Quad Cities Is My Home

If you know someone or you yourself are moving to the Quad Cities you may want to check this out. We live in a special place (but you already knew that). When I was growing up as a kid, I use to think this the most boring place in the world. My how times have changed. What makes the Quad Cities special?

1. Each City Has Its Own Personality

Davenport is the largest, and is home to lively riverfront downtown area. Bettendorf has a family-friendly vibe and is mostly residential. The Moline area is a civic and retail hub and closely tied to John Deere. Rock Island is home to Rock Island Arsenal, the largest government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal in the United States, and is known for The District—its hopping entertainment neighborhood.

2. Quad City Locals Get Their Ice Cream Crazy Thick Malts At Whitey’s

If you ask where to get primo ice cream in the summer (or winter) months, locals will inevitably direct you to Whitey’s—a local icon. It’ll be easy to find, since there are nine locations in the Quad Cities area. You can’t go wrong with one of their malts, which are notorious for being so thick that you can hold them upside down without losing the sweet, creamy goods.

3. Front Street Brewery Is An Unbeatable Beer Spot

Front Street Brewery in Davenport is a favored beer spot for visitors and locals alike. The Mississippi-side brew pub is an all-in-one drinking environment, featuring free brewery tours, a homey restaurant area and a beer garden. The handcrafted brews are top notch, and all pair perfectly with fried pickles.

4. You’ll Have To Relearn Everything You Knew About Pizza

While Chicago is considered the Midwest mecca for pizza lovers, you might reconsider which city deserves the title after moving to the Quad Cities. Local institutions like Happy Joe’s and Harris Pizza feature “taco pizza,” a local delicacy topped with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato and taco chips. Even if you decide to go straight sauce and cheese, you’ll notice some unique differences—Quad Cities-style pizza crust has a malty taste, and the slices are cut into strips.

5. Mississippi Valley Life Means Easy Outdoors Access

Being located near the biggest river in North America has its advantages when it comes to outdoor fun. Living in the Quad Cities means some of the best landlocked fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing in the Midwest. If water isn’t your thing, you always have the option to explore riverside trails or just slack off on the beach.

Those are just a few things that I feel make the Quad Cities special. What are your thoughts? What makes the Quad Cities special to you?