Heartland View

Driving down Grande Street, beautiful fountains capture your eye. Across the street from Crown Center Shopping Plaza is the Ice Terrace, covered by white, billowy tents. The trees are lit with white lights, that gives the warm feeling of Christmas, even though the holiday has long past.

The main entrance to Crown Center brings your attention to a halt. The large glass walls allow you to see into the Center. The fountains are on either side of the doors and it gives a very symmetrical feel to the area.

Once inside, there are places to sit in the center of the plaza. Small marble tables are placed sporadically around restaurant fronts. Natural light flows in, and it's a welcoming change from the fluorescent lights most shopping store's have.

There are a wide variety of places to eat at Crown Center. One of the most notable is Fritz's Railroad Restaurant. Fritz's is an affordable family-friendly restaurant that delivers your food to you by overhead electric train cars that circle the entire restaurant. Fritz's is a great place for people of all ages; when you put on your conductor hat, it brings you back to your childhood days.

Another great family place to eat is the Crayola Café. The Crayola Café lets children color on your placemat and has a great menu for kids. The brightly colored décor gives Crayola Café a fun, laid back atmosphere.

Kids aren't the only customers in mind when going out to eat at Crown Center. There are a wide variety of restaurants geared toward adults-anything from Japanese food at Kobuki to Italian at Milano. There is something for every palate.

Crown Center has a ton of things for kids of all ages to do. From shops to entertainment, little ones will not be bored. There are a number of different stores targeted to kids. Zoom provides a variety of toys and Bloom! Is a great store for "tween" aged girls-there is something to spark every child's imagination.

Shopping isn't the only thing for kids at Crown Center geared for a young audience. January 25th to February 25th, The Giver will be showing which is based off the award winning book by Lois Lowry. This production is through the eyes of a young boy named Jonas living in a futuristic society that has done away with all fear, war, pain, and hatred. It showcases his struggle as he decides whether to stay with his family and the community he has always known, or to venture with The Giver and find a life of his own.

Kaleidoscope is another great place to visit when at Crown Center. Kaleidoscope is sponsored by Hallmark Cards and is free for kids ages five through twelve. Kaleidoscope allows kids to have a hands-on-experience creating art.

If you're just passing through, check out the Hyatt Regency and Westin Crown Center Hotels. They are perfect for the tourist in you!

Crown Center will surely be a phenomenial place to visit while on your next outing!

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