Improving the Economic Vitality of Our Downtowns

This project is not just about a single city—it is part of a larger national and global ecosystem, creating new economic opportunities and redefining how businesses engage with their communities in the virtual space.







We are seeking partnerships with forward-thinking city officials and business leaders to replicate
their downtowns and launch immersive virtual cities together.





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Hotels


Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Sparta
1301 N Market St
Sparta, Illinois


Hotel Tips

Avoid booking poolside for kids playing during the day and gatherings at night. Sound bounces off of the water and voices carry so ask for a room away from the pool either on the opposite side of the hotel or in higher floors.

Bring an actual credit card to avoid deposits and pre-authorizations consuming money in your checking account which will reduce your available balance. Hotels that accept paper cash often ask for a hefty deposit to cover potential damages in your room leaving you scrambling to find an ATM.

Most hotel offer a complimentary breakfast bar or even a full cafe meal with your choice of a full menu. Keep in mind that some offer nothing at all so it is a good idea to pack a few packets of instant oatmeal for a quick and easy meal before you head out for the day.



Things To Do

Sparta has so many great reasons to shop downtown as local merchants have come together to offer a wide selection of artisan gifts and foods that you are sure to find something for everyone on your shopping list of gifts. Shopping options are plentiful and all inventory is hand selected by the shop owner and then yourself so you are sure to find something special that has your style and likes in mind.

Sparta has several options for shopping for specialty food items that are not found in regular grocery stores. Shops tailored for "foodies" offer tastings of the products as well as scheduled culinary classes to perfect your skills. Shop for infused oils, salts and spices from around the World!

Sparta has the perfect game shop for both young and old. Your friends and family will enjoy hours of entertainment with a wide selection of board games, card games and games of skill. A perfect stop for travellers with kids and those seeking a new adventure for game night.



Why Do You Love Downtown?

Channal Styers
Will be my first visit taking Easter train ride on Saturday to Watertown super excited see what in this great town!

Devany
I love downtown because there is so much life all around. From the shoppers walking the streets to the workers stocking the stores. Everybody comes together in one place, different purposes, yet all the same. Downtown stores are always so beautiful. You can see the care workers put into making their store not only clean and beautiful, but also safe and homey.

Christy Richards
Because I love to shop local and the stores and owners make your visit welcoming inviting you to return again with a smile on their face.

Harriet Rapista
Never been but planning to go in August

Snow Charpentier
It's grown and changed so much since I moved away for a few years and came back. Great to see a lot of smaller businesses expanding and hoping to contribute to the growth of downtown Medford.


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Sparta
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