Crew Cuts

Crew Cuts > Quad Cities

words by > Jim Renkes

Every month, one of our AirTran Airways Crew Members talks to us about a place that is close to their heart.

THE first thing Detra Johnson usually tells visitors to her hometown is that the Quad Cities region is made up of Moline and Rock Island, Illinois; and Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa. The next thing she tells them is that it’s also home to some of the nicest people.

“Everybody I work with talks about how wonderful the people around here are,” says Detra, who has been an AirTran Airways flight attendant for four years. “They’re always so polite and helpful.”

And like her fellow Quad Citians, Detra is happy to point out the best places to go and things to do.

Hottest New Attractions

The $46.9 million Figge Art Museum in Davenport (www.figgeartmuseum.org) opened in late 2005 to rave reviews. The 100,000-square-foot museum has the largest collection of Mexican Colonial art outside of Mexico, and outstanding exhibits of Haitian and Midwest Regionalist art. Next, walk around the corner to the River Music Experience (www.rivermusicexperience.com). From blues to jazz, Cajun, gospel, Zydeco and rock, the RME is a journey through the currents of roots music. It offers live music Wednesday through Sunday.

Best Bets for Family Fun

There’s nothing like a summer night at John O’Donnell Stadium (www.swingbaseball.com), where the Quad City Swing plays Class A baseball. “It’s an inexpensive way to spend an evening with your family and the view is terrific,” Detra says. The Family Museum (www.familymuseum.org) in Bettendorf features interactive arts and science exhibits, or you can take in the latest IMAX releases at the Putnam Museum and IMAX Theatre (www.putnam.org).

“There’s also a really nice little zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois,” Detra adds. “Niabi Zoo (www.niabizoo.com) is a great way to spend the day. Just pack a picnic and go.”

Nights on the Town

Besides gaming excitement at one of the Quad Cities’ three casino riverboats, you’ll find plenty of nightlife in the area. “i love to go to the District in Rock Island (www.ridistrict.com),” Detra says. “Especially in the summer, because there always seems to be some kind of really cool fest there.” The District features diversions from brewpubs (check out Blue Cat Brew Pub and The Rock Island Brewing Company) to martini bars (Copia)—and everything in between.

You could also visit Downtown Moline, where you’ll find other good restaurants and bars as well as The Mark of the Quad Cities (www.themark.org), which hosts regular concerts by top entertainers and is the home of minor league hockey and arena football teams.

River Delights

Of course, the main attraction of the Quad Cities is The Mississippi River. Walk along Ben Butterworth Parkway in Moline or along the riverfront bike paths that connect Davenport and Bettendorf, and you’ll be amazed at its beauty and accessibility. It’s a great place to spend a quiet evening or take a morning jog.