As part owner of Yellow & Co. and Yellow & Co. Events, I started thinking one day about how many great things there are to do right here in Mahomet. Before long, that thought turned into the idea of putting together a list of all the fun our town has to offer. For this list, I’m focusing on tourism-related activities and leaving out anything directly connected to the school district.
Here it is, my Ultimate Guide to enjoying Mahomet, Illinois, starting off with our event venue which is a truly unique experience (especially for a small town!)
Catch a Comedy Show or Live Music at Yellow & Co. Events (or trivia! or Bingo!)
One of the most unique things to do in Mahomet is a night out at Yellow & Co. Events. Our intimate venue hosts nationally touring comedians and talented musicians, many of whom have appeared on late-night television, HBO and Amazon specials, and shows like America’s Got Talent, The Voice, and American Idol. We also feature some of the area’s best local musicians, creating a great mix of well-known talent and hometown favorites.
The vibe is swanky and stylish—more like a cool Chicago club or hidden speakeasy than what you might expect in Mahomet. Guests enter through our curated gift shop, Yellow & Co., where you can enjoy a little sipping and shopping before or after the show. There’s also an outdoor patio with the show audio piped outside, so you won’t miss a moment if you need to step out for a quick call or some fresh air.
You might get the chance to chat up one of your favorites, as many performers stick around after the show to meet and chat with guests.
The venue seats 110 visitors comfortably with not a bad seat in the house!
To see lineup and purchase tickets, click here or go to yellowandcoevents.com
Boutique Shopping in Mahomet
Mahomet has quietly become a destination for boutique shopping in Central Illinois, with locally owned shops offering gifts, home décor, clothing, and unique finds you won’t see in big-box stores.
Start your shopping adventure in "The Patton District" on the east end of Mahomet, just off Highway 150. Here you’ll find several locally loved boutiques all within a short distance of each other, including The Shop at Yellow & Co., The Little Things Baby & Gift, The Hive Honey Beetique, and En Route Fashion Boutique, all conveniently located along Patton Drive. One 'funny' thing about Patton Drive is that most business' entrances are behind the building.
From there, head to Downtown Mahomet for even more specialty shopping. Stroll along the Main Street area and stop into Main Street Botanicals, Rad Lad Games, and A Quilting Bee. On occasion,you might find some pop ups or special events at either of 2 beautiful event spaces on Main St. : Company 421 and The Open Room.
Just a couple blocks away from Downtown, you’ll also find two additional gift and floral shops — Flora Design Studio and Village Garden Shop — making it easy to find the perfect gift for any occasion. Consignment shopping more your bag? Check out Briella's Boutique in Eastwood Center. It's easy to hit all the shops in one visit and they all have free and easy parking!
Shopping small in Mahomet is more than just convenient — it’s genuinely fun. Each shop has its own unique personality, and many offer experiences beyond shopping. Enjoy live entertainment at Yellow & Co., honey tastings at The Hive, grab a coffee next door to En Route at Whisk Coffee & Wine Bar, pick up grab-and-go flowers, attend creative workshops, and watch for seasonal pop-ups, markets, and collaborations between local businesses.
One fun pop up on Wednesday evenings from 5-8. is The Cake Pop Corner! (DM them for location)
You can purchase the cutest and tastiest and most creative cake pops we've ever seen. You might also find these fun treats at local markets and pop ups!
Enjoy Mahomet’s Local Dining Scene
After a day of exploring, Mahomet has plenty of great places to grab a meal, a special treat, a craft beer, or a hand-shaken cocktail. One of the best parts about dining here is that our restaurants are locally owned and independent, each bringing its own personality to the table.
A local favorite is Briks Pizzeria, known for its great wood fired pizza and its large outdoor turf area where families can relax, play lawn games, and enjoy a laid-back evening.
Mahomet is also home to several other beloved local spots:
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Project 47 Smokehouse Pub and Patio – a go-to for smoked BBQ, burgers, and a relaxed patio atmosphere (they were just featured on America's Best Restaurants)
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Breaking Taco – flavorful authentic Mexican dishes in a fun, casual setting (with outdoor seating too)
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Southpaw Social – elevated bar food in a cozy setting with a boxing theme (get the chicken salad sandwich… trust me!)
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It’ll Do Bar & Grill – classic bar-and-grill comfort food where you’ll often find locals gathering after sporting events. It's a required visit and unofficial reunion spot at Thanksgiving.
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Patty Daddy’s – smashburgers, fries, onion rings, and milkshakes served with a big side of nostalgia. You may see their 2 food trucks (Patty Daddys and Ice Daddys) around town at festivals and events.
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Hacienda Rebollo – a more upscale Mexican dining experience with beautiful atmosphere and excellent cocktails. Townies love their 'sister' restaurant Los Zarapes, located in Eastwood Center and it's more kitschy,casual vibe.
Looking for a great cocktail? Spend an evening at Whisk Coffee & Wine Bar or Yo-Yo’s, both known for their crafted cocktails and shareable plates. (Be sure to check their listings for current hours.) Both locations also offer coffee drinks,breakfast and lunch items. (if you're looking for lighter fare, try either one of these 2 places)
If ice cream is more your speed, you have to visit The Main Scoop. Their rotating menu of creative flavors makes choosing just one a challenge. While you're there, browse their vintage bottled sodas or pick up some old-fashioned candy to take home.
And there’s even more to look forward to: SmithBurger, a popular area food truck known for incredible burgers, is planning a permanent home in a historic two-story building on the corner of Main Street and Lincoln in downtown Mahomet.
A new addition to the Mahomet Business landscape is Six Red Chairs Bakery. They are only open on Thursday,Friday and Saturday morning (7-12:30) but locals know it is THE PLACE for the best cinnamon rolls,scones,croissants,cookies and more. This pastries coming out of this little building will make a huge impression on your taste buds!
Photo: Six Red Chairs
Whether you're craving tacos, pizza, BBQ, a great burger, craft cocktails, a yummy treat, or a relaxed patio dinner, Mahomet has plenty of delicious options — all served with a strong sense of local pride.
Explore the Beautiful Parks and Wildlife Areas
Photo: Champaign County Forest Preserves
Mahomet is surrounded by some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in central Illinois.
The undisputed crown jewel of Mahomet is
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, a 900-acre nature preserve filled with scenic trails, lakes, wildlife, and family activities.
While visiting you can:
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Walk the scenic paths along the Sangamon River
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Visit the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, an 8-acre garden with waterfalls, koi ponds, and beautiful seasonal flowers (newly renovated)
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Explore local history at the Museum of the Grand Prairie
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Fish, kayak, or simply enjoy the scenery
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Walk or drive across a real covered bridge! (more on this later)
- Experience an authentic One Room School House (which makes a fantastic backdrop for family photos!)
- Don’t miss the Bell Tower at Lake of the Woods — climb to the top for sweeping views of the trails, lakes, and forest, and maybe even catch a glimpse of wildlife down below.
Lake of the Woods isn’t the only spot to explore. Mahomet is full of natural spaces, from River Bend to Heron View Forest Preserves, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the outdoors. Mahomet is the perfect place for nature lovers, families, photographers, and anyone looking to unwind outdoors. Seasonally you will find events like live music, holiday walk through lighted displays, fun scavenger hunts and opportunities for conservation and education in our beautiful forest preserves.
To see all park information, click here
Bike the Scenic Trails
Mahomet is incredibly bike-friendly, and the trails around town make it easy to explore.
One popular option is biking through Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, which includes several paved paths winding through forests, lakes, and prairie landscapes.
Many locals enjoy biking from town directly into the forest preserves. Much of Mahomet is connected by biking trails, with more connecting bike paths planned. You can also bike to our newly redesigned downtown district, with plenty of places to park your bike while you enjoy downtown businesses.
Discover Mahomet’s Historic Bridges
Mahomet is home to not just one — but two unique bridges that make exploring the area even more memorable.
Located in Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve is our beautiful covered bridge that you can walk,drive or bike across. Built in 1965 and designed as a replica of a historic New England bridge, it connects two sections of the preserve and has become one of Mahomet’s most recognizable landmarks.
The wooden structure gives you the feeling of stepping into the past. If you visit in the evening, look up toward the rafters — you might spot some bats or owls.
But wait, there's more!
Hop onto the Mahomet Village Bike Trail, a scenic local trail that winds through town and crosses the Sangamon River on a historic steel bridge originally built in 1912. (Another hot spot for family photos! )
Today, the bridge is used by cyclists and walkers enjoying the trail, offering river views and one of the most scenic spots along the route.
Golfing, Camping, and Festivals
Golfers can spend the day at Lake of the Woods Golf Course, a scenic public course surrounded by mature trees and beautiful parkland. The relaxed pace and natural setting make it a favorite for both casual players and serious golfers looking for a round in a peaceful setting.
For those who love the outdoors, there are several places to camp or RV with access to trails, fishing, wildlife viewing, and the beautiful Sangamon River.
If you happen to visit during festival season, Mahomet’s downtown events are not to be missed. Throughout the year the community hosts several unique celebrations, including Auto Fest, where classic cars fill the streets; Soda Fest, a fun and nostalgic event celebrating craft sodas and sweet treats; and The Mahomet Music Fest, which brings live music and energy to the heart of downtown with a fairway, food trucks and 2 stages for performances. These festivals showcase Mahomet’s community spirit and are a great way to experience the town alongside locals.
Lastly, if you have littles, you will want to check out the Splash Pad area at Barber Park in the warm months of the year. There is also a fun play place called WooFun Indoor Playplace,located in Downtown Mahomet. There is a fee to play,so check their website for details.
As a resident and business owner in Mahomet, I am proud to call this place my home! I truly do "love where I live".
Photos are my own unless otherwise noted.
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