Bloomington (paired with Normal) is an unexpectedly lively, mid‑sized hub with a walkable, revitalized downtown, solid restaurant and brewery scenes, college-driven arts and events, and parks/trails—comfortable and convenient for multi‑week travel therapy stays.
For weekend variety, Champaign‑Urbana, Peoria and Springfield — all within about 75 miles — offer university nightlife and festivals, riverfront museums and performing arts, and state‑capital attractions respectively.