New Year’s resolutions are a time-honored tradition, full of good intentions and fresh starts. Whether you’re committing to improving your health, learning something new, or supporting local businesses, Champaign’s vibrant downtown, midtown, and Campustown areas are brimming with resources to help you stay on track. Champaign Center Partnership (CCP) members are here to help you achieve your goals while keeping it local!
1. Get Fit and Stay Healthy
If this is your year to prioritize fitness, let mLAB Fitness help you achieve your goals. Located in Champaign’s Midtown, mLAB offers science-based fitness training programs designed to deliver real results. Their expert team provides personal training and small group fitness sessions tailored to your unique needs and goals.
With their supportive, no-judgment environment and focus on education, mLAB empowers you to understand how your body works and how to optimize your workouts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, mLAB’s personalized approach ensures you’ll stay motivated and on track all year long.
mLab Fitness is located at 122 N 1st St in Champaign’s Mistown and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
2. Eat Healthier
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. If you’re looking for fresh, nourishing, and flavorful meals, head to Forage Kitchen in Campustown.
Known for their build-your-own bowls, Forage Kitchen allows you to craft a meal that fits your dietary needs and tastes. Choose from an array of locally-sourced greens, grains, proteins, and vibrant toppings to create a meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
Forage Kitchen is located at 503 E Green St in Champaign’s Campustown and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
3. Learn Something New
Champaign’s downtown is a hub of inspiration and learning opportunities. Explore these local gems:
• The Literary: A cozy bookshop, bar, and café perfect for indulging your love of literature. Attend book clubs, writing workshops, or author events while enjoying coffee or cocktails.
The Literary is located at 122 N Neil St in Downtown Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
• 40 North 88 West : Champaign County’s Arts Council – Discover your creative side through art exhibits, workshops, and events like the Boneyard Arts Festival.
40 North 88 West is located at 17 E Taylor in Downtown Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
• Jane Addams Book Shop: This three-story treasure trove of used and rare books invites you to explore new topics and rediscover the joy of reading.
Jane Addams Book Shop is located at 208 N Neil St in Downtown Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
4. Spend More Time with Loved Ones
Strengthen your connections with friends and family by making memories at these local hotspots:
- • Krannert Art Museum: Located in Campustown, the Krannert Art Museum is a wonderful place to spend a few hours with loved ones, exploring diverse exhibits and engaging with art. It’s a quiet, reflective spot to bond over thought-provoking pieces or attend special events like lectures and gallery tours.
- Krannert Arts Museum is located at 500 E Peabody in Champaign’s Campustown and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
- • Champaign Park District: From skating to summer concerts and nature trails, the Park District offers countless ways to enjoy time with your loved ones.
- Champaign Park District is located throughout Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
5. Save Money
Be mindful of your spending while supporting local businesses that offer value and sustainability in 2025:
- Ten Thousand Villages: Shop for fair-trade, handcrafted goods made by artisans from around the world. Each purchase supports global communities while offering you unique, affordable, and high-quality items for your home or wardrobe.
- Ten Thousand Villages is located at 105 N Walnut St in Downtown Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
- greener goods SHOP & REFILLERY: Save money by refilling household products sustainably. From cleaning supplies to pantry staples, refilling reduces waste and is more cost-effective than buying new products in packaging.
- greener goods is located at 110 S Neil St in Downtown Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
- Busey Bank: Build savings and manage finances with Busey’s tools and advice. They offer personalized financial solutions, from budgeting resources to investment advice, to help you grow your money in 2025.
- Busey Bank is located at 100 W University Ave in Downtown Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
6. Reduce Stress and Prioritize Self Care
Focus on self-care with help from these local businesses:
- Planted: Add houseplants to your space to boost mood and reduce stress. Planted offers an incredible selection of greenery, perfect for creating a serene atmosphere in your home or office. Plus, caring for plants is a proven way to reduce stress and reconnect with nature.
- Planted is located at 16 E Washington in Downtown Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
- DIGS: Treat yourself to home décor and lifestyle items that bring comfort and joy into your space. DIGS offers thoughtfully curated furniture, décor, and gifts that inspire relaxation and peace of mind.
- DIGS is located at 32 E Springfield in Champaign’s Midtown and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
- Dark Matter Collective: Self-care comes in many forms, and for some, that’s creative self-expression. Dark Matter Collective is a tattoo and piercing studio in downtown Champaign that specializes in bold, custom artwork and body modifications. Whether you’re commemorating a milestone or treating yourself to something meaningful, their talented artists and welcoming atmosphere will help you feel confident and renewed.
- Dark Matter Collective is located at 503 N Neil St in Downtown Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
7. Become More Organized
A more organized life starts with the right tools and support, and Champaign has just the businesses to help:
- Mohr Time: Personal Concierge Services: Overwhelmed with errands, events, or tasks? Mohr Time offers personal concierge services to streamline your life. Whether it’s scheduling appointments, organizing your space, or managing your to-do list, they’ll help you gain more time and peace of mind.
- Mohr Time is located outside of CCP’s districts but services all of Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
- Habitat for Humanity : Declutter your home by donating gently used furniture, appliances, and décor to the ReStore. Not only will you create more space, but your donation also supports Habitat’s mission of building affordable housing. Plus, the ReStore is a great place to find affordable, gently-used items to help organize your home or office.
- Habitat for Humanity is located outside of CCP’s Districts but is an integral part of Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
8. Give Back To Your Community
Make a positive impact this year by supporting local nonprofits and organizations doing incredible work:
- WEFT 90.1 FM: Champaign’s independent community radio station. Volunteer, donate, or tune in to support grassroots programming. DONATE HERE
- WEFT is located at 113 N Market St in Downtown Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
- Greater Community AIDS Project (GCAP): Help GCAP support individuals living with HIV/AIDS through donations, volunteering, or participation in their events. DONATE HERE
- The Land Connection: Support sustainable agriculture and a local food system by attending workshops, shopping farmers’ markets, or volunteering. DONATE HERE
- The Land Connection is located at 206 N Randolph in Downtown Champaign and is a proud member of Champaign Center Partnership.
