On Wednesday, December 4th, the residents of Trails at Brittany, Chestnut Grove and Trails Edge, as well as business partners of Stroll the Trails, came together for a memorable evening at Neil St. Blues in Downtown Champaign.  The event was a nice blend of food, fun, drinks & conversation.  It was a joyous occasion launching the publication with such a great group of people.  The residents and business owners alike seemed genuinely interested in learning more about one another, which is what Stroll is all about!

Aside from the company, the highlight of the evening was the food.  Neil St. Blues did not hold back in showing quite the assortment of the food they are best known for.  The buffet line included salad, fried chicken, mac & cheese, jambalaya, salmon on toast, spinach artichoke dip, and crab cakes.  There were two towers of non-alcoholic, self-serve beverages also available.  Not only did the food look wonderful, but it tasted delectable as well!  Here are a few of the comments that were echoed by patrons:

"We have enjoyed their food at events in the past, and this was our first visit to the restaurant.  It was excellent!"

"This was our first time here, and everything was extremely nice!"

"The atmosphere and customer service were amazing!"

"The food was well seasoned, flavorful, and the presentation was great."

After the event, the Neil St. Blues Family had this to share:  

"There’s something special about living in a place where neighbors become friends, and friends

become part of your story. Recently, we had the honor of opening our doors to Stroll the Trails and sharing a taste of what makes our kitchen unique. When you all stepped inside, tried our signature items, and told us how much you loved them, we couldn’t have been more grateful.

We know life here moves at a comfortable pace, with quiet mornings turning into lively afternoons, and friendly faces always just around the corner. It’s a place defined by trust, laughter, and knowing someone’s got your back. Inviting you in to sample our menu wasn’t just about showcasing our food—it was about celebrating community. Seeing you enjoy those flavors and hearing your kind words reminded us why we pour so much heart into our recipes.

To everyone who spent time with us, thank you. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world.

Whenever you’re strolling through our neighborhood, we hope you’ll consider our door open, our kitchen ready, and our table set. Our hope is that, when you think of this place, it feels like home. Our house is your house. Stop in and get a taste of the South whenever the mood strikes. We’ll be here, ready to welcome you back with those same flavors, those same smiles, and that same spirit of belonging that makes this neighborhood—and all of you—so wonderfully unforgettable. Here’s to you, neighbors!"

These words not only speak to the success of the evening, but they match the sentiment of Stroll:  Turning neighborhoods into communities.  Let us continue to cultivate community as we navigate 2025!  Thanks to everyone who played a part in this event, and we look forward to many more!