from the city or suburbs might be used to, that's true.

But there are absolutely things to do in town. You just have to step outside. 

A great example was this past Saturday night. A group of girlfriends and I went to Dixon for Second Saturdays Art Happenings, a monthly event that takes place along First Street and Peoria Avenue downtown.

The idea is to give people exhibits and activities at multiple businesses that they can visit simply by walking along the street. The hope is that people will explore downtown and find out what is happening in their city.

We wanted to support our co-worker, chief photographer Alex Paschal, who was having an opening for his digital photography exhibit. That was just one of the stops we made.

We visited The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe, The Next Picture Show, The Studio and Books on First. We enjoyed live music, an art display, a dance and a meet and greet with a local author.

We spent hours roaming and taking in the work and talent of local artists and musicians.

It was an inexpensive way to spend the evening, too. There is no cost to enter the venues. One asked for donations to help improve the quality of the facility.

A cheap, fun way to spend a Saturday night that's also a chance to absorb art and culture? That's definitely something to do.

There were a lot of other people who agreed with me. Many of the venues had crowds in their shops.

For those who still say there isn't anything to do, I would tell you to look around. Second Saturdays was the impetus for Fourth Fridays, a similar event in Sterling.

Downtowns are full of opportunities, you just have to take advantage of them.

Sauk Valley Media reporter Kiran Sood covers government and happenings in Sterling and Rock Falls. She can be reached at ksood@saukvalley.com or at 800-798-4085, ext. 529.