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 and is close to the region in the Midwest that has been devastated by the recent flooding.

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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 Davenport
Lodge Hotel and Conference Center

HUNGRY?

The Machine Shed
The Filling Station
Garfield's
Thunder Bay Grille

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. But please remember the people who live here, the homes that have been lost, the havoc that has been wreaked. In About Town this week, we encourage you to do less and give more. Find out how. Make a donation.

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
• Garfield's: No cats, just good food
• Thunder Bay Grille: A good old Midwestern American farmhouse

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 Sixth Annual Catfish Tournament. Fishing takes place from 6 a.m. -- noon, followed by a fish fry from 12:30 -- 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?
• Quad City Summerfest: Music, food, carnival games. What more could you want?
• John Deere Pavilion: You're in the country now, act like it.

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Chicago skyline

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, and the Cubs and the White Sox are two of the best teams in the country this year.

• Be a volunteer: If you really want to make a difference in Iowa this week, then spend some time volunteering to help the flood victims. You can find out more about how to get involved at the Iowa Governor's official flood resource Web site. Or donate to the PGA TOUR flood relief fund.