Before diving into main courses that feature a dizzying array of potatoes, pastas, beans, salads and other side dishes, they can start you off with fresh fruits, deviled eggs, wings and some meatballs, either Swedish or, of course, barbecue. In addition to some of the finest ribs, chicken and pulled pork available anywhere, Nelson’s also offers lasagna and – gasp – a vegan burger. It’s a great way for neophytes to learn the finer points of riding in a group without fear of getting left in the dust.īest known for barbecue, Nelson’s is more than brisket and a puff of smoke. No one gets left behind and there are at least two mechanics on the outings that start in March and end in September. But what we really love about Ace is the Monday night rides that depart from the shop and take riders along the area’s best cycling routes. With a used inventory that turns over in a hurry, they always have just the right bicycle whatever your needs or price range might be, and if they don’t have it in stock, they’ll get it in a hurry.
They pride themselves on BMX, which is too often forgotten in today’s world of triathlons, mountain biking and stage racing. The folks at Ace genuinely love bicycles and bicycling of all kinds, from racing to leisurely spins around town. Runners-up: Illinois National Bank, Marine Bank It’s hard to go anywhere in central Illinois without spotting a UCB branch or ATM. Even Roodhouse, population 1,800, has a branch. There are more than 30 physical locations, including three in Springfield and two apiece in smaller burgs such as Bunker Hill, Macomb and Auburn. United Community Bank, as the name implies, really is a community bank, and they prove it with the number of branches in communities throughout central Illinois. A bank is a bank is a bank is a bank, right? Wrong.