About Town: Quad Cities

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The John Deere Classic takes place this week at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., which is a suburb of the Midwest's Quad Cities. Comprising Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline, Ill., Quad Cities spans across two states and the Mississippi River.

If you are heading to TPC Deere Run or thinking about making the trip, here are a few suggestions for how to make the most of your stay.

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You'll get a taste of the Heartland at TPC Deere run this week.

HOT HOTELS

Isle of Capri Bettendorf Hotel
Radisson Quad City
Lodge Hotel and Conference Center

HUNGRY?

The Machine Shed
The Filling Station
The Boat House Davenport
Thunder Bay Grille

SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE

Your best bet for fun off the course and easy access to get on it (at an affordable by-the-night price) is the three-star Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino in Bettendorf. Only 15 minutes from TPC Deere Run, you won't have to worry about rising early to make it to the tournament, which will be just as well after staying up late at the Craps table the night before. Rates start at $100 a night.

Other options:

• Radisson Quad City: Three and a half stars, 20 minutes from the course, rates start at $117 a night.
• Lodge Hotel and Conference Center: Three stars, 20 minutes from the course, rates start at $91a night.

SOMETHING TO SNACK ON

You're in for some hearty meals this week. Could you expect anything less from this part of the country? Try these restaurants when you have a hankering for some post-play grub.

• The Machine Shed: "A restaurant honoring the American Farmer"
• The Filling Station: American cuisine in a gas-and-oil-memorabilia atmosphere
• Thunder Bay Grille: A good old Midwestern American farmhouse
• The Boat House Davenport: A restaurant on the Mississippi's River edge with a full and diverse menu.

SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT

Ever been to a catfish tournament? Chances are, you said no. There's no ocean in these parts, so forget about the tuna and the mahi mahi and get yourself to the Princeton Outdoor Adventures Seventh Annual Catfish Tournament. Fishing takes place from 6 a.m.-1p.m., followed by a fish fry from 1-3 p.m. Awards will be handed out at 2 p.m., and entertainment starts at 3 p.m. You know you're intrigued.

Other options:

• Rhythm City Casino Cruise: Blackjack on a boat. Why not?
• John Deere Pavilion: You're in the country now, act like it.

STICKING AROUND?

• The Windy City: Chicago is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Quad Cities area and well worth the trip. This is the best time of year to visit Chicago -- you don't have to battle the bitterly cold weather. Plus, it's baseball season; whether you're a Cubs or a White Sox fan, you should be able to find a game you want to see.